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Environmental Rules in Orange County, NY (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Orange County, New York.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Orange County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Stormwater Management

Orange County bars dumping anything but stormwater into its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) under Local Law No. 1 of 2014. Illicit connections, failing septic systems draining toward the MS4, and unpermitted industrial or construction discharges are all prohibited, with the Stormwater Management Officer (SMO) empowered to inspect, permit and enforce.

Orange County Illicit Discharge & Stormwater Law

Some Restrictions

Orange County Local Law No. 1 of 2014, §§ 6.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.5

No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the County's MS4 any materials other than stormwater except as provided in Section 6.1.1... The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit connections to the County's MS4 is prohibited... The connection of interior floor drains is prohibited.

Erosion Control

Grading permits required by town building departments for earthwork over 500 cubic yards typical. Drainage must not discharge onto neighbor property under NY common law (reasonable use rule). NYSDEC Article 15 permits required for work in protected streams.

environmental/grading-drainage

Some Restrictions

Article 15, Title 5 Environmental Conservation Law (ECL); 6 NYCRR Part 608 (Protection of Waters)

Article 15, Title 5 Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) Implementing Regulations, 6NYCRR PART 608. The protection of New York's diverse water resources ensures that our rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds continue to provide essential ecological and commercial services. Preserving fish and wildlife habitat, safeguarding our drinking water, and allowing industrial and agricultural ventures to res...

All Orange County ordinances

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