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1. When is a building permit required?

A building permit application must be completed whenever a building is to be erected, altered, enlarged, structurally repaired, moved, or converted to different use groups (as defined in the building code). Additionally, a building permit is required for the installation of the following:

• Windows 
• Doors when the opening size is altered
• Pools that are more than 24 inches deep
• Decks (including porches)
• Garages or carports
• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs

A permit is not required for the following:

• Sheds less than 100 square feet in size
• Siding
• Driveways on grade on private property
• Painting, wallpapering, or other similar finishes
• Replacement doors, or storm doors when the opening size is not altered
• Prefabricated above-ground pools or in-ground pools that are less than 24 inches deep

If your application is approved, you will receive a copy of the actual Building Permit, a Hard Card including a list of required inspections, and a copy of the approved plans. The Hard Card should be posted at the job site so that it is visible from the street. The approved set of construction drawings should be kept at the job site for you and the inspector to refer to until the project is completed.

2. When do I need to schedule an inspection?

Inspections are required for the following items:

• Spread or trench footings
• Footing and drainage system inspections prior to backfill
• Rough plumbing
• Rough electrical
• Rough heating
• Rough building prior to covering
• Insulation
• Final plumbing, heating, and electrical inspections
• Final building
• Final grade (as-built grade certification required)

3. How long is my building permit good for?

Construction must start within six months; however, once construction is started the permit will continue to be in effect as long as continuing progress is shown. A permit that does not show activity for a six-month period will lapse.

4. What do I need to know about the Installation of Above or In-Ground Pools?

If you are considering installing a pool on your property you must contact the City Building Department. Please be aware of the following: • To install an in-ground or above ground pool an electrical permit is required. • For an in-ground pool a plumbing permit is required. • If your pool is going to be heated a mechanical permit may be required. • Other restrictions may apply. The City Building Department would be happy to assist you with obtaining any necessary permits and insuring that your new pool is safe. You may contact the Building Department by calling (248) 733-3700 or email the City’s Building Inspector at rmclure@rochestermi.org.

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1. How do I get an absentee ballot?

For every election, the City Clerk must make available Absentee Ballots. To qualify for an absentee ballot, you must be a registered voter, and you must complete the Absentee Ballot Application to declare the reason you need an absentee ballot. You may apply up to 65 days in advance of the election. Applications must be received by 2:00 p.m. on the Saturday preceding the election. Absentee Ballots can be issued on the day prior to the election until 4:00 p.m., but the elector must request the ballot in person at City Hall on that day.

2. How do I register to vote?

To register as a voter in the State of Michigan, you must be 18 years of age and a resident of the community for 30 days prior to an election. You may register to vote by using the Voter Registration form, or you may register in person at any Secretary of State Office or Local Clerk's Office. If you have any questions regarding voter registration, contact the City Clerk at (248) 651-9061.

3. How do I obtain a pet license?

To obtain a license, you must show a current rabies vaccination certificate from a veterinarian licensed in the State of Michigan, and pay the fee. Fees are $3 for spayed or neutered animals and $15 for intact animals. Pets are required to be licensed by March 1 of each year; after March 1, an additional $12 late fee is charged. The late fee does not apply to new residents or new pets if the license is obtained within 30 days of moving into the City or obtaining a pet.


You may apply by mail or in person at City Hall using the pet license application.

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1. When and where does the City Council meet?

The City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month, except for certain holidays such as Christmas or Memorial Day.

The City Council meets at City Hall, 400 Sixth Street.

2. How many Council members are there?

The City Council has seven members. Six of those members serve staggered four-year terms, and one member serves a two-year term. This member is the candidate that tallies the lowest number of votes out of the top four candidates in each election.

3. How do I become a candidate for City Council?

You can learn more about candidacy for City Council by visiting the City Clerk Elections page.

4. Can I appear before the City Council?

All members of the public are welcome to appear before the City Council. If you wish to be scheduled on the agenda for a Council meeting, please contact any Council member or the City Manager.

5. How much do City Council members get paid?

City Council members are paid $60.00 per meeting with no benefits. The Mayor Pro Tem is paid $65, and the mayor is paid $70 per meeting. 

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1. Rochester has the council-manager form of government. What is that?

