KURE BEACH — For many locals, not feeding the birds while sunbathing along the shore is an unspoken rule. But now it is an ordinance with some teeth to it, as Kure Beach cracks down on bird feeding and makes other updates to its beach rules.
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During the meeting on Monday, May 20, council approved regulations banning bird feeding, as well as amending its rules on beach attire, and expanding definitions of board-like beach equipment.
The revised ordinance strictly prohibits feeding birds not only on the beach but also in any adjacent public areas. This could include the Kure Beach Oceanfront Park and Pavilion, as well as the boardwalk area, James Eldridge, the town’s attorney, confirmed during the meeting.
At the April 25 town council meeting, Lieutenant Bailey, with the Kure Beach police department, reported that he heard six to eight requests from citizens wanting the ordinance.
Enforcement of the bird feeding rule will rely on complaints, with initial offenders facing a $25 civil penalty. Repeat violators could face misdemeanor charges with higher fines.
In addition to bird-feeding restrictions, amendments were made to beach attire regulations. Thong bikinis and “similar attire” are no longer explicitly mentioned in the ordinance. However, the ordinance still requires adequate clothing and prohibits nudity.
Furthermore, the definition of “boards” was broadened to encompass various watercraft, including paddle boards, sailboards, and similar equipment. The ordinance regarding boards states that they cannot be used within 250 feet south and 250 north of the Kure Beach pier. Boards must also be attached to the user at all times.
Verbiage regarding tents on the beach was changed to include all temporary structures. Now, all temporary structures, not just tents, that exceed 200 square feet are prohibited. They’re allowed by permits from the “town’s building inspector, the New Hanover County fire inspector, and, if applicable, the CAMA officer,” according to the town’s ordinance.
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