Permitting Transformation Program
Select Permits Now Available Online
Applications for Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) General Permits and Brownfields Agreements are available online through the AccessDEQ permitting portal.
Visit AccessDEQ to learn more.
Welcome to the Permitting Transformation Program!
Part of NCDEQ’s push to evolve and modernize its various processes, the Permitting Transformation Program (PTP) is an agency-wide initiative designed to streamline the department's various permitting processes while improving public access to permit information.
The PTP work is part of AccessDEQ, a robust digital hub that unites the department's online tools in one convenient place. This includes permit applications, access to online public records, and interactive maps and data.
As of January 2025, DEQ can process over 6,000 applications annually, streamlining operations by digitizing 15% of its total permit volume through the online portal.
Want to learn more about AccessDEQ? Find more information here.
Through the development of online web-based solutions, PTP ensures the permitting processes across five DEQ regulatory divisions are consistent, efficient and easily tracked while improving department transparency.
As DEQ continues to modernize and streamline access to data and processes, additional permit applications will become available online through AccessDEQ, thanks to the work of the PTP and its Data Modernization effort.
Want to explore the online permitting process? Check out the PTP Portal here.
The Permitting Transformation Program currently includes five regulatory divisions:
- Division of Air Quality (DAQ)
- Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources (DEMLR)
- Division of Coastal Management (DCM)
- Division of Waste Management (DWM)
- Division of Water Resources (DWR)
These divisions handle more than 100 types of permits, certificates, and licenses statewide, each of which varies greatly in complexity, scope, and processing time. In total, DEQ processed nearly 31,000 permits across these divisions in 2021.
The Permitting Transformation Program is funded with a state appropriation of $5.5 million each year, for the next two years. The provided funding is intended to support PTP development and implementation, as well as the hiring of one full time employee position.
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.
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.
- As of January 2025, applications for CAMA Major and General Permits, managed by the Division of Coastal Management, can be filed online.
- Hazardous Waste, managed by the Division of Waste Management, billing and payments can be accessed and paid online.
- Erosion and Sediment Control permits, managed by DEQ's Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources, are also available.
- Yard Waste Notifications, overseen by the Division of Waste Management, can be submitted and renewed online.
- Air Curtain Incinerators General Title V Air Quality Permits, managed by the Division of Air Quality, can be filed or renewed through the online portal.
DEQ has partnered with the state's Department of Information Technology (DIT) to develop and implement the Permitting Transformation Program.
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:
- For permitting questions, contact an Environmental Assistance Coordinator.
- For Permitting Transformation Program information, contact Jamie Ragan at (919) 707-8141.