New York
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
State-DelegatedVerified 2025-01
Construction Permit
- Permit Name
- SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity (GP-0-20-001)
- Threshold
- ≥ 1 acre of land disturbance (or < 1 acre if part of a larger common plan)
- NOI Lead Time
- NOI must be submitted at least 3 business days before construction begins
- Application Method
- Online via NYSDEC's eDEC system or paper submission
- Fee
- $2,250 flat fee for most projects (one of the higher fees nationally)
SWPPP Requirements
- SWPPP Required
- Yes
- PE Cert Required
- Yes
- Template Available
- Yes
New York requires a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) to prepare and certify the SWPPP for sites ≥ 5 acres. Sites < 5 acres may use a Qualified Inspector for preparation but must have a PE/RLA certify it if required by the local municipality.
Inspection Requirements
- Frequency
- 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)
- 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.
Discharge Standards
- Turbidity Limit
- 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.
Sites near 303(d)-listed water bodies or within a phosphorus-sensitive watershed trigger additional requirements including soil disturbance limits and more stringent BMPs.
Post-Construction
- Required
- Yes
Projects that create ≥ 1 acre of impervious surface must implement post-construction stormwater management practices per the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual. A long-term Operation and Maintenance Agreement may be required.
Official Resources
State-Specific Notes
New York's SPDES permit is state-specific (not NPDES) but federally equivalent. The $2,250 flat fee is among the highest in the country. NYC and surrounding counties may have additional local stormwater requirements.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory requirements. Always consult the NYSDEC website and applicable regulations before beginning any construction activity.