How Erie Handles Environmental Rules: A Practical Guide

Erie maintains 104 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with environmental rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Erie falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Flood Zones

Erie's Floodplain Management Regulations (Article 945, Ord. 12-2017) govern development in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas shown on the June 7, 2017 FIRMs. The ordinance implements PA's Floodplain Management Act of 1978 and is required for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Key details: Code Reference: Article 945 (Ord. 12-2017). FIRM Date: June 7, 2017. State Law: 32 P.S. 679.101. Federal Program: FEMA NFIP. Key Watercourses: Lake Erie, Mill Creek.

Building, filling, or substantially improving structures in an SFHA without a floodplain development permit violates Article 945. The City can require removal or elevation, and FEMA can suspend Erie from the NFIP, ending federally backed flood insurance citywide.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Erie actively enforces its flood zones requirements.

Stormwater Management

Erie's Stormwater Quality Management Ordinance (Article 946, Ord. 20-2004) governs runoff, infiltration, and BMP maintenance under PA Act 167 and the PADEP NPDES MS4 permit. A separate Article 948 stormwater utility fee, enacted in fall 2022, funds the aging system.

Key details: Code Reference: Article 946 (Ord. 20-2004). Stormwater Fee: Article 948 (fall 2022). State Law: Act 167 (32 P.S. 680.1). MS4 Permit: 25 Pa. Code Chapter 92a. County Plan: Erie County Act 167 (2010).

Discharging non-stormwater into the MS4, failing to maintain a required BMP, or developing without an approved stormwater plan violates Article 946 and the city's NPDES permit. PADEP can pursue civil penalties under the Clean Streams Law.

The Bottom Line

Erie's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Erie is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Erie's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.