Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-5
Applicability of provisions (Rochester NY Property Code)
Operative Text
A. The Property Maintenance Code of New York State shall be applicable in the City of Rochester to all existing land and structures and shall be enforced pursuant to Article IV of this chapter. B. This chapter shall apply to the following premises within the City of Rochester: (1) Lots, plots or parcels of land which are vacant or upon which buildings used for dwellings, mixed occupancy, commercial, industrial or storage uses, whether occupied or vacant, are located. (2) Residential dwellings, including private dwellings and multiple dwellings, unless specifically excluded. (3) Buildings of mixed occupancy, occupied in whole or in part. (4) Commercial, industrial and storage buildings. (5) Vacant residential, mixed-occupancy, commercial, industrial and storage buildings. (6) Residential, mixed-occupancy, commercial, industrial and storage buildings which are under construction or demolition, including buildings not completed, to the extent that a nuisance or practice exists, or is being carried out, which is a disturbance to the public health, safety or welfare. (7) Accessory structures, accessory to dwellings, commercial, industrial or vacant buildings. (8) Parking lots. (9) Junkyards. (10) Treelawns, which are defined as the area between the sidewalk and the curb. C. Existing buildings and their accompanying yards shall be maintained in conformance with this chapter and the Life Safety Code (Chapter 101 , NFPA) and its latest amendments. This chapter shall exclude public streets and rights-of-way.
Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-5 establishes the broad scope of the city's property maintenance rules, making them applicable to virtually all land and structures within Rochester — from occupied residences and commercial buildings to vacant lots, parking lots, junkyards, and even the treelawn strip between the sidewalk and curb. The New York State Property Maintenance Code is incorporated and enforced under Article IV of the same chapter. Public streets and rights-of-way are the primary category explicitly excluded from coverage.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-5, compliant property operators generally ensure that every part of their holdings — including accessory structures, parking areas, and treelawns — meets the standards set out in Chapter 90 and the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101). Because the provision covers both occupied and vacant buildings as well as land under construction or demolition, operators typically maintain properties in all stages of use or disuse. Keeping records of ongoing maintenance and inspections across all property types covered by § 90-5 is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate compliance.
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 § 90-5 confirms that residential dwellings — including private and multiple dwellings — fall squarely within the city's property maintenance framework, meaning tenants living in such units are entitled to the protections that framework provides. If a tenant believes a property is not being maintained in conformance with Chapter 90 or the Life Safety Code referenced in § 90-5, they may consider filing a complaint with the City of Rochester's code enforcement office or raising the violation through available local channels. Tenant-rights organizations in Rochester can help residents understand which specific standards apply to their type of dwelling and what complaint or defense options may be 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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