Albany County municipalities cap lot coverage under local zoning per NY Town Law §261. City of Albany USDO limits residential coverage to 35 to 60% depending on district. NYSDEC SPDES stormwater rules apply for disturbances over 1 acre or 5,000 sq ft in MS4 areas.
Lot coverage in Albany County is regulated locally under NY Town Law §261, Village Law §7-700, and General City Law §20. City of Albany USDO §375-4 limits building coverage in R-1F (single-family) to 35%, R-2F to 40%, R-M (multifamily) to 60%, and MU-CU (Mixed-Use Community Urban) to 85%. Impervious surface coverage (buildings plus paving) is separately regulated in some districts. Town of Colonie Code §190-17 caps residential building coverage at 25 to 30% depending on district. Town of Bethlehem Chapter 128 uses 25 to 40% limits. NYSDEC State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit GP-0-20-001 requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for land disturbance of 1 acre or more, or 5,000 sq ft within Albany County's regulated MS4 communities (City of Albany, Colonie, Bethlehem, Guilderland). Permeable pavers may receive 50% impervious credit under Albany USDO. Rain gardens and bioswales are encouraged. Variances follow NY Town Law §267-b.
Exceeding lot coverage: zoning violation; Certificate of Occupancy withheld. Fines $200 to $1,000 per day under Albany USDO §375-5. NYSDEC SWPPP violations: up to $37,500/day under ECL §71-1929. Removal of excess impervious surface may be required.
Albany County, NY
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