Frequently Asked Questions

Received a parking ticket and looking to make a payment online? Visit our Parking Ticket payment portal. Be sure to have your parking ticket number and the name used on the parking ticket ready.

You can always make a payment by phone by calling 252-441-5508 or by visiting Town Hall at 5401 S. Croatan Hwy. 

Parking Tickets issued by the Nags Head Police Department may only be appealed by completing a Parking Ticket Appeal Form (NHPD-138).  A link to a PDF form can be found at the bottom of the NHPD main page.  Those wishing to appeal must download and complete the form detailing why the ticket should be appealed, scan and return via email to police@nagsheadnc.gov.

The appeal form may also obtained and completed in person at the Nags Head Police Department located at 5401 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head, North Carolina 27959.

No. Many people refer to the entire Outer Banks area as Nags Head when in fact there are several municipalities located in the area. The other local municipalities are responsible for police matters for their respective towns and can be located at our links page.

Reports may be made by contacting the Nags Head Police Department directly during normal business hours only. Between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. and on weekends as well as holidays, reports may be made by contacting Dare County Central Communications at 252-473-3444. In the event of emergency simply dial 911.

Nags Head beaches are open to driving from October 1st through May 1st by permit only. Permits cost for $50 Residents / $100 Non-Residents and may be purchased at the Nags Head Municipal Complex:
5401 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Report copies are usually available five business days after the incident occurs. A copy of a report may be obtained by filling out our Accident or Incident Report and Payment Form online or contacting the Nags Head Police Administrative Division at 252-441-6386. You may also visit the Nags Head Police office at 5401 S Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC 27959

When inquiring about a report you need to know the date of the incident, the name of the victim, and the type of incident or incident number. The Administrative Division hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a five dollar fee to obtain a report copy, and the Nags Head Police Department accepts cash, personal checks and money orders.

Citations may be paid in person at the Dare County Clerk of Courts Office located at:
962 Highway 64
Manteo, NC 27954

Or you may pay online.

Nags Head police officers work rotating shifts and are not always available during normal business hours. The best way to contact an officer is by leaving a voicemail or by making contact through email. The employee directory has a listing or each officer's voicemail extensions and email addresses.

Yes, but by appointment only. The Police Department schedules employment fingerprinting on Thursdays each week (unless holiday). There is a $5 fee for employment fingerprinting and appointments may be made by contacting the Administrative Division at 252-441-6386.

Yes, but this is a temporary facility only. Subjects who are placed in custody in Nags Head are later transported to the Dare County Detention Center for holding. The Detention Center is located at:
1044 Driftwood Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

They can be contacted at 252-475-9220.

No, the police department is no longer providing this service unless an emergency situation exists. Please contact a local locksmith for assistance.

No, but you can get a copy of your driving history through the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Rainfall runoff is primarily managed via infiltration into the surrounding sandy soils. Typically, shallow vegetated “v-shaped” swales are constructed parallel to Town roadways to intercept and manage roadway runoff. In some instances, roadway swales may be connected to a larger open ditch system or series of underground storm pipes for conveyance downstream to either an ocean or sound discharge, or outfall. Drainage connections to the sound or the ocean are subject to tidal influence. Drainage flow through these discharges will be limited during high tide cycles and storm surge periods.

If your property is located along South Virginia Dare Trail, South Croatan Highway, or South Old Oregon Inlet Road, the adjoining drainage system is maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. To report an issue along any of these streets, please contact NCDOT County Maintenance Engineer Jeff Ryder at 252-473-2990 or jdryder@ncdot.gov.

Nags Head Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining drainage within Town public rights-of-way. To report an issue along a Town street, contact the Department of Public Works at 252.441.1122.

Drainage maintenance along Town public rights-of-way is performed by the Nags Head Public Work’s Department. Preventative maintenance is scheduled during the offseason to include storm pipe jetting and removal of accumulated sediment, debris and vegetation. Due to the expansiveness of the drainage network and limited resources available, Town forces attempt to conduct preventive maintenance activities twice a year. Activities are documented by location and maintenance type. Access recent Town maintenance activities performed.

Predictive maintenance work along Town Public rights-of-way are conducted annually through drainage infrastructure improvement projects via subcontracted work. This work typically consists of existing storm pipe and structure repair and replacement projects via subcontracted services. Visit latest news for scheduled and ongoing drainage construction work.

Drainage maintenance along South Virginia Dare Trail, South Croatan Highway, or South Old Oregon Inlet Road, is performed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). NCDOT is responsible for repairs and maintenance on the five ocean outfalls located throughout the Town.

