Grading & Drainage: Apex vs Cary

Can I regrade my Apex lot or change my downspouts to drain toward a stream?

Not without complying with the Apex UDO grading and drainage rules. Any earth disturbance over 20,000 square feet triggers an Erosion Control Plan, and routing concentrated runoff toward an intermittent or perennial stream in the Jordan Lake watershed must respect the 50-foot riparian buffer under 15A NCAC 02B .0267 (Zone 1 inner 30 ft / Zone 2 outer 20 ft). Projects in the Neuse River Basin portion of Town must also use the NC DEQ SNAP spreadsheet tool to demonstrate nutrient reduction since July 2024. Submit to Stormwater Field Services at (919) 362-8166.

Do I need a drainage study for my Apex project?

Yes for any subdivision, commercial site plan, or land disturbance triggering UDO Article 6 / 8 review. The study must size on-site Stormwater Control Measures using the NC Stormwater Design Manual, demonstrate no increase in runoff to neighboring properties, and meet either the Jordan Lake Stage I Adaptive Management retrofit requirements (Upper New Hope arm) or the Neuse Nutrient Strategy nutrient-reduction targets via the SNAP tool. SCM types include detention basins, bioretention, wet ponds, sand filters, level spreader/vegetated filter strips, and stormwater wetlands.

Can I regrade my own backyard?

Minor grading (driveway edges, small berms) is OK without permit. Larger work that may concentrate runoff or change drainage onto a neighbor needs a grading plan.

Do I need a permit for a swale?

Not usually for a single-lot swale, but if it discharges to a stream or buffer zone you'll need approval under UDO Article 9.

What is the Falls Lake rule?

Falls Lake Nutrient Strategy applies to north Wake and tightens phosphorus + nitrogen caps. Different rules from the rest of the county.