No-Wake Zones Proposed Permanent Regulations Changes and Public Comments

15A NCAC 10F .0301 No-Wake Zone General Provisions

Reason for Proposed Action:

Amendments to 10F .0301 resolve ambiguities and clarify definitions for Designated Agencies and Placement of Markers. Additionally, the amendments update agency contact information, reorganize restrictions into a single section, and alphabetize the definitions list. 

Proposed Rule Text

15A NCAC 10F .0303 No-Wake Zone Beaufort County

Reason for Proposed Action:

Proposed amendments to 10F .0303 reduce the size of the no-wake zone in Broad Creek, remove no-wake zones in Battalina Creek, Tranters Creek, and Little Creek, incorporate the names and addresses of Boating Access Areas, and designate responsibility for implementing placement of regulatory markers to various agencies.

Enforcement completed an Assessment Matrix for the no-wake zone shore to shore in a portion of Broad Creek beginning north of the Washington Yacht and Country Club, southward past the large HOA dock at Pamlico Plantation, and ending south of McCotters Marina and Boatyard. Enforcement found that the existing no-wake zone is larger than what is required to protect property and safety around the marinas and fuel docks. Staff recommend reducing the size of the no-wake zone to a southern line from a point 50 yards south of the McCotters Marina docks on the west shore to a point 50 yards south of the Pamlico Plantation HOA docks on the east shore.

Enforcement completed an Assessment Matrix for a no-wake zone that was established many years ago in Battalina Creek in Belhaven. The no-wake zone was never marked. Enforcement has identified no navigational hazards in Battalina Creek that can be mitigated by enacting a marked no-wake zone. The few vessels that use local boatyards are unable to travel at greater than no-wake speed due to their size. Enforcement recommended removal of this no-wake zone in 2017 during the last Periodic Review of Rules; however, the Town requested at that time that it remain for “future development.”

Enforcement completed an Assessment Matrix for the no-wake zone that was enacted shore to shore in a short portion of Tranters Creek (Beaufort and Pitt counties). Enforcement identified no navigational hazards in this part of Tranters Creek. There are a few private docks on the Beaufort County side and none on the Pitt County side. There are no diminished sight lines and little vessel traffic.

Enforcement completed an Assessment Matrix for the no-wake zone that was enacted shore to shore in the narrow shallow channel known as Little Creek west of Blounts Creek in Chocowinity. The creek has very minimal vessel traffic. Personal watercraft operating in this creek in excess of no-wake speed was the reason for the adoption in 2010. Issues with the operation of personal watercraft can be addressed through enforcement action.

Proposed Rule Text

15A NCAC 10F .0310 No-Wake Zone Dare County

Reason for Proposed Action:

Proposed amendments to 10F .0310 incorporate Stumpy Point Boating Access Area and designate responsibility for implementing placement of regulatory markers at regulated areas to various agencies.

Proposed Rule Text

15A NCAC 10F .0329 No-Wake Zone Rowan County

Reason for Proposed Action:

Proposed amendments to 10F .0329 remove the no-wake zone on High Rock Lake in a cove at Second Creek, incorporate the names and addresses of Boating Access Areas and bridges, and designate responsibility for implementing placement of regulatory markers at the regulated areas to the Board of Commissioners of Rowan County, Cube Hydro Carolinas, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, respectively.

Enforcement completed an Assessment Matrix for the no-wake zone on High Rock Lake in the cove between Clyde Poole Road and Pleasant Cove Road on Second Creek in Salisbury. This no-wake zone was enacted shore to shore east of the mouth of the cove many decades ago. Enforcement found that this 80-yard-wide cove contains residential docks and used by local residential vessel traffic only. There have been no calls reporting no-wake violations in this cove, and there are no hazards to boater safety in the cove that warrant a no-wake zone.

Proposed Rule Text
 

15A NCAC 10F .0354 No-Wake Zone Pitt County

Reason for Proposed Action:

Proposed amendments to 10F .0354 remove the no-wake zone on part of Tranters Creek, incorporate the names and addresses of Boating Access Areas, and designate responsibility for implementing placement of regulatory markers to the City Council of the City of Greenville and to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Enforcement completed an Assessment Matrix for the no-wake zone that was enacted shore to shore in a short portion of Tranters Creek (Beaufort and Pitt counties). Enforcement identified no navigational hazards in this part of Tranters Creek. There are a few private docks on the Beaufort County side and none on the Pitt County side. There are no diminished sight lines and little vessel traffic.

Proposed Rule Text
 

15A NCAC 10F .0368 No-Wake Zone Town of Nags Head

Reason for Proposed Action:

Rule 10F .0368 is proposed for repeal as the no-wake zone established in the Rule has been determined to be unnecessary to mitigate hazards to boater safety. Enforcement completed an Assessment Matrix for the no-wake zone, established in 2002, within 200 yards of the shoreline on Roanoke Sound at Old Nags Head Cove Subdivision. The no-wake zone along the shoreline has not been marked. Enforcement noted that there are numerous private docks that extend into the shallow waters of Roanoke Sound at Old Nags Head Cove Subdivision. However, visibility is not restricted, and there are no hazards to boaters leaving and returning to the docks. No boating incidents have been reported. The waters average less than two feet in depth and most of the vessels travel to and from private docks at no-wake speed.

Proposed Rule Text
 

Public Hearing Information:

Date: December 9, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom Online Webinar

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Public Comment Period Ends:  January 16, 2026