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Stormwater Devices are typically added to new development during construction to manage the stormwater runoff coming from the property. After construction, it is required to get the devices inspected each year.
What You'll Need
Annual inspections are completed by a North Carolina professional engineer, landscape architect, or land surveyor. They make sure that the device is maintained and functioning properly.
The inspection should include:
- Identifying and coordinating repairs;
- Filling out Form-501 and including it in the report (signed and sealed);
- Showing that your device(s) is functioning; and,
- Supporting photos/documents.
The Stormwater Device Annual Inspection Report Checklist should be reviewed and completed before submitting the report.
Need a licensed professional to help with maintenance and the inspections? View these recommendations from the Stormwater Inspection & Maintenance Program.
Smaller Sites
If a property was developed as a "Grandfathered Lot" subject to UDO 9.2.2.1.b.i or UDO 9.2.2.A.1.b.ii, the site can use a Form-502 for their Annual Inspection Requirements. This form does not require a seal by a North Carolina Professional engineer, landscape architect or land surveyor.
Timeframe and Enforcement
Annual Inspection reports are due every year on the sites anniversary date of as-built acceptance (unless a date change has been previously approved by staff). If you are unsure of when your anniversary date is, please reach out to SCMInspections@raleighnc.gov with the address of the site or SCM.
If a site does not submit a certified annual inspection report by their anniversary date, they will be out-of-compliance and could be subject to enforcement and potential fines. To request additional time (without enforcement) to complete the inspection requirements, the site can use the Extension Request Form.
Note: Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and using one may prohibit the site’s ability to request an extension again in the future.
Extension Requests
Extension Requests give sites the opportunity to request additional time beyond their anniversary date to address deficiencies with their SCMs and re-inspect, while delaying enforcement action. All sites must first have an initial inspection completed by their qualified SCM inspection professional to identify any SCM maintenance or repair needs. Once completed, the site should submit the following to scminspections@raleighnc.gov as a single, PDF attachment:
- A completed Extension Request Form (two-sided document: Page 1 must be completed and signed by the property owner/representative, and Page 2 must be completed and signed by the hired, qualified inspection professional)
- A failed inspection report that identifies the deficiencies preventing certification/compliance of the SCM(s).
- Documentation showing the needed repairs or maintenance have been contracted or scheduled (invoice, contract, work order, scope of work, etc.)
Once accepted, the site has until the Extension Request Date to submit an acceptable, certified Annual Inspection Report. This report must show the deficiencies identified in the request properly addressed, and all SCM(s) on site properly functioning, maintained, and in-compliance with the approved plan. If staff does not receive a certified report by that Extension Request Date, the site may be eligible for enforcement action and associated civil penalties.
Property Managers
Join the City for an information session about stormwater device requirements. You'll also learn about common maintenance needs for a device on your property. More details are available by emailing SCMInspections@raleighnc.gov.
