Grading permit required when excavating, filling, or regrading alters drainage on your property. Lots must drain toward streets or approved swales — not onto neighbors. Retaining walls over 4 ft require a building permit and engineered plans.
WP Zoning Ordinance and Building Code provisions prohibit altering grade in a manner that diverts surface water onto adjoining properties. New construction site plans must show existing and proposed grades, spot elevations, and drainage patterns. Impervious surface limits (typically 40-50% in residential districts depending on zone) apply. Sump pump and foundation drain discharges to the street via piped outlet are regulated.
Unauthorized grade changes causing neighbor drainage issues: civil penalties, mandatory restoration, and potential private nuisance suits.
White Plains, NY
Recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers cannot be stored on streets. Residential zoning restricts storage in driveways and front yards — typically rear or...
White Plains, NY
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVW cannot park overnight on residential streets. Delivery and service trucks allowed during active work only; daytime co...
White Plains, NY
Overnight on-street parking is restricted in many White Plains neighborhoods (typically 3 a.m.–5 a.m. prohibition unless posted otherwise). Residents may pur...
White Plains, NY
Retaining walls over 4 ft high (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a Building Department permit and engineered drawings. Walls supportin...
White Plains, NY
White Plains prohibits chickens, roosters, and livestock in residential zones. City is urban/suburban and not zoned for agricultural use. No backyard chicken...
White Plains, NY
White Plains enforces the New York State Property Maintenance Code (19 NYCRR Part 1225) and Fire Code through its Department of Building. Single- or multiple...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Westchester County.
See how other cities in Westchester County handle grading & drainage.
See how White Plains's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
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