City of Rochester
City of Rochester Bureau of Buildings / Monroe County Department of Environmental Services (Pure Waters)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Building Permit / Site Plan with Stormwater Management per Monroe County Pure Waters
- Submit To
- City of Rochester Bureau of Buildings / Monroe County Department of Environmental Services (Pure Waters)
- Lead Time
- City permit review 2–4 weeks; Monroe County Pure Waters stormwater review concurrent
- Application Method
- City permits via Rochester Bureau of Buildings; stormwater plans reviewed by Monroe County Pure Waters for sewer-connected projects
- Fee
- City permit fees per project scope; Monroe County review fees may apply
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; post-construction management required for projects creating ≥ 1 acre of impervious surface per NYSDEC MS4 permit
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Manage the first 1 inch of rainfall on-site per NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual; green infrastructure to reduce CSOs in combined sewer areas
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with NYSDEC SPDES CGP; Lake Ontario water quality standards apply
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per NYSDEC; stormwater management plan reviewed by Monroe County for sewer connections
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Plans must be prepared by a NY-licensed PE. Monroe County Pure Waters manages the regional sewer system and reviews stormwater connections.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City inspects construction at permit milestones. Monroe County may inspect stormwater facilities connected to the county system. Post-construction BMPs require maintenance agreements.
- Inspector Qualification
- NYSDEC-approved QI/TC per SPDES CGP; no additional city certification
Special Overlay Zones
Genesee River Gorge / Watershed
Trigger: Properties draining to the Genesee River within the city
Restriction: Enhanced erosion controls near gorge; water quality protection for Genesee River; buffer zones along river banks
Combined Sewer Area
Trigger: Properties in areas served by combined sewers (older city neighborhoods)
Restriction: On-site stormwater retention/green infrastructure to reduce CSOs; Monroe County Pure Waters consent order compliance
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual / Monroe County Pure Waters Standards
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Rochester's stormwater program involves coordination between the city and Monroe County Pure Waters, which operates the regional sewer system. The Genesee River runs through the city center, and CSO reduction is a major driver. Rochester's Green Infrastructure Program is expanding permeable pavement and bioretention in the public right-of-way.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the NYSDEC state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with City of Rochester Bureau of Buildings / Monroe County Department of Environmental Services (Pure Waters) and the agency website before beginning construction.