Buffalo District Regulatory Division
Jurisdiction - New York
The Buffalo District administers regulatory authority over the western and central portions of New York State. This includes major portions of the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario watersheds, covering areas such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and surrounding counties.
For more information on how jurisdiction is determined—including definitions of waters of the United States (WOTUS)—visit the About Jurisdiction page.
Permit Types
Find permitting information, application procedures, and helpful resources for your project in this jurisdiction.
Visit https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs/home/permitting to learn about the types of permits USACE issues.
Nationwide Permits
Regional General Permits
Programmatic General Permits
(PAL collection for all PGPs in this jurisdiction)
Letters of Permission
(PAL collection for all LoP in this jurisdiction)
Apply
The Buffalo District uses a joint permit application process in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). This process covers both federal and state authorizations with a single application.
1. Review Instructions
Before applying, review the official application guidance:
Joint Application Instructions (PDF)
2. Complete the Joint Application Form
Download and complete the official application:
Joint Application Form (PDF)
3. Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application and supporting documents via email:
LRB.Regulatory.NewYork_Actions@usace.army.mil
For files over 50 MB, use the secure DoD SAFE system to request a file drop link:
https://safe.apps.mil/
Also Submit to NYSDEC
The same application must also be sent to the appropriate NYSDEC regional permit office. Details are provided in the
instruction packet.
What to Expect
After submission, the Corps will assign a file number (e.g., LRB‑20XX‑0XXX) and a project manager will reach out if additional information is needed.
Coordination Requirements
Some projects may require additional authorizations or reviews based on location and type of activity:
Coastal Zone Management (CZMP)
Projects within approximately 1,000 feet of Great Lakes shoreline must comply with New York’s CZMP and coordinate with the NYS Department of State.
Water Quality Certification (Section 401)
Individual Water Quality Certification may be needed for discharges of fill material. Contact NYSDEC to determine requirements.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Projects affecting federal-listed species must submit a Pre-Construction Notification in compliance with NWP conditions. Guidance is available via the USFWS.
Historic Preservation (NHPA Section 106)
Consultation with NY State Historic Preservation Office is required for projects impacting historic properties. Use NYS CRIS for initial research.
Additional Resources
- New York Sea Grant offers shoreline erosion control guidance.
- Projects within maritime sanctuaries may require separate submissions.
- Funded agreement and mitigation info available through Section 214 and ORM portals.
Contact
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Buffalo District, Regulatory
478 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 879‑4330
Please leave a voicemail so we can return your call.