Rochester, NY Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 39-207, Chapter 39
- Permit needed before
- any work commences
- Issuing office
- Buildings & Zoning (NBD)
- No-permit penalty
- $235 residential / $475 commercial min
- Base permit fee
- from $75 (§ 39-221)
Summary
In Rochester, no one may start the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, relocation, or demolition of any building or structure until the city issues a building permit under Chapter 39. The requirement also reaches solid-fuel heating appliances, chimneys, and flues that must meet the Building or Energy Code.
Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, a building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Building Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, chimney or flue. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained such permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4935326; v86 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).
Full Breakdown
Rochester City Code § 39-207 requires a building permit for any work that must conform to the New York State Uniform Code or Energy Code: construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, or demolition of a building or structure, plus solid-fuel appliances, fences over two feet above grade, decks, new or replacement cladding, and paved areas of 2,000 square feet or more. Applications go to the Division of Buildings and Zoning under the Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development. Permit fees under § 39-221 scale with actual project cost, starting at $75. No work may commence until the permit is issued.
Violations & Fines
Performing permit-required work without a permit triggers a penalty under § 39-225 equal to the applicable permit fee, but no less than $235 for residential work and $475 for commercial work, charged on top of the regular permit fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a fence or deck in Rochester?
What happens if I build without a permit in Rochester?
How much does a Rochester building permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rochester
New York rules heatmap·Compare Rochester to another location·View the New York building safety overview
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