23-26D - Sweetman

ROY COOPER
Cosanor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
SearAw
BRAXTON DAVIS
Director
Robert and Mary Sweetman
2008 Southfork Road
Chester, SC 29706
NORTH CAROLINA
Envh munwdd QuaUty
November 21, 2023
RE: Closure Letter
Payment of Proposed Penalty for Violations of the Coastal Area Management Act,
Committed in Brunswick County
CAMA Violation #23-26D
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sweetman:
This letter will acknowledge receipt of check #7593 in the amount of $375.00 for the Notice of
Violation dated July 28, 2023, issued by Katie Atkins, LPO for the Town of Sunset Beach, for the
unauthorized installation of artificial turf grass and underlying compacted stone within 30ft. of
Normal High Water (NHW), adjacent to Jinks Creek at property located at 1301 N. Shore Dr. E,
Sunset Beach, Brunswick County. Once the amount is credited to the account of the Department of
Environmental Quality, this matter will be fully and completely closed.
you for your cooperation in resolving this violation. If you have any further questions
ning this matter, please contact me at the Wilmington Regional Office, [phone].
cc: Robb Mairs, LPO Coordinator
Brendan Brock, Field Representative
Amanda Cannon, MHC, DCM
Katie Atkins, Town of Sunset Beach LPO
WIRO Files
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North Carohm Deparunent of ErMronmental Quality I Dhislon of coastal Mmtagement
VNmington office I I27 Cardlml Drive Extension I Wltrningtm North Carokm 28405
910.7%.7215

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DCM Compliance and Enforcement Coordinator
FORM A DCM Compliance and Enforcement Representative
LOCAL PERMIT OFFICER ENFORCEMENT REPORT FOR MINOR VIOLATIONS
�)3 " d l4 1 PERMIT NO. It Applicable): CASE N0. (Obtain from DCM office): � ( pp' ):
LPO'S NAME: �10 \ " . qu >, \ LOCALITYCA
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COASTAL MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE: \' J�u\kk \ \i )` �
RESPONDENT'S NAME: YLRY\—�AV%\k,\\ \'\� MAMAILINGADDRESS: R60S
CITY: STATE: +.]—`-_ ZIP: PHONE NO.: __ \\!!
COUNTY: NEARESTIADJACENT WATER BODY: -N QSL
PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS (CHECK LOCAL FILES AND CALL DCM OFFICE): NO (T YES ❑
DATE OF ENFORCEMENT LETTER:
ADDRESS/LOCATION OF VIOLATION: \ \
VIOLATION DESCRIPTION: 1
VIOLATION TYPE: ❑MINOR CAMA ❑ VIOLATION OF PERMIT CONDITIONS/SPECIFICATIONS
;1
WSTOP WORK ORDER (WORK IN PROGRESS) �
RESTORATION REQUIRED: fPYES [:]NO DATE REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION: I O I3 a2)
DATE RESTORATION COMPLETED- SITE INSPECTION DATE:
or PERMIT ISSUE DATE:
AEC TYPE: SESTUARINE SHORELINE PUBLIC TRUST SHORELINE
OCEAN ERODIBLE AREA HIGH HAZARD FLOOD AREA
INLET HAZARD AREA PUNVEGETATED BEACH AREA
FOR DCM OFFICE USE ONLY
RECOMMENDED ASSESSMENT AMOUNT: $ REFERENCE: 7J. 0409
DATE REPORT RECEIVED: 0 / 23 ASSESSED AMOUNT: $_
DATE OF ASSESSMENT LETTER: j /2 23 DATE PAYMENT RECEIVED:
i `!J
AMOUNTRECEIVED: '/rn CLOSURE DATE 1
WILLFULAND INTENTIONAL PENALTY: ❑ (ATTACH DOCUMENTATION)
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Page 10 of 55
Revised March 2010
Scanned with CamScanner

