Proposed Historic Character Area Zoning Changes

Historic Area Beach in Nags Head

Background

On October 19, 2023, Nags Head's Board of Commissioners adopted a moratorium prohibiting all non-residential developments in the C-2, General Commercial Zoning District from Hollowell Street south to Danube Street, between US 158/South Croatan Highway and NC 12. The Board did this to allow Town staff and the Town's Planning Board to review the type, intensity, and character of the uses allowed in the Historic Character Area. Adjacent to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest active dune system in the eastern United States and North Carolina’s most visited state park, this area is also home to Historic Cottage Row, where several cottages have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977.

The area is currently zoned C-2, General Commercial, which allows the broadest range, and highest intensity, of uses within the town. Nags Head's Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which acts as a guide for the future of our community, suggests that this zoning designation is not appropriate to protect the integrity of the Historic Character Area. 

Recommended Zoning Changes

The Town is proposing to change the zoning classification for properties between US 158/South Croatan Highway and NC12/South Virginia Dare Trail from Hollowell Street south to Danube Street. This proposal also includes properties on the east side of Memorial Avenue from Bainbridge Street south to Hollowell Street. These zoning changes would create consistency with existing land uses and would be compatible with the current intensity of development in this area. The changes recommend that:

  • some properties in the C-2, General Commercial district be rezoned to R-3, High Density Residential 
  • other properties be rezoned from C-2, General Commercial, to a new zoning district, C-5, Historic Character Commercial. 

Proposed Zoning Map

On March 1, 2023, the Board will hold a public hearing to consider revisions to the Town's Unified Development Ordinance and a Zoning Map amendment pertaining to the Historic Character Area and the October 19, 2023 moratorium. The public is, of course, invited to attend the meeting, which starts at 9 am and will be held at 5401 South Croatan Highway in our Board of Commissioners Room. However, it will also be livestreamed on the Town's YouTube channel and a recording of the meeting will also be available for viewing later.

Video of the Historic Character Area Discussion at the February 1, 2023 Board of Commissioners Meeting

From February 1, 2023 Board of Commissioners Meeting  - Memo Regarding Proposed Changes to Historic Character Area

From February 1, 2023 Board of Commissioners Meeting - Proposed Amendment to Town Ordinance Relating to the Creation of the C-5 Historic Character Commercial Zoning District

From February 1, 2023 Board of Commissioners Meeting - Proposed Ordinance Amending the Town's Unified Development Ordinance Relating to the New C-F Zoning District

Historic Character District Uses Chart

  1. Kelly Wyatt

    Planning and Development Director

  2. Physical Address
    5401 South Croatan Highway
    Nags Head, NC 27959

    Mailing Address
    P.O. Box 99
    Nags Head, NC 27959

    Fax: 252-441-4290

    Hours

    Monday - Friday

    8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


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