Several factors contribute to standing water in drainage ditches. All drainage ditches throughout the Town connect to either the ocean or the sound and therefore are impacted by tidal influence and subject to inflow and outflow of water. The water table in the coastal environment can be extremely shallow or close to the land surface. Open drainage ditches can be several deep and intersect the shallow water table and the continued presence of water. Precipitation, surface runoff and resultant drainage flows can also impact water surface levels observed in open drainage ditches.

Property owners with drainage problems may receive technical assistance and advice from the Town.  Click here for Homeowner Tips for residential lot level drainage recommendations or contact one of our planners, zoning@nagsheadnc.gov. at 252-441-7016.

No. Typically, the Town drainage system is located within the public right of way. The public right-of-way is the dedicated area between the street and individual properties for the installation of drainage infrastructure and underground utilities. Drainageways located in the right-of-way provide for the collection, treatment and conveyance of stormwater runoff from the roadway. No improvements in the right-of-way can be conducted without express permission from the Town. For more information call the Department of Public Works at 252-441-1122.

Drainage problems stemming from private property and/or associated with a dispute between two private property owners must be resolved by the property owner(s). If the problem involves a stormwater management facility or feature that was required by Town permit, the Town may issue a notice of violation requiring that mitigation measures be taken by the responsible party or fines will be levied. Where stormwater is flowing from construction sites onto private property, the Town will investigate to ensure that the construction activity is in compliance with the development permit and associated regulations.

Address stormwater at the source. Cost-effective low-impact development (LID) measures can be installed on private properties to collect and infiltrate stormwater runoff generated from hardscapes. LID practices can aid in preserving water quality through the treatment of pollutants associated with stormwater runoff. Capturing stormwater at the source can attenuate peak runoff flows and reduce the potential for downstream flooding. Assisting the Town in keeping drainageways free of debris such as leaves, grass clippings and trash can permit continued operation of the drainage system. For technical assistance related to commercial properties contact David Ryan, P.E. at 252-441-6221 or for residential properties contact one of our planners, zoning@nagsheadnc.gov. at 252-441-7016.

The adopting entity agrees to clean the access six times a year and fill out a data form about the litter they collect. In return, a sign with the entity's name on it is placed at the access.

The Surfrider Foundation monitors based on if they submit the forms or not. They then identify inactive sponsors and try to switch them out with active sponsors.

Yes, if the entity is inactive, the Surfriders will try to find another sponsor for that access; however, the original adopting entity is first given several opportunities to express that they still want the access and will clean it and submit the forms.

Sponsors are asked to notify the Towns Public Works Department at 252-441-1122 should they find anything large that needs to be removed, or any other problems with the access.

Purchasing a New One

Please note* (If you have ever purchased an additional recycling cart call Public Services at 252-441-1122 to inquire about a refund/trash cart in lieu of refund).

96 Gallon trash carts can be purchased by the following methods:

Website - Click HERE to access our Online Bill Pay.

or

Checks should be made out to The Town of Nags Head and mailed to Town of Nags Head, PO Box 99, Nags Head, NC 27959 or hand delivered at 5401 Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC. 27959

The current cost is $85.00 (excluding taxes and on-line convenience fee) 

Purchasing a New One

Please note* (Please do not pay for a 300-Gallon trash cart until you call Public Services at 252-441-1122 and have had an inspection meeting).

300 Gallon trash carts can be purchased by the following methods:

Website - Click HERE to access our Online Bill Pay.

or

Checks should be made out to The Town of Nags Head and mailed to Town of Nags Head, PO Box 99, Nags Head, NC 27959 or hand delivered at 5401 Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC. 27959

The current cost is $785.00 (excluding taxes and on-line convenience fee) 

Purchasing a New One

If you are interested in purchasing a dumpster; please contact Public Services at 252-441-1122 for more information. 

You may pay online after approval from the Public Services Department. Or, you can pay by check, made out to The Town of Nags Head and mailed to Town of Nags Head, PO Box 99, Nags Head, NC 27959 or hand delivered at 5401 Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC. 27959

The Public Services facility is located at 2203 S Lark Avenue, off of Eighth Street behind the bowling alley.

You can call us at 252-441-1122, fax us at 252-441-3350 or send us an email.

Reporting a Streetlight/Traffic Light outage or malfunction:

Reporting a Streetlight/ Traffic Light outage or malfunction can be reported by the following methods:

Email us at publicservices@nagsheadnc.gov.

Call us at 252-441-1122

You can drop off recyclables 24/7 at the recycling center at Nags Head's Municipal Complex at 5401 South Croatan Highway. Or Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Town's Public Services Bulk Item/Brush Drop off facility located at 2203 S Lark Avenue.

