We live on the North Carolina coast.  Like most coastal areas, wetlands are a fact of life.

Most of us have come to value wetlands as they filter our water and provide a good spot for young fish to hatch.  In fact there are lots of things wetlands are good for, but houses are not one of them.

Buying coastal property is a little different than buying a city serviced lot.  Sometimes you have to deal with flood zones and wetlands.

Assuming that you know what you are doing might not be the best way to buy a lot along the coast.

In fact I can point to lots of folks who have bought lots along the coast and found out after buying them that building on the lot was more expensive or difficult because of wetlands they did not notice or understand.

While a small piece of wetland like the one in the picture to the left can end up being a very attractive addition to a home, bigger wetlands can often be a substantial obstacle with some very interesting property rules.

However, if your lot is over one half wetlands and the wetlands prevent you from getting to the water, then you might just have a problem.

Before you buy a lot make sure that the wetlands that you are seeing match the description on the survey of your lot.  Find out the local rules and permit requirements for bulkheads and fill.

Some places no longer permit bulkheads.  If you are planning on a dock, will you neighbors sign off on your request?  How hard will it be to get a permit?

It is fair to say that just because you buy some waterfront property, do not count on enjoying the water unless you have done your research and make sure you understand the local laws.

The laws governing what you can do near the water and especially in wetlands are getting more challenging each year.  Look carefully before you leap or you might be surprised at the difficulties you could face later. 

If you are not familiar with the North Carolina coast or boating on Carolina coastal rivers, you might enjoy this slide show of a trip from Bluewater Cove, a water access subdivision on the White Oak River, out into the very impressive but shallow White Oak River.  

A second slide show takes you down the White Oak, by Swansboro, over to Hammocks Beach and out Bogue Inlet into the ocean. If you haven't had enough water and salt water marshes, you can take the virtual boat trip to Shackleford Banks near Beaufort, NC.

Life on the coast is wonderful, but there are just some new things to learn and plenty of other things to watch for if you are buying property.