Brooklyn Stormwater Connection Approval Guide

Environmental Protection New York 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of New York

In Brooklyn, New York, property owners must secure official approval before connecting roof leaders, drains, or site runoff to the municipal storm or combined sewer system. This guide explains which City agencies are involved, how to apply for the required permits, common enforcement risks, and practical steps to get and keep a compliant stormwater connection.

Overview of Requirements

The City of New York regulates connections to storm and combined sewers to protect public health and infrastructure. Most connection authorizations involve the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and plumbing permits from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). For permit application details and submission procedures see the DEP and DOB pages referenced below[1][2].

Start early: permitting and coordination between DEP and DOB often take weeks.

Who Enforces the Rules

The primary enforcer for sewer and stormwater connections is the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); the Department of Buildings (DOB) enforces plumbing and building permit compliance for on-site work. Complaints and inspections are handled through DEP enforcement channels and DOB inspection programs[1][2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement can include monetary fines, stop-work orders, orders to remove or remediate unauthorized connections, criminal referrals for intentional illegal discharges, and administrative proceedings. Where the official pages list specific penalties or fee schedules, they are cited; where figures are not published on the cited pages the text below notes that fact.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Escalation: ranges for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: DEP may order disconnection, remediation, or restoration; DOB may issue stop-work or revoke plumbing approvals[1][2].
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: report through DEP enforcement contacts and DOB complaint/inspection channels[1][2].
  • Appeals/review: specific administrative appeal time limits and routes are not specified on the cited pages; check the DEP and DOB guidance or contact the offices directly for appeal procedures[1][2].
If you discover an unauthorized connection, notify DEP immediately to limit liability.

Applications & Forms

DEP provides sewer connection permit information and application instructions; DOB requires plumbing and related building permits for on-site work. Exact form names, form numbers, fees, and submission portals are linked on the official pages; where a specific fee or form number is not shown on those pages this guide notes "not specified on the cited page." For DEP and DOB application portals see the references below[1][2].

Practical Steps to Get Approval

  • Confirm whether the property connects to combined or separated sewers by consulting DEP maps or contacting DEP[1].
  • Apply for DEP sewer connection authorization if required, following instructions on the DEP page[1].
  • Obtain DOB plumbing permits for on-site installation and inspections before starting work[2].
  • Schedule required inspections and keep records of approvals and test results.
  • Pay any permit fees as required; fee details may be on the DEP or DOB pages or in the specific application package[1][2].

Common Violations

  • Unpermitted direct connection of roof leaders or yard drains to sewers.
  • Illicit discharges of washwater or contaminants to storm sewers.
  • Failure to obtain DOB plumbing permits for modifications to drainage systems.
Keep all permit documents and inspection reports on file for at least the duration specified by the permitting agency.

FAQ

Do I always need a DEP authorization to connect stormwater drains?
Not always; it depends on the property and sewer type. Check DEP’s sewer connection guidance and contact DEP to confirm.[1]
Can I do the plumbing work myself?
DIY work may still require DOB permits and must comply with plumbing codes; contact DOB for permit and licensing requirements.[2]
What happens if there is an illegal connection?
DEP and DOB can order disconnection, remediation, fines, or other actions; specific penalties are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the agencies.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm sewer type and whether DEP approval is required by consulting DEP guidance or contacting DEP.[1]
  2. Collect site plans and drainage diagrams needed for permit applications.
  3. Submit DEP sewer connection application if required and obtain written authorization.[1]
  4. Apply for necessary DOB plumbing permits and schedule inspections.[2]
  5. Complete work under permit, pass inspections, and retain records of approvals and tests.

Key Takeaways

  • DEP and DOB coordinate on stormwater/sewer connection approvals.
  • Permit requirements and penalties should be checked with agencies early in project planning.
  • When in doubt, contact DEP or DOB before starting work to avoid costly enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] NYC Department of Environmental Protection - Sewer connections guidance
  2. [2] NYC Department of Buildings - Plumbing and sewer work

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