Monroe County has 42 miles of Lake Ontario shoreline. NYS Coastal Erosion Hazard Area law applies. Rochester, Greece, Irondequoit, Webster, Hamlin have LWRPs. Post-2017/2019 flooding saw major armor projects.
Monroe County's 42 miles of Lake Ontario shoreline and Irondequoit Bay coastal zones are regulated under NY DEC's Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas (CEHA) Act (ECL Article 34, 6 NYCRR Part 505). CEHA permits required for construction, excavation, or shoreline armoring within designated erosion hazard areas. New York State Department of State (DOS) approves Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs (LWRPs) for Rochester, Greece, Irondequoit, Webster, and Hamlin. High lake levels in 2017 (Plan 2014) and record flooding in 2019 triggered major REDI (Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative) projects - over $300 million in shoreline protection along Lake Ontario. Fire Island-style CBRA does not apply to Great Lakes. DEC also regulates wetlands along Braddock Bay, Irondequoit Bay, and Genesee River.
Unpermitted CEHA work: DEC fines up to $10,000 per day under ECL §71-2503. Demolition possible. Wetland violations: $1,000 to $25,000 per day. LWRP inconsistency: project denial.
Monroe County, NY
City of Rochester prohibits on-street parking 2 AM to 6 AM year-round under Municipal Code §111-5 (alternate side not in effect; blanket overnight ban). Resi...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County towns specify approved fence materials in zoning codes. Wood, vinyl, chain-link, and wrought iron standard. Barbed wire banned in residential z...
Monroe County, NY
NY State Uniform Code (Residential Code §R404) requires engineered design for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing. Monroe County muni...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County does not have a separate countywide smoke-alarm ordinance; smoke-alarm requirements come from the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Bu...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County is not designated a high wildfire hazard area. No defensible space requirements. NY DEC Part 215 brush burn ban (March 16 – May 14) is the prim...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County follows NY DEC Part 215 seasonal burn ban (March 16 to May 14). Property owners must keep lots clear under town property maintenance codes. No ...
See how Monroe County's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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