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About Topsail Beach > FAQ'S

FAQ'S

Where in Topsail Beach is Paid Parking required?

Only in the south-end parking lot on the sound side (next to the Serenity Point Townhomes – at the end of Shore Line Dr and Inlet Dr).  For more detailed information please click HERE.

To directly download the app please click:
HERE - for iPhone
HERE - for Android

FAQ'S PRINTABLE INFORMATION

Can I have a fire pit on the beach or at my home?

There a quite a few regulations regarding the use of fire pits within the Town limits.  To find out if you can use a fire pit at your home or on the beach you should contact the Topsail Beach Fire Department at (910)328-2980.  Please leave a message if no one answers and your call will be returned.

Can I drive a golf cart in Topsail Beach?

Golf Carts are not permitted to operate on any state or town owned streets within the Town of Topsail Beach.  Low-speed vehicles designated and registered as such by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles are permitted on streets or roadways where the posted speed limit is no greater than 35 mph other than North or South Anderson which may only be used to cross over to another street.  However, low speed vehicles are allowed in the 25 mph zone of S Anderson in the business district of Topsail Beach.  Low-speed vehicles must properly display a valid North Carolina Registration plate, and are subject to the State’s motor vehicle laws.  Please refer to the police page on this website for detailed information concerning the operation of low-speed vehicles in Topsail Beach.

Can I build a fire on the beach?

No, Open fires on the beach are not allowed. Cooking on the beach using a charcoal grill or similar device is allowed.

Is driving a vehicle on the beach allowed?

Beach Access Permits will NOT be available this year in Topsail Beach due to a Beach Renourishment project set to begin this Fall. Beach Access Permits are normally sold between October 1st and January 15th for vehicles and between October 1st and March 30th for horses each year. Due to the impending project, Commissioners determined that in the best interest of the project, horses and vehicles will not be permitted on the beach this year.

The Town fully expects to make Beach Access Permits available next year during the 2024-2025 season.

Licensed four-wheel drive vehicles may be operated on the very south end of the beach strand between October 1st and January 15th for fishing only. A permit is required which can be purchased at the Topsail Beach Police Department during normal business hours. Fees are $25 for Topsail Beach property owners or residents and $100 for non-residents and $50 for weekly passes. Please contact the Topsail Beach Police Department for a complete list of the rules and regulations pertaining to driving on the beach. Dune buggies and ATV's are not allowed on the beach. 

Is horse riding allowed on the beach?

Beach Access Permits will NOT be available this year in Topsail Beach due to a Beach Renourishment project set to begin this Fall. Beach Access Permits are normally sold between October 1st and January 15th for vehicles and between October 1st and March 30th for horses each year. Due to the impending project, Commissioners determined that in the best interest of the project, horses and vehicles will not be permitted on the beach this year.

The Town fully expects to make Beach Access Permits available next year during the 2024-2025 season.

Horses and their owners possessing valid town permits are allowed on the beach strand during the period beginning on October 1st of each year and ending on March 30th of the next year. Permits are issued by the Topsail Beach Police Department, 812 S. Anderson Blvd.,Topsail Beach. For more information, contact the Police Department at 910-328-4851. 

Is there a place of worship in Topsail Beach?

Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel is located at 1100 S. Anderson Blvd here in Topsail Beach. 

When is "Autumn with Topsail"?

Sponsored by the Topsail Island Historical Society, the "Autumn With Topsail" festival is held during the third weekend of October. Please visit their web site, www.autumnwithtopsail.com, for complete details. 

When is trash collected?

Trash collection is scheduled for every Monday year-round. During the summer months, Memorial Day until Labor Day, there is an extra collection on Thursday mornings.

Vegetative debris and large household items such as appliances and bedding are collected the first Friday of the month.  During the summer months, Memorial Day through the week of Labor Day, there is an extra collection on the third Friday of the month.  No construction materials of any kind or wooden furniture is included in this special pick up.

Where are the public beach/sound access?

Click here for a list of Public Ocean and Sound Accesses

Click here for an interactive map of all NC beach accesses

Are dogs allowed on the beach?

Yes, dogs are allowed, but all dogs must be on a leash (no longer than 20ft) when off its own property limits from the period between May 15 through September 30 of each year. Additionally, all dogs must be on a leash from April 1 through September 30 of each year in the area designated as Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) Unit L07 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and as clearly marked by the Town. The person must always be prepared to remove any "deposits" left by the dog. These regulations apply to the entire town including the beach. 

THE POOP SCOOP 

Can I get married on the beach?

The Town of Topsail Beach welcomes anyone who would like to have a beach wedding.  There is no charge and no permit is required unless you plan to use amplification equipment during your event, including ceremony and reception. Outdoor Entertainment Permits require approval by the Town Manager and the Chief of Police not less than one day in advance of the event date.  Refer to the Outdoor Entertainment Permit for detailed information.

During the tourist season, May through September, parking will be limited.  The wedding party and guests should be aware that the public's access to the beach cannot be restricted for the wedding, cars must be parked completely off all paved streets and walking on or disturbing the dunes is not allowed.  Contact the Topsail Beach Police Department at 910-328-4851 and advise of your event date, location, and contact information in case of an emergency.  

How do I obtain a burn permit?

Burn Permits are required for all outdoor burning. The only exceptions are:

  1. Grill fires for the purpose of cooking food; and
  2. Fires in metal drums (e.g., 55-gallon) on construction sites, provided they are used to warm workers and/or tools and are completely extinguished before the last worker leaves the site.  

Burn Permits are issued by the Fire Department and Police Department. There is no fee for the permit. For a complete list of Regulations please see section 12-8 - Burning regulations of the Town Code.