Onslow County loosens rule so docks, boat lifts may be built before houses on water lots
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Summary
The Board of Commissioners adopted a text amendment (ZOTA‑2025‑3) exempting water‑dependent accessory structures from a rule that generally requires a principal residential structure before accessory buildings, allowing docks and related features to be permitted prior to home construction on water lots with procedural safeguards.
On Dec. 1 the Onslow County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt ZOTA‑2025‑3, a zoning‑ordinance text amendment that exempts water‑dependent accessory structures (such as docks, piers and boat lifts) from a note that requires a principal dwelling before accessory structures in specified residential districts.
Planner Metcalfe told the board that water‑lot owners sometimes need to install docks or boat lifts before their homes are completed because setbacks and shoreline siting can influence where a house ultimately must be built. He said the amendment is intended to “clean up our books” and provide flexibility for property owners in waterfront situations.
Metcalfe also noted that county practice — not ordinance language — requires that final certificates for accessory structures generally are not issued until the principal dwelling receives a certificate of occupancy; the county can and will allow concurrent building‑permit review but typically will withhold final sign‑off on the accessory structure until the home is complete.
The board discussed whether to add ordinance language to address situations where homeowners are already midconstruction; staff said it could draft clarifying language to return to the board if desired. The board then approved the amendment by voice vote.