Hazardous Waste

Do not dispose of hazardous waste in trash carts or through bulk pick-up or drop off in the Town of Nags Head. Chapter 30 of the Town of Nags Head code of ordinances defines Hazardous Refuse as "Materials such as poisons, acids, caustics, harmful or dangerous chemicals, infected materials, offal, fecal matter, explosives, highly flammable material and parts of the human anatomy, including pathological specimens." The following items shall not be placed in refuse or recycle containers:

• Antifreeze
• Building materials
• Bulky wastes
• Burning or smoldering materials or any other materials which would create a fire hazard
• Motor vehicle tires
• Radioactive or medical wastes
• Rocks, dirt, sod, paint or motor oil
• Yard Waste (brush, bagged leaves, limbs)

Additional Information

If you need further direction or have questions as to if the items are a chemical or hazardous, please contact Nags Head’s Public Services Department at 252-441-1122 or Nags Head’s Fire Department at 252-441-5909.

A minimum of one trash cart is required at each single-family residence and at each unit of a duplex.

All seasonal rental units must provide one trash cart for every two bedrooms. 

For more information or call Nags Head Public Services at 252-441-1122.

Curbside collection of bulk items and brush from homeowners and residents is available from October 1 through April 30 each year. 

All Year long Drop off Option

If you have bulk items/yard debris that need to be disposed of you can drop them off at the Town's bulk item collection site ( permit/sticker is required), located at 2203 S. Lark Avenue, Nags Head's Public Services Bulk/Brush Drop-Off site. This collection site is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., all year long. If these times are not convenient for you, you can take them to the Dare County Landfill in Stumpy Point. You can call the landfill at 252-473-6339 for more information.

You are welcomed to call us 252-441-1122 or send us an email. Be sure to let us know the serial number and location of the cart as well as your name and phone number so we can determine if the cart is repairable.

First, give us a call and we will give you the serial numbers of the carts assigned to you. Many times carts get blown away after a heavy storm and more often than not the cart can be found in a neighbor’s house. Check the carts down at least one block in either direction. Next, once you’ve found your cart, be sure to affix your house number on the back of the cart as per town specs. That will make it easier to find the next time around.

Purchasing a New One

If you’ve done some investigating and still cannot find your cart you are welcome to purchase a new one. 

Trash carts can be purchased by the following methods:

Via our Website-Click here on our Online Bill Pay.

Or Checks (should be made out to The Town of Nags Head) and mailed to Town of Nags Head, PO Box 99, Nags Head, NC 27959 or hand delivered at 5401 Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC. 27959

Please refer to the Residential Solid Waste Collection Schedule .

The Town offers a subscription-based residential curbside recycling service from TFC Recycling. Please visit through their web site at Sign up. You can call TFC at 757-543-5766 or email them at nagshead@tfcrecycling.com. 

For information on staying and playing in Nags Head, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce.

Visit our Weddings page for information on getting married in Nags Head.

Visit our Beach/Sound Accesses page for location information. 

Our Beach Wheelchairs page provides this information.

The Residential Solid Waste Collection page provides the Nags Head’s trash collection schedule as well as other useful information.

The use of all fireworks in Nags Head is prohibited.

Beach goers are prohibited from leaving unattended personal equipment on the beach from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. daily. In addition, equipment must not obstruct the passage of vehicles on the beach or the line of sight of lifeguards to the ocean.

Tents, canopies, and awnings on the beach can not be greater than 12 feet by 12 feet in area or higher than 10 feet above the beach surface when erected. They shall also not be tied together and can not be placed any closer than 10 feet apart.

You can dig small holes on the beach, but they must not be left unattended for any period of time at night or for more than one hour during the day. In addition, holes must not create a hazard for people or for animals, and they must not disrupt the passage of vehicles.

Vehicles are allowed on the beach from October 1 through April 30 with a Town-issued permit. Driving on the dunes is prohibited. Visit our Beach Driving page for more information.

ATVs

ATVs are only allowed on the beach if they are being driven by a disabled person who has a Town-issued special permit. Visit our ATV Use for Disabled Persons page for more information.

Dogs are allowed on the beach at all times as long as they are leashed. Owners must clean up after their dogs. Anyone who violates the leash law is subject to a criminal and/or civil penalty.

Pit fires are allowed on the beach with a permit from Nags Head Fire and Rescue. View our Beach Pit Fires page for more information.

Golf carts must be registered and tagged for use on the streets in Nags Head. However, they can only be driven on State roads and on side roads (where the speed limit is 35 mph or less). They cannot be driven across U.S. Highway 158 (also known as South Croatan Highway), except at a traffic light to get across the highway. For more information, contact Nags Head's Police Department at 252-441-6386.

