Stormwater Management: Cary vs Raleigh
How do stormwater management rules compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Cary and Raleigh have similar restriction levels.
Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County enforces the Neuse Stormwater Rules (15A NCAC 02B .0235) county-wide and the Falls Lake Nutrient Strategy (15A NCAC 02B .0277) in the northern watershed. New development must control peak flow, nitrogen loading, and 50-ft riparian buffers per Wake UDO Article 9.
View full Cary rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
Raleigh enforces comprehensive stormwater management under the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Article 9.3 and the Raleigh Stormwater Design Manual. All new development must meet post-construction stormwater quality and quantity controls. The city operates under an NPDES Phase II MS4 permit and requires stormwater management plans for projects that disturb 12,000 square feet or more. Raleigh is in the Neuse River Basin, which has additional nutrient-sensitive water requirements.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cary | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Neuse Rules | Countywide | - |
| Nitrogen cap | 4.0 lb/ac/yr | - |
| Buffer | 50 ft riparian | - |
| Falls Lake | Stricter rules | - |
| Inspection | Every 5 years | - |
| Code Reference | - | UDO Article 9.3 — Stormwater |
| Trigger Threshold | - | 12,000 sq ft of land disturbance |
| Watershed | - | Neuse River Basin (nutrient-sensitive) |
| Design Manual | - | Raleigh Stormwater Design Manual |
| NPDES Permit | - | Phase II MS4 permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cary FAQ
What is a Stormwater Control Measure?
An engineered feature (rain garden, bioretention cell, wet pond, permeable pavement) that controls runoff quality and quantity per Neuse Stormwater Rules.
Do I have to inspect my SCM?
Yes — most O&M agreements require annual self-inspection plus 5-year Wake County re-certification. Failure can trigger civil penalties.
Are single-family lots exempt?
Small single-family lots under disturbance thresholds may be exempt; subdivisions and larger sites must comply fully.
Raleigh FAQ
When is a stormwater management plan required in Raleigh?
A stormwater management plan is required for any land-disturbing activity of 12,000 square feet or more. Projects in the Neuse River Basin face additional nutrient export limitations.
What stormwater BMPs does Raleigh accept?
Raleigh accepts a range of structural and non-structural best management practices as outlined in the Stormwater Design Manual, including bioretention cells, wet ponds, constructed wetlands, sand filters, and permeable pavement.
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