Topics Related to Coastal Management

State awards nearly $6 million in coastal resiliency grants to 32 communities for planning, engineering, design, and construction

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has awarded Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) grants to 32 communities to strengthen their resilience to increasingly hazardous weather events. A total of $1.9 million was provided for completion of RCCP Phases 1 and 2 for technical assistance in risk assessment and resilience planning, and to incorporate resiliency into Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Land Use Plans. Additionally, grants totaling more than $4 million were awarded to communities for Phases 3 and 4 of the RCCP to assist

Notice of Federal Consistency Review: NPS Cape Hatteras National Sea Shore Debris Removal

July 3, 2025, 12:01am - August 5, 2025, 11:59pm

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Coastal Management (DCM) hereby gives notice that public review and comment is invited on the below proposed federal action.

To ensure compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act, NOAA is requesting concurrence with a Federal Consistency Determination for the removal of abandoned pool debris, wood pilings, and sandbags located at 23272 Midgett’s Mobile Court on Hatteras Island in Rodanthe, North Carolina.

Notice of Federal Consistency Review: NOAA NMFS Amendment 36 to Snapper-Grouper Fisheries Management Plan (FMP)

July 3, 2025, 12:01am - August 5, 2025, 11:59pm

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Coastal Management (DCM) hereby gives notice that public review and comment is invited on the below proposed federal action.

Adjusted DEQ fees to support permitting services now in effect

NCDEQ encourages safe and responsible behavior while visiting Masonboro Island Reserve during July Fourth holiday

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public to act responsibly during the upcoming July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve, a research reserve and dedicated state nature preserve. In preparation for the holiday, the state coastal agency and the sheriff’s office are working together to provide public safety resources and increase public awareness of responsible visitor behavior on the island.

Notice of Federal Consistency Review: NOAA Beaufort Lab, Pivers Island

June 6, 2025, 12:01am - July 6, 2025, 11:59pm

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Coastal Management (DCM) hereby gives notice that public review and comment is invited on the below proposed federal action.

To ensure compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act, NOAA is requesting concurrence with a Federal Consistency Determination for the below actions:

PUBLIC NOTICE & HEARINGS: 15A NCAC 07H .0309 Use Standards for Ocean Hazard Areas: Exceptions

June 16, 2025, 12:01am - August 15, 2025, 11:59pm

In the event that proposed development cannot meet the
oceanfront setback defined in 15A NCAC 07H .0306(a),
current Rule 15A NCAC 07H .0309(b) serves as an
exception for lots platted before June 1, 1979 that may allow
a structure no greater than 2,000 square feet to be
constructed if it can meet a minimum setback of 60 feet and
be sited no further oceanward than its landward-most
adjacent neighbor. The proposed amendments: remove the
reference to when a lot was platted, making this development
option available to eligible oceanfront property owners

PUBLIC NOTICE & HEARINGS: 15A NCAC 07H .0209 Coastal Shorelines

June 16, 2025, 12:01am - August 15, 2025, 11:59pm

15A NCAC 07H .0209(g) provides a definition of Urban Waterfronts, identifies the significance, and includes both management objectives and use standards for development occurring within Urban Waterfront areas. Amendments to 15A NCAC 07H .0209(g) provide additional language that allows the installation of “non-permanent enclosures” over new and existing decks and boardwalks in urban waterfronts and prohibits the installation of permanently attached HVAC and heating in these areas.

Mobile-friendly, interactive public beach and waterfront access map available for North Carolina beach and waterfront access locations

As the summer beach season ramps up, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program reminds coastal residents and visitors about its helpful, interactive public beach and waterfront access map. The map can be accessed directly from mobile devices and desktops to help locate a spot to visit along one of North Carolina’s beaches or coastal waterfronts this summer. The map includes a tool called “Find Sites Near Me,” which will help to locate sites within 10 miles of a location.

Visitors advised to keep distance from wild horses

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is warning the public about how they can help reduce the risk to the most vulnerable residents of Rachel Carson Reserve. On Saturday, May 10, a 6-day-old wild horse, or foal, a resident of the Rachel Carson Reserve in Beaufort, was separated from its mother for hours following disturbance by humans on foot and boats. Several days later, a visitor approached the foal and its social group to coax the foal closer. Visitors are advised that these actions may result in legal consequences. *image available for download