North Carolina § 160A-176 - 2. Ordinances effective in Atlantic Ocean.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 160A-176 — 2. Ordinances effective in Atlantic Ocean., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 160A-176. 2. Ordinances effective in Atlantic Ocean.
A city may adopt ordinances to regulate and control swimming, personal watercraft operation, surfing and littering in the Atlantic Ocean and other waterways adjacent to that portion of the city within its boundaries or within its extraterritorial jurisdiction; provided, however, nothing contained herein shall be construed to permit any city to prohibit altogether swimming or surfing or to make these activities unlawful. Subsection (a) of this section applies to the Towns of Atlantic Beach, Calabash, Cape Carteret, Carolina Beach, Caswell Beach, Duck, Emerald Isle, Holden Beach, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Manteo, Nags Head, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Southern Shores, Sunset Beach, Topsail Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, and the City of Southport only. History (1991, c. 494, ss. 1, 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 801; 1993, c. 67, s. 5; c. 125, s. 2; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 625, s. 1; 1997-48, s. 1; 2002-141, s. 1; 2004-203, s. 55.) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 1991, c. 494, ss. 1 and 2, effective July 2, 1991, as amended by Session Laws 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 801, effective June 29, 1992, has been codified as this section at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes. Legal Periodicals. - For note, "A First Step in the Wrong Direction: Slavin v. Town of Oak Island and the Taking of Littoral Rights of Direct Beach Access," see 82 N.C.L. Rev. 1510 (2004). Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2004-203, s. 55, effective August 17, 2004, inserted "Calabash" preceding "Cape Carteret" in subsection (b).
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 160A-176
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 160A-176 cover?
Section 160A-176 ("2. Ordinances effective in Atlantic Ocean.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 160A-176?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 160A-176" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 160A-176 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.