OBX Town Ordinances

Atlantic Realty wants your family to have the best Outer Banks vacation ever! To keep everyone safe, the local Towns have ordinances for the beaches and beyond. Below is a brief list of the rules and regulations set forth by each individual town in regards to the beaches. It's very important that visitor's heed the warnings and rules to avoid fines and keep everyone safe and happy on their Outer Banks vacation!

TOWN OF COROLLA

• Use of fireworks is prohibited.
• Pets are permitted on the beach year round but must be on a leash.
• Beach Bonfires are prohibited.
• Glass is prohibited on the beach.
• No overnight camping is allowed on the beach.
• Do not approach the wild horses.
• Driving is permitted on the beaches north of the paved road into Carova year round. Corolla Beach driving is permitted from October 1 through April 30th at designated beach accesses only. Speed limit is 25 MPH unless otherwise marked.
• ATVs are prohibited with the exception of residents and property owners.
• Motorized personal watercrafts (jet skis) are prohibited from being launched from the ocean beach. They are permitted, however, on the Currituck Soundside with a launch site available at the Whalehead Club.

TOWN OF DUCK

• Fireworks, beach fires and bonfires are prohibited
• do not set up beach equipment within 15 feet of the dune as this area is an emergency traffic lane for lifeguards and emergency vehicles.
• obey all lifeguard commands at all times

• please attend to and refill and holes dug in the sand
• Pets are permitted on the beach and may be unleashed if under the watchful eye of a guardian.
• All trash including pet waste must be disposed of in proper receptacles.
• Remove all personal items from the beach before 7pm or they may be discarded as litter.
• Lifeguards patrol the area from May 1st - October 31st from 10:00am to 6:00pm
• During peak summer months, lifeguard stands are manned at designated areas.
• No vehicles are permiitted on the beach between May 1 and September 30th
• Personal, motorized watercraft is prohibited on the ocean.
• Personal watercraft may be used on the Currituck Sound, but must be 900 feet from shore and is only permitted between the hours of 9:00am and 6:00pm.
• Do not climb or walk over the dunes -- use designated beach accesses
• do not swim when red flags are flying indicating water conditions are dangerous
• report stranded sea life or sea turtle nests to lifeguards and do not disturb

TOWN OF SOUTHERN SHORES

• Parking at the private beach parking lots require a parking pass.
• Use of the Town parks, tennis courts, playground and marina requires a Town parking pass.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Swimming is prohibited at the beach while red flags are flying.
• It is unlawful for any person to start or set fire of any kind on the beach.
• Lifeguards must be obeyed at all times.
• Disturbing the dune structure which includes playing, sliding, or climbing is prohibited.
• Beach digging that presents a dangerous condition or is left unattended is prohibited.
• Personal articles left on the beach between the hours of 5pm and 7am is prohibited and is subject to removal and disposal. This includes beach chairs, tents, cabanas, umbrellas, volleyball nets or any other personal items.
• Dogs are not permitted on the beach from May 15th through September 15th.

TOWN OF KITTY HAWK

• No Driving on the Beach.
• No glass containers on the Beach.
• No Fires on the Beach.
• Motorized Watercraft cannot be launched from the Beach.
• Surfers must use a leash with their boards.
• Absolutely no swimming when the red "No Swimming" flags are flown.
• Dogs are permitted on public beaches year round with the following restrictions: between Memorial Day and Labor day all dogs must be leashed at all times with leases not to exceed 6 feet in length. The rest of the year the leases must be retractable to 12 feet and dogs are permitted to play on the beach unleashed so long as they obey verbal commands and do not disturb others.
• All dogs in public places must have current rabies vaccinations and display a current vaccination tag.

TOWN OF KILL DEVIL HILLS

• Beach Driving is permitted October 1st through April 30th. Access only at designated beach accesses and speed limit is 25MPH unless otherwise indicated.
• Pets are permitted on the beach except between the hours of 9:00am and 6:00pm from May 15th through September 15th. All pets must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet in length.
• Beach bonfires are prohibited.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Lifeguards are stationed at just about every public access.  Heed all lifeguard warnings.
• Swimming is prohibited when red flags are flying
• Pick up all trash

TOWN OF NAGS HEAD

• Pets are permitted on the beach year round with leashes no longer than 10 feet.
• Beach driving is permitted from October 1 through April 30th with Town issued permit.
• Beach bonfires are permitted with permit obtained from the Nags Head Fire Dept
• Fireworks are prohibited