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CAMA Land-Use Planning & Public Access Programs

The Division of Coastal Management's planning and access staff oversees Land Use Plans and Public Access grants for the 20 coastal counties.

Land Use Plans:
A land use plan is a collection of policies and maps that serves as a community’s blueprint for growth. These plans are a fundamental element of coastal management in North Carolina. CAMA requires each of the 20 coastal counties to have a local land-use plan in accordance with guidelines established by the Coastal Resources Commission.

The Division of Coastal Management awards grants each year for local planning and management projects and provides technical assistance to local governments through its four planners.

Public Access Grants:
The N.C. General Assembly established the Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program in 1981 by amending CAMA to provide the matching grants to local governments for oceanfront beach access areas. In 1983, the legislature expanded the program to include estuarine beaches and waterways.

Since 1981, the program has funded more than 300 sites to enhance public access to state’s beaches and coastal waters.