Dare County approves rezoning parcels on NC 12 in Buxton to allow commercial uses including possible auto service

Dare County commissioners voted unanimously to rezone three parcels along North Carolina Highway 12 in Buxton from R-3 (high‑density residential) to C-3 (commercial) after a brief staff presentation and no public comment.

The change, requested by William S. Quigley and John Canning, would allow the owner of an adjacent mini‑storage facility to expand onto a neighboring parcel and would permit Mr. Quigley to explore opening an automotive garage on Hatteras Island if the zone change were approved. "The zoning change would allow him to explore the possibility of opening an automotive garage, which is a service that's in dire need on Hatteras Island," county staff member Noah said during the presentation.

Commissioner Ballance, who moved approval, said he was familiar with the property and owners and argued the change would benefit local residents. "There is a shortage of automotive [service], and it would be a huge benefit to all the citizens of Hatteras, Buxton, South, even Avon," Ballance said. Vice Chair House seconded the motion. There were no speakers during the public hearing.

After the initial vote to approve the rezoning, the board also voted unanimously to adopt the required statement of consistency with the county land‑use plan, as included in the meeting packet.

The rezoning clears the way administratively for commercial uses allowed in C‑3 zoning, including automobile services; any specific commercial use would remain subject to applicable permitting and building requirements.