Land Use Plan Update: 2007 Citizen Opinion Survey

This project was commissioned by the Town of Kill Devil Hills to assess property owners’ opinions regarding land use issues and policies to be used as one tool for the 2008 Land Use Plan Update. ECU’s Center for Survey Research (CSR) administered the mail survey, entered and analyzed the data. The purpose of this report is to assist the Town in developing an updated Land Use Plan that reflects the support of those who own property in Kill Devil Hills.

The most common respondents were 50-59 years old, year-round residents who have own a single property West of US 158 and have lived in Kill Devil Hills for more than 20 years.

While the survey asked property owners about a variety of issues which affect the citizens and the Town, several issues emerged as critical to the majority of respondents. Concerns regarding water quality, the type and appearance of development, as well as providing for facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians were issues which held the attention of the public throughout this survey. In addition to tabulated results from the questionnaire, many people also voiced their opinions regarding these issues when posed the final two open-ended questions regarding a vision for the Town and when asked to articulate the most critical issues facing the Town.