New Permits & Permit Modifications

Fee adjustments 2023

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Many permit fees have changed for applications received on or after October 3, 2023. North Carolina’s 2023 Appropriations Act Session Law 2023-134 includes fee adjustments for 28 Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) programs, including Stormwater. A full list of fee adjustments is available on the DEQ website.

To apply for a new permit or a permit modification:

  1. Design the project to meet the requirements of the post-construction program that applies.  Consult the webinar How to Breeze Through Your Post-Construction Plan Review for guidance on how to prepare a compliant Post-Construction permit application.
  2. Select one of the Permitting Options (see below). 
  3. Complete all of the required forms and prepare all of the required documentation. 
  4. Submit the project to the appropriate office for review. Be sure to send the application to the appropriate DEMLR office.

Application Forms

New Permit & Major Modification Form with New Permit & Major Mod Instructions
For new projects or modifications to a project that do not qualify as minor modifications.  Fee varies per category and can be found here.  
Fast Track Authorization (ATC) to Construct Form with Fast Track ATC Instructions
Please be aware that, effective October 1, 2023, the Fast Track permitting option has been eliminated for projects not currently in the Fast Track program. Projects that are applying for the second part of the Fast Track approval (Final) should use the New Permit & Major Modification Form and ensure that all of the items on the Fast Track Final Permit Submittal Checklist (below) are provided. Fee varies per category and can be found here.  
See the Permit Transfers and Renewals page.
Minor Modification Form                                                        
For modifications to a project with no built-upon area increases or changes to the stormwater control measure design. Fee is $250.
Permit Information Update Form                                                   
For administrative changes to project name, permittee contact info, legal corporation name not due to change of ownership. No fee. Check current contact information by running a State Stormwater Contact Summary Report.

Regardless of the option selected, be sure to send the application to the appropriate DEMLR office.

Permitting Options

Permitting_Option Description and Fee Information

Standard

15A NCAC 02H .1042  

Per NC statute, DEMLR has 90 days from receipt of application to issue the permit or request additional information.  Reviews are usually done in 60 days or less.  Fee varies per category and can be found here. 

To apply:  Complete a New Permit & Major Modification Form.  Provide all required items, including a completed Supplement EZ and O&M EZ (see the Stormwater Design Manual page.)  

Fast Track

ATC:
15A NCAC 02H .1043

Final:
15A NCAC 02H .1044

Fast track permitting is a two-phase permit process. Fee varies per category and can be found here.  

To apply:  Please be aware that, effective October 1, 2023, the Fast-Track permitting option has been eliminated for projects not currently in the Fast Track program. No new Fast Track ATC applications will be accepted. Projects that have already been accepted for review or have already been issued an ATC permit may continue permitting through the Fast Track program. If you need to transfer a Fast Track ATC permit, please use the Fast Track Authorization to Construct (ATC) Form located on the transfers and renewals page.

After the project is constructed:  Apply for the final permit using the New Permit & Major Modification Form.  Include as-built plans, calculations, certification forms, and other supporting documentation per the Fast Track Final Permit Submittal Checklist. 

If the finished project does not comply with the MDC, DEMLR will either issue a permit with special conditions, initiate compliance and enforcement action, or deny the permit. If the permit is denied, then the applicant will be required to bring the site into compliance with the MDC before the final permit is issued.

Express

DEQ Express Permitting

Express Permitting is only available for projects in the 20 Coastal Counties. This program offers quicker permit decisions. A pre-application meeting is required to ensure that the application will include supporting technical information needed for a thorough and swift review.

Higher Post-Construction Express Fees are charged to support additional staff needed for the quick turnaround.

To apply:  Submit an Express Request Form to the Washington or Wilmington Regional Office.  After the project is accepted, complete the appropriate form, being certain to provide all required items.