What are the grease trap requirements in Rochester, NY?

Food service establishments in Rochester must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC).

Do I need a grease trap permit in Rochester?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Rochester. Fee: $50 routine inspection fee (Monroe County); permit fees per city schedule.

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Rochester?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Per NY State Plumbing Code 2020 (Chapter 10); interceptors or automatic grease removal devices required for FSEs. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Rochester, NY

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Rochester, New York.

Every 3 months or when 25% cap

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Every 3 months or when 25% capacity is reached, whichever comes first

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee $50 routine inspection fee (Monroe County); permit fees per city schedule

Max Fine $100-$200 per violation; plus civil penalties, clean-up costs, and compliance plan requirements

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Per NY State Plumbing Code 2020 (Chapter 10); interceptors or automatic grease removal devices required for FSEs
Pumping Frequency	Every 3 months or when 25% capacity is reached, whichever comes first
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	$50 routine inspection fee (Monroe County); permit fees per city schedule
Maximum Fine	$100-$200 per violation; plus civil penalties, clean-up costs, and compliance plan requirements
Inspections	Routine inspections; grease traps may require daily to weekly cleaning checks
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Ordinance Ref.	Monroe County Sewer Use Law; NY State Plumbing Code 2020 Chapter 10; Monroe County Code Chapter 343 (Sewers), Chapter 257 (Grease Trap Covers)
Authority	Monroe County Department of Environmental Services / City of Rochester

Additional Notes

Monroe County DES Industrial Waste Control Section enforces sewer use law. FSEs must use certified grease haulers. Cleaning frequency: grease traps daily-to-weekly, interceptors monthly-to-quarterly. Violations may require installation of properly sized exterior grease interceptor. FOG disposal plan with licensed waste removal contractors required.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.