All proposed new development in the City must include plans to comply with all existing stormwater ordinances and regulations. Stormwater engineers review these plans before a building permit is issued and then construction inspectors make sure construction occurs in accordance with the approved plans.
Basis for Stormwater Management ProgramNon-point sources of water pollution, such as runoff from construction, urban streets, and parking lots, can contribute significantly to water quality problems. State and Federal laws require that Durham and Durham County develop, adopt, and enforce comprehensive stormwater management programs. Durham's Stormwater Management Program includes reviewing proposed new development, managing stormwater infrastructure and implementing water quality programs.
Developers are required to prepare a stormwater impact analysis for each new development. If the proposed development results in an increase in the rate of stormwater runoff in excess of 10 percent (from the 2-year or 10-year storm), then on-site stormwater facilities or improvement may be required. Refer to the Reference Guide for Development for these requirements.
The Neuse River Nutrient Sensitive Waters Strategy is the State's comprehensive approach for reducing pollutants and nutrients in the Neuse River basin and the Pamlico Sound. The Strategy established a goal of reducing nitrogen levels in the lower basin by 30 percent within five years. In order to achieve this goal, new developments throughout the basin are required to control stormwater runoff in order to reduce the nitrogen that they contribute to the basin's watershed. Control of the 1-year storm may also be required. Durham's reviews of new development proposals ensure compliance with these requirements. Durham's Neuse Performance Standards are included in the Reference Guide for Development. A spreadsheet for performing nitrogen calculations is also available for download - Nitrogen Calculation Spreadsheet.
Under Construction
Development in the "100 Year Floodplain" (floodplain) is regulated through federal requirements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and City/County Flood Damage Protection Ordinance and Natural Resource Protection Standards. Building requirements, land use provisions, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other enforcement applications are key elements to these rules.
The drainage criteria is included in the current Reference Guide for Development.
Natural Resource Protection Standards
Nitrogen Calculation Spreadsheet
Stormwater Best Management Practices, NCDENR
TR-55 Program and Documentation
For more information about stormwater design/plan review requirements call Stormwater Services at 560-4326 and ask to speak with one of our Stormwater Plan Review Engineers.