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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAMA Land Use Plan Update-1992The County of ' North Carolina � LAMA DCM COPY " _VWAY_X ` DCM COPY a lease do not remove!!!!! Division of Coastal Management Copy LAND USE PLAN UPDATE 1992 FINAL March, 1993 (Adopted by County Commissioners: March 1, 1993) Prepared by The Beaufort County Land Use Plan Advisory Committee and The Cox Company Urban Planners • Landscape Architects • Development Consultants Civil Engineers Charlottesville, Virginia The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Tj Y N�C �O U Tl G t�� V / J / N y`•.rGre..Ck /•/ a e] ,s`.0 75'.0' 01 Z v / .L. r c�\r• .?' e4P .' .A+. ? ... 'f• ,i= s ' + � ly,llryep,r ', \ Iva• t L? 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EJ LIMITED TRANSITION ,t's• CONSERVATION ,5 COMMUNITY TO BE EXTENDED AWNG ALL EXISTING ROADS 1992 CAMA LAND USE PLAN The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant pro%ided by the !north Carolina Coastal \ - 'ianagement Program, through funds proL•ided by the Coastal Zone Afanagement Act of 1972, aTHE COUNTY OF BEAUFORTs amended, � i �'�• + NORTH CAROLINA which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource ?Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 3 MAP SOURCE: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The County of Beaufort, 1 North Carolina 1 1 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE 1992 FINAL _ March, 1993 (Adopted by County Commissioners: March 1, 1993) ' Prepared by The Beaufort County Land Use Plan Advisory Committee and The Cox Company Urban Planners Landscape Architects Development Consultants Civil Engineers Charlo ttesville, Virginia ' The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and ' Atmospheric Administration. 1992 CAMA LAND USE PLAN ' THE COUNTY OF BEAUFORT, NORTH CAROLINA Table of Contents Chapter Page I. Introduction Introduction to the Planning Process I-1 ' The Coastal Area Management Act I-2 Establishment of Demographic and Land Use Data Base I-3 ' Establishment of Land Use and Environmental Goals Public Participation and the Planning Process I-3 I-4 II. Data Collection and Analysis Introduction II-1 Establishment of the Information Base II-1 Present Conditions: Population, Economy and Housing II-1 Economic Analysis II-3 Tables and Graphs II-6 M. Existing Land Use Summary of Existing Land Use III-1 Introduction III-1 Significant Land and Water Compatibility Problems III-2 Major Problems From Unplanned Development III-3 Areas Experiencing Major Land Use Changes III-3 Tables and Graphs III-5 IV. Review of Current Plans Local Plans IV-1 State Agency Plans IV-3 ' Federal Regulations IV-3 V. Constraints: Land Suitability Physical Limitations for Development V-1 ' Fragile Areas V-2 Areas With Resource Potential V-5 VI. Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis VIE. Estimated Demand I VIII. Goals, Objectives and Policies Introduction VIII-1 Planning Policies for Beaufort County VIII-4 Resource Protection VIII-4 Resource Production and Management VIII-10 Economic and Community Development VIII-15 Public Participation VIII-20 Storm Hazard Mitigation VIII-24 IX. Land Classification System Developed Areas _ IX-3 ' Urban Transition IX-4 Limited Transition IX-5 Community Areas IX-7 Rural Areas IX-7 Rural With Services IX-8 Conservation IX-9 Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation IX-11 t X. Relationships of Policies and Land Classification A -I. Appendix L• . Public Participation Plan A -II. Appendix II: Policy Critique Questionnaire ' A-IIL Appendix III: Estimated Water Demand Chart A -IV. Appendix IV: Additional Information and Statistics 1 i . 1 Chapter L Introduction 1 1 1 1 i 1 t 1 t t 1 The County of Beaufort Land Use Plan • 1992 1 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina 1 CHAPTER I: General Introduction 1 Introduction to the Planning Process The 1992 Land Use Plan is designed to be used as a guide for the physical development of Beaufort ' County focusing on the upcoming ten year timeframe. This Plan, along with responsible leadership in its implementation, provides a means by which the County's future growth can be successfully channeled and accommodated. The overall purpose of the Land Use Plan is to encourage the development of a safe, healthy, and economically sound living environment for the citizens of the County. The Land Use Plan focuses on those factors which contribute to or hinder proper growth and development, and identifies those areas in which the County government can have a positive impact. The Land Use Plan is not the gospel, but, rather, it is a document which presents the County government's best attempt at defining its "vision" for the future and suggests ways to attain that "vision." The attitudes and desires of County residents support the goals, policies and implementation recommendations which will be adopted into this document. The participation of 1 Beaufort County's citizens has been an essential contribution to setting the course for future land development and environmental conservation activities. By preparing a Land Use Plan which is integrally tied to its precedent goals, objectives and planning policies and yet incorporates future goals and objectives, the old adage that "it is not enough to be what we have been" is underscored. Towards this end, one of the initial steps in this planning process was to define these future goals, to translate those goals into objectives by which they would be realized, and to establish policies and strategies by which the goals can be implemented for the betterment of the community of interest. In arriving at the set of goals and objectives which have been recommended for the Beaufort County Land Use Plan, three major and distinct efforts were undertaken in order to ensure that the planning process proceeded along this rational line and with the assurance that the adoption of future land use recommendations would be constructed on a firm social, economic, moral and legal underpinning. The initial effort in this regard was to undertake a thorough review and analysis of all previous County plans and growth management documents. By carefully evaluating land use goals and objectives from earlier plans, the Land Use Plan Advisory Committee were able to assess the "suitability" and "workability" of past planning strategies. In doing so, past planning goals were then updated, refined and merged into the context of the current Plan's study requirements. Secondly, the Beaufort County planning process incorporated a range of citizens' input and participation opportunities which enabled all interested parties to express their visions and expectations for the future of the County. An extensive citizen's attitude survey was conducted as ' well as multiple work sessions with both public officials and private citizens. The consolidated findings were used by the County officials in making the final recommendations for the Plan. 1 77ie Cox Company Introduction • I-1 I 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County - North Carolina This effort complied with the requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act and other State guidelines affecting area -wide land use goals, objectives and implementation strategies for environmentally sensitive areas of the County's wetlands region. Thirdly, the County Advisory