Scranton, PA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Zoning Code Chapter 445, § 445-14, Floodplain Overlay, makes it unlawful to undertake or cause to be undertaken any construction or development within the City of Scranton unless a permit has been obtained from the Floodplain Administrator, a role assigned to the City Planner in the Department of Licensing, Inspections and Permits. Applicants must submit a written application on City forms showing the owner, contractor, site location, a description of proposed work with estimated cost, and a site plan drawn at a scale of one inch to 100 feet or less, and must pay a fee based on the estimated construction cost.

Before issuing a permit, the Administrator confirms other required state and federal permits are in hand, including those under the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, the Clean Streams Act, and Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act. Construction must start within 180 days of permit issuance and be completed within 12 months, or the permit expires unless the Administrator grants a written extension for good cause. A placard showing the permit number and issuance date must be displayed on site during construction.

If the Administrator finds a false statement, misrepresentation, or noncompliant work, the permit is revoked and reported to the Director of Licensing, Inspections and Permits. Anyone aggrieved by an Administrator decision may appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days, with further appeal to the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas under the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act.