What should Rochester hosts know about one off-street parking space is?

One off-street parking space is strictly required for every rental unit.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Rochester?

Zoning Alignment Project (ZAP) may ban new STRs in LDR and MDR zones (Low/Medium Density Residential).

What should Rochester hosts know about occupancy is capped at 2?

Occupancy is capped at 2 per bedroom + 2, regardless of how large the bedrooms are.

What are the permit fees in Rochester?

A 'Hotel Unit Fee' of $1.50-$2.50 per night applies in addition to the 14% tax.

Rochester

Permissive

New YorkUpdated Apr 17, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 12, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Rochester requires an annual Short-Term Rental (STR) permit, mandatory property inspections, and adherence to bedroom-based occupancy and parking limits.

Restriction level

Severity 14

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $200
Limited to 2 properties per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
Safety standards required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

Property owners must obtain a city permit and a valid Certificate of Occupancy before listing a home for short-term stays. You are required to provide at least one off-street parking space per unit and maintain $500,000 in liability insurance. New zoning changes (ZAP) may restrict rentals in low-density residential neighborhoods, so check your specific zone before applying.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$200

Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1One off-street parking space is strictly required for every rental unit.
2Zoning Alignment Project (ZAP) may ban new STRs in LDR and MDR zones (Low/Medium Density Residential).
3Occupancy is capped at 2 per bedroom + 2, regardless of how large the bedrooms are.
4A 'Hotel Unit Fee' of $1.50-$2.50 per night applies in addition to the 14% tax.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Rochester rent control/RSO note: New York Multiple Dwelling Law prohibits unhosted stays under 30 days in 'Class A' buildings with 3+ units.
Rochester allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two-Family Dwelling, Condo, Mixed-Use Buildings.
Rochester does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements12 rules

Rochester STR warning: Occupancy is capped at 2 per bedroom + 2, regardless of how large the bedrooms are.
Rochester requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Proof of liability insurance must be submitted with the permit application.
Rochester: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process8 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Rochester: Step 1: Verify Zoning and Building Compliance - Check the Rochester Zoning Map to ensure your property is in an allowed district and has a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Documents needed: Address, Current C of O. Estimated time: 1-3 days. More info: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/zoning/ Step 2: Obtain NYS Certificate of Authority - Register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to collect and remit sales tax. Documents needed: EIN or SSN, Business Info. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/st/register.htm Step 3: Submit STR Permit Application - Complete the application and submit required documents including the floor plan and proof of $500k liability insurance. Documents needed: Floor plan, Insurance cert, Property Deed. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 200. More info: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/permit-office/ Step 4: Schedule and Pass Inspection - A city inspector will visit the property to verify safety equipment and that the floor plan matches the actual layout. Estimated time: 1 week.

Fees & costs1 rule

Rochester charges a registration fee of $200 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $500 (Fees scale by bedroom count: $200 (1BR), $300 (2BR), $400 (3BR), $500 (4+BR)).

Taxes2 rules

New York has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.
Rochester charges a Monroe County Room Occupancy Tax of 0.06%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb remits the 6% occupancy tax; hosts must manually remit for other platforms or direct bookings.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Rochester limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Rochester enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
Rochester limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 persons per legal bedroom plus 2 additional persons, up to a maximum of 12
Rochester occupancy calculation: 2 persons per legal bedroom plus 2 additional persons, up to a maximum of 12. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Rochester requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan showing egress, Annual safety inspection, Trash removal plan.

Penalties2 rules

Rochester enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 - $500 per day. Second offense: $500 per day. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $100. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Rochester: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions2 rules

Rochester exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Rochester: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Rochester

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and Building Compliance

Check the Rochester Zoning Map to ensure your property is in an allowed district and has a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

1-3 daysFree

Documents needed

Address
Current C of O

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain NYS Certificate of Authority

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

EIN or SSN
Business Info

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STR Permit Application

Complete the application and submit required documents including the floor plan and proof of $500k liability insurance.

