FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

In person: Our office is located at 701 Front Street. Office hours are 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can fill out the Complaint Form below and drop it off at our office.

Phone: Our telephone number is (252) 728-2142. Anyone wishing to speak with a staff person may call this number between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Complaints also may be recorded at this same telephone number 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Email: Fill out the complaint form at the bottom of this page and email it to: m.eitner [at] beaufortnc.org

Complainants do not have to identify themselves; although if they would like an inspector to contact them regarding the status of the investigation, their name and daytime telephone number are necessary.

Generally, the enforcement of codes occurs on both a reactive (complaint from a community source) and a proactive (initiated by the inspector) basis. There are however, a number of violations that are enforced after a complaint is received. These include Zoning Ordinance violations, and Nuisance Code violations occurring in enclosed rear yards. Our goal is to encourage both owners and tenants to voluntarily eliminate any violations that may exist so that Beaufort remains a town in which we can be proud to live. When a code violation is reported, we open a complaint and work towards resolving the violation through a process of education, inspection and notices. Continued violations are followed by progressive enforcement. The process generally follows this sequence:

• Complaint received
• Inspection conducted
• Notice left at residence or sent to violator allowing time for correction
• Re-inspection conducted
• Notice of Hearing
• Finding of Fact / Order for Abatement
• Civil Citations issued if violation is not corrected
• Criminal prosecution filed if not corrected after citation
• Abate (violation removed by City contractor) and lien

Code Enforcement has many methods of initiating contact. The standard enforcement tool is the "Courtesy Notice." This is a printed document that lists general common violations and detailed required corrective actions to resolve the complaint. The Code Enforcement Officer may add more detailed descriptions of the violation, or describe other violations not listed on the form.

 In most cases, Code Enforcement will try to make contact with occupants by knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell. If there is no answer at the door, a door hanger is left at the front door.  This is used when an investigation is required and the violation or problem may not be clearly visible to the officer. The officer describes the possible problem on the door hanger. Additionally, the officer's name and phone number will be listed with a request that you call within a specified time. Because the violation may not be clearly visible, and a complaint has been filed, the Code Enforcement Officer needs some method of letting the resident know that a possible violation may be on the property.

You cannot enter the Town of Beaufort unless you are a Carteret County resident or are an employee providing Essential Businesses, Essential Governmental Services, or Outdoor Services, or Minimum Basic Operations needed to operate non-essential businesses.

• You cannot engage in group activities of any size with anyone that is not a member of your household or residential unit.

• You cannot have dinner parties or invite friends over to your home.

• You cannot go to bars or nightclubs.

• You cannot go to a nail salon or get your hair cut by a stylist or barber.

• You cannot leave your home unless it is for a reason specifically identified as essential in the Proclamation.

_{Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM}

Yes, to the extent used for lodging (by those and only those engaged in Essential Business, Essential Government Services, Outdoor Services, or those under quarantine or isolation, and those caring for resident family members), and delivery or carry-out food services.

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No, not at this time.  Short term rentals are prohibited through April 29, 2020.  You are required to block or remove your listing for this period from Internet sites.

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No.  No groups of non-household members of any size are allowed inside or outside.

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Yes, outdoor recreation is permitted by Carteret County residents. Boat passengers must be members of the same household or residential unit.  Marinas, docks, and boat storage facilities may only provide service to recreational vessels if the passengers are residents of Carteret County, or those who have secondary residences in Carteret County and are residing in them when the Governor's Stay at Home Order takes effect at 5:00 PM on March 30, 2020.  

_{Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM}
 

Yes, but only for Essential Activities.  Do your best to take social distancing precautions: cover your mouth and nose with your elbow if you cough or sneeze, use hand sanitizer, and wash your hands before and after rides, etc.

Be sure you have proper documentation showing you are a Carteret County resident, or that you are employed at an essential business. 

Marinas are encouraged to remain open to enable the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences for those living on boats, and to enable commercial fishermen to continue operations as essential infrastructure workers.

Marinas, docks, and boat storage facilities must also ensure passengers on transient vessels are restricted to the marina or dock property (for Beaufort Docks, this includes the boardwalk) and that services shall only be provided to recreational vessels if the passengers are residents of Carteret County, or for those who have secondary residences in Carteret County and are residing in them at the time the Governor's Stay at Home Order goes into effect on March 30, 2020 at 5:00 PM.

_{Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM}

People can leave their houses for outdoor recreation individually or as a household unit, but may not gather with others. No sleepovers with friends are permitted.

