Rochester Releases Final Zoning Code Update Proposal, Heading to City Council Review

Rochester, NY – The City of Rochester announced a significant step forward today in its efforts to modernize the city's land use framework with the release of the final proposal for its updated Zoning Code and Zoning Map. This move brings the proposal, part of the City’s Zoning Alignment Project (ZAP), closer to review and consideration by the City Council.

The next phase of the process will involve public hearings conducted by the City Planning Commission and the Rochester Environmental Commission. A comprehensive list of upcoming steps and confirmed dates will be regularly updated and made available at www.CityOfRochester.gov/ZAP.

These updates are designed to align the Zoning Code and Map with the Rochester 2034 Plan, aiming to expand and diversify housing choices, increase economic opportunities, and support neighborhood businesses through mixed-use development in vibrant areas like Park Avenue. Additionally, the changes seek to reduce non-conforming uses, encourage the re-use of vacant properties, align land use with transit access, and increase climate resilience.

Mayor Malik D. Evans emphasized the community's role in shaping the proposal. “At its core, this zoning update is about balance, positioning Rochester to grow in a way that benefits all residents,” said Mayor Evans. “Community feedback played a central role in shaping this final proposed Code and Map, and we look forward to continued public input as ZAP moves forward through the process.”

The ZAP initiative reflects extensive public engagement, which began in 2020. Residents and stakeholders from neighborhoods like the South Wedge and Neighborhood of the Arts have provided input on various key issues, including short-term rentals (such as Airbnb and VRBO), accessory dwelling units (ADUs), building heights in mixed-use districts, community gardens and urban farms, off-street parking requirements, and the re-use of non-conforming buildings.

Under New York State law, zoning regulations must align with a municipality’s comprehensive plan. Following the adoption of the Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan in 2019, which itself incorporated significant community input, the City launched ZAP as a multi-year effort to overhaul its Zoning Code and Map to reflect current needs and community priorities.

The Rochester 2034 Plan remains the foundation of this update, addressing key themes such as positioning Rochester for growth, connecting land use and transportation, strengthening placemaking, and promoting social and economic equity.

To review the proposed Zoning Code and Map, including the full Rochester 2034 plan, residents can visit www.CityOfRochester.gov/ZAP.