CAMA VIOLATION #CASE NO. NOV 23-26D
Robert & Mary Sweetman
AGREEMENT TO PAY PROPOSED CIVIL ASSESSMENT
I understand that the staff of the Department of Environmental Quality will propose the assessment of a civil
penalty in the amount of $375 against me for violation of the Coastal Area Management Act, NCGS 113A-
100 et seq, committed on or near property located at 1301 N. Shore Dr. E Sunset Beach in Brunswick County,
North Carolina. To resolve this matter with no further action or expense on my part, I accept responsibility
for the violation as described in the Notice of Violation letter dated July 28, 2023 and agree to pay the
proposed civil assessment of $375
X //-/3-Z1a-3
DATE
SIGNATURE
YZ:�Z'z zIZ � �
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE NUMBER �
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EMAIL ADRESS
RECEIVED
NOV 17 2023
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Coastal N116'abenVill L M I N GTO N, N G
Wilmington Office 1127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
910.796.7215

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ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
BRAXTON DAVIS
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
November 3, 2023
CERTIFIED MAIL 7018 3090 0000 09691980
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Robert & Mary Sweetman
2008 Southfork Rd.
Chester, SC 29706
RE. CAMA VIOLATION # NOV 23-26D
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sweetman:
This letter is in reference to the Notice of Violation dated July 28, 2023 that Katie Atkins, LPO for the Town
of Sunset Beach issued to you for installation of artificial turf grass and underlying compacted stone within
30 ft. of Normal High Water (NHW) adjacent to Jinks Creek at property located at 1301 N. Shore Dr. E Sunset
Beach, North Carolina in Brunswick County. The violation took place in the 30 ft. Coastal Shoreline Buffer
within the Estuarine Shoreline Area of Environmental Concern, as designated by the N.C. Coastal Resources
Commission. Based upon the site visit conducted on October 13, 2023 by Katie Atkins, the restoration
requested appears to be complete to the satisfaction of the Division of Coastal Management.
The N.C. Coastal Area Management Act provides that a civil assessment of up to $1,000 plus investigative
costs may be assessed for any violation. The rules of the Coastal Resources Commission authorize the
Division of Coastal Management to assess a civil penalty for CAMA violations to recover some of the costs
of investigating violations and/or to compensate the public for any damage to its natural resources.
Under the rules of the Coastal Resources Commission, and in accordance with 15A NCAC 07J.0409, a
proposed civil penalty for the major development violation in the amount of $375 is appropriate for this
violation.
You may expeditiously resolve this matter prior to the assessment of a formal civil penalty by accepting
responsibility for the violation and paying the amount proposed above. To do this, you must: (1) sign the
attached "Agreement to Pay Civil Assessment;" (2) attach a check or money order for $ 375 made payable
to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ); and (3) return the signed agreement
and payment to this office within ten (10) days of your receipt of this letter. Upon deposit of your check
in the Department's account, you will receive a letter from the Division of Coastal Management officially
closing this enforcement action.
m cu�cu D Q
opmo�au.u.�.muwrr�
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Coastal Management
Wilmington Office 1 127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
910.796.7,15

Robert & Mary Sweetman
Page Two
11 /3/23
If you do not send a signed agreement and payment to this office within ten (10) days of your receipt of this
letter, the Director of the Division of Coastal Management will formally assess a civil penalty against you.
You may then make a request to the Director a hearing or settlement of the penalty.
Thank you for your time and cooperation in resolving this important matter. If you have any questions about
this or related matters, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Tara MacPherson
District Manager
Division of Coastal Management
Enclosure
Copy by Email: Brendan Brock, Coastal Management Representative, DCM
LPO
wwu�ar n�.ai
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Coastal Management
Wilmington Office 1127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
910.796.7215

