Landscaping Rules in Brunswick County, NC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Brunswick County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Water Restrictions
Brunswick County's Water Emergency Ordinance lets the public utilities director impose three escalating stages of watering restrictions during drought or system failure. Stage 2 and Stage 3 bar hose-end lawn and shrub watering outright, with narrow exceptions for hand-held hoses and drip irrigation.
Lawn Watering Restrictions in Brunswick County, NC
Significant RestrictionsBrunswick County Code § 1-13-142(b)(2)
a.Watering lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and vegetable gardens except by hand held hoses, container, or drip irrigation system. A person who regularly sells plants will be permitted to use water on their commercial stock. A golf course may water their greens. State and county licensed landscape contractors may water any plants by hand held hose or drip irrigation under a written warran...
Native Plants
Brunswick County's Unified Development Ordinance directs that required landscape plans favor native vegetation and lower-maintenance plant material. The standard applies to required landscaping in the unincorporated county, not inside Leland, Southport, Oak Island, Shallotte or the county's other incorporated towns.
Native Plants in Brunswick County, NC Landscaping
Light RestrictionsBrunswick County Unified Development Ordinance § 6.1.5.A
Location of plants and design of landscaping, including maintenance, shall be according to sound landscape and horticultural principles. The use of native vegetation and other lower maintenance landscape materials is desired to promote environmental protection, energy efficiency, and water conservation.
All Brunswick County ordinances
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