Rochester, NY Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

There is no lawn ornament chapter in the Rochester City Code. Residents may place statuary, garden gnomes, flagpoles, flamingos, religious figures, and other decorative objects in their yards without a permit. The practical limits are: (1) Chapter 120, § 120-163 requirements that accessory uses occupy the rear yard for most types and respect setback and sight-triangle rules at corner lots, so large or freestanding ornamental structures should generally not be placed in required front-yard sight triangles or block driveway visibility; (2) Chapter 90 (Property Conservation Code) standards prohibiting accumulation of debris or conditions that constitute a nuisance - a yard so overloaded that it becomes unsanitary or attracts vermin can be cited; and (3) the Chapter 120 sign code, which limits signs (including political signs) but exempts ornamental, non-message items. Tall ornamental structures over a certain height, or anything anchored to a foundation, may be treated as an accessory structure subject to the 15-foot height limit and rear-yard placement rule for R-1 and R-2 districts.