COMPLETED: 297 Rosedale Street | Variance Application

A zoning variance application has been submitted on this property. The public hearing is May 22, 2025. Details are described on this page.

FINAL UPDATED MAY 24, 2025

The ZBA’s ruling: “Denied.”

As a result of the ZBA ruling, the owner must restore the configuration found before the paving project was undertaken but may use permeable materials to help mitigate in areas that may be necessary for vehicle maneuverability in and out of the parking area.

If you have questions about this variance or the results, please write to [e-mail]

UPDATE MAY 22, 2025

UMNA submitted the following commentary in opposition to this variance application. Please scroll down on the document to read the entire submission.

CLICK HERE TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION ON THIS MATTER TO THE UPPER MONROE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Contact [e-mail] if you have questions about this matter.

Property: 297 Rosedale Street

The photo on the left was taken by an UMNA rep on May 13th. The photo on the right is the most recent front image on Google Maps.

Background

The following is a layperson's description of the situation as determined by a review of information provided online by the City of Rochester and as described by the owner during a site visit on May 13, 2025.

• In 2024 the driveway and rear parking area were repaved without a permit from the City. When the new blacktop was installed nearly all of the existing greenspace along the driveway (along the white vinyl fence) and in the back parking area was removed. The front yard was unaffected by the repaving. As a result, the property no longer meets minimum standards for greenspace.

• The City of Rochester cited the property for lack of a permit and code violations related to the minimum required greenspace.

• The property owner has requested a variance to allow the repaved driveway and parking areas to remain in their current configuration.

• Possible actions on the variance by the ZBA would approve/disapprove/approve with conditions and/or levy a $1,000 fine.

Interested parties are strongly encouraged to read the official ZBA staff report

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Official ZBA Staff Report 297 Rosedale St - May2025.pdf

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Contact [e-mail] if you have questions about this matter.

"Before" Pictures (circa 2021)

The photos below were taken from google.com/maps.com

The "greenspace" that was removed when the property was repaved has been informally outlined on these photos by UMNA reps in BLUE.

"After" Pictures

These photos were taken by an UMNA representative with permission of the owner during a site visit on May 13, 2025.

Neighboring property - 307 Rosedale Street

The driveway and rear parking areas of 307 Rosedale were re-surfaced by the same contractor and at the same time as 297 Rosedale Street. UMNA is not aware of any code violations associated with the resurfacing of 307 Rosedale Street. (Photo taken May 13, 2025.)

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Zoning Board Of Appeals - Public Hearing Information

• LOCATION: City Hall, City Council Chambers, 30 Church St. Rm. 302-A, Rochester, NY 14614

• DATE/TIME: Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM

• PLACE ON THE ZBA AGENDA: #6 (CLICK FOR FULL AGENDA)

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Official ZBA Staff Report 297 Rosedale St - May2025.pdf

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Open

Members of the public are encouraged to comment directly on this application.

Comments may be submitted at any time before the hearing. If you email comments, please copy in [e-mail].

1. Submit a written comment by email, mail, or deliver it to City Hall.

   • Email: [e-mail]

   • US Mail: Zoning Office c/o Zoning Board, 30 Church St. Rm. 125B, Rochester, NY 14614

   • Written comment submission deadline: close-of-business, the business day before the hearing by 5:00 P.M.

   • Written comments must include the project address and the commentor's first name, last name, address, and contact information.

2. Speak at the public hearing.

   • Location: City Hall, City Council Chamber, 30 Church St. Rm. 302-A, Rochester, NY 14614

   • Comments may not exceed 3 minutes in length or 10 minutes for neighborhood associations.

Contact [e-mail] if you have questions about this matter.