Environmental Rules in Chapel Hill, NC (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Chapel Hill, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
The Town of Chapel Hill funds its stormwater management program through a dedicated utility fee charged to every zoning lot and tract under Sections 23-1 through 23-9 of the Town Code. The fee is based on impervious surface area, billed annually each September, with credits, exemptions, appeals and delinquency penalties spelled out in the ordinance.
Chapel Hill Stormwater Utility Fee Rules
Some RestrictionsChapel Hill Code of Ordinances §§ 23-2, 23-6, 23-7
Sec. 23-2. - Purpose. This article establishes a stormwater management utility as an identified fiscal and accounting fund for the purpose of comprehensively addressing the stormwater management needs of the town through programs designed to protect and manage water quality and quantity by controlling the level of pollutants in stormwater runoff, and the quantity and rate of stormwater received...
Erosion Control
Anyone disturbing more than 20,000 square feet of land in Chapel Hill must file an erosion and sedimentation control plan and get a grading permit before breaking ground. The Chapel Hill Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, Code of Ordinances Article V, backs the permit with civil penalties up to $5,000 and a criminal misdemeanor charge.
Chapel Hill Erosion and Sediment Control Permit
Some RestrictionsChapel Hill Code of Ordinances §§ 5-83, 5-85
(b)Effect. It shall be unlawful, within the jurisdiction of this division, to engage in land-disturbing activity, except as provided herein, without first obtaining a permit as required by this division and without complying with the conditions of the issuance of said permit. ... (b)Erosion control plan requirements. Prior to the commencement of any land-disturbing activity that will result in ...
Flood Zones
The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance in Code of Ordinances Section 5-55 bars locating, altering or developing any structure or land in Chapel Hill's special flood hazard areas, including its extraterritorial jurisdiction, without full compliance, and violations under Section 5-68 are misdemeanors carrying up to a $500 fine or 30 days in jail.
Chapel Hill Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsChapel Hill Code of Ordinances §§ 5-55, 5-68(4)(a)
Sec. 5-55. - Applicability. This article shall apply to all special flood hazard areas within the jurisdiction, including extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), of the town. No structure or land shall hereafter be located, extended, converted, altered, or developed in any way without full compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other applicable regulations. ... (4)Penalties for violation...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New construction and substantial improvements in Chapel Hill's special flood hazard areas must sit at least two feet above the base flood elevation. The floodplain administrator, a duty the town manager holds, enforces this freeboard standard under Code of Ordinances Article IV, covering both residential and nonresidential structures town-wide and in the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Chapel Hill Base Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsChapel Hill Code of Ordinances §§ 5-54, 5-60
Regulatory flood protection elevation means the "base flood elevation" plus the "freeboard." In "Special flood hazard areas" where base flood elevations have been determined, this elevation shall be the base flood elevation plus two (2) feet of freeboard. ... (1)Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure (including manufactured homes) sha...
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