MenuStormwater Inspections
The Stormwater Inspections Section is responsible for the enforcement of the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program, Floodprone Area Program, and Watercourse Buffer and Reservoir Watershed Protection Regulations. The section also assists citizens of Raleigh with drainage or erosion issues they may have on their property. This is accomplished by giving the citizen possible solutions to problems they may have on their property and how they as the property owner are responsible for fixing and/or maintaining their property.
The Stormwater Inspectors have several types of inspections to perform which are covered under two types of permits:
Section Teams
The section consists of three teams of inspectors to serve you.
- The Northwest Team serves the area from Chatham Street to Six Forks Road outside the beltline.
- The Northeast Team serves the area from Six Forks Road to Poole Road outside the beltline.
- The Southern Team serves the area from Poole Road to Chatham Street inside the beltline and southward.
The regional contacts and map for each area listed on the Stormwater Control Inspector Regional Contact List.
Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
Any land-disturbing activity over 12,000 square feet in size is required by code to have a land-disturbing permit prior to the activity beginning. Once the permit is issued, the Stormwater inspector (if requested) will have a pre-construction meeting with the grading contractor and/or the developer to make sure they know what is required of them.
The erosion control devices, as shown on the approved erosion and sedimentation control plans, are installed by the grading contractor. An inspection is requested and made by the conservation inspector to insure the devices are installed correctly. If the installation is correct, the grading process can begin on site. If not, corrections must be made and inspected again prior to any additional work being done on site.
Once the inspection has been approved, the Stormwater inspector will inspect this site on a regular basis to insure the erosion control devices are in proper working order. The inspections of the site will continue until all work is complete and the site is stabilized.
Floodprone Areas
A "Flood Permit" is required for any activity conducted in a floodprone area. Once the permit is obtained, the Stormwater inspector makes sure the work does not encroach into any floodways associated with the property. The inspector inspects the site for installation of benchmarks, which indicate the elevation of the 100-year flood on the property. The inspector also insures that all necessary certifications (FEMA) are obtained for the activity.
Watershed Protection Areas
Clearing and development activities in watershed protection areas (Falls and Swift Creek Basins) are required to obtain a permit. The inspector checks the sites to make sure any watercourse buffers on the property are properly flagged and that no prohibited encroachment in the buffers are made. The inspector also inspects any retention or detention device that may be required. He also insures that all necessary surveys are obtained for the site.
Questions and comments?
Contact the Stormwater Utility Division at 919-996-3940 or e-mail us at: stormwaterutilityhelpingU@raleighnc.gov
