You May Need Permissions
Depositing or removing the natural products of wetlands in the process of recreational or commercial fishing, shellfishing, aquaculture, hunting or trapping
Dependent on your project’s scope, you may need permits or authorizations from one or more agencies.
Army Corps
Maybe
NYS DEC
Maybe
NYS DOS
Maybe
NYC DCP
Maybe
It is possible you may need permits from or reviews by one or more the agencies regulating waterfront permitting in New York City if your work or activity will impact the shoreline, a water body, or a wetland.
There are also exemptions for work or activities with minimal impact to waterways and wetlands.
We suggest you begin by contacting the NYS DEC to request a jurisdictional determination.
First Steps – Research & discussions
General Information
- Are there any existing violations on the project site? If so, talk to both Army Corps and NYS DEC to resolve these – before you apply
- Large, complex, projects generally require in-person meetings to discuss project scope and alternatives prior to application. Contact the Army Corps and the NYS DEC first to discuss your project and how best to proceed.
- There are numerous land use restrictions for projects near New York State wetlands. The NYS DEC can help you determine whether your project scope is compatible with the area.
- For new projects near wetlands, applicants should contact the NYS DEC for a jurisdictional determination and to coordinate the delineation and flagging of the wetland boundary.
- Be sure you have permissions to build. This includes 3rd party landowner permissions, if any, and Lands Under Water easements (contact NYS Office of General Services to determine ownership). You’ll need permissions as part of your application.
- Prepare or obtain a site map showing accurate, updated property ownership and information on existing site conditions. More about Existing Site Conditions
- An individual Army Corps review may be required if any attendant features are created, such as docks, piers, or boat ramps.
- Your project may be eligible for a Nationwide Permit (#48) from the Army Corps. Nationwide Permits, if granted, are generally processed more quickly, provided you meet the criteria (read the Regional Conditions to see if you do).
- NYS DOS review is not required unless a federal review or permit (such as by Army Corps) is needed. Contact DOS to determine whether you need to submit an application.
- If a NYS DOS review is required, you will also need to submit a copy of your application to the NYC DCP for a WRP consistency review.
Next – Prepare your Joint Application
Then – Send in your application
- All agencies require hard copies to be mailed.
- For NYS DEC’s requirements, see: DEC Waterfront Activities Application Checklist
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Address
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NY District
Regulatory Branch, Room 1937
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278-0090Phone (917) 790-8511
Fax (212) 264-4260 - NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Address
Regional Permit Administrator
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Region 2
1 Hunter’s Point Plaza
47-40 21st Street
Long Island City, NY 11101-5401E-mail [email protected]
Phone (718) 482-4997
Fax (718) 482-4975 - NYS Department of State
Address
Consistency Review Unit
Office of Planning and Development
New York State Department of State
Suite 1010
One Commerce Place, 99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231-0001E-mail [email protected]
Phone (518) 474-6000
Alternate: (518) 474-6572 - NYC Department of City Planning
Address
Michael Marrella
Director of Waterfront and Open Space
New York City Department of City Planning
20 Broadway, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10271Email [email protected]
Phone (212) 720-3626
What happens next?
For more information about what happens following your submission of an application, see Steps in the Permitting Process and Typical timeframes for review
Additional Authorizations You May Need
Factors such as location, type of improvements and end use may require additional permits and authorizations in order to perform your specific project. For more information, see Related Permits and Reviews