Building Setbacks & Zoning in Monroe County, NY (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Monroe County, New York.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Monroe County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Setback Rules

Monroe County town zoning sets setbacks. Rochester Zoning Code Ch. 120: 25 ft front, 6 ft side, 20 ft rear in R-1. Brighton and Pittsford have similar standards. ZBA variance required to encroach.

building-setbacks/setback-rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

Monroe County town zoning limits residential heights. Rochester Ch. 120 caps R-1 at 35 feet / 2.5 stories. Pittsford Village 30 feet. Commercial downtown Rochester allows high-rise via form-based code.

building-setbacks/structure-height-limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Monroe County town zoning limits impervious coverage. Rochester Ch. 120 R-1 typically 40% building coverage. Brighton and Pittsford 30 to 35% in low-density zones. Stormwater plan required at thresholds.

building-setbacks/lot-coverage

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Monroe County ordinances

See every category we cover for Monroe County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Monroe County Ordinance Hub →