Compare Regulations
Compare state baseline against local requirements in a single view
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Compare state baseline against local requirements in a single view
Rows with an amber indicator differ across selections.
| Field | State New York NYSDEC | Local City of Buffalo City of Buffalo Permits & Inspection Services / Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | ||
| Permit / Authorization | SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity (GP-0-25-001) | Construction Permit with Stormwater Management / Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) Approval |
| Submit To | NYSDEC | City of Buffalo Permits & Inspection Services / Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) |
| Lead Time | Electronic NOI (eNOI) required; NYSDEC issues a Letter of Authorization (LOA) specifying the authorized construction start date | City permit review 2–4 weeks; BSA stormwater management review concurrent |
| Application Method | Online via NYSDEC's eDEC system — electronic eNOI submission now mandatory (paper no longer accepted) | City permits via Buffalo Permits & Inspection Services; BSA applications submitted directly to the Authority |
| Fee | $2,250 flat fee for most projects (one of the higher fees nationally) | City permit fees per project scope; BSA connection/review fees additional |
| Water Quality | ||
| Impervious Cover Limit | No statewide limit | No citywide cap; BSA requires green infrastructure or on-site management for projects creating ≥ 1 acre of impervious surface per NYSDEC MS4 permit |
| On-Site Treatment Required | Not specified at state level | Yes |
| Detention Required | Not specified at state level | Yes — Manage the first 1 inch of rainfall on-site per BSA Stormwater Management Manual; green infrastructure preferred to reduce CSOs |
| Turbidity / Discharge Standard | Not specified as a numeric standard; discharges must not cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards. Turbidity benchmarks apply for sites near 303(d)-listed waters. | Must comply with NYSDEC SPDES CGP; Great Lakes water quality standards apply |
| SWPPP | ||
| SWPPP / Local Plan Required | Yes | Yes — SWPPP per NYSDEC; Stormwater Management Plan per BSA for projects connecting to sewer system |
| PE Stamp Required | Yes | Yes |
| Inspections | ||
| Inspection Requirements | Every 7 days and within 24 hours of a storm event producing ≥ 0.5 inches of rainfall (or ≥ 0.25 inches if site is near a 303(d) listed water body) | City inspects construction at permit milestones. BSA inspects stormwater management installations. Post-construction green infrastructure requires maintenance agreements. |
| Inspector Qualification | Trained Contractor (TC) for routine inspections; Qualified Inspector (QI) for sites ≥ 5 acres or near sensitive water bodies. QI certification required through NYSDEC-approved training. | NYSDEC-approved QI/TC per SPDES CGP; no additional city certification |
| Design & Zones | ||
| Local Design Manual | N/A — state level | Buffalo Sewer Authority Stormwater Management Manual |
| Special Overlay Zones | N/A — see local jurisdictions | Combined Sewer Area, Niagara River / Lake Erie Watershed |