_{Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM}

Yes, provided you meet Social Distancing Requirements (as defined in §1.2) AND operate either an Essential Business (as defined in §2.1), or provide an Outdoor Service (as defined in §2.2), or have employees coming in to perform Minimum Basic Operations (as defined in §2.3).  

Employees need proof they are employed in Beaufort - this can be a paycheck stub, an identification card, or a pass signed by the manager or owner. 

_{Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM}

For Essential Businesses, yes.  Only residents of Carteret County are permitted in Town limits.  This includes anyone with a secondary residence in Carteret County who is residing there when the Governor's Stay at Home Order takes effect at 5:00 PM on March 30, 2020.

_{Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM}

This Proclamation takes effect at 5:00 PM on March 31, 2020 and will continue to be in effect through April 29, 2020.

We want to be sure the Proclamation is in place for only as long as necessary, and Town of Beaufort officials are closely monitoring the situation every day in order to determine what adjustments make sense.

All persons, businesses, and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the Proclamation.

_{Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM}

No, as long as you were here by the time the Governor's stay at home order takes effect, which is March 30, 2020 at 5:00 PM.

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It depends.  If you are at a hotel or bed and breakfast because you are caring for a family member who lives in Beaufort, or you are employed by an Essential Business or Outdoor Service in Beaufort, or you are providing Essential Governmental Services in Beaufort, you may stay. Also, those who are in isolation or quarantine at a hotel may stay.  All other visitors must leave by 5:00 PM Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

If you are staying at a short term rental (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) you must leave by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31.

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No.  However,  those on transient vessels must stay at the marina or dock where they are tied up.

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The boat is your home, so you must stay there except for the specific purposes allowed in the Proclamation .

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No. Unless you were already isolating at your secondary residence by the time the Governor's Stay at Home Order takes effect at 5:00 PM on March 30, 2020.   

Added March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM

Only if you are a resident of Carteret County and are coming into Town to participate in an essential activity.

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Any business or organization that is not considered an Essential Business or Outdoor Service, as defined in the Proclamation, must cease operations that are not conducted from home or considered Minimum Basic Operations.

Non-essential businesses include, but are not limited to: 

• Dine-in restaurant service
• Bars and nightclubs
• Entertainment venues
• Gyms and fitness studios
• Nail salons, hair salons, and massage parlors

If you are an essential business, you are required to take proactive measures to ensure those at their place of business practice social distancing within your store, as defined in the Proclamation. 

Essential Businesses shall post signage to alert people to the six-foot social distancing requirement and modify retail check-out lines however possible (e.g., installing sneeze guards, floor markings, etc.) to ensure social distancing.  Also,  Essential Businesses shall clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., check-out stations, rest rooms, shopping cart handles, gas pump nozzles, pieces of equipment, etc.) at least every hour while open, and at the beginning and end of each work day.
 

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Once a violation has been observed, it is the intent of Code Enforcement to have the resident/property owner come into voluntary compliance. To accomplish this, the resident is normally given 30 days to take whatever action is requested to correct the problem. On the scheduled compliance date, a follow-up inspection is conducted. If the violation is still on the property additional informal and formal steps may be used to gain compliance. 

There are no checkpoints in place at this time. Should a checkpoint go into operation, all adult passengers will be required to provide a valid ID showing Carteret County residence, or other documentation showing you are conducting essential business in Beaufort. 

Added March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM

Outdoor activity is allowed, but gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or residential unit are prohibited.

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This is a critical intervention to reduce harm from the spread of the coronavirus in our community. This is a mandatory order enforceable by the Beaufort Police Department and may lead to a fine or jail.

Carteret County Health Officials are responding to quickly mounting cases and serious illnesses across the region.

Now is the time to do everything we can to prevent the situation from getting much worse in a matter of days or weeks. Every hour counts. We need and appreciate the cooperation of everyone who lives and works in the Town of Beaufort to act immediately.

While this news may feel alarming, it is a necessary step to prevent a worsening situation. The patterns of the virus around the world, and in our own state, tell us that moving right now to maximize social distancing and restrict people gathering is the best way to fight the virus and save lives.

If everyone works together, we should be able to adjust to the new rules over the next few weeks.
We know that there will be a lot of questions and concerns at the beginning of this new protocol. This is a major change being taken to protect public health. Please be patient and kind to one another. Together, we will get through this, and our community’s health will be protected.

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At present, the only way into Beaufort is at the intersection of Hwy 101 and US 70.  The entrance may be moved to Turner Street at US 70. If this happens, it will be posted on the Town’s website and Facebook page, and the media will be informed. 

