Planning board approves revised architectural design for TWs group development

The Nags Head Planning Board voted Feb. 17 to approve a revised group development application for the TWs project, endorsing changes to the buildings’ rooflines, dormers and porch details that staff said now meet the town’s commercial architectural design standards.

Kelly, a town staff member, told the board the applicant revised the earlier gambrel roofs to pitched roofs, lowered overall massing in places to achieve a single-story appearance, and added larger dormers, double-hung windows, column trim and board‑and‑batten siding. "Staff does, recommend approval of the group development as it's proposed, including the revised architectural design scheme," Kelly said.

Board members expressed support for the revisions and noted the aesthetic shift toward a more residential character. One member moved "that we approve the plan as shown," and another seconded; the motion carried.

The plan covers three buildings: a west building proposed for an art gallery and storage, two additional buildings with mixed retail and storage space, and associated parking, septic and stormwater systems. Staff said lot coverage, parking and buffering meet town requirements and that the proposal will continue through the special-use process with a public hearing scheduled in March.

The approval at the planning-board level allows the applicant to keep the previously proposed public‑hearing schedule; staff emphasized that the board did not pause the special-use timeline while architectural concerns were addressed. The board’s decision was procedural approval of the plan as presented; any required permits and the formal special-use hearing remain separate steps.

Next steps: the application will proceed to the scheduled public hearing in March and then follow the town’s special-use permitting process.