The Stormwater Program is responsible for administering the Durham County Stormwater Ordinance, which applies to all unincorporated areas of Durham County.  The Program enforces the Neuse River, Falls Lake, and Jordan Lake nutrient management rules through development reviews including flood control, water quantity, and water quality control measures.  It is also responsible for maintaining the County’s compliance with the rules through stormwater retrofit identification, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and education and outreach activities. 

If you have flooding concerns, drainage issues, or illicit discharge complaints, please call our Stormwater Hotline, 919-560-7008.

Effective April 11, 2023, the Durham County Stormwater Ordinance has been updated to incorporate changes to the Neuse River Basin Nutrient Management Strategy, as well as other revisions.

4/11/23 Letter to Industry for Durham County Stormwater Ordinance Adoption

Adopted Durham County Stormwater Ordinance

The Stormwater Utility Fee is charged to all properties in the unincorporated areas of Durham County with development.  The fee is based on the amount of impervious surface area on a property.  It is divided into residential and non-residential charges, with residential properties paying one of three flat rate tiers.  Non-residential properties pay per the total amount of impervious area with no maximum charge.  Revenues from the Stormwater Utility Fee fund compliance actions required by the Neuse River, Falls Lake, and Jordan Lake nutrient management strategies.