You must receive prior approval from Nags Head’s town manager to launch and recover your drone on any Town of Nags Head-owned property. Requests for approval from Nags Head’s town manager must include proof of required state and federal permits as appropriate. 

Town of Nags Head-owned property includes:

• Dowdy Park 
• Town Park
• Whalebone Park
• Dog Park
• Skate Park at the YMCA
• All Town Facilities (offices, fire stations, etc...)
• Beach and Sound Accesses 

If you are a videographer who has been hired by a vendor to provide aerial drone footage of an event on Town-owned property and intend to launch and recover your drone from said property, please keep in mind that the Town, as part of the approval process, will require proof of the appropriate North Carolina and Federal permits for commercial drone operations. Request use of drone from town manager.

You may fly a drone over the public beach in Nags Head according to North Carolina and FAA regulations. 

Jennette's Pier and Jockey's Ridge State Park are State of North Carolina facilities. Please check with them regarding drone use on their properties. 

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is south of Nags Head, is a national park and is governed by the Federal government. Visit their website for more information. 

Balloons are prohibited from being released on any Town-owned property, any waters within the Town's zoning jurisdiction, and the beaches and dune areas in Nags Head. This regulation is in place to protect our environment and wildlife from pollution and harm. See Section 26-17 of our town code for more information. 

From May 1 through September 30, PWCs must be launched by manpower only. From October 1 through April 30, when beach driving is permitted, PWCs may be launched using a vehicle with a Town-issued beach driving permit. PWCs must proceed straight in or out from shore without causing a wake or exceeding 5 mph. They must not be operated within 600 feet of the sound or ocean shoreline.

Yes, you can use a metal detector on the public beach in Nags Head. 

Note
If you have ever purchased an additional recycling cart, please call Public Services at 252-441-1122 to inquire about a refund/trash cart in lieu of refund.

Trash carts are $85.00 (excluding convenience fee) and can be purchased by one of the following methods:

Website - Click HERE to access our Online Bill Pay.

    or

Via a check, which should be made out to The Town of Nags Head and mailed to us at PO Box 99, Nags Head, NC 27959 or hand delivered at 5401 Croatan Hwy in Nags Head.

For more information go to our Sanitation Collection Route page, or call Nags Head Public Works at 252-441-1122.

Visit our Bulk Item / Yard Brush Disposal page for more information or call Nags Head Public Services at 252-441-1122.

You can register to vote through the Dare County Board of Elections. For more information, please visit the Dare County Board of Elections website.

Call Nags Head Public Services at 252-441-1122 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Between 3:30 p.m. and midnight call 252-305-6067. 

Between midnight and 7 a.m. call 252-473-3444.

First, you should check to see if your property has covenants. This can be done by contacting your homeowner's association.

Second, you should check with the realtor, seller, or Nags Head Planning Department to determine if your home is in a flood zone and will therefore need flood insurance.

Third, you should check the U.S. Housing and Urban Development's website for their nine steps to buying a home.

These are just a few suggestions. Your realtor can better assist you with buying/renting a home in Nags Head. For a list of realty companies, visit the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce website.

The town is home to Nags Head Elementary, located at 3100 Wrightsville Avenue (near Bonnett Street). For information on all of Dare County's schools, go to the Dare County Schools website. For report cards on Dare County's schools, visit the NC School Report Cards website.

Yes, Peak Resources, located at 430 West Health Center Drive, is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. They can be reached by calling 252-441-3116.

To look up utility companies, go to the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce website.

The post office is located at the corner of Deering Street and U.S. 158/S Croatan Highway near Mile Post 13. Their phone number is 252-441-7387.

To change the mailing address for your water bill, call Nags Head's Town Hall at 252-441-5508 or email the Water Department.

For information about sand fences, visit the Coastal Area Management Act page, or call Nags Head Planning and Development at 252-441-7016.

Nags Head's Town Hall is located at 5401 South Croatan Highway (US 158) near Mile Post 14. The Police Department and the Planning and Development Department are also located here and Fire and Rescue is headquartered across the highway.

Nags Head Public Services is located at 2208 S. Lark Avenue, off of Eighth Street, behind the bowling alley.

For information in becoming involved in Town Government, please visit our Boards and Committees page.

Find information about building / renovating a home at the Nags Head Building Inspections page.

Our Town Code of Ordinances is available online to search.

To learn the difference between public and private streets, read through the Private Streets FAQs (PDF).

Go to the Emergency Preparedness page for information on hurricanes, evacuation, and re-entry.

Visit our Business License and Registration page for more information.

Visit our Massage Therapy Applications page and our Vehicle for Hire Applications page for information.

The Nags Head Police Department can be reached at 252-441-6386. If you need to reach a specific employee in the department, visit the directory page.

