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City of Rochester

Bureau of Buildings and Compliance

About Bureau of Buildings and Compliance

Welcome to the City of Rochester's Bureau of Buildings and Compliance web page. Our Bureau is responsible for property inspections, code enforcement, the lead program, Building Owner Registry (BOR), Vacant Building Registry (VBR), rehabilitation grant programs, and the demolition program. These efforts, which ensure public safety and enhance the quality of life for our residents, are accomplished through the critical processes described below. We perform these duties with a focus on customer service.  

The proper maintenance of our aged housing stock plays an important role in the future success of our city. We extend our gratitude to all property owners who contribute to making Rochester the premier mid-sized city in the U.S. for living, raising a family, visiting, and conducting business by diligently maintaining their properties.

Contact:

Bureau of Buildings and Compliance

585-428-6520
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Bureau of Buildings and Compliance
City Hall, 30 Church St., Rm. 125B
Rochester, NY 14614
United States

The Bureau of Buildings and Compliance consists of:

  • Code Enforcement — Room 028B, 585-428-6520
  • Contract Services — Room 028B, 585-428-6963
  • And working closely with the Bureau of Zoning and Permitting — Room 125B, 585-428-7043

Our mission

The Bureau of Buildings and Compliance implements a number of processes to ensure that properties are safe and meet all relevant codes, as well as works to reduce child lead poisoning and support healthy housing. Properties out of compliance are enforced through tools such as ticketing, court action, and demolition, or assisted to come into compliance through various rehab, roof, or lead hazard grants. Our team delivers timely, consistent customer-oriented services that supports the health and safety of all Rochestarians. 

Our Critical Processes include:

  • Reduce and eliminate blight and ensure safe and habitable housing through the renewable Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) program
  • Inspect buildings and issue electrical, plumbing, and elevator permits
  • Reduce the number of lead poisoning cases involving resident children through lead-based paint inspections and lead dust testing
  • Enforce compliance with City Codes
  • Monitor vacant structures
  • Conduct complaint inspections
  • Coordinate hearing processes for demolitions
  • Effectively manage the demolition program to ensure all structures in need of demolition are taken down in a timely manner
  • Facilitate housing rehab grant programs to maximize long term impact
  • Manage the Emergency Hazard Abatement Program
  • Implement recommendations of the Mayor's Housing Quality Task Force
  • Collaborate with the Law Department to prepare enforcement cases for City or Supreme Court
  • Collaborate with the Law Department to prepare and process abandonment action cases
  • Develop, implement, and monitor internal training programs for staff
  • Provide technical service to City staff, property owners, and contractors

Essential links & documents

Brochures

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our customers and encourage you to contact us any time you require assistance. We look forward to working with our customers to make this the best city in which to live, work, visit, and raise a family.

We hope you found this site useful.  If you have suggestions for improvement or if you would like to see additional information displayed, please let us know.

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