Is a permit required to build a pond?
A permit is required prior to the initiation of the pond construction or modification if the dam is high hazard (determined by the division that the failure of the dam could cause loss of life or severe property damage), or if the dam is 15 feet or greater in height (from top of dam to lowest point at downstream toe) and the impoundment capacity is 10 acre feet or greater at the top of the dam. All statements or permits should be obtained by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (336-771-5000) at 585 Waughtown St. in Winston Salem.
