City of Albany
City of Albany Division of Buildings and Codes / Albany County Sewer District
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Building Permit with Stormwater Management / Albany County Sewer District Approval
- Submit To
- City of Albany Division of Buildings and Codes / Albany County Sewer District
- Lead Time
- City permit review 2–4 weeks; sewer district review concurrent
- Application Method
- City permits via Albany Division of Buildings and Codes; sewer connection applications to Albany County Sewer District
- Fee
- City permit fees per project scope; sewer district connection fees may apply
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; post-construction management required per NYSDEC MS4 permit for projects creating ≥ 1 acre of impervious surface
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Manage the first 1 inch of rainfall on-site per NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual; green infrastructure encouraged to reduce CSOs
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with NYSDEC SPDES CGP; Hudson River water quality standards apply
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per NYSDEC; stormwater plan per Albany County Sewer District for sewer-connected projects
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Plans must be prepared by a NY-licensed PE. Albany's combined sewer system serves much of the older city.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City inspects construction at permit milestones. Albany County Sewer District may inspect stormwater connections. Post-construction BMPs require maintenance agreements.
- Inspector Qualification
- NYSDEC-approved QI/TC per SPDES CGP; no additional city certification
Special Overlay Zones
Hudson River Waterfront
Trigger: Properties along the Hudson River waterfront
Restriction: Enhanced water quality protection; NYS Coastal Management Program; Hudson River Estuary Program; waterfront development review
Combined Sewer Area
Trigger: Properties in areas served by combined sewers (older downtown and surrounding neighborhoods)
Restriction: CSO reduction through on-site retention/green infrastructure; Albany Pool CSO Long-Term Control Plan compliance
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Albany is the state capital and sits on the Hudson River. The Albany Pool CSO Long-Term Control Plan covers Albany, Rensselaer, Troy, and Watervliet, driving green infrastructure investment to reduce combined sewer overflows to the Hudson.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the NYSDEC state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with City of Albany Division of Buildings and Codes / Albany County Sewer District and the agency website before beginning construction.