New Hanover County is always looking for ways to improve the customer experience and increase citizen satisfaction. It is one of our strategic objectives for effective county management, and it is a daily driver for each of our departments.
With that in mind, New Hanover County recently divided the Planning and Inspections Department into two separate departments. We believe that separating the departments will serve the business community and homeowners best, and I am pleased with the changes that have occurred so far.
These two departments have been renamed to better describe their vital development functions - the Department of Planning and Land Use and the Department of Building Safety. I want to share what each department will be responsible for and what you can expect as you do business with the county.
The Department of Planning and Land Use, led by Chris O’Keefe, provides guidance and direction in adopting and enforcing policies and regulations that ensure orderly building and construction, environmental stewardship, growth and economic development and long-range community development in the county. This work involves: data collection and evaluation: research and analysis of options and alternatives; enforcement of adopted codes; and the selection and implementation of projects and programs. The county’s recently adopted Comprehensive Plan helps staff compile this information and will guide land-use decisions into the future.
Planning and Land Use promotes compliance with the zoning ordinance and has a critical role in the building permit process. Engaging the construction community early on assures buildings are properly placed on approved lots, meeting setbacks, buffers and required easements. The department also works to ensure compliance with flood plain standards and the State’s Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) requirements. In 2017, the department will also be developing a Unified Development Ordinance, which will consolidate all regulations that govern development in New Hanover County.
The Department of Building Safety, led by newly-hired Nicholas Gadzekpo, safeguards the life, health and property of all county residents.
The department has three divisions:
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