Rochester, NY Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Chapter 120, Zoning, lists electric vehicle charging stations among the accessory uses and structures permitted alongside a principal use in any district. Under § 120-163A, which governs residential accessory uses, subsection (10) places EV charging stations in the same category as detached garages, decks and green infrastructure: all must be located in the side or rear yard, not the front. Section 120-163B, covering nonresidential accessory uses, subsection (9) folds EV charging stations into the general allowance for "parking lots and parking areas," so a business, office or commercial lot can add charging equipment anywhere within its existing or approved parking area without a separate front-yard restriction.

Before an EV charging station (or any accessory structure) can be built or used, § 120-163's general text requires that the primary use or structure already be constructed and that a certificate of zoning compliance be issued under § 120-189 confirming the installation complies with the chapter. " There is no separate EV-specific permit fee schedule or minimum-installation mandate in the off-street parking standards at § 120-173; the placement rule in § 120-163 is the operative restriction for homeowners and site plans alike.