TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH: Staff Update — COVID-19 Restrictions and Town Operations

By Press release submission

Mar 29, 2020

Town of North Topsail Beach recently issued the following announcement.

Background

On March 20th, Mayor Pro Tem McDermon issued a State of Emergency declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration took effect immediately and will remain in effect until modified or rescinded.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 town website for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “State of Emergency” actually mean?

A state of emergency does NOT automatically trigger restrictions. As the Mayor Pro Tem deems necessary, those restrictions may go into place. In the most updated declaration issued on March 23rd, Mayor Pro Tem McDermon ordered the following restrictions:

Rental restrictions, which apply to rentals less than 3 months in duration, will commence Saturday, March 28th, and last until April 25th. For details, read this press release.
All public beach parking and public parks within the Town’s jurisdiction will be closed. Beach accesses remain open to foot traffic.

While there are no restrictions in movement at this time, the Board strongly encourages the limitation of non-essential travel, social distancing of at least 6 feet, and compliance with Governor Cooper’s executive orders.

2. Is the town suspending services?

No, but Town Hall is closed to the public and 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.
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

COVID-19 FAQ

Coronavirus Hotline: Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162

Onslow County Health Department

General Questions: Citizens Phone Bank at 910-989-5027

If you think you have COVID-19: 1-888-850-2684

Nonperishable food donations: 910-455-2747

Medical supply donations: 910-3474270

Town of North Topsail Beach

COVID-19 Resources

Questions on town operations: 910-328-1349