Following the Nor’easter that swept along the East Coast over the weekend, Currituck County sustained localized damage across the Northern Outer Banks. The storm left sand dunes eroded, beach walkovers damaged, and debris, such as compromised sand fencing, scattered along the shoreline.
As cleanup efforts get underway, county officials urge both residents and visitors to exercise caution along the beach and avoid debris. Currituck County is working closely with a contractor to clear the shoreline as quickly as possible. In the meantime, public access may be limited in certain areas. Notably, the Barracuda beach walkover is currently closed for repairs, with an anticipated repair completion by Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Beachgoers are also urged to pay close attention to dune safety. While walking on sand dunes is strictly prohibited at all times, visitors are further advised not to walk, sit, or stand near or directly beneath dune faces. Loss of sand along the base has created an increased risk of sudden dune collapse.
For property owners who experienced storm damage, county officials remind the community to verify building permit requirements prior to commencing repairs. Non-structural residential repairs under $40,000, such as replacing siding, shingles, deck boards, or railings, do not require a building permit. However, any work involving structural members, including roof sheathing, joists, rafters, girders, or load-bearing elements, requires a permit regardless of the total cost.
Property owners needing to repair or replace a beach walkover must submit a Residential Building Permit Application through the county’s online portal at www.currituckinspections.com. Local Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) officers will review the filing to issue the appropriate CAMA exemption. To help staff identify storm-related requests and expedite processing, applicants should include “Post Storm Damage” within the description of work on their application.
If property owners are unsure whether proposed repairs require a permit or inspection, they are encouraged to call the Currituck County Permit Office at 252-232-3378 before beginning work.
