NEW DEVELOPMENT

• New Hanover County Stormwater Ordinance                   
  became effective September 2000.

• Check the status of Storm Water ATC permits. ATC Status

• Only the unincorporated areas of the County are subject to the Ordinance.

• The Ordinance and accompanying Stormwater Design Manual outlines how stormwater quality and quantity must be addressed for all new development and redevelopment in the County.

• All new development and subdivision of land is subject to the Ordinance.  Plans must be submitted and an "Authorization to Construct" permit obtained prior to any land disturbing activity.

• The Ordinance requires enforcement with civil penalties up to $5000 per incident for specific violations.

• Standard Operations & Maintenance Form                                                                                         

• Storm Water Permit Application
• Certification of Completion    

• Authorization-To-Construct Decision Flow Chart

     or  Contact Jason Clark, PE, Project Engineer
                                       (910) 798-7139

FLOODING & DRAINAGE

• The Ordinance requires individual property owners to maintain all streams, creeks, ditches, swales, pipes, culverts, etc. that are on private property.  The County does not provide maintenance of drainage ways. (Article 7, Division 3, Section 23-342)

• Drainage Easements must be maintained and kept free of obstructions.  No fences are allowed.

• To control flooding, the County will enforce the correction of problems with property owners.  The Ordinance provides for abatement by the County of Public Nuisances.

• The Ordinance requires enforcement with civil penalties up to $5000 per incident for specific violations.

OTHER AGENCIES

• The County does not control or regulate stormwater within the City of Wilmington.

• The County does not control stormwater conveyance along North Carolina Department of Transportation roadways.

• Development in New Hanover County is also subject to the North Carolina Coastal Stormwater regulations enforced by NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR).  Other agency approvals may be required.  Contact the NCDENR to determine applicable regulations.

                                                                                                  For further information or specific questions,
                    please check the                    

              Frequently Asked Questions

Stormwater Contact for New Hanover County:
New Hanover County Engineering Department
(910) 798-7139