The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) was introduced in the 1973 session of the North Carolina General Assembly in response to the 1972 federal Coastal Zone Management Act, which demanded solutions to mounting problems in coastal areas. The basic goal of CAMA was to provide a program for the protection, preservation, orderly development, and management of North Carolina's coastal resources. 

CAMA Permit Types

Currently, there are three types of development permits: major permits, general permits and minor permits. Some development may be authorized by exemption certificate. Single-family homes require minor permits.

• Major permits are necessary for activities that require other state or federal permits, for projects that cover more than 20 acres or for construction covering more than 60,000 square feet. Applications for major permits are reviewed by 10 state and four federal agencies before a decision is made. 
• General permits are used for routine projects that usually pose little or no threat to the environment. General permits are issued only by DCM (Division of Coastal Management) staff. 
• Minor permits are required for projects, such as single-family houses, that don't require major permits or general permits. They are reviewed, issued by the local Oak Island CAMA officer.

CLICK HERE to download a CAMA Minor Permit Application