Stream buffers, also known as riparian buffers, protect water quality and habitats in streams by protecting land adjacent to streams. The Town of Holly Springs enforces various stream buffer rules related to development within the buffer. Stream buffers regulated by Holly Springs are:
- Neuse River Basin Buffer: 100-foot zoned buffers measured from the top of the bank of either side of perennial and intermittent streams.
- Cape Fear River Basin Buffer: 30-foot zoned buffers measured from the top of the bank of either side of perennial and intermittent streams.
- Bass Lake Buffer: 100-foot undisturbed buffer measured from the top of the bank of either side of perennial streams upstream of Bass Lake.
The State also regulates a 50-foot zoned buffer in the Neuse River Basin.