Just moved to Calabash or getting ready to close? The fastest way to feel at home is knowing who to call for power, water, trash, permits, and the occasional curveball. You want clear steps, no runaround, and local know-how you can trust. This quick-start guide gives you the right contacts, a simple permitting overview, and a first 30 days checklist so you can settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Utilities: who serves your home
Availability can vary by street and HOA, so always confirm by address before you set anything up.
Electricity
Most homes in Calabash are served by Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC). You can start service and manage outages online. For outages, report through the BEMC outage page or call 800-682-5309.
- Learn more on the BEMC site
- Report issues on the BEMC outage page
Water and sewer
Many addresses use Brunswick County Public Utilities for water and wastewater. The county posts conservation alerts and emergency notices during peak demand or storms.
- See a recent county notice to understand how alerts work: Brunswick County conservation alert
Trash and recycling
Curbside service in much of the county is coordinated by Brunswick County Solid Waste & Recycling and contracted to GFL Environmental. Use the county page to confirm your cart requests, missed pick‑ups, and holiday schedules.
- Start here: Brunswick County Solid Waste & Recycling
Internet and TV
Focus Broadband (formerly ATMC) operates locally and is expanding fiber. Spectrum is available in some areas. Fixed wireless and satellite can fill gaps where wired options are limited. Check availability by exact address.
- Explore options with Focus Broadband
Natural gas and propane
Natural gas is not available in every neighborhood. Many homes use electric heat pumps or delivered propane. Confirm natural gas availability for your parcel with providers or plan for propane delivery.
Permits: when to apply
Before starting any construction, exterior change, pool, fence, major landscaping, driveway tie-in, or shoreline project, call the Town of Calabash building and zoning office. Many projects need a zoning compliance check before a building permit.
Common permits and approvals
- Zoning compliance for most exterior changes within town limits.
- Building permits for new structures, additions, and major alterations, with required inspections before a certificate of occupancy.
- Trade permits for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.
- See general background on town functions: Calabash overview
Coastal and floodplain rules
Calabash is a coastal community. Shoreline work, docks, piers, and bulkheads often require CAMA review through a Local Permit Officer. Projects may also involve state or federal permits.
- Learn about CAMA’s role in coastal projects: NC coastal permitting overview
If your property lies in a mapped flood zone, expect elevation rules and additional steps before construction. Check FEMA maps and ask town or county staff about local floodplain requirements.
Septic, wells, and environmental health
If your home uses a private septic system or a well, Brunswick County Environmental Health handles permits, inspections, and water testing. The county has shared guidance and occasional testing updates for residents.
- County updates: Environmental Health news
- Regional well sampling resources: NC DEQ well sampling info
Driveways on state roads
If your driveway connects to an NCDOT-maintained road, you will need a state driveway or encroachment permit. Coastal projects may also involve both state and federal reviews.
- Background on coastal and multi-agency permits: Coastal permitting overview
Emergency and non-emergency contacts
Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
- Power outage: Report through the BEMC outage page or call 800-682-5309.
- Water or sewer emergencies: Contact Brunswick County Public Utilities. The county posts emergency notices and advisories, including conservation alerts, through official channels like county news and media partners. See an example here: County conservation alert
- Trash and recycling issues: Start with Brunswick County Solid Waste & Recycling for missed pickups, cart repairs, and schedules.
- Law enforcement non-emergency: Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office at 910-253-2777.
First 30 days checklist
Use this quick list to get your essentials running and avoid common permitting hiccups.
- Confirm service providers for your exact address
- Electric: BEMC. Start or transfer service online at the BEMC site.
- Water and sewer: Brunswick County Public Utilities. Confirm service area and start your account.
- Trash and recycling: Brunswick County Solid Waste & Recycling. Review curbside details and carts at the county page.
- Internet: Check Focus Broadband availability by address at Focus Broadband.
- Set up or transfer accounts
- Electric: Start service with BEMC online or by phone. Report outages at the BEMC outage page.
- Water/sewer: Contact Brunswick County Public Utilities for account setup and billing.
- Trash/recycling: Request carts or confirm your pickup day with the county’s Solid Waste page.
- Call before you build
- Fences, pools, additions, major landscaping, docks, and bulkheads can all require permits. Contact the Town of Calabash building and zoning office first.
- For shoreline work, consult the state’s Local Permit Officer for CAMA review. See this coastal permitting overview to understand the process.
- Check flood risk and insurance
- Review FEMA flood maps and ask town or county staff about local floodplain rules, elevation certificates, and permit steps.
- If on well or septic
- Schedule well water testing and septic inspections through Brunswick County Environmental Health. See the county’s Environmental Health news and the NC DEQ well sampling resource.
- Save key numbers and sign up for alerts
- Store BEMC’s outage contacts and the sheriff’s non-emergency line. Many providers offer text and email alerts. BEMC’s outage tools are here: Report an outage.
Ready to make Calabash home? If you want a local partner who knows the neighborhoods, contractors, and coastal rules, reach out to Steven Adams. We can help you connect utilities before closing, plan compliant projects, and find the right home so you can live the dream on the Brunswick coast.
FAQs
How do I start electric service in Calabash?
- Start or transfer your account with BEMC online at the BEMC site, and save the outage line 800-682-5309 for storms.
Who provides water and sewer service in Calabash?
- Many addresses are served by Brunswick County Public Utilities; confirm your address and watch for county advisories like this conservation alert example.
Do I need a permit for a fence or pool?
- Yes, many exterior projects require town zoning approval and a building permit; call the Town of Calabash before starting, and coordinate early if your property is in a flood zone or near coastal waters.
How do I report a power outage?
- Use the BEMC outage tools at the BEMC outage page or call 800-682-5309.
Is natural gas available in my neighborhood?
- Natural gas is limited in parts of coastal Brunswick County; many homes use electric heat pumps or delivered propane, so confirm availability by exact address before you buy equipment.
Who do I call for missed trash pickup or cart issues?
- Start with Brunswick County Solid Waste & Recycling for schedules, cart requests, and service issues at the county page.