Committee, County Staff and its Consultants kept a goals -oriented 'vigil' during the development of the multi -faceted land use planning and growth management recommendations for the County. In doing so, ' they were able to maintain a high level of leadership and objective focus as the various aspects of this Land Use Plan were being developed and as numerous land use alternatives were evaluated. The result of this thorough goals -directed planning effort yielded a more consistent land use planning program and a more efficient framework for the future management of growth in Beaufort County. The Coastal Area Management Act The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974--commonly know as CAMA--established a cooperative program of coastal area management and planning between local governments and the State. Beaufort County has been an active and productive participant in the CAMA process since its inception. Land use planning lies at the center of Beaufort County's involvement with CAMA, inasmuch as it has provided County leaders an opportunity and responsibility to establish and enforce policies to guide land development on a 5-year cyclical basis. The State's CAMA legislation is very clear on its position regarding the importance of local planning: "Land development generally takes place as the result of decisions by private individuals and government. If left entirely to chance, the resulting pattern of development in a locality may well not be in the best overall community interest. In order to promote this community interest for both present and future generations, a land use plan is to be developed,. adopted and kept current by the local governments in the coastal area. The land use plan is a framework that will guide local leaders as they make decisions affecting development. Private individuals and other levels of government will also use the plan to guide their land use decisions. Use of the plan by these groups will lead to the more efficient and economical provision of public services, the protection of natural resources, sound economic development, and the protection of public health and safety. " Beaufort County's leadership, through the CAMA land use planning process, has addressed many issues and has adopted policies that serve to guide the development of the County. This process recognizes that many decisions affecting land development are made by other levels of government (regional, state, federal), and that local policies must take account of and harmonize with established state and federal laws. However, most land use decisions are primarily those of local relevance, concern and control. By comprehensively addressing these issues via the Land Use Plan, state and federal agencies will support the County's policies that deal with these issues. The Cox Company Introduction • I-2 1 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina These agencies will also use the County land use plans and policies in making project consistency, funding and permit decisions. It is important to note that in the absence of a regularly updated and adopted Plan, the County relinquishes a number of local decision making responsibilities to State and Federal agencies which may, or may not, have the best interest of Beaufort County's citizens at heart. ' Pursuant to the established guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act (as amended) the � g , Coastal Resource Commission rules for planning require the Land Use Plan to contain the rfollowing four basic minimum elements: ' a summary of data collection and analysis • an existing land use map • a land use and environmental policy discussion • a land classification map Establishment of a Demographic and Land Use Data Base: The data collection and analysis items required by CAMA are designed to establish the information base necessary to make policy choices about future land use and development in the ' County. These items have been formulated so as not to place unnecessary burden on the local planning resources. The data requirements can generally be fulfilled by utilizing existing local plans and studies including the previous Land Use PIan Updates, as well as information provided.; by the U. S. Census, regional planning bodies and State agencies. Establishment of Land Use and Environmental Goals and Policies The County's Land Use Plan is required by CAMA to contain statements of local policy on those land use issues which will affect the community during the upcoming ten-year planning period. ' The major issues should include, but are not limited to: • Resource Protection • Resource Production and Management • Economic and Community Development • Public Participation ' Storm hazard Mitigation Rather than incorporate additional topical areas for major issues, the Land Use Plan Advisory Committee has determined that the above categories are sufficient for this Plan Update. Other traditional planning topics such as transportation, recreation, education, employment and growth management controls have been integrated into the examination and discussions of the five major CAMA policy categories. It is critical that the County Land Use Plan ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that there is ' consistency among individual policies developed in each policy category.: Particular attention should be given to individual policies in the resource protection, resource production and The Cox Company Introduction • I-3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 t 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County* North Carolina management, and economic and community development categories. These three categories will often contain issues of overlapping as well as conflicting ideologies and philosophies. The result is that potentially competing and contradictory goals, policies and strategies must be forcefully addressed and sensitively resolved during the planning process. Public Participation in the Planning Process Public participation is the cornerstone of the planning process. In complying with CAMA planning guidelines, the Land Use Plan must document the means by which public involvement in the land use plan update was accomplished. As a minimum, the Coastal Resource Commission's (CRC) rules for planning mandate that the County's Plan must address the following public participation issues: • a description of means to be used for public education on planning issues, • a description of means to be used for continuing public participation in planning; and • a description of means to be used for obtaining citizen input in developing land use plan policy statements. In fulfilling these CRC requirements for public involvement, the County leadership has prepared policies based upon data analysis, land use inventories as well as detailed citizen input related to the best possible alternative for each land use issue. The Land Use Plan includes a description of the methods by which the County intends to implement its policy choices. In summary, all policies adopted by the County as a part of the Land Use Plan are designed to maintain consistency with the overall policy adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission. Tlie Cox Company 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina Chapter H: Data Collection and Analysis A. Introduction The 1992 Land Use Plan Update for the Beaufort County complies