RALEIGH — A Division of Coastal Management representative will be on hand in Nags Head this week to help Outer Banks property owners with CAMA permit requests for repairing storm damage.

The Outer Banks have been battered by two nor’easters in recent weeks, with Nags Head suffering extensive erosion and some building damage.

Coastal Management decided to station a representative in the town to help speed up storm permit requests, especially those for emergency sandbags, said Charles Jones, the Division’s assistant director for permitting and enforcement.

“With the amount of erosion reported in some areas, we expect that a number of people will want to install temporary sandbags to protect their homes,” Jones said. “This will make it a little more convenient for folks to get a permit.”

Under rules of the Coastal Resources Commission, property owners may install sandbags if erosion has reached within 20 feet of the foundation of their building or septic tank. Sandbags installed in Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills this month will be allowed to remain in place for up to five years, because the communities are pursuing a beach nourishment project.

Sandbags require a CAMA general permit. In most instances, the permit can be issued the same day it is requested. There is no fee for an emergency sandbag permit.

For more information, stop by the Nags Head Town Hall this week and ask to see the Coastal Management representative on duty. Or call the Town Hall at 919-441-5508.

Date Posted: February 12