2022 Land Use Plan Update Project

What is a Land Use Plan?
The Town of Southern Shores is updating its existing 2012 Land Use Plan through community engagement. The Land Use Plan will serve as a guide for elected and appointed officials and Town staff when making significant land use decisions and in directing public policy and investment. The development of this Plan will be driven by the community and will include the state-required elements of a CAMA Land Use Plan as well as consideration of local elements that preserve community character. 

The Town considered updating the Town’s Land Use Plan in 2017 and decided to wait until the Town Code Update project was complete. In 2019, the North Carolina General Assembly established Chapter 160D in the North Carolina General Statutes.  N.C.G.S. 160D-501 states that as a condition of adopting and applying zoning regulations, a local government shall adopt and reasonably maintain a comprehensive plan or Land Use Plan. 

The project schedule will be periodically updated so check back here often. Please sign up here for the Town Newsletter to keep abreast of announcements.

How can YOU get involved?
Over the next several months, the project will include many opportunities for providing input, including a community survey, and additional public meetings. For now, start thinking about and discussing the following with your family, neighbors, and friends:

• What do I love about Southern Shores?
• What can the Town do to make life better in Southern Shores?
  These might be large or small things. All perspectives matter and any information shared is appreciated.

Spread the Word
Please help spread the word by talking with your family, neighbors, and friends. In many communities, a land use plan update only happens every 5-10 years, so it is important to make your voice heard. You can also look out for information from the Town here or sign up here for the Town Newsletter.

Kickoff Public Open House
The Town held a Public Open House on November 15, 2022.  A Public Notice was posted on the Town website and was included in the Town’s bi-weekly electronic newsletter on November 4, 2022.  The Public Notice was also published in the November 2, 2022 and November 9, 2022 editions of the Coastland Times newspaper.

• 11-15-22_open_house_public_notice.pdf 
• 11-15-22_kickoff_day_agenda.pdf

The following materials were shared at the meeting:

• pm1_kickoff_ss_20221115.pdf 
• 11-15-22_lup_open_house_comment_cards.pdf 
• 11-15-22_lup_open_house_exhibits.pdf 
• 11-15-22_lup_open_house_sign_in_sheet.pdf (158 KB)

Joint Planning Board/Town Council Meeting
The Town Council and Town Planning Board held a joint meeting on November 15, 2022.  A Public Notice was posted on the Town website and was included in the Town’s bi-weekly electronic newsletter on November 4, 2022.  The Public Notice was also published in the November 2, 2022 and November 9, 2022 editions of the Coastland Times newspaper.

• 11-15-22 Joint PB & TC Mtg Public Notice
• PB_Council Joint Mtg. November 15 2022
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ttDT6XcFa8

Staying Informed
This webpage will be updated periodically as the project progresses. You may contact the Planning Department anytime for more information or to discuss any concerns. The Meeting Calendar will reflect on-going scheduling.

Request for Proposals and Contract
The Town posted a Request for Proposals to update the Town’s Land Use Plan on the Town website and NCPlan listserv on July 1, 2022.  Two proposals were submitted and the Town selected Stewart, Inc. on August 2, 2022.  The executed contract can be found here.

Public Survey Results
A public survey was available from December 9, 2022 through January 8, 2023 as part of the public input gathering process. View the results here.

4-26-23 Public Workshop

4-26-23 Public Workshop Boards
4-26-23 Public Workshop Presentation

4-21-23 Draft Land Use Plan
4-21-23 Draft Land Use Plan
Southern Shores Draft Comprehensive CAMA Land Use Plan Comments - The draft plan was presented at the public meeting held at the Pitts Center on April 26. If you were unable to attend, please view the materials and a presentation of the draft plan. Please submit your comments utilizing this link.

8-09-23 Special Meeting- Planning Board
8-9-23 Planning Board Special meeting request
8-9-23 Planning Board Special Meeting Notice

July 24, 2023 Draft Land Use Plan Update
7-24-2023 Draft land Use Plan

August 2, 2023 Draft Land Use Plan Update
August 2, 2023 Draft Land Use Plan Update

October 20, 2023 Draft Land Use Plan Update
October 20, 2023 Draft Land Use Plan Update

February 5, 2024 Draft Land Use Plan Update
February 5, 2024 Draft Land Use Plan Update

February 13, 2024 Draft Land Use Plan Update
February 13, 2024 Draft Land Use Plan Update