New Bern, NC

Jeff Ruggieri Director of Development Services
Overgrown lot? Trash & debris left behind? Report it! For properties within city limits, call Nancy Johnston at (252)639-2944.

About Us 
Welcome to the City of New Bern's Department of Development Services. Our offices are located at 303 First Street.  Our primary focus is providing assistance to the community in developing plans, ordinances, implementing projects, and administering codes that produce orderly growth while maintaining community character and New Bern’s small town charm.

In response to COVID-19, the City is taking proactive measures to protect the health and well-being of our citizens and staff.  Effective 3/16/20, all City offices will be closed to the public until further notice.
At the Development Services offices a table has been placed in the foyer area  where all permits, plans and application packets can be dropped off along with payments (check only, no cash).   

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE FOR FY 2020 CDBG PROGRAM
Notice is hereby given that the City of New Bern, Craven County, NC will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 17, 2020 at 6:00 PM, prevailing time, in the Offices of the Development Services Department, 303 First Street, New Bern,North Carolina 28563. The Public Hearing will be virtual through Microsoft Teams and conference call. The Microsoft Teams live event can be accessed at https://bit.ly/2PnhnLa and the Conference Call-In number is 1-302-202-1110 and the conference code is 352428.   The New Bern Development Services Offices are accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If special arrangements need to be made to accommodate residents in order for them to participate in the public hearing, please call Ms. D’Aja Fulmore at (252) 639-7586, or by email address at FulmoreD@newbernnc.gov or 711 for the hearing impaired, to make those arrangements.
The purpose of this public hearing is to discuss the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program needs and the CDBG Covid Virus funds under the CARES Act.  In particular, the housing, community development, public services and economic development needs of the City of New Bern. This information will be utilized by the City in its preparation of the FY 2020 Annual Action Plan including the use of FY CDBG-CV funds. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $ 258,814.00 in CDBG entitlement funds for FY 2020 and FY 2020 CDBG-CV funds in the amount of $ 152,252.00. In order to receive those funds, the City of New Bern must prepare a One Year Annual Action Plan for the use of Federal funds. At least 70% of the CDBG funds must benefit low- and moderate-income persons living in the City of New Bern. The City will be preparing its CDBG application and it intends to afford residents, local agencies, and interested parties the opportunity to become involved in the planning process.
The following types of activities may be eligible for funding under the CDBG program: acquisition of property; disposition costs; improvements to public facilities, including the removal of architectural barriers; demolition and environmental clean-up; public services that are a new or a quantifiable increase in the level of service; interim assistance; relocation payments for persons displaced as a result of a CDBG activity; rehabilitation of houses; code enforcement; special economic development activities; special activities undertaken by a community based development organization; home ownership assistance for purchase; planning; environmental; program administration; audit; and other miscellaneous activities.
If the City would undertake an activity that would result in the displacement of families or individuals, then the City would utilize its policy for minimizing such displacement. Furthermore, the City is responsible for replacing all low- and moderate-income housing units that may be demolished or converted as a result of CDBG funds.
All interested residents are encouraged to attend this public hearing and they will be given the opportunity to present oral or written testimony concerning the needs of the City of New Bern and the use of CDBG funds to address those needs over the next fiscal year. Written comments may be addressed to Ms. Amanda Ohlensehlen, Economic and Community Development Manager, City of New Bern, 303 First Street, New Bern, NC 28563, or emailed to ohlensehlena@newbernnc.gov

Check out our Surplus City of New Bern Property website.

Citizen volunteers are important to this Department’s mission. Our staff provides support to four citizen boards: Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, and the Greater Duffyfield Residents Council. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions and comments, please contact Development Services.

Want to Serve?
Want to serve on a city board? Complete and submit this short form and a city representative will contact you when an opening occurs.