Stormwater Easements

Most projects have an easement so we can maintain specific stormwater pipes and channels over time or access properties during construction. In the easement document, property owners are known as the "grantor" and the City of Raleigh is known as the "grantee."

Permanent Drainage Easements

A Permanent Drainage Easement (PDE) is a recorded, legal document that outlines permissions given to the City of Raleigh to access your property. The document describes easement boundaries and any conditions or restrictions to access property.

Temporary Construction Easements

A Temporary Construction Easement (TCE) is a legal agreement that grants the City or contractor the right to use a portion of a property for construction. Unlike permanent easements, TCEs are for the construction duration and ends once construction is completed. A TCE can vary depending on the project and may ask for land to access areas for the project or to store construction equipment and materials.

Easements for the Drainage Assistance Program

Property owners voluntarily donate permanent drainage easements for a project before construction. We do not buy easements for the Drainage Assistance Program.

Process

1. Complete a consent form agreeing to donate an easement.
2. Your project is shared with the Stormwater Management Advisory Commission (SMAC) and Raleigh City Council for approval.
3. Once approved, we’ll confirm you are still willing to donate an easement. If not, the project cannot move forward.
4. Right before construction starts, we’ll submit the easement to the Wake County Register of Deeds Office.

Important Details

• Be sure you are willing to donate an easement before your project goes through approvals.
• Talk with staff about what's involved with your project during this process.
• Make sure you understand all aspects of the project and easement requirements.
• Project details may change based on further investigation in the design phase.

What If I Don’t Want to Donate? The project will be on hold until you donate an easement. Even without an easement, you are responsible for maintaining any part of the stormwater system on your property.

Allowed Activities

• Trees with a root system that does not impact the stormwater system;
• Shrubs and flowers; and,
• Standard paved asphalt or concrete driveways and parking lots for underground drainage facilities, provided such driveways and parking lots meet the requirements of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance.

Stormwater facilities can include devices, culverts, and pipes that carry water through the city when it rains.

Activities Not Allowed

• Trees planted over stormwater pipes;
• Tennis courts, swimming pools, dams or anything that may block the flow of water;
• Permanent structures made of brick, block or concrete; and,
• Sheds or other buildings.
• Fences unless approved by the Engineering Services Director.