Southern Shores public meetings in 2025

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board will meet on December 15, 2025, to review a zoning text amendment (ZTA-25-06) submitted by the Southern Shores Civic Association. The amendment proposes changing the town’s fence height limit for community recreational facilities across all zoning districts. The meeting includes procedural items, public comment periods, and member comments.

• ZTA-25-06: Zoning text amendment to amend fence height limits for recreational facilities in all zoning districts

The Planning Board reviewed ZTA-25-06, a zoning text amendment proposed by the Southern Shores Civic Association to allow fences up to 10 feet for community recreational facilities, up from the current 6-foot limit. The board voted to modify the amendment language to require transparent chain-link fencing, and the motion carried. The amendment will go to the Town Council for final approval. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved minutes of October 20, 2025 meeting
• Modified ZTA-25-06 to require transparent chain-link fencing for community recreational facilities (motion carried)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is holding its regular meeting with a consent agenda covering routine items like minutes approval, budget amendment #18, appointments, and tax releases. The main substantive item is a new business consideration of the speed limit on NC12/Duck Rd. The meeting also includes staff reports and public comment.

• Budget Amendment #18
• Consideration of speed limit on NC12/Duck Rd.
• Appointments: Community Action Team, HLC, County & Regional Committees
• Contract clarification on earned vacation time for Town Manager
• Employee recognition for years of service

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council will meet to approve budget amendments, award a cemetery irrigation contract, and hold a public hearing on a town code amendment regarding development reconsideration and fence/retention wall permit requirements. Staff reports and public comment are also scheduled.

• Budget Amendment #15
• Budget Amendment #16
• Contract for Fire Protection Services - Martins Point Tax District
• Award of Cemetery Irrigation Proposal & Budget Amendment #17
• Public Hearing on TCA-25-01 (Town Code Amendment for development reconsideration and fence/retention wall permits)

The Town Council approved a budget amendment of $19,000 for cemetery improvements and authorized the town manager to contract with the low bidder, Daniels Irrigation, for $16,950. The council also approved two other budget amendments: one recognizing a $5,000 NCLM grant for a new message board, and another recognizing the sale of an administrative vehicle to fund pay and workforce studies. Additionally, the council held a public hearing and considered a text amendment to delete Section 1-14 and amend Section 6-5 of the Town Code, but the minutes do not record a final vote on that item.

• Approved budget amendment #17 for $19,000 for cemetery irrigation and beautification
• Authorized town manager to contract with Daniels Irrigation for $16,950
• Approved budget amendment #15 recognizing $5,000 NCLM grant for message board
• Approved budget amendment #16 recognizing $8,600 from sale of admin vehicle for studies

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board will consider a town code amendment (TCA-25-01) that would remove requirements for reconsideration of disapproved development and amendment requests, clarify when building permits are needed for retaining walls, and eliminate the building permit requirement for fences. The board will also approve minutes from prior meetings and hear public comments.

• TCA-25-01: Amend Town Code Section 1-14 to remove reconsideration requirements for disapproved requests
• TCA-25-01: Amend Town Code Section 6-5 to clarify building permit requirements for retaining walls
• TCA-25-01: Remove building permit requirement for fences
• Approval of minutes from June 16, 2025 and August 18, 2025 meetings

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council will meet to approve minutes from prior meetings, consider two budget amendments, and receive an annual audit presentation. The meeting includes a public hearing on a landmark designation for 39 Ocean Blvd. and a discussion about the Dare Housing Foundation and a councilmember appointment.

• Minutes approval for August 5 and September 2, 2025
• Budget Amendment #13
• Budget Amendment #14
• Public hearing on LDA-25-01 for 39 Ocean Blvd. landmark designation
• Discussion of Dare Housing Foundation and councilmember appointment

The Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance designating the flat-top structure at 39 Ocean Blvd. as a historic landmark, following a public hearing and a unanimous recommendation from the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Council also appointed Mayor Pro Tem Matt Neal as the town's representative to the Dare Housing Foundation. The meeting included a clean audit presentation, staff reports, and a first-quarter budget update, but no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved ordinance designating 39 Ocean Blvd. as historic landmark (unanimous)
• Appointed Mayor Pro Tem Matt Neal to Dare Housing Foundation (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and Budget Amendments #13 and #14 (unanimous)
• Appointed Council Members Neilson and Sherlock to Paul Gamiel's Hill Life Saving Station historic designation committee (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council will review staff reports, project updates, and public hearings at this meeting. Key items include a proposed 2027 beach nourishment project, a zoning text amendment (ZTA-25-05), and a tourism impact grant. The council will also discuss potential changes to meeting times.