with the "Land Use Planning Guidelines" of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) Subchapter 7B as amended on October, 1989. This section of the Code outlines the requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) established in 1974. It also "sets forth general standards for use by the Coastal Resources Commission in reviewing and considering local land use plans." The first CAMA Land Use Plan for Beaufort County was prepared in 1976. The initial update was completed in 1982 and the second update was completed in 1987. The purpose of the update is primarily for the examination of existing policies and the evaluation of the relevancy and adequacy of their implementation techniques based on demographic and physiographic changes over the past five years. B. Establishment of the Information Base The following information base is provided in order to establish a statistical foundation for the formation of land use goals, policies and implementation techniques. Information on population, housing, economics and land use was obtained from a variety of reliable public and private sources. Most of the data related to demographics came from the most recent U.S. 1990 Census of Population and Housing. Additional data was acquired from State and Local sources such as the North Carolina Statistical Abstracts (see Appendix for complete listing). Windshield surveys and analysis of building permit data were conducted to verify existing land use patterns and classifications. Interviews and work sessions were conducted with various County Staff as well as elected and appointed officials. Information for the period preceding the 1987 Land Use Plan was obtained from that document and is presented herein for comparison with more recent statistics. C. Present Conditions 1. Population The County of Beaufort occupies an 827 square mile area of central coastal North Carolina. It has the eighth largest land area of any county in the State. The State is divided into 18 regions for regional planning purposes. Beaufort County is included in Region Q, together with Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt counties. Beaufort County's population of 42,283 makes it the second most populous county in its planning region; only Pitt County, with a population of 107,924, has experienced a greater growth rate over the past decade. The Car Company Dana COUwtion and Analysis • II-1 r 1 1 1992 N.AMALand Use Plan Beaufort County •North Carolina The main purpose of providing population projections in conjunction with the Land Use Plan is to establish a growth benchmark against which land use decisions may be tested. Such decisions will affect the type, mix and character of real estate growth as well as potential impacts of growth on Areas of Environmental Concern. The Plan also presents projections of population growth for the coming decade. While population forecasting is, at best, an "educated guess", it affords the County insight into future demands on the environment and public infrastructure. For example, projected 1985 population data included in the 1987 Plan is shown to be questionable when compared to the actual population trends supported by 1990 Census data. Currently, over half of all Beaufort County residents live outside of incorporated towns. The State's estimated figures for the County in 1985 depict a population increase of 312 persons between 1980 and 1985. The actual Census figures show an increase between 1970 and 1980 of 4,375 persons (10.8%) and between 1980 and 1990 of 1,928 persons (4.5%). The major growth fluctuation was the increase between 1970 and 1980. Other counties located within the planning region, Bertie, Hertford, and Martin, all experienced a moderate decline (approximately 5%) in total population in the past ten years. Table II-1 indicates the population changes for 1970 to 1990. According to the 1990 Census, Beaufort County's female population outnumbers its male by 5.6 percent. Projections to the year 2000 indicate a continuation of this pattern. This trend holds true for all of North Carolina as well. This female predominance is partially attributable to the . national demographic trend of females outliving males. Within the older age cohorts, the results of longer female lifespans are witnessed: Ages 65-69, 1,164 females to 863 males; ages 70-74, 1,005 females to 657 males and ages 75+, 1,791 to 840. The following figures indicate trends in the aging :.. patterns of men and women. The source is the 1990 U.S.Census. See Table II-2 for population figures by gender and Table II-3 for projected population. While the current data and projections show no drastic change in population age group percentages since the 1987 Plan's figures, a minor population aging pattern does emerge. Currently, the highest concentration of Beaufort County's residents occurs between the ages of 25 to 44. Combined with the fact that 36% of the population is 45 years or older, the aging pattern seems to reveal the need for maintenance and/or improvements to services and facilities for the elderly in the coming years. The racial composition of Beaufort County has been gradually shifting since 1970. The current non-white/white population ratio is 1:2.1. The number of non -whites has been decreasing by approximately 1 percent over the ten year census period; the majority of non -whites (98.9%) are Afro-American. ' 2. Population Summary The analysis of existing and projected population figures in the County of Beaufort suggests the ' following trends: The Cax Company Data Collection andAnalysis • H-2 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County - North Carolina a. A twenty year increase in County population totals, which began in 1970, continues to this date. The white population continues to increase by a small percentage. Females are projected to continue to outnumber males. b. The population emphasis is placed on the population cohorts of 25 to 44. As a result, increasing attention must be given to health services and recreational facilities, possibly resulting in the expansion of said facilities. c . The seasonal population fluctuation within the County appears to remain negligible. Therefore, it is unlikely that seasonal population increases should result in any appreciable revenue or commerce sources. 