Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-46
Storm drainage
Operative Text
A. Roofs and paved areas, including yards and courts, shall be properly drained. Storm drainage shall be conveyed to an adequate and approved system of water disposal where available. Storm drains shall be discharged in such manner that water will not flow onto sidewalks. Gutters and leaders shall adequately protect adjoining property from the water flowing from such roofs. B. Where a drainage system may be subject to backwater, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow into the building as provided in the Plumbing Code of the City of Albany. C. Leaders and gutters, if used, shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except that wood leaders and gutters may be used for buildings not more than three stories high.
Albany Code § 231-46 establishes standards for how storm drainage must be managed on residential and commercial properties. Roofs, paved areas, yards, and courts must drain properly, with stormwater directed to an approved disposal system when one is available, and discharge must not send water flowing onto public sidewalks. Gutters and leaders must protect neighboring properties from roof runoff, backwater must be prevented from entering buildings, and any leaders or gutters used must be made of noncombustible materials unless the building is three stories or fewer.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany Code § 231-46, compliant property operators maintain functional gutters, leaders, and drainage systems that direct stormwater away from sidewalks and neighboring properties. Operators generally ensure that any drainage system vulnerable to backwater has appropriate safeguards in place per Albany's Plumbing Code, and that gutter and leader materials meet the noncombustibility requirements for buildings over three stories. Routine inspection of drainage components helps confirm that roofs, yards, and paved areas continue to drain adequately to an approved disposal system.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany Code § 231-46 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a property's drainage is failing — for example, if water pools in yards or courts, overflows onto sidewalks, or backs up into the building. Tenants may report suspected violations to the City of Albany's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations in Albany can help residents understand how drainage deficiencies may relate to broader habitability standards and what documentation is useful when raising a complaint.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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