The mission of the Community Development Department is (1) to work with the Town Manager and the Town Council to plan for the growth and evolution of the Town, (2) to manage the land use controls (land use plan, zoning code, subdivision code, sign code, etc.), (3) to promote the health, safety, and welfare of property owners and the general public through effective building code inspections, (4) to assure the efficient communication between zoning and inspection activities through vigorous code enforcement, and (5) to support the activities of the Town’s Planning Board and Board of Adjustment.
The Community Development Department is responsible for the Planning, Inspections and Code Enforcement activities for the Town. In this capacity the following services are provided to the public:
Planning and Zoning Enforcement
The Planning functions include the review and analysis of site plans, subdivision plats, and planned unit developments. This area is also responsible for zoning enforcement, review and revision of the Town’s land use controls (land use plan, zoning code, subdivision code, sign code, etc.), and other special projects.
Building Inspections
The Building Inspection functions include the administration and the enforcement of the general construction, one- and two-family dwelling, plumbing, gas, electrical, accessibility, mechanical, modular construction, existing building codes, energy, and NC regulations for mobile homes. Guidelines for enforcement of the aforementioned codes are provided by the Administration and Enforcement Code. In addition, the department enforces the federal flood damage protection regulations and has a contract with the State to enforce regulations imposed by the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Local regulations assigned to the department include the minimum housing, abandoned building codes, and Town Code of Ordinances.
Planning Board and Board of Adjustment Support
The department also coordinates meetings and prepares minutes for the Board of Adjustment and Planning Board, establishes and coordinates the Town’s Disaster Evaluation Team, updates and maintains the Community Rating System (CRS) program, and coordinates the implementation of the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
