Orange County enforces post-construction stormwater controls inside its water-supply watersheds. New development draining to University Lake, Cane Creek, or the Jordan Lake watershed must limit impervious surface, control runoff, and reduce nitrogen and phosphorus.
Orange County sits inside multiple water-supply watersheds, so its stormwater program runs stricter than most Piedmont counties. A land-disturbing activity of one acre or more needs an erosion-control plan under the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act, plus NPDES construction stormwater coverage. Post-construction, projects in Water Supply Watershed Overlay districts and the Jordan Lake watershed must meet built-upon-area caps and treat runoff on site under the state nutrient rules in 15A NCAC 02B. Chapel Hill and Carrboro operate their own MS4 stormwater programs. Owners maintain detention ponds and water-quality devices permanently.
Discharging sediment or pollutants to storm drains or streams brings stop-work orders and daily fines. Failing to maintain a stormwater or nutrient-treatment facility triggers correction notices and penalties until it is repaired.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Orange County, NC
Orange County requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Orange County, NC
Orange County requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Orange County, NC
Orange County restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and n...
Orange County, NC
Orange County restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.
Orange County, NC
Orange County may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
Orange County, NC
Orange County limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to p...
See how Orange County's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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