Wanchese, North Carolina, United States
Wanchese Village Zoning and Land Use Planning
Fishing, Boat Building, & Zoning…..
Wanchese is a village located in Dare County, North Carolina. The town has a rich history of fishing and maritime activities, and its zoning and land use history reflect this heritage.
Wanchese was initially settled by Native Americans, and later by European settlers in the 1700s. The town's first significant land use planning and zoning regulations were established in the 1960s, with the adoption of the Dare County Zoning Ordinance. At that time, the zoning map of the area divided the town into several zones, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural.
In the 1970s, the Dare County Board of Commissioners established a Land Use Plan for the Wanchese area, which sought to balance the town's economic development with the protection of its natural resources. The plan recognized the importance of the town's fishing and seafood industries and sought to support their growth while also preserving the area's wetlands and estuaries.
Over the years, the town has continued to evolve, and its zoning and land use policies have been updated to reflect changing needs and priorities.
Extensive community efforts in the early 2000s resulted in the creation of a revised 12 district zoning plan that codified land use regulations for the Village. The resulting plan addressed environmental concerns and promoted sustainable development. The plan also identified several strategies for achieving these goals, including the creation of a conservation easement program, the promotion of eco-tourism, and the establishment of a water quality monitoring program.
This plan was subsequently approved by the Dare County Board of Commissioners on March 24, 2006 as the Wanchese Zoning Ordinance.
Soon after adoption, the North Carolina Coastal Federation and Sea Grant recognized our effective work to improve the environmental quality in our village with the prestigious Pelican Award .
Today, Wanchese remains a vibrant and unique community with a strong connection to its maritime heritage. Its zoning and land use policies continue to reflect this history, balancing economic development with environmental protection and ensuring that the town remains a great place to live, work, and visit.
Wanchese Official Zoning Map