Certain new and redevelopment projects located in New York City that involve or result in a soil disturbance within the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) area are required to apply for construction permits.
Projects that meet the criteria must submit permit applications to DEP. DEP will review and approve applications, and inspect construction activities for stormwater impacts and post-construction stormwater management practices.
Download the Stormwater Design Manual as a reference for use when complying with program rules.
To apply for MS4 construction permits, you must submit an application using our Stormwater Permitting and Tracking System or “SWPTS.”
Once you login to SWPTS, the system will walk you through the various steps of the permitting process. For your application, you will need to have completed your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Please refer to our SWTPS User Manual, the SWPPP Template, and the No Net Increase Calculator for additional guidance:
MS4 Construction Permits Criteria
Any development or redevelopment project (public or private) will require MS4 construction permits if:
*Projects involving New York City municipal operations and facilities where stormwater drains from the project directly to surface waters are also considered to be in the MS4 area.
AND
All projects that meet both of the above criteria are required to obtain MS4 construction permits from DEP.
Please use our Records Request Form to determine if stormwater drains from your project into to the MS4 area.
Our interactive MS4 map can help you determine into which waterbody your project discharges runoff.
MS4 Construction Permits Resources
MS4 Construction Permits Contact
If you have additional questions regarding the permitting process, please email stormwaterpermits@dep.nyc.gov, with MS4 Construction Permits in the subject line.