• Proclamation for Diaper Need Awareness Week (September 15–21, 2025)
• Public Hearing-ZTA-25-05 for zoning text amendments on reconsideration of disapproved developments
• Proposed 2027 Beach Nourishment Project—permitting and design proposals
• Tourism Impact Grant discussion
• Review of Budget Amendment #21

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of ZTA-25-05, a zoning text amendment establishing rules for reconsidering denied development applications and formalizing text amendment procedures. The recommendation includes terminology changes suggested by board members. The board also approved the agenda, elected officers, and approved the May 19, 2025 minutes.

• Approved agenda unanimously
• Elected Andy Ward as Chair unanimously
• Elected Jan Collins as Vice Chair (3-1, opposed by Collins)
• Approved May 19, 2025 minutes unanimously (4-0)
• Recommended approval of ZTA-25-05 with terminology changes unanimously (4-0)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and budget amendments, and receiving staff reports on permits, e-bikes, and ocean rescue. They will also hold a public hearing on financing a fire truck, consider a contract for beach nourishment design services, and discuss a hazard mitigation grant application. A closed session is scheduled for attorney-client matters and the town manager's evaluation.

• Public hearing on fire truck finance
• Design and environmental permitting services for 2027 Beach Nourishment Project
• Application for Advance Assistance under Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
• Budget amendments (encumbered funds)
• Swearing in of Officer Varon, intro of Deputy Chief Jones, recognition of Corporal Brickhouse

The Town Council held a public hearing and approved financing for a 2022 E-One fire ladder truck in the amount of $665,840.71, with a 4.948% interest rate and six remaining payments of $125,269.84. The council also authorized the Town Manager to execute documents for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Advance Assistance application for a stormwater project with the Town of Duck. Ten budget amendments were approved to cover prior fiscal year expenses, including street light replacement, town building upgrades, police vehicle equipment, and beach monitoring.

• Approved financing of 2022 E-One ladder truck for $665,840.71 (public hearing held)
• Authorized Town Manager to execute Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Advance Assistance application for stormwater project with Town of Duck
• Approved Budget Amendment #1: $2,245 for street light replacement at 11th Avenue
• Approved Budget Amendment #2: $121,517 for town building upgrades
• Approved Budget Amendment #3: $8,950 for E. Dogwood St. project survey
• Approved Budget Amendment #4: $4,600 for trash roll back services for July and August
• Approved Budget Amendment #5: $35,292 for police vehicle equipment
• Approved Budget Amendment #6: $59,918 for town hall doors and electronic access

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is holding a regular meeting with public hearings on a zoning text amendment and a $4.9 million debt obligation to finance the fire department building. The council will also consider resolutions opposing offshore drilling and ferry tolls, and make appointments to the Historic Landmarks Commission and Planning Board.

• Public hearing on $4.9M installment financing for fire department building at 15 S. Dogwood Trail
• Public hearing on zoning text amendment ZTA-25-04 to add 90-day exemption for property owners
• Resolution #2025.07.01 opposing offshore drilling, seismic testing, and leasing
• Resolution #2025.07.02 opposing ferry tolls
• Appointments to Historic Landmarks Commission and Planning Board

The Southern Shores Town Council unanimously denied ZTA-25-04, a zoning text amendment that would have created a 90-day exemption for property owners to seek governance under the Town Code prior to June 6, 2023. The council also unanimously adopted Resolution #2025.07.03, authorizing the filing of an application with the North Carolina Local Government Commission to assume the fire department's debt obligations. Several board appointments were made, including to the Historic Landmarks Commission and Planning Board.

• Denied ZTA-25-04 zoning text amendment (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #2025.07.03 for LGC financing application (5-0)
• Authorized town manager to sign ladder truck loan documents (unanimous)
• Appointed Jennifer Adams-Falconer to Historic Landmarks Commission (unanimous)
• Reappointed Jan Collins to Planning Board (unanimous)
• Appointed Michael Zehner as regular Planning Board member (unanimous)
• Appointed Charles Ries as first alternate Planning Board member (unanimous)
• Appointed Natalie Painter as second alternate Planning Board member (unanimous)

Historic Landmarks Commission

The Southern Shores Historic Landmarks Commission will hold its regular meeting on June 24 at 9:00 AM in the Pitts Center at Town Hall. The body will review a designation report for 39 Ocean Blvd and consider approval of minutes from the May 28, 2024 meeting.

