Grease Trap Requirements
Raleigh, NC
FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Raleigh, North Carolina. Serving 2,636 food service establishments.
Pumping Requirements
Permits & Enforcement
Complete FOG Regulations
| Minimum Trap Size | Grease interceptors sized per the North Carolina State Plumbing Code (based on IPC), Section 1003. Minimum sizing based on fixture unit drainage load calculations. Typical minimum for full-service restaurants: 750-1,000 gallons for exterior gravity interceptors. |
|---|---|
| Pumping Frequency | Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped before FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of interceptor capacity. |
| 25% Rule | Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Permit Fee | FOG permit/pretreatment discharge authorization required through City of Raleigh Public Utilities. Contact (919) 996-2334 for current fee schedule. |
| Maximum Fine | Up to $25,000 per day per violation under North Carolina General Statutes and City of Raleigh Code. Significant fines reflect state-level pretreatment enforcement standards. |
| Inspections | Inspections conducted by City of Raleigh Public Utilities, Pretreatment/FOG Compliance section. Risk-based schedule; typically annual for compliant facilities. Establishments with violations subject to increased inspection frequency. |
| Record Keeping | Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site |
| Plumbing Code | IPC (North Carolina Plumbing Code is based on the International Plumbing Code) |
| Ordinance Ref. | City of Raleigh Code of Ordinances, Part 8 (Utilities), Chapter 3 (Sewer Use); North Carolina Plumbing Code, Section 1003 (Interceptors and Separators); 15A NCAC 02H .0903 (Pretreatment) |
| Authority | City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department, Pretreatment/Environmental Compliance Division |
Additional Notes
Raleigh enforces FOG requirements under both the city sewer use ordinance and North Carolina state pretreatment regulations. The NC Plumbing Code (based on IPC Section 1003) governs interceptor sizing and installation. Raleigh's Public Utilities Department operates an active FOG compliance program. All FSEs discharging FOG to the sanitary sewer must have approved grease interceptors. Licensed grease haulers must transport waste to approved disposal facilities. North Carolina's pretreatment regulations (15A NCAC 02H) provide the state framework. The Research Triangle's growing restaurant scene has increased attention to FOG enforcement.
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.
Contact Information
(919) 996-2334
Official Sources
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