Riparian Buffers are undisturbed, protected areas along streams and ponds that are required by State regulations and Local ordinances. Buffer ordinances require vegetated strips along streams and water bodies that slow stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, and help protect water quality. Riparian buffers are divided into two zones. In the zone closest to the streambank, vegetation should remain undisturbed, while the outer zone can have managed vegetation.
In either buffer zone, nuisance vegetation such as poison ivy and non-native invasive plants may be removed. As well, replanting of native plants is encouraged – please refer to Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration.
Wake County's riparian buffer ordinance, which is for the unincorporated areas of the County, is set forth in Article 11-10 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and states that development must follow the NC DEQ riparian buffer protection rule 15 A NCAC 2B.0233 (Neuse River Basin: Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy: Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Buffers). This rule applies to all unincorporated Wake County projects that are in either the Neuse River or Cape Fear River basins.
Allowable uses within riparian buffers are detailed in 15 A NCAC 2B.0233 and Neuse Buffer Rules.
If you are unsure if there is a riparian buffer on your project site, you may request an official riparian buffer rule applicability determination for surface water features. The determination will be valid for 5 years. Afterwards, another riparian buffer determination will need to be performed.
| River Basin | Agency to make Riparian Buffer determination | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Neuse River | NC DEQ Raleigh Regional Office | 919-791-4200 |
| Cape Fear | Wake County Watershed Management | 919-856-7436 |
For more information on Code Enforcement for riparian buffers, please contact Watershed Management at 919-856-7436.