Currituck commissioners give Barco Reserve developer another chance after stormwater and phasing plan changes

The Currituck County Board of Commissioners on July 20 determined that the developer of the previously denied Barco Reserve subdivision presented substantial or material changes sufficient to allow reapplication. The board's decision restarts review for a 45‑lot residential subdivision so the applicant can submit a new preliminary plat and begin the process anew.

Applicant counsel said the previous denial stemmed largely from stormwater concerns and the absence of a phasing plan. The developer is now proposing phased construction and two berm options designed to better isolate development runoff, slow release rates to the county's outfall ditch and reduce flows toward neighboring properties on Swain's Lane.

Engineer Andy Deal of Deal Engineering described how the berms would function both as stormwater controls and as a physical buffer between the development and adjacent properties: "The berm adds a ... physical barrier between the developed area and everything else," Deal said, explaining that some berm options would move the barrier closer to downstream residents and would be designed in concert with conveyance ditches to avoid cutting off existing drainage paths. He said stormwater release rates would be reduced to meet county standards for the post‑construction 10‑year event.

The applicant said it is willing to exceed UDO requirements to make the stormwater design work and, in some options, to undertake ditch improvements if engineering shows they are necessary and access easements can be obtained.

Commissioners emphasized that if the board allows reapplication the project must start the review process from the beginning, including required community meetings and full technical review. A commissioner moved that the board find the proposed changes to be a substantial/material change; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: The project was previously denied because nearby residents and the board had stormwater and flooding concerns. The newly proposed berms and phasing are intended to address those concerns; if the applicant's forthcoming engineering and community outreach satisfy review standards, the project could proceed through technical review and permitting.

Next steps: The developer must submit a new application, hold the required community meeting, and go through the full review process; staff noted that UDO changes since the prior hearing also require a community meeting for projects of this size.