Surry County, NC Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Surry County's Water Supply Watershed Protection standards, codified at Section 154.017-12, implement the state watershed rules the Board of Commissioners adopted under G.S. Section 153A-121, G.S. Chapter 143, Article 21, and G.S. Chapter 160D, Article 9, and they apply both inside unincorporated Surry County and within the Town of Dobson's land use jurisdiction. The watersheds are mapped as WS-II critical and balance-of-watershed areas (Fisher River, Tom's Creek, Elkin Creek) and WS-IV critical and protected areas (Ararat River, Stewart's Creek, Yadkin River near King, Lovill's Creek).

Under Section 154.017-12(F)(3)(c), any subdivision application inside these mapped watersheds must include a description of the proposed method of providing storm water drainage, and the subdivider must provide a drainage system that diverts stormwater runoff away from surface waters and incorporates best management practices to minimize water quality impacts. Where an erosion and sedimentation control plan is required, Section 154.017-12(F)(3)(d) requires the applicant to submit written proof that the plan was approved by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality before the Zoning Administrator will act.

The Zoning Administrator, serving as Watershed Administrator under Section 154.005-09, must approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the application within 60 days, and no subdivision plat inside a watershed may be recorded with the Register of Deeds until that approval is issued. Anyone who subdivides or sells watershed land without the required approval and recorded plat is guilty of a misdemeanor under Section 154.017-12(F), and the county can seek an injunction against the illegal subdivision, transfer or sale.