The Downtown Master Plan provides guidance in revitalizing the
downtown. It is hoped that downtown Rochester remains the heart of
the City, as an active place that is densely populated and used by
all citizens, in different ways and at different times. It is emphasized
that carefully crafted laws, pertaining to driveway access, parking,
signage, lighting, and building layout and design, are necessary to
ensure that the Downtown Commercial District remains vibrant.
A. Pedestrian orientation. The DC, NMU and OC Zoning Districts have
a strong pedestrian orientation. The districts are structured to accommodate
the automobile as well, but not at the expense of pedestrian character.
B. Automobile orientation. The HC, and some areas of the OC, Districts
have a strong automobile orientation. Nonetheless, quality of design
and attention to pedestrian character is still important in these
zones as people will still be walking to and within the sites.
Uses which are permitted by right, conditionally, or by special exception are listed in Article
18, Use Regulations. Dimensional regulations are presented in Article
19, Dimensional Regulations. Other applicable requirements for development within commercial zoning districts are presented throughout this chapter.