CRC discusses setbacks, denies pier variance

The CRC denied a variance that would have allowed for the construction of a pier at 502 North Channel Drive. The property owner sought a variance from the CRC because it would be impossible to construct a pier since the structure would encroach into the town’s riparian corridor and would be too close to a pier on an
adjoining property.

Planning director Tony Wilson said that as of now, the pier can’t be built unless the petitioner files a further appeal or takes other legal action.

The CRC also held a public hearing regarding proposed changes in setback regulations that would affect coastal communities like Wrightsville Beach.

Jeff Warren, coastal hazards specialist with the N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM), said the change would simplify the rules and could increase setbacks in some cases. Wrightsville Beach’s setbacks are based on an erosion rate of 2 feet per year, the minimum rate used by the state for the calculation of setbacks. Current rules require a minimum 60-foot setback (30 times the erosion rate) from the first line of stable natural vegetation for single-family dwellings and a 120-foot setback (60 times the erosion rate) for commercial and multi-family structures greater than 5,000 square feet.

The proposed changes would base the setbacks solely on size rather than use, so large single-family dwellings would be subject to the same setbacks as commercial structures of the same size. The changes would also include a graduated set of setbacks for buildings more than 10,000 square feet — the bigger the building, the
larger the setback.

Warren said most of the concerns expressed at the public hearing pertained to the ability of property owners to rebuild if their properties are damaged.

Another change would provide additional flexibility for property owners unable to meet the setback from the static vegetation line. “For people who can’t meet the setback from the static vegetation line, it allows limited development under certain conditions to be within the setback,” he said.

The change would not allow construction closer to the ocean, he said, because any structure built would have to be in line with the furthest inland adjacent structure.

The changes are open for public comment through Dec. 31; they are available on the N.C. Register and on DCM’s Web site, www.nccoastalmanagement.net. After the public comment period, the CRC will decide whether to adopt or revise the rules. Once they are adopted, Warren said, they would become effective after two months.