Homelessness & Encampment Rules in New Hanover County, NC (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in New Hanover County, North Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of New Hanover County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Encampment Sanitation

New Hanover County bans camping, sleeping, or setting up tents, cooking equipment or bedding on any county-owned or leased property between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under Sec. 38-34, absent posted signage or written county-manager permission. Unattended personal effects left behind can be deemed abandoned and disposed of by the county under Sec. 38-35(b).

New Hanover County Camping Ban, County Property

Significant Restrictions

New Hanover County Code of Ordinances § 38-34, § 38-35

Unless otherwise expressly authorized by public signage or written permission of the county manager or their designee, it shall be unlawful for any person to do any of the following on or within any property owned by or leased to the county:(a)Occupy, camp, sleep, or place, erect or utilize any tents, cooking equipment or bedding between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or such other times...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Homelessness & Encampment Rules by City in New Hanover County

1 cities in New Hanover County have their own homelessness & encampment rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

WilmingtonPop. 120,000

2 verified rules • Encampment Sanitation, Sit-Lie Rules

All New Hanover County ordinances

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