3. Housing According to the U.S. Census definition, a household includes all persons who occupy a single housing unit. A housing unit is defined as a single room or group of rooms occupied as a separate living quarter; single family detached homes, townhouse units, apartments, and condominiums are all considered single housing units. Persons living in group quarters or institutions, including hospitals, asylums and jails are not considered members of households. According to the 1990 Census, 98.6% of all persons in Beaufort County live in households, compared to the slightly higher figure of 99.4% in 1980. This percentage is higher, however, than the State- wide figure which rests at 96.6% for 1990. The average numbers of persons per household decreased from 2.82 persons in 1980 to 2.58 persons in 1990, a number slightly higher than the 1990 State average of 2.54. Two-thirds of all existing County housing was single family units in 1990, down from 80% of all housing units in 1980. The housing vacancy rate in Beaufort County stood at 17%, an increase of 10% over 1980 figures and higher than the State figure of 10.7%. The following information outlining household characteristics is taken from the 1990 U.S. Census profiles. Table II-4 lists housing characteristics from 1990. D. Economic Analysis 1. General The economy of Beaufort County is dominated by three employment categories: manufacturing, retail trade, and services. "Manufacturing" includes such tasks as textile and food production, logging, and printing. "Retail trade" is comprised primarily of merchandise and supply stores, restaurants, and gas stations. "Services" include hotels, insurance and real estate, business services, health care, and social services. In 1989, the manufacturing group accounted for nearly 5,633 persons in 1989, or 42.13 percent of the total labor force. In the same year, retail trade employed 3,097 persons, or 23.16 percent, of the total employed labor force, and services employed 2,400, or 17.95 percent of the labor force. Current -day figures should echo a similar distribution to the 1989 percentage divisions. As each individual firm's employment is classified into these categories according to its primary economic activity only, the classification is, at times, vague The Cav Company Data Collection andAnalysis - H-3 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina and therefore not always useful for planning data. Therefore, the three main categories mentioned above may be overstated at the expense of other categories not mentioned. The following table indicates the number of employees by place of work and was obtained from the 1989 (most recent) County Business Patterns document. Table II-5 presents figures under the subject employment by Place of Work. Unemployment figures in Beaufort County show minor fluctuations over the last five years. The unemployment rate dropped to a five year low of 4.6 percent in 1989. However, it rose to 5.4 percent in 1990, and this gradual increase is projected to have continued through the end of 1991. The unemployment figures are higher by slightly over one percentage point when compared to the State figure of 4.1 percent in 1990. 2. Commerce The number of business establishments operating in Beaufort County has fluctuated by no more than 2.3 percent annually since the 1987 plan. The recent trend indicates a steady increase in the number of establishments of about 1.5 percent between the years 1988 and 1989. Annual payrolls for all firms in the County have ranged from $188.5 million in 1985 to $214.6 million in 1989, the most current year for which data is available. The annual payroll increased between the years 1985 and 1987. It fell slightly between 1987 and 1988 and then rose again in 1989. The County's businesses have employed a varying number of persons from year-to-year as warranted by local economic conditions. These firms have employed from a high of 14,222 in 1987 to a low of 13,020 persons in 1988. Although experiencing an 8.4 percent drop between 1987 and 1988, the number of employees increased by 2.6 percent from 1988 to 1989. The gross retail sales increased from 1970 to 1988. They have decreased by a small percentage r . from 1989 to 1990. Currently, the County ranks second in retail sales within the planning district. For expanded statistical information see Table II-6 for Businesses, Employees and Payrolls, II-7 for Earnings of the Three Largest Industries and Table II-8 for Gross Sales by State Fiscal Year. 3. Tax Base The Beaufort County aggregate real estate values and personal property values have been increasing by approximately 2.5 percent per annum over the past ten years to a current -day level of ' $1,067,879,123 of real estate value and $709,886,506 of personal property value. Property is re- evaluated every eight years, the most recent evaluation being in 1986. Countywide taxes have also increased by as much as 20 percent annually as evidenced between 1990 and 1991. The Cax Company Data Collection andAnalgsis • H-4 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan 4. Employment Beaufort County • North Carolina Employment figures in Beaufort County show minor fluctuations over the last five years. Employment of the County's labor force increased by 1,754 persons between 1986 and 1988. It then fell by 459 persons from 1988 to 1990. During the last seven years, the unemployment level peaked in 1986 with 1,586 of the County's labor force participants being without jobs, for an overall rate of 8.3 percent. The lowest number of unemployed was in 1989, when there were 904 unemployed, a rate of 4.6 percent. By comparison, the unemployment rate for North Carolina was 5.3 percent in 1986 and 3.5 percent in 1989. As previously stated, the 1990 figures show a moderate rise in unemployment which rests at 5.4 percent for the County, compared to and 4.1% for the entire State. The labor force figures mentioned represent the employment status of the residents of Beaufort County. The Employment Security Commission also provides figures for employment by place of work. "Place of Residence" is defined as employment within the physical boundaries of Beaufort County. Further employment statistics may be found in Table II-9.This Table indicates labor force by place of residence, employed, unemployed and unemployment rate. 5. Tourism Recent travel expenditures in Beaufort County have decreased from $10.4 million in 1980 to $5.8 million in 1988, a decrease of 44 percent over the eight year period. Travel commerce represents slightly under half a percent of the State total in 1980 to nine one hundredths of a percent for 1988. It is apparent that while the State's Travel Expenditures continue to rise by nearly 7.6 percent yearly, the County figures are falling by just under half a percent over the same time frame. The County of Beaufort ranks a distant second to Pitt County in the planning region in both travel and tourism employment and expenditures. Just over 250 persons (1.2%) of the total labor force are employed by travel and tourism related industry. Table II-10 documents in chart form statistics on travel and tourism. 1992 CAMALand Use Plan Beaufort County • North. Carolina Table II-1 Regional Population - County 1970-1990 Population Change Population 1980-1990 Jurisdiction 1970 1980 1990 Persons Percent Beaufort 35,980 40,355 42,283 1,928 4.78 Bertie 20,528 21,024 20,388 -636 -3.03 Hertford 24,439 23,368 22,523 -845 -3.62 Martin 24,730 25,948 25,078 -870 -3.35 Pitt V 73,900 90,146 107,924 17,778 19.72 110,000 100,000 90,000 c 80,000 0 70,000 n 60,000 Q 50,000 a 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 Beaufort I . 1 The Car Company 1 Regional Population Bertie Hertford Martin Pitt County . 