Added March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM

Town parks are open, but you must practice social distancing.  All other Town facilities (including restrooms, tennis courts, and basketball courts) are closed to the public until further notice.

_{March 24, 2020 at 2:36 PM}

Yes, in some cases.  2.1.16 Home-based care and services are permitted when assisting someone who is unable to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of their residence.  Even in these cases, social distancing must be followed and house cleaners are urged to follow CDC guidelines for disinfecting the home, regardless of whether any residents are known to be sick.

_{March 25, 2020 at 10:36 AM}

If a medical professional says you’re unable to work, if your hours have been reduced, or your employer has shut down -- you can file a claim. 

Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 118 will directly aid workers who may have lost wages in restaurants and meeting places due to mass gathering restrictions. For example, workers who lose income due to tips or scheduled work hours, but are still employed, would be eligible for benefits because of this Executive Order. 

In a Coronavirus Memo dated March 15, 2020, NC Courts are to postpone hearings on foreclosures and evictions(summary ejectments) for at least 30 days.

Yes, but perform social distancing.

Yes. Be sure that you protect them and you by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when possible, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. 

If the person you are caring for is sick, follow CDC instructions for caring for someone who is sick.

No. For your safety as well as their safety, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home.

Moving is discouraged. If you had already obtained a new home prior to the issuance of the Proclamation, moving to that new home would constitute essential travel.

Yes.

No. Places of worship have not been exempted as essential activities under the Proclamation. Places of worship can still provide services listed in the order as essential such as food banks and funerals (provided social distancing is observed).

_{Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM}

It is strongly recommended that you do not go to a hospital unless you are seeking emergency medical attention or accompanying a minor who is under 18 years old or someone who is developmentally disabled and needs assistance.

Please use alternative ways to communicate with loved ones at nursing homes and residential care facilities, such as Facetime and texting. The residents at those locations are the most vulnerable to COVID-19.

If you need to know more, please contact the facility you want to visit by phone before you leave, or check Carteret Health Care’s COVID-19 updates online.

People can volunteer for organizations allowed to operate under the Proclamation, but should adhere to Social Distancing Requirements as described in the Proclamation and any other protocols the volunteer service organization has put in place.   High risk populations should stay at home.

Yes

It depends.  The Proclamation only allows: 

• Services needed to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences
• Services which are conducted entirely outside and with continuous social distancing

_{March 24, 2020 at 2:12 PM}

Town parks are open, but you must practice social distancing.  All other Town facilities (including restrooms, tennis courts, and basketball courts) are closed to the public until further notice.

_{March 24, 2020 at 2:13 PM}

No.  Unless someone is not feeling well, in which case you should follow CDC instructions for caring for someone who is sick.

Request new trash and recycling pickup services at Beaufort Town Hall, 701 Front St., or call (252) 728-2141. 

The Proclamation expects citizens will adhere to their civic duty and comply for the greater good of the community. At this time there is no requirement of proof that you are allowed to be outside your residence.

People who are experiencing homelessness are encouraged to try to stay with family or friends, identify housing options, or contact the Carteret County Department of Social Services at (252) 728-3181.

Yes. Please contact entrypass [at] beaufortnc.org for additional information. You may also use the pass mailed to your parent’s Beaufort address.

Yes, you can go to a laundromat, dry cleaner, and other laundry service providers.

Drive to the Turner Street entrance and show a valid NC Driver’s License with a Carteret County address. Entry and exit will be at Turner Street only.

Yes. You will receive an entry pass in the mail at your Beaufort address (address where water bill is mailed). Passes are not in the April water bill. They are being mailed separately and should arrive no later than Wednesday, April 8.

No. Unless you were already in Beaufort at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31 when the Proclamation took effect, the answer is no.

Yes. 

_{March 24, 2020 at 2:16 PM}

Yes, provided you meet Social Distancing Requirements (as defined in §1.2) and your employees coming in to perform Minimum Basic Operations (as defined in §2.3).

_{March 24, 2020 at 2:29 PM}

Not at this time.

It is mandatory. This Proclamation is a legal order issued under the authority of North Carolina law. You are required to comply, and it is a misdemeanor crime not to follow the Proclamation (although the intent is not for anyone to get into trouble).

It is critical for everyone to follow the Proclamation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect themselves, their loved ones, friends, neighbors and the whole community.

All persons, businesses, and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the Proclamation.

Yes.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick or family leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

Grocery store and pharmacy supply chains are working well and stores are continually restocked. There is no need to hoard! 

