Frequently Asked Questions

The Imagine Pender 2050 Comprehensive Land Use Plan is the planning process to develop and update Pender County’s long-range policy document. The previous (current) plan, Pender 2.0, is available at this link. A comprehensive land use plan is a long-term guide that expresses the values and aspirations of a community. It is the broadest public policy document a community can create for its future physical development, considering the input of citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders. It includes a vision statement about the future condition of the County; goals and desired outcomes for each of the plan topics; objectives to measure progress on a goal; and actions to achieve the goal. The plan is a tool to prepare for and manage change. It acts as a guide for decision-makers.

The plan is not a legally binding document, but it can serve as a foundation for budgeting decisions, zoning ordinance updates, infrastructure investments, and more.

Success does not happen by chance. All successful organizations and businesses have a plan for the future. This planning process allows us to work together as a community to make our great County an even better place in the future. By planning for our future, we can achieve our County’s vision and mission of providing quality services to our community members at a reasonable cost and planning our growth to balance opportunities for new housing and commercial development with the need to create a sustainable future that supports continuation of agriculture and protects landowners from natural hazards. The plan is a common reference point for elected decision-makers, the public, development applicants, and County staff.

In addition, the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 requires Pender County to have a land use plan. Furthermore, in order to maintain a land use zoning ordinance, North Carolina General Statutes §160D requires counties to have a comprehensive land use plan that has been updated regularly.

The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) of 1974 mandates all 20 coastal counties to have a land use plan. It requires permits for any development in specially designated areas called Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC). Upon adoption, this plan will serve as the County’s official CAMA land use plan. Regarding CAMA permitting in Pender County, AECs are generally those areas that are in close proximity to water (ocean, ICWW, creeks, etc.) or marsh (wetlands). For more information, please see Chapter 1 of the Pender 2.0 plan. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality processes CAMA permits for properties in Pender County.

Join your neighbors to help shape the future of the community! Your voice will strengthen the plan. Sign up to receive email updates on the process and to ensure you are first to hear of the opportunities to provide your perspective and insight on the initial public engagement and draft materials.

The process officially kicked off in the summer of 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2025.

Email us your questions at Imagine@pendercountync.gov or call Long Range Planner Adam Moran at 910-259-1408.