Wrightsville Beach public meetings in 2025

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will review the invoice from Ironman 2026 for special event permits, parking, and facility use. They will consider approving payment of $7,995 covering site preparation, facility reservations, parking fees, permit fees, bike check‑in, race‑day fees, and a refundable security deposit. Payment is to be submitted within 14 days of the event as noted on the invoice.

• Site prep and facility reservation fees of $175 on Oct 14 and Oct 15
• Parking fees on Oct 16: Waynick Blvd. (6 spaces @ $25), 650 S. Lumina lot (17 spaces @ $30) totaling $1,310
• Special event permit fee $800 and bike check‑in facility reservation $350 on Oct 16
• Parking fees on Oct 17 race day: Waynick Blvd., S. Lumina lot, Nathan St. totaling $1,310 plus permit fee $800
• Refundable security deposit of $2,000

Planning Board

The Wrightsville Beach Planning Board will discuss a text amendment to the town’s commercial lighting standards. The amendment proposes changes such as lowering pole heights, adding lumen caps, and requiring photometric plans for new or redeveloped parking lots. The Board will review these revisions and decide whether to recommend adoption to the Board of Aldermen.

• Pole height for parking‑lot fixtures reduced from 30 ft to 18 ft; wall‑mounted fixtures capped at 10 ft above first finished floor
• Wall‑mount height for commercial building exteriors reduced from 20 ft to 10 ft above grade
• Motion‑sensor floodlights limited to 700 lumens with auto‑off within 10 minutes
• Landscape/decorative lighting capped at 300 lumens, must be aimed and shielded
• Photometric plan required for all new or redeveloped commercial parking lots

Bridge Replacement Committee

The Bridge Replacement Committee will receive updates from a transportation consultant, the WMPO, and emergency‑response officials. It will then define the committee’s roles and responsibilities, brainstorm issues affecting the bridge and town traffic, and outline next steps including a special‑events discussion.

• Traffic count updates from transportation consultant Chad Kimes
• Emergency‑response “heat map” and alternative response plan from NC Fire Chiefs Consulting
• Discussion of next steps for the town traffic study
• Brainstorming of issue list (emergencies, traffic, deliveries, services, evacuation, school access, events, boat traffic, communications)
• Special‑events discussion led by Haynes Brigman

The Bridge Replacement Committee approved the minutes of the August 11, 2025 meeting. The committee reviewed GFT Engineering traffic analysis data and discussed planning issues for the three bridge replacement projects. It scheduled the next committee meeting for March 16, 2026, and noted a possible earlier meeting in February. No formal votes were recorded.

• Approved minutes of 8/11/25 meeting (no vote recorded)
• Set next Bridge Replacement Committee meeting for March 16, 2026 (no vote recorded)

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss several special event permits for 2026 beach activities. The agenda also includes discussions on tennis and pickleball court lighting and a proposal for a Veterans Memorial Garden.

• Wrightsville Plunge for Communities in Schools of Cape Fear (Jan 1, 2026) at beach access 36
• Shipman/Ward Wedding (Jan 31, 2026) at beach access 16
• O’Neill East Coast Grom Tour (March 21, 2026) at beach access 29
• Naming of Town Assets Application: Lee’s Nature Park by RILO Foundation
• Proposal from the Harbor Island Garden Club for a Veterans Memorial Garden

Planning Board

The Wrightsville Beach Planning Board discussed a text amendment to the town’s commercial exterior lighting standards. Board members voted to adopt revisions that lower fixture heights, set motion‑sensor limits, require photometric plans, and unify the holiday lighting window. Additional provisions address lighting for outdoor sports fields and update terminology for modern fixtures. Staff will incorporate the agreed changes into a revised draft for future Board of Aldermen consideration.