1992 CAMALand Use Plan Beauj'orl County • NortIz Carolina 1 Table II-2 ' County of Beaufort Population by Age: 1990 Age Cohort Male Female Total 0-4 years 1,420 1,346 2,766 5-19 years 4,787 4,587 9,374 20-24 years 1,209 1,258 2,467 25-44 years 5,941 6,439 12,380 45-64 yearsl 4,236 4,740 8,976 65 years and olderl 2,3601 3,960 _ 6,320 Total 19,953 22,330 42, .83 ' Percenta 47.19 52.81 100.00 North Carolina Age Cohort Male Female Total 0-4 years 233,576 225,379 458,955 5-19 years 703,101 671,190 1,374,291 20-24 years 288,510 265,446 553,956 25-44 years 1,064,393 1,087,093 2,151,486 45-64 years 611,002 674,606 1,285,608 65 years and older 313,708 490,633 804,341 i Vie Cav Company 1 Total 3,214,290 3,414,347 6,628,637 Percentagi 48.49 51.51 100.00 Data Collection andA aljsis • U-7 1992 CAMAL and Use Plan Beaufort County •North Carolina 1 1 Table II-3 ' Population Projections 1990-2000 ' Population Change 1990-2000 Jurisdiction 1990 2000" Persons Percent ' Beaufort 42,283 44,141 1,858 4.4 " Estimated 1 The Cox Company ' Data Collection andAnalysrs • H-8 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • Nortlt Carolina 1 ' Table II-4 Beaufort County ' Housing Characteristics: 1980 Total Persons 40,355 ' Persons in Households 40,193 Persons Per Household 2.82 Total Households 14,253 ' Total Single Family 12,501 Total Multi -Family 70' Mobile Home/Trailer n/a ' Total Vacant Units 1,539 Total Renter Occupied 3,786 ' Total Owner Occupied 10,467 Average Rent Asked $101 Average Price Asked $31,200 ' Table 11-4 Beaufort County Housing Characteristics: 1990 ' Total Persons 42,283 Persons in Households 41,704 ' Persons Per Household 2.58 Total Households 16,157 Total Single Family 13,131 ' Total Multi -Family 1,456 Mobile Home/Trailer 4,850 ' Total Vacant Units Total Renter Occupied 3,441 4,184 Total Owner Occupied 11,973 ' Average Rent Asked Average Price Asked $201 $53,931 The Cox Company Data Collection andAnaljsis • H-9 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • Norllt Carolina Table 11-5 Employment by Place of Work: 1989 Labor Force Statistics for the County Employment Sector Beaufort County Employees % of Total North Carolina Employees % of Total Ratio (%) County/State Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing 508 2.7 12,571 0.48 4.04 Mining 1,200 6.3 3,912 0.15 n/a Construction 479 2.5 156,790 6.04 0.31 Manufacturing 5,633 29.8 868,534 33.45 0.65 Transportation & Public Utilities 414 2.2 145,984 5.62 0.28 Wholesale Trade 777 4.1 154,294 5.94 0.50 Retail Trade 3,097 16.4 527,271 20.31 0.59 Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 431 2.3 134,832 5.19 0.32 Services 2,473 13.1 573,484- 2109 0.43 Unclassified Establishments 1 725 3.8 18,640 0.72 1 3.89 Total 15,737 U3.2 2,5Vb,372 Iuu.uV Not Reporting and Others 3,184 16.8 Total Employment 18,921 100.00 Labor Force 19,820 Unemployed 899 Rate of Unemployment 4.6 Unclas. Estab. Services -& Fin, Ins, & Re Es ° Retail Trade Wholesale Trade o Trans & Util a) Manufacturing CL Construction I>1 Mining Ag, For, & Fish 0 77W cox compa,iy Beaufort Co. Employment by Place of Work 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 Number of Persons Daly Collection mulAnaljsis • II-10 ' 1992 CAMA,Land Use Plan Beaufort County • Nortlt Carolina 1 ' Table 11-6 Beaufort County Businesses, Employees and Payrolls ' 1985-1989 Number of Number of Year Establishments Employees 1989 996 15,737 ' 1988 1987 982 958 13,020 14,222 1986 968 13,275 1985 945 13,134 Number of Employees 1985 ' 1986 1987 ' 1988 1989 10,000 11,000 12,000 13,000 14,000 15,000 16,000 Number ' The Cax Comity Data Coll wilon and Analysis • II-11 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • Nortla Carolina Table 11-7 County of Beaufort: 1986 & 1989 Earnings of the Three Largest Industries 1986 Manufacturing Services Retail Trade All Industry EarningE $106,972,000 $25,142,000 $23,299,000 $189,397,000 % 1986 Total 36.4% 13.3% 12.3% 100.0% 1989 EarningE $111,589,000 $33,703,000 $28,924,000 $214,630,000 % 1989 Total 52.0% 1 15.7%Q 1 13.5% 1 100.0% Earnings of the Three Largest Industries The Car Company Data Collection and Analysis • H-12 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina Table 11-8 Regional County Comparison Gross Retail Sales by State Fiscal Year (000s) Year Beaufort Bertie Hertford Martin Pitt 1970 $ 73,158 $24,490 $ 43,303 $ 40,687 $157,086 1980 223,745 50,996 120,747 103,241 462,937 1986 304,970 62,961 171,570 130,840 785,624 1987 319,855 63,184 166,013 139,765 846,171 1988 348,888 67,734 182,622 146,880 910,275 1989 344,279 66,165 198,123 159,204 990,693 19901 333,998 62,792 204,101 1 157,937 960,024 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina Table II-9 ' County/State Employment Statistics 1986-1990 1 Unemployment Labor Force by Employed by Unemployed by County/State Year Place of Residence Place of Residence Place of Residence Rate (%) ' Beaufort 1986 19,012 17,426 1,586 8.3 1987 19,327 17,781 1,546 8.0 1988 20,233 19,180 1,053 5.2 ' 1989 19,820 18,916 904 4.6 1990 19,791 18,721 1,070 5,4 5.3 State 1986 3,177,000 3,008,000 169,000 1987 3,276,000 3,130,000 146,000 4.5 1988 3,319,000 3,199,000 120,000 3.6 ' 1989 3,391,000 3,272,000 119,000 3.5 1990 3,401,000 3,262,000 139,000 4.1 1 ' Data Collection andAnalysis • H-14 Tice Cax Company 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • Norilt Carolina Table 11-10 Travel & Tourism 1989 Regional Assessment by County Expenditures Payroll . Employment State Tax Receipts Local Tax Receipts County ($000) ($000) (Persons) ($000) ($000) $18,730 $2,710 250 $810 $420 60 Beaufort Bertie $3,390 350 30 190 150 550 350 Hertford $12,660 1,940 250 520 310 Martin Pitt $12,660 $71,650 2,340 14,250 1,460 2,880 1,700 Washington $5,320 830 90 230 100 Travel Expenditures The Cav Company 1M CAM I -and Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina Chapter IIL• ' Existing Land Use Analysis A. Summary of Existing Land Use Introduction The major element in the formulation of the Land Use Plan Update is an understanding of the land use changes which have taken place over the five year interim. It is important to understand the existing trends and patterns of development when designing new goals, policies and implementation techniques. The future developmentpatterns and growth management strategies for any vacant property or infill development will be 'greatly influenced by the County's distribution, pattern of development and concentration of existing land uses. The following section serves to outline four existing land use patterns: industrial, residential, forested, and agricultural uses. ' The total land area of Beaufort County is approximately 600,000 acres. As of October 1991, 89,718 acres (15%) within the County's boundaries were classified into various active or developed urban, , ' suburban and industrial land use categories.- These categories includes low, medium and high density development. Over 70 percent of the County is undeveloped land, including sensitive environmental areas such as Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). The County contains - 317,770 acres (20%) of agricultural/bare soil and disturbed land. Forest covers 217,931 acres (35.53%). Also, a large area of the county is taken up by water and other hydrologic features including marsh and swamp land For a complete listing of approximate acreages refer to 7hble 111--2 at the conclusion of this chapter. It is clear from the CGIA figures that the majority of the County remains rural. According to the ' 1987 Land Use Plan, 92% of all land in the county remained undeveloped. To date this figure has dropped only slightly due to small patterns of development which have taken place primarily as continuations of already established growth patterns. Industry The primary industry in Beaufort County is the TexasGulf Phosphate Plant located on the southern shore of the Pamlico River. It encompasses approximately 7,000 acres and the company is currently applying for permits which would allow for mining on an additional 5000 acres of land currently owned by TexasGulf. Residential The residential land use concentrations are for the most part located adjacent to town and city limits. The