Commissioners approve commercial mixed‑use site plan at 2230 S. Croatan Highway

The town granted final approval March 4 to a proposed commercial group development at 2230 South Croatan Highway, allowing retail conversion of existing storage space, construction of a new detached retail/storage building and a 3,000‑square‑foot art gallery.

Planning Director Kelly Wyatt told the board the project was reviewed by the Planning Board in January and February; the revised architectural design addressed prior concerns about roof forms and introduced porch articulations, varied siding, and other elements that aligned with the town’s commercial design standards. Staff found the application compliant with code on lot coverage (54.3% of a 55% maximum), a 35‑foot height limit and the local elevation requirement for structures in the X flood zone (all new first‑floor elevations proposed at 11 feet or greater where 9 feet is required).

Wyatt also summarized parking compliance (79 on‑site spaces vs. 77 required after current reductions for bike racks) and presented buffering and landscaping plans with a compliant 25‑foot commercial transitional protective yard adjacent to residential properties. Stormwater, traffic circulation and wastewater approvals were referenced as complete in staff materials; the town engineer and Dare County wastewater staff had provided approvals shown in the packet.

Applicant representatives confirmed a sprinkler system will be installed in the newly connected building to meet fire code thresholds and said a state stormwater permit had been transferred to the new owner and was expected imminently.

Following staff presentation and limited board questions, a commissioner moved and the board approved the special‑use permit and subsequently approved the required findings of fact.