North Charleston, SC Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to lots
- 200 feet deep or less
- Minimum slope
- 0.8% to drainage facility
- Approved outlets
- swale, ditch, gutter
- Larger tracts
- must be 'properly drained'
Summary
New subdivision lots 200 feet deep or less must drain to an approved swale, ditch or gutter at a minimum eight-tenths of one percent slope so water doesn't pool.
All lots not exceeding two hundred (200) feet in depth shall be provided with means for positive drainage and shall have a slope of not less than eight-tenths of one per cent (0.8 of 1%) to an approved swale, ditch, gutter or other type of approved drainage facility. Larger tracts of land shall be properly drained.(g)Fire hydrants. In all subdivisions of over five (5) lots, fire hydrants shall be required. Such hydrants shall be constructed in conformance with the standards of the commissioners of public works and the fire department. In residential subdivisions, hydrants shall be located within eight hundred (800) feet of each building site. In commercial and industrial subdivisions, hydrants shall be located within five hundred (500) feet of each building site.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
North Charleston Code § 18-54(f), part of the subdivision regulations' utility and drainage improvements article, requires every lot not exceeding 200 feet in depth to be graded with positive drainage, a minimum slope of eight-tenths of one percent (0.8%), to an approved swale, ditch, gutter or other approved drainage facility. Larger tracts must also be properly drained. The requirement applies to new subdivisions at the time of plat approval and construction, ensuring stormwater moves off individual lots rather than ponding.
Violations & Fines
Plats or lot grading that fail to provide the required 0.8% positive drainage slope are noncompliant with the subdivision ordinance and can be rejected or held up at final plat approval and construction inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Charleston require a minimum drainage slope for new lots?
Who enforces lot drainage in a new subdivision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Charleston
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Charleston County handle stormwater management.