remainder of the residentially developed land assumes two generalized characteristic patterns, crossroad communities and linear development, along established primary and/or secondary transportation routes. A total of 1294 residential building permits were The Car Company FxisMvLand Use • III-1 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort Couniy•North Carolina issued between 1987 and 1991. Assuming all issued permits resulted in new residences, the ' housing stock increased by approximately eight percent. The greatest majority of the new housing is located in Long Acre Township (504). Of the 1294 residential building permits issued, 357 permits or 28% were for sites located along the County's shoreline. Information included in Table ' III-1 was obtained from the Beaufort County Planning Department. It outlines the total number of building permits issued by type and location of structure. Forest As stated, approximately 35 percent of the County is blanketed by forest land. A large portion of this land is maintained for commercial forestry. The 1987 Land Use Plan indicated that nearly one in every five acres within the County was owned by Weyerhaeuser Corporation. Agriculture ' Agricultural land uses consume the second largest class of County land holdings. The primary crops include soy beans, corn and wheat. A few tobacco farms remain, primarily in the southwestern portion of the County. An increase in animal farming continues to a moderate ' degree, especially in the eastern half of the County. Table .III-2 indicates existing land use as estimated via windshield surveys conducted in January of 1992. B. Significant Land and Water Compatibility Problems A land use compatibility problem generally concerns land use types which somehow restrict expansion or additional investment on adjacent properties with other land uses. The elimination of land and water use compatibility problems is a primary goal of CAMA regulations and the guidelines set by the Coastal Resource Commission. The County has adopted and incorporated these regulations into its land use policies to ensure consistency and yet some local flexibility in determining growth management needs and strategies. There is increasing concern about the nature of development in wetland and flood plain areas, particularly along the waterfronts and shorelines. Resource protection policies, in keeping with current CAMA statutes, stipulate development guidelines in Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) in order to not only protect and preserve the resources themselves but also to protect existing public rights of usage and access to navigable waters and other public resources. County policies, in keeping with state CAMA regulations and the policies set by the Division of Marine Fisheries, also stipulate restrictions in marina development in primary and secondary nursery areas. Nursery areas are defined as those areas in which young finfish and crustaceans develop from the post -larval stage to the later juvenile stage, areas where they can find food, cover, bottom type, proper salinity and temperature and other elements necessary for their development. The downstream boundaries of these areas are marked by the Division of Marine Fisheries to ' establish and protect these fragile areas. Such policies help ensure the continuance of a healthy and viable fishing and shellfish industry. The Cax Company Existing Land Use • III-2 - I ' 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' Most land uses in the agricultural and rural concentration areas of Beaufort County do not present any problems or conflicts at present. In addition to water -related industries, the protection of agricultural production activities and the timbering industry is a chief economic concern for the ' County, as these industries form a significant part of its natural resource production base. The potential effects of current mining activities on environmentally sensitive areas is another ' chief issue for the region. Current mining operations are slated to expand pending issuance of permits from regulatory agencies. The County supports mining activities if they do not have significant impacts, on land, .air or water resources, keeping in mind the balance between resource ' protection and management and continued economic growth. C. Major Concerns Resulting from Unplanned Development ' The major concern id entified in recent land development concerns residential and industrial construction in AECs, particularly along the waterfrontand shoreline areas. The land use ' policies concerning AECs, which address the potential for increased development and accompanying environmental impacts in these areas, conform to the standards of the North`. Carolina Administrative Code (as amended). These standards intend Ito ensure a balance. ' between proper management of natural resources and the respect for public and private property_: rights within the estuarine shoreline areas. With increased development, public accessto waterfront areas becomes an issue as well. The diverse recreational needs of permanent as well as seasonal populations influence the construction, improvement and location of public beach ramps and other points of access.' County policy supports efforts to provide improved public access to waterfront areas,. in conjunction with the State Division of Coastal Management and Office of Water Resources. ' D . Areas Experiencing or Laely to Experience Major Land Use Changes Anticipated growth in residential areas is likely to occur along major transportation arteries. The widening of Route 264 has contributed to the development of several new subdivisions along this road, indicating a possible trend of growth towards the western part of the County. - -Other transportation improvements will have only minor effects on vehicular movement, serving to improve the current flow of traffic. A new industrial park on the western edge of the city of Washington is the most recent industrial development. Future industrial development will likely be located near this area or in the western part of the County. The County recognizes the ' importance of locating new industries in areas with existingpublic infrastructure p and. adequate transportation systems or in areas that can be reasonably expanded. The number of commercial establishments in the Count h y as increased from 249 in 1980 to 284 in 1988. The County supports the Chamber of Commerce in efforts to promote' commercial and industrial activity towards increased economic development. The Car Company Fa*tingZand Use • IU--3 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina The installation of a new County -wide water system has the, potential for increasing land use ' changes, especially in areas with no previous water system. Rural concentration areas and AECs are most likely to be affected by such an improvement. The establishment of growth management guidelines is essential to ensure sensitive and reasonable development in these areas. Summary In general, the western portion of the County contains the greatest concentration of urban and suburban development. Relatively little growth has occurred within the incorporated communities over the past five years. Similarly, the residential growth which has occurred ' adjacent to these urban areas has been small. According to a company representative, TexasGulf is planning a sizable