Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-14
Property maintenance (Rochester NY Property Code)
Operative Text
A. Windows doors and other openings used for ventilation shall be appropriately screened to prevent the entry of mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects. B. The exterior portions of all premises shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches (254 mm). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs, provided, however, that this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
Rochester City Code § 90-14 establishes two distinct property maintenance requirements. First, any window, door, or other opening used for ventilation must be fitted with appropriate screening to keep out mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects. Second, the exterior of all properties must be kept free of weeds or plant growth taller than 10 inches, and all noxious weeds are prohibited outright—though cultivated flowers and gardens are explicitly excluded from the definition of 'weeds.'
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 90-14, compliant property operators generally ensure that all ventilation openings are equipped with intact, properly fitted screens before and throughout seasons when flying insects are active. On the exterior, operators routinely mow or cut back grasses and non-cultivated vegetation to keep growth at or below the 10-inch threshold, while taking care to remove any noxious weeds entirely. Intentional garden beds and cultivated flowers are not subject to the height restriction, so maintaining clear documentation of landscaped areas can help distinguish them from prohibited overgrowth.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rochester City Code § 90-14 gives occupants a basis to expect that ventilation openings in their unit are properly screened against flying insects, and that the exterior grounds are maintained free of excessive weed growth. If these conditions are not met, tenants generally have the option of notifying the property owner in writing, contacting Rochester's code enforcement office to request an inspection, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies. Documented evidence—such as photographs with dates—of missing screens or overgrown vegetation can be useful when raising a § 90-14 concern through any of these channels.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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