Cary, NC Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Grading permit before disturbance
- Ground cover deadline
- 15 calendar days
- Design storm
- 10-year storm event
- Applies in
- Town limits and ETJ
- Exempt
- Present-use-value ag/forest land
Summary
The Town of Cary makes it unlawful to conduct land-disturbing activity without a grading permit, and requires erosion and sedimentation control measures under its Land Development Ordinance during and after construction.
Except as provided in paragraphs (B) and (C) below, it shall be unlawful to conduct any land-disturbing activity without first obtaining a grading permit from the Town... Slopes left exposed shall be planted or otherwise provided with ground cover, devices, or structures sufficient to restrain erosion within fifteen (15) calendar days after completion of any phase of grading.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
LDO § 3.13.2(A) declares it unlawful to conduct land-disturbing activity in Cary or its extraterritorial jurisdiction without first obtaining a grading permit, with narrow exemptions for agriculture and forestry land. LDO § 14.4.3 then sets the technical standards: protective ground cover within 15 calendar days of exposed slopes, conveyance-channel velocity limits tied to a ten-year storm, and site-specific grading caps for residential development. If the Town finds significant sedimentation is occurring despite installed measures, § 3.13.6(C) lets it order additional protective action.
Violations & Fines
Conducting land-disturbing activity without an approved grading permit is unlawful; the Town may order additional protective action for ongoing sedimentation, deny future permits to repeat violators, and assess civil penalties under the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit before grading a construction site in Cary?
How fast must exposed soil be stabilized in Cary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle erosion control.