S686 - Regulatory Reform Act of 2023

• Distinguishes trespassing for hunting or fishing on unposted land (Class 3 misdemeanor with verbal or written permission allowed) from posted land (Class 2 misdemeanor requiring written permission carried on person); increases minimum fine for posted land violations from $500 to $1,000 effective October 1, 2023.

• Clarifies stormwater regulations to exclude certain materials from "built-upon area" calculations (slatted decks, porous trails, landscaping) and allows development within vegetative buffers if stormwater runoff passes through the buffer and meets state/federal requirements.

• Requires stormwater controls only for net increases in impervious surface during redevelopment projects, allowing property owners to voluntarily treat additional stormwater to exceed density limitations.

• Restricts wetlands definition to waters of the United States under federal law and excludes prior converted cropland; exempts linear transportation projects meeting NCDOT standards from stormwater management requirements when conveyed to public entities.

• Sets dwelling wastewater design flow rate at 70 gallons per day per bedroom (minimum 70 gallons per day) effective August 1, 2023; requires Marine Fisheries Commission to adopt rules prohibiting tournaments and targeted catch of overfished species and mandating reporting of coastal finfish harvests.