Yonkers, NY Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Section 43-105 of the Zoning Ordinance, in Article IX, Site Plan Review, sets the general review standards the Planning Board applies to every site plan, then adds a specific steep-slope track in Subsection B for any site with an area greater than 5,000 square feet where the slope exceeds 15%. Within that track, § 43-105B(1)(h) bars disturbing existing vegetation and ground cover more than 15 days before grading and construction begin, so a site cannot sit stripped and exposed for weeks before work starts. Paragraph (j) requires temporary soil-stabilization measures, netting, mulching or hydroseeding, to be shown on the site plan and applied within two days of any disturbance if final grade will not be reached within 30 days.

Paragraph (k) ties the whole program to state practice, requiring erosion and sedimentation control measures to be consistent with the NYSDEC's 'Guidelines for Urban Erosion and Sedimentation Control' or an equivalent standard acceptable to the approving agency. Paragraph (l) requires a topsoil conservation plan: topsoil removed from disturbed areas must be stockpiled, stabilized against erosion, and replaced on the site at final grading. Paragraph (o) specifically forbids stockpiling topsoil on slopes greater than 15% unless the applicant mitigates erosion of the stockpile itself and captures any sediment that migrates from it.

Clear-cutting is also restricted: § 43-105B(1)(i) directs applicants to phase clearance as construction progresses rather than clearing the whole site at once. The Planning Board may waive any of these steep-slope standards under § 43-105B(2) if it finds other, equally effective mitigation measures are proposed.