Planning & Zoning Department

The Planning Department office hours of operation are 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. 

Planning Staff are available to meet with individuals to answer specific questions; appointments are recommended.

Staff is dedicated to educating property owners and contractors on the permitting process, as well as providing information on regulations and codes that relate to a proposed project. 

Planning and Zoning affects everyone living in Sunset Beach and the ETJ area if applicable. Zoning is a commonly used land use management tool in planning. Traditionally, zoning is the process by which a community is divided into districts or zones. It separates incompatible land uses and limits industrial, commercial, and residential development to specific zones. 

Zoning also allows a variety of uses to exist together harmoniously within a community. Planning and Zoning provides safe, clean communities in which we can all work and play. Zoning helps protect public and private interests, preserve critical areas, promote orderly growth, and encourage development at a rate and manner that reflect the community's desires and vision through the policies set forth in the adopted Land Use Plan.

For all questions concerning the following, contact Ron Satterfield at rsatterfield@sunsetbeachnc.gov.

  • Zoning Setbacks
  • Subdivision Regulations
  • Landscaping Requirements
  • Signage
  • Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
  • Storm Water Requirements