Realtors Frequently Asked Questions – Water Quality Buffers
What are water quality buffers?
Water quality buffers are “no build zones” along creeks, ponds and lakes. Nearly all types of
development are not allowed in a protected buffer. Water quality buffers are regulated in several
different local ordinances. If a property owner is about to make a change to a property (everything from
installing a pathway, shed or pool to redeveloping a site), the property must comply with the applicable
buffer provisions found in the Water Quality Buffer Implementation Guidelines..
What’s the purpose of a buffer?
Buffers are naturally vegetated areas of land along lakes and creeks. The purpose of buffers is to
stabilize creek banks, provide shade and protect water quality.
What does it mean if I have a buffer on my property?
Nothing really until changes are proposed on the property. If you want to make changes to the property,
then it depends on the kind of buffer. There are three kinds of buffers: Water Supply Watershed Buffers,
SWIM Buffers and Post-Construction Controls Ordinances.
Changing ownership of the property does not affect buffers. Buffers are in effect based on the year the
property was developed.
Water quality buffers took effect in 1993, 1999, 2001, and 2008.
Applicable Protected Buffer Type
Year Built
Water Supply
Watershed
Before 1993
Between 1993 and 1999
Between 1999 and 2008
2008 and later
X
X
X
SWIM
PCCO
X
X
X
What kinds of property changes are affected by Buffer rules?
Examples of some changes that are not allowed are but are not limited to:
Adding brick pavers, asphalt or concrete
Adding or repairing a septic system
Building a home addition
Constructing a building
Constructing a swimming pool
Creating any type of pathway through
the buffer
Grading the soil
Removing trees and other vegetation
http://stormwater.charmeck.org
Call 311 to report blockages, flooding, erosion or pollution problems.
How do I find out if there is a buffer on my property?
First, determine if the property was developed before or after a buffer ordinance took effect (see
above).
Second, visit http://Polaris.mecklenburgcountync.gov
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Select “Search” (right side of screen)
Enter Parcel ID# or address and select “Find” (left side of screen)
Click on “PID” to zoom to parcel (left side of screen)
Select “Layers” (right side of screen)
Select “Water Quality Buffers” and “Refresh map” (left side of screen)
Select “Legend” (right side of screen)
Scroll down the legend to “Water Quality Buffers” to identify the type of buffer indicated on the
parcel (left side of screen)
For more detailed information about each buffer type, visit
http://stormwater.charmeck.org and click on Regulations or
http://charmeck.org/stormwater/creekslakesponds/creeks/Pages/Buffe
rsandBMPs.aspx and click on Water Quality Buffer Guidelines and
Application for Buffer Disturbance (lake and stream buffers)
Buffer Information
http://stormwater.charmeck.org
Call 311 to report blockages, flooding, erosion or pollution problems.