expansion of existing facilities pending permit. approvals. In addition, small plots of agricultural land have recently been converted to residential use. This trend is ' likely to continue. The eastern portion of the County contains the greatest concentration of agricultural land uses. r TheCaxCompany F.xistingLaM Use • RT-4 Single Family Units 527 Multi -Family Units 35 Double Wide Units 337 Single Wide Units 395 Total Residential 1294 Non -Residential Units 207 Total Permits 1501 Residential Additions 511 Non -Residential Additions 92 Total Additions 603 Total Permits 1501 Total Combined Permits 2104 1992 CAMALarid Use Plan BeaufortCounly • North Carona 1 Table 111-2 ' 1991 Beaufort County Land Use Land Use Classification Rural Concentration Acres 117,770 Municipal Planning Jurisdiction 55,823 Urbanized 20,915 ' Public Recreation 9,241 Industrial 8,253 Institutional 4,726 Privately Owned and Recreational 1,657 Remaining Open Space/Water Area 394,949 ' Total Acres in County 613,334 i 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' Chapter N Review of Current Plans, Policies and Regulations L Local Plans, Policy Studies and Regulations ' Local ordinances controlling land use decisions are described below. The County has not adopted all the land use regulatory controls within its authority and some of these are listed below as well. ' A. Land Use Plan, County of Beaufort, 1976. 1981 ' The County's initial Land Use Plan was prepared in 1976, with the first update in 1981, according to guidelines of the State Coastal Area Management Act. ' B. Land Use Plan Update, County of Beaufort, 1987 This document is the most recent Land Use Plan in effect. co ZoninP Ordinance ' The County'has no comprehensive Zoning Ordinance: A zoning strategy for the River Road area was proposed in 1986 but not adopted ' D. Subdivision Regulations A comprehensive Subdivision Ordinance for the County was developed in 1991 but has not been ' adopted. E. 'Transportation Plans The County's initial General Transportation Plan was prepared in the early 1980s and was updated in 1987. The Plan coordinates transportation services for human service organizations ' including the County Health Department, the County's developmental center, the Tideland Mental Health Center, the Council on Aging and the Department of Social Services. Local residents with transportation needs - elderly, infirmed,. handicapped or transportation disadvantaged are ' served by this Plan. F. Mobile Home Park Ordinance The County's current Mobile Home Park Ordinance was adopted in 1975. The regulations were updated although not adopted in 1986. The Car Company Review of CurrentPkm • N-I 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Caroluua G. Floodplain Rea-ulations In February 1987, County Commissioners voted to participate in the Federal Flood Insurance Program. Within the 100-year floodplain, new residential buildings must now be elevated above ' the base flood level; non-residential buildings may be flood -proofed instead. H. Building Regulations ' County building inspectors enforce the State building code. The County adopted a building code conforming to the North Carolina Building Code in July 1985. I. Septic Tank Regulations ' The County Health Department enforces regulations (Title 10 of the North Carolina Administrative Code) controlling the construction and siting of in -ground disposal systems. ' J. Capital Improvement Plan The County's initial Capital Improvement Plan was prepared in 1979 and was updated by the ' County Manager in 1986. K. Open Space and Recreation Plan ' When the 1981 Land Use Plan was prepared, the Count had a recreation advisory committee P P � Y rY which directed the spending of funds for recreation improvements. The committee has since been ' disbanded. Currently, the County has no open space and recreation plan. L. Historic District Ordinance No historic districts have been established in the unincorporated area of the County. ' M. Utilities Extension PolicX The County has an unofficial policy to work with any municipality to assist in extending utilities ' to new development. For project funding, the proposal typically must demonstrate that projected tax revenues will return the County's investment within a five-year period: ' N. Storm Hazard Mitigation Plan The County's hurricane evacuation plan - Before the Storm in Beaufort County: Avoiding Harm's ' )YU- was prepared in 1984. ' 0. Noise Ordinance An ordinance prohibiting loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise was adopted in 1981 The Car Company Review of CurrentPkm • IV-2 1992 CAMALanad Use Plan - Beaufort County • North Carolina G. Floodplain Regulations ' In February 1987, County Commissioners voted to participate in the Federal Flood Insurance Program. Within the 100-year floodplain, new residential buildings must now be elevated above ' the base flood level; non-residential buildings may be flood -proofed instead. H. Building Regulations County building inspectors enforce the State building code. The County adopted a building code conforming to the North Carolina Building Code in July 1985. ' I. Septic Tank Regulations The County Health Department enforces regulations (Title 10 of the North Carolina Administrative Code) controlling the construction and siting of in -ground disposal systems. J. Capital Improvement Plan The County's initial Capital Improvement Plan was prepared in 1979 and was updated by the County.Manager in 1986. K. Open Space and Recreation Plan When the 1981 Land Use Plan was prepared, the Count had a recreation advisory committee P P � Y rY which directed the spending of funds for recreation improvements. The committee has since been disbanded. Currently, the County has no open space and recreation plan. L. Historic District Ordinance No historic districts have been established in the unincorporated area of the County. M. Utilities Extension Policy The County has an unofficial policy to work with any municipality to assist in extending utilities ' to new development. For project funding, the proposal typically must demonstrate that projected tax revenues will return the County's investment within a five-year period. ' N. Storm Hazard Mitigation Plan ' The County's hurricane evacuation plan - Before the Storm in Beaufort County: Avoiding Harm's may- was prepared in 1984. ' O. Noise Ordinance An ordinance prohibiting loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise was adopted in 1981. The Cox Company Review ofCurrentPlans • IV-2 ' 1992CAMALand UsePlan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' II. State Agency Plans A. