You likely live, work, or own property in our community because of its unique charm, family-friendly atmosphere, and small-town character. At the Town of Nags Head, we’ve worked diligently over many decades to preserve the essence of what makes our community special and to protect our fragile environment.
Unfortunately, we need your help protecting a crucial land management tool that affects our beloved town's character and identity.
Zoning regulations and adherence to local, state, and federal codes play a crucial role in the management of our town. They help ensure that development aligns with our town's character and values.
One of these tools is currently under threat. Changes are on the horizon that could impact the careful balance we've worked so hard to achieve.
The North Carolina Rules Review Commission has said that the state’s Coastal Resource Commission does not have the authority to create a zone called an Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) for Jockey’s Ridge State Park, a cherished and extremely popular part of our town. (There are other rules impacted and there is now a lawsuit between these two agencies, but we’re focusing on this one rule.)
What does this mean? Areas of Environmental Concern receive special protections aimed at preserving the unique qualities of the designated region. These safeguards can include:
- Measures crafted to protect human life and safety from natural hazards
- Requirements for developments or enhancements to minimize their impacts
- Verifications that public infrastructure systems are appropriately sized, located, and maintained for the respective areas
- Efforts to minimize land use conflicts with significant historical, cultural, scenic, or environmental value to the town
The removal of Jockey’s Ridge and properties in its neighboring communities from the AEC designation may likely be the camel peaking its nose under the tent. Put simply, if the CRC loses its authority to designate an AEC for Jockey’s Ridge, other distinctive areas in Nags Head, such as the oceanfront, the soundfront, Nags Head Woods, or the area near the fresh pond, might also be at risk of losing their AEC protections.
As an example, the AEC on the oceanfront has provided long standing protections that restrict development along the shoreline, create setback requirements, and prohibit hardened structures, such as bulkheads and groins, which have been problematic in other states.
It's essential for us to stay informed and engaged as a community. Our collective voice has the power to influence decisions that impact the very fabric of Nags Head. Let's come together to protect what we love about our town and ensure that any changes align with our shared vision.
You can comment, until 5 pm on February 1, on this threatening issue.
Written comments may be submitted to Angela.Willis@deq.nc.gov or by mail to: Braxton Davis, Director, Division of Coastal Management, 400 Commerce Ave., Morehead City, NC 28557. List “Temporary Rules” in the subject line.
The Coastal Resources Commission anticipates voting on the temporary rules during its February meeting.