Recent nor’easter conditions have caused significant erosion and damage to portions of Currituck County’s oceanfront dune system. The County is working with the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM) and other state and federal agencies to identify options for restoring damaged dunes, protecting coastal resources, and helping oceanfront property owners understand available permitting pathways.
Depending on site conditions, dune restoration may be possible by moving suitable sand already on the beach, bringing in compatible sand, or combining both approaches. In areas where storms have removed much of the loose beach sand, importing compatible sand may provide an alternative for rebuilding damaged dunes. All proposed work remains subject to applicable permits, environmental protections, and agency requirements.
Property owners whose homes are imminently threatened by erosion may qualify for the beach bulldozing exemption under 15A NCAC 07K .0103(b), provided all applicable criteria are met. Currituck County Planning & Inspections Department staff can assist property owners in determining whether the exemption may apply.
Generally, a home may be considered imminently threatened when its foundation or associated septic system is less than 20 feet from the erosion scarp, the steep edge where the beach or dune has eroded. However, the 20-foot distance is not the only consideration. Homes farther away, or in areas without an obvious erosion scarp, may also qualify based on conditions such as a flat beach profile or accelerated erosion.
Each property must be evaluated individually. Meeting the distance criteria does not automatically authorize beach bulldozing, and all applicable requirements must be satisfied. Swimming pools, dune decks, structural beach accessways, and other accessory structures do not independently qualify for this exemption simply because they are damaged or threatened by erosion.
Property owners who believe their home is imminently threatened should contact the County or DCM before beginning work to discuss eligibility, available options, and required approvals.
The appropriate permitting pathway depends on the location of the proposed work, the extent of erosion, and the type of activity being considered. Property owners should consult with the County or DCM before beginning any work.
- CAMA Minor Permit: May be appropriate for dune restoration involving compatible sand placement and certain beach bulldozing activities in the dry-sand beach area. These permits are processed and issued by the County’s Local Permit Officers in the Currituck County Planning & Inspections Department.
- CAMA General Permit: Under 15A NCAC 07H .1800, a general permit may be available for beach bulldozing between the high-tide and low-tide boundaries. Permits are processed and issued by the DCM Elizabeth City District Office. Contact Martin Mitchell at 252-621-6454 or Martin.Mitchell@deq.nc.gov.
- CAMA Major Permit: Beach bulldozing below the low-tide boundary requires a CAMA Major Permit and any other applicable state and federal authorizations. Contact Ron Renaldi, District Manager, at 252-621-6450 or Ronald.Renaldi@deq.nc.gov.
Beach bulldozing is generally restricted during the annual sea turtle nesting moratorium, which runs from April 1 through November 15. Property owners seeking to conduct beach bulldozing before the moratorium ends may need additional agency coordination and authorization.
The County can coordinate with DCM, which may consult the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine whether relief from the moratorium is available and what conditions may apply. An emergency consultation process may be available for qualifying projects.
DCM has indicated that sand placement for dune restoration is not affected by the beach bulldozing sea turtle nesting moratorium. However, all applicable permits and environmental requirements must still be met.
The County also requested activation of the Emergency General Permit under 15A NCAC 07H .2500 to provide a broader pathway for addressing storm-related beach and dune damage. The State has not indicated that it will activate the permit at this time.
The feasibility of dune restoration depends on site-specific conditions. Property owners should work with County staff and permitting agencies to evaluate:
- Sand availability and compatibility: Whether existing beach sand can be moved or compatible imported sand is needed.
- Beach and dune conditions: Whether the proposed work can meet applicable design and slope requirements.
- Available space: Whether restoration can be completed without encroaching on neighboring properties, obstructing public beach access, or damaging structures.
- Environmental protections: Whether sea turtle nests, shorebird nesting areas, protected wildlife, or other environmental constraints require additional review or protective measures.
Site-specific review may result in modifications to proposed work or additional permitting requirements. Approval of a particular approach is not guaranteed.
Oceanfront property owners considering dune restoration or beach bulldozing are encouraged to contact the Currituck County Planning & Inspections Department at 252-232-3055 or ccpz@currituckcountync.gov to discuss their property and available options.
When contacting the County, property owners should explain whether they are considering moving existing beach sand, importing compatible sand, or using a combination of both. Photographs showing current beach and dune conditions may also help staff evaluate potential approaches.
Property owners considering beach bulldozing before November 15 should contact the County as soon as possible to allow time for permitting and necessary agency coordination. Do not begin beach bulldozing, sand placement, or other dune restoration work until all required approvals have been obtained.
Currituck County recognizes the concerns recent storms have created for oceanfront property owners and will continue working with state and federal partners to identify practical options for restoring damaged dunes while protecting coastal resources.
