Board approves two-lot conservation subdivision near Moyock library with open-space easement

The Currituck County Board of Commissioners on March 17 approved a preliminary-plat special-use permit for a two-lot conservation subdivision on Tulls Creek Road and Campus Drive in Moyock.

Planning staff told the board the 3.66-acre tract is zoned SFM (single-family mainland) and is designated G1 under the Imagine Currituck 2040 plan and "limited service" in the Moyock small area plan. Staff reported the Technical Review Committee found the application in compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance.

The applicant, represented by Bill Brumsey, called two expert witnesses. Civil engineer Mark Bissell testified that the project meets stormwater, open-space and access requirements and that Campus Drive can support two additional lots. "It will not" endanger public health or safety, Bissell said when asked whether the use would create health or safety problems; he noted septic suitability and existing water supply for fire protection had been confirmed.

Appraiser Kim Tate testified the proposed development is unlikely to depress neighboring property values. "Based on the analysis... the proposed development of the reserve would not injure the value of adjoining or abutting properties," Tate said after reviewing match-pair and countywide resale data.

Project details from the staff report and testimony: - Total tract area: 3.66 acres. - Proposed density: 0.55 dwelling units per acre. - Lot sizes: Lot 1 is approximately 1.227 acres and Lot 2 approximately 1.956 acres; the open space is about 1.481 acres and includes an existing pond that serves the library stormwater system. - Minimum lot size requirement: 25,000 square feet (both lots exceed this). - Open-space requirement: 40% (applicant proposes the required open space, to be placed under conservation easement and offered in fee to the county). - Access and infrastructure: Lots will front on Campus Drive (no new street construction required); the development will connect pedestrian facilities to existing multiuse path segments; the applicant proposed sidewalks along Campus Drive and a sidewalk along Tulls Creek Road was discussed but staff advised sidewalks along existing streets are not required under the county's interpretation. - Stormwater: The county stormwater engineer preliminarily found proposed stormwater measures compliant; applicant proposes lot-level controls and retention measures feeding existing pond/ditch conveyance. - Schools: School staff reported adequate capacity; with two lots, staff estimated no or minimal student generation.

Board action: A commissioner moved to approve the special-use permit for the 2428 Reserve preliminary plat, finding the application met UDO standards and county policy goals; the motion referenced testimony from the applicant’s experts and the staff report. The board chair called for the voice vote; the chair announced the motion carries.

What this means: The board’s approval allows the applicant to proceed with final plat submittal and the standard permitting steps (including any required restrictive covenants and lot-level septic approvals). The developer indicated the open space would be offered to the county for drainage purposes.

Ending: The approval was by voice vote after presentation and expert testimony. Conditions of approval and final engineering details will be handled through the county’s permitting process and are subject to the UDO and required agency approvals.