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Dear Editor,

I am writing to respond to the article, “Discussion continues for KDH dwelling regulations” in the October 23, 2024 edition of The Coastland Times. My name is Julie Owens Robinson and I own an historic Landmark cottage in KDH. I did speak during the public comment section of the commissioners meeting on October 9th. During my speech, I said the regulations were “too little, too late” for our family and other families like us who have already been negatively impacted by these huge special event houses. But I also said, “better late than never” in the hope that other families and owners of smaller cottages do not have to deal with these huge houses and the issues associated with them. The issues are real: the noise, lack of privacy, the bulky structures that block the breezes, the safety issues, increase in traffic, overcrowding on the beaches, and the obstruction of oceanfront views because of the excessive amounts of decks, tiki bars, and other structures on the dunes are real problems. All of these issues detract from the natural beauty and serenity of being near the ocean in Kill Devil Hills.

My biggest concerns, however, are safety concerns, and I believe the commissioners are addressing these concerns by considering the new regulations. Requiring an access lane for all houses with over eleven bedrooms regardless of setbacks is crucial. Emergency vehicles must have a way to access the houses in case fires or other emergencies occur. The commissioners are also looking at density and trying to address this problem by establishing a smaller floor area ratio requirement to limit the size of these houses.

I appreciate the efforts of the KDH planning department and the Board of Commissioners to research the problem, look for solutions, and try to balance the needs of small property owners with those of large scale developers. I sincerely hope the planning board will agree with the mayor that it is time to level the playing field between small property owners and large scale developers to improve the quality of life for all KDH residents and visitors.

Thank you,
Julie Owens Robinson, Elizabeth City

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