Backyard Cottages Could Ease Housing Crunch

Rochester officials are weighing a zoning rewrite that would make it easier to add accessory dwelling units — including detached backyard cottages — on lots with single-family homes. The city’s April 2026 final draft zoning code defines an ADU as a secondary unit that can be added to, created within, or detached from a principal single-family detached dwelling on the same lot. The proposal is part of Rochester’s broader Zoning Alignment Project, the city’s first comprehensive zoning update in nearly 20 years. City materials say the rewrite is intended to align land-use rules with the Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan. ### What exactly is Rochester proposing to allow in backyards? The April 2026 draft defines an accessory dwelling unit as a subordinate dwelling unit on the same lot as a single-family detached house, with living, sleeping, cooking and sanitation facilities. The definition says the unit may be added to the main house, created within it or built as a detached structure — the category often described as a backyard cottage. (cityofrochester.gov) The draft code also says ADUs are not recreational vehicles, travel trailers, campers or other motor vehicles. That language draws a line between a permanent small dwelling and temporary or mobile structures. ### Where does this fit in the city’s larger zoning rewrite? Rochester’s Division of Zoning says the city is updating its zoning code for the first time in almost 20 years through the Zoning Alignment Project. (cityofrochester.gov) The city says zoning regulations govern uses, parking, setbacks, screening, landscaping and other development rules, and that the rewrite is intended to bring those rules into line with the Rochester 2034 plan. The final draft use tables posted in April 2026 set out which uses are permitted, require a special permit or are prohibited in each zoning district. The document says Table 3-1 is the framework for how uses will be handled across districts, with additional requirements attached in some cases. ### What limits would still apply to a backyard cottage? The draft definition requires owner occupancy. (cityofrochester.gov) It says the owner of the property where the ADU is located must live either in the primary dwelling unit or in the accessory dwelling unit itself. City zoning materials also make clear that accessory uses remain subject to citywide development rules. (cityofrochester.gov) Rochester’s zoning division says zoning regulations cover parking, setbacks and other site standards, meaning a detached cottage would still have to meet those requirements even if the use is allowed. ### Who decides whether the zoning change moves forward? Rochester’s City Planning Commission has a formal role in the process. (cityofrochester.gov) The city says the seven-member commission provides City Council with recommendations on amendments to zoning texts and maps. City Council is the body that ultimately adopts changes to the city code. The city clerk’s legislation and proceedings page tracks council agendas, minutes and adopted laws, while the city’s public-hearings page lists hearings on legislative items before council votes. (cityofrochester.gov) ### Where can residents follow the next step? The City of Rochester posts zoning update materials through its Zoning Alignment Project pages and through the Division of Zoning. (cityofrochester.gov) The City Planning Commission page also includes hearing information and a link for submitting comments on the zoning update. The city’s meetings calendar and council hearing notices are the places to watch for the next public step before any zoning text takes effect. (cityofrochester.gov) Rochester also posts zoning applications, permit information and hearing schedules through its Neighborhood and Business Development department. (cityofrochester.gov) (cityofrochester.gov)