Environmental Rules in Bethlehem, PA (2026)
2 verified environmental rules for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Bethlehem regulates stormwater under Codified Ordinances Article 925 (Stormwater Management Regulations), most recently substantially amended by Ord. 2019-20 (passed 7/2/2019). The ordinance implements Pennsylvania's Storm Water Management Act (Act 167 of 1978, 32 P.S. §§ 680.1 - 680.17) and the City's NPDES MS4 obligations under 25 Pa. Code Ch. 92a. It applies to regulated activities in the Catasauqua Creek and Lehigh River Sub-Basin, Monocacy Creek, Nancy Run, and Saucon Creek watersheds. New impervious cover over 10,000 sq ft triggers a Drainage Plan submission.
Bethlehem Stormwater Management - Article 925
Heavy RestrictionsFlood Zones
Bethlehem regulates development in FEMA-mapped flood hazard areas through Zoning Code Article 1317 (Floodway and Flood-Fringe Districts), with the entire article amended on 7-16-14 by Ordinance 2014-20 to align with the new FIRMs effective the same date. The Zoning Officer serves as the Floodplain Administrator and issues every permit (§ 1317.04). The City lies along the Lehigh River and Monocacy Creek, both of which have mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, and any construction, fill, or substantial improvement in those areas requires a floodplain permit and elevation to the regulatory flood elevation (BFE plus 1.5 ft freeboard).
Bethlehem Floodway and Flood-Fringe Districts - Article 1317
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Lehigh County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bethlehem city rules.
Environmental Rules in Lehigh County →