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Environmental Rules in Colonie, NY (2026)

4 verified environmental rules for Colonie, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Stormwater Management

The Town of Colonie requires a stormwater pollution prevention plan before any land development activity gets approved. Projects disturbing an acre or more, or increasing impervious cover, must submit a SWPPP to the Stormwater Management Office and secure written approval before a grading permit issues.

Colonie Requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

Some Restrictions

Colonie Code § 190-78A

Stormwater pollution prevention plan requirement. No approval of a land development activity shall be issued until a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) has been accepted in accordance with the specifications in this article. A grading permit shall not be issued until the SWPPP is approved in writing by the Town of Colonie.

Erosion Control

The Town of Colonie requires a stormwater pollution prevention plan with an erosion and sediment control component before approving any land development activity, applying the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (the Blue Book) statewide manual to every soil disturbance in town.

Colonie Requires Erosion Control on Construction Sites

Some Restrictions

Colonie Code § 190-78B

Erosion and sediment control plan. All SWPPPs shall, at a minimum, have an erosion and sediment control plan that provides control measures to minimize the discharge of pollutants and prevent a violation of water quality standards. Erosion and sediment control plans shall meet the requirements of the New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control and the Town of Co...

Flood Zones

Any construction, filling, or land disturbance in a Town of Colonie area of special flood hazard requires a floodplain development permit from the Planning and Economic Development Department before a single shovel goes into the ground. The Town regulates these zones under Chapter 190, Article XVII, adopted to cut flood and erosion losses and keep the Town eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program.

Colonie Requires a Floodplain Development Permit

Some Restrictions

Colonie Code § 190-99B(1)

A floodplain development permit is hereby established for all construction and other development to be undertaken in areas of special flood hazard in this community for the purpose of protecting its citizens from increased flood hazards and insuring that new development is constructed in a manner that minimizes its exposure to flooding. It shall be unlawful to undertake any development in an ar...

Flood Elevation Requirements

New and substantially improved homes in Colonie's Zones A1-A30, AE, and AH must have the lowest floor, including any basement, built to or above two feet above the base flood elevation, a freeboard cushion above the federal minimum, written into Chapter 190's Article XVII construction standards.

Colonie Freeboard Rule: Two Feet Above Flood Level

Some Restrictions

Colonie Code § 190-100C(1)(a)

Within Zones A1-A30, AE and AH and also Zone A if base flood elevation data are available, new construction and substantial improvements shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above two feet above the base flood elevation.

Looking for Albany County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Colonie city rules.

Environmental Rules in Albany County