Under the Uniform Procedures Act, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) may issue General Permits for activities that have been determined to have limited impact on the environment. They allow similar types of work not unique to a particular location. In addition, some general permits address work necessary after natural disasters or extraordinary weather. If your activity qualifies for a general permit, the process is streamlined.
Issued General Permits
A variety of general permits are available, as listed in the links provided on this page. Each general permit contains a description of the activities covered and conditions that specify or limit how work may be done. For most general permits, applicants applying for coverage under a general permit must carefully read and understand the general permit, submit application materials for DEC review, and receive written approval from DEC before proceeding with work. Additional information is provided for each general permit by clicking the link provided on this page.
Additional General Permits administered by DEC's Division of Water are detailed on the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Permit Program webpage.
Recently Issued Permits
Freshwater Wetlands General Permit (GP-0-25-003)
After carefully considering the relevant comments provided during the public comment period, and making revisions where appropriate, DEC has issued the Basic Freshwater Wetlands General Permit (GP-0-25-003) effective June 13, 2025. Please visit the Freshwater Wetlands General Permit webpage to view the issued general permit, and for more information on how to apply for coverage under this general permit.
Solar Photovoltaic Projects (Less than 25 MW) General Permit (GP-0-25-004)
DEC has issued the Solar Photovoltaic Projects (Less than 25 MW) General Permit (GP-0-25-004) effective July 25, 2025. Please visit the Solar Photovoltaic Projects General Permit webpage to view the general permit, and for more information on how to apply for coverage under the general permit.
Electric Utility Right of Way Maintenance and Repair General Permit (GP-0-25-005)
DEC has issued the Electric Utility Right of Way Maintenance and Repair General Permit (GP-0-25-005) effective September 24, 2025. Please visit the Utility ROW General permits webpage to view this general permit and for more information on obtaining coverage under this general permit.
Lakes and Shorelines Freshwater Wetlands General Permit (GP-0-25-007)
DEC has issued the Lakes and Shorelines Freshwater Wetlands General Permit (GP-0-25-007) effective August 1, 2025. Please visit the Lakes and Shorelines General Permit webpage to view the general permit, and for more information on how to apply for coverage under the general permit.
Natural Gas Utility Right of Way Maintenance and Repair General Permit (GP-0-25-009)
DEC has issued the Natural Gas Utility Right of Way Maintenance and Repair General Permit (GP-0-25-009) effective September 24, 2025. Please visit the Utility ROW General Permits webpage to view this general permit and for more information on obtaining coverage under this general permit.
Stream Activities General Permit (GP-0-26-003)
DEC has issued the Stream Activities General Permit (GP-0-26-003) effective May 21, 2026. Please visit the Stream Activities General Permit webpage to view this general permit and for more information on obtaining coverage under this general permit.
Management of Invasive Species General Permit (GP-0-25-008)
DEC has issued the Management of Invasive Species General Permit (GP-0-25-008), effective May 15, 2026. Please visit the Management of Invasive Species General Permit webpage to view the general permit, and for more information on how to apply for coverage under the general permit.
Housing Development General Permit (GP-0-25-006)
DEC has issued the Housing Development General Permit (GP-0-25-006), effective June 10, 2026. Please visit the Housing General Permit webpage to view the general permit and for more information on how to apply for coverage under this general permit.
Proposed General Permits
Region 9 Soil and Water Conservation District General Permit
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) proposes to issue a general permit for various shoreline stabilization and structural repair activities in state-regulated waters and wetlands. The Region 9 Soil & Water Conservation District General Permit (GP-0-26-001) is proposed to be issued for a five-year term for utilization by Soil & Water Conservation Districts serving counties within DEC’s Region 9 (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Wyoming). The proposed General Permit contains a similar scope of authorized activities and restrictions that have been included in general permits previously issued to regional Soil & Water Conservation Districts, all of which have since expired. The General Permit would include authorizations pursuant to Protection of Waters (ECL Article 15, Title 5) and Freshwater Wetlands (ECL Article 24).
The General Permit is proposed for locations throughout Region 9, except where excluded by the terms and conditions of the general permit. Specific application requirements and procedures are identified with the Draft Soil and Water Conservation District GP (PDF). Comments on the Proposed General Permit are due May 15, 2026. Comments may be submitted to:
Matthew J. Smith
NYSDEC Division of Environmental Permits
700 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14209
Ph: 716-851-7165
Storm Recovery General Permits
General Permits for Storm Recovery may be issued for affected regions of the state for non-emergency cleanup and repair work necessitated by severe storms which may include heavy rains, flash flooding, thunderstorms, etc.
New York State Programmatic General Permit
DEC and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have issued a New York Statewide Programmatic General Permit (NYSPGP-1 (PDF)) for post-storm recovery activities in portions of New York State. When activated following major storm events, NYSPGP-1 authorizes activities to facilitate the recovery and restoration of damaged properties, projects, aquatic resources, and infrastructure. NYSPGP-1 offers one application for the purpose of complying with both agencies' regulations pursuant to the Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 and New York State Environmental Conservation Law, which collectively govern discharge of pollutants into fresh waters, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
View the NYSPGP-1 webpage to view NYSPGP-1, application instructions, and additional information.
