Who actually decides what gets built along our coast — and when does your voice matter most?

🏖️ Who actually decides what gets built along our coast — and when does your voice matter most?

A feature published today in the Oak Island & Brunswick Independent walks through how development rules work across Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Calabash, and unincorporated Brunswick County. The short version: state law (Chapter 160D) sets the framework, local boards write and apply the rules, and CAMA permits are a separate layer on top of local approvals.

One change worth knowing: under HB 1222 (Session Law 2026-30), final decisions on plats of 25 or more lots and certain special use permits in unincorporated Brunswick County now sit with the elected commissioners — the county adopted implementing UDO amendments on Oct. 19.

And here’s the part that surprises a lot of people: if a project meets the code, an administrative approval generally can’t be denied just because neighbors oppose it. That means the comment window before the vote is where your input carries the most weight.

Worth a read before the next hearing in your town.