This chapter shall be known and may be referred
to as the "Rochester Zoning Code."
This chapter establishes and implements regulatory
powers to the ends that adequate light, pure air, convenient access
and safety from fire, flood and other dangers may be secured; that
the taxable value of land and buildings throughout the City may be
conserved and enhanced; that congestion in the public streets may
be lessened or avoided; that the hazards to persons and damage to
property resulting from the accumulation or runoff of stormwater may
be lessened or avoided; that sites, areas and structures of historical,
architectural and aesthetic importance may be preserved; and that
the public health, safety, comfort, morals and welfare may otherwise
be promoted. To these ends this chapter is enacted to:
A. Conform to the City's Rochester 2034 Comprehensive
Plan, Subdivision Ordinance, Official Street Map, Capital Improvement
Program, Functional Street Classification Map, Center City Design
Language, Center City Development Objectives and Adopted Urban Renewal
Plans.
[Amended 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-37]
B. Guide and regulate the orderly growth, development
and redevelopment of the City of Rochester in accordance with a well-considered
plan and with long-term objectives, principles and standards deemed
beneficial to the interest and welfare of the people.
C. Protect the established character and the social and
economic well-being of both private and public property.
D. Promote, in the public interest, the utilization of
land for the purposes for which it is most desirable and best adapted.
E. Regulate and limit the height, bulk and location of
buildings.
F. Establish, regulate and limit the building or setback
lines on or along streets in the City.
G. Regulate and limit the density of population and the
intensity of uses of lot areas.
H. Regulate and determine the area of yards, courts and
other open spaces within and surrounding buildings.
I. Classify, regulate and restrict the location of trades
and industries and the location of buildings designed for specified
industrial, business, residential and other uses.
J. Divide the entire City into districts of such number,
shape and area and of such different classes according to use of land
and buildings, height and bulk of buildings, intensity of use of lot
areas, area of open spaces and other classifications as may be deemed
best suited to regulate development.
K. Fix standards to which buildings or structures in
such districts shall conform.
L. Prohibit uses, buildings or structures incompatible
with the character of established districts.
M. Provide regulations pertaining to preexisting lots,
structures and uses that do not conform to the regulations, standards,
restrictions and limitations established by this chapter.
N. Prevent additions to and alteration or remodeling
of existing buildings or structures in such a way as to avoid the
restrictions and limitations lawfully imposed by this chapter.
O. Provide for variances from such regulations, standards,
restrictions and limitations.
P. Provide for special permit uses, planned development
district uses, cluster development uses and other uses requiring special
approval, within the established districts.
Q. Provide administrative bodies and procedures as shall
be necessary to the implementation and enforcement of the various
provisions of this chapter.
R. Provide for the orderly amendment of this chapter.