Visit our Crowd Gathering Permits page for more information.

Visit the Town Code on the Municode website.

If you plan on building, remodeling, repairing or taking on a handyman project, your first move should be to check with the Building Inspectors in the Planning and Development Department. We can provide you with the necessary code information and applications to get that project underway. Come in to see us or call us to begin the process and to determine just what information you may need to submit with your application.

Annual property tax bills are due September 1st and you have up to January 5th to make your payment to avoid added interest (unless January 5th falls on a weekend – taxes are then delinquent on the following Tuesday).  The Town of Nags Head does not offer early payment discounts.  Interest begins on January 6th at a rate of 2% for the first month and ¾ of 1% is added each month thereafter until paid.

Yes, if you own property in the Town of Nags Head, you will receive two separate tax bills each year - one from Dare County and one from the Town of Nags Head.  These are usually mailed out anywhere from the end of July to the first part of August and are the responsibility of the property owner to make sure they are paid (either by the owner directly or a mortgage company).  If you do not receive a tax bill in the mail by August 20th, you can obtain a copy under the Online Inquiries and Payments section of our website by typing in either your name OR your parcel number.

No, the Town of Nags Head does not mail tax bills to mortgage companies, only the parcel owner(s) will receive a bill.  However, most mortgage companies directly download a file from our website.  If tax funds are held in escrow by your mortgage company, it is recommended that you send a copy of your tax bill to your lender.  Most mortgage companies do not pay taxes until October to late November.  It is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner to make sure their tax bills are paid before the delinquent date of January 6th. 

The Town of Nags Head reviews property transfers on a monthly basis to try and keep current on properties that have sold or transferred.  Tax bills are usually mailed to the owner of record as of January 1st and then we also mail a tax bill to the new owner. You may want to contact your closing attorney to review how taxes were prorated and distributed at the time of your closing. Unpaid taxes are advertised in the name of the owner on the date the tax becomes delinquent.

The Dare County Tax Listing Office is responsible for mailing out annual listing forms and valuing the personal property listed by all taxpayers.  The property owner is responsible for listing personal property (furnishings/equipment in a business or in property you rent to others, boats, boat motors, jet skis, untagged vehicles, multi-year tagged trailers, aircraft, golf carts, campers/RV's and manufactured homes) and real property (new buildings, additions, decks, enclosures, finished areas, garages, pools, sheds, bulkheads, docks and piers) on this listing form.  Failure to list property during the regular listing period which is January 15th through February 15th will result in a penalty of ten (10%) percent of the personal property tax amount listed under both Dare County and the Town, which will be added to both tax bills for each year that the property was not listed. You will need to contact the Dare County Tax Office (252-475-5952) to determine the reason for the Failure to List penalty if this appears on your tax bill and if you believe it is incorrect.

A municipal service district is a defined area within a town in which additional property tax is levied to provide projects or extra services that benefit the properties in that district. Nags Head has several beach nourishment districts as part of its beach nourishment funding plan. For more information, visit the Beach Nourishment Financing/Taxes webpage. 

If you see a town crew flushing hydrants while driving, PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY. You may also want to delay any laundry washing until the crew is finished and you have checked your water for discoloration. We also suggest that you turn off your refrigerator’s ice maker.

If the tap water is used during flushing, it could come out full of sediment and discoloration. If you encounter discolored water, shut the water off and wait several minutes. After waiting, check for clarity by running cold water for a few minutes allowing new water to work its way into your pipes. If not, wait a few more minutes and check again. We recommend using a tub or outside faucet to clear the line. In some cases, you may experience slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water; it does not affect the taste or water quality.

Check your faucet and washer screens for trapped debris.

When a hydrant is opened, there will always be temporary incidences of discolored water containing fine sediment particles.  There is no health hazard associated with discolored water. Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate. To verify the water has settled, allow your cold water tap to run a few minutes. If the discoloration persists for more than twenty-four (24) hours, please contact our Water Department at 252-449-4210.

It is recommended that water users wait until the water has cleared before using it for potable (drinking) purposes.

Water contains minerals and these minerals react with the inside of the pipe to produce the by-product. This chemical reaction between the pipe and water is normal and natural process. This process can occur on the inside of the pipe and prevent adequate volume of water flow. The flushing process removes much of this by-product.

Zoning is a method of urban planning that ensures orderly, attractive, and economically-sound development. Land is divided into areas called zones or districts, each with a set of regulations for development. These districts may be defined for a single use, they may combine several compatible activities by use, and/or they may govern the density, size, and shape of allowed buildings in the districts.

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. 

