Last Updated 08/21/2026
Syracuse, New York Stormwater Regulations
The City of Syracuse, New York has enacted stormwater management and erosion & sediment control ordinances in order to comply with state and federal regulations, to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls and to protect and safeguard the general health, safety, and welfare of the public residing within the City’s jurisdiction. The ordinances will minimize increases in stormwater runoff from land development activities in order to reduce flooding, siltation, increases in stream temperature, and streambank erosion and maintain the integrity of stream channels. The ordinances also aim to minimize increases in pollution caused by stormwater runoff from land development activities which would otherwise degrade local water, minimize the total annual volume of stormwater runoff which flows from any specific site during and following development to the maximum extent practicable, and reduce stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion and nonpoint source pollution, wherever possible, through stormwater management practices and to ensure that these management practices are properly maintained and eliminate threats to public safety.
Maintenance Easement(s)
Prior to the issuance of any approval that has a stormwater management facility as one of the requirements, the applicant or developer must execute a maintenance easement agreement that shall be binding on all subsequent landowners served by the stormwater management facility. The easement shall provide for access to the facility at reasonable times for periodic inspection by the City of Syracuse to ensure that the facility is maintained in proper working condition to meet design standards and any other provisions established by this Chapter. The easement shall be recorded by the grantor in the office of the County Clerk after approval by the Corporation Counsel.
Maintenance After Construction
The owner or operator of permanent stormwater management practices installed in accordance with this article shall be operated and maintained to achieve the goals of this Chapter. Proper operation and maintenance also includes as a minimum, the following:
- A preventive/corrective maintenance program for all critical facilities and systems of treatment and control (or related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the owner or operator to achieve the goals of this Chapter.
- Written procedures for operation and maintenance and training new maintenance personnel.
- Discharges from the SMPs shall not exceed design criteria or cause or contribute to water quality standard violations
Maintenance Agreement
The City of Syracuse shall approve a formal maintenance agreement for stormwater management facilities binding on all subsequent landowners and recorded in the office of the County Clerk as a deed restriction on the property prior to final plan approval. The maintenance agreement shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of the section of this ordinance entitled Sample Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreement.
Inspection Review and Enforcement
After completion of the project inspection programs shall be established to be performed either by the City of by an independent inspector holding either a professional engineer’s license or a certificate as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, retained by the permit holder, on any reasonable basis, including but not limited to: routine inspections; random inspections; inspections based upon complaints or other notice of possible violations; inspection of drainage basins or areas identified as higher than typical sources of sediment or other contaminants or pollutants; inspections of businesses or industries of a type associated with higher than usual discharges of contaminants or pollutants or with discharges of a type which are more likely than the typical discharge to cause violations of state or federal water or sediment quality standards or the SPDES stormwater permit; and joint inspections with other agencies inspecting under environmental or safety laws. Inspections may include, but are not limited to: reviewing maintenance and repair records; sampling discharges, surface water, groundwater, and material or water in drainage control facilities; and evaluating the condition of drainage control facilities and other stormwater management practices. Reports of said inspections shall be submitted to the City.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is post-construction stormwater management, and does it apply to my property in Syracuse?
Post-construction stormwater management covers the ongoing responsibility to maintain permanent stormwater practices on your property so discharges continue meeting their original design criteria without violating water quality standards, under Syracuse’s stormwater management and erosion control ordinances. If your Syracuse property has a stormwater facility installed under an approved plan, keeping it functioning is a continuing obligation, not a one-time construction requirement. AQUALIS provides full post-construction stormwater management for property owners across Syracuse, so facilities stay compliant well after a project is finished.
What is Syracuse's Sample Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreement, and does it apply to my property?
Syracuse requires a formal maintenance agreement, consistent with the city’s Sample Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreement, to be recorded as a deed restriction before final plan approval is granted. This agreement binds all subsequent property owners, meaning the maintenance obligation transfers automatically when the property is sold. AQUALIS reviews recorded maintenance agreements for Syracuse property owners and takes over the ongoing responsibility they establish.
What ongoing maintenance program does Syracuse require for stormwater facilities?
Syracuse requires owners or operators to maintain permanent stormwater practices through a preventive and corrective maintenance program for all critical facilities, supported by written operational procedures and trained personnel. This is meant to be a formal, documented commitment that keeps discharges within their original design criteria over the long term. AQUALIS develops and manages these preventive and corrective maintenance programs for Syracuse property owners, keeping documentation aligned with the actual maintenance work performed.
Who can inspect my stormwater facility in Syracuse, and how often does it happen?
The City of Syracuse conducts inspections on a routine, random, or complaint-based schedule, reviewing maintenance records, sampling discharges, and evaluating facility conditions. Alternatively, property owners may retain an independent inspector holding a professional engineer license or CPESC certification to conduct the inspection instead. AQUALIS coordinates qualified independent inspections for Syracuse property owners and manages the documentation the city expects to see.
What happens if my stormwater facility in Syracuse is not maintained according to its design standards?
If a stormwater facility in Syracuse is not being maintained to preserve its design criteria, or if discharges exceed established water quality standards, the property owner risks violating the recorded maintenance agreement and the city’s underlying stormwater ordinance. This risk exists for as long as the facility remains on the property, regardless of how much time has passed since construction. AQUALIS provides maintenance and non-compliance resolution for Syracuse property owners, correcting facility issues before they become a violation.
Who is responsible for stormwater maintenance if I bought a Syracuse property with an existing facility?
Because Syracuse’s maintenance agreement is recorded as a deed restriction binding on all subsequent property owners, the maintenance obligation transfers automatically to a new owner when a property is sold, regardless of who built or originally permitted the facility. New owners are often unaware of this until the city’s inspection program identifies an issue. AQUALIS reviews the maintenance history and recorded agreements for newly acquired Syracuse properties and takes over the ongoing responsibility from there.
Where can property owners in Syracuse get help with post-construction stormwater compliance?
Post-construction stormwater compliance in Syracuse involves a maintenance easement agreement, a deed-restricted maintenance agreement, a documented preventive and corrective maintenance program, and regular inspections, either by the city or a qualified independent professional. Managing all of this without dedicated stormwater staff is difficult for most property owners. AQUALIS offers complete post-construction stormwater management for Syracuse property owners, covering maintenance, inspection coordination, and non-compliance resolution, so owners can meet the city’s requirements without managing the process themselves.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
