1. Town of Nags Head 2005-2006 CAMA Land and Water Use Plan
Board of Commissioners
Public Survey Update
June 7, 2006

2. Public Survey Last completed in 1996
Provides public input for key issues
Questions grouped by topics
Broad input on survey design
Mail to registered voters & property owners
Database of responses

3. Survey Details Targeted audience: 5,500 surveys distributed
Property owners & registered voters
5,500 surveys distributed
Tax records database
Voter registration list
1,009 responses returned (18%)
337 full-time residents
672 part-time or non-residents
Confidence Levels: 95%
Confidence Interval: (+/- 3 %)

4. Public Survey Topics Community Attributes Growth & Development
Community Facilities
Shoreline Management/Beach Erosion
Water Quality
Open Space and Natural Areas
Ocean Beach Access
Soundside Access
Offshore Fossil Fuel Exploration
Traffic and Transportation
Demographic information about respondents

5. Big Picture Results Vision is similar - no major changes
Preserve community character
Beaches / Beach access still important
Bicycle / Pedestrian issues
Vacation rental properties important
Vision is similar – no major changes:
We can say this because in the survey, the community attributes ranked most important included: Beaches, landscape, water quality, and single family homes…these are some of the attributes that we all attach to the current vision of Nags Head
There was not strong support for any major change in the character of the Town (ie intense resort development, urbanization, etc)
We will use these attributes highlighted in the survey as we consider revisions / refinements to the Town’s Vision Statement
Preserve community character
A variety of responses leads us to the conclusion that most respondents are concerned about recent development in Nags Head (pace, intensity, style, etc).
(Q5) 75% of respondents said that Nags Head was either “somewhat intense” or “too intense” with development
(Q6) – policies regarding regulation of private development: Although largest response group was “are about right” (38%), twice as many said “not restrictive enough (33%) compared to “are too restrictive” (16%)
(Q7&8) – 75% say that large SF rental properties are still an issue & majority say they should be regulated differently than non-rentals
Q9 – 50% say that SF size restrictions are not restrictive enough – 38% say “about right”
Q10 – building height regulation is important: 72% strongly agree, 18% agree
Q11 – 85% say preserve Historic Cottage Row
Q12 – 661 respondents said coastal design elements should apply to all new buildings
Beaches / Beach access still important
Beautiful beaches highest rated element of “what’s important” (Q1)
Beach nourishment most preferred management strategy for beach erosion
(Q34) specific amenities at beach access cited more often than more access locations
Bicycle / Pedestrian issues
Bike / pedestrian issues were highlighted in various questions on the survey –
(Q1) importance & performance,
(Q15) improvements in Beach Road area;
(Q34) need more bike racks at Ocean Beach accesses;
(Q41) increase # & quality of facilities around the Town;
(Q42) bike/ped facilities specifically along 158;
(Q43) – pay for safe routes for students to access NHES
Little support for fees / taxes to pay for increase services
Most replies indicated no support to pay for services:
(Q18) Parks & Rec facilities: 60% against – 25% for
(Q22) – only beach nourishment greater than 50% - perhaps because of out of town owners
(Q30) – improve water quality – support ranged from 30 to 35 percent
(Q36) – ocean beach access areas: 30 percent for; 60 percent against
(Q38) – soundside access / recreation: support around 40%
(Q43) – transportation – only safe routes to school for NHES students > 60%; around town trails ~ 50%
(Q45) – recycling – 27% for; 63% against
Little support for fees / taxes to pay for increased services

6. Public Outreach Meetings
OCTOBER 27, 2005:
Public workshop to kickoff project / solicit issues
JANUARY 19, 2006:
Review of key issues / survey input
June 2006:
Review of survey findings / prioritize key concerns
August 2006:
Board presentation to adopt vision

7. Town of Nags Head 2005-2006 CAMA Land and Water Use Plan
Board of Commissioners
Public Survey Update
June 7, 2006