Major Variance to Buffer Rules Submittal Meetings

What is a submittal meeting?

A submittal meeting is an opportunity for you to submit your major variance request via the Standard Review Process directly to DWR's Buffer Coordinator, while providing you an opportunity to:

•    Discuss the general scope of your project;
•    Give a history of your site;
•    Talk about design considerations;
•    Present new ideas, designs and technology;
•    Identify rules and regulations that may create opportunities or lead to constraints;
•    Ask preliminary questions of the reviewer;
•    Provide feedback; and
•    Understand the variance process.

Furthermore, a submittal meeting gives you the opportunity to develop a better rapport with Webscape staff, thus improving overall communication, which typically results in shorter review times. Please note that acceptance of your variance request at the submittal meeting does not guarantee that you will be granted a variance.

How do I schedule a submittal meeting?

If you are interested in scheduling a submittal meeting, please contact Jennifer Burdette, DWR's 401/Buffer Coordinator, at 919-807-6364 or j ennifer.burdette@ncdenr.gov at least two weeks prior to your desired submittal date. Please fill out the submittal meeting request form and forward the completed form to Jennifer by email or to her attention at 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617. You will be contacted to confirm the meeting date, time and location.

What do I bring to a submittal meeting?

You should bring the appropriate variance application form and supporting documentation as specified on the checklist found in the application instructions and listed below. Please note that failure to bring the appropriate number of items listed on that checklist will result in your application not being accepted.

Original and two copies of the Variance Request Form and the attachments listed below.
A vicinity map of the project (see Part 1, Item 5)
Narrative demonstration of the need for a variance (see Part 2)
A detailed narrative description of stormwater treatment/management (see Part 4)
Calculations supporting nitrogen (phosphorus in the Tar-Pamlico Basin) loading estimates (see Part 4)
Calculations and references supporting nitrogen (phosphorus in the Tar-Pamlico Basin) removal from proposed BMPs (see Part 4)
Location and details for all proposed structural stormwater BMPs (see Part 4)
Three copies of the applicable Supplement Form(s) and O&M Form(s) for each BMP and/or narrative for each innovative BMP (see Part 4)
Three copies of plans and specifications, including:

          ♦ Development/Project name
          ♦ Engineer and firm
          ♦ Legend and north arrow
          ♦ Scale (1” = 50’ is preferred)
          ♦ Revision number & date
          ♦ Mean high water line (if applicable)
          ♦ Dimensioned property/project boundary
          ♦ Location map with named streets or NC Secondary Road (SR) numbers
          ♦ Original contours, proposed contours, spot elevations, finished floor elevations
          ♦ Details of roads, parking, cul-de-sacs, sidewalks, and curb and gutter
          ♦ Footprint of any proposed buildings or other structures
          ♦ Wetlands delineated, or a note on plans that none exist
          ♦ Existing drainage (including off-site), drainage easements, pipe sizes, runoff calculations
          ♦ Drainage basins delineated
          ♦ Perennial and intermittent streams, ponds, lakes, rivers and estuaries
          ♦ Location of forest vegetation along the streams, ponds, lakes, rivers and estuaries

Who attends a submittal meeting?

A Central Office primary reviewer will always be in attendance, and Regional Office staff may be present depending on the meeting location. If a consultant and/or engineer are involved in the project, it is expected that they be in attendance.

Are review meetings available?

While no formal process has been established to conduct review meetings during the standard review process, if you desire to meet to discuss any additional information requests made, staff will gladly meet with you at your convenience during the 30 day additional information period. Please note that the 30 day additional information period begins upon the issuance of the additional information letter, not after a potential review meeting occurs.

Questions?

Please direct questions to Jennifer Burdette at (919) 807-6364 or jennifer.burdette@ncdenr.gov.