The Town of Kitty Hawk’s Planning and Inspections Department is located at Town Hall and includes the Director of Planning and Inspections, Building Official, Administrative Zoning Technician, and Code Enforcement and Inspections Official.
The department is involved in commercial site plan reviews and can offer advice for residential projects.
How Zoning Code Works in the Town of Kitty Hawk
The Director works with the zoning code and advises clients on what is allowed on a piece of land. The you can find the zoning code in our Town Code.
You may download the planning department’s procedures for how to apply for permits and how to go through the proper avenues to building in Kitty Hawk. The document is in Adobe Acrobat format.
Fillable Zoning Complaint Form
Building Inspections
The Town’s Building Official reviews approved residential and commercial construction building inspections to ensure that the construction meets the codes mandated by the North Carolina Building Code.
Planning Department Staff
Robert Testerman, Director of Planning and Inspections
Robert “Rob” Testerman joined the Town of Kitty Hawk in December of 2014. Rob came to us with several years of experience in municipal planning in the State of Virginia for Accomack County as well as the Town of Cape Charles.
Mr. Testerman holds a BA in Public and Urban Affairs, Urbanization Planning, and Policy Concentration with a minor in Industrial Design from Virginia Tech. He also holds certifications from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), the North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials and is a Certified Floodplain Manager.
Rob enjoys spending time with his family and is often involved in youth sporting activities. He resides in Kill Devil Hills with his wife and son.
Email Rob at: rob.testerman@kittyhawknc.gov
Jessica Everett, Administrative Zoning Technician
Jessica Everett joined the Town of Kitty Hawk in December 2023. With a background as an administrative assistant, Jessica brings a wealth of experience in managing office operations.
Jessica holds an Associate’s Degree in General Education from the College of the Albemarle, which has provided her with a strong foundation in various subjects. With her skills and qualifications, Jessica is well-prepared to contribute to the success of the Town of Kitty Hawks Planning Department and serve its community with excellence.
Having spent her entire life vacationing here, Jessica followed her grandparents to the Outer Banks in 2010. She now resides in Manteo with her husband and two daughters.
Email Jessica at: jessica.everett@kittyhawknc.gov
Christian Antonis, Chief Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer
Christian Antonis joined the Town of Kitty Hawk as a seasonal employee in 2019. He was hired full time in the Public Works Department in 2020. In late 2023, he expressed interest in furthering his knowledge and experience in the Building Inspection field. He began in his role as Trainee in February of 2023 and was promoted to Chief Building Inspector in May of 2025.
Christian is a lifelong Kitty Hawk Resident and is actively pursuing the requirements to become a Certified Building Inspector.
He lives with his family in Kitty Hawk and enjoys spending time with family and riding motorcycles.
Email Christian at: Christian.antonis@kittyhawknc.gov
Helpful Planning & Inspection Links
- FloodSmart Insurance: Step by step guidance for determining your flood risk, understanding the National Flood Insurance Program, and help determining the level of flood insurance needed for your property.
- NC Floodplain Mapping Program Property owners can locate and view their property in realtion to flood zones.
- ReadyNC.org: Ready North Carolina provides information needed to prepare for all types of emergencies