The Onslow County Planning and Development Department's mission is to foster the sustainable growth and development of Onslow County. It seeks to do so by identifying and planning for future needs and developing and managing programs and regulations to implement adopted plans.

The Department is comprised of six Sections: 

• The Central Permitting Section is the hub of most day-to-day activity within the Department. It is responsible for receiving and coordinating review of applications for development and building permits and approvals, and in issuing permits.
• The Land Use Section is responsible for reviewing development applications for compliance with the County's zoning, subdivision, and floodplain regulations, as well as with State regulations pertaining to minor development under the NC Coastal Area Management Act. The Section is also responsible for enforcing County nuisance regulations pertaining to junkyards, accumulated trash and debris, etc.
• The Building Code Section is responsible for reviewing building permit applications and inspecting permitted construction for compliance with the State Building Code. The Section is also responsible for enforcing the County's Minimum Housing Standards.
• The Community Development Section is responsible for developing and managing or coordinating plans and programs for retaining and providing affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households and revitalizing low- to moderate-income neighborhoods.
• The Planning Section is responsible for developing - or coordinating or participating in the development of - comprehensive plans, policies, and strategies addressing a wide range of issues, including growth and land use patterns, economic development, community facilities, transportation, water supply, wastewater disposal, etc. The Section also serves as the center of information and analyses related to population, economic conditions, land use, and development.
• The Administration Section oversees all Department activities and develops and manages the Department budget.