Bronx grading requires DOB earthwork permit for excavation or fill over 50 cubic yards. Final grade must direct water away from foundations and neighboring properties. NYC DEP connection permits needed for drainage to combined sewers.
NYC Building Code Chapter 18 governs grading. Earthwork permit required for excavation deeper than 5 ft or fill over 50 cubic yards. Final grade must slope minimum 2 percent away from buildings per BC 1804.4. Drainage to NYC combined sewer system requires DEP house connection permit (approx 300 dollars plus inspection). Bronx clay soils in Riverdale and Kingsbridge require geotechnical engineering review. Steep slope areas (Van Cortlandt, Riverdale Park escarpment) trigger additional DOB review.
Unpermitted excavation: 5,000-25,000 dollars. Drainage onto neighboring property: civil nuisance claims plus DOB violation.
Bronx County, NY
Open burning is prohibited in Bronx County under both NYC Fire Code FC 307 and 6 NYCRR Part 215. Burning leaves, brush, trash, or yard waste is illegal year-...
Bronx County, NY
Bronx County is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. No WUI maps, Cal Fire-equivalent designations, or Chapter 7A-style construction rules apply in NYC.
Bronx County, NY
Bronx County follows NYC Fire Code (Title 29). Open flames and recreational fires are prohibited on terraces, balconies, roofs, and within 10 feet of combust...
Bronx County, NY
Backyard recreational fires are only allowed at 1-2 family homes with private yards, using approved portable fire pits under 3 feet wide. Apartment buildings...
Bronx County, NY
NYC Administrative Code 27-2045 requires working smoke alarms in every dwelling unit. Since 2019 all replacement alarms must be sealed 10-year battery or har...
Bronx County, NY
The Bronx is a dense urban borough with no wildland-urban interface, so there is no defensible space ordinance. Property owners must still maintain lots free...
See how Bronx County's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
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