Environmental Rules in Cary, NC (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Cary, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
New development in the Town of Cary cannot increase peak stormwater runoff leaving the site during a one-year design storm, under the town's Land Development Ordinance.
Cary Peak Stormwater Runoff Control
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 7.3.4
There shall be no net increase in peak stormwater run-off flow leaving a development from pre-development conditions for the one (1)-year design storm. New developments are required to minimize damage to subject streams caused by storm flows. (A) Calculation of Peak Flow Acceptable methodologies for computing pre- and post-development conditions for the one (1)-year design stor...
Erosion Control
The Town of Cary makes it unlawful to conduct land-disturbing activity without a grading permit, and requires erosion and sedimentation control measures under its Land Development Ordinance during and after construction.
Cary Erosion & Sediment Control Permit
Significant RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance §§ 3.13.2(A), 14.4.3(B)
Except as provided in paragraphs (B) and (C) below, it shall be unlawful to conduct any land-disturbing activity without first obtaining a grading permit from the Town... Slopes left exposed shall be planted or otherwise provided with ground cover, devices, or structures sufficient to restrain erosion within fifteen (15) calendar days after completion of any phase of grading.
Flood Zones
The Town of Cary requires a Floodplain Development Permit before any construction begins in a Special Flood Hazard Area or Future Conditions Flood Hazard Area, reviewed by the Town's Floodplain Administrator.
Cary Floodplain Development Permit
Significant RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 3.12.2(B)
A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities within Special Flood Hazard Areas and Future Conditions Flood Hazard Areas... The person undertaking such development shall file an application for a floodplain development permit with the Floodplain Administrator... The Floodplain Admini...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New homes in Cary flood zones must sit at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation, not just at it.
Cary Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 14.7.3(C)(1)(a); definition at § 14.6.16 "Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation"
New construction of or substantial improvements to any residential structure shall be located outside Special Flood Hazard Areas and Future Conditions Flood Hazard Areas and shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation... [Definition:] In Special Flood Hazard Areas where Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) have been determined, this ...
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