Author Archive

Leland Council Nixes $1 Inspection Fee

As a way of attracting business to the area, Leland town officials reduced the town’s inspection fee to just one dollar last year. This was a bold move and more than likely had an positive impact on our members’ bottom lines. However after careful consideration of this year’s budget and the town’s overall finances the

NC Building Code Update – Low-E Emergency Rule Effective July 2

As reported by multiple local news outlets across the country and documented by aninvestigation by local NC television station WRAL, there are concerns regarding how low-e windows’ high reflectance could concentrate sunlight and contribute to the melting of vinyl siding of houses and plastic on cars. The NC Building Code Council adopted an Emergency Rule

Updated Wilmington MPO Traffic Count Map

The Wilmington MPO’s interactive Traffic Count Map has been updated to provide the most recent data available from the Wilmington MPO’s traffic count program. This information is useful for governments, developers, real estate agents, etc. to evaluate traffic counts on certain roads in the MPO region. Attached is an interactive map that allows you to

Waters of the US Comment Period Extended until October 20, 2014

Yesterday, we received word that the EPA and Corps of Engineers officially have extended the deadline for official comments by 91 days, to October 20, 2014.  Originally the EPA had set a date of July 21st.  The extension of the deadline shows that your efforts are making an impact! Even with this positive news, we

NTB requires special-use permit for large homes

By Michael Todd, JD News NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH – Anyone who wants to build a house with more than eight bedrooms and 5,000 square feet now must acquire a special-use permit in North Topsail Beach, the town’s Board of Alderman ruled unanimously at its meeting last week.  The measure would require builders to acquire the additional permit

BASE Hosting Wetlands Seminar; Register Now

On June 25th from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the New Hanover County Executive Development Center, the Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE) will present a panel discussion: How Will EPA/USACE Wetland Rule Changes Impact Your Investments? PANELISTS Jim Spangler                        Matt Hanchey Spangler

Sunset Beach Approves UDO Changes

At their meeting on Monday evening, the town of Sunset Beach had a public hearing and approved a number of UDO changes. Of the UDO proposals approved, BASE believes two stand out as being particularly challenging to future investment. Prior to Town Council taking action, BASE expressed concern with both Item 7 (Minimum landscaping requirements) and Items 22-34 (30% impervious cap) BASE believes

North Topsail Beach: Special Use Permits for “Larger Houses”

On Wednesday, May 13, a Public Hearing of the North Topsail Beach Board of Aldermen was held to receive citizens’ comments on enacting a moratorium on building homes with more than six bedrooms. THANK YOU TO THE CITIZENS, BUSINESS OWNERS, BUILDERS AND REALTORS THAT TURNED OUT IN FORCE. Nonetheless, the Board of Aldermen voted to move

In Their Haste To Fix A Non-issue, Oak Island Creates “Thousands” Of Non-conforming Uses!

USPS Formally Notifies Municipal Planners of Cluster Box Requirements

The US Postal Service formally notified municipal planners of changes to their policies on cluster box mailboxes. The new regulations will primarily affect new development. These are some of the new reguations that were rolled out this year. · Centralized and Cluster Box Units (CBU’s) delivery is now the default mode of delivery in business