Rochester’s Historic Districts: Where Special Roofing Rules Apply
If you’re planning a roof replacement on an older home, the first step is determining whether your property is located within one of Rochester’s officially designated historic preservation districts. These areas are subject to specific guidelines that can directly impact what materials, colors, and installation methods are allowed.
Rochester currently has nine Preservation Districts, each with its own architectural significance and character:
- East Avenue – One of the most architecturally consistent residential corridors in New York State, featuring 19th and early 20th-century homes
- Grove Place – A compact downtown neighborhood with historic small-scale residential buildings
- Mt. Hope / Highland Park – Known for its Olmsted-designed landscapes and historic homes
- Corn Hill / Third Ward – Rochester’s oldest residential neighborhood with early canal-era homes
- Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood – A historically significant 19th-century middle-class district
- Beach Avenue – A unique lakeside district overlooking Lake Ontario
- Brown’s Race (High Falls) – The birthplace of Rochester’s industrial development
- South Avenue / Gregory Street – A small, tightly defined preservation area
- Cobb’s Hill – Newly designated in 2025, including parkland and surrounding properties
Each of these districts may require review or approval before roofing work begins.
To confirm whether your property is within one of these districts, you can view the official city document here:
Full list of Preservation Districts by address:
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/Preservation%20Districts%20by%20address%20December%202025.pdf
Roofing Materials in Rochester Historic Districts
Once you’ve confirmed your home is in a historic district, the next consideration is what materials are appropriate—and approved—for a roof replacement.
Cedar Shake vs. Asphalt Shingles
In Rochester, many historic homes were originally built with cedar shake roofing. While cedar offers a traditional appearance, it has become far less common in modern replacements due to:
- Significantly higher cost
- Ongoing maintenance requirements
- Shorter lifespan compared to modern systems in Northeast climates
Because of this, it is now very common to see homeowners transition to architectural asphalt shingles during a roof replacement.
Modern asphalt shingles offer:
- Strong wind resistance (critical for Rochester weather)
- Better ice and water protection when installed correctly
- Lower overall cost with long-term durability
- A wide range of colors that can still complement historic aesthetics
In many cases, asphalt shingles are accepted as a practical and visually appropriate alternative—but approval may still be required depending on the district.
Slate Roofing (When Required or Preferred)
Some historic homes—particularly higher-end or architecturally significant properties—may require or strongly favor slate roofing.
The City of Rochester provides specific guidance on acceptable materials and preservation standards, which you can review here:
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/sites/default/files/migrated/WorkArea-linkit.aspx-LinkIdentifier-id-ItemID-8589947633.pdf
Slate offers:
- Extremely long lifespan (often 75–100+ years)
- Authentic historic appearance
- High durability
However, it comes with:
- Much higher installation costs
- Structural considerations due to weight
- Specialized labor requirements
Low-Slope & Flat Roofing Areas (EPDM)
Many historic homes in Rochester also include low-slope sections, such as porches, additions, or rear roof sections.
For these areas, EPDM rubber roofing is commonly used as a cost-effective and reliable solution. It provides:
- Strong waterproofing performance
- Flexibility in freeze/thaw conditions
- Lower cost compared to other flat roofing systems
EPDM is typically acceptable on non-visible or rear-facing sections of historic homes, but visibility from the street may still factor into approval.
Staying True to the Original Roof
In most cases, a roof in Rochester’s historic districts can be replaced using the same original material and style, helping maintain the home’s architectural integrity. However, availability and cost can sometimes make exact replacements impractical—especially with materials like cedar shake or slate.
Because of this, many homeowners choose to transition to architectural asphalt shingles, which offer a strong balance of durability, appearance, and cost. For low-slope or flat sections, EPDM roofing is commonly used as a reliable and cost-effective solution.
The key is making sure any material change still aligns with local historic guidelines and preserves the overall character of the home.
What This Means Before You Replace Your Roof
Before starting a roof replacement in a historic district, you should:
- Confirm your property’s district status
- Understand what materials are permitted
- Be prepared for possible review or approval requirements
- Work with a contractor familiar with Rochester’s historic guidelines
Failing to follow these steps can delay your project—or require costly corrections after installation.
Please view the link below for the City of Rochester’s preservation guide.
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/sites/default/files/migrated/WorkArea-linkit.aspx-LinkIdentifier-id-ItemID-8589947633.pdf