Mass Grading Only

Process Description:
When an applicant wishes to clear land and perform grading activities on a site and when no improvements to the site are proposed they may submit plans for Mass Grading Only. Improvements include but are not limited to: stormwater pipes or detention devices, utility lines, building footprints, street improvements, driveways, parking lots, retaining walls, etc. The plans will be reviewed by Plan Reviewers from Stormwater, Tree Conservation, Fire Protection, and Transportation Services for compliance with all applicable Raleigh City Code requirements.

A Land Disturbance Permit must be obtained when an applicant wishes to disturb 12,000 square feet or more of land per City Code Part 10 Chapter 5 Section 5008. A Flood Permit is required when the proposed work is located within a flood hazard area. If Neuse River Buffer exists on the property, a Neuse River Buffer Permit may be required. Tree Conservation and Land Disturbance are typically reviewed during the same plans review; however, a Tree Conservation Permit may be applied for separately, if requested.

After the plans submittal package is submitted to the Development Services Customer Service Center (see Standard Submittal Package requirements below), the plan is assigned a transaction number and routed for review. At the end of a review cycle, the client will be contacted via fax and/or email with either review comments for unresolved issues or instructions to pick up the approved permit(s). Clients may also track plan review and/or permit status by using their assigned transaction number or the project street address on the City of Raleigh Online Development Center.

See the City of Raleigh Development Services Glossary for any unfamiliar terms.

Are there any prerequisites/requirements for this process?

• Preliminary Site plan approval is not required for a Mass Grading Only
• Recorded Maps are not required as part of the submittal package for Mass Grading Only

Exceptions to the process:

• If an applicant wishes to install improvements on a site, they should submit plans for Site Review instead. Improvements include but are not limited to stormwater pipes or detention devices, utility lines, building footprints, street improvements, driveways, parking lots, retaining walls, etc.

What permits can be issued under this process?

• Land Disturbance
• Flood
• Neuse River Buffer
• Tree Conservation

How do I start the process?
Submit a complete Standard Submittal Package to the Customer Service Center located at One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC.

What do I need to submit to the City?

Submittal Package
Required for Submittal	Site Review and Commercial Building Permit Data Sheet Site Review and Commercial Building Permit Application Contactor Information Form (prior to permit issuance)
Recommended for a Successful Review	Mass Grading Checklist
Required for Some Projects	Financial Responsibility Ownership Form (doc)(pdf)

What additional documents may be needed?

• Additional requirements are necessary, if client chooses the optional expedited review process (Commercial Express Review)
• Approval for a Neuse River Buffer disturbance from the State of NC Division of Water Quality is needed when ANY disturbance of the Neuse River Buffer is shown on the grading and drainage plan
• Approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for an encroachment into a designated floodway is needed, if shown on the grading and drainage plan
• Approval from the US Army Corp of Engineers for any wetland disturbance is needed, if shown on the grading and drainage plan
• If obtaining a Tree Conservation permit, see Tree Conservation submittal requirements

Where can I find detailed information regarding submittals?

• Commercial Review Contact List
• Stormwater Design Manual
• Tree Conservation

Where do I submit my application?

What are the keys to success?

• Accurately review check lists to ensure you have included all documents, fees and plan requirements. Incomplete plans will be returned without a review: Please reference these documents regarding plan submittals - Commercial Site Permitting Checklist and Tree Protection Plan Checklist
• When a Land Disturbance permit and a Tree Conservation permit are applied for at the same time, a tree protection fence must be erected prior to issuance of the permits. Reference the following documents: Tree Protection Plan Checklist, Tree Protection Fence Detail, and Standard Temporary Silt Tree Protection Fence Detail
• Major plan revisions after permit issuance may require a new plan review, re-issuance of permits and additional fees

Plan Review Requirements:

Site Review Checklist

What are the top ten common oversights that result in Plan Review Unresolved Issues?

1. Incomplete or no Financial Responsibility Form
2. Lack of Erosion control calculations
3. Existing and proposed grades not shown
4. Proposed Improvements shown on plans
5. Project, property, and floodplain boundaries and offsite conditions not shown
6. Disturbed area not clearly delineated
7. No vicinity map
8. Improper details or incomplete detail sheet
9. Inadequate size and length to width ratio for sediment basins
10. Inadequate construction sequence on the erosion control plan

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

• Payment types accepted are cash, MasterCard, Visa or check made payable to: City of Raleigh
• All Mass Grading Only fees are processed by the Development Services Customer Service Center cashiers located at One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400, Raleigh NC
• See Development Fee Schedule

How long will this process take?

• First review cycle is approximately seven (7) business days
• Each subsequent review cycle is three (3) business days

For Stormwater Questions:
Ben Brown, Stormwater Development Supervisor
Public Works Department
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 304
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2168

Tree Conservation Questions:
Andy Gilliam, Chris Crum, or Mary Ann Metcalf, Forestry Specialist
Inspections Department
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 304
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2552, 919-516-2561, or 919-516-2562

Transportation Services Questions:
Paul Kallam, Project Engineer II
Public Works Department
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 304
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2159

Fire Protection Questions:
Lee Lovic, Brian Morgan, or Ryan Cutright, Senior Plans Reviewer
Deputy Fire Marshall, Fire Department
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2181, 919-516-2189, or 919-516-2197

Project Coordinators:
Rene Haagen or Jack Newsome
Development Services, Customer Service Center
One Exchange Plaza Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2503 or 919-516-2177