• Reduce pole height from 30 ft to 18 ft and wall‑mounted fixtures to ≤10 ft above grade
• Require photometric plans for new or redeveloped commercial parking lots and significant lighting changes
• Limit motion‑sensor flood fixtures to 700 lumens with auto‑off within 10 minutes
• Unify holiday lighting window to Monday before Thanksgiving through January 10, removing the Halloween period
• Outdoor sports fields: eliminate 65‑ft reference, require photometric plan and Board of Aldermen approval, consider 30‑40 ft height cap

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee approved special event permits for the Wrightsville Beach Elementary School Fall Festival and two surf contests. The committee also discussed the naming of a new park and the scheduling of pickleball open play.

• Approval of special event permits for Fall Festival and surf contests
• Discussion on naming Lee's Nature Park by RILO Foundation
• Pickleball open play schedule set for Courts 1–5
• Upcoming events include Triathlon, Bark in the Park, and Bike Rodeo
• Farmers Market Rules and Regulations to be updated

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The committee is discussing the management of the pickleball open play program and its impact on court availability. The body is also reviewing permit applications for several upcoming community events and races.

• Wrightsville Beach Elementary School Fall Festival (Oct 17, 2025)
• Carolina Pro Am Standup Paddleboard Surf Contest (Nov 7-9, 2025)
• Indo Jax Surf Charities Fall Fundraiser (Oct 18, 2025)
• Loop the Loop for Epilepsy Alliance North Carolina (Oct 26, 2025)
• Novant Wilmington Marathon (Feb 28, 2026)

The committee approved the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting. Members agreed on an Open Play schedule for pickleball courts 1‑5 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Aldermen approve the special event permits for the Wrightsville Beach Elementary School Fall Festival, the Carolina Pro‑Am Stand‑Up Paddleboard Surf Contest, and the WBLA Surf Contests. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved minutes of June 5, 2025 (unanimous)
• Open Play schedule set for courts 1‑5 on Tues/Thurs/Fri (agreed)
• Recommended approval of three special event permits (unanimous)
• Meeting adjourned (unanimous)

Marketing Committee

The Marketing Advisory Committee will review the results of the FY 24/25 Marketing & PR Strategy. Members will also discuss content and PR ideas for the Fall and Holiday 2025 season in Wrightsville Beach.

• FY 24/25 Marketing & PR Strategy Results Highlights
• Fall/Holiday 2025 Content & PR Plan discussion
• Research updates

Bridge Replacement Committee

The Wrightsville Beach Bridge Replacement Committee will review updates from consultants and emergency responders, clarify committee roles, and brainstorm next steps for a town traffic study. No formal decisions are listed on this procedural agenda.

The Bridge Replacement Committee approved the minutes from the May 5, 2025 meeting. Members were updated that NCDOT is exploring alternative delivery methods for the bridge replacements and that right‑of‑way acquisition has begun, with a “let date” projected for spring 2028. GFT Engineering reported traffic and pedestrian counts that will be used to assess lane‑closure impacts, and emergency‑response consultants will develop a heat‑map and alternative response plan. The next meeting was set for November 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

• Approved minutes from May 5, 2025

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee is reviewing several special event permit applications for 2025 and 2026. The body is also discussing the naming of town assets and various park programming updates.

• Special event permits for Novant Wilmington Marathon (4,000 participants) and North Point Church Easter Celebration
• Special event permits for Indo Jax Surf Charities, Epilepsy Alliance NC, and Grey Liston Pier to Pier Swim
• Application to name town assets: RILO Park at Lee Nature Preserve
• Pickleball Open Play Program and October 12 Bike Rodeo
• Movies in the Park: Ghostbusters Afterlife (Oct 10) and The Santa Claus (Dec 5)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss a text amendment to Sections 155.9.8 and 155.9.10 of the UDO regarding lighting on commercial and private docks. The proposed changes aim to improve navigational safety by reducing glare and light pollution. The Board may provide a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen following public input.

• Proposed 15-foot height limit for commercial dock fixtures
• Proposed 10-foot height limit for private dock fixtures
• Proposed ban on underwater decorative or fishing lights
• Proposed ban on bare lamps and outline lighting (e.g., neon strips, rope lights)
• Requirement for all lighting fixtures to be full cut-off or shielded

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss a proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding lighting on commercial and private docks. No vote is requested at this meeting; the board will review the safety rationale and a public outreach schedule.