Some properties are proposed to be rezoned from C-2, General Commercial to R-3, High Density Residential. Others are being proposed to be rezoned from C-2, General Commercial, to a new zoning district, C-5, Historic Character Commercial. View a map of the proposed rezoning. 

The Town’s intent is to protect what it calls the “Historic Character Area”, which includes the 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, and Historic Cottage Row, home to several cottages that 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. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan suggests that this zoning designation is not appropriate to protect the integrity of the Historic Character Area. The Town’s Planning Board is recommending zoning changes that would create consistency with existing land uses and would be compatible with the current intensity of development in this area. 

Several areas of Nags Head are in the R-3 zoning district. An example is the Old Nags Head Place neighborhood on the north side of Hollowell Street. This district primarily allows single-family dwellings with a minimum 15,000 square foot lot size. Duplexes are allowed on lots with at least 22,000 square feet of area. For new subdivisions along US 158, the R-3 zoning district requires that a 15-foot-wide undisturbed vegetative buffer be maintained along the roadway. Lot coverage is limited to 33 percent of the lot area for residential development.

Multi-family development or other types of commercial development are not allowed in the R-3 zoning district. View a listing of the allowed uses. 

The C-5 district is new and allows commercial uses such as office, retail, restaurants, personal service establishments, and single-family dwellings. The uses in the C-5 district are reduced compared to the C-2 district. The C-2 district allows larger shopping centers and a broader range of uses including fueling stations, car washes, and drive-throughs. The C-5 district focuses on uses smaller in scale, with less intense development, which is more consistent with the charm and character of the National Register Historic District, Jockey’s Ridge, and existing residential uses.

Single-family dwellings are allowed using the same standards as the R-3 district. 

For commercial development, lot coverage would be up to 40 percent. However, pervious (permeable) paving materials can be used to increase the coverage up to 50 percent. This standard is less dense than the C-2 General Commercial district, which allows lot coverage up to 55 percent.

If you own a commercially developed property, the changes may mean that certain aspects of your development may now be considered nonconforming. A nonconformity is a zoning term that refers to something that was legally created at the time it was developed; however, due to changes in regulations after the use was established, certain aspects of it would no longer be allowed. 

The Town’s rules on nonconforming development allow for the nonconformities to continue to exist, and even be redeveloped in some cases. The current proposal is not intended to eliminate uses that already exist; these changes are designed to influence future development that may occur. 

The proposal does not rezone any commercially developed property to a residential-only classification. It does, though, propose to rezone several vacant parcels from commercial to residential zoning.

There are many developed properties that are already considered nonconforming due to the number of changes to the Town’s zoning ordinance that have occurred over the years. 

The properties between Hollowell Street and the 7-Eleven at Conch Street have been recommended to be rezoned from C-2 to R-3. Most of this area has been developed residentially to the R-3 standard. Therefore, the most compatible classification with this area is R-3. Additionally, extension of the R-3 district would require an undisturbed vegetative buffer along US 158, which was a requisite when Old Nags Head Place was developed. This buffer maintains an attractive and functional (stormwater absorption), vegetated corridor across from Jockey’s Ridge State Park. 

The properties from the 7-Eleven south to Mulligan’s Grille are currently developed as commercial uses; therefore, the C-5 designation was selected for them. 

Areas where there are clusters of residentially developed and vacant properties south of Mulligan’s have been designated as R-3. Areas with commercial development or a mixture of commercial and residential development have been designated as C-5.

This depends on the type of nonconformity that exists. In all cases, nonconformities can continue as is. However, certain actions may trigger compliance with new rules. The answer to this question is property specific. 

• For nonconforming structures, improvements may be allowed if the degree of nonconformity is not expanded. 
• For nonconforming uses, expansion of the nonconforming aspect of the use may not be allowed. 
• For existing developed properties, owners may need to contact our Planning and Development Department for answers to specific questions. 

No, you do not need a permit to get married in Nags Head. We do request that if your event will have 50 people or more, within the Town of Nags Head, that you complete our registration form. 

Marriage licenses can be obtained from the Dare County Register of Deeds office at 962 Marshall C. Collins Dr., Room 165A, Manteo, NC 27954, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Their phone number is 252-475-5970.  You can find more information here: Dare County Register of Deeds

Event tents are not allowed on the beach in order to maintain clear access by beach patrol lifeguards. You may use an event tent at your private venue, but if the tent is over 400 square feet, you must have a tent inspection performed by Nags Head Fire and Rescue. They can be reached by calling 252-441-5909. Most rental companies are aware of this requirement.

Parking at beach accesses is first come, first serve between the hours of 6a.m. - midnight. Please make sure guests observe the "No Parking" signs on S Virginia Dare Trail and S Old Oregon Inlet Road. If your event is large, you will want to have a parking plan before your big day. We recommend carpooling and/or a shuttle service.

