FAQs

Visit Employment Opportunities for current openings and application instructions. For other employment questions, contact Human Resources.

Open Town Board Agendas & Minutes for meeting materials. For other boards, visit Agendas & Minutes. Check the Town Calendar for meeting dates, times and locations.

For general park questions, you can call the Department of Public Works at 585-336-6033. To reserve a facility/cabin call the Recreation Department at 585-336-6070. Park Hours are 4 am to 10 pm.

Potential code violations can be reported via phone (585-266-5102), online via our Complaint Form, or by coming into the Building Department, located at:

2nd floor of Town Hall

1280 Titus Avenue
Rochester, NY 14617

The personal information of those reporting complaints is kept confidential.

Town Code

You can check the Town Code to see the applicable regulation(s).

Common Violations

Some of the most common code violations are:

While there is an established timeframe for the enforcement process, it can vary based on the violation type and the associated risk(s) to health and safety. The Code Enforcement Unit has some discretion in addressing code violations and provides property owners with the appropriate time to bring their property into compliance with Town Code.

The Town Code Enforcement unit will inspect complaints received, but they can only issue code violation notices for conditions that are prohibited under Town Code.

The right-of-way includes the sidewalk and grass area between the sidewalk and the road (approximately 10-15 additional feet on either side of the road). Generally, utility lines such as Electric, Gas Oil, water, sanitary sewers, and storm sewers are housed in the right of way.

Please note that the 199 Permit includes driveways.

A 199 Permit ensures that the area in the right of way is restored or improved upon from its condition prior to starting work.

Any project that includes the road and/or the area approximately 10 to 15 feet from the road requires a 199 Permit including but not limited to:

• Widening/Resurfacing/Replacing driveways
• Road Cuts
• Tree Trimming
• Erecting poles for lighting
• Running New Lines
• Water Service Renewal
• Sanitary or Storm Sewer Connection

A schedule of fees is available on the second page of the permit application (PDF).

Yes, any work performed in the right-of-way (generally 10 to 15 feet from the edge of the road) requires a permit.

For general park questions, you can call the Department of Public Works at 585-336-6033.

To reserve a facility/cabin call the Recreation Department at 585-336-6070.

Park hours are 4 am to 10 pm.

The Department of Public Works is located at:

2629 E Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14622

The department is located just east of the 590 North Expressway.

Yes. All dogs are required per Agricultural & Markets Law Section 109 to be licensed in the Town in which they reside.

Applications to license your dog can be obtained in the Clerk's Office at Town Hall or on the Animal Control page. Dog licenses must be renewed yearly, and this can be done in person or mailed in with a check. For questions about applying for a dog license please contact the Clerk's Office at 585-467-8840.

Yes, per town code section 79-4(A) No owner of any dog shall permit such dog to be at large in the Town of Irondequoit, Monroe County, New York. Every dog outside the property limits of the owner shall be restrained.

No. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) prohibits the feeding of deer. To report any violations, please contact your local DEC office.

Per town code: 235-73 There shall be no more than two dogs harbored per dwelling unit in any residential district in the Town of Irondequoit as an accessory use, except as follows:

Special use permit for three or more dogs. Harboring or keeping of three or more adult dogs (six months or older) shall require securing a special use permit from the Animal Control Officer.

Before calling Animal Control, you can hold on to the dog for a period of time as typically most dogs are not far from their home. If possible, walk the dog around the neighborhood as the owners may be looking for them or a neighbor may know who they belong to. 

No, you should not leave food out for deer or other wildlife. Any violations should be reported to the Department of Environmental Conservation as they are to agency that manage wildlife.

No, if you have a pet that you can no longer care for you need to surrender them to the humane society. We do not have the accommodations to house these pets.

You can place it in a trash bag and put it in with your regular garbage. Animal control will pick up a dead deer that is on a resident’s property.

The town does not supply traps to catch them. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to obtain a trap. We will pick up animals that are trapped during business hours only.

Yes. To apply for a handicap tag, you must provide a valid driver’s license and a note from your doctor specifying if you need a permanent or temporary tag and for how long (if temporary). You may have someone else come in for you. They must bring your driver's license and the form filled out with your signature.

