Stormwater Design Manual

Wake County Stormwater Design Manual is a guide to provide clear standards and guidance for managing stormwater runoff from new development and expansions. This manual supports key sections of the Wake County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and state regulations, which set minimum requirements to control the impacts of stormwater from construction projects. It is fully incorporated into the County’s UDO and is considered a “living document,” meaning it will be updated as regulations or programs change.

This manual provides detailed guidance for developers, engineers and property owners to ensure that stormwater runoff is managed responsibly, protecting our water resources for everyone in Wake County.

The chapters of the document are presented below.

Stormwater Design Manual by chapters

Engineer design Chapter 1 - Introduction
Map of impervious surface of house Chapter 2 - Overall Stormwater Process and Requirements
A landscaped stormwater pond beside a commercial building on a sunny day. Chapter 3 - Stormwater Compliance Principles
westbury rain garden Chapter 4 - Single Family Residential Lot Processes and Requirements
drone aerial of construction work Chapter 5 - Sedimentation and Erosion Control
Flood prone areas near surface water Chapter 6 - Flood Hazard Areas
Surface water with trees around the edges as a riparian buffer Chapter 7 - Buffers and Easements
soil map with classifications Chapter 8 - Appendices

Full Stormwater Design Manual and prior editions

Wake County Stormwater Design Manual, version 3 (5.3 MB) – September 2025

Wake County Stormwater Design Manual, version 2 (5.5 MB) – February 2024

Wake County Stormwater Design Manual, version 1 (2.6 MB) – October 2013