Beach Nourishment Easements

Web Site Image Beach Nourishment Easement 2

Related Documents

Background

Beach nourishment has proven effective at stemming erosion on the Outer Banks. All of the northern beach towns, as well as Buxton and Mirlo Beach on Hatteras Island, have begun using nourishment to successfully manage and maintain their shorelines. Prior to nourishment, these areas experienced frequent ocean overwash, even during small nor’easters. The resulting damage, including the loss of homes, businesses, and infrastructure such as waterlines and streets, significantly impacted the area’s economy and quality of life.  

All properties from 5317 South Virginia Dare Trail through 10435 South Old Oregon Inlet Road have perpetual beach nourishment easements. Many of the properties north of 5317 South Virginia Dare Trail have perpetual easements, although there are some that do not yet have a current easement. If you are unsure if your property has a beach nourishment easement, please contact us for more information.

The requested perpetual easement will only apply to the oceanfront part of your property that is adjacent to the state-owned ocean beach and already subject to public trust rights under North Carolina law.  

Beach Nourishment Diagram

Each owner of your property must sign an easement in front of a notary public (typically notaries public are available at municipal, city, or county offices, including Nags Head’s town hall). We’ve enclosed one blank easement agreement for you to complete and one self-addressed, stamped envelope. Should you need additional easements, contact us at 252-441-5508 or download a copy and notary instructions.  Note that easements MUST NOT be printed on both sides of the page. 

Thank you for helping to secure the future of our community. The beach is the main revenue driver in Dare County’s tourism industry, generating nearly $109 million in state and local tax revenue and providing $2,920.61 in annual average tax relief per Dare County resident (source: Dare County Tourism Board). 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Public Information Officer Roberta Thuman at 252-441-5508 or at Roberta.Thuman@nagsheadnc.gov