Civil Site Design and Permitting in North Carolina's Growing Cities
Updated: Oct 7
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Civil Site Design in North Carolina's Growing Cities
Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and their suburbs keep adding homes, offices and industrial space.
Each project has to clear local site plan review, erosion control and stormwater rules before construction.
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida, with an office in Charlotte.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Site Conditions Vary Across the State
Coastal Plain: soft, saturated soils and high groundwater can affect settlement and drainage
Piedmont: the red clay common around Charlotte and the Triangle can lose strength when wet
Mountains: steep slopes and shallow rock complicate grading, access and drainage
The Permitting Layers
Local site plan review: each city or county applies its own ordinance; Charlotte uses its Unified Development Ordinance and Land Development Standards Manual, and Raleigh uses its Unified Development Ordinance
Erosion and sediment control: land disturbance of more than 1 acre needs an approved plan under G.S. 113A-57, filed at least 30 days before work begins
Construction stormwater: NCDEQ general permit coverage for qualifying land disturbance
Post-construction stormwater: stormwater control measures follow the NCDEQ Stormwater Design Manual under 15A NCAC 02H .1000, plus any local requirements
Building permits: issued locally under the NC State Building Code; the 2018 edition is current, with the 2024 edition approved but not yet effective
What Civil Site Design Covers
Site layout, grading and drainage
Detention pond and stormwater control measure design
Water, sewer and storm sewer utilities
Erosion and sediment control plans
Best Practices
Review zoning, utilities and flood maps before buying the land.
Confirm sewer and water capacity early.
Coordinate grading, drainage and utilities in one plan set.
Project: 3-Lot Infill Subdivision, Mount Pleasant, NC
Existing property in Mount Pleasant, Cabarrus County, in the Charlotte metro
Split into three lots: one with the existing home and two new build lots
Permitting through Cabarrus County
Challenges
The two new lots needed a sanitary sewer extension
Sewer alignment, easements and survey data all had to line up
Objectives
Serve both new lots from one efficient sewer extension.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Land development and civil design package for the subdivision
About 90 linear feet of sanitary sewer main extension, plus service connections
Easement coordination with the licensed surveyor from the start
Results:
Two new build-ready lots created from one existing property
Sewer extension designed and permitted to serve both lots
Site Development Rules in North Carolina, Texas and Florida
North Carolina
See G.S. 113A-57, the NC Stormwater Design Manual and the NC Office of State Fire Marshal.
Texas
Sites disturbing 1 acre or more need TCEQ construction stormwater coverage.
Florida
Most stormwater systems need an FDEP or water management district Environmental Resource Permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an erosion control plan required in North Carolina?
For land disturbance of more than 1 acre, approved before work begins under G.S. 113A-57.
What governs post-construction stormwater in North Carolina?
NCDEQ's Stormwater Design Manual under 15A NCAC 02H .1000, plus local rules.
Which building code applies in North Carolina?
The 2018 NC State Building Code is current; the 2024 edition is approved but not yet effective.
What soils cause problems around Charlotte?
Piedmont red clay, which can lose strength when wet.
What does civil site design include?
Layout, grading, drainage, utilities, stormwater and erosion control plans.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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