Rochester NY electrical permit rules
Rochester's Bureau of Zoning & Permitting requires electrical permits for circuit additions, panel upgrades, service capacity changes, and wiring modifications. Apply online at cityofrochester.gov. The Bureau's Licensed Trades Division at 585-428-9339 manages electrician licensing. NY licensed electricians are required for permit work. HIC license required for general contractors managing the project.
RG&E (Rochester Gas & Electric) serves Rochester for both electricity and natural gas (1-800-743-2110 / rge.com). For panel upgrades or service entrance changes, contact RG&E in parallel with city permit applications — utility scheduling can add 2–6 weeks. Rochester's pre-WWII housing stock means legacy systems are common: knob-and-tube wiring (pre-1940s) is typically incompatible with modern AFCI/GFCI requirements and most homeowners insurance policies. Aluminium wiring (1960s–1970s homes) requires AL-rated devices or CO/ALR connectors at all connections.
Three Rochester electrical scenarios
| Factor | What it means for your project |
|---|---|
| NY licensed electrician required | Licensed Trades: 585-428-9339. |
| RG&E (electric and gas) | 1-800-743-2110. Start service-entrance coordination in parallel with city permit. |
| NY HIC license for GC | General contractors managing the project need NY HIC license. |
| Legacy systems common | Knob-and-tube, fuse boxes, aluminium wiring in Rochester housing stock. |
| Online submission only | cityofrochester.gov. |
Permit Office: 585-428-6520 | Plan Review: 585-428-6526
Licensed Trades: 585-428-9339 | Walk-in: Mon/Wed/Fri 9am–4pm
Permit submission: online only | cityofrochester.gov
RG&E (electric & gas): 1-800-743-2110 | rge.com
Common questions about Rochester, NY electrical work permits
What electrician license is required in Rochester NY?
New York State requires a licensed electrician for electrical permit work. Verify through the Bureau's Licensed Trades Division at 585-428-9339. General contractors managing projects with electrical work also need a NY HIC license. Apply online at cityofrochester.gov.
Who is the electric utility in Rochester NY?
RG&E (Rochester Gas & Electric) serves Rochester for both electricity and natural gas. Contact 1-800-743-2110 or rge.com. For service upgrades, start the RG&E process in parallel with city permit applications — utility scheduling typically adds 2–6 weeks.
Information based on Rochester, NY official sources and applicable state/local building codes as of April 2026. Codes and fees change — verify current requirements before starting work. For a project-specific report, use our permit research tool.