Bill > H352

This bill addresses multiple aspects of environmental permitting, water and sewage systems, and coastal development in North Carolina. First, it modifies bidding requirements for water and sewage system contracts, stipulating that such contracts can be awarded only when at least two competitive bids are received from qualified contractors. The bill also introduces significant reforms to environmental permitting processes across several state agencies, including key provisions that limit repeated requests for additional information during permit reviews. Specifically, agencies are now prohibited from requesting additional information not originally identified as missing in their initial review, which aims to streamline and expedite permit applications. The bill also clarifies that downstream inundation maps associated with dams not regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are subject to public disclosure. Additionally, the legislation defines "man-made ditches" and explicitly excludes them from certain coastal area management regulations. Perhaps most notably, the bill establishes a comprehensive framework for permitting upland basin marinas, creating specific criteria for their development and emphasizing their potential benefits, such as increasing riparian property owner access to public trust waters and reducing onshore impervious surfaces. The bill provides detailed guidelines for marina construction, including requirements for dissolved oxygen levels, wetland impact limitations, and environmental protection measures. Overall, the bill seeks to simplify regulatory processes while maintaining environmental safeguards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H352