Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Monroe County’s Economic Development Division, Imagine Monroe, offers assistance to local businesses in the form of workforce training and recruiting, as well as offering several tax rebate and loan programs your business may be eligible for.

The Town also offers a Business Investment Exemption. This 10-year exemption, passed in 2015, provides tax relief to businesses investing in commercial and industrial development in the appropriate business permitted zones in Irondequoit. The exemption schedule allows property owners to gradually absorb the increases in assessed value that often result from physical enhancements or expansion. For more information about the criteria and guidelines, please contact the Assessor’s office.

For any new business, the following permits are always required:

• Change of Occupancy - The application addresses information about the change in business/owner and includes a safety inspection by the Fire Marshal prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy to the new business. The change of occupancy/use application form is available online.
• Signage - Replacement of existing signs, sign panels, or free-standing signs and/or the installation of new signs requires a building permit be issued before the work is performed. View an online copy of the Building Permit Application (PDF).

Depending on the type and location of the new business, there may be other reviews required, including, but not limited to:

• Building Permit - Changes to the exterior or interior space may require a building permit if it involves modifications to structural elements (walls, doors, windows) or electrical or plumbing work.
• Fire Marshal Permit - The new occupancy may require permits issued through our Fire Marshal's office, including but not limited to: alarm systems, sprinklers, gas appliances, and kitchen equipment.
• Board Reviews - New businesses may require review and approval by the Planning Board, Town Board, and/or Zoning Board of Appeals. If your new business requires an application to one of these boards, a staff member in the Planning and Zoning Department will be in touch once the Change of Occupancy application has been received.

The permit review process varies based on the type of permit and the number of applications under review at a given time. Generally, the review requires 7 to 10 business days, however, during peak building season the reviews may take up to 15 business days.

Permits are required when a project involves framing, insulation, plumbing, electric, foundation work, structural additions/alterations (e.g. addition or removal of walls, changes to size of exterior openings) and/or occupancy of new space (e.g. basement and attic remodeling, etc.). The permit requirements are governed by the New York State Uniform Code.

Cosmetic changes such as paint and carpet, and in-kind replacement of fixtures in the same location (e.g. toilet, sink) do not require a building permit. For more information or to verify whether your project requires a permit, please check the Building Permit Requirements Sheet or contact the Building Department.

Please be advised that failure to obtain a required building permit is a violation of the Town Code, which can result in Code Enforcement action and/or additional permit review fees associated with the as-built condition(s).

A Building Permit Application (PDF) must be accompanied by a survey map of the property and specifications and/or building plans related to the project. Please note that based on the scope of the project, the application may require the plans to be prepared by a New York State-licensed design professional (i.e., engineer, architect, landscape architect).

Property owners can perform the work themselves but must be able to meet the New York State Uniform Building and Fire Code requirements of their project. Also, they must complete and sign an affidavit indicating that their homeowner's insurance will cover them and the property while the work is underway.

There is one exception: plumbing permits require the work to be performed by a plumber licensed in the Town. The list of licensed plumbers is updated throughout the year. View the application for becoming a licensed plumber (PDF) in the Town of Irondequoit.

Building permits are required for the construction or installation of a shed larger than 30 square feet.

For more information on storage sheds, please call the Department of Community Development at 585-336-6026.