Yes! We have passport agents available to process your passport application. We require an appointment for all passport applications and renewals. You may call 585-467-8840 to schedule an appointment.

You must fill out a Marriage Research Application form (PDF). It must be filled out by one of the two parties involved in the marriage or a Power of Attorney. The form must be notarized and there is a search fee of $10. The marriage license is filed where you applied for your license, not necessarily where you were married.

To apply for a marriage license, both parties must be present. You must bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy and a valid driver’s license. If you have previously been married, a judgment of divorce, divorce decree or death certificate is required. You must apply for the license at least 24 hours before the ceremony and no further in advance than 60 days. There is a $50 fee to obtain this license.

You may fill out a Freedom of Information request either electronically on our website, in person at the Clerk's office, or by mail at:

1280 Titus Avenue
Rochester, NY 14617

Once we receive the Freedom of Information request we will submit it to the appropriate department and will contact you once a response is given.

Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

Irondequoit is committed to open government, and one essential component of an open government is the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

Exceptions

Under FOIL, government records, including records of the Town of Irondequoit, are available to the public, subject to certain exceptions. These exceptions include but are not limited to:

• Disclosures of information that would cause an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Disclosures that would interfere with law enforcement or a judicial proceeding or disclose a confidential source
• Disclosures of trade secrets
• Certain draft documents or internal records

How to Submit a FOIL Request

Submitting a request for public records held by the Town of Irondequoit starts with the FOIL request information. If you are not sure how to describe the record you wish to review, please email the Town Clerk’s Office, or call 585-467-8840.

After the request has been submitted, you will be contacted within five business days, either advising you that the record is available, denying the request, or if the record is available for disclosure but cannot be immediately provided, an estimate of how long it will take to produce the record. If the request for a record is denied, you will be given the reason for the denial and your appeal rights in writing.

All requests (with the exception of any documents larger than legal size and photos/videos) will be fulfilled via email unless otherwise requested.  If paper copies are requested, the fee for copying the records is $0.25 per page (after the first 4) for letter or legal size documents, and additional fees for larger format documents and photos/videos. There is an additional fee of $20 for any returned checks.

Resources

• New York State Freedom of Information Law

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.

For general park questions, you can call the Department of Public Works at 585-336-6033. 

To reserve a facility/cabin call the Recreation Department at 585-336-6070.

Park Hours are 4 am to 10 pm.

Please visit the Small Claims page for more information.

Small Claims

Small Claims Court handles cases for claims of $3,000 or less. If the defendant lives, works, has a place for doing business, or owns property you are/were renting (and your claim is related to your tenancy or lease) in the Town of Irondequoit, you can use the Small Claims Court. The Town Justice in Small Claims Court only has the power to award monetary judgments.

To file a small claim action against an individual, please come to the Irondequoit Town Court during normal business hours.

For a complete guide to small claims in New York State, please view the A Guide to Small Claims in the NYS City, Town, and Village Courts (PDF).

For other questions regarding Small Claims in Irondequoit Town Court, please view the Town Court FAQs or call 585-336-6040.

If you have an attorney, contact your attorney, do not call the court. If you do not have an attorney, you must have a valid excuse for seeking a new appearance date (also called an adjournment). Proof may be required. Please note that while the Court will seek to accommodate all reasonable requests, you are not entitled to an adjournment and the Court is not required to offer you a new appearance date.

To request an adjournment, please call the Irondequoit Town Court at 585-336-6040 a minimum of 24 hours before your scheduled appearance. Failure to appear in court may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

Additional information regarding adjournments:

• Appearances on criminal charges (Misdemeanors and Felonies) cannot be rescheduled.
• Under no circumstances will the Court offer more than three adjournments of an appearance date.
• You may only request an adjournment in person or by phone. Under no circumstances will adjournment requests be accepted via email or through a third party.

