What are the grease trap requirements in Charlotte, NC?

Food service establishments in Charlotte must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

Do I need a grease trap permit in Charlotte?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Charlotte. Fee: No separate FOG permit fee; FSEs register under the FOG program at no additional cost.

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Charlotte?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors; hydromechanical interceptors minimum 20 GPM per fixture load calculations. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Charlotte, NC

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Charlotte, North Carolina. Serving 2,985 food service establishments.

At minimum every 90 days

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (North Carolina State Building Code based on IPC)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped before FOG and solids exceed 25% of operating depth

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee No separate FOG permit fee; FSEs register under the FOG program at no additional cost

Max Fine $25,000 per day per violation (per NC General Statutes and Charlotte City Code)

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors; hydromechanical interceptors minimum 20 GPM per fixture load calculations
Pumping Frequency	At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped before FOG and solids exceed 25% of operating depth
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	No separate FOG permit fee; FSEs register under the FOG program at no additional cost
Maximum Fine	$25,000 per day per violation (per NC General Statutes and Charlotte City Code)
Inspections	Annually; facilities with compliance issues may be inspected more frequently
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (North Carolina State Building Code based on IPC)
Ordinance Ref.	Charlotte City Code Chapter 18 - Sewers and Sewage Disposal; Charlotte Water FOG Management Program; also Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Sewer Use Ordinance
Authority	Charlotte Water (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department), Environmental Management Division

Additional Notes

Charlotte Water's FOG program requires Best Management Practices (BMPs) for all FSEs. Grease interceptors must be properly sized per the plumbing code and approved by Charlotte Water. Facilities must use approved haulers and maintain pump-out records for a minimum of 3 years. Charlotte requires a FOG Compliance Agreement for each FSE.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.