CAMA_InformationThe New Hanover County Zoning Division administers the Minor Permit program under the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA) on behalf of the State, in both the unincorporated County and City of
Wilmington. The CAMA Minor Permit program involves issuance of permits for construction in and near
the water; protection of dunes and marshes through construction standards; and investigation of
violations. An important part of the program is managing development in the coastal area by requiring
permits for development in Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs).
Your project is probably in an AEC if it is:
In or on the waters of the state; on a marsh or wetland area;
within 75 feet of the normal high water line along estuarine shoreline;
within 30 feet of the normal water level of areas designated as inland fishing waters by the N.C.
Marine Fisheries Commission;
within 575 feet of the mean high water line along the shoreline of an Outstanding Resource
Water (ORW) as designated by the Environmental Management Commission;
within about 300 feet of the ocean beach; or
within about 1,000 feet of an inlet; or
A Major CAMA permit may be required for some projects, for example, for projects requiring other State
or Federal approvals. You may contact your Local Permit Officer if you are unsure if your project
constitutes major or minor development.
Guide for a Complete CAMA Minor Permit Application:
Obtain a permit application from the Division of Coastal Management’s website or from the
New Hanover County Zoning Division. All blanks on the application must be filled in, signed and
dated by the applicant or agent
A site drawing that shows the dimensions and characteristics of the property and the location
and nature of the project must accompany the application. The permit application form lists
specific information that must appear on the site drawing. The local permit officer can give
suggestions on how to prepare the drawing and where to get the necessary information Include
a survey of the property
A statement of property ownership
A list of adjacent riparian (waterfront) property owners and their addresses
The adjacent property owners must be notified of your project either in person or by mail.
Failing to do this is grounds for revoking the permit
A signed statement allowing the local permit officer to enter the property
A $100 processing fee
*An AEC Hazard Notice must be completed if your project is located in an Ocean Hazard AEC.*
What happens after an application is received?
The application review begins after the local permit officer (LPO) has received all of the application
materials. The LPO will visit the project site, determine if the project meets the Coastal Resource
Commissions (CRC) standards for development, and see if the project complies with the local land-use
plan and local development ordinances.
CAMA requires the permit decision to be made within 25 days; however, the local permit officer may
send you a notice extending the review time for an additional 25 days (the notice is sent by registered or
certified mail).
The permit will be issued if the project complies with the CRC’s development standards, the local land-
use plan and local development ordinances. The applicant is responsible for meeting all requirements or
conditions of the permit. Any conditions will be listed on the permit.
After the LPO makes the decision, the applicant will be sent an official CAMA permit decision by
registered or certified mail. If the applicant is issued a permit, they must sign the form and return it to
the LPO within 20 days. Typically, minor permits expire on December 31 of the third year following the
year of permit issuance.
For more information, contact the Wilmington office of the Division of Coastal Management. (910) 796-
7215