There are three ways to answer a traffic ticket:

1. Plead Guilty by mail (Section A of your ticket). Print your name and current address, including zip code, date, and sign. A fine and surcharge will be imposed by the Court and you will be notified by mail, with payment instructions.
2. Plead Not Guilty by mail (Section B of your ticket). Print your name and current address, including zip code, date, and sign. A new court date will be mailed to you at which time you will be scheduled for a conference with the Assistant District Attorney assigned to Irondequoit Town Court. This should not be understood as a personal appointment and traffic matters are heard at the end of the criminal docket.
3. Personally appear on the court date stated on the face of your ticket (located at the lower left corner of your ticket). The Assistant District Attorney will screen your ticket at that date and time.

To contest a Parking Violation, you may contact the Court at 585-336-6040 to schedule an appearance before the Judge on a date when parking is being heard. For more information, please visit the Irondequoit Winter Parking Ordinance page.

Irondequoit Winter Parking Ordinance

Like many towns and villages in Monroe County, Irondequoit prohibits parking on public roadways or grass on right-of-ways annually from November 1st through April 15th from Midnight to 9 am. This law has been enforced for over 20 years, and the Town of Irondequoit does its best to inform residents about the ordinance each season. The ordinance is in effect to make plowing and salting of dedicated streets within the Town safer and more effective, cutting the cost of snow removal and saving tax dollars.

Violation of the winter parking ordinance will result in a parking ticket carrying a $50 fine. Fines double to $100 after 30 days. Vehicles that must be towed will be towed at the owners' expense. Please call the Irondequoit Police Department at 585-336-6000 if your vehicle is towed.

To make a payment, please visit the Allpaid website.

Whether or not you need an attorney to handle your traffic infraction is a personal decision that only you can make. If your license is in jeopardy based on the point system or if a traffic charge resulted from an accident, you are advised to consult an attorney. If you are charged with a criminal offense, you are advised to consult an attorney.

If you are not the defendant, bail will be released by the Judge when the case is disposed of. If the case is transferred to Grand Jury, you must wait until an order is received from the Superior Court. Bail is returned via check and is not available for pickup for approximately 1 week after release. Please note that a 3% bail poundage fee may apply.

If you are the defendant, bail will be released:

1. After your case is disposed of.
2. After you have successfully completed your community service where required.
3. After any fines are paid (unless bail is applied to the fine).

If your case has been transferred to the grand jury, the court must receive an order from the Superior Court to release bail. Bail is returned via check and is not available for pickup for approximately 1 week after release. Please note that a 3% bail poundage fee may apply.

Payments for parking violations can be made in one of the following ways:

• Pay the fine in person at the Irondequoit Town Court at 1300 Titus Avenue, Rochester, NY 14617 during regular business hours (Monday through Thursday 9 am to 5 pm, or Friday 8 am to 4 pm).
• Mail the pre-addressed parking violation into the court with payment via money order (personal checks are not accepted).
• Make payment via credit card using the GovPayNow website (visit the Town Court page). Please note that a 4% service charge will apply.

For information pertaining to all Parking Violations, you may call the Town Court at 585-336-6040 during regular business hours.

Surcharges are mandatory charges required by Statute, with all revenues going to the State of New York. For convictions under the Vehicle and Traffic Law, mandatory surcharges are governed by V&T Law Section 1809. Convictions pursuant to the Penal Law are governed by Penal Law Section 60.35.

You must have a criminal complaint filed in order for the Judge to issue an order of protection. Please go to the Irondequoit Police Department at 1300 Titus Avenue to file a criminal complaint. Once the complaint is signed, it will be forwarded to the court. At the defendant's court appearance, the Judge can order that an order of protection be issued.

For information regarding orders of protection involving domestic partners, please contact the Monroe County Family Court at 585-371-3544.

Filing Fees for Small Claims actions are based on the number of damages being sought;

• $10 fee for claims of $1,000 or less
• $15 fee for claims from $1,001 to $3000.

Filing fees must be paid at the time of filing Small Claims actions with the court. Please note that filing fees for Small Claims cases are non-refundable.

Upon submission of the appropriate forms and payment of the Small Claims fee (see above), notices will be mailed by the Court office to both parties indicating the date and time of the hearing. Bring any appropriate evidence and/or witnesses to the hearing. The regular rules of evidence are enforced by the presiding judge.