• Proposed 15-foot height limit for commercial dock lighting
• Proposed 10-foot height limit for private dock lighting
• Proposed ban on under-water decorative or fishing lights
• Proposed ban on bare lamps and outline lighting (neon, rope lights)
• Requirement for full cut-off or shielded fixtures to prevent glare

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to discuss and potentially approve special event permits for upcoming community activities. The agenda focuses on scheduling and participant estimates for triathlon and holiday events.

• YMCA Triathlon Bike Check-In (Sept 26) and Race Event (Sept 27) with up to 1,500 participants
• NC Holiday Flotilla Day in the Park, Boat Parade & Fireworks (Nov 29) at WB Park, ICW, and Banks Channel

The committee approved the minutes from the May 1 meeting. It recommended approval of three special event permits (YMCA Triathlon, NC Holiday Flotilla, and Board Riders surf contest) and the recommendation was approved. Members agreed to cancel the July 3 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved May 1 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of three special event permits (all approved)
• Cancelled July 3 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting (agreed)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Marketing Committee

The Marketing Advisory Committee will review performance from the FY 24/25 campaign and research findings. The body will discuss the FY 25/26 campaign plan, including new elements, timing, and creative examples, and review the proposed FY 25/26 budget.

• FY 26/27 Marketing Plan discussion
• FY 24/25 campaign performance review
• FY 25/26 Campaign Plan
• Proposed FY 25/26 Budget

The committee reviewed the FY 24-25 marketing plan and discussed the proposed FY 25-26 plan. A motion by Nicholas Montoya, seconded by Amber Moshakos, was carried unanimously. The FY 25-26 marketing budget of $1,046,512 was approved for recommendation to the Board of Aldermen.

• Approved $1,046,512 FY 25-26 marketing budget (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a public hearing regarding a request to rename Island Drive Park to Durwood Sykes Sunset Park. The board is acting on a recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee.

• Public hearing for naming Town assets
• Proposal to rename Island Drive Park (30 Island Drive) to Durwood Sykes Sunset Park

Planning Board

The Planning Board is considering a text amendment to replace the Special Use Permit (SUP) process with a Conditional Zoning framework. This change aims to ensure compliance with NC General Statute Chapter 160D by removing the Planning Board from quasi-judicial SUP reviews.

• Proposed Conditional Zoning text amendment based on the Oak Island model
• Removal of Planning Board review from the SUP process, replaced by a Technical Review Committee (TRC)
• Proposed new process including applicant-led public input meetings with a 500-foot notification radius
• Discussion of accountability triggers for project reviews at 1 and 2 years
• Potential update on rear setback issues in zoning districts

Bridge Replacement Committee

The committee will receive updates from a transportation consultant and emergency response representatives. Members will discuss the town traffic study and a list of issues including evacuation, school access, and boat traffic.

• Updates from transportation consultant Chad Kimes
• Emergency response updates from Novant
• Discussion of town traffic study next steps
• Review of issues list including evacuation and school access

The Bridge Replacement Committee approved the minutes from the February 3, 2025 meeting. Members discussed traffic‑count data, an emergency‑response consultant, and coordination with NCDOT and the Coast Guard. The committee rescheduled its next meeting for August 11, 2025. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved minutes of Feb 3, 2025 meeting
• Rescheduled next meeting to Aug 11, 2025

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will review two special event permit requests (Sarus Festival dance performance and Habitat for Humanity Turkey Trot), a donation of a pet locator from Heidi’s Hope for Homeless Animals, and a proposal to rename Island Drive Park as “Durwood Sykes Sunset Park.” The committee may vote on these items at the May 1 meeting.

