Lot Grading Plans
A Lot Grading Plan is often required when fine grading is proposed within an area governed by an approved subdivision plan. Lot grading activity conducted in ignorance of the overall subdivision plan can create major problems with storm drainage. Land Development Division has a responsibility to condition lot grading approvals on compliance with the overall subdivision plan.
Lot Grading Permit (LDGPL)
A lot grading permit may be sought and obtained in lieu of a grading permit (LDGP), with City approval, when any of the following apply:
- The project area is a component of a larger subdivision that has an active permit by a previous (separate) owner, and mass grading operations, installation of storm water system, and internal roads that service the outparcel have been completed.
- The project area has been mass-graded (and permitted), and does not include any civil site improvements that fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Charlotte and will not require any complex storm water controls like a sediment basin or post-construction BMP, and does not propose any significant change to those features if already existing and previously permitted.
- The project area is a single family lot (or lots) within a residential subdivision that has, or previously had, a grading permit issued by the City of Charlotte
- Other small operators or operations as determined by staff (i.e., a single family home converting an acre of timberland to pasture or yard, or a single family home site where the total site disturbance is greater than an acre but does not trigger the post-construction ordinance).
- Isolated disturbances under one acre, when the owner desires coverage under a grading permit.
Lot grading, when it occurs, should formed as a related record (??). A grading letter of approval and NPDES permit will be provided upon approval.
Additional Grading (LDGPA)
Additional grading covers any permitted site that wishes to add additional area to their existing grading permit and should be set up as a related record to the parent CAP. A grading letter of approval should be generated upon approval.
Revised grading permit (SDRSFR, LDXR, LDCR etc)
If the original permittee wishes to change an element of their approved soil erosion and sedimentation control plan they should submit a revision to the original plan and should be set up as a related record to the original review. A grading letter of approval and NPDES permit will be provided upon approval.
Below are basic standards for what these lot grading plan submittals should include:
Base Plan:
The base plan for any lot grading submittal shall be the appropriate plan(s) from the previously approved subdivision plan set. This would include at a minimum the grading/drainage plan and the drainage area map (if lot grading was included in the approved subdivision plans, the drainage area map is essential to help clarify drainage patterns for flatly graded lots).
Design Professional Seal & Signature:
If no modifications to the previously approved grading/drainage plan for the subdivision are proposed, then there would be no need to re-seal the previously sealed and approved plans. The lot grading applicant could simply delineate on the appropriate subdivision plan(s) the lots to be included in the lot grading permit for recordkeeping purposes.
If the proposed lot grading deviates from what is shown on the previously approved subdivision plans, but does not affect the permanent infrastructure or easement locations for the subdivision, then the changes could be noted on the previously approved subdivision plans, and the
plans must be sealed by the design professional taking responsibility for the changes.
If you have questions regarding Lot Grading Plans, please contact Jay Wilson, Erosion & Sediment Control Administrator, at 704-517-1152.