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.

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).

Please consult Section 5.2.3(E) of the Pender County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) (LINK) to read the regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). There are size limitations for ADUs like a small house, FROG (finished room over garage), carriage house, or a guesthouse. Please call the Planning & Community Development Department at 910-259-1202 to discuss your plans.

From Section 5.2.3(E): 

"Accessory Dwelling Unit, Detached - A dwelling unit may be an accessory use in the residential districts in the following circumstances:
1) Detached accessory dwelling units shall be clearly subordinate to the principal structure
2) Shall not exceed 33% of the heated floor area of the principal dwelling unit
3) No more than one accessory unit shall be located on the lot.
4) Must be located in the rear or side yard and meet rear and side yard setback requirements of a principal structure per applicable zoning district requirements"

Accessory structure setbacks are determined by the size of the structure. Please see Section 5.3.3(A) of the Pender County Unified Development Ordinance (LINK) which is excerpted below:

"A. Accessory Structure Setbacks and Separation Requirements
1) Accessory Structures 50-599 Square Feet In Area:
a) Setback of ten (10) feet from all property lines, access easements, and any other structures located on the property.
2) Accessory Structures 600-1,199 Square Feet In Area:
a) Setbacks shall adhere to zoning district requirements and separation must be ten (10) feet from any other structure and access easements located on the property.
3) Accessory Structures 1,200 Square Feet in Area or Greater:
a) Same setback and separation requirements as principal buildings per zoning district regulations"

Pender County does not regulate fences.

Mobile or manufactured homes are permitted in the following zoning districts:
- Rural Agricultural (RA)
- Residential Performance (RP)
- Manufactured Housing Community (MH)

Please call the Planning & Community Development Department at 910-259-1202 if you have any other questions.

Many factors will be involved in this determination.  Please call the Planning & Community Development Department at 910-259-1202 to find out if your parcel of land can support more than one home.

Please call the Planning & Community Development Department at 910-259-1202 to discuss your plans.

A foundation survey completed by a Professional Land Surveyor is required for a primary structure or an accessory structure over 600 square feet when all the setbacks or dimensional standards are NOT doubled. Please see Section 3.2.2 of the Pender County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for more information.