• Sarus Festival Dance Performance on the Beach — Friday, Aug 1, 6–8:30 pm at beach access 4; Sunday, Aug 3, 7–11 am at beach access 2 (~25 people)
• Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Turkey Trot — Thursday, Nov 27, 8:00 am (1-mile) and 8:30 am (5k) (~3,000–3,500 people)
• Donation of a Pet Locater from Heidi’s Hope for Homeless Animals
• Request to rename Island Drive Park to “Durwood Sykes Sunset Park”

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee approved its meeting minutes and recommended approval of three special event permits. It also approved installing a pet‑locator scanning station at the municipal complex. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended renaming Island Drive Park to “Durwood Sykes Sunset Park,” pending next‑of‑kin permission.

• Approved meeting minutes (all members approved)
• Recommended approval of three special event permits (all members approved)
• Approved installation of a pet‑locator scanning station at the municipal complex (motion passed)
• Unanimously recommended renaming Island Drive Park to Durwood Sykes Sunset Park, contingent on next‑of‑kin permission

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss a proposed text amendment to adopt Conditional Zoning for nonresidential districts. This change aims to comply with North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 160D by removing the Planning Board from the quasi-judicial Special Use Permit review process.

• Discussion of proposed Conditional Zoning text amendment
• Proposed removal of Planning Board review from the Special Use Permit process
• Review of a model ordinance based on Oak Island, North Carolina

Marketing Committee

The Marketing Advisory Committee will review room occupancy tax collections and discuss the FY 25/26 marketing plan, including countywide priorities, fall campaign results, and considerations for a unified and Wrightsville Beach-dedicated plan. The committee will also consider the proposed budget and final recommendations for next steps.

• Review of room occupancy tax collections
• Discussion of countywide and Wrightsville Beach marketing priorities for FY 25/26
• Fall campaign results presentation
• Consideration of a unified plan and a Wrightsville Beach-dedicated plan
• Proposed FY 25/26 budget and final recommendations

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will elect a chairman and vice-chairman, and consider a proposal by Brian Estes for RILO Park at Lees Nature Park. The committee will also review craft vendor applications for the 2025 Farmers' Market season and special event permits for several spring and summer events, including Easter Sunrise Services and the Wahine Classic. Additionally, they will discuss a proposed policy for use of the electronic message boards.

• Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• Brian Estes – RILO Park at Lees Nature Park Proposal
• 2025 Farmers' Market craft vendor applications review
• Special event permits: Easter Sunrise Services (April 20), Wahine Classic (Aug 9-10), Liam Strong 5k (Sept 14), YMCA Pier to Pier Swim (Oct 5), Seaside Shuffle (Oct 18), 4th Annual Ocean-Earth Surf Shops Shootout (Nov 8)
• Proposed Policy for Use of Electronic Message Boards

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee voted to recommend that the Town pursue the RILO Park project at Lees Nature Park, with staff to research legal requirements. They also approved special event permits for 2025, selected a farmers' market vendor, and approved a revised policy for electronic message boards.

• Recommended RILO Park project to Board of Aldermen (unanimous)
• Approved special event permits for Easter services, surf contests, races, and swim (unanimous)
• Selected Forever Linked as farmers' market vendor; two others waitlisted
• Approved revised Policy for Use of Electronic Message Boards (unanimous)
• Elected Jim Chaffins as Chairman and Mindy Gillis as Vice-Chairman
• Approved minutes of January 2, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss a request from Wrightsville United Methodist Church to establish a columbarium and memorial garden. The board is tasked with determining if the proposal meets zoning requirements before making a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen.

• Special Use Permit application for a columbarium and memorial garden at 4 Live Oak Drive
• Proposed installation of a garden within a 10' x 70' side yard
• Police Department recommendation to install a lock on the back gate near the Landing
• Application processing fee of $400.00

Planning Board

The Planning Board will elect a chairperson and vice-chair, then hold a discussion-only item on proposed commercial lighting regulations from § 155.9.7-14. The update aims to modernize standards, reduce light pollution, and improve enforcement, with changes such as lumen-based limits and stricter motion-activated light rules. No votes or decisions are scheduled on the lighting ordinance at this meeting.

