Date: 3/18/20
Background
On March 17th, Mayor Dan Tuman declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration took effect on March 17th at 5 p.m. and will remain in effect until modified or rescinded.
While there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in North Topsail Beach, the Board of Aldermen considers proactive measures such as this declaration essential to address this public health emergency. For the duration of this emergency, the Town of North Topsail Beach encourages and supports guidance issued by the state government through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
As the Board and town staff monitor the situation, staff will make an effort to provide periodic updates. One method is to collect frequently asked questions and distribute the answers to everyone. Please check Facebook and the website (ntbnc.org) for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is North Topsail Beach closed to visitors?
No. The town remains open to non-residents, including property owners and visitors. However, we encourage any visitors to adhere to the social distancing and hygiene guidelines from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. Are the beaches closed to the public?
No. Our beaches do not usually see the kind of crowding that violates NCDHHS guidelines of 6 feet between each person, especially at this time of year. Spending time on the beach is a great anxiety reliever, as long as the public follows social distancing guidelines.
3. Could Topsail Island close to visitors like Dare County has?
There are no plans to close Topsail Island. Dare County based their decision on factors specific to their community. At this time, North Topsail Beach believes a closure for our island is not yet warranted.
4. What does “State of Emergency” actually mean?
A state of emergency does NOT automatically trigger restrictions. As the Mayor deems necessary, those restrictions may go into place. At this time, Mayor Tuman has not ordered any specific restrictions.
5. Is the town suspending services?
The Town will be staggering employee work schedules. This does not mean that your requests will not be met. The Town is working to maintain continuity of government while taking measures to protect our employees, citizens, and overall community. Below is some guidance on how to navigate our temporary work operations.
For general inquiries, Town Hall’s number is 910-328-1349. Here are the phone number extensions and email addresses of the most frequently requested departments:
Building Inspections
For permitting or to schedule an inspection, please email Kate Winzler at kate@ntbnc.org.
For questions specific to building code, please call James Canady at 910-328-1349, ext. 2.
Download inspection applications online at https://www.ntbnc.org/inspections.
Completed applications can be emailed to Kate Winzler at kate@ntbnc.org or dropped off at the Town’s drop box, located to the left of our main entrance door.
Planning Department
Deb Hill at dhill@ntbnc.org.
Town Clerk
Laura Oxley at townclerk@ntbnc.org or 910-328-1349, ext. 5.
If your need is not readily addressed by the categories above, call the main line at town hall or review the “Departments” tab on our home page for more specific information.
Resources
NC Department of Health and Human Services
Coronavirus Hotline at (866) 462-3821
Onslow County Health Department
Citizens Phone Bank at (910) 989-5027
Town of North Topsail Beach
Questions on town operations at (910) 328-1349