Stormwater Management: White Plains vs Yonkers
How do stormwater management rules compare between White Plains, NY and Yonkers, NY?
White Plains has fewer restrictions than Yonkers.
White Plains, NY
Westchester County
White Plains is a regulated MS4 under the NYS SPDES General Permit. Illicit discharges to storm drains (soap, paint, motor oil, grass clippings) are prohibited. Post-construction stormwater controls required for projects disturbing 1 acre or more.
View full White Plains rules →Yonkers, NY
Westchester County
Yonkers is an MS4 community under NYS DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-15-003. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited; new development must meet NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual standards.
View full Yonkers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | White Plains | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| MS4 | Regulated under SPDES | Regulated community |
| Receives | Bronx River watershed | - |
| SWPPP threshold | 1 acre disturbance | - |
| IDDE fines | $250-$2,500 | - |
| Permit | - | SPDES GP-0-15-003 |
| Design Manual | - | NYS Stormwater |
| Discharge | - | Stormwater only |
| Fine | - | Up to $1,000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
White Plains FAQ
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Occasional personal car washing is generally tolerated, but soap runoff to the storm drain is technically an illicit discharge. Use a commercial car wash or wash on grass.
Can I drain my pool to the street?
Only after dechlorinating and at a rate that doesn't cause erosion. Chlorinated pool water is an illicit discharge under WP's stormwater code.
Yonkers FAQ
Can I dump soapy car wash water in the street?
No. That is an illicit discharge under Yonkers' MS4 program and NYS DEC regulations, punishable by fines up to $1,000.
Is Yonkers regulated under NYS stormwater rules?
Yes. Yonkers is an MS4 community regulated under NYS DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-15-003, with an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program.
What stormwater standards apply to Yonkers construction?
Projects disturbing 1+ acre must implement green infrastructure per the NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual and submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Compare other topics
See how White Plains and Yonkers compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool