Colonie, NY Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Colonie, NY, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Before any development in a special flood hazard area
- Administrator
- Director of the Planning and Economic Development Department
- Application fee
- Per Town Land Use Review Fee Schedule
- Deposit
- Up to $500 for added review/inspection costs
- Penalty
- Up to $250 fine or 15 days jail, per day
- Current FIRM
- Effective March 16, 2015, Community No. 360007
Summary
Any construction, filling, or land disturbance in a Town of Colonie area of special flood hazard requires a floodplain development permit from the Planning and Economic Development Department before a single shovel goes into the ground. The Town regulates these zones under Chapter 190, Article XVII, adopted to cut flood and erosion losses and keep the Town eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program.
A floodplain development permit is hereby established for all construction and other development to be undertaken in areas of special flood hazard in this community for the purpose of protecting its citizens from increased flood hazards and insuring that new development is constructed in a manner that minimizes its exposure to flooding. It shall be unlawful to undertake any development in an area of special flood hazard, as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map enumerated in § 190-98B, without a valid floodplain development permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4902401; v37 updated 2026-05-28; through 05-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
The permit applies townwide to every area of special flood hazard shown on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map panels effective March 16, 2015, for Community No. 360007, covering the Town of Colonie in Albany County. Applicants file on forms from the Director of the PEDD, submitting scaled plans showing existing or proposed structures, fill, storage, drainage facilities, and elevations. Every application carries a fee set in the Town's Land Use Review Fee Schedule, and the applicant separately reimburses the Town for review and inspection costs; the Director may require a deposit of no more than $500 to cover that work.
Before issuing a permit, the Director reviews the application for completeness and confirms the site will be reasonably safe from flooding and will not damage neighboring property. Once construction starts, the Director makes periodic inspections and can issue a stop-work order for any development proceeding without a permit or violating permit conditions. No one may occupy a building in a special flood hazard area until the Director issues a certificate of compliance confirming the finished structure and land conform to the article.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the permit, or ignoring a stop-work order, is a violation under § 190-98E, punishable by a fine of no more than $250 or imprisonment of not more than 15 days, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. A structure found noncompliant without an approved § 190-101 variance is reported to FEMA, which can jeopardize flood-insurance eligibility for the whole Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in a Colonie flood zone?
What does a floodplain permit cost in Colonie?
Who administers floodplain permits in Colonie?
Can I occupy a new building in a flood zone right after construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colonie
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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Albany County handle flood zones.