Forty (40) chairs are allowed on the beach during the ceremony for those who are unable to stand. Please make sure the chairs do not obstruct access on or across the beach in any way. Chairs must be removed immediately after the ceremony. The number of chairs is limited to forty (40) to allow for emergency beach vehicle access. Benches are not allowed.

Healthy beaches absorb the brunt force of waves, wind, tides, currents, and storms, allowing dunes to protect infrastructure. Beaches and dune systems require nourishment to protect, maintain, and preserve the entire coastal system. 

Erosion

Energy, wind, waves, tides, currents, and storms all generate energy that impacts our barrier islands and shape the shoreline and beaches. Naturally occurring erosion removes sand and deposits it offshore. Over time, waves return some of the sand to the beach. Storms with heavy surf and high winds can cause erosion to occur with increased intensity and frequency.

Beach Nourishment Benefits

Beaches are an integral part of the quality of life in Dare County and support homes, businesses, and related infrastructure (roads, utilities) for many residents and visitors. More than just a playground, beaches are environmental treasures and tremendous economic assets for our community. In addition, beaches provide protection for coastal estuaries, upland structures, and the mainland. 

Mobilization of beach nourishment equipment may begin up to 30 days before active construction. Historically, beach nourishment activities have typically occurred between May and August, when winds are lower and wave conditions are calmer.

The exact dates of construction, as well as a construction progress map (when a project is underway), can be found here. Note that schedules are subject to change due to a variety of factors such as weather, equipment issues, etc. 

Visitors who are vacationing in areas where beach nourishment construction is underway may notice the presence of bulldozers, loaders, and excavators during their stay. In addition to heavy earth-moving equipment, small sections of the beach may be closed for a few days (possibly several in the very southern end of Nags Head) to ensure the safety of the public during construction operations. A walking corridor at the base of the dunes, but out of the construction area, may be available on sections of the beach if work is not being performed close to the dunes. 

A pipe will be laid along the beach parallel to the shoreline to allow sand to be pumped from the offshore borrow source onto the active construction site. This pipe will be visible on the beach; however, sand ramps will be built over it to provide safe and easy access to the ocean. In addition to the closed active construction zone, some smaller areas of the beach may be closed to stage equipment.

Please be patient as these much-needed projects are completed. 

Below is a video from our 2019 project that illustrates how beach nourishment construction affects the shoreline. Please note that on the north side of the construction area, a newly reopened section of the beach is visible, where visitors are already enjoying the new beach.

Offshore dredges used to transport sand to the beach during nourishment projects can operate only under specific wind and wave conditions, which are typically more favorable during the summer months on the Outer Banks.

Additionally, the storms that commonly impact our area in the fall, winter, and early spring can create hazardous conditions for the crews working on the nourishment project.

You can find the most current information about Nags Head's beach nourishment activities here. When a nourishment project is underway, a progress map will be updated on this page as well. 

Receive notifications about beach nourishment in Nags Head by visiting this page.  Scroll down to the News Flash category and click an icon next to "Beach Nourishment."

For information about beach nourishment in other parts of Dare County, visit the More Beach to Love webpage.

Because there is only a limited window of opportunity to conduct beach nourishment due to seasonal weather conditions, more than one section of the beach may be affected at a time to complete the project.

During beach nourishment sand is pumped onto the beach from a dredge in the ocean via a submerged pipeline. 

Construction typically proceeds in one direction from the submerged pipe (the visible pipe on the beach is also known as a landing point or subline) for a few thousand feet and then will proceed in the other direction from the same landing point. 

When all beach nourishment related to a particular landing point is complete, the contractor will switch to a new landing point along the shoreline, and the process will begin all over again. To save time during a switch, the contractor may set up multiple landing points on the beach.

Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 feet of the beach will be closed in the active construction area. Properties are typically impacted for three to six days, although this can change depending on a variety of factors. Once a particular section of sand is pumped into place, that area will likely be reopened for use within 24-48 hours. 

While beach nourishment is taking place, sand ramps will be placed over the temporary pipeline, allowing people to get across and enjoy the beach on the ocean side of the pipe in areas that are not actively under construction.

Not that some areas of the beach will be closed for equipment staging.

Visitors will still be able to access the beach while the project is taking place; however, a portion of the approximately 1,000-1,500 foot area that is actively under construction may be closed temporarily to ensure public safety.

If construction limits or restricts access to the beach directly in front of your property, you may need to enter the beach at an alternate access. 

