At its January meeting, the Dare County Board of Commissioners voted on a series of budget and land‑use items and gave staff direction on two capital projects.

Stoplight at event site
Lee Nettles of the tourism board requested the county cover two‑thirds of a proposed four‑way signal to improve safety at the event site intersection. The board discussed activation options, off‑season operation and pedestrian access; staff noted the town of Nags Head would pick up roughly one‑third of the cost. The total project cost discussed during the meeting was $345,000. The board approved the expenditure by unanimous voice vote.

Martins Point pier‑length zoning amendment
Planning staff presented a text amendment to the Martins Point single‑family residential zone to change how pier lengths are measured where historic marsh fringe has receded: commissioners were asked to allow measuring pier length up to 100 feet from the bulkhead in affected areas so properties without marsh fringe can build to the same length as neighboring piers. Public testimony from resident Charles Turner and homeowner‑association representative John Fanelli supported the change. Commissioners confirmed the amendment remains subject to state CAMA rules that cap pier length in narrower sections; the board adopted the amendment unanimously.

Family childcare home definition (state conformity)
The Children and Youth Partnership requested a text amendment updating the county definition for family childcare homes to reflect changes in state law that raise the maximum number of children from 8 to 10, with age‑based caps (for example, a maximum of three children under age 2). Planning staff said the planning board unanimously recommended approval; the commissioners adopted the change unanimously, noting the amendment aligns county code with state statute and may modestly increase licensed childcare capacity.

Stormwater grant and contract negotiation
Staff reported three unsuccessful bids for stormwater projects on Old Lighthouse Road, NC‑12 and Hatteras. Under state procurement rules, the county may now negotiate directly with a contractor. Commissioners authorized staff to negotiate and execute a contract with Fred Smith Company not to exceed $734,000, the stated grant amount, and the motion passed unanimously.

Other actions and direction
The board also approved a template letter of support for federal H.R. 4776 (referred to as the 'Speed Act') at a staff request; gave a nonbinding endorsement to a Buxton marina proponent (invitation to return with specifics); and gave staff consensus to pause additional contractor spending by Barhill on a public works project pending FAA and funding clarifications. The consent agenda and multiple board and advisory‑board appointments were approved by voice vote.

What happens next: staff said they will coordinate with Nags Head and NCDOT on stoplight design and activation; planning staff will publish the Martins Point zoning change and coordinate implementation with CAMA rules; and procurement staff will continue negotiations under the authorized $734,000 cap. The board adjourned to reconvene February 2.