The council-manager form is the system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a governing body, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. The governing body, commonly known as the Council, may also be referred to as the Commission or the Board. The council-manager form establishes a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected Council, and where the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of City services.

2. What does the City Manager do?

The City Manager is appointed by the City Council to serve as the chief administrative officer of the City. It is the responsibility of the City Manager to carry out policies formulated by the City Council. The City Manager is also responsible for the supervision and management of all the services of the City, including the enforcement of the City Code of ordinances, Charter, and applicable laws of the State. The City Manager prepares the City's budget for consideration by the City Council and is responsible for administering the budget as adopted. The City Manager is also responsible for keeping the Council informed as to the financial affairs of the City.

3. Does the City Manager participate in policy determination?

The City Manager makes policy recommendations to the Council, but the Council may or may not adopt them and may modify the recommendations. The City Manager is bound by whatever action the Council takes.

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1. How do I contact the City Assessor?

The Equalization Director for Oakland County is contracted by the City to act as the Assessor for the City of Rochester. The Assessor can be reached at (248) 858-0776. When you call, ask for the City of Rochester Assessor. The Assessor handles questions regarding property appraisals and taxable valuations, as well as the Board of Review and appeals procedures for valuations.

2. When do I pay my property taxes?

Tax bills are sent out every July 1 (summer bills) and December 1 (winter bills). Summer bills are due and payable July 1 - August 31. Winter tax bills are due and payable December 1 - February 14. Summer bills which are not paid on a timely basis are assessed a 4% penalty. Late summer also accrue an interest rate of ½ of 1% each month until they are paid in full. Winter bills which are not paid on a timely basis are assessed a 3% penalty.  Tax bills which are not paid by the end of February are turned over as delinquent to Oakland County.

For questions regarding taxes and how to make payments, contact the Finance & Treasury Department at City Hall, 248-651-9061. 

3. What options for paying taxes are available to me?

Rochester property taxes can be paid online at Pay Local Taxes, mailed to City Hall at 400 Sixth St., Rochester, MI 48307, or placed in the drop box located in the parking lot on the west side of City Hall.

4. What is the fee for a NSF Check?

The fee for a NSF check is $35.00.

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1. Can I burn leaves or garbage in the City of Rochester?

Per the City Code, open burning is illegal in Rochester.

2. How do I become a volunteer fire fighter in the City of Rochester?

Rochester is always looking for qualified individuals to serve as volunteer fire fighters. Please call the fire station at (248) 651-4470
for more details.

3. Do I really need a carbon monoxide detector?

A Carbon Monoxide detector can alert you and your family to this otherwise undetectable lethal gas. Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, and drowsiness. These are all the same type of signs and symptoms of a typical cold. You may go to bed to relieve this "cold" not realizing that you have been poisoned by CO. A CO detector could save your life.

If your Carbon Monoxide detector emits an alarm, do not panic. Complete a check of yourself and your family to make sure everyone is fine. Find out if anyone is feeling ill (dizzy, lightheaded, headache, fatigue, etc.). If someone is not feeling normal, evacuate the house and call 911. The Fire Department's ambulance will be dispatched with medical equipment to treat your symptoms, and CO monitoring devices to survey your residence. If everyone is feeling normal and there are no complaints of sickness, investigate the matter further. Start with the detector, make sure it is operating properly and check the battery. Next, check anything that produces heat. Make sure these items are in proper working order, vented properly, and clean. You should call Consumers Energy at 1 (800) 477-5050, or a licensed contractor to detect and fix the problem.

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1. When and where does the City Council meet?

The City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month, except for certain holidays such as Christmas or Memorial Day.

The City Council meets at City Hall, 400 Sixth Street.

2. How many Council members are there?

The City Council has seven members. Six of those members serve staggered  four-year terms, and one member serves a two-year term. This member is  the candidate that tallies the lowest number of votes out of the top  four candidates in each election.

3. How do I become a candidate for City Council?

You can learn more about candidacy for City Council by visiting the City Clerk Elections page.

4. Can I appear before the City Council?

All members of the public are welcome to appear before the City Council. If you wish to be scheduled on the agenda for a Council meeting, please contact any Council member or the City Manager.

5. How much do City Council members get paid?

City Council members are paid $55 per meeting with no benefits.

