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, NY Short-Term Rental Regulations and Permit Guide

Baseline Verification

100%

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Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

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

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 14 (restrictive)

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

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

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$200

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•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.

Requirements(12)

•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 Process(8)

•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 & Costs(1)

•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)).

Taxes(2)

•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 & Restrictions(6)

•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 Requirements(1)

•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.

Penalties(2)

•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.

Exemptions(2)

•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).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other New York Markets

Canandaigua

New York

Moderate

The City of Canandaigua regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 712 of the Municipal Code, requiring a biennial license and a safety inspection. Hosts must collect a 3% local lodging tax in addition to New York state sales tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Dutchess County

New York

Permissive

Dutchess County does not have a centralized county-wide short-term rental ordinance; instead, it enforces a 5% Hotel and Motel Room Occupancy Tax. All land use, zoning, and STR permit requirements are handled at the individual town, village, or city level.

0.1% total tax

Hammondsport

New York

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Hammondsport require a permit, biennial inspections, and are subject to a 12% density cap in residential zones.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Shelate Island

New York

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Shelter Island are governed by Chapter 105 of the Town Code, requiring a biennial license and adherence to a strict 'one rental every 14 days' frequency rule for non-owner occupied properties. The town limits occupancy based on bedroom count and requires clear display of the license number in all advertisements.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rochester

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other New York Markets

Canandaigua

Dutchess County

Hammondsport

Shelate Island

Rochester

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

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?

Related Content

Other New York Markets

Canandaigua

Dutchess County

Hammondsport

Shelate Island