Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-40
Transfer of business permit (Rochester NY Property Code)
Operative Text
A. Business permits shall not be transferred. In the event of any change involving the owner or operator of the business, the type of business, the name of the business or the business location a new business permit shall be required. A business permit shall not be transferred to any person who holds power of attorney. B. A business permit shall be deemed null and void when the business permit holder is not found operating the business for a period of one month and fails to respond in person to the Department after having been sent a seven-day notification letter.
Under Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-40, business permits for regulated rental businesses are non-transferable and are tied to the specific owner, operator, business type, name, and location listed on the permit. Any change in those elements requires a brand-new permit application rather than a simple reassignment. Additionally, a permit automatically becomes null and void if the permit holder is absent from the business for one month and does not respond in person to the Department within seven days of receiving a notification letter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-40 generally obtain a new business permit whenever ownership, management, business name, type, or location changes, rather than attempting to transfer an existing one. Compliant operators also maintain an active presence at the permitted business and respond promptly—in person—to any seven-day notification letter from the Department to avoid automatic permit invalidation. Holding power of attorney does not allow a permit to be transferred to another party, so succession planning should account for the need to secure a fresh permit.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-40 means that if a landlord or business operator changes hands, changes the business name or type, or moves locations, the operation should be running under a new, valid permit—not the prior owner's. Tenants who suspect a business is operating under an invalid or lapsed permit may contact the relevant Rochester Department to inquire about permit status or file a concern. Tenant-rights organizations in the Rochester area can help residents understand how permit validity may relate to their housing rights and what general enforcement paths are available.
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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