The coast may be known for a laid-back atmosphere, but the state is looking at tougher rules about how close to the coast buildings can go.
The Coastal Resources Commission wants to increase the distance that large-scale oceanfront buildings must be from the shore. The distance is determined by the rate the land erodes at. The proposed rule change would allow the setback distance to increase with the size of the structure. Public hearings on the matter are underway:
July 7 - Surf City Community Center, 201 Community Center Dr., Surf City

July 8 - Carolina Beach Town Hall, 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach

July 14 - Brunswick County Association of REALTORS Meeting Facility,
101 Stone Chimney Rd., Supply

July 15 - NOAA/NC Coastal Reserve Auditorium, 101 Pivers Island Rd., Beaufort

July 16 - Kill Devil Hills Town Hall ("The Meeting Room"), 102 Town Hall Dr., Kill Devil Hills

July 24 - Holiday Inn Brownstone Hotel, 1707 Hillsborough St., Raleigh

People who want to submit written comments about the proposal may send them to Jim Gregson, director of the Division of Coastal Management, 400 Commerce Ave., Morehead City, N.C. 28557, or by e-mail to jim.gregson@ncmail.net. The deadline for written comments is Aug. 15.