Beach nourishment construction may impact the properties along a particular stretch of shoreline for a period of three to six days, although this can change depending on a variety of factors. Once that section of sand is pumped into place, the area will likely be reopened for use within 24-48 hours. 

Sand ramps will be placed over a temporary pipe, allowing beachgoers to safely get past the equipment and enjoy the beach on the ocean side of the pipeline in areas that are not active construction zones.

Please note that access will not be permitted to areas that are active construction zones to ensure public safety.

Note that some areas of the beach will be closed to accommodate equipment staging.

Beach nourishment construction typically takes place 24/7 until the project is complete, depending on weather conditions. 

In an active beach nourishment construction area, bulldozers, loaders, and excavators are the primary pieces of equipment that will be used. The area may also contain a skid-mounted mobile construction office, large portable lights, welding equipment, and other ancillary equipment. 

Construction typically occurs on a 24/7 basis. Bulldozers and loaders are equipped with backup alarms and lights. Outside the active construction areas, pipe will be laid on the beach to allow for sand to be pumped from the nearshore pump-out station to the active construction area. This pipe will run parallel to the beach and may remain in front of individual properties for several weeks. However, sand ramps will be constructed over the pipe to allow for pedestrian traffic.

**Please note that no access will be permitted to an area that is actively under construction to protect public safety.

You will be able to tell if construction operations are actively underway in front of your property. The sounds you will typically hear are the back up alarms from bulldozers and trucks, which are required by federal law. Lights will be used on the beach throughout the night and may be visible from homes.

In Nags Head, sand pumped onto the beach during a nourishment project is excavated from one of several offshore areas, typically referred to as offshore borrow areas.

The sand on the newly built beach may initially be a bit darker than the sand on the beach before it was nourished because it has been on the ocean floor; however, it will eventually lighten over a period of time once it has been exposed to sunlight.

Dredging may be temporarily suspended due to factors such as weather and sea conditions, wildlife sightings, activity within the project area, equipment maintenance or repairs, pipe relocation, and dredge refueling.

Dredges may temporarily relocate to safe harbor during inclement weather, refuel the vessel and accommodate onboard staffing changes, as well as to switch the direction in which the sand is being pumped onto the shoreline.

The Town of Nags Head's Multi-Decadal Beach Nourishment Master Plan establishes a six-year beach maintenance nourishment interval. If volumetric triggers are not reached within two years of the six-year planned interval nourishment, the Town could potentially extend the time between projects.

Project financing typically comes from a combination of:

• town-wide property taxes (all properties in Nags Head contribute to beach nourishment at a rate of $0.02)
• revenues from municipal service tax districts (see below for additional information)
• a contribution from Dare County, FEMA, and the State of North Carolina may provide funds to replace sand lost as a result of a federally-declared disaster, such as a large hurricane

A municipal service district (MSD) is a defined area within a town where additional property tax is levied to provide projects or extra services that benefit the properties in that district.

This funding plan recognizes that the benefits of nourishment extend well beyond the immediate oceanfront. Properties adjacent to, but not directly on the ocean, benefit from reduced overwash flooding and impacts to infrastructure, such as streets, as well as increased property values due to their proximity to a well-maintained recreational beach. And, we know our beach is a key piece of infrastructure from which the entire town benefits. 

In 2003, the North Carolina General Assembly voted unanimously to formally adopt a law banning hard structures, such as seawalls and terminal groins. This law bans the construction of new, permanent erosion-control structures on beaches within the state.

Other options that aren’t hard structures, such as geotubes and offshore reefs, are not approved for use in North Carolina.

Therefore, beach nourishment is currently the only tool that is available to protect Nags Head from beach erosion and subsequent flooding and overwash.

To protect sea turtles and their nests during beach nourishment, turtle monitoring is conducted in the construction zone.

To minimize the risk to turtles during dredging, relocation trawling is used ahead of a hopper dredge as a avoidance and minimization measures to reduce the risk of potential lethal take of Endangered Species Act-listed species.

In addition to onshore monitors, there will be a designated person aboard each dredge in the offshore borrow areas that will be assigned the task of monitoring sea turtle activity during the projects. 

Sea turtle nests that are located within a project area will be safely relocated by authorized personnel to a nearby stretch of shoreline that will not be affected by construction during beach nourishment. 

An easement is required as part of the beach nourishment project permitting process. The easement allows only activities related to the construction and maintenance of the project, including sand placement and grading, taking measurements, inspection of the beach, installation of sand fencing and planting of beach grass. 

The easement is solely for the purpose of constructing and maintaining the project. It does not convey property to the Town of Nags Head or change an owner's ability to access the ocean or use the property, except in limited instances during the construction phase of the project.

Dune walkovers and other structures that are consistent with local, state and federal regulations will still be allowed.