Charlotte enforces the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, adopted and amended by City Council in 2008 under authority of the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act. Any land-disturbing activity of 1 acre or more requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan. The city conducts routine site inspections and issues violation notices and civil penalties for non-compliance.
Charlotte mandates erosion and sediment control for construction sites and land-disturbing activities. Grading permits typically require an erosion control plan. Best management practices include silt fencing, straw wattles, erosion control blankets, stabilized construction entrances, and sediment basins. Disturbed areas must be stabilized within a set timeframe. Inspections required during construction. Permanent stabilization through vegetation or hardscape required upon completion. Violations can result in stop-work orders.
Missing erosion controls: stop-work order and fines $250 to $2,500. Sediment discharge to waterways: fines $1,000 to $25,000 per day. Failure to stabilize: daily fines until corrected.
Charlotte, NC
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Charlotte, NC
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Charlotte, NC
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Charlotte, NC
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Charlotte, NC
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Charlotte, NC
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Mecklenburg County.
See how other cities in Mecklenburg County handle erosion control.
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