News Summary
Local residents in Buxton are voicing strong concerns regarding a proposed zoning change that could allow for larger developments in the area. The Dare County Board of Commissioners has postponed the decision for 90 days after a public hearing, allowing time for further discussion. Residents fear that eliminating current restrictions could pave the way for large-scale housing projects, impacting the nearby Buxton Woods, which has been historically protected. Community members are determined to safeguard their natural spaces and the recreational opportunities they provide.
Buxton, N.C. – A proposed zoning change in Buxton has generated considerable concern among local residents, leading the Dare County Board of Commissioners to postpone the decision for 90 days after a public hearing held on May 5. This postponement allows for further discussion and consideration of the implications of the proposed zoning text amendment.
The amendment seeks to eliminate existing restrictions that limit development to three single-family units per acre. Many residents believe that changing the zoning could enable large-scale housing developments, such as condominiums or apartments, which they argue may negatively impact the nearby Buxton Woods.
One local resident, John Fairbanks, expressed his deep attachment to Buxton Woods, recounting personal experiences such as duck hunting, walking dogs, hiking, and biking in the area. Fairbanks voiced concerns that potential development could jeopardize the unique natural landscape and recreational opportunities that the woods currently provide.
The fears surrounding the proposed zoning changes stem from a historical context of community activism aimed at preserving Buxton Woods. In the 1980s, residents rallied together to form the “Friends of Hatteras Island,” motivated by similar development proposals threatening the area. This grassroots movement successfully led to the establishment of regulations designed to protect the woods and surrounding habitats.
Derb Carter, a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, highlighted the significance of past regulatory measures enacted under the state’s Coastal Area Management Act that were intended to protect Buxton Woods. In particular, an ordinance instituted in the late 1980s laid out rules to safeguard the forested areas and limit the removal of trees during any development processes.
However, questions have arisen regarding the current enforceability of this ordinance. Dare County Manager Bobby Outten noted that the original ordinance was never properly indexed or mapped, raising concerns that it might be ignored by potential developers. Outten suggested that current zoning regulations could lack enforceability, which would complicate efforts to uphold the protections initially set in place.
Despite ongoing discussions about enforcement, Carter contended that existing codes continue to provide necessary protections against potential zoning changes, asserting that these regulations remain applicable even as new amendments are proposed.
Moreover, a recently introduced Senate Bill 382 adds another layer of complexity. It stipulates that unanimous consent from all property owners is required for any down-zoning measures, thus complicating local government’s ability to address zoning requests effectively.
With the Dare County Commissioners postponing the zoning issue for 90 days, residents are hopeful that their concerns will be heard and that existing protections for Buxton Woods will be maintained. Fairbanks and other locals fear that lifting current restrictions could attract numerous developers eager to acquire land for large-scale projects between Frisco and Buxton.
As the community awaits further developments in the zoning discussion, the future of Buxton Woods—and the regulations designed to protect it—remains uncertain. Residents continue to voice their commitment to safeguarding the area’s natural beauty and recreational spaces for future generations.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Concerns about Proposed Zoning Amendment in Buxton
- Wikipedia: Zoning
- The Coastland Times: Controversial Wanchese Project
- Google Search: Zoning regulations North Carolina
- Dallas News: Frisco Parents’ Concerns
- Google Scholar: Land Use Planning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Management
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