CAMA VIOLATION #CASE NO. NOV 23.26D
Robert & Mary Sweetman
AGREEMENT TO PAY PROPOSED CIVIL ASSESSMENT
I understand that the staff of the Department of Environmental Quality will propose the assessment of a civil
penalty in the amount of $375 against me for violation of the Coastal Area Management Act, NCGS 113A-
100 etseq, committed on or near property located at 1301 N. Shore Dr. E Sunset Beach in Brunswick County,
North Carolina. To resolve this matter with no further action or expense on my part, I accept responsibility
for the violation as described in the Notice of Violation letter dated July 28, 2023 and agree to pay the
proposed civil assessment of $375
DATE SIGNATURE
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE NUMBER
EMAIL ADRESS
D nn W%'-
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Coastal Management
Wilmington Office 1127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
u;vrn m u��
awme� imah� ® 910.796.7215

700 Sunset Boulevard North • Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Website: www.sunsetbeachne.gov • Email: [e-mail]
10/19/2023
Robert & Mary Sweetman
2008 Southfork Rd.
Chester, SC 29706
Katie Atkins, Sunset Beach CAMA LPO
Re: RESTORATION ACCEPTANCE - CAMA VIOLATION NOV #23-26D
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sweetman,
This letter is in reference to the Notice of Violation# 23-26D sent to you dated 7/28/23 for the
unauthorized development, including the installation of artificial turf grass and underlying compacted
stone within the 75' Estuarine Shoreline Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) and the associated
Estuarine Shoreline 30' buffer adjacent to the Jinks Creek feeder canal. The violation took place on
property located at 1301 N. Shore Dr. E Sunset Beach, North Carolina. This unauthorized activity
constituted development and you were requested to remove approximately 553 sq. ft. of artificial turf
grass and underlying compacted stone located within the Estuarine Shoreline 30' buffer. In accordance
with the North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Subchapter 7 J.0410, any violation involving
development which is inconsistent with guidelines for development with Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC) must be corrected by restoring the project site to pre -development conditions to recover
lost resources or to prevent further resource damage.
I conducted a site visit to the aforementioned property on 10/13/2023 to inspect the restoration of the
unauthorized activity addressed in the Notice of Violation #23-26D. Based on this inspection, it has been
determined that the restoration appears to have been accomplished to the satisfaction of the Local
Permit Officer. Upon my submission of an enforcement report to the Division of Coastal Management,
you will be notified by the Division as to the amount of the civil penalty for undertaking this
unauthorized activity within an Area of Environmental Concern.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions pertaining to this
matter, please feel free to call me at 910-579-6297.
Sincerely,
Katie Atkins
Local Permit Officer
CC: Brendan Brock, DCM
910-515-8876
Mayor: Shannon Phillips • Mayor Pro-Tem: John Corbett
Town Council: Mike Hargreaves • Jamie Phillips • Tom Bormann • Charles Nem
Part of North Carolina's Brunswick Islands

700 Sunset Boulevard North • Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Website: www.sunsetbeachnc.gov • Email: katkinsnasunsetbeachnc.Qov
Katie Atkins, CAMA LPO
CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Robert & Mary Sweetman
2008 Southfork Rd
Chester, SC 29706
RE: NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND REQUEST TO CEASE UNAUTHORIZED
DEVELOPMENT
CAMA VIOLATION #23-26D
Dear Mr. Sweetman:
This letter confirms that on August 3, 2023, DCM representative, Brendan Brock made a site visit,
at your property located at 1301 North Shore Dr. E. adjacent to the Jinks Creek feeder canal located
in Sunset Beach, Brunswick County, North Carolina. The purpose of the visit was to investigate
unauthorized development, including the installation of artificial turf grass and underlying
compacted stone within the 75' Estuarine Shoreline Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) and
the associated Estuarine Shoreline 30' buffer adjacent to the Jinks Creek feeder canal. This letter
also confirms that a phone call that DCM representative Brendan Brock had with you regarding
this matter was placed on August 7, 2023.
Information gathered by the Division of Coastal Management and the Town of Sunset Beach
indicates that you have undertaken minor development in violation of the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA). No person(s) or entity may undertake Minor Development in a
designated Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) without first obtaining a permit from the North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. This requirement is imposed by North Carolina
General Statute (N.C.G.S.) 113A-118.
I have information that indicates you have undertaken or are legally responsible for the installation
of artificial turf grass and underlying compacted stone on the aforementioned property. This
activity took place in the 75' Estuarine Shoreline AEC and the associated Estuarine Shoreline 30'
buffer that are contiguous with the Jinks Creek feeder canal. No CAMA permit was issued to you
for this development. Based on these findings, I am initiating an enforcement action by issuing
this Notice of Violation for violation of the Coastal Area Management Act.
Mayor: Shannon Phillips • Mayor Pro-Tem: John Corbett
Town Council: Mike Hargreaves • Jamie Phillips • Tom Bormann • Charles Nern
Part of North Carolina's Brunswick Islands

