Building Safety

All projects submitted on or before December 31, 2019, must comply with the new requirements. Click on the link below for fast and easy ways to submit your application for plan check review or permitting. The Permit Process is the instrument used to enforce the law, which generally includes permit processing, plan review and inspections. You can now apply for building permits online on Citizen Access, for help with how to do this and more check out the Applications, Forms, and Guides page.

The flowchart below will help you estimate the timeline for construction projects that are submitted by email by adding up the processing times for each step of the process. The Building & Safety Department oversees all building and construction within the City, including issuing building permits, plan check, inspections and providing assistance to citizens. It is our mission to provide quality services to protect life, health, property, and public welfare through an effective administration and regulation of the building codes. The City of Rochester Community Development Department is happy to announce new appliance permits and changes to the permitting process. In support of the vision to become America’s most innovative development services team, the City of Rochester has implemented service enhancements to the building and trade permitting processes revolving around the use of the Citizen Access online system.

The first sale of a residential building located in a subdivision whose final map has been approved and recorded in accordance with the Subdivision Map Act no more than two years prior to the first sale. Building Staff invoices submittal fees, and provides a pdf document via email or in person upon request to the applicant. An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties. Additionally, you agree that the job is ready for the requested inspection, that adequate directions to the jobsite is provided, and access will be provided for the inspection to take place. Any real property improved with one or more buildings or structures which in whole or in part are used for or are legally permitted to be used for dwelling unit or guest room purposes.

The Building and Safety Bureau works to safeguard public health, safety, and property through the plan check, permit, and inspection processes. To find out if a permit is needed for your building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical project, go to the Do I need a permit? The City has created three new permit types for the installation of a furnace and/or air conditioner, and water heaters, along with an electrical appliance permit to go with them.

If you are sending payment via check through the mail please include copies of all invoices being paid. Working hard to ensure that buildings are safe, sustainable and structurally sound — Bureau staff responded to 10,488 phone calls for plan checks and completed reviews of 1,089projects. A total of 2,805 permits were issued and 10,698 residential & commercial inspections were conducted. Excavation for caissons or piles under buildings or structures, swimming pools, or underground structures that are authorized by valid building permits. We are pleased to offer our citizens, businesses, and visitors access to government information online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.