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Permit inspections

Overview

Permits are required to ensure compliance with both the City Zoning Ordinance and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

In early America, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson encouraged the development of building regulations to provide for minimal standards that would ensure health and safety.  Today, the majority of our country is covered by a network of modern building regulations that range in coverage from fire and structural safety to health and the conservation of energy.

Permit inspections play a significant role in the permitting process by allowing the inspection agency to validate compliance with the approved plans.  The City of Rochester has developed an inspection program that focuses on consistent application of the codes while providing the highest level of service to our customers.  This section is designed to provide the information you may need when a permit becomes necessary.

Building Permits

Building permits may be necessary when installing antennas, awnings, decks, fences, pools, ramps, sheds or signs.  A building permit would also be necessary if you are putting on:

  • An addition
  • Demolishing a structure
  • Repairing a fire-damaged structure
  •  Constructing a garage or carport
  • Expanding or creating a parking area
  • Legalizing a third floor for occupancy

PERMIT BROCHURES AND FEE SCHEDULES

Electrical Permits 

An electrical permit is required for all planned electrical work where its operation requires more than 50 volts, or less than 50 volts when covered by the provisions of the National Electrical Code, except for the items listed in §39-304(C) of the City Code.  All necessary electrical permits must be applied for by a licensed electrician except for the classes of work listed in §49-3(B) of the City Code.

In addition to the electrical permits required when work has been performed, an electrical permit may be required when your utility company must activate electrical service in situations defined by the company's policy.  In this situation, as long as no work was performed, this permit may be applied for by the property owner or his/her agent.  If, upon inspection, it is determined that electrical work has been performed or damage has been done to the electrical system, then a new permit will be required to be applied for by a licensed electrician.

Plumbing Permits

A plumbing permit is required when performing plumbing work as defined by Chapter 40 of the City Code, which must comply with the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code.  All plumbing permits must be applied for by a licensed plumber except for work performed in a single family owner occupied structure by the owner.

Additional Information