Stormwater

Drainage

Drainage is a vital element in a coastal community. Positive, unobstructed drainage promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of our citizens, and safeguards the natural and man-made resources of the county. Engineering has an Engineering Specialist dedicated to responding to drainage complaints and assisting property owners with drainage issues. There is also a Capital Improvement Project in place to complete small-scale drainage improvement projects that benefit property owners in the unincorporated areas of New Hanover County.

For drainage inspections, contact Beth Furr.

Stormwater

New Hanover County enacted a Stormwater Ordinance that has been revised and incorporated into the UDO in December 2022. The ordinance covers stormwater management as well as drainage concerns within the unincorporated areas of New Hanover County. All development requiring stormwater management controls must have plans and specifications submitted for review and approval. Please contact the Engineering Department for assistance with stormwater or drainage questions.

Related Documents

  1. New Hanover County Stormwater Ordinance (PDF)
  2. NHC Stormwater Design Manual 0125 2023
  3. Ownership Change Form (PDF)
  4. Stormwater Maintenance Form (PDF)
  5. Stormwater Permit Application (PDF)
  6. NHC Designer Plan Certification
  7. NHC Property Owner Plan Certification
  8. NHC Designer Construction Completion Certification
  9. Review Fee Schedule

Development in New Hanover County is also subject to the North Carolina Coastal Stormwater Regulations, enforced by the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). Additional agency approvals may be required. Check the NCDEQ website to determine applicable regulations.

Note: New Hanover County does not control or regulate stormwater within the City of Wilmington, the Town of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, or Wrightsville Beach, or stormwater conveyances along North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) roadways.

For stormwater permits, contact Galen Jamison, PE.

  • COAST Development Portal (Link for Stormwater coming soon!)