City of Rochester advances Zoning Code update

City of Rochester advances Zoning Code update Mon, 04/20/2026 - 12:00 Laura.Grey@Cit… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 11:47 The City of Rochester today announced a major milestone in modernizing its land use framework with the release of the final proposal of its updated Zoning Code and Zoning Map. This step of the City’s Zoning Alignment Project (ZAP) process moves the proposal one step closer to City Council review and consideration. From here, the City Planning Commission and Rochester Environmental Commission will conduct public hearings. A full list of next steps and confirmed dates are available and will be updated regularly at www.CityOfRochester.gov/ZAP. The updates, which will ensure the Code and Map align with the Rochester 2034 Plan, are designed to: Expand and diversify housing choices  Increase economic opportunities  Support neighborhood businesses through mixed-use development  Reduce non-conforming uses  Encourage re-use of vacant properties  Align land use with transit access  Increase climate resilience  “At its core, this zoning update is about balance, positioning Rochester to grow in a way that benefits all residents,” said Mayor Malik D. 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.” ZAP reflects extensive public engagement, which began in 2020. Throughout the process, residents and stakeholders have provided input on several key issues, including: Short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO)  Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)  Building heights in mixed-use districts  Community gardens and urban farms  Off-street parking requirements  Re-use of non-conforming buildings  Under New York State law, zoning regulations must align with a municipality’s comprehensive plan. Following adoption of the Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan in 2019, which itself included significant community input, the City launched ZAP, a multi-year effort to overhaul its Zoning Code and Map to reflect community priorities and current needs.  Rochester 2034 remains the foundation of the effort to update the Zoning Code. Key themes from Rochester 2034 that are addressed include: 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, visit www.CityOfRochester.gov/ZAP.  Share this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShare this on LinkedInShare this on EmailPrint this Category News Release Tags NBD Zoning Related Department Neighborhood and Business Development Summary The City of Rochester today announced a major milestone in modernizing its land use framework with the release of the final proposal of its updated Zoning Code and Zoning Map.