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.
Proposed General Permits
Multiple General Permits
The comment period for the following proposed General Permits has ended. DEC is currently evaluating the comments received. Visit the Proposed General Permits webpage for more information and to review the proposed permits.
Community-Scale Solar Energy Installations General Permit (GP-0-25-004)
Electric Utility Right of Way Maintenance and Repair General Permit (GP-0-25-005)
Housing Development Freshwater Wetlands General Permit (GP-0-25-006)
Lake Shorelines Freshwater Wetlands General Permit (GP-0-25-007)
Modification of Management of Invasive Species General Permit (GP-0-25-008)
Natural Gas Utility Right of Way Maintenance General Permit (GP-0-25-009)
Modification of Stream Crossings for Timber Harvesting General Permits (GP-0-23-004 and GP-0-23-005)
Freshwater Wetlands General Permit (GP-0-25-003)
The comment period for the proposed Freshwater Wetlands General Permit (GP-0-25-003) has ended. DEC is currently evaluating the comments received. Please read the Freshwater Wetlands General Permit webpage for more information and to review the status of the proposed permit.
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.
Storm Recovery
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.