• Election of a chairperson and vice-chair for the Planning Board
• Discussion of commercial lighting ordinance changes including lumen-based standards and motion-activated light limits
• Review of enforcement recommendations from an ad hoc committee, including proactive compliance measures
• Proposal to prioritize commercial lighting implementation before residential rules
• Public education and partnership initiatives with local organizations like WB Sea Turtle Project

Bridge Replacement Committee

The Wrightsville Beach Bridge Replacement Committee is meeting to receive updates from traffic and emergency response consultants, review the committee's roles and responsibilities, and discuss next steps for a town traffic study. They will also brainstorm a list of issues related to the bridge project, including emergencies, traffic, evacuations, and boat traffic increase.

• Approve minutes from previous meeting
• Receive updates from traffic and emergency response consultants
• Discuss committee roles and responsibilities
• Plan next steps for town traffic study
• Brainstorm issues list covering emergencies, traffic, evacuations, school access, boat traffic

The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and agreed to a quarterly meeting schedule starting May 5, 2025. They discussed ongoing bridge replacement projects, including a proposed traffic consulting contract with TranSystems, and planned to create a project page on the town website with an FAQ section. No formal votes were taken on substantive items.

• Approved minutes of 9/24/24 meeting
• Agreed to quarterly meeting schedule starting 5/5/25
• Town to create project page on website
• Committee members to submit FAQ questions to Town Clerk

Marketing Committee

The Wrightsville Beach Marketing Advisory Committee will review room occupancy tax collections and discuss the Tourism Master Plan. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Discussion of room occupancy tax collections
• Review of Tourism Master Plan

The Marketing Advisory Committee discussed the Room Occupancy Tax (ROT) collection, which is trending 4.26% lower year-to-date, with Wrightsville Beach down 6.11% ($71,113). They reviewed a draft update of the Tourism Master Plan, focusing on enhancing shoulder and off-season marketing and addressing challenges like access, affordability, and parking. No formal decisions were made; previous meeting minutes were not approved due to lack of distribution, and the next meeting was rescheduled to March 11, 2025.

• Previous meeting minutes not approved (not distributed)
• Next meeting rescheduled to March 11, 2025 at 1:00pm

Historic Landmark Commission

The Historic Landmark Commission will decide whether to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolishing the Williams-Bordeaux Cottage at 407 N. Lumina Avenue, a circa-1922 designated landmark. The property was sold for $2.5 million in October 2024, and the applicant seeks to redevelop the site. The commission will also elect a chair and vice-chair.

• Consider Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application to demolish the historic Williams-Bordeaux Cottage at 407 N. Lumina Avenue
• Elect a Chair for the commission
• Elect a Vice-Chair for the commission
• Approve minutes from the November 13, 2023 meeting

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold discussions on two topics: implementing conditional zoning districts (CZD) and commercial lighting regulations. No votes are scheduled; these are preliminary discussions. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Discussion only: conditional zoning framework for site-specific development conditions
• Discussion only: commercial lighting regulations
• Approval of minutes from November 12, 2024 meeting

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will consider proposed revisions to the Town's asset naming policy and a new policy for electronic message boards. They will also discuss special event permits, including Ironman 2025. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and other business from members and staff.

• Proposed revisions to Naming of Town Assets Policy
• Proposed Policy for Use of the Electronic Message Boards
• Special Event Permits requiring Board Approval – Ironman 2025
• Approval of December 5, 2024 Meeting Minutes

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee approved revisions to the Naming of Town Assets Policy, adding committee review for parks-related assets. They tabled the Electronic Message Boards policy until February to add a definition of 'Town-sponsored activities.' The committee recommended approval of the Ironman 2025 special event permit, with one abstention.

• Approved revised Naming of Town Assets Policy (unanimous)
• Tabled Electronic Message Boards policy until February
• Recommended approval of Ironman 2025 special event permit (4-0, 1 abstention)