County approves text amendment to limit sidewalk requirements to new major subdivision streets

The Currituck County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a text amendment (PB 25‑07) on June 2 that narrows where sidewalks are required under the Unified Development Ordinance. The planning director told the board the amendment implements prior board direction to require sidewalks only along new streets of major subdivisions and to add the ability to secure future easements when developments border roads identified for future pedestrian improvements.

The text amendment adds applicability language, requires sidewalks on both sides of newly constructed streets in major subdivisions (with existing ordinance exceptions retained), and gives the planning director discretion to waive sidewalk construction when environmental or topographic conditions or existing site constraints make sidewalks impracticable. The amendment also changes an on‑site connection requirement so that nonresidential, mixed‑use and multifamily developments must provide a connection only when an existing public sidewalk system is adjacent.

Planning staff and the planning board recommended approval, citing land‑use policy that encourages coordinated site design and pedestrian connectivity. The board voted to approve the amendment as written; no members of the public spoke on the item during the public hearing.

The county planning department said the amendment aligns sidewalk construction requirements with the county’s Connect Currituck pedestrian master plan and reduces instances where developers must build sidewalks that are not connected to a larger pedestrian network.