Charlotte, NC Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Charlotte's Stormwater Pollution Control Ordinance, enacted by Ordinance No. 3941 in 2008 and last amended by Ordinance No. 9802 in 2020, makes it unlawful under City Code § 18-80(a) to cause or allow non-stormwater or any pollutant to reach the city's storm drain system, the waters of the state, or land in a manner likely to reach either, unless the discharge is an allowable incidental discharge under § 18-81. A violator must immediately collect and remove the pollutant, restore the site to its pre-discharge condition, and take steps to prevent a repeat.

1 percent (1,000 ppm) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on driveways, parking areas, sidewalks or roadways. The director of the city department managing Charlotte's NPDES MS4 stormwater permit enforces the article under § 18-83, first serving a written notice of violation describing the location, nature and required corrective action. 00 per day, with each day of continued violation counted as a separate offense, and collected penalties, minus city administration costs, go to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System under § 18-83(c)(8). The director may also order restoration, issue compliance or cease-and-desist orders, and withhold building permits or plan approvals from a noncompliant property owner.

A person served a notice of violation can request a meeting with the director before any penalty is imposed, and a formal appeal from an adverse decision goes to the stormwater advisory committee within 30 days under § 18-84.