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.
Proposed General Permits
Housing Development General Permit
Based on public comments received in response to the original public notice (dated February 5, 2025) and subsequent public notices (dated August 20, 2025 and November 19, 2025) provided for the proposed Housing Development General Permit (GP-0-25-006), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) proposes substantive revisions to this GP including changes to the impact limit acreage worksheet which would allow impacts of up to 3 acres in wetlands and 15 acres in wetland adjacent areas. Impact limits would be determined by the overall development area and the extent of wetlands and wetland adjacent areas on the site. The revised GP also proposes an exclusion for sites with 90% or more regulated area (wetlands and wetland adjacent area combined), and sites that are less than 23 acres. This GP includes authorizations pursuant to Freshwater Wetlands (Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) Article 24), Excavation and Fill in Navigable Waters (ECL Article 15, Title 5), and Stream Disturbance (ECL Article 15, Title 5), and it would be effective for a period of five years.
The General Permit is proposed for locations statewide, except where project coverage is excluded by the terms and conditions of the GP. Specific application requirements and procedures are identified within the Draft Housing GP (PDF). An interactive version of the Attachment A worksheet (Excel) is also available as a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet.
The comment period for this proposed General Permit has ended and DEC is currently evaluating the comments received.
Management of Invasive Species General Permit
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) proposes to modify one existing statewide General Permit (GP) which would be effective for a period of five years. It would authorize the management of invasive and nuisance species by various methods such as hand harvesting, suction harvesting, aquatic pesticides, benthic barriers, and mechanical harvesting and cutting. This GP includes authorizations pursuant to Freshwater Wetlands (ECL Article 24), Excavation and Fill in Navigable Waters (ECL Article 15, Title 5), Stream Disturbance (ECL Article 15, Title 5), and Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers (ECL Article 15 Title 27).
The General Permit is proposed for locations statewide, except where excluded by the terms and conditions of each GP. Specific application requirements and procedures are identified within the Draft Invasive Species GP (PDF).
The comment period for this proposed General Permit has ended and DEC is currently evaluating the comments received.
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.
