Oak Island’s town-owned oceanfront property is back in the spotlight. This month the Oak Island Town Council turned down a plan to rezone the pier house parcel and the 801 Ocean Event Center, and instead asked staff and the planning board to write a brand-new zoning district for them. If you own a home on Oak Island, are thinking about buying one, or just love the pier, here’s what happened and why it matters.
What the Council Decided
According to The State Port Pilot (Oct. 21, 2026), town staff presented proposals on Oct. 13 to rezone 801 and 705 Ocean Drive from Commercial Recreation (CR) to Commercial Business (CB). Those two town-owned lots hold the pier house and the 801 Ocean Event Center.
Council rejected both requests. Members pointed out that the CB district doesn’t allow a commercial pier, and that it would have opened the parcels to roughly 50 by-right uses plus about 20 more by special use permit. Instead, council directed staff to work with the planning board on a custom district that fits these specific properties. Port City Daily’s weekly government agenda (Oct. 26, 2026) listed a discussion of a new waterfront zoning district on the Oak Island Planning Board’s Oct. 27 agenda, so that work is already underway.
Why the Town Is Looking at These Parcels at All
The Pilot reported that council learned earlier this year the pier operation has been subsidizing the event center. Several council members said the town doesn’t need to be in the wedding and event business, and they raised the idea of someday selling the two buildings and their land. They were just as clear that the pier itself would not be sold.
Council also wanted to close a door: under the current CR zoning, a very large private house could be built on that oceanfront land. A tailored district is meant to protect the pier and the character of that stretch of Ocean Drive no matter who owns the surrounding parcels in the future.
What This Means for Oak Island Homeowners
For most homeowners, nothing changes overnight. No sale has been approved, and the new district hasn’t been written yet. Still, it’s worth paying attention for a few reasons:
- The pier is a big part of the island’s appeal. Easy walking or biking access to the pier and the central Ocean Drive area is a selling point for many nearby homes. A district built to protect the pier is good news for that part of the island.
- Future uses could shape the neighborhood. If the event center parcels are ever sold, the new district will decide what can go there. That could affect traffic, parking, noise, and the feel of the surrounding blocks.
- Public input matters now. The planning board is drafting the rules. This is the stage where residents can have the most influence, through public comment at planning board and town council meetings.
What It Means for Buyers
If you’re shopping on Oak Island, especially near the pier or central Ocean Drive, add this to your due diligence list:
- Ask about nearby zoning. Your agent can help you look up the zoning on and around a property and check whether anything nearby is under review.
- Follow the meetings. Planning board and town council agendas are posted on the Town of Oak Island’s website and summarized weekly by local outlets like Port City Daily and The State Port Pilot.
- Think long term. Rental investors and second-home buyers in particular should consider how future uses near the pier could affect guest demand and parking during the summer season.
A Quick Note on Coastal Due Diligence
As with any home on the island, look closely at flood zone, elevation, wind and flood insurance quotes, and any HOA or town rules that apply. Zoning is only one piece of the picture, but it’s one many buyers overlook.
What Sellers Near the Pier Should Know
If you’re thinking of selling a home near the pier, buyers may ask about this news. It helps to be ready with a simple, accurate answer: council rejected a broad commercial rezoning and is working on a district designed to protect the pier. Avoid guessing about what might be built or sold, since none of that has been decided. Proximity to the pier and beach access remain strong selling points, and good photos of the walk or ride to the pier can help your listing stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Oak Island Pier being sold?
No. According to The State Port Pilot, council members said the town would never sell the pier. The discussion has focused on the pier house and event center parcels, and no sale has been approved.
What zoning did the town reject?
A change from Commercial Recreation (CR) to Commercial Business (CB) for 801 and 705 Ocean Drive. Council felt CB allowed too many unrelated uses and doesn’t allow a commercial pier.
What happens next?
Town staff and the planning board are working on a new zoning district for these parcels. Any new district would go through public meetings before council votes on it.
Does this affect my property’s zoning?
The proposals involved two town-owned parcels, not private homes. If you’re unsure about your own property, check with the Town of Oak Island’s planning staff or ask us to help you look it up.
Thinking About Buying or Selling on Oak Island?
Oak Island has a laid-back feel that’s hard to find anywhere else on the Brunswick County coast, and local decisions like this one help keep it that way. Whether you’re looking for a year-round home, a second home, or a rental near the pier, our team keeps up with what’s happening in every beach town from Oak Island to Sunset Beach. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and we’ll help you weigh the details that matter.