Robert & Mary Sweetman
7/28/2023
Page Two
I request that you immediately CEASE AND DESIST any further development and contact me
about this matter. A civil assessment of up to $10,000 plus investigative costs may be assessed
against any violator. Each day that the development described in this Notice is continued or
repeated may constitute a separate violation that is subject to an additional assessment of $10,000.
An injunction or criminal penalty may also be sought to enforce any violation in accordance with
N.C.G.S. 113A-126.
It is the policy of the Coastal Resources Commission to assess a civil penalty plus investigative
costs against all violations. This is done to recoup some of the costs of investigating the violation
and/or to compensate the public for any damage to its natural resources. The amount assessed will
depend upon several factors, including the nature and area of the resources that were affected and
the extent of the damage to them.
Based upon the North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Subchapter 07H. State Guidelines
for Areas of Environmental Concern, the activity undertaken, the installation of unauthorized
artificial turf grass and compacted grave/stone within the 75' Estuarine Shoreline AEC and the
associated Estuarine Shoreline 30' buffer, is not consistent with Section 15A NCAC 07H
.0209(10), which describes the development exceptions allowed within a distance of 30' landward
of normal high water (NHW) and Section 15A NCAC 07J .0201 which states that "Every person
wishing to undertake any development in an area of environmental concern shall obtain a permit
from the Department". Therefore, I am requesting that you remove the artificial turf grass
and underlying compacted stone from the Estuarine Shoreline 30' buffer immediately.
Please refer to the enclosed Restoration Agreement.
If you intend to cooperate with my request, please sign the attached Restoration Agreement, and
return it to me in the enclosed, self-addressed envelope within ten (10) days of receipt of this letter.
Failure to comply with this request or respond back to this office prior to the requested deadline
with an acceptable schedule for compliance will be interpreted as a refusal to cooperate and will
result in a Notice of Continuing Violation, as well as a court injunction being sought ordering
compliance.
The relevant statutes and regulations are available from this office, and I am willing to assist you
in complying with the requirements of these laws. A site inspection will be made in the near future
to determine whether this REQUEST TO CEASE AND DESIST has been complied with.
Thank you for your time and cooperation in resolving this important matter. If you have any
questions about this or related matters, please call me at [phone]. Upon completion of the
restoration as requested in the Restoration Plan Agreement to the satisfaction of the Division of
Coastal Management, you will be notified as to the amount of the civil assessment for undertaking
Mayor Shannon Phillips • Pro-Tem: John Corbett
Town Council: Mike Hargreaves • Jamie Phillips • Tom Bormann • Charles Nem
Part of North Carolina's Brunswick Islands

development without first obtaining the proper permit(s) and development that is inconsistent with
Coastal Resources Commission rules.
Sincerely,
Katie Atkins, LPO
Town of Sunset Beach
Cc: Tara MacPherson, District Manager, DCM
Amanda Cannon, MHC
ENCLOSURE: Restoration Plan
Holley Snider, DWR
Brendan Brock, Field Representative
Mayor Shannon Phillips • Pro-Tem: John Corbett
Town Council: Mike Hargreaves • Jamie Phillips • Tom Bormann • Charles Nern
Part of North Carolina's Brunswick Islands

