Rochester's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Rochester, New York, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Political Signs

Political signs in Rochester may not exceed six square feet per side, and City Zoning Code § 120-177C(1) caps a property to no more than two such signs without needing a certificate of zoning compliance. Every election sign must come down within 14 calendar days after the election, regardless of the result, citywide in every zoning district.

Key details: Max size: 6 square feet per side. Max per lot: 2 limited signs (any combination). Removal deadline: 14 calendar days after the election. Permit needed: None, if within thresholds. Governing section: Zoning Code § 120-177C(1).

A political sign left up beyond the 14-day removal window, or a lot exceeding the two-sign or six-square-foot limits, is a Zoning Code violation enforced under Chapter 52 of the Municipal Code. The Director of Zoning and Permitting or a Code Enforcement Officer can issue a notice and order; failure to comply exposes the owner to a fine of up to $500 or 15 days in jail per offense, with each day of continued violation charged separately.

Window Signs

Rochester's Zoning Code design standards cap window signage at 25% of a window's total area under § 120-177F(11), a limit that applies to any sign, poster or graphic applied to storefront or building glass citywide. The same article allows neon window signs where they fit a building's historic or architectural character.

Key details: Window coverage cap: 25% of each window. Measured per: Individual window, not storefront. Neon window signs: Allowed if architecturally compatible. Last amended: 7-19-2011, effective 9-1-2011. Governing section: Zoning Code § 120-177F(11).

Exceeding the 25% window-coverage limit is a Zoning Code violation enforceable under Chapter 52 of the Municipal Code. The Director of Zoning and Permitting can issue a notice and order requiring the excess signage removed or reduced; an owner who does not comply faces a fine of up to $500 or 15 days in jail for a City Court offense, with each additional day of noncompliance treated as a new offense.

The Bottom Line

Rochester's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Rochester is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Rochester's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.