The population dynamics on the coast of North Carolina are changing, and the workload for coastal development permits is shifting, too.
To keep up with the times, the Division of Coastal Management will adjust the jurisdictions of its four regulatory district offices. The change will take place July 1.
Over the past decade, three coastal counties have continued to have some of the highest population growth rates in North Carolina. Brunswick County is the state’s fastest growing county with 21% growth over the past decade. Pender (16.3%), New Hanover (11.8%), Currituck (11.2%) and Dare (6.2%) also experienced growth, but most of the 20 coastal counties lost population over the past decade.
Additionally, ongoing hurricane recovery efforts and increased development activity have impacted district workloads.
Those seeking Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permits should note the altered districts, which will be adjusted as follows:
- The Elizabeth City District Office jurisdiction will continue to include Currituck, Dare, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Chowan, and Gates counties, and will additionally include Hertford and Bertie counties.
- The Washington District Office jurisdiction will continue to include Tyrrell, Washington, Beaufort, and Hyde Counties, and will additionally include Pamlico County.
- The Morehead City District Office jurisdiction will continue to include Carteret and Craven Counties, and will additionally include all of Onslow County (except Surf City).
- The Wilmington District Office jurisdiction will continue to include Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties (including all of Surf City).
Those who have questions about coastal development permits can find contact information here.
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