After initially being presented at a prior meeting, at their last meeting in January, county commissioners approved some changes to the Unified Development Ordinance to clarify what the county means by “cupola.”

Planning director Laurie LoCicero showed some examples of cupolas on houses that have gotten out of hand, particularly in size and by becoming a part of the building rather than a feature on the roof.

The changes approved, that apply only to cupolas, limit the size of a cupola, or of multiple cupolas, to no more than ten percent of the footprint of the roof, or 200 square feet, which ever is less. The cupola may not be part of an outside wall, will sit on top of the roof and not extend below the midpoint of a roof’s ridge and eaves and may not be taller than 15-feet above the roof line.

As is allowed in the existing ordinance, cupolas, along with other structures such as church spires, chimneys, elevator shafts, water towers, rooftop antennas, solar equipment and other things remain exempt from the county’s height limit of 35-feet.

During public comment, local historian and vice president of the Currituck County Historical Society Barbara Snowden announced that the book chronicling the county’s history and historic buildings is available for purchase at all three of the county’s libraries (Barco, Moyock and Corolla), the Chamber of Commerce in Moyock and from any Historical Society member (or call 252-619-6991).

The book, called “The Goodliest and Most Pleasing Territory,” began in 2002 with a survey of buildings that were at least 50 years old and had historic significance. Photographs and information about many of those buildings are included in the book, along with historic data about how the county was first established and its story since then.

Although it wasn’t intended to be a first project of this year’s observance of the county’s 350th anniversary, the length of time to get the book completed turned out tying it to the anniversary, Snowden explained.

The book is a joint project of the Historical Society, the county’s Cooperative Extension Center and Currituck County. The hardback book sells for $60.

Commissioner Marion Gilbert added her thanks to Snowden for all she has done to preserve the county’s history.

County attorney Ike McRee was nominated to fill one of four vacancies on the Coastal Resources Advisory Council, a regional nomination supported by Dare County officials as well. The advisory council works with the Coastal Resources Commission on the protection and development of coastal resources through planning and regulation.

Commissioner Mike Hall commended the job the county’s emergency services director Mary Beth Newns has done as member of the Regional Local Emergency Planning Committee for Currituck and Dare counties.

Commissioner Mike Payment thanked everyone for their part in welcoming the Wounded Warriors to the county recently.

Board chairman Bobby Hanig noted that the dedication and passion people show for county history, just demonstrated at a work session prior to the meeting about the county’s historic boats, is one of the things that makes Currituck County great.

Giving the invocation at the start of the meeting was Rev. Jerry Cribb, pastor of Pilmoor Memorial United Methodist Church in Currituck, that was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.