Nags Head board tables proposed UDO 'restaurant waiting lounge' after enforcement and fairness concerns

NAGS HEAD, N.C. — The Nags Head Board of Commissioners voted April 15 to table a proposed amendment to the town’s Unified Development Ordinance that would create a new accessory use called a “restaurant waiting lounge,” giving staff time to address enforcement and fairness concerns and scheduling further hearings for May 6.

Planning staff presented the amendment as a tool to help restaurants manage overflow at peak times. The proposal, filed by Albamar and Associates on behalf of Blue Moon Restaurant, would add a narrowly defined accessory use allowed only by special‑use permit. Staff said the draft ordinance requires the lounge to be indoors, under common ownership or control, located on the same or a contiguous parcel (separated only by a town‑maintained street), and subordinate to the principal restaurant. Parking would be calculated by including lounge square footage in the restaurant’s customer service area at one parking space per 55…