Irondequoit, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Core prohibition
- Town of Irondequoit Code § 196-41, illegal discharges and illicit connections
- Issues notices of violation
- Town Commissioner of Public Works
- First offense
- Fine up to $350 or up to 15 days, or both
- Third offense within five years
- Fine of $700 to $1,000 or up to 30 days
- Appeal of a notice
- Notice of appeal received by Town Clerk within 10 days
- Stormwater to sanitary sewer
- Written permission from the Town required
Summary
In the Town of Irondequoit, Monroe County, New York, nothing but stormwater can go into the municipal storm drain system or a watercourse if it causes or contributes to a water quality violation. Illicit connections are banned, including old ones, and stormwater cannot enter the sanitary sewer without written Town permission. Repeat violations carry fines up to $1,000.
A. Prohibition of illegal discharges. (1) No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal storm drain system or watercourses any materials, including, but not limited to, pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than stormwater. Such activities include failing private sewage disposal systems as defined in § 196-35, improper management of animal waste or any other activity that causes or contributes to violations of the Town's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) SPDES permit authorization. ... C. Prohibition of illicit connections. (1) The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit connections to the storm drain system is prohibited. ... F. Prohibition of stormwater discharge to sanitary sewer. Stormwater shall not be discharged into the sanitary sewer without written permission to do so from the Town of Irondequoit.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 196 of the Town of Irondequoit Code regulates stormwater, and § 196-41 holds the core prohibitions. Subsection A bars any person from discharging into the municipal storm drain system or watercourses any material, including water carrying pollutants, that causes or contributes to a violation of applicable water quality standards. The Town names failing private sewage disposal systems and improper management of animal waste as examples, and anything that contributes to a violation of the Town's MS4 SPDES permit authorization falls under the ban. Once the Town notifies a person that its activities contribute to such violations, that person must take all reasonable actions to correct them.
Subsection B lists exemptions: waterline flushing, landscape irrigation or lawn watering, rising groundwater, foundation or footing drains, crawl space pumps, air-conditioning condensation, noncommercial washing of vehicles, fire-fighting activities and dechlorinated swimming pools, plus any other water source not containing pollutants. Dye testing is allowed with verbal notification to the Town before the test. A nonstormwater discharge authorized under a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation SPDES permit is exempt only if the discharger is in full compliance and the Town has granted written approval.
Subsection C bans illicit connections, and that ban expressly reaches connections made in the past, even if they were lawful when built. Connecting a pipe that conveys sewage to the MS4, or allowing that connection to continue, is a violation. Subsection D bars leaving refuse, rubbish, yard or lawn waste, garbage or litter on streets, sidewalks, parking areas or in the storm drainage system so that it can cause or contribute to pollution; wastes set out in proper receptacles for collection are exempt. Subsection F requires written permission from the Town before stormwater is discharged into the sanitary sewer.
Two related sections matter to homeowners. Section 196-46 requires every owner of property through which a watercourse passes to keep that part free of trash, debris, yard waste and excessive vegetation. Section 196-47 requires notice of spills: hazardous releases go to the NYSDEC Region 8 Spill Response Team and the Town's Supervisor, Commissioner of Public Works or Town Attorney.
Violations & Fines
Section 196-49 sets a fine not to exceed $350 or imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, or both, for a first offense. A second violation within five years carries a fine not less than $350 nor more than $700 or up to 30 days. A third or later violation within five years carries a fine not less than $700 nor more than $1,000 or up to 30 days. Each day's continued violation is a separate additional violation. Abatement costs become a special assessment and lien on the property (§ 196-52).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my sump pump or foundation drain discharge to the storm drain in the Town of Irondequoit?
Is washing my car in the driveway allowed?
How do I appeal a Town notice of violation?
Who pays if the Town cleans up a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Irondequoit
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How other cities in Monroe County handle stormwater management.