Oak Island, NC — With tourism rising and more residents moving onto the island, town officials are weighing potential changes to one of the community’s most recognizable properties: the Oak Island Pier Complex on Ocean Drive.
The pier area, which includes tackle and bait sales, beverages, snacks, OKI merch, fishing passes, a coffee shop, a restaurant, and an event center – has long served as a multi‑use coastal hub. Originally built in the mid‑1950s, the complex has evolved over decades as visitor traffic increased and the island’s population expanded.
A request presented at the June Planning Board meeting sought to shift the property from Oak Island’s current Commercial Recreational zoning district to a Commercial Business designation. The change would broaden what could be built on the site. Under Commercial Business zoning, uses such as gas stations or single‑family homes would become allowable.
Planning Board members unanimously voted to table the request, effectively rejecting it for now. Board members noted that the proposed change would significantly alter the range of future development options at one of the island’s most visible public‑facing properties.
Oak Island continues to experience steady growth, both in seasonal tourism and permanent residency. Any zoning adjustments to the pier complex are expected to draw close attention from residents, business owners, and visitors who rely on the area for recreation, dining, and events.
The matter could return for future consideration if the applicant revises the request or submits additional materials for review.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved.
Be the first to comment