Landscaping Rules in Sampson County, NC (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Sampson County, North Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Sampson County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Water Restrictions

Sampson County Water District 1 (and, under a parallel ordinance, District 2) can trigger phased water-use restrictions once supplies run short. The Water Shortage Response Ordinance, adopted February 16, 2003, moves through Voluntary, Mandatory, and Emergency phases, with irrigation and other non-essential uses banned outright once Mandatory Conservation is declared for unincorporated customers on the county system.

Sampson County Water Shortage Irrigation Restrictions

Significant Restrictions

Sampson County Code §§ 4-10-03, 4-10-04

Mandatory Conservation shall be initiated when water supplies are consistently below seasonal averages and the continued decline of water supplies would result in a Water Supply Shortage due to an inadequate water supply to meet normal needs. ... The governing body of the Sampson County WSD 1 ... shall continue to encourage voluntary water conservation measures defined under the Voluntary Conse...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Composting

Sampson County allows residential backyard composting in the unincorporated area but sets five operating standards: a 25-foot setback from a neighbor's dwelling, no pest or odor nuisance, no wind-blown material, secured storage against wildlife, and a ban on composting meat, dairy, or pet and human waste.

Backyard Composting Rules in Sampson County

Some Restrictions

Sampson County Code § 3-1-10

(a) Compliance. Backyard composting is considered a means of waste reduction in the residential community. Every person engaged in backyard composting in unincorporated areas of the county shall comply with all rules and regulations concerning proper composting procedures. ... (1) Composting activity shall not occur within 25 feet of any structure used as a dwelling that is located on adjacent ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Sampson County ordinances

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