HB 279 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to transfer stormwater runoff permits (G.S. 143-214.7) and water pollution control permits (G.S. 143-215.1) to successor property owners without consent of the original permit holder.

• Permits transfer only when the original permit holder is deceased, dissolved as a business entity, divested of property title, or has sold the property, and the successor owner holds title and is the sole claimant to the permitted activity.

• Requires successor owners to submit written transfer requests and prevents the Department from imposing new or different permit terms without the successor owner's express consent, even if laws change after original issuance.

• Extends similar transfer authority to erosion and sedimentation control plans at both state and local government levels (G.S. 113A-54.1 and G.S. 113A-61).

• Became effective upon enactment on June 19, 2013.