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1. What is the Historical Commission responsible for?

The Commission is responsible for:

• Investigating, studying, and recording the history of the City of Rochester
• Recommending to the City Council plans and procedures for observance of important historical dates within the City
• Cooperating with and assisting the City Council in promoting appropriate activities for commemorating important historical dates
• Preparing pamphlets, leaflets, brochures, and otherwise promoting a continuing public interest in history and current events

2. What is the Founder's Day Celebration?

This annual event celebrates the arrival of the James Graham family in the Rochester area on March 17, 1817, founding the first permanent settlement in Oakland County. This event occurs annually in March and admission is free.

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1. Can I reserve one of the shelters in Rochester Municipal Park?

Both the Kiwanis and Lion's Shelters are available to reserve on a seasonal basis. Only residents of Rochester can reserve them. Groups cannot use residents as agents to reserve the facility for them unless they are bona fide members of the group and will be present the day the shelter is used.

The reservation form is available at City Hall, along with an information sheet that includes the fee structure. After the form is filled out, it will take about a day to process.

Once the application has been approved, the applicant will pay the associated fees and pick up a copy of the approved form. At that time, the reservation will be entered onto the calendar. Note that whether the shelters are involved or not, any group of one hundred or more people intending to use any Rochester park must obtain City Council approval. Contact the DPW Director at (248) 651-9061 for details and available dates.

2. Who is responsible for the area and tree in front of my house, which is located between the sidewalk and the curb?

Although the green belt area between the sidewalk and the curb is usually called the right of way, and is under the jurisdiction of the City, it is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain this area.

Any trees in the green belt are the City's responsibility to maintain. The City has guidelines as to the species of trees that are planted in the green belt and the minimum distances between trees, which includes sight distance requirements at intersections and minimum distances from hydrants and streetlights.

The City does have a tree-planting program. If a homeowner does not want to wait for the next City planting, they can arrange to plant their own tree. However, the City must approve the location and tree species of any planting in the green belt before any work is completed. Contact the DPW Director at (248) 651-9061 for details.

3. During the winter, is there skating allowed on the pond in Municipal Park?

Yes, when it is safe to go onto the ice, skating is allowed. When the ice is not safe to skate on there are signs indicating the unsafe conditions. However, when no signs are posted, you should always use your best judgement before stepping onto the ice.

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1. What are the late fees?

$12.00

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1. What is the Planning Commission responsible for?

The Planning Commission reviews and considers all new signs, new commercial / industrial development, and exterior alterations to commercial and industrial buildings.

The Planning Commission also reviews all new residential developments (new subdivisions) and recommends either approval or denial to the City Council.

The Planning Commission is assisted by the City Planner, City Attorney, and Building Official.

The Planning Commission is guided by the Master Plan for the City, which can be purchased at City Hall.

2. How do I apply for rezoning?

An application to request a rezoning must be submitted to the City Council prior to consideration by the Planning Commission.

3. How will I know if my request is approved?

The Planning Commission is governed by a set of Rules and Procedures.

When you have submitted a site plan or sign permit application for review by the Planning Commission, you or your representative must be in attendance at the appropriate meeting(s) to present your application and to answer questions of the Planning Commission.

Please contact the Building Department at (248) 651-9061 for any additional information that you may require.

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1. How do I get a copy of a police report?

Please call the Police Department at (248) 651-9621 and request a copy. It takes approximately three days to receive. There is a fee for this service.

2. Does the Police Department offer fingerprinting services for employment?

The Police Department does provide fingerprinting services. This service is limited to individuals requesting fingerprints for the following reasons:

• Adoption
• Consumer and industry services, Liquor license
• Conviction Set Aside Application - Adult
• Conviction Set Aside Application - Juvenile
• Fingerprint registration
• HUD public housing inhabitant
• Name change
• Personal record review
• Visa / Immigration Application

If you need to be fingerprinted for any of the processes listed above, come into the Rochester Police Department.

3. When should I call 9-1-1 instead of the Police Department's general number?

Examples of situations when 9-1-1 should not be called include:

• An auto accident where there are no injuries
• An alleged crime where the offender cannot be located
• A request for general information
• Medical situations that do not require an ambulance

However, if you are not sure which number to call, please call 9-1-1. It is better to be safe then sorry.

