Matthews's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Matthews, North Carolina, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Stormwater Management

Matthews operates under a Phase II NPDES MS4 permit and the Mecklenburg County Post-Construction Stormwater Ordinance. New development disturbing over 1 acre must install stormwater control measures (SCMs) and meet 85 percent TSS removal.

Key details: Permit: Phase II NPDES MS4. Threshold: 1 acre disturbance or 24 percent BUA. TSS removal: 85 percent required. Design manual: NC Stormwater Design Manual. Fine: Up to 25,000 dollars per day.

Civil penalties up to 25,000 dollars per day per violation under NCGS 143-215.6A. Construction projects face stop-work orders. Illicit discharge enforcement may include misdemeanor referral under NCGS 143-215.6B.

This is one of the stricter rules in Matthews's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Erosion Control

Matthews enforces the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act (NCGS 113A-50) through Mecklenburg County Land Development. Any earth disturbance over 1 acre requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan and financial surety.

Key details: Statute: NCGS 113A-50 Sedimentation Act. Threshold: 1 acre disturbance. Groundcover: 7-14 days post-disturbance. Self-inspection: Weekly + after 1.0 inch rain. Fine: Up to 5,000 dollars per day.

Civil penalties up to 5,000 dollars per day per violation under NCGS 113A-64. Criminal penalties for knowing violations. Stop-work orders halt projects. Repair costs for off-site sediment damage borne by violator.

This is one of the stricter rules in Matthews's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Flood Zones

Matthews participates in the NFIP and enforces FEMA floodplain regulations along Four Mile Creek, McAlpine Creek, and their tributaries. Construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) requires a floodplain development permit and lowest-floor elevation at least 2 feet above BFE.

Key details: Creeks: Four Mile Creek, McAlpine Creek. FIRM date: September 2, 2015. Freeboard: 2 feet above BFE. Floodway: No new construction. Permit: CMSWS Floodplain Development.

Construction without floodplain permits subject to removal orders and civil penalties up to 5,000 dollars per day. Substantial damage determinations can compel demolition. NFIP insurance denial for non-compliant structures.

This is one of the stricter rules in Matthews's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Grading & Drainage

Matthews requires grading permits for cut or fill exceeding 500 cubic yards or disturbing over 1 acre. Drainage designs must not increase peak runoff to adjacent properties and must comply with the Mecklenburg County drainage ordinance.

Key details: Permit threshold: 500 cy or 1 acre. Foundation slope: 5 percent for 10 feet. Max slope: 2:1 without permit. Peak flow: No increase off-site. Fine: Up to 500 dollars per day.

Unpermitted grading subject to stop-work orders and civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day. Off-site drainage damage may create civil liability. Engineered drainage studies required for remediation plans.

The Bottom Line

Matthews is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Matthews, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Matthews's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.