Planning

Purpose:
– Conduct studies of the county and surrounding areas
– Determine objectives in the development of the county
– Prepare and adopt plans for achieving objectives
– Develop and recommend policies, ordinances, administrative procedures, and other means for carrying out plans in a coordinated and efficient manner
– Advise the Commissioners concerning the use and amendment of plans
– Administer and enforce county plans
– Perform any other related duties the Commissioners may direct

General Services:
The Planning Department is responsible for administering and enforcing the county’s solar farm, mobile home park, subdivision, and other land use ordinances as well as planning, research, and administrative duties that may relate to other county development programs. The County Planner serves at the direction of the County Commissioners and serves as staff support for the Planning Board. The Planning Board consists of five (5) volunteer members appointed by the County Commissioners to staggered two-year terms. The Planning Board serves as an advisory board to the County Commissioners concerning issues such as land use planning, subdivision regulations, and public facilities.

Zoning and Land Use:
Duplin County has various land use ordinances in effect; however, Duplin County does not currently have countywide zoning. Municipalities in Duplin County have zoning within their town limits and extra-territorial jurisdictions (ETJ). To determine if a property is in the county or a town’s jurisdiction, please follow these instructions:

1. Visit Duplin County GIS (https://gis.duplincountync.com/)
2. Enter search criteria in the search box (ex.: address, owner name, parcel number, account number, etc.) to locate the property.
3. Select the blue “Layers” tab at the top left.
4. Scroll down the list of layers and fill in the check box beside “ETJ (Shaded)” and “City Limits (Shaded).”
5. If the property you have searched is located within a shaded City Limit or ETJ area, contact the town hall of the corresponding town for applicable zoning information. Duplin County Planning Department does not maintain or provide any town’s zoning information.
6. If the property is in the unshaded, unincorporated area of the county (outside of any municipal jurisdiction), then the property is unzoned.* Duplin County land use ordinances are applicable in all unincorporated areas of the county. See the “Ordinances” list at the bottom of this page for applicable regulations.
   1. *If the property is within a one-mile radius of Duplin County Airport (260 Airport Rd, Kenansville) or Henderson Field Airport (250 Skydive Ln, Wallace), there may be zoning on the site that is not shown on GIS as part of the Duplin County Land Use and Height Restriction Ordinance. Contact the Duplin County Planning Department for more information.

If you need additional assistance determining if a property is in the county’s jurisdiction or a town’s jurisdiction, please call or email the Planning Department and provide the address or parcel number.

Duplin County addresses are assigned and managed by Addressing (910-296-2169). Visit E-911 Communications for more information about addressing.

Buyout Lease Program:

Duplin County owns several small parcels of property that were acquired through “buyout” grants following Hurricanes Floyd, Matthew, and Florence. Some of the parcels are available for the public to rent from the county for regulated uses such as cultivation, grazing, open space, or recreation. No other uses are permitted on the properties. Any person or entity interested in leasing a property should review the Buyout Lease Program Policy and contact the Planning Department to submit an Application to Lease Buyout Property. A map of the buyout parcels can be viewed on the Duplin County GIS website by selecting the tab “Layers” and checking the box beside “Flood Buyout Property” under the “Environmental” folder. 

Land Use Ordinances: 

• Manufactured Home and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance
• Subdivision Ordinance
• Solar Energy Generating Facility Ordinance
• Junkyard and Salvage Yard Ordinance
• Airport Land Use and Height Restriction Ordinance
• Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance