Zoning & Size Limits
| Requirement | New York City, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|
| Allowed Zones | R1-R5 residential zones (NOT R1A, R2A, R3A unless in Greater | ADUs are NOT broadly permitted under Rochester's current (20 |
| Max Size (Detached) | Up to 800 sq ft (and no more than 33% of the required rear yard) where permitted under City of Yes; not allowed in historic districts or R1A/R2A/R3A zones outside the Greater Transit Zone | Not applicable yet - the pending Zoning Alignment Project code would newly allow ADUs (by special permit in low-density zones); no adopted dimensional standards exist |
| Max Size (Attached) | 800 sq ft | Not applicable yet (see pending zoning code) |
| Max Height | 15 ft (detached, zero lot line, or semi-detached A | 35 feet |
| Parking Required | Not required | Not applicable until the new zoning code is adopted |
| Owner Occupancy | Owner must occupy either the primary home or the ADU | Not applicable - ADUs are not yet a permitted use; owner-occ |
Setback Requirements
| Setback | New York City, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|
| Rear Setback | N/A | 15 feet |
| Side Setback | N/A | 5 feet |
| Front Setback | N/A | 20 feet |
Permits & Timeline
| Detail | New York City, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|
| Permit Timeline | 120-180 days | 50-70 days |
| Permit Fees | $5,000-$10,000 | $1,900-$3,300 |
| Impact Fees | Varies by borough | $400-$900 |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Yes — DOB/HPD Pre-Approved ADU Plan Library launch | Limited availability |
Construction Costs
| Cost | New York City, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|
| Avg Build Cost | $150,000-$300,000 | $105,000-$210,000 |
| Cost Per Sq Ft | $300-$600 | $125-$250 |
| Garage Conversion | $120,000-$260,000 | $50,000-$120,000 |
| Prefab ADU | Rarely feasible (site access/crane limits) | $75,000-$170,000 |
Rental Income Potential
| Rental | New York City, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|
| 1BR Avg Rent | $2,200-$3,200/mo | $1,050-$1,450/mo |
| 2BR Avg Rent | $2,800-$4,200/mo | $1,350-$1,850/mo |
| Short-Term Rentals | Heavily restricted (primary unit rule) | Not typically permitted |
| Est. ROI | 4-6% annual return | 8-12% annual return |
Which City Is Better for ADUs?
New York City scores 5/10 while Rochester scores 2/10 on our ADU-friendliness index.
New York City edges ahead overall. Both cities offer viable ADU development opportunities — the best choice depends on your specific property, budget, and goals.
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