Residential Lot Erosion and Sediment Control Permits

Residential Erosion Control

Building Residential Development Responsibly

Builders and developers play a key role in helping reduce erosion and protect local water quality. Any land-disturbing activity in a subdivision or residential development must follow Pitt County’s erosion and sediment control requirements. These standards ensure that soil, sediment, and stormwater are properly managed throughout construction to protect nearby properties and waterways.

For More Questions or Information Contact,
Thomas Shrader 252-902-3258  or  Noah Mills 252-902-3263

  1. When are Permits Required
  2. Permit Process
  3. Required Documents
  4. Once Plan is Approved

Protecting Our Neighborhoods Starts with Proper Permitting

All builders and developers working within a subdivision—also known as a common plan of development—must obtain a Land Disturbance Permit, even if the project disturbs less than one acre of land.

For projects located outside a subdivision, a permit is required when the total disturbed area is greater than one acre. Lots smaller than one acre must still install appropriate erosion control measures, such as a stone construction entrance and silt fencing, to prevent sediment from leaving the site and entering nearby streams, buffers, lots, or roads.

Common Plan of Development or Sale
A common plan of development or sale is a contiguous area where multiple, separate construction activities occur under a single coordinated plan. This may include announcements, documents, or markings that show planned development on a site—such as signs, advertisements, drawings, permit applications, zoning requests, or boundary stakes.

Pitt County staff will determine permit requirements for unique or borderline cases. If needed, these decisions may be appealed to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) for review.

Plan and Permit Submission

All lots that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale must submit an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, pay all associated fees, and obtain a Land Disturbance Permit. The fee for each individual lot is $50.