Purpose
To help protect water quality in North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources has in-place riparian buffer rules protecting vegetated areas adjacent to intermittent and perennial streams, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, estuaries and modified natural streams. Information and links provided on this page address applicability of these rules, protection requirements, authorization/mitigation of impacts and stormwater considerations.
- The Neuse, Tar-Pamlico and Catawba rules were established to protect estuaries and downstream lakes through their buffer nutrient removal function.
- Randleman Lake and Jordan Lake rules were enacted to protect water supply sources.
- Goose Creek rules were created to sustain and recover the federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter freshwater mussel.
Maps and tools
Use the maps and tools below for assistance with Riparian Buffer application.
Riparian Buffer Rules
Riparian Buffer Rules (including table of uses)
Riparian Buffer FAQs
Helpful Documents
Riparian Buffer Authorizations and Variances
Stream Determination Request Form
New rules effective June 15, 2020:
Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, Catawba, Randleman, & Goose Creek
(*Jordan Rules remain unchanged)
The tables linked below provide a reference for prior and current citations. Additional tools are also provided to help outline major changes as well as unchanged elements in the rules.
Fact sheet
Overview (more detailed summary of updates)
Detailed Presentation
Cross-reference table (sorted by new as well as old citations)
Buffer Mapping Resources
USGS Topo/ NRCS Published Soil Survey Mapping Tool
Riparian Buffer Protection Programs Map (PDF)
NC Riparian Buffer Area Map (Online interactive map)
Randleman Lake Watershed Map (PTWRA.org)
NRCS Soil Surveys for North Carolina Archive(Instructions for finding the most recent soil survey via NRCS Archive)Most recent published Soil Survey Table
USGS National Map Viewer (USGS online interactive topographic maps)
Clarification of USGS National Map and clarification of "necessary infrastructure" (Public Notice issued 11/23/21)
Buffer Clarification Memos
Many of the clarification memos listed below are now incorporated into recent buffer rule revisions. Where a topic discussed in a memo has been incorporated into rule, the rule supersedes the buffer clarification memo.
Restoring a Riparian Buffer in Response to a Notice of Violation
Buffer Mitigation Rule Interpretation (August 2013)
Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule (15A NCAC 02B .0295) Effective November 1, 2015
Many of the clarification memos listed below are now incorporated into recent buffer rule revisions. Where a topic discussed in a memo has been incorporated into rule, the rule supersedes the buffer clarification memo.
NCDOT Borrow Pits within a Protected Riparian Buffer
Existing Transportation Facility
Bridge Versus Road Crossing
Parallel Versus Perpendicular Road Impact
Many of the clarification memos listed below are now incorporated into recent buffer rule revisions. Where a topic discussed in a memo has been incorporated into rule, the rule supersedes the buffer clarification memo.
Beaver Impoundments
Drainage of a Buffered Pond
Stormwater Ponds in the Buffer
Swimming Pools in the Buffer
Many of the clarification memos listed below are now incorporated into recent buffer rule revisions. Where a topic discussed in a memo has been incorporated into rule, the rule supersedes the buffer clarification memo.
Vegetation Management for Airport Facilities in the Buffer
Vegetation Replacement for Temporary Roads
Pruning in the Buffer
Many of the clarification memos listed below are now incorporated into recent buffer rule revisions. Where a topic discussed in a memo has been incorporated into rule, the rule supersedes the buffer clarification memo.
Diffuse/Dispersed Flow Through a Newly Restored Buffer
What is Considered a New Stormwater Conveyance Through the Buffers
Definitions of Frequently Used Stormwater Terms
Options for Meeting Diffuse/Dispersed Flow Provisions of the Stormwater and Riparian Buffer Protection Programs
Many of the clarification memos listed below are now incorporated into recent buffer rule revisions. Where a topic discussed in a memo has been incorporated into rule, the rule supersedes the buffer clarification memo.
Where a Buffer Begins and Ends When a Stream is Piped
Wetlands in a Buffer-How to Consider Impacts and Mitigation Required
Many of the clarification memos listed below are now incorporated into recent buffer rule revisions. Where a topic discussed in a memo has been incorporated into rule, the rule supersedes the buffer clarification memo.
Non-electric Utility Lines (Other Than Perpendicular Crossings) -When Notification or Mitigation is Required
How Maintenance on a Perpendicular Utility Line is Exempt from the Buffer Rules if a Structure of Manhole Exists in the Utility Line Footprint
Many of the clarification memos listed below are now incorporated into recent buffer rule revisions. Where a topic discussed in a memo has been incorporated into rule, the rule supersedes the buffer clarification memo.
Acceptable Soil Survey Maps -Interpretive Ruling
Map that should be used for the Jordan Buffer Rules
Clarification of USGS National Map and clarification of "necessary infrastructure" (Public Notice issued 11/23/21)
Many of the clarification memos listed below are now incorporated into recent buffer rule revisions. Where a topic discussed in a memo has been incorporated into rule, the rule supersedes the buffer clarification memo.
Wooden-slatted Decks in the Buffer
Greenway/Hiking Trails - Clarification Memo and Factsheet
When an Additional Secondary and Cumulative Impact Assessment Report is Required for Activities in the Randleman Lake Watershed
Disaster Debris Cleanup Guidance
Fact Sheet for Session Law 2011-394(17)(c)
Clarification of USGS National Map and clarification of "necessary infrastructure" (Public Notice issued 11/23/21)