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1. Do I have to shovel my sidewalk?

The City Code requires the owner / occupant to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjoining any side of their property. An accumulation of three or more inches of snow must be cleared within 24 hours. A prudent effort must be made by the owner to control ice accumulation by complete removal or by applying sufficient amounts of de-icing material or sand. If you hire a private contractor for snow removal services, please remind them not to plow snow into the public roadway. This is not only disruptive to local traffic and snow removal operations, but it is against State law.

Failure to clear snow and ice in accordance with the City Code may result in the issuance of a civil infraction, and a fine of up to $500 against the property owner, without notice from the City. Additionally, the City Manager may have the snow and/or ice cleared at the owner's expense; again, without notice.

Property owners who are on vacation during the winter months must make sure to arrange for the timely removal of snow and ice (on sidewalks adjoining their property) in their absence.

2. Why do they always plow snow in front of my driveway?

Despite popular opinion, crews do not place snow in driveways on purpose. There is no practical way for the snow plow operator to cut off the windrow of snow when crossing a driveway. This problem is especially acute in cul-de-sacs because the space. One thing you can do to reduce the amount of snow that is plowed in front of your driveway is to place as much of the snow as possible to the right side of your drive, as you face the street.

3. Did the City forget to plow my street?

The City plows all roadways and will rarely, if ever, forget to plow a street. The City utilizes a prioritization system when plowing. Major roads will be cleared first, followed by local streets. We appreciate your patience as the City crews work this winter to keep all the City streets safe.

4. I have large items that won't fit in the regular garbage truck. How do I have these items picked up?

The City's waste hauler sends a separate truck to remove large items that do not fit in the normal trash truck. Freon items must have a Freon-removal sticker or the City's waste hauler will not pick them up. Items that will be picked up include the following:

• Box springs
• Chair
• Dishwasher
• Mattress
• Small stumps
• Sofa / couch
• Television
• Toilet
• Tub
• Washer / dryer
• Water heater
• Water softener

Items that will not be picked up include the following:

• Broken concrete and cement
• Steel drums and barrels
• Hazardous materials
• Contractor or homeowner building refuse
• Fuel oil tanks
• Tires

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1. When are water bills mailed?

Bills are mailed on a quarterly basis. The City Treasurer accepts cash and check payments. Payments must either be mailed or dropped off at City Hall. After-hours payments may be put in the drop-box located adjacent to the parking lot on the west side of City Hall. Water and sewer bills are normally due 18 days from the billing date. If 18 days from the billing date falls on a holiday or weekend, then the due date is extended to the next business day. This is taken into consideration before bills are printed so that the due date printed on the bill is always a business day. A 5% penalty is applied if bills are not paid by the due date. Failure to receive a bill does not waive any of the past-due penalty. Since the bills are mailed on a quarterly basis, it is recommended that your mark your calendar on the date when water bills are due to be mailed.

2. Can I prepay my water bill?

If you will be out of the City for a lengthy time period, prepayments of bills are accepted. Although it is unlikely that the Water Billing Department will have the information to give you an exact amount to prepay, we will work with you to provide an estimate based on your billing history.

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1. Why do I need Zoning Board of Appeals action?

Appeals to the ZBA are made for either alleged errors or variances in regard to the Zoning Ordinance. In regard to alleged errors, the Zoning Board of Appeals hears and decides the outcome of appeals from citizens regarding any order, requirements, decision, or determination made by an Administrative Official charged with the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews applications for variances, which must be granted according to the terms of the Zoning Ordinance. Variances are only granted where, owing to special condition, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this ordinance would result in either:

• Practical difficulties - Dimensional requirements such as lot area and width regulations, building height regulations, and yard width and depth regulations
• Unnecessary hardship - Being too limited in definition as to what comprises a permitted use and all of its necessary uses, specified in the Zoning Ordinance

Variances, if approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals, run with the property. Consult the Rochester Zoning Ordinance for further information regarding the Zoning Board of Appeals.

2. What are the procedures once my application is filed?

When an application is filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals, you or your representative must be in attendance at the appropriate meeting(s) to present your request and to answer any questions from the board. For more information, consult the Zoning Board of Appeals Rules and Procedures.