RESTORATION PLAN
For
Robert & Mary Sweetman
CAMA Violation No. 23-26D
Property located at 1301 North Shore Dr. E, Sunset Beach, Brunswick County
I. Remove approximately 553 sq. ft. of artificial turf grass and underlying compacted stone
located within the Estuarine Shoreline 30' buffer.
I, Robert Sweetman agree to complete this restoration to the satisfaction of the Division of Coastal
Management (DCM) by August 28, 2023, or provide an explanation for non-compliance and a
reasonable request for time extension. When corrective actions are complete, I will notify the DCM
so the work can be inspected.
SIGNATURE:. �c
DATE: Zy-eL)C3
It u the policy of the Coastal Resources Commission to assess a civil penalty plus investigative costs
against all violations. The amount assessed will depend upon several factors, including the nature and
area of the resources that were affected and the extent of the damage to them. If restoration is not
undertaken or satisfactorily completed, a substantially higher civil assessment will be levied and an
injunction sought to require restoration
Mayor Shannon Phillips • Pro-Tem: John Corbett 9 �Qti3
Town Council: Mike Hargreaves • Jamie Phillips • Tom Bonnann - Charles Nern SEP
G
'Tot4l
Part of North Carolina's Brunswick Islands iS 0\T4G N

Brock, Brendan O
From:
Mairs, Robb L
Sent:
Friday, August 25, 2023 12:17 PM
To:
Carey White
Cc:
Katie Atkins; Brock, Brendan O; MacPherson, Tara
Subject:
Sweetman NOV 23-26D
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Hi Carey,
spoke with Ms. Sweetman this a.m. to respond to her response letter to the Town of Sunset Beach. I clarified that the
restoration deadline should have been 30 days from issuance, and not August 28, 2023. 1 also clarified that the civil
assessment of up to $10,000, plus investigation cost that was in the NOV letter should have been $1,000 since this is a
minor violation. In her letter she requested an extension of restoration complete date Oct. 10, 2023 since they have
plans for family to be in town in Sept., which the DCM does not have a problem with the extension. She also asked
about what would be allowed, and would it require a permit, and I told her that traditional landscaping such as sod and
ornamental plants would be fine and that it would be handled through the restoration plan, so a permit would not be
required. I also told her we can meet on -site to go over their plan to make sure we are on the same page.
Thanks,
Robb
Robb Mairs
LPO Minor Permits Coordinator
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
127 Cardinal Drive Extension
Wilmington, NC 28405
Office: [phone]
Cell: [phone] (preferred)
Please note that my email address is now [e-mail]
Click HERE to Find the DCM Field Rep in your CAMA region.
GAD_E Q
N 7-. it cyARo IfN
111`1,1,8 ent of E Virantnnntal awlity
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North
Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.

Brock, Brendan O
From:
Brock, Brendan O
Sent:
Friday, September 22, 2023 8:44 AM
To:
[e-mail], [e-mail]
Cc:
Mairs, Robb L, MacPherson, Tara
Subject:
1301 N Shore Dr Artificial Turf In Buffer
Hello All,
I spoke with Mary Sweetman this morning and she confirmed that they would have the artificial turf out by Oct. 10th.
She said they are not going to retain legal counsel and that they were just going to "cut their losses" and remove the
turf. She said they would be seeding the area within the buffer in the future. Let's keep an eye on the deadline for the
removal. If I'm not done there, maybe one of you two at the town could take a drive by and confirm it has been
removed. Thankyou for all of your hard work with this NOV.
Brendan Brock
Field Representative
NC Division of Coastal Management
Department of Environmental Quality
910 796-7226 office
brendan. brockCdcleo. nc.00v
127 Cardinal Drive Ext
Wilmington, NC 28405
DEQ is updating its email addresses to @deq.nc.gov in phases from May 1st to June 9th.
Employee email addresses may look different, but email performance will not be impacted.

