Frequently Asked Questions

1. Go to https://gis.pendercountync.gov/maps/.
2. Click on the "Layers" tab on the left hand side of the window.
3. Under "Planning," check the box for "Pender County Zoning."
4. Click on the "Search" tab on the left hand side of the window.
5. Enter your name, parcel number (PIN), or address in the appropriate field.
6. Click the "Search" button.
7. Note the color and letter code (RA, RP, GB, PD, OI, etc.) which correspond to your zoning district.
8. Call us at 910-259-1202 if you need further assistance.

Generally, setbacks for principal or primary structures (homes, stores, or offices) are determined by the zoning district. Please call for setback information for accessory structures such as sheds, pools, or if your parcel is in a flood zone or within an AEC (Area of Environmental Concern) buffer. Please click this link to see the setback chart in Section 4.14 of the Pender County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

Rezoning decisions are approved or denied by the Board of Commissioners. Please call the Planning & Community Development Department at 910-259-1202 to discuss this process, and determine if your parcel is a good candidate for rezoning.

You always need a zoning permit in Pender County. While some structures may be small enough to be exempt from building permits, zoning permits are always required (for homes, sheds, signs, businesses, shops, personal storage, offices, etc.).

Pender County does not regulate fences.

For the Rural Agricultural (RA) or Residential Performance (RP) zoning districts, structures have a maximum height of 35 feet.

Violations to the County code can be submitted by calling Code Enforcement Officer Charlie Ring at 910-259-1519 or the complaint can be submitted through an online complaint submission form.

Contact one of our Current Planners: Madelynn Spencer (910-259-1408 or mspencer@pendercountync.gov) or Sean Olds (910-259-0231 or solds@pendercountync.gov).

No, zoning and subdivision applications must be submitted over email and/or in hard copy format. Depending on the application type, both digital and hard-copy versions may be required.