• 39 Ocean Blvd designation report review

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board will consider a zoning text amendment (ZTA-25-04) that would create a 90-day exemption for property owners in all zoning districts to submit applications to seek governance under the Town Code before June 6, 2023. The meeting also includes approval of the agenda and minutes from the April 21, 2025 meeting, public comment periods, and board member comments.

• ZTA-25-04: Zoning text amendment to amend Town Code Section 36-362(b) for a 90-day exemption
• Application submitted by Anthony S. Mina
• Public comment periods (two) on the agenda
• Approval of minutes from April 21, 2025 meeting

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is meeting to consider the Town Manager's recommended budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, with a public hearing and a vote on the budget ordinance. The agenda also includes a zoning text amendment public hearing, a beach monitoring proposal, and routine consent agenda items like tax pickups and a budget amendment.

• Public Hearing: Town Manager's Recommended Budget FY 2025-2026
• FY 2025-26 Budget Ordinance #2025-06-01
• Public Hearing: ZTA-25-03, zoning text amendment to Town Code Section 36-300
• 2025 Annual Beach Monitoring Proposal and Pre-Permitting/Sediment Analysis Proposal
• Consent agenda: Pickups & Releases (Taxes) and Budget Amendment

The Town Council adopted the FY 2025-26 budget ordinance, setting a property tax rate of $0.188 per $100 valuation, which includes a beach nourishment tax of $0.0251. The budget appropriates $11,796,772 for the General Fund. The Council also approved three budget amendments, including transferring $578,469 to the Capital Reserve Fund for streets and $90,000 for beach nourishment. Additionally, the Council set a public hearing for July 8 to consider a resolution for the Local Government Commission regarding the fire department loan, and approved a motion to accept the 2025 beach monitoring proposal from Coastal Protection Engineering.

• Adopted FY 2025-26 budget ordinance with $0.188 tax rate (including $0.0251 beach nourishment tax)
• Approved Budget Amendment #28: $75,000 increase for legal services and insurance
• Approved Budget Amendment #29: transferred $578,469 to Capital Reserve Fund for streets
• Approved Budget Amendment #30: $3,505 for canal maintenance repairs
• Set public hearing for July 8 on LGC resolution for fire department loan
• Approved 2025 Annual Beach Monitoring and Pre-Permitting/Sediment Analysis proposals from Coastal Protection Engineering ($35,639.25)
• Approved ZTA-25-03 to reestablish guiding standards for Special Use Permits

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board is meeting to consider a zoning text amendment (ZTA-25-03) submitted by the town. The amendment would revise Town Code Section 36-300 to reestablish guiding standards for Special Use Permit decisions. The board will also take public comment and handle routine procedural items.

• ZTA-25-03: Zoning Text Amendment to amend Town Code Section 36-300 regarding Special Use Permit standards
• Public comment periods (two) for resident input

The Southern Shores Planning Board voted unanimously to approve ZTA-25-03, a zoning text amendment that reestablishes guiding standards for Special Use Permit decisions in Town Code Section 36-300. The amendment adds a new standard protecting adjoining property values and was directed by Town Council as part of a code modernization effort. The board also discussed commercial design standards and a wastewater facility, with staff to follow up on both topics.

• Approved ZTA-25-03 to reestablish guiding standards for Special Use Permit decisions (unanimous)
• Approved the May 19, 2025 meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:56 PM (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is meeting to consider several items, including a recommended FY25-26 budget, a zoning text amendment, and a pavement project bid award. They will also vote on a resolution opposing state legislation that would limit municipal planning authority, and hold a public hearing on the zoning change.

• Public Hearing on ZTA-25-02, a zoning text amendment to Section 36-414
• Manager's Recommended Budget FY25-26 presented; public hearing to be set
• Resolution in Opposition to HB 765 and similar legislation
• Pavement Project Bid Award
• Fee Schedule Amendment for credit card convenience fee

The Town Council authorized a $280,670 contract with Fred Smith Company Construction for a 2-inch mill and fill pavement resurfacing project on Spindrift Trail, Wild Pony Lane, and Landfall Loop. The Council also denied ZTA-25-02, a zoning text amendment that would have created a 90-day exemption from certain zoning requirements for property owners, affirming the denial was consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Council adopted an updated fee schedule and a budget amendment for Public Works, and passed a resolution opposing House Bill 765 and similar legislation that would limit municipal planning and zoning authority.