Katie Atkins, CAMA LPO
700 Sunset Blvd.
Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Dear Ms. Atkins,
This is in reference to your letter which we received on Tuesday, August 22. I tried
to get in touch with you by phone on Thursday to ask for the extension you
mentioned. However, you are not working this week. I was told to contact
Brendan Brock. I called and left two messages but he never returned my calls.
1 hat brings us to hits ieitci'. UUVI(Jusiy, t; ai'c iiui mile iu gci uie tui`fout by
Monday as your letter demanded. We don't live there and are 75 years old so we
can't do the work ourselves. We do not want a $10,000 a day fine plus
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on what permits are required and exactly what base surface and what ground cover
is allowed. Since we never knew that a permit was required for landscaping, we
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been told that there car. be exceptions- so is there anyone we can meet with to
discuss that possibility. We would like to get an extension until October 10 so we
can get all the information needed and then line up someone to do the work. We
are having family visiting in September from as far away as Texas and would like
their visit to be enjoyable.
Please provide the information about permits so we can make a'trip down to get
one. Also, what is and is not allowed? Is there anything besides grass, which
requires lots of water, fertilizer, weed killer and pesticides and everyone knows
iur15 uaty the watei Waya, ulat is pelinitted?
My cell number is 803 899-5307. Email is mandan «truvista net. Please contact
me as soon as possible so this matter can be resolved. I will mail this tomorrow
but sending it by email today and texting a copy to Mr. Brock.
Sincerely,
iviary Sweeiman

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Brock, Brendan O
From: Carey White <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 9:33 AM
To: Mairs, Robb L
Cc: Brock, Brendan O
Subject: [External] FW: 1301 North Shore Drive
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the Report Message
button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.
Robb,
Please see email thread below. The last response mentioned attorney and therefore we will need to forward to our
attorney. Please give me a call to discuss moving forward.
Thanks,
Carey
From: Katie Atkins <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 8:48 AM
To: Carey White <[e-mail]>
Subject: FW:1301 North Shore Drive
From: Robert Sweetman <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 7:01 AM
To: Katie Atkins <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: 1301 North Shore Drive
The fact of the matter is we aren't well. Since your letter came to us threatening us with a 10,000 dollar a day fine, we
have been arguing and fretting over how to handle this matter. I had been lining up a lawyer, the manufacturer and the
landscaper to prove permeability. I gave in to my wife. 10000 a day for what you said is a MINOR violation is ridiculous.
It's intimidation. I don't sleep well at night now waking up fretting over this. There is no compassion from the township
or state about the huge loss I'm suffering. I like to think I'm a good Christian but I was told who complained so every
time I go by his house I can't help but have disdain for them, and the township and state included. I'm not going to
apologize for wanting a good looking place. The idea that you can't even consider an exception just turns me off more. I
have been up since 4:30 thinking about your email. I truly believe you don't care whether we are doing well or not.
Bob Sweetman
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 18, 2023, at 4:13 PM, Katie Atkins <[e-mail]> wrote:
Mrs. Sweetman,

