DEQ Permitting Transformation Program
First Permit Now Available Online
As of January 11, 2023, applications for the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Major permits are now available in the permitting portal. Learn More about the Division of Coastal Management's online permitting here.
DEQ’s Permitting Transformation Program is a department-wide initiative to update and improve the permit process and provide better access to permit information. The Division of Coastal Management is the first to launch an online permit process through the Program. Applications for the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) major permits are now available, with additional CAMA permits, enforcement and compliance actions transitioning to the online system in the near future.
Online access to additional permit applications and information in multiple DEQ divisions is in development and will be added to the system in the future.
DEQ’s five regulatory divisions handle more than more than 100 different types of permits, certificates and licenses across North Carolina. Permits can vary greatly in complexity, scope and processing time.
The goal of the Permitting Transformation Program is to develop a robust online system for applying, tracking and paying for DEQ permits, licenses and certificates. The program seeks to streamline the process, modernize tracking and access to permitting actions and improve transparency.
As of November 2021, the Permitting Transformation Program is now funded with a state appropriation of $5.5 million each year for the next two years for development and implementation, plus one full time employee position.
For Permitted Entities – This online system will streamline the permitting process for many of NCDEQ’s permitted facilities/businesses. The new online system will be a modernized, robust way to apply, track and pay throughout the permitting process. Businesses and organizations will be able to submit applications and renewals, make electronic payments, track status of projects and communicate with NCDEQ quickly and easily through a single portal.
For the Public – Data stored in the system will be more easily accessible to the public, making the permitting process more transparent. The system will also make it easier to access information about compliance and enforcement actions. Existing online resources for permit information can be found here.
- CAMA Major Permits, managed by the Division of Coastal Management, are online as of January 11, 2023. Additional permits, including CAMA General permits, will go live in the coming week.
- Erosion and Sediment Control permits managed by DEQ's Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources are also in development.
DEQ has partnered with the state's Department of Information Technology (DIT) for development and implementation of the Permitting Transformation Program using the Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM.
The Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service is coordinating the effort to maximize efficiency and process improvement for NCDEQ’s permitting processes while DIT is leading the technology implementation for PTP.
The regulatory divisions identified for inclusion into the Program are:
Using Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM, DEQ successfully implemented automated invoicing for Hazardous Waste Billing in 2019.
- For permitting questions, contact an Environmental Assistance Coordinator.
- For Permitting Transformation Program information, contact Jamie Ragan at (919) 707-8141.