About Stream Buffers

Stream buffers, also known as riparian buffers, protect water quality and habitats in streams by protecting land adjacent to streams. The Town of Holly Springs enforces various stream buffer rules as it relates to development within the buffer. Stream buffers regulated by Holly Springs are:

• Neuse River Basin Buffer: 100 foot zoned buffers measured from the top of the bank of either side of perennial and intermittent streams.
• Cape Fear River Basin Buffer: 30 foot zoned buffers measured from the top of the bank of either side of perennial and intermittent streams.
• Bass Lake Buffer: 100 foot undisturbed buffer measured from the top of the bank of either side of perennial streams upstream of Bass Lake.

Click here for a map showing streams subject to the Town's regulations.

Click here for Town development regulations related to stream buffers.

The state also regulates a 50 foot zoned buffer in the Neuse River Basin. Click here for more information.

Helpful buffer information

• Clean Water Education Partnership
• Ordinances on riparian buffers, floodplain protection, erosion and sediment control and timbering, stormwater management, and open space.