Riparian Buffers are undisturbed, protected areas along streams and ponds that are required by State regulations and Local ordinances.  Wake County's local ordinance is set forth in Article 11 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). For more information on Code Enforcement, please contact Watershed Management at 919-856-7436.

Buffers are divided into zones. In the zone closest to the streambank, vegetation should remain undisturbed; however, nuisance vegetation such as poison ivy and non-native invasive plants may be removed. Replanting is encouraged – please refer to Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration. For allowable uses within buffers, please refer to Article 11 of the Wake County UDO or the Neuse Buffer Rules.

For Neuse buffer determinations, please contact NC DEQ Raleigh Regional Office at 919-791-4200.

For all other buffer determinations, please contact Watershed Management at 919-856-7436.