I am well thank you. I do apologize for the incorrect fine amount in your notice of violation letter. That
was an error that was sent to us from DCM in Wilmington. You are correct in that it should have been
$1000, and someone should have been in touch to confirm that when they spoke with you while I was
out of the office. While I can understand your frustrations, local permit officers do not make CRC rules
as we are only the middleman between the DCM office and homeowners for notice of violations. While I
share in your environmental concerns, it is also the responsibility of the homeowner/contractor to verify
thatthe work being completed on his/her property is permittable through the City in which they reside.
Thank you,
Katie
From: Mary & Bob Sweetman <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 3:48 PM
To: Katie Atkins <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: 1301 North Shore Drive
Ms. Atkins,
Glad to finally hear from you! Yes, we have contracted to have the turf removed by the first week of
October. Everything is going exceedingly well considering we are about to waste a ton of money
because of a rule none of you have been able to explain to us. Is it not permeable? It is and whoever
we talked to to get the extension even admitted you know it is. He says it is because plastic may get into
the canal. An occasional blade of turf? So which is it? And how is either issue, if true, going to cause
irreparable harm to the ocean? It is not a giant sized field of turf. None of the people on the street we
have to Iked to, the landscaper who works in South Carolina as well, or the realtor ever heard of this
law. We did not build the house so we hade no previous zoning questions. Why isn't it better
publicized? Also your threat of $10,000 fine was nothing but an attempt at intimidation. We looked up
the law and a minor violation is $1,000. We know you were happy to tell us that we weren't the worst
ones because someone else had to take out $60,000 worth of landscaping. It is ridiculous that home
owners only find out about this law after they spend money trying to make their yards nice and low
maintenance so they can enjoy them; and then only if a disgruntled neighbor calls to complain. None of
you have yet addressed the issue of fertilizer, weed killer, and bug killer that can runoff into the
canal. Or the gas emissions from mowers.
Hope all is going equally well for you.
MarySweetman
On Sep 18, 2023, at 2:34 PM, Katie Atkins <[e-mail]> wrote:
Good Afternoon,
I just wanted to follow up to confirm that on 8/25/23 DCM spoke with you and
approved the extension until October 10, 2023 for the turf grass removal/restoration
notice of violation. Hope all is going well.
Thank you,
Katie Atkins
Deputy Town Clerk

CAMA LPO/Trade Permit Coordinator
<image003.jpg>Town of Sunset Beach
700 Sunset Boulevard North
Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Phone:[phone] Ext.1004
Fax:[phone]

Brock, Brendan O
From: Katie Atkins <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 4:14 PM
To: Mairs, Robb L; Brock, Brendan O
Subject: [External] FW: 1301 North Shore Drive
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From: Mary & Bob Sweetman <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 3:48 PM
To: Katie Atkins <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: 1301 North Shore Drive
Ms. Atkins,
Glad to finally hear from you! Yes, we have contracted to have the turf removed by the first week of October.
Everything is going exceedingly well considering we are about to waste a ton of money because of a rule none of you
have been able to explain to us. Is it not permeable? It is and whoever we talked to to get the extension even admitted
you know it is. He says it is because plastic may get into the canal. An occasional blade of turf? So which is it? And how
is either issue, if true, going to cause irreparable harm to the ocean? It is not a giant sized field of turf. None of the
people on the street we have talked to, the landscaper who works in South Carolina as well, or the realtor ever heard of
this law. We did not build the house so we hade no previous zoning questions. Why isn't it better publicized? Also
your threat of $10,000 fine was nothing but an attempt at intimidation. We looked up the law and a minor violation is
$1,000. We know you were happy to tell us that we weren't the worst ones because someone else had to take out
$60,000 worth of landscaping. It is ridiculous that home owners only find out about this law after they spend money
trying to make their yards nice and low maintenance so they can enjoy them; and then only if a disgruntled neighbor
calls to complain. None of you have yet addressed the issue of fertilizer, weed killer, and bug killer that can runoff into
the canal. Or the gas emissions from mowers.
Hope all is going equally well for you.
Mary Sweetma n
On Sep 18, 2023, at 2:34 PM, Katie Atkins <[e-mail]> wrote:
Good Afternoon,
I just wanted to follow up to confirm that on 8/25/23 DCM spoke with you and approved the extension
until October 10, 2023 for the turf grass removal/restoration notice of violation. Hope all is going well.
Thank you,
Katie Atkins
Deputy Town Clerk
CAMA LPO/Trade Permit Coordinator

<image003.jpg>Town of Sunset Beach
700 Sunset Boulevard North
Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Phone: [phone] Ext. 1004
Fax: [phone]