Current Planning & Zoning Overview

Current Planning and Zoning staff are responsible for administering the county’s land use ordinances through review of residential and commercial site plans, subdivision review, and facilitating requests for rezonings, Special Use Permits, variances, and appeals of zoning determinations through the public hearing process.

Applications may be submitted through the COAST online permitting portal or in person or by mail to the New Hanover County Planning & Land Use Department. Please see the Technical Review Committee (TRC), Board of Adjustment (BOA), and Planning Board schedules for application deadlines or reference the Administrative Manual for the New Hanover County unified Development Ordinance.

Learn More About

• Planning and Land Use Boards and Committees
• Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Permitting
  • Does my project require a CAMA Permit (PDF)? Check the requirements and learn more. 
  • CAMA Minor Permit and CAMA Major Permit
• Floodplain Management
• Reporting a Violation