It’s a good idea to have enough food and other necessities on hand to last for two weeks. 

The Courtesy Notice or orange door hanger contains the phone number of the issuing Code Enforcement Officer. Code Enforcement encourages you to call, not only if you have received a violation, but to answer any questions you may have regarding Town ordinances. Code Enforcement is here to work with you to ensure that our community will remain a highly valued place to live.

Essential Businesses, as defined in the Proclamation, are encouraged to continue operating.  Non-essential businesses are not permitted to operate under this Proclamation, except for work-from-home activities or to sustain Minimum Basic Operations. Refer to the Proclamation for a complete description of Essential Businesses and definition of Minimum Basic Operations.

If you believe your employer is violating the Proclamation and you do not wish to work, you can consider contacting a lawyer.  If you are sick, you should seek medical advice.

You can be fined or imprisoned.

Please contact friends, family, or others you know who can provide support. They are permitted to pick up any of your needs. 

Contact 211 if you do not have family or friends who can drop off food and supplies, the operators can connect you with a local aide to assist.

Call ahead and follow their guidance.

For common violations, Code Enforcement will typically try to gain voluntarily compliance from either the resident of the property or the property owner. In the event the resident does not voluntarily comply, Code Enforcement will notify the owner of the property as recorded with the county assessor's office. A Courtesy Notice will be issued to the property owner.

Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work, school or daycare, and do not travel while sick.  Before you go to the doctor's office, emergency room or urgent care, call ahead and tell them about your symptoms. Follow any instructions they provide.

If you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms (fever, dry cough, shortness of breath), inform your local health department (252) 728-8550.

If possible, walk or drive yourself to healthcare alone. You want to try to avoid exposing others to any germs you have, especially if you are seriously ill.

If you have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like a surgical mask or N-95 mask, wear that to prevent exposing others.  

If you don’t have PPE, you could use a temporary method such as wrapping a clean scarf around your mouth and nose to try to reduce droplets when you cough and sneeze.   Although this is not an approved method, it is something you can do to avoid exposing others. Just do the best you can.

This is in effect within Beaufort town limits.

NC 2-1-1 is now a resource for the public to call for non-emergency and non-medical inquiries related to COVID-19 coronavirus. You can also text COVIDNC to 898211 for updates.

Public Information Recorded Hotline (252) 726-7177 by the Carteret County Health Department provides 24/7 information on # of confirmed cases, what to do if feeling sick, and information on sheltering in place.

Public Inquiry Phone (252) 726-7060 staffed by the Carteret County Health Department from 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday. 

Follow www.beaufortnc.org/coronavirus and www.Facbook.com/BeaufortTown for the latest information from the Town of Beaufort. 

If you have specific questions about the Stay at Home Proclamation issued by the Town of Beaufort, contact r.johnson [at] beaufortnc.org.

_{Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM}

Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services are considered essential businesses and are encouraged to remain open.

At this time, Town waste collection services will continue to operate as usual.

Yes.  The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.

Board of Commissioners meetings are the second and fourth Monday of every month.

Regular meetings are the second Monday at 6 p.m. These meetings are live streamed on the Town's Facebook page. 

Work Session meetings are the fourth Monday at 4 p.m.

All meetings may be found on the calendar.

Agendas and minutes may be found under the Agendas/Minutes tab or with the meeting on the calendar.

If you are relocating or moving out of Town and need to cancel services, visit Beaufort Town Hall , 701 Front St., or call (252) 728-2141.

No.  By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase.  In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.

In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations.  The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick or family leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

In a Coronavirus Memo dated March 15, 2020, NC Courts are to postpone hearings on foreclosures and evictions(summary ejectments) for at least 30 days.

Yes.   You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-).   In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.

Personal training, even outdoors and with a single client, is not allowed.

Yes, with social distancing to perform these Minimum Basic Operations, allowing employees (pastor, staff, etc.) to work remotely through the broadcast of worship services or organizational meetings.

No, employees in high-risk categories (as defined by the CDC) are not prohibited from working under the PROCLAMATION if they are performing Essential Activities. However, persons in high-risk categories are strongly urged to stay in their residence to the extent possible.

Minutes are posted to the Agendas and Minutes section under Board of Commissioners after they have been approved. 

Yes, if picking up mail is necessary as part of Minimum Basic Operations.

Refer to the Proclamation for a complete description of Essential Businesses.  Examples include: 

• Grocery stores and pharmacies
• Healthcare providers
• Gas stations and auto stores

There is effort on the federal level to grant relief to small businesses. 

