Residential Assessment Pilot Project

An assessment is technical advice given to a homeowner regarding possible solutions to flooding, drainage, erosion, or other stormwater or stream related concerns. It consists of an onsite consultation with the assessment provider and a detailed report/assessment customized to the property and owner’s interests.

Single family residential property owners within the Town’s municipal limits were eligible.

Examples of Stormwater-Related Concerns

• Flooding resulting in property damage or health/safety concerns
• Other drainage issues  (e.g., extended yard saturation)
• Eroding slopes or stream channels
• Stream buffers
• Water quality

Within the Scope of the Assessment

• Green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens and bioswales.
• Impervious surface reduction or disconnection (dispersing rather than concentrating flow)
• Swale or ditch repairs
• Rainwater harvesting (cisterns and rain barrels)
• Vegetation additions or adaptations
• Building or mechanical system elevation adaptations
• A conceptual plan and assessment

Outside the Scope of the Assessment

• Recommending specific contractors
• More detailed design/engineering plans
• Project cost estimations
• Other project procurement or management assistance

Michael Dupree, an independent contractor, provided the assessments. He has extensive experience in stormwater and community outreach in Durham County and across North Carolina. He has been providing landscape, irrigation, stormwater and stream related consultation, and design services for Triangle residents since 1989.

A new residential program design was approved by the Town Council on January 9th, 2024. A public hearing has been set for February 27th, 2024 to adjust the Stormwater rate structure to fund the program.  If the rate structure amendment is approved, more assessments and cost sharing for eligible practices will be offered.  Applications could begin to be received again in mid 2024.