Contractors and equipment operators performing construction work in Emerald Isle can now face heavy civil fines for land-use violations under an amended town ordinance.
The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the update on Tuesday. The new rule closes a critical loophole exposed after a protected primary sand dune was completely flattened at an Ocean Drive job site. Previously, only property owners could be penalized for zoning and environmental violations.
The updated Unified Development Ordinance expands liability directly to the people doing the physical work. Violators now face a shortened 30-day window to restore any illegal property damage.
This enforcement push follows a recent town decision to increase primary dune destruction fines from $1,000 to $10,000.
