If you own a home in Carolina Beach and have ever wanted a detached garage, a workshop, or a backyard office next to your existing shed, a public hearing later this month is worth putting on your calendar. On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Carolina Beach Town Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on a town-initiated text amendment “to allow for additional accessory structures.” Council set that hearing as part of its consent agenda at its October 13, 2026 regular meeting, after the Planning and Zoning Commission took up the same amendment on October 8.
Accessory structure rules don’t make headlines. On an island where lots are tight and storage is always in short supply, though, they can make a real difference in how you use your property and what a home is worth to the next buyer. Here’s what we know, what we don’t know yet, and how to think about it whether you’re buying, selling, or staying put.
What’s on the November 10 agenda
The October 13 council packet lists two hearings for November 10, both set for the regular 6 p.m. meeting at Town Hall, 1121 N. Lake Park Boulevard:
- A text amendment to allow additional accessory structures. The applicant is the Town of Carolina Beach itself, not a private property owner.
- A conditional zoning modification to expand outdoor space for the event venue and bar at 205 Charlotte Avenue in the Central Business District (applicant: Common Ground Holdings).
The packet doesn’t include the draft ordinance language for the accessory structure change. That usually shows up in the agenda packet a few days before the meeting, so check the town’s meeting calendar the week of the hearing for the exact wording.
The current rules, in plain terms
The clearest public summary of the existing standards is a town staff report on Article 3, Section 3.6 of the Unified Development Ordinance, prepared for an August 12, 2025 council meeting. As of that report, Carolina Beach:
- Allows only one accessory structure per lot, with limited exceptions
- Caps that structure at no more than 25% of the size of the primary structure
- Limits accessory structure height to 15 feet
The same report explains where those limits came from. The one-per-lot rule goes back at least to 2000. The size cap was tied to the principal structure in 2009. The 15-foot height limit was also set in 2009, because council was worried that anything taller could become an upstairs apartment or mother-in-law suite and add density to the island.
This has come up before
In 2025, a private applicant asked the town to allow more than one accessory structure on larger lots, base size on lot area instead of house size, and raise the height limit. Town staff generally supported the changes to number and size but raised concerns about the added height. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend denial, citing inconsistency with the town’s adopted plans.
The 2026 amendment comes from the town, and its title talks about “additional accessory structures.” That suggests the number of structures allowed is the main focus. Until the draft is published, though, nobody should assume the size or height rules are changing too.
Why it matters for homeowners
- Storage and parking. Many island homes lean on one shed for bikes, beach gear, kayaks, and tools. A second structure, like a detached garage or golf cart shelter, could matter a lot to full-time residents.
- Existing nonconformities. The 2025 staff report noted that some parcels already have more than one accessory structure, possibly built before the one-per-lot limit. A rule change could bring some of those into conformity, which can make future repairs, rebuilds, and sales simpler.
- Not a green light for rentals. Nothing on the agenda says the town is moving to allow accessory dwelling units. Treat any new structure as storage or workspace unless the adopted language says otherwise.
What buyers and sellers should keep in mind
If you’re buying, don’t count on adding a second building until an amendment is actually adopted and you’ve confirmed how it applies to your lot. Also ask whether the existing sheds, garages, or enclosed spaces on a property were permitted. Flood zone rules, lot coverage limits, and HOA covenants can all apply on top of town zoning.
If you’re selling, gather any permits for accessory buildings now. If your property has more than one structure, a buyer’s attorney or inspector may ask about it, and having the paperwork ready keeps the deal moving.
If you’re an investor, extra storage can help a vacation rental stand out. Just remember that the town has historically been careful about accessory buildings turning into living space.
How to weigh in
The November 10 hearing is open to the public, and Carolina Beach council meetings usually include time for comment. If you can’t attend, contact the town’s Community Development Department ahead of time or watch the meeting stream on the town’s website.
FAQ
When is the Carolina Beach accessory structure hearing?
It’s scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the 6 p.m. Town Council meeting at Town Hall, 1121 N. Lake Park Boulevard.
Can I build a second shed or garage in Carolina Beach right now?
Under the rules described in the town’s 2025 staff report, most lots are limited to one accessory structure. Check with the town before planning anything, and wait to see what council adopts.
Will this allow guest houses or ADUs?
Nothing published so far says it will. The amendment is described as allowing additional accessory structures. Read the final language before assuming any structure can be used as living space.
Does this apply to Kure Beach or the rest of New Hanover County?
No. This is a Carolina Beach ordinance. Kure Beach, Wilmington, and unincorporated New Hanover County each have their own rules.
Thinking about a Carolina Beach home?
Small zoning details like this can shape how a property works for you, whether that’s room for a golf cart, a workshop, or simply more storage. If you’re buying or selling on Pleasure Island and want a local perspective on lots, structures, and what to verify before you commit, reach out to Aspyre Collective. We’re happy to help you sort through it.
