Chatham County, NC
Home MenuRiparian Buffers
Purpose of Riparian Buffers
Riparian buffers are a significant contributor to surface water quality.
They help filter the stormwater runoff that flows from roads, roofs, lawns and other developed areas before it reaches the streams.
They remove many pollutants such as oil from roads, sediment, and nutrients from over-fertilized lawns.
The vegetation within riparian buffers slows floodwaters and runoff, allowing sediment and debris to settle out, building stream banks and reducing trash and other debris that reaches streams.
By slowing down floodwaters and runoff, the riparian vegetation also allows water to soak into the ground and recharge groundwater which is used throughout the county for private drinking water supplies
Buffer widths vary depending on the properties location within Chatham County and when the lot was created. Please refer to the above Watershed Map or utilize the Tax and Land Records Application of Chatham County GIS to determine what watershed your property is in.
What can I do within the buffers?
Forms and Applications
Authorization To Enter Property Form
ONLINE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED VIA OpenGov.
Contact Information
Please contact Taylor Burton, CFM Stormwater Program Manager, at 919-545-8396 or taylor.burton@chathamcountync.gov if you have any questions regarding Riparian Buffers or Riparian Buffer Determinations.
NC DEQ 401 & Buffer Permitting Program
Proposed Stream and Wetland Impacts: Please contact the Division of Water Resources at 919-791-4200 for questions regarding Section 401 permits. Joseph Myers joseph.myers@deq.nc.gov or Kristina Morales kristina.morales@deq.nc.gov
On-Site Buffer Determination Appeals: Any disputes over on-site determinations made by Chatham County regarding perennial water bodies and perennial and intermittent streams located within the Jordan Lake Watershed should be referred to the NC Division of Water Resources – Central Office, Stephanie Goss, Supervisor, at 919-707-9013 or stephanie.goss@deq.nc.gov.
All other disputes over on-site determinations made by Chatham County regarding the Jordan Lake Watershed or within any other watershed area shall be referred to the Watershed Review Board in writing within 30 days of the determination. Please provide these requests to Rachael Thorn, Watershed Protection Department Director, at Rachael.thorn@chathamcountync.gov.
US Army Corps of Engineers – Stream Channel and Wetland Impacts
Please contact Rachel Capito at 919‐440‐1823or Rachel.a.capito@usace.army.mil if you have any questions regarding Section 404 Permitting (Stream and Wetland Impacts).
Environmental Consultants - Streams and wetlands
Further Resources
Watershed Protection Ordinance (revised 7/18/2022)