Environmental Rules in Tonawanda, NY (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Tonawanda, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Chapter 73 of the Town of Tonawanda Code applies to construction activity, outside the Village of Kenmore, that disturbs land and increases stormwater runoff. Property owners must keep natural drainage courses clear, and no construction project can move forward until the Stormwater Management Officer receives an approved stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) covering erosion, sediment and runoff controls.
Tonawanda Stormwater Management Rules
Some RestrictionsTown of Tonawanda Code §§ 73-3, 73-4, 73-8, 73-11
This chapter shall be applicable to all construction activities, as defined in § 73-7 of this chapter that occur in the area of the Town of Tonawanda, excluding the Village of Kenmore. ... Each owner and occupant of property in the Town of Tonawanda shall keep any natural drainage course on such property clear and unobstructed. No such owner or occupant shall cause or permit the inhibition, alt...
Erosion Control
Within its stormwater ordinance, the Town of Tonawanda limits active construction disturbance to five acres at a time and requires a phasing plan, erosion barriers and sediment controls before dirt is turned. Projects disturbing five acres or more must add extra water-quality controls, and the Stormwater Management Officer can demand 48 hours' notice before major grading milestones to inspect the controls in place.
Tonawanda Erosion & Sediment Control Rules
Some RestrictionsTown of Tonawanda Code § 73-8B(1)(d)
Construction phasing plan describing the intended sequence of construction activities, including clearing and grubbing, excavation and grading, utility and infrastructure installation and any other activity at the site that results in soil disturbance. Consistent with the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Erosion Control Manual), not more than five acres sh...
Flood Zones
Any construction, filling, grading or other development in a Town of Tonawanda area of special flood hazard requires a floodplain development permit under Town Code § 92-4B. The Town Engineer serves as local administrator, reviewing applications against the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Community Identification Number 360260. Undertaking work in the mapped floodplain without that permit is unlawful and carries fines and possible jail time.
Floodplain Development Permit in Tonawanda
Some RestrictionsTown of Tonawanda Code §§ 92-3A, 92-4B
§ 92-3. General provisions. ... A. Lands to which this chapter applies. This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the Town of Tonawanda, Erie County, Community Identification Number (CID) 360260. ... ... § 92-4. Administration. ... ... B. The floodplain development permit. A floodplain development permit is hereby established for all construction a...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New and substantially improved residential structures in the Town of Tonawanda's Zones A1-A30, AE and AH must have the top of the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above two feet over the base flood elevation under § 92-5C(1)(a). Zone AO uses the mapped depth number plus one foot of freeboard, and unmapped Zone A properties add two feet of freeboard to an engineer-determined elevation.
Tonawanda's Two-Foot Freeboard Requirement
Some RestrictionsTown of Tonawanda Code § 92-5C(1)(a)
C. Residential structures (except Coastal High Hazard Areas). (1) Elevation. The following standards apply to new and substantially improved residential structures located in areas of special flood hazard, in addition to the requirements in §§ 92-5A(1), Subdivision proposals, 92-5A(2), Encroachments, and 92-5B, Standards for all structures. (a) Within Zones A1-A30, AE and AH if base flood eleva...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tonawanda city rules.
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