2-4 weeks$200

Documents needed

Floor plan
Insurance cert
Property Deed

Official resource

Step 4

Schedule and Pass Inspection

A city inspector will visit the property to verify safety equipment and that the floor plan matches the actual layout.

1 weekFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Rochester

Permissive

New YorkUpdated Apr 17, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 12, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Rochester requires an annual Short-Term Rental (STR) permit, mandatory property inspections, and adherence to bedroom-based occupancy and parking limits.

Restriction level

Severity 14

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $200
Limited to 2 properties per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
Safety standards required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$200

Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1One off-street parking space is strictly required for every rental unit.
2Zoning Alignment Project (ZAP) may ban new STRs in LDR and MDR zones (Low/Medium Density Residential).
3Occupancy is capped at 2 per bedroom + 2, regardless of how large the bedrooms are.
4A 'Hotel Unit Fee' of $1.50-$2.50 per night applies in addition to the 14% tax.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Rochester rent control/RSO note: New York Multiple Dwelling Law prohibits unhosted stays under 30 days in 'Class A' buildings with 3+ units.
Rochester allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two-Family Dwelling, Condo, Mixed-Use Buildings.
Rochester does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements12 rules

Rochester STR warning: Occupancy is capped at 2 per bedroom + 2, regardless of how large the bedrooms are.
Rochester requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Proof of liability insurance must be submitted with the permit application.
Rochester: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process8 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Rochester: Step 1: Verify Zoning and Building Compliance - Check the Rochester Zoning Map to ensure your property is in an allowed district and has a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Documents needed: Address, Current C of O. Estimated time: 1-3 days. More info: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/zoning/ Step 2: Obtain NYS Certificate of Authority - Register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to collect and remit sales tax. Documents needed: EIN or SSN, Business Info. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/st/register.htm Step 3: Submit STR Permit Application - Complete the application and submit required documents including the floor plan and proof of $500k liability insurance. Documents needed: Floor plan, Insurance cert, Property Deed. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 200. More info: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/permit-office/ Step 4: Schedule and Pass Inspection - A city inspector will visit the property to verify safety equipment and that the floor plan matches the actual layout. Estimated time: 1 week.

Fees & costs1 rule

Rochester charges a registration fee of $200 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $500 (Fees scale by bedroom count: $200 (1BR), $300 (2BR), $400 (3BR), $500 (4+BR)).

Taxes2 rules

New York has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.
Rochester charges a Monroe County Room Occupancy Tax of 0.06%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb remits the 6% occupancy tax; hosts must manually remit for other platforms or direct bookings.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Rochester limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Rochester enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
Rochester limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 persons per legal bedroom plus 2 additional persons, up to a maximum of 12
Rochester occupancy calculation: 2 persons per legal bedroom plus 2 additional persons, up to a maximum of 12. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Rochester requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan showing egress, Annual safety inspection, Trash removal plan.

Penalties2 rules

Rochester enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 - $500 per day. Second offense: $500 per day. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $100. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Rochester: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions2 rules

Rochester exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Rochester: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Rochester

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and Building Compliance

Check the Rochester Zoning Map to ensure your property is in an allowed district and has a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

1-3 daysFree

Documents needed

Address
Current C of O

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain NYS Certificate of Authority

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

EIN or SSN
Business Info

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STR Permit Application

Complete the application and submit required documents including the floor plan and proof of $500k liability insurance.

2-4 weeks$200

Documents needed

Floor plan
Insurance cert
Property Deed

Official resource

Step 4

Schedule and Pass Inspection

A city inspector will visit the property to verify safety equipment and that the floor plan matches the actual layout.

1 weekFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Building Compliance

Obtain NYS Certificate of Authority

Submit STR Permit Application

Schedule and Pass Inspection

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Rochester?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Rochester?

3What are the parking and occupancy requirements?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Rochester?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Building Compliance

Obtain NYS Certificate of Authority

Submit STR Permit Application

Schedule and Pass Inspection

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Rochester?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Rochester?

3What are the parking and occupancy requirements?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Rochester?

Disclaimer