Environmental Rules in Brunswick County, NC (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Brunswick County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Brunswick County's Stormwater Quality Management and Discharge Control Ordinance requires a county stormwater permit for most commercial, industrial, and large residential development, and bans discharging anything but stormwater into the county's storm drain system.
Stormwater Management Rules in Brunswick County, NC
Some RestrictionsBrunswick County Code § 1-13-193
Sec. 1-13-193. - Purpose and intent. The purpose and intent of this article is to: (a)Ensure the health, safety, and general welfare of citizens, and protect and enhance the water quality of watercourses and water bodies in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.) by reducing pollutants in stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practic...
Erosion Control
Any land-disturbing activity of one acre or more in unincorporated Brunswick County needs a sediment and erosion control permit before the county will issue the related stormwater permit. Disturbing land within 30 feet of a stream, or cutting or filling 4 inches or more, can also trigger the requirement.
Sediment & Erosion Control Permits in Brunswick County, NC
Some RestrictionsBrunswick County Code § 1-13-206(b)(4), (d)
(4)Any activity or development that will ultimately result in the disturbance of a total area of one or more acres, except for the following:a.Activity on a bona fide farm, unless the activity is for nonfarm purposes.b.Activities on forestland for the production and harvesting of timber and timber products.(d)If the development requires a sediment and erosion control permit, the stormwater perm...
Flood Zones
Any development activity within a Special Flood Hazard Area of unincorporated Brunswick County needs a Floodplain Development Permit before work begins, under the county's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance adopted December 6, 2019. The permit process runs through the county's Floodplain Administrator, and violating the ordinance is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to a $200 fine and 30 days in jail, with each day of violation counted separately.
Brunswick County Floodplain Development Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsBrunswick County Unified Development Ordinance § 7.1.3
C.Establishment of Floodplain Development Permit 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 determined in accordance with the provisions of Article 7.1.3, Section B of this Ordinance....H.Penalties for Violation Violation of the provisions of this...
Boat Dock Permits
Private docks, piers and bulkheads count as 'Development Activity' under Brunswick County's Flood Damage Prevention rules. Anyone building a dock within a Special Flood Hazard Area in the unincorporated county must obtain a Floodplain Development Permit from the county's Floodplain Administrator before construction begins.
Boat Dock Permits in Brunswick County, NC
Some RestrictionsBrunswick County Unified Development Ordinance §§ 7.1.2, 7.1.3.C
"Development Activity" means any activity defined as Development which will necessitate a Floodplain Development Permit. This includes buildings, structures, and non-structural items, including (but not limited to) fill, bulkheads, piers, pools, docks, landings, ramps, and erosion control/stabilization measures. [...] A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the pro...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New construction and substantially improved buildings inside a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area of unincorporated Brunswick County must have their lowest floor, including any basement, built no lower than the county's Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation. Non-residential buildings in certain flood zones may floodproof to that elevation instead, but only with a licensed engineer or architect's certification.
Brunswick County New Construction Flood Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsBrunswick County Unified Development Ordinance § 7.1.5.B
(1)Residential Construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure (including manufactured homes) shall have the reference level, including basement, elevated no lower than the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation, as defined in Article 7.1.2 of this Ordinance. (2)Non-Residential Construction New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, i...
All Brunswick County ordinances
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