There is a Stream on my Property

Can I pipe or move the stream?

Disturbance in a stream channel is regulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the NC Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (NCDEQ DWR).  Before
installing pipe or disturbing the stream channel, contact the Corps of Engineers and NCDEQ DWR.

NCDEQ 
Raleigh Regional Office
3800 Barrett Drive, 
Raleigh, NC 27609
919-791-4200

https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/permitting/401-buffer-permitting-branch 

US Corps of Engineers
Raleigh Regional Field Office
331 Heritage Trade Drive Suite 105
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-554-4884

https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/Obtain-a-Permit/ 

Can I mow or remove trees on the sides of a stream?

Most streams in the County are required to have a riparian buffer - basically a "no touch zone" - on each side of the stream.  This vegetated buffer helps protect stream banks from erosion and provides habitat and shade.  This riparian buffer is made up of two zones of vegetation with
different management strategies:

• Zone 1 is the inner zone closest to the stream and includes undisturbed, unmanaged deep rooted vegetation such as shrubs and trees.   
• Zone 2 is the outer zone of vegetation such as grass (though it could be the same vegetation makeup as Zone 1).  Zone 2 can be managed the same as a lawn. 

Built upon area (or impervious surfaces) cannot be placed in either zone.

How do I know if I have a riparian buffer on my property?

If your lot is part of a subdivision developed after 1997, your subdivision plat will have riparian buffers identified on it if they apply. If your property is not part of a subdivision and/or you have a stream or pond on it, contact the Public Utilities Department for more information.

What activities are allowable in riparian buffers?

A homeowner can do the following in riparian buffers without having prior approval from Johnston County:

• Install playground equipment (such as a swing set) as long as the existing vegetation isn’t damaged.
• Remove invasive plants, poison ivy, or dead or diseased vegetation.
• Mow Zone 2.
• Planting vegetation to enhance the riparian buffer.