Rochester, NY Outdoor Cooking: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (2026)

Under Chapter 120 of the Rochester City Code, a permanent outdoor kitchen counts as an accessory structure or accessory use to a residential property and must comply with § 120-163 (Article XX) location rules - generally rear-yard placement with applicable side and rear setbacks for the underlying district. A simple freestanding grill on a patio does not require a permit, but built-in features almost always do: a building permit is required when the project involves a permanent roof or pavilion, a structure attached to the dwelling, gas piping for a fixed grill or burner (requires a fuel-gas permit under the NY State Mechanical/Fuel Gas Code at 19 NYCRR Part 1224), electrical for lighting or outlets (electrical permit), or plumbing for a sink (plumbing permit). Plans are reviewed by the Bureau of Buildings and Zoning. Detached accessory structures in R-1 and R-2 districts are limited to a maximum height of 15 feet, which controls roofed outdoor kitchens. Underground gas line work and any outdoor LP-gas tank larger than 5 gallons additionally trigger NY State Fuel Gas Code and IFC Chapter 61 requirements.