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Engineering
Welcome to New Hanover County Engineering
The New Hanover County Engineering Department provides a range of engineering, shore protection, and project management services, both to the community and to other county departments. The Engineering Department's services include the administration and implementation of the Stormwater and Drainage Ordinance, as well as the Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance. As a local program office of the state, Engineering issues and enforces Sedimentation and Erosion Control Permits for all non-governmental land-disturbing activities within New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington. Engineering is also responsible for the maintenance of abandoned cemeteries within New Hanover County
- Where can I report a drainage issue?
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Drainage issues should be reported to Stormwater Services by phone at 910-798-7077.
- Where can I report a sediment and erosion control issue?
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Sediment and erosion control issues should be reported to Beth Wetherill by email, or by phone at 910-798-7432.
- When is a Land Disturbing Permit required?
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A Land Disturbing Permit is required when:
- More than one acre is to be disturbed
- A permit has previously been issued on the property or project and additional land disturbance activities are planned
- A parcel or project is less than one acre but is part of a larger project (i.e. common plan of development)
- What is the purpose of a Land Disturbing Permit?
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A Land Disturbing Permit provides protective measures to vulnerable areas in developments against accelerated (man-made) erosion and sedimentation that damages adjoining properties, streams, and other water resources of the state.
- Does the Engineering Department issue Land Disturbing Permits in the City of Wilmington?
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Yes, unless it is a city or county-owned project.
New Hanover County is not allowed to issue permits to entities who have powers of eminent domain (the right to condemn property), or to projects that use local, state, or federal funds. These projects are permitted through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). They can be reached at 910-796-7215.
- Where can I obtain a Land Disturbing Permit?
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A Land Disturbing Permit can be obtained from New Hanover County Engineering. Please complete the Application for a Permit for a Land Disturbing Activity (PDF) and submit it via email to Beth Wetherill.
- What is the timeline to obtain a Land Disturbing Permit?
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A permit application for land disturbing activity may take up to 30 calendar days to review upon receipt of a complete application package. All plans and calculations submitted will be reviewed prior to either issuing a permit or issuing a request for additional information. Additional reviews will be completed within 15 calendar days.
- How much is a Land Disturbing Permit?
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Residential Subdivision
- Review Fee: $200 paid at time of application, includes initial and second review
- Land Disturbance Fee: $150 per lot, paid at the time of plat recordation
- Subsequent Reviews: $200 each, for each review after the second review
- Modifications: $200
- Name Change: $200
- Transfer of Ownership: $200
All lots must be in the limits of disturbance and have erosion control measures.
Commercial Development
- Review Fee: $200, paid at time of application, includes initial and second review
- Land Disturbance Fee: $400 per acre disturbed, paid at the time of Certificate of Occupancy
- Subsequent Reviews: $200 each for each review after the second review
- Modifications: $200
- Name Change: $200
- Transfer of Ownership: $200
Other
- Review Fee: $200, paid at the time of application, includes initial and second review
- Land Disturbance Fee: $400 per acre disturbed, paid at time of application
- Subsequent Reviews: $200 each, for each review after the second review
- Modifications: $200
- Name Change: $200
- Transfer of Ownership: $200
- How long is a Land Disturbing Permit valid?
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A Land Disturbing Permit is valid while the site is active or for a period of one year if no land disturbing activity is undertaken. For more information, please contact Beth Wetherill by email, or by phone at 910-798-7432.
- What are the consequences for failure to obtain a Land Disturbing Permit?
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Failure to obtain a Land Disturbing Permit may result in $5,000 per day fines and / or criminal penalties.
- When is a Stormwater Permit required?
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A Stormwater Permit is required when:
- There will be an accumulation of 10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface area on a parcel
- A site with an existing Stormwater Permit is to be redeveloped or expanded
- Does the Engineering Department issue Stormwater Permits in the City of Wilmington?
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No, the county does not issue Stormwater Permits within the city limits. Please contact the City of Wilmington at 910-341-5856.
- Does the county issue state Stormwater Permits?
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No, the county issues an Authorization to Construct (ATC) Permit based on a county Stormwater Permit for water quantity. Development within New Hanover County may also require a state Stormwater Permit for water quality.
- Does New Hanover County issue Wetlands Permits?
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No, wetlands permitting is handled by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
- Where is the New Hanover County Engineering Department located?
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The Engineering Department is located in the Development Services Center, Suite 160 within the New Hanover County Government Center located at 230 Government Center Drive.
Enter the building through the south entrance located closest to Home Depot and go through the automatic glass doors to your right. For deliveries, please visit the main desk or ask for an Engineering representative to meet you at the entrance to the building.