• Authorized $280,670 pavement contract with Fred Smith Company Construction
• Denied ZTA-25-02, zoning text amendment for 90-day exemption from zoning requirements
• Adopted updated Town fee schedule
• Approved Budget Amendment #27 recognizing $7,200 revenue and $7,200 in expenditures for Public Works
• Adopted resolution opposing HB 765 and similar legislation to strip municipal planning and zoning authority

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board is meeting to approve minutes, an order, and to discuss a zoning text amendment. The main item is a proposed amendment to Town Code Section 36-414 that would give property owners a 90-day exemption to submit applications before new ordinance amendments take effect.

• ZTA-25-02: Zoning text amendment by Anthony S. Mina to amend Section 36-414 for a 90-day application exemption
• Approval of minutes from 1/29/2025 and 3/19/2025 special meetings
• Approval of APA-25-01 Order

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a special budget work session to review the Budget Officer's draft projected General Fund revenues and expenses for FY 25-26. This is a preliminary review; the proposed budget will be filed May 6, 2025, with a public hearing scheduled for June 3, 2025, and adoption required by July 1, 2025. The Council may direct changes to the draft before it is filed.

• Review of draft projected General Fund revenues for FY 25-26
• Review of draft projected General, Cemetery, and Capital Reserve Funds expenses for FY 25-26
• Public hearing on proposed budget set for June 3, 2025
• Budget adoption deadline July 1, 2025

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council will meet to discuss and vote on several resolutions, including one encouraging state housing authority expansion for local employees, and a memorandum of agreement to transition the Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Department into a municipal fire department. The council will also consider a bid award for the Town Hall building renovation and a change order for the Trinitie Trail Bridge project.

• Resolution #2025-0403: Encouraging state legislature to expand housing authority for local government employees
• MOA: Transition Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Department to a municipal fire department
• Bid Award: Town Hall Building Renovation
• Change Order: Trinitie Trail Bridge project
• 2025 Audit Contract and Engagement Letter (year 3 of 3)

Planning Board

The Planning Board, acting as the Board of Adjustment, dismissed Anthony S. Mina's appeal (APA-25-01) of the zoning administrator's denial of his January 6, 2025 request to subdivide 75 E. Dogwood Trl. The dismissal was based on the Town's Amended Motion to Dismiss, citing res judicata and the expiration of the 30-day appeal window from the July 16, 2024 denial of similar applications. The Board also denied all of Mina's preliminary motions, including requests to recuse members and preclude the hearing, and voted unanimously to keep Chairman Ward and member Collins on the panel.

• Dismissed appeal APA-25-01 (unanimous) on res judicata and statute of limitations
• Denied motion to recuse Chairman Andy Ward (4-0, Ward abstaining)
• Denied motion to recuse Jan Collins (4-0, Collins abstaining)
• Denied motion to ban Hornthal, Riley, Ellis & Maland as Town counsel (unanimous)
• Denied motion to disengage Board attorney Jay Wheless (unanimous)
• Denied motion to prohibit Town spending on the hearing (unanimous)
• Denied motion to sanction the Town and Wes Haskett (unanimous)
• Denied motion to preclude the hearing and approve the subdivision (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is holding a retreat to discuss a wide range of topics, including fire service levels, stormwater projects, community access, and planning issues. The agenda is ambitious and items may be rearranged or not discussed. No formal decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and planning session.

• Fire Study Report discussion
• BRIC Grant for stormwater project at 13th/Sea Oats
• Hickory / Wax Myrtle stormwater project
• Discussion of tree ordinance, speed limit on Route 12, and facility master planning
• Entry Corridor Committee update and non-conforming lots

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is meeting to handle routine business, including budget amendments, approval of the 2025-2026 GEAC budget, and minutes. They will also hear a presentation on the 2024 Dare Community Housing Task Force report and consider adopting the Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, as well as review findings from a fire department consultant.

• Budget Amendment #25 (Cemetery)
• Budget Amendment #26 (13 Skyline)
• Resolution #2025.03.01 supporting legislation to restore zoning authority to local governments
• Consideration of Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
• Southern Shores Fire Department Consultant Findings

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council will hold a public hearing to decide whether to extend a ban preventing Anthony Mina from accessing all town-owned facilities. This special meeting is procedural and focuses solely on this single business item.

