Right-Of-Way Information

The "Right-Of-Way" (ROW) is the term used to describe the strip of land owned by the Town, located streetside between the edge of the pavement and the start pf private property.

This area is reserved for multiple public uses, including street widening, sidewalks, public utilities, stormwater draining, and future maintenance or expansion.

While this area is owned by the Town and reserved for municipal use, certain personal items are permitted in the ROW, including

• Mail / Newspaper Boxes
• Driveway Connections
• On-street parking,
• Temporary Sporting Goods
• Ground Level Decorative Landscaping
• Mulch & Gravel

July 10, 2025: The Town Council amended Section 26-1 of the Code of Ordinances, which addresses construction and improvements to the Town Right-Of-Way (ROW).

As a part of that ordinance, a 6-month abatement period to enforcement of ROW violations was put into place, ending on January 18, 2026.

December 9. 2025: The Town Council discussed several issues concerning the ROW and potential policy changes. Council asked Staff to bring forward and ordinance based on the issues identified.

January 20, 2026: Town Council voted to amend Section 26-1 of the Code of Ordinances, and adjust the abatement period for enforcement of ROW violations.

Items currently permitted in the Town Right-Of-Way (ROW) include

• Mail / Newspaper Boxes
• Driveway Connections
• On-street parking
• Temporary Sporting Goods
• Ground Level Decorative Landscaping
• Mulch & Gravel

WHAT HAS CHANGED? 

The January 20, 2026 update now creates standards based on distance from the edge of pavement:

• WITHIN 10 feet: Same allowances as currently listed
• BEYOND 10 feet: Temporary items & vegetative landscaping up to 3' high
• Unimproved ROW (street ends): Limited to driveway connections and Temporary Sporting Goods

Additionally these updates will:

• ALLOW Town Staff to approve ROW Encroachment Agreements
• ALLOW vegetative landscaping installed prior to July 18, 2025
• PROHIBIT Permanent Structures including permanently installed fencing (retaining walls necessary for structural integrity may seek an ROW encroachment agreement) and Hardscape Landscaping (above ground level) within 10 feet of the edge of pavement

CLEARER DEFINITIONS

A NEW Right-Of-Way Widths Map, showing the distance-based standards is now available on the Mas & GIS Data page! To VIEW & SHARE this information, visit OakIslandNC.gov/MAPS or click the map below.

o view the entire REVISED Town Ordinance 26-1, click the link below.