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The Nags Head Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to consider a text amendment request submitted by attorney Crouse Gray Jr. on behalf of Nags Head 87, LLC. The proposed amendment sought to increase the number of fueling dispensers allowed at fueling stations and the allowable floor area of convenience stores associated with fueling stations within the C-2, General Commercial Zoning District.

Kelly Wyatt, planning and development director, presented the staff’s findings on the proposed amendment. According to Wyatt, the proposed changes would increase the maximum number of fuel dispensers from four to eight, establish a definition for fuel dispensers, and increase the maximum convenience store size associated with a fueling station from 3,500 square feet to 4,800 square feet. However, the staff and planning board have recommended denial of the proposal, citing concerns that it is inconsistent with the town’s policy and values of aesthetic.

Gray argued that the proposed amendment is necessary to allow for an improved customer experience and to bring the town’s ordinances in line with modern service stations. He stated that most newer service stations offer additional services, such as electrical charging stations, which are not currently allowed under the town’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Gray also pointed out that the proposed 1-acre minimum lot size requirement would give fueling stations the ability to add electrical charging stations, which have significant environmental benefits.

Several members of the public spoke out against the proposal, including Renee Cahoon, who expressed concerns that the amendment would change the character of Nags Head. Bob Muller stated that there is no great demand for additional gas pumps, while Meade Wynn, a member of the planning board, shared his displeasure with the request, stating that it appears to be more about increasing revenue for the business rather than enhancing the convenience for customers.

After hearing from the applicant and the public, commissioners were in agreement that the proposal was inconsistent with the town’s comprehensive land use plan. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Siers noted that town boards need to be taking a “proactive approach” to updating the town’s ordinances in order to address changing needs and circumstances. All board members were in favor of a denial of the proposed text amendment.

In another order of business, the town shared who they will be taking steps to address the growing need for housing for local government employees, including teachers. According to Andy Garman, town manager, a task force has been discussing the possibility of expanding the town’s authority to provide housing for not only teachers but also for all local government employees.

The town has been working with state legislators to explore options for expanding housing authority. In a recent visit to Raleigh, town officials met with Senator Bobby Hanig and Representative Keith Kidwell to discuss the issue. Hanig expressed willingness to work with the town and proposed a committee substitute to create a bill for Dare County. The senator requested that the county and all towns adopt a resolution supporting the effort, which is currently on the agendas of all the towns in the county.

The proposed resolution before the board would support the effort to expand the authority for Dare County and Nags Head, as well as the other towns, to create employee housing. The mayor explained that this legislation would give local municipalities and county government the authority to construct and finance housing for employees, which is currently not permitted. Mayor Ben Cahoon expressed his gratitude to Hanig for taking the lead on this issue and adopted a resolution to this effect.

The Town of Nags Head also recognized Police Chief Perry Hale for 15 years of service with the town. “He has risen through the ranks,” Garman said. “He contributes to success of whole organization … and provides enormous amount of support, empathy and caring for his group.”

The town also approved 2026 or 2027 beach renourishment project funding in the amount of $366,110 for bidding and construction administration. This includes expenses for travel to the town for meetings, site visits and construction observation.

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