• Public hearing on Anthony Mina's extended ban from all town-owned facilities

The Southern Shores Town Council held a special meeting to consider extending a temporary ban on Anthony Mina from all town property. After hearing evidence of threatening emails, the council voted unanimously to extend the ban for one year, with the possibility of review after that period. Mr. Mina did not attend the hearing but submitted a written statement.

• Extended temporary ban on Anthony Mina from all town property for one year (unanimous)
• Amended motion to allow Mr. Mina to request review after the one-year ban (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is holding a regular meeting with a public hearing on a zoning text amendment (ZTA-25-01) that would revise rules for developing and selling nonconforming lots and their recombination. The council will also consider budget amendments, a resolution supporting an update to the Beach and Inlet Management Plan, and other items like a cemetery amendment and a lease to a nonprofit.

• Public Hearing: ZTA-25-01 to amend Town Code Section 36-132(a) on nonconforming lots
• Budget Amendment #23 for Commercial Garbage Collection
• Budget Amendment #24 for Feasibility Study
• Resolution #2025.02.01 supporting update to 2016 Beach and Inlet Management Plan
• Lease & Resolution for conveyance to non-profit organization

The Southern Shores Town Council unanimously approved ZTA-25-01, a zoning text amendment that allows construction of a single-family dwelling on two or more adjacent nonconforming lots under certain conditions, specifically addressing three lots owned by Garrison Beach, LLC. The council also approved cemetery ordinance amendments (TCA-25-01), a change to council rules reducing public comment periods, and resolutions to lease town property to non-profits. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved ZTA-25-01 zoning text amendment (unanimous)
• Approved TCA-25-01 cemetery ordinance amendments (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Council Rules of Procedure (unanimous)
• Approved resolutions #2025-02.02 and #2025-02.03 to lease property to non-profits (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including budget amendments and BIMP resolution (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially act on a zoning text amendment (ZTA-25-01) that would revise rules for developing and selling certain nonconforming lots, including those with recombination, in all zoning districts. The meeting includes public comment periods and approval of prior minutes.

• ZTA-25-01: Amendment to Town Code Section 36-132(a) on nonconforming lot exemptions and requirements
• Revisions to recombination requirements for nonconforming lots of record
• Approval of minutes from October 21, 2024 and November 18, 2024

The Southern Shores Planning Board unanimously approved ZTA-25-01, a zoning text amendment that creates a new exemption to the town's recombination requirement for nonconforming lots. The amendment allows a single-family dwelling and customary accessory building on two or more adjacent nonconforming lots as a single development site under specific conditions, prompted by an appeal from Garrison Beach LLC regarding lots 43, 44, and 45 on Dolphin Run. The board voted to send the amendment to the town council for final decision, with some members expressing reluctance but supporting the intent.

• Approved ZTA-25-01 as written and discussed, sending to town council (unanimous)
• Approved agenda for January 29, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved October 21, 2024 meeting transcript as written (unanimous)
• Approved November 18, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:51 PM (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is holding a special meeting with a single business item: a closed session under North Carolina law for attorney-client privilege. No other business is scheduled, and the meeting is expected to adjourn after the closed session.

• Closed session under G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) for attorney-client privilege

The Southern Shores Town Council held a special meeting solely to conduct a closed session under attorney-client privilege. Upon returning to open session, the mayor announced that the council, by consensus, directed the town attorney to take action consistent with attorney-client privilege. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Entered closed session under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) for attorney-client privilege (unanimous)
• Directed town attorney to take action consistent with attorney-client privilege (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:55 PM (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is meeting to handle routine business including consent agenda items, staff reports, and public comments. Key items include a vote on the NC League of Municipalities legislative goals, a fire department unification feasibility study, and updates on the Juniper/Trinitie Trail Bridge Project.

• Resolution 2025-0101 for SSPD Deputy Chief Slegel's retirement
• Budget Amendment #21 recognizing donation revenues
• Budget Amendment #22 for GL Insurance PD Vehicle
• Fire Department Unification Feasibility Study
• Juniper/Trinitie Trail Bridge Project update

The council unanimously approved the top 10 NCLM legislative goals and authorized the town manager as voting delegate. It also approved a conflict-of-interest waiver to allow negotiations for relocating two homeowner associations to 13 Skyline Road. All agenda items, including consent agenda and closed session, passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda with added closed session (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including resolutions and budget amendments (unanimous)
• Approved Waiver Conflict of Interest Resolution for 13 Skyline Road (unanimous)
• Approved top 10 NCLM legislative goals and authorized Town Manager as voting delegate (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for attorney-client privilege (unanimous)