Rochester Launches Website To Encourage Community Input On Consequential Re-Write Of Land Use Laws

Press release from the City of Rochester:

January 15 2021

Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced today the launch of a new website to encourage community participation in the Zoning Alignment Project to match the City’s land-use regulations to the goals in the “Rochester 2034” comprehensive plan.

“This website will help us engage the community in the critical task of building the legal framework to realize the vision of the comprehensive plan and celebrate Rochester’s 200th birthday in a new era for everyone,” said Mayor Warren. “We must include the voices of our residents and merchants in our efforts to create more jobs; safer, more vibrant and affordable neighborhoods; and better educational opportunities.”

The website, RochesterZAP.com, hosts project information and documents, public-meeting announcements and a comment form to help the community stay informed and offer feedback as the project moves toward completion in 2022.

The City Zoning Code regulates how property within the city can be used, such as for residential or industrial purposes, and sets requirements for the construction and placement of buildings, parking lots and greenspace. The Code was last updated in 2003 and no longer reflects current market conditions, new initiatives such as ROC the Riverway or the expressed interests of community stakeholders included in “Rochester 2034.”

The Zoning Alignment Project will bring the Zoning Code up to date and align the City’s zoning policies with the goals in the “Rochester 2034” comprehensive plan, which was adopted in 2019 with significant community input. The Plan guides growth and development leading to Rochester’s bicentennial in 2034 by advancing a wide range of objectives, from achieving racial equity to preserving natural resources. It includes an innovative Placemaking Plan that considers land use beyond the physical elements to include the evolving character traits that influence how people actually use an area, such as improving waterfront access and encouraging a wide mix of uses within walking distance to residential neighborhoods.

News media: For more information, contact Bridgette Burch White at (585) 428-6064 or Bridgette.Burchwhite@cityofrochester.gov.

This press release was produced by the City of Rochester. The views expressed here are the author’s own.