November 2026 · By Joseph Chism, OIBWeb, Ocean Isle Beach
Each month I pull together what’s changing around Ocean Isle Beach that matters to local businesses: zoning, growth, town decisions, the beach and the housing market. These are short summaries in my own words. Follow the links for the full reporting, and check with the town or county for anything official.
Gateway zoning: commercial rezoning approved at OIB Road and U.S. 17
A 13.11-acre property at the corner of Ocean Isle Beach Road and U.S. Highway 17 can now be developed under Brunswick County’s Commercial-Low Density zoning. The county planning board denied the request in August after neighbors raised concerns, but the applicant appealed, and the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved it on Sept. 21.
The applicant, 4C Rhetson Partners, is under contract for the 4.25-acre corner parcel and wants to develop the whole site as one project. That zoning allows uses such as offices, retail, personal services and restaurants without a drive-thru.
What it means for local businesses: the main road onto the island is likely to get new commercial space. If you have been looking for a spot near the bridge traffic, watch for site plans; if you already operate nearby, expect new neighbors and possibly new competition.
Source: The Brunswick Beacon, Oct. 1, 2026
Growth: 274 more homes approved off Ocean Isle Beach Road
On Sept. 14 the county planning board unanimously approved Tidebourne Landing, a 274-home development by NVR (builder of Ryan Homes) on about 106 acres near Ocean Isle Beach Road, Lakewood Drive and Watts Road. Part of it sits on the current Swamp Park property along the Shallotte River.
It joins other approved projects nearby: Riverbank at Ocean Isle (115 homes), Remuda Run (140), Marshwood Landing (550) and Ocean Isle Palms, which is under construction with 3,290 units planned.
What it means for local businesses: thousands of new year-round households are coming to the OIB Road corridor. Home services, landscaping, cleaning, food and retail businesses should make sure new residents can find them on Google Maps before they pick a favorite.
Source: The Brunswick Beacon, Sept. 24, 2026
Town budget: no tax increase, water and sewer rates unchanged
The town’s 2026–27 budget keeps the property tax rate at 13 cents per $100 of value, with a general fund of about $11.7 million. Water and sewer rates stay the same as last year. Police and fire are the biggest expense at about $5.2 million, and $1.9 million is set aside to build a new ABC Store.
Paid parking, now in its second year, is projected to bring in $450,000; the first season in 2025 brought in about $513,000.
What it means for local businesses: stable taxes and utility rates make budgeting easier for island businesses. Paid parking is here to stay, so it’s worth telling customers where to park on your website and Google profile.
Source: The Brunswick Beacon (budget details) · adoption in June
Town projects: community center upgrades and a new public safety annex
On Oct. 13 commissioners approved more upgrades to the oceanfront community center at 44 E. First St., bringing that project to $74,420. The work, including motorized shades and enclosing part of the building, is meant to make it usable in the off season.
They also accepted a bid from Masonboro Construction of Wilmington for an approximately 6,000-square-foot public safety annex at 3 and 5 W. Third St., built to house fire, police and utilities staff and equipment during emergencies.
What it means for local businesses: a year-round community center gives clubs, nonprofits and event organizers another off-season venue on the island.
Source: The Brunswick Beacon, Oct. 22, 2026 (subscriber article)
On the beach: pier inspection and the hardened-structures debate
The Ocean Isle Beach Pier closed on Oct. 12 until an engineer could inspect it. No reason or reopening date had been announced at the time, so check its current status before sending customers there.
At the state level, the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission voted 4–6 in August against endorsing Senate Bill 1009, which would repeal North Carolina’s ban on permanent oceanfront erosion structures. The bill is still waiting in the General Assembly. Ocean Isle Beach already has a terminal groin on its east end.
What it means for local businesses: beach access and erosion policy shape the visitor season. Rental, fishing and beach-gear businesses should keep pier and beach updates current on their sites so customers don’t show up to a closure.
Source: WWAY, Oct. 12, 2026 · The Brunswick Beacon, Sept. 3, 2026
Real estate: 2026 still ahead of 2025
The Brunswick County Association of Realtors reported that through August, year-to-date home sales and total sales volume were running ahead of 2025. Prices held steady even though August itself was slower.
What it means for local businesses: a steady market keeps movers, closing-related trades, contractors and home-service businesses busy. New owners search online first.
Source: The Brunswick Beacon, Oct. 8, 2026
Local business spotlight: Riptide Bins
Tripp Kelly started Riptide Bins, a trash-can cleaning business, in August 2024. At 16 he now has more than 200 recurring customers and has added roll-cart take-out and return for homeowners and vacation rentals. In August he received a Business Support Grant from the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce.
What it means for local businesses: vacation rentals create steady work for small service businesses that are easy to book and show up on schedule.
Source: The Brunswick Beacon, Sept. 10, 2026
Weather watch: wildfire smoke and a coastal flood advisory
Early October’s Quarry Road fires near Shallotte led to evacuations and sent smoke over the Ocean Isle Beach area, and in late October the National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory for coastal Brunswick County.
What it means for local businesses: a short “open today?” or weather notice on your website and Google profile saves calls and keeps customers coming when they’re unsure.
Source: The Brunswick Beacon, Oct. 6, 2026 · National Weather Service
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