A coastal downpour can turn your driveway into a stream in minutes. If you live in Jacksonville or Onslow County, you know heavy rain is part of life near the New River. The good news: you can shape your yard to handle water better, protect local waterways, and keep your property looking great. In this guide, you’ll learn simple habits, DIY projects, and when to check permits so your yard works with the rain, not against it. Let’s dive in.
Why it matters in Jacksonville
Storm drains in Jacksonville move water quickly to the New River and Wilson Bay, often without treatment. That means whatever washes off driveways and lawns can reach local waters, which is why the city urges residents to keep pollutants out of drains and ditches. You can see the city’s guidance on storm drains and common pollutants for practical do’s and don’ts.
Jacksonville sits in the coastal plain and typically receives about 56 inches of rain each year. Summer and fall storms, including tropical systems, can dump a lot of water fast. Building your yard to slow, spread, and soak rain helps manage these quick bursts.
If your home is near tidal creeks or in a mapped flood zone, take extra care before grading or adding any structure. Onslow County’s floodplain program posts current maps and notes that new county flood maps became effective January 17, 2025. Always check your property’s flood status before big changes.
Start with simple habits
- Pick up pet waste and keep yard debris out of streets and gutters. These steps help protect local waters and prevent clogs.
- Apply fertilizer only as directed and avoid spreading before a forecasted rain. The EPA outlines easy yard practices that reduce nutrient runoff.
- Keep gutters, downspouts, and private swales clear so water flows where it should, not across sidewalks or into the street.
DIY green upgrades
Downspouts and rain barrels
Redirect one or more downspouts onto lawn or garden areas so water can soak in. A rain barrel captures roof runoff for later use on plants, which lowers demand on irrigation. The EPA’s Soak Up the Rain program shows how small changes like these reduce runoff volume.
Rain gardens basics
A rain garden is a shallow, planted basin that temporarily holds stormwater from a roof or driveway, then drains within a day or two. Site it several feet from your foundation and away from septic components, run a simple infiltration test, and keep ponding depth shallow. NCDEQ’s Rain Garden Guide explains sizing, soils, and how to keep water from standing too long.
Plant with native, moisture-tolerant species that handle wet and dry cycles. For coastal North Carolina options, NC State Extension’s rain garden plant list is a helpful starting point.
Swales and buffers
A gently graded, vegetated swale along a property edge can slow and filter runoff before it reaches a ditch or storm drain. Use turf for easy maintenance or mix in native grasses and perennials to boost infiltration and appeal. The EPA’s Soak Up the Rain resources show examples and maintenance tips.
Permeable walkways
If you are updating a path or small patio, consider permeable pavers or gravel. Reducing hard surfaces, even in small spots, helps water seep into the ground instead of pooling or running off.
When to call in pros
Bigger projects like dry wells, infiltration trenches, large cisterns, or detention basins may need professional design and review. Inside city limits, review Jacksonville’s stormwater permits and forms to see what applies before you alter grading or add an engineered feature. In coastal counties, state coastal stormwater rules can also apply, depending on size, location, and purpose.
If your property is outside city limits or near mapped flood areas, call Onslow County Planning and Floodplain Management to confirm requirements before you dig.
Plants that thrive here
Pick natives that tolerate alternating wet and dry conditions and fit your sun exposure. Homeowners often use southern blue flag iris, cardinal flower, Joe-Pye weed, muhly grass, swamp milkweed, and compatible shrubs. Start with NC State Extension’s rain garden plant list and match selections to your site. Avoid invasive species and verify plants with local sources.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Confirm your flood zone on Onslow County’s Floodplain Management page before grading or adding structures.
- Start small: disconnect one downspout to a lawn area or add a rain barrel. The EPA’s Soak Up the Rain pages offer simple how-tos.
- Size a shallow rain garden using NCDEQ’s Rain Garden Guide; aim for 4 to 8 inches of ponding with good infiltration.
- Choose native plants using NC State Extension’s coastal rain garden list.
- Time fertilizer carefully and keep waste and debris out of gutters and drains to protect local waters.
Local help and contacts
- City of Jacksonville: see storm drain and pollution prevention guidance to understand local priorities and reporting tips.
- Permitting: check Jacksonville stormwater permits and forms for projects inside city limits.
- Onslow County: see Floodplain Management to review maps and ask about permits outside city limits.
- Plant advice: contact the Onslow County Cooperative Extension for Master Gardener support and local plant clinics.
Bring it back to home value
Stormwater-smart yards look good, work hard during storms, and show care for the coast. Whether you plan to stay or sell, thoughtful drainage and low-maintenance native landscaping can boost curb appeal and everyday livability. If you are weighing improvements before a sale or evaluating a property’s drainage before you buy, let’s talk through options that fit your goals. Reach out to Joseph Zuba for local guidance tailored to Jacksonville and nearby coastal communities.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a rain garden in Jacksonville?
- Small, shallow gardens are often treated as landscaping, but larger infiltrating features or any work that changes drainage may require review; check Jacksonville’s permits and forms and confirm with the City or County.
How far from my house or septic should a rain garden be?
- Keep rain gardens several feet from foundations and away from septic systems; follow siting and setback tips in NCDEQ’s Rain Garden Guide and local code.
Will a rain garden attract mosquitoes?
- Properly built rain gardens drain within 24 to 48 hours and do not hold water long enough for mosquitoes; NCDEQ’s guidance covers ponding depth and soil preparation.
Which plants work in coastal North Carolina rain gardens?
- Use native, moisture-tolerant species such as southern blue flag iris, cardinal flower, Joe-Pye weed, muhly grass, and swamp milkweed, with selections from NC State Extension’s rain garden list.
Will these yard measures reduce my flood risk?
- Yard-scale practices improve small to medium storm management but do not replace floodproofing for high-risk areas; follow county floodplain guidance and use insurance and elevation where needed.
storm drains and pollution guidance
Onslow County’s Floodplain Management
