Erosion & Sediment Control

Tractors clearing out an area in preperation for future building

Erosion Program Overview

A Land Disturbance Permit is required for all land-disturbing of .50 acre (21,780 square feet) or more in surface area, including individual residences, in addition to NCG01 coverage. The Town may require a Land Disturbance Permit for activities that are less than .50 acre where sediment control measures are needed to protect against off-site damages. 

When a Land Disturbance Permit is required, an Erosion & Sediment Control Financial Security must be submitted to the Town for temporary erosion, sedimentation and stormwater control. The Erosion & Sediment Control Financial Security is to be 125% of the cost to maintain, repair and remove all erosion control measures. Additional information on financial securities can be found in the Unified Development Ordinance under Chapter 12.2.

Development Requirements

For developments, the Town of Wake Forest Land Disturbance Permit is applied for & generated during the Construction Plan review. All Land Disturbance Permit Fees must be paid during the Construction Plan review. Proof of NCG01 coverage and an ESC Financial Security must be submitted before a pre-construction meeting will be scheduled. To apply for an ESC Financial security, please submit an IDT application by selecting Submit New Planning Application > Guarantee/Security. 

Minimal submittal requirements include the Financial Responsibility Form, site plan and erosion control details, plot plan, calculations for any applicable basin design, swales, etc. and a narrative. Additional details regarding erosion and sediment control can be found in the Unified Development Ordinance under section 12.3.

 

Single Family Lot Requirements

Individual residence lots are required to have a Town of Wake Forest Land Disturbance Permit if the disturbance is greater than .50 acre (21,780 square feet) or more in surface area. Single family lots being graded/built by the same builder/developer at the same time within the same subdivision, whether they are contiguous or non-contiguous, must obtain a Land Disturbance Permit if the total disturbance is .50 acre or more in surface area.

Each E&SC single family lot fee is $65/lot. This fee is paid in the IDT permit application and covers the cost of inspection and monitoring. Proof of NCGO1 coverage and an ESC Financial Security will be required before the Land Disturbance Permit is issued. Submit an application for a Land Disturbance Permit in IDT by selecting Submit New Planning Application > Land Disturbance Permit for Individual Lots. Please refer to the Individual Lot Plan Review Checklist for application requirements. 

Minimum Requirements for All Lots

Minimum erosion and sediment control measures for lots regardless of size include a construction entrance for each point of access, and a silt fence at the street front and at low sides prior to the initial footing inspection. Any land disturbance project that is under 0.50 acre requires silt fence on the low side of the lot and a construction entrance with 200 pound tensile strength woven fabric underneath. Additional details regarding erosion and sediment control can be found in the Unified Development Ordinance under section 12.3. 

Program Changes

The NCGO1 Permit changed effective April 1, 2019. NCDEQ developed a Final Fact Sheet describing the changes. 

FAQs

How are fees calculated?

The E&SC permit fee for development is $500/acre rounded up to the nearest acre (1.1 acres rounded up is 2 acres * $500 = $1,000), as of March 1, 2018.

The E&SC permit fee for individual lots is $65/lot. 

How long does a plan last?

Plan approval is good for one year, prior to start of work.

What is the length of the E&SC permit cycle?

E&SC permit is good for two years.

What is the cost for permit renewal?

Permit renewal is required in one year increments at $250/acre per year.

DISCLAIMER: Town of Wake Forest fees and charges are subject to change without notice. Please call 919-435-9443 to confirm current fees and charges.

What is a Letter of Consent?

A Letter of Consent is required when the owner of the property on the Deed is different than the owner listed on the Financially Responsible Owner (FRO) Form. A Letter of Consent must be submitted that grants permission from the Deed owner to the FRO owner to conduct land disturbing activity. 

What is an Erosion Control Performance Security (Bond)?

When a Land Disturbance Permit is required, an Erosion Control Performance Security must be submitted to the Town. The bond is for 125% the cost to maintain, repair, and remove all temporary erosion control measures. Securities will be
released upon issuance of a Certificate of Compliance and final Land Disturbance Permit closeout.