Rochester, NY Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Rochester's floodplain rules sit in Article XIX of the City Charter, "Flood Damage Prevention" (added by Local Law No. 1-2025), and apply to every area of special flood hazard mapped on the city's Flood Insurance Rate Map panels, effective July 31, 2024, under FEMA Community Number 360431. The Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development, or a designee, serves as the Local Administrator under § 19-4A and both grants and denies permits. An applicant must submit plans in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevations of the site, existing or proposed structures, fill, and drainage facilities, along with a $250 application fee; the Local Administrator can require a deposit of up to $500 to cover review, inspection and approval costs (§ 19-4B(2)).

Once the lowest floor is built, the permit holder must submit an as-built elevation certified by a licensed engineer or surveyor (§ 19-4C(1), § 19-4D(4)). No building or land in a special flood hazard area may be occupied until the Local Administrator issues a certificate of compliance (§ 19-4D(7)), and the Local Administrator keeps permits, certificates, elevation records and variance files on file for public inspection (§ 19-4D(8)). The Flood Insurance Study and maps are kept at the Flood Damage Prevention Administrator's office, Room 125-B, City Hall, 30 Church Street.