Ocean Sands properties are currently served by the Ocean Sands Water/Sewer District (OSWSD). This system will become part of the Southern Outer Banks Water System, but currently retains a separate rate and fee schedule.

Currituck County provides sanitary sewer service for over 1,000 sewer connections in the Ocean Sands development.  This service, established through the Ocean Sands Water and Sewer District, can treat 500,000 gallons per day of wastewater at the Ocean Sands Wastewater Treatment Plant.  The treatment plant was constructed in 1976 and will be replaced by a newer facility that will treat 600,000 gallons per day by Summer 2019.

Over 7 miles of underground piping and 8 lift stations make up the Ocean Sands wastewater collection system. Wastewater from homes flow through these pipes by gravity to a pump station.  The pump station then pumps it to the wastewater treatment plant where it gets treated and disposed.  Currituck County is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the collection system up to the homeowner’s property line.

The Currituck County Water Department administrative office provides billing and administrative services for the Ocean Sands Water/Sewer District.

The sewer treatment facilities are owned and operated by Currituck County Government.

Areas Served:

• Ocean Sands subdivision, in the following sections:
  D, E, F, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q
• Crown Point

As of May 2017, the system has 999 active connections.

Studies

Ocean Sands Water and Sewer District (OSWSD) Mast Plan Update – August 2008

The Master Plan update evaluates the infrastructure needs to meet the build out water and sewer demands for the existing OSWSD and the undeveloped areas of Ocean Sands under the following scenarios:

• Alternative 1: Sections G and T are integrated into the OSWSD.
• Alternative 2: Sections G and T develop separately and must meet their own water and sewer needs separate from the OSWSD.

Ocean Sands Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade – January 2017

Upgrade of the existing treatment plant will be completed by January 2019.

Comprehensive Wastewater Master Plan for the Currituck County Southern Outer Banks – June 2011

Historically, wastewater on the Outer Banks has been managed by individual subdivisions. Due to
the challenges and concerns, Currituck County and Outer Banks Ventures (OBV) have decided to
evaluate the potential for regionalizing wastewater management on the Currituck Southern Outer
Banks. The purpose of this Comprehensive Wastewater Master Plan is to evaluate the feasibility of
a regional wastewater utility to serve the Currituck Southern Outer Banks.

Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

The purpose of the Unified Development Ordinance (PDF) is to protect the

• public health
• safety
• and general welfare

of the citizens and landowners of Currituck County; and to implement the policies and objectives of county-adopted plans addressing the county’s growth and development.

Currituck County current Unified Development Ordinance was last amended on June 7, 2024.

• Table of Contents (PDF)
• Chapter 1 – General Provisions (PDF)
• Chapter 2 – Administration (PDF)
• Chapter 3 – Zoning Districts (PDF)
• Chapter 4 – Use Standards (PDF)
• Chapter 5 – Development Standards (PDF)
• Chapter 6 – Subdivision and Infrastructure Standards (PDF)
• Chapter 7 – Environmental Protection Standards
• Chapter 8 – Nonconformities (PDF)
• Chapter 9 – Enforcement (PDF)
• Chapter 10 – Definitions and Measurements (PDF)
• Table of Amendments (PDF)

Zoning Map

The zoning map represents zoning designations as listed in the Currituck County Unified Development Ordinance and approved by the Board of Commissioners.  For property specific zoning information, the Interactive Online Mapping should be accessed.

Administrative Manual

The administrative manual (PDF) is intended to assist in the administration of the Unified Development Ordinance.  The manual consolidates information in the development review process and helps applicants understand the procedures and requirements.  In an effort to ease the review process, the manual also includes:

• application forms,
• review checklists,
• and submittal and fee schedules.

Stormwater Manual

The stormwater manual (PDF) is intended to provide guidance in appropriate BMP selection, design criteria to meet stormwater regulations, and proper BMP maintenance.  The manual also includes:

• required forms,
• submittal checklists for stormwater plans,
• and guidance for determining runoff rates.

*Note: the items under the Design Checklists is in Excel.