At Governor Cooper’s request, the SBA granted a disaster declaration to small businesses across the state, allowing affected businesses to apply for low interest SBA disaster loans.

• Pay in Person at Town Hall, 701 Front St.
• Sign up for an automatic bank draft using the Automatic Draft Form.
• Pay online using Official Payments for utility services and taxes at www.officialpayments.com.
• By calling 1-800-272-9829. Official Payments, the service provider, charges a convenience fee for payment processing, which is $3 for utility payments and 3% for taxes with a cap of $175. Use jurisdiction code 4394.

During a meeting, members of the general public will be able to address the Board of Commissioners during the public comment period, as well as during public hearings, if scheduled.

Each of these opportunities are governed by specific rules and are designed for different purposes.

Prior to speaking, please clearly state your name and address for the official record.

​The monthly fee or charge imposed shall be payable upon receipt by the user but in any event shall be delinquent if not paid within 30 days following mailing of the same by the Town.

If the fee is not paid within 30 days following mailing of the bill, the Town is authorized to discontinue service to the user. The Town shall notify the user that his or her bill is delinquent and that no further services will be provided to the user until the charge is paid.

Additionally, the Town may impose a late charge per user for continuance of service once the user’s delinquency has resulted in a discontinuance of service to the site.

All regular Board of Commissioners meetings include a Public Comment section, as required by North Carolina General Statutes. This period is typically scheduled near the beginning of each meeting. Each speaker is allotted 3 minutes. 

Sign up to speak with the Town Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. Each speaker is allotted 3 minutes. Speakers may address topics of public concern, subject to the parameters set forth in the General Statutes and the Town’s Rules of Procedure.

We ask that if you wish to speak about a topic that has a public hearing later during the same meeting, that you hold your comments for the public hearing and not make them during the Public Comment section.

When called upon to speak, clearly state your name and address.

A public hearing is a formal proceeding held in order to receive comments from interested parties on a proposed issue or action, when required by statute.

A public hearing is scheduled and advertised for a specific topic, and comments during the public hearing must address that topic.  

The Board of Commissioners will open the hearing by motion and vote, and at that time speakers may approach the podium and speak. 

Each speaker will be allotted 3 minutes.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board of Commissioners will close the hearing by motion and vote.

A quasi-judicial proceeding is similar to a judicial or court trial and is therefore governed by rules significantly different from the rules for public comment periods and public hearings. 

As a general matter, participation in a quasi-judicial proceeding is limited, and members of the general public have no legal right to participate without meeting statutory requirements.

A quasi-judicial proceeding is required by state statute for certain types of land-use matters, such as variances and special use permits. 

During a quasi-judicial proceeding, the Board of Commissioners acts as a fact-finding body, ruling on the application sought; the Board of Commissioners does not act in a legislative capacity during these types of proceedings.

The statutory rules regarding quasi-judicial proceedings are extensive and highly technical, and are found primarily in NC General Statute § 160D-406 (Quasi-judicial Procedures).

Important points from the statute are, among others: (a) only persons with standing (see below) have the right to present testimony; (b) witnesses other than persons with standing may testify only if allowed by the Board of Commissioners; (c) all witnesses must take an oath or affirmation before testifying; (d) parties to the proceeding have the right to cross-examine witnesses; (e) testimony or evidence must be competent, material, and substantial and not repetitive; (f) opinion testimony is not allowed unless the witness is qualified as an expert to offer opinion testimony; and (g) the Board of Commissioners must reach its decision based upon the evidence and testimony presented.

Of particular importance is the concept of a “person with standing.”  Note this concept is addressed specifically by North Carolina General Statutes; standing is not determined by rules of the Town, the LDO, Town staff or Town management.  Individuals who believe they have legal standing under the North Carolina General Statutes must affirmatively demonstrate that standing before participating as a party in the proceeding.  Individuals without standing have no legal right to participate in the proceeding or to offer testimony.  However, the Board of Commissioners, in its discretion, may allow individuals without standing to testify.

No.

The Mayor and individual Board of Commissioners are prohibited from having ex parte communications (communications supporting one party’s position) concerning the subject matter of the proceeding; North Carolina law explicitly forbids those types of interaction which may be customary for other legislative concerns.

In person – Individuals who testify may introduce documents into evidence by providing the Town Clerk with 10 copies of each document for distribution to the Mayor, Board of Commissioners, Applicant, and Attorneys at the meeting. 

Evidence will not be accepted in advance for in-person meetings.  Documents supplied as evidence will be included in the official town minutes.