S401 - NC Farm Act of 2025-2026. (SL 2026-11)

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Session Year 2024

Overview: Section 10 of S.L. 2026-11 (Senate Bill 401) adds New Hanover County and Pender County to the list of "high hazard counties" in which it is unlawful:

  • For any person to willfully start or cause to be started any fire in or within 500 feet of any woodland under the protection of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) without a permit from DACS.
  • For any person to willfully burn debris, stumps, brush, or other flammable materials from ground clearing of five or more contiguous acres without a special permit from DACS. Regular permits are required for areas less than five acres.

This section became effective June 22, 2026.

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