Occupancy Limits: Gates vs Rochester
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Gates, NY and Rochester, NY?
Gates and Rochester have similar restriction levels.
Gates, NY
Monroe County
City of Rochester STR ordinance (§90-34, effective 2023) caps guest occupancy at 2 per bedroom + 2 additional, max 10 per unit. Monroe County towns (Pittsford, Brighton) set limits via zoning.
View full Gates rules →Rochester, NY
Monroe County
Rochester caps short-term rental occupancy at two persons per legal bedroom plus two additional persons per unit, with a hard ceiling of 12 persons total. Operators must hold a City of Rochester STR permit and rentals are limited to owner-occupied dwellings.
View full Rochester rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gates | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester Cap | 2 per bedroom + 2 | - |
| Max Total | 10 persons | - |
| Brighton | STRs prohibited most zones | - |
| State Tax | 4% per 2025 law | - |
| Per-Bedroom | - | 2 persons per legal bedroom |
| Per-Unit Add-On | - | +2 additional |
| Hard Cap | - | 12 persons |
| Owner-Occupied | - | Required |
| Permit Effective | - | Jan 1, 2023 |
| Off-Street Parking | - | 1 space per unit |
| Quiet Hours | - | 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. |
| State Registry | - | Effective Mar 25, 2025 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gates FAQ
Who enforces occupancy limits rules in Monroe County?
Monroe County's code enforcement division is responsible for short term-rentals ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Monroe County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating occupancy limits rules?
Most Monroe County short term-rentals violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Monroe County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
Rochester FAQ
How many guests can a Rochester short-term rental host?
Two guests per legal bedroom plus two additional persons per unit, not to exceed 12 persons total.
Can I run a Rochester STR if I don't live there?
No. The City of Rochester limits STR permits to owner-occupied units; investor-owned and non-owner-occupied secondary homes do not qualify.
Do I count infants and children toward the occupancy limit?
The ordinance does not exempt children. Total persons present, including children and infants, count toward both the per-bedroom calculation and the 12-person cap.
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