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Oceanfront homeowner urges Nags Head to clarify dune ordinance after beach nourishment
Summary
A longtime South Nags Head oceanfront homeowner asked the board to clarify whether beach nourishment has shifted the town’s dune boundary, urged removal of unattended seating and solar lights that affect sea turtles, and suggested ordinance changes to preserve dunes.
During the public comment period on May 7, resident Baron Brockway, who identified himself as a South Nags Head oceanfront homeowner of more than 20 years, thanked the town for the dune management cost‑share program and urged the board to update the town code to reflect changes from beach nourishment.
Brockway presented photographs and said he believes the landward extent of the ocean beach should be defined by a static vegetation line rather than the variable ‘‘first line of stable natural vegetation’’ described in state guidance. He told the board, "I consider myself a good steward of the dunes...I hope we can do something about this because if we don't, I think you're opening up a can of worms and then everyone will be able to put permanent chairs along the beaches in Nags Head," and expressed concern about solar lights affecting sea turtles.
Kelly Wyatt, planning and development director, responded during staff reports that the town's code language may not currently support removing seating shown in the photos and that she had discussed the question in correspondence with the resident. Wyatt said the planning department is reviewing dune management and relevant ordinance language as part of ongoing shoreline and beach management work.
The board did not vote on ordinance changes during the meeting; Brockway's comment was taken as input for staff to consider as the town continues shoreline management planning and potential updates to beach and dune regulations.
