(A) This chapter shall be officially known as "The Neuse River Basin Stormwater Ordinance for New Development." It is referred to herein as "this chapter." The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum requirements, procedures and standards to control the adverse effects of nitrogen in stormwater runoff and nonpoint and point source pollution associated with new development in the watershed of the Neuse River Basin estuary. It has been determined that proper management of post-development stormwater runoff will protect water quality and aquatic resources; safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community; minimize damage to public and private property and infrastructure; and satisfy 15A NCAC 2B.0700-Nutrient Management Strategy Rules for Surface Water, sections 2B.0701 through 2B.0711 Neuse Nutrient Strategy for Stormwater.
(B) This chapter seeks to meet its general purpose through the following specific objectives and means:
(1) Establishing decision-making processes for development that protects the integrity of watersheds and preserves the health of water resources;
(2) Requiring that new development not exceed export targets for nitrogen in stormwater runoff for the watershed through site layout, engineered stormwater controls, or permanent nutrient offset credits;
(3) Establishing minimum post-development stormwater management standards and design criteria for the regulation and control of stormwater runoff quantity and quality;
(4) Establishing design and review criteria for the construction, function, and use of engineered stormwater controls that may be used to meet the minimum post development stormwater management standards;
(5) Encouraging the use of better management and site design practices, such as the use of vegetated conveyances for stormwater and the preservation of greenspace, riparian buffers and other conservation areas to the maximum extent practicable;
(6) Establishing provisions for the long-term responsibility for and maintenance of engineered stormwater controls to ensure that they continue to function as designed, are maintained appropriately, and pose no threat to public safety;
(7) Establishing administrative procedures for the submission, review, and approval and disapproval of site plans, for the inspection of approved projects, and to assure appropriate long-term maintenance;
(8) Controlling illicit discharges into the stormwater system and waters of the State;
(9) Providing education and outreach to the public regarding methods to prevent and minimize pollutant contributions to the stormwater system and waters of the State;
(10) Requiring that new development maintain the pre-development hydrologic response in their post-development state for the applicable design storm to reduce flooding, streambank erosion, nonpoint and point source pollution and increases in stream temperature, and to maintain the integrity of stream channels and aquatic habitats.