New York vs Seattle
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between New York, NY and Seattle, WA.
| Requirement | New York, NY | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC (NYC Plumbing Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments) | UPC (Washington State uses Uniform Plumbing Code) |
| Min. Trap Size | Determined by fixture count and flow rate per NYC Plumbing Code Section 1003.3; gravity interceptors sized per ASME A112.14.3 (typically 750-2000 gallons for FSEs); under-sink traps (hydromechanical) rated at minimum 20 GPM for smaller operations | 1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors; hydromechanical interceptors per UPC sizing (typically 20-50 GPM) |
| Pumping Frequency | As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG; NYC DEP recommends at minimum every 90 days; must be pumped before grease and solids accumulation exceeds 25% of wetted depth | At minimum every 90 days for the first year; frequency may be adjusted based on monitoring records |
| 25% Rule | Yes | Yes |
| Permit Required | Required | Required |
| Permit Fee | No separate FOG permit fee; covered under sewer connection/discharge permits. DEP may require a Wastewater Discharge Permit for significant facilities | No separate FOG permit fee; covered under King County Industrial Waste discharge program |
| Max Fine | $25,000 per day per violation under NYC Administrative Code Title 24; additional civil penalties possible | $10,000 per day per violation under Seattle Municipal Code; King County may impose additional penalties |
| Inspections | DEP conducts inspections as needed, typically annually for FSEs with compliance issues; self-monitoring required | Annually; King County WTD inspects FSEs on a risk-based schedule |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) | King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) Industrial Waste Program; Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) for local sewer connections |
| Establishments | 24,639 | 6,372 |
Key Differences
As cities in different states, New York (NY) and Seattle (WA) operate under distinct regulatory frameworks. Here are the most important differences restaurant operators should know:
- New York follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Seattle uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards.
- Pumping schedules differ: New York requires "As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG", whereas Seattle requires "At minimum every 90 days for the first year".
- Both cities enforce the 25% rule, requiring grease traps to be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of the trap's capacity.
- Fines differ: New York penalties can reach $25,000 per day per violation under NYC Administrative Code Title 24; additional civil penalties possible, compared to $10,000 per day per violation under Seattle Municipal Code; King County may impose additional penalties in Seattle.
What This Means for Restaurant Operators
If you operate food service establishments in either city, understanding these regulatory differences is critical for compliance. Permit requirements vary, so check with each city's wastewater authority before opening a new location. Different plumbing codes (IPC (NYC Plumbing Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments) vs UPC (Washington State uses Uniform Plumbing Code)) mean trap sizing calculations may produce different results for the same kitchen setup. Always verify current requirements directly with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do grease trap requirements compare between New York and Seattle?
New York follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Seattle uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards. Pumping schedules differ: New York requires "As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG", whereas Seattle requires "At minimum every 90 days for the first year".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, New York or Seattle?
Enforcement varies: both cities have similar permit requirements. New York fines: $25,000 per day per violation under NYC Administrative Code Title 24; additional civil penalties possible. Seattle fines: $10,000 per day per violation under Seattle Municipal Code; King County may impose additional penalties. Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between New York and Seattle?
New York: As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG; NYC DEP recommends at minimum every 90 days; must be pumped befor. Seattle: At minimum every 90 days for the first year; frequency may be adjusted based on monitoring records.
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.
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