Albany County has no ocean coastline but the Hudson River is a designated NYS coastal area under Executive Law Article 42. Waterfront development in Bethlehem, Coeymans, and the City of Albany triggers LWRP consistency review and tidal wetlands rules.
Although inland, Albany County borders the Hudson River, which is a designated coastal area under New York's Coastal Management Program (Executive Law Article 42, §910-922) administered by the Department of State. The Hudson is tidal as far north as the Federal Dam at Troy, making Albany County shoreline subject to tidal wetlands protections under ECL Article 25. The City of Albany, Town of Bethlehem, and Town of Coeymans have adopted or are developing Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs (LWRPs). Development within the coastal boundary requires a consistency determination. Activities within 300 feet of the mean high water line or affecting tidal wetlands require a DEC tidal wetlands permit. Public access to the Hudson is prioritized — the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail and Corning Preserve waterfront are protected assets. Bulkheads, piers, and dredging require joint DEC and Army Corps permits.
Unpermitted work in tidal wetlands: DEC fines up to $10,000 per violation plus $1,000/day continuing, restoration ordered. Inconsistency with LWRP: project denial. Dredging or fill without Army Corps approval: federal Clean Water Act §404 penalties up to $37,500/day.
Albany, NY
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Albany, NY
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Albany, NY
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Albany, NY
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See how Albany's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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