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N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Water Quality - Coastal General Major Variance Info

Water Quality
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Coastal General Major Variance Information

The Coastal General Major Variance applies to residential structures on existing lots within North Carolina's 20 coastal counties and that are subject to the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico Riparian Buffer Protection Rules. The variance offers permitting options that provide protection for water quality while acknowledging that there are sometimes practical difficulties or unique hardships that prevent compliance with the buffer rules.

It is the North Carolina Attorney General's decision that variances transfer with the property and, once approved by DWQ, the variance does not expire.

Please click on the links below to find information on the buffer protection programs and the permitting options.

Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions

Attorney General's position on variance expiration and transferability

The Neuse and Tar-Pamlico Information Brochure

The Neuse Buffer Rules

The Tar-Pamlico Buffer Rules
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