Topics Related to Coastal Management

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

NCDEQ Secretary, local and state representatives tour Masonboro Island Reserve on N.C. Coastal Reserve’s “Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve” tour

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, a program of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management, hosted its fourth stop on the “Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve” Tour on May 16 at the Masonboro Island Reserve in Wilmington.

MEDIA ADVISORY: NCDEQ Secretary Wilson to join staff, officials on the Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve tour stop at Masonboro Island Reserve Friday

N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson will join staff, state and local officials on a visit to the Masonboro Island Reserve in Wilmington on Friday, May 16 to continue the Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve Tour.

N.C. Coastal Management to conduct training for local permit officers

NCDEQ’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) will conduct a spring training workshop May 6-7 in Swansboro for local permit officers in the central and southern regions of their 20 coastal counties service area.

REMINDER State coastal commission to meet in Manteo April 30 – May 1

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet April 30 and May 1 at the Dare County Government Center, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo. The regular business meeting of the CRC will be called to order at 1 p.m. on April 30 and will resume at 9 a.m. on May 1. A public input and comment period is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on May 1. At the chair’s discretion, comments may be limited to 3 minutes per person. The public may attend the CRC meeting in-person or join online.

Coastal Resources Commission Regular Business Meeting (Dare County)

April 30, 2025 - May 1, 2025, All day

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet April 30 and May 1 at the Dare County Government Center, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo. The regular business meeting of the CRC will be called to order at 1 p.m. on April 30 and will resume at 9 a.m. on May 1. A public input and comment period is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on May 1. At the chair’s discretion, comments may be limited to 3 minutes per person. The public may attend the CRC meeting in-person or join online.

State coastal commission to meet in Manteo April 30 – May 1

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet April 30 and May 1 at the Dare County Government Center, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo. The regular business meeting of the CRC will be called to order at 1 p.m. on April 30 and will resume at 9 a.m. on May 1. A public input and comment period is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on May 1. At the chair’s discretion, comments may be limited to 3 minutes per person. The public may attend the CRC meeting in-person or join online.