City of Buffalo
City of Buffalo Permits & Inspection Services / Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Construction Permit with Stormwater Management / Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) Approval
- Submit To
- City of Buffalo Permits & Inspection Services / Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA)
- Lead Time
- City permit review 2–4 weeks; BSA stormwater management review concurrent
- Application Method
- City permits via Buffalo Permits & Inspection Services; BSA applications submitted directly to the Authority
- Fee
- City permit fees per project scope; BSA connection/review fees additional
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover 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
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Manage the first 1 inch of rainfall on-site per BSA Stormwater Management Manual; green infrastructure preferred to reduce CSOs
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with NYSDEC SPDES CGP; Great Lakes water quality standards apply
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per NYSDEC; Stormwater Management Plan per BSA for projects connecting to sewer system
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Plans must be prepared by a NY-licensed PE. BSA reviews stormwater plans for consistency with their Long-Term Control Plan for CSO reduction.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City inspects construction at permit milestones. BSA inspects stormwater management installations. Post-construction green infrastructure requires maintenance agreements.
- Inspector Qualification
- NYSDEC-approved QI/TC per SPDES CGP; no additional city certification
Special Overlay Zones
Combined Sewer Area
Trigger: Properties served by combined sewers (most of the older city)
Restriction: On-site stormwater retention/green infrastructure to reduce CSOs; BSA Long-Term Control Plan compliance; sewer separation projects ongoing
Niagara River / Lake Erie Watershed
Trigger: Properties draining to Niagara River or Lake Erie
Restriction: Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement protections; enhanced nutrient controls; no degradation of receiving waters
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- Buffalo Sewer Authority Stormwater Management Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Buffalo's stormwater program is largely administered by the Buffalo Sewer Authority, which manages the combined and separate sewer systems. CSO reduction is a primary driver. The city's Rain Check program provides residential green infrastructure incentives.
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 Buffalo Permits & Inspection Services / Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) and the agency website before beginning construction.