LAKE WACCAMAW — Town commissioners will hold a public hearing on March 10 at 5 p.m. to consider a zoning amendment that would change the rules for fences and other structures on the lake side of Lake Shore Drive.
According to a staff report from the Cape Fear Council of Governments, the proposal would allow homeowners to build a four‑foot‑tall fence along the side property line only where a residential lot borders a commercial property. The taller section of fence could begin behind the front setback, a standard practice in many towns where front‑yard fencing is kept lower to preserve visibility and aesthetics.
The change would apply to all lakefront parcels, but only one property currently borders a commercial site — the lot next to Dale’s Seafood.
Under current rules, fences on the lake side of Lake Shore Drive cannot exceed three feet in height and must be at least 50% transparent. The proposed amendment keeps those requirements for most properties but adds new options for homeowners who share a boundary with commercial uses:
- Up to 3 feet tall and 50% transparent between the front property line and the front setback
- Behind the setback, either 4 feet tall and 50% transparent, or 3 feet tall and solid (0% transparent)
The Planning Board voted unanimously on Feb. 9 to recommend approval.
Town staff noted that the amendment is intended to give homeowners a way to create a buffer between residential and commercial activity while still protecting the scenic views that define the lakefront. The town’s land‑use plan emphasizes preserving the lake’s cultural and aesthetic value, and commissioners must adopt a formal Statement of Plan Consistency when they vote.
Two draft statements have been prepared — one supporting approval, and one supporting denial. The approval statement argues the change is “reasonable and in the public interest” and aligns with Policy 3.2.E: Shoreline Land Uses. The denial statement argues the amendment could negatively affect land adjacent to the lake and conflicts with the plan’s top public priority: protecting the lake and its natural surroundings.
The full text of the proposed amendment is available for public review at Town Hall. Residents with questions may contact the town at 910‑646‑3700.
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