High Point, NC Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Land disturbance over 1 acre
- Plan due
- 30 days before work starts
- Reviewed by
- Engineering Services Director
- Small-project exemption
- Additions under 1,000 sq ft
- Design storm
- 10-year storm (25-year in HQW)
Summary
No one may start land-disturbing work in High Point exceeding 1 acre, or meeting other triggers like highly erodible soils, without a City-approved soil erosion and sedimentation control plan and a land disturbance permit issued under Development Ordinance § 2.5.10.
Unless exempted by this section, no person shall initiate any land-disturbing activity without a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan and a land disturbance permit in accordance with Section 2.5.10, Land Disturbance Permit, if the land-disturbing activity: (a) Exceeds 1 acre (lands under one ownership or diverse lands being developed as a unit shall be aggregated)...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9 | Development Ordinance: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Section 6.3.1 triggers the erosion-control requirement for land disturbance exceeding 1 acre, sites on highly erodible ('k' factor over 0.36) soils, work draining into a water quality pond, or activity in Tier 1/2 watershed critical areas. Small exemptions cover additions, accessory structures, and accessory dwelling units under 1,000 square feet of disturbance (§ 6.3.2.H), plus emergency, agricultural, and forestry work. The plan must be sealed by a licensed engineer, landscape architect, CPESC, or surveyor for sites 1 acre or larger, filed with the Planning and Development Director and the Soil and Water Conservation District at least 30 days before work begins, and reviewed within 30 days by the Engineering Services Director.
Violations & Fines
Land-disturbing activity without an approved plan, or work that deviates from an approved plan, is a violation; the Engineering Services Director can order a stop-work order and require restoration of affected waters and land.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does a project have to be before High Point requires an erosion control plan?
How long does High Point have to review an erosion control plan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in High Point
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle erosion control.