Irondequoit, NY Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Who recommends
- Town of Irondequoit Historic Preservation Commission
- Who designates
- Town Board, in its sole discretion
- Designation criteria
- Six grounds in § 236-11A
- Age guideline
- Past 50 years not eligible, with two exceptions
- Hearing notice
- At least 15 calendar days before hearing
- Fine range
- Up to $1,000, then $1,000 to $2,500, then $2,500 to $5,000
- Appeal
- Zoning Board of Appeals within 30 calendar days
Summary
In the Town of Irondequoit, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends and the Town Board decides which properties become Individual Landmarks. A property qualifies under six criteria in § 236-11A, and once designated, exterior work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness. Violations carry fines up to $5,000.
The Commission may recommend that the Town Board designate Individual Landmarks, Scenic Landmarks, or Preservation Districts within the Town under this chapter. A. Individual Landmark. The Commission may recommend designation of an individual property as an Individual Landmark if it: (1) Exemplifies or possesses special character, or historic or aesthetic interest or value as part of the cultural, political, economic, or social history of the Town, region, state, or nation; (2) Is identified with persons or events significant in local, state, or national history; (3) Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a type, period or method of construction or design style, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; (4) Is representative of the work of a prominent designer, architect or builder; (5) Represents an established and familiar visual feature of the community by virtue of its unique location or singular physical characteristic, represents an established and familiar visual feature of the community; or (6) Has yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 236, the Historic Preservation Law of the Town of Irondequoit, was amended in its entirety on 8-19-2025 by L.L. No. 7-2025, and § 236-11 was amended again on 1-20-2026 by L.L. No. 2-2026. Under § 236-11 the Commission may recommend that the Town Board designate Individual Landmarks, Scenic Landmarks or Preservation Districts. The Commission has seven full members and one alternate, and no member can also sit on the Town Board, Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals.
An Individual Landmark qualifies on any of six grounds: special character or historic or aesthetic interest as part of the Town's, region's, state's or nation's history; association with significant persons or events; distinguishing characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or valuable use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; the work of a prominent designer, architect or builder; an established and familiar visual feature of the community by unique location or singular physical characteristic; or actual or likely information value in prehistory or history. Under § 236-11E, properties that achieved significance within the past 50 years are not considered eligible, unless they are integral parts of qualifying Preservation Districts or are properties of exceptional importance.
Process under § 236-12: anyone can propose a designation, including the Commission, the owner or any resident of the Town. The Commission holds a public hearing after notice in a newspaper of general circulation at least 15 calendar days before the hearing, then decides by resolution within 60 calendar days after the hearing closes. The Town Board may hold its own hearing and may or may not adopt the recommendation in its sole discretion. Once notice of a proposed designation issues, the Building Department issues no permits for the property while the proposal is under consideration. Boundaries are filed with the Town Building Department and the Monroe County Clerk's office.
After designation, § 236-13 bars exterior alteration, restoration, reconstruction, demolition, new construction or moving without a Certificate of Appropriateness. Demolition under § 236-19 is allowed only for economic hardship, unless the Building Department makes an express written finding of imminent threat to public health, safety and welfare. Work must begin within 12 months of approval and finish within 24 months (§ 236-17).
Violations & Fines
Under § 236-22D, a first conviction can bring a fine not exceeding $1,000. A second conviction within five years carries a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,500, and a third or later offense within five years includes a fine of not less than $2,500 nor more than $5,000. The building inspector issues a stop-work order when a certificate condition is not met, and the Town Board can require restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides whether a building in Irondequoit becomes a landmark?
Can a recent building be designated an Individual Landmark?
What happens to permits while a designation is pending?
Can I appeal a Commission decision on a landmark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Irondequoit
New York rules heatmap·Compare Irondequoit to another location·View the New York historic preservation overview
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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Monroe County handle historic-cultural monuments.