Zoning Alignment Project (ZAP)

This page provides information about background information about the City of Rochester's efforts to update its zoning code. Subsequent pages describe the process as it moves towards completion

Background about ZAP

The City’s last comprehensive look at its Zoning Code took place in 2003. Since then, the City has changed; new residents, new businesses, new priorities, emerging trends, and a new vision for the future necessitate a comprehensive look at the City’s development regulations. This is an important task to allow for implementation of the City’s Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan – its vision – as many of the zoning district regulations currently in place may not relate to the current built environment, creating nonconformities, or may not allow for certain forms of development that the community has indicated that it desires.

The City of Rochester is currently in the process of update its Zoning Code. The process began before the pandemic with the first iteration presented for public comment in 2020/2021 and a subsequent iteration in 2021/2022. The third iteration is due late in 2023. The information provided below and to date represents a DRAFT. The final version is expected in 2024.

Additional pages on ZAP

ZAP Community Engagement Through January, 2024

ZAP Final Phase

A quick overview of ZAP presented by the City of Rochester (2+ minutes long)

A more detailed review of ZAP presented by the City of Rochester (1+ hour long)

Presented by the City of Rochester on October 18, 2323

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ZAP Links & Info

• DOCUMENT: A summary of public outreach since the draft launch, an overview of the comments received, what the ZAP team is currently working on, and a remaining process summary and projected timeframe. Posted February 26, 2024.

• WEBSITE: Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan. This plan and the supporting research drives much of the Zoning Alignment Project (ZAP).

• WEBSITE: Zoning Alignment Project (ZAP) | City of Rochester. This is the official website that describes and tracks ZAP.

• WEBPAGE: Draft Zoning Map. This map allows users to "swipe" and compare the current zoning with the PROPOSED zoning. You will be able to see the PROPOSED new zoning districts along with a brief description of what each district allows.

• WEBPAGE: DRAFT Use Standards and Definitions

• WEBPAGE: DRAFT Use Table and Use Permissions

• DOCUMENT: DRAFT Use Code Table (compares current and proposed)

• WEBPAGE: New York State SEQR process described

• DOCUMENT: Final Scope for Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (added July 11, 2023)

• DOCUMENT: ZAP presentation to Rochester City Council on July 20, 2023 (notes provided by Bob Thompson, president of Highland Park Neighborhood Association). PowerPoint slides that accompanied the presentation to City Council. (See below.)

2022-2023 DRAFT of the new zoning map proposed for Upper Monroe

DRAFT Proposed New Zoning in Upper Monroe

Zoning Categories Proposed for Upper Monroe

The categories proposed for Upper Monroe as well as the definitions of each category are in DRAFT form.

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Low-Density-Residential.pdf

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High-Density-Residential.pdf

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Boutique-Mixed-Use.pdf

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Neighborhood-Mixed-Use.pdf

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Parks-Open-Space.pdf

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Related Documents

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DRAFT Use and Permission Grid.pdf

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Standards and Definitions.pdf

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Zoning Board Decision Grid.pdf

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