Custom Homes Beyond the Town Limits: Colington, Martin’s Point & Unincorporated Dare
Not every great Outer Banks lot sits inside a town. Colington and Martin’s Point are both on the sound side and both in unincorporated Dare County, with calm water, boat access and sunsets over the sound. Building here means working with the county’s rules instead of a town’s.
Why build in Colington or Martin’s Point
Colington sits just west of Kill Devil Hills on two islands, Little and Big Colington, with canal and harbour neighborhoods off Colington Road. Martin’s Point is a gated community just north of the Wright Memorial Bridge, on a point between Currituck Sound and Jean Guite Creek. Both suit boaters and anyone who wants the beach close by without living right on it.
Whether it’s a full-time home, a second home or a rental, we can help.
What building here involves
Both areas fall under Dare County rather than a town. The county requires a floodplain permit for a new home in every flood zone, even X zones, and sets its own elevation standard. Waterfront lots fall under the state’s CAMA shoreline rules, which keep new homes at least 30 feet back from the water. Martin’s Point has its own county zoning district and an architectural committee, and Colington Harbour has its own architectural review too.
How high will the house sit? Where does the septic go? What will the neighborhood approve? We’ll answer those for your lot before you commit to a design, and we handle the permits from there.
How we build in Colington and Martin’s Point
We’re based in Kitty Hawk, a short drive from both, so meeting you on your lot is easy. On a soundside lot, we turn the living space and decks toward the water and plan the house around the trees worth keeping.
You’ll get weekly updates during construction, and our Selections Coordinator helps you choose finishes that stand up to salt air. When the house is done, you get a 7-day punch list window and a 12-month walkthrough.
Common questions about building in Colington and Martin’s Point
Who handles permits in Colington and Martin’s Point?
Dare County, since neither is part of a town. We handle the permits for you, so you don’t have to.
How high does a new home have to sit?
It depends on your flood zone. In AE zones, Dare County requires 3 feet above base flood elevation, with an 8-foot minimum. We’ll tell you exactly what your lot needs.
Can I build a dock or pier?
Often, yes. Docks usually need state CAMA approval, and Martin’s Point and Colington Harbour have their own rules. We’ll talk it through for your lot.
Have a lot in Colington or Martin’s Point, or one in mind? We’ll walk it with you for free and talk through what it can support. Call 252-715-2731 or visit our Contact page.