RALEIGH, N.C. -- Towns along the North Carolina coast would be able to build closer to the ocean under a policy shift under consideration by state regulators.

Critics of the current policy say it keeps a large number of vacant lots empty and hundreds of older houses from being replaced.

Current rules prevent development beyond a certain distance from the first line of vegetation on a beach that is being nourished with pumped sand.

The new rule would allow towns with beach renourishment programs to apply for an exception. To qualify, towns would need both a 30-year beach nourishment plan and a way to pay for it.

The state Coastal Resources Commission is accepting written comments on the proposal. It could vote on the change in January.