Building permit applications
'Online Roofing Permit!'
All incoming 'roofing permits' must now be submitted using our online permitting system.
Click below for a step-by-step guide on how to submit a roofing application.
Roof Manual and login information
Plumbing and electrical permits are now accepted online only.
- New electrical application
- New electrical reconnect application (Safety Inspection)
- New plumbing application
Log in to the portal to get started
We look forward to working with you to improve our permitting process!
| PERMIT TOPIC | WHEN TO USE | QUESTIONS? |
| AC and Generators | Installation of units outside a structure | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Additions/New Construction | For either commercial or residential | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Business Permits | See packet for a list of uses requiring a Business Permit | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Cannabis Establishments - C of O | Change of use to cannabis establishment | melissa.phillips@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7054 |
| Cannabis Establishment - Signs | New or replacement of existing sign on cannabis establishment | melissa.phillips@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7054 |
| Change, Establish, or Legalize Use | For both commercial and residential uses | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Daycares | See packet for specific daycare classifications that require a permit | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Decks | For both commercial and residential uses | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Deconversion | When decreasing the number of dwelling units | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Demolition | For both commercial and residential structures and accessory structures | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Driveways | Zoning approval is required to install, expand, or resurface | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Electrical Permits | Must be applied for by a licensed electrician or a single-family owner occupant doing their own work | Apply online. See the instructions above. |
| Electrical Reconnections | To restore power to a property. Anyone can apply for this. | Apply online. See the instructions above. |
| Electrical Systems | Unified Building and Electrical Permit for EV Charging Stations, Generators, Geothermal, and Energy Storage Systems. | Apply online. See the instructions above. |
| Fences - Residential | New installation or replacement of fencing | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Fences - Commercial | New installation or replacement of fencing | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Fire Damage Repair | Required when there has been fire damage to a property | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Fire Systems/Commercial Kitchen | Installing or altering fire suppression systems or commercial hood installations | firesystempermits@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Food Trucks, Carts and Trailers | Only when located on private property | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Garages and Carports | New construction or repair accessory to residential use | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Home Occupation | For establishing certain businesses within a dwelling unit | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| HVAC | Installation of units inside a structure | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Interior-Exterior Renovations | For renovations of residential or commercial property | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Legal Use Verification | To verify the legal use of a property, typically for a transfer of title or a refinancing | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Lifts and Ramps for Accessibility | Installation of these apparatuses on commercial or residential structures | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Parking Lots | Installing new or legalizing | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Plumbing | Must be applied for by a licensed plumber or a single-family owner-occupant doing their own work | Apply online. See the instructions above. |
| Pools and Hot Tubs | New installation | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Porches | Porch repairs, enclosures or new | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Ramps, Stairs/Guards (Handrails) | Installation/removal of these apparatuses | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Resubdivisions | For minor transfers of land and lot combinations, not creating an increase in the number of parcels or irregular lot lines | Dennis.OBrien@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7364 |
| Roofs/Re-Roofs | Roof/Re-roof of structure | roofpermit@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Sheds | When accessory to a principal use | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Signs | New or replacement of existing | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Solar | Both commercial and residential installation | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |
| Unlicensed Vehicle | Temporary storage of an occupant’s unlicensed vehicle | zoning@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-7043 |
| Window Replacements | Replacement with a different size or new location | planreview@cityofrochester.gov 585-428-6526 |