Schenectady, NY Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 148, Article I, adopted in 2007, requires review and approval of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) before any land development activity begins, per § 148-4A, except for a defined list of exempt activities in § 148-4D: emergency work, agricultural operations disturbing less than one acre, routine maintenance of drainage facilities, mining, septic system replacement on an existing dwelling, ordinary lawn care and home gardening, and forestry conducted under a management plan. Redevelopment projects must follow Chapter 9 of the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual and are encouraged under § 148-4C to use practices like rain gardens, pervious pavers and green roofs to reduce impacts where full compliance isn't achievable on a constrained urban site.

Applicants must also secure any other state, federal or local permits, and where site plan or subdivision approval is required, the responsible board integrates the SWPPP review into that process. The Stormwater Management Officer administers the article under § 148-10 for plan review and § 148-13 for construction inspection, and requires a project completion inspection before releasing any performance guarantee posted under § 148-16. If land development proceeds out of compliance, § 148-18 lets the Officer issue a written notice of violation describing the remedial measures and a compliance deadline, and issue a stop-work order halting all activity except work that addresses the violation. The Building Inspector may also withhold a certificate of occupancy until the site is brought into compliance.