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Monroe County, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

MS4
Rochester + towns
Threshold
1 acre SWPPP
Permit
SPDES GP-0-20-001
Watershed
Lake Ontario

Summary

Rochester and Monroe County towns are NYS MS4 permittees. NY DEC SPDES GP-0-20-001 requires SWPPP for 1+ acre disturbance. Strict Lake Ontario and Genesee River watershed protection.

City-specific rules exist: Rochester has its own stormwater management rules that differ from Monroe County's county-level regulations. If you live in Rochester, check the city-specific page instead.

Regulatory Requirements The USEPA and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) are increasing their attention in several ways. There are three State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) general permits required for activities associated stormwater discharges. The Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities (MSGP) addresses stormwater runoff from certain industrial activities. This permit requires facilities to develop stormwater pollution prevention prevention plans (SWPPPs) and report the results of industry-specific monitoring to the NYSDEC on an annual basis. A federal regulation, commonly known as Stormwater Phase II, requires the General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4 GP). MS4 Operators are required to develop a stormwater management program (SWMP) to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable. Construction activities disturbing one or more acres of soil must be authorized under the General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (CGP). Permittees are required to develop a SWPPP to prevent discharges of construction-related pollutants to surface waters.

Source: State of New YorkView official code

Full Breakdown

Rochester, Monroe County, and most urbanized Monroe County towns are regulated MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) operators under NY DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-19-003. New construction or significant redevelopment disturbing 1 or more acres requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) under SPDES GP-0-20-001, following the NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual. Rochester City Code Ch. 104A governs stormwater. Post-construction stormwater facilities must be maintained by property owners in perpetuity. Lake Ontario and Genesee River watershed protection is a DEC priority; Irondequoit Bay and Braddock Bay have specific TMDL plans. Illicit discharges (washing cars into storm drains, dumping yard waste) prohibited.

Violations & Fines

Failure to implement SWPPP: NY DEC fines up to $37,500 per day. Rochester Ch. 104A illicit discharge: $500 to $10,000. Maintenance failures: correction order plus civil penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical penalties for violating stormwater rules?
Most Monroe County environmental violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Monroe County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Monroe County

All Monroe County rules

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