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) ' The State's TIP published in December 1986 lists NCDOT transportation projects in Beaufort County, all scheduled for completion by fiscal year 1992. These projects are listed under Chapter 6 ' of this plan, "Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis." B. Permits Possibly Required for Construction 1. NPDES Permit: Division of Environmental Management 2. CAMA Permit: Division of Coastal Management 3. Non -Discharge Permit:. Division of Environmental Management 4. DOT Encroachments: Department of Transportation 5. Capacity Use Permit: Division of Environmental Management ' 6. Erosion Control Permit: Division of Land Quality 1 HL Federal Regulations A. 404 Wetlands Regulations The County recognizes the importance of protecting environmentally sensitive areas, which include those lands designated as wetlands by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is the policy of ' the County that all development within these areas conform to federal, state and local regulations and ordinances. regarding development. This policy is consistent with the goals and objectives located in this document. Summary The land classification policies contained within Chapter VIII of this document are consistent and supportive of existing regulations and policies regarding land use. Reference to these land classification policies is suggested while reviewing and updating the existing land use policies. The Cax Company Review of CurrentPk= • IV-3 ' CU APTER V: Constraints: Land Suitability ' The following section analyzes the general suitability of the undeveloped lands in Beaufort County. The accompanying maps illustrate the location of the potential constraints to land ' suitability. The categories include: 1) Physical Limitations for Develonment including natural and man-made hazard areas, areas with soil limitations, sources and estimated quantity and quality of water supply, and areas containing excessive (>1201o) slopes. 2) Fragile Areas including estuarine waters and estuarine shorelines, public trust waters, 404 wetlands, areas identified by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and other areas containing fragile resources not covered by a specific regulation. 3)Areas with Resource Potential containing productive agricultural forest fish/ amelands, and other non -intensive outdoor recreation lands. Much of the information contained in this chapter has remained unchanged since the 1987 Pla n due to the relative stability of geologic features and resources. The information has been updated ' when necessary. Policies related to the hazard areas are contained in the Policy.Chapter:under Section E (Coastal Storm Hazard Mitigation Planning Activities and Studies). L Physical Limitations For Development A. Hazard Areas 1. Natural Hazards ' a. The flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) as dictated and outlined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate that several areas within Beaufort County are classified as Zone A This classification designates areas which have a 1% or greater chance of flooding ' within any given year (a 100 year flood plain). Zone A areas are the lands around the Pamlico and Pungo Rivers and most of their tributary creeks and streams, which are subject to periodic flooding. Development in these areas" may be costly either to human welfare or, existing development. ' Regulations have been established and practiced to control new construction in these areas. .2. Man -Made Hazards 1 - Currently, the primary man-made hazards located within the unincorporated areas of the County are limited to the TexasGulf facility, which has several chemical plants on -site, and the two The Cox Company Constraints: Land Suitability • Y--1 ' 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina County landfills. The old landfill, east -of Tranters Creek, has been secured according to State standards, and the current landfill, :west of Bath on SR 1334, is maintained according to State standards as well. Local industries which might utilize, produce or store hazardous materials are located within the incorporated communities in the County with the exception of 7bxasGulf. ' B. Areas with Soil Limitations The presence of poor soils throughout the County limits development in many areas of the County. There are 43 different types of soils found in the County, 17 of which are considered to have severe limitations for development and the siting of underground sewage systems. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Survey of Beaufort County, several areas which contain poorly to very poorly drained soils are generally not suitable for intensive urban uses requiring septic drainage field installation and the construction of foundations. A large percentage of the land in the County has severe limitations for development, due primarily to a seasonal high watertable and year-round wetness tendencies. These soils are also located in areas susceptible to flooding as specified by FEMA. Development should be limited in these areas as indicated on the Beaufort County Land Classification Map. The policy section of this document contains growth goals and policies for development whi&'.are sensitive to the constraints of the existing soils. ' C. Sources and Estimated Quantity and Quality of Water Supply Information needed. D. Areas Where the Predominant Slope Exceeds 12 Percent Most of Beaufort County is flat or gently rolling land; there are only a few areas containing slopes of 12% or greater which may limit development. These areas are primarily located in forest lands and the steep slopes along the south side of the Pamlico River and some creeks. The primary water ' areas with erosion potential are the shorelines of the significant waterways as outlined in Areas of Environmental Concern and the Storm Hazard Policy Section. At this time the County does not foresee the need for bulkhead construction or other slope stabilization measures set forth by current state regulations under the Coastal Area Management Act. II. Fragile Areas Fragile areas may be defined as areas which could sustain considerable damage from unplanned or otherwise inappropriate development. The fragile areas existing in Beaufort County are more formally considered to be Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) and consist of natural areas in the estuarine system. Included in this system are the following categories: 1) Estuarine ' Waters, 2) Estuarine Shorelines, 3) Public Trust Areas, and 4) Coastal Wetlands. These areas are considered to be among the most productive natural environments within Beaufort County. t The Cox Company Constraints: Land Suitability • V 2 ' 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina A. Natural Resource Fragile Areas ' 1. Estuarine Waters Estuarine waters integrate all elements of the estuarine system. These waters are defined as brackish and run from the Atlantic Ocean to the dividing line between coastal fishing and.inland fishing. The circulation of estuarine waters carries nutrients, flushes animal and plant wastes and pollutants, controls salinity and shifting sediments to create proper habitats, for many types of sea life. The following data indicating the specific estuarine waters was obtained from the Coastal Resources Commission and the 1987-Land Use Plan. A complete description of these areas is included in the Resource Protection Policy Section. The preservation and protection of the estuarine waters and adjacent shorelines are strictly regulated both by established Federal and State guidelines as well as by the policy statements specified in this document. ' 2. Estuarine Shorelines All land within 75 feet of the estuarine waters is considered to be estuarine shoreline. Estuarine shorelines are especially vulnerable to the hazard of erosion. and flooding. Because of the integral connection between the waters and their adjacent lands, improper.development in the designated shoreline areas can cause potential harm to the waters and the adjoining wetlands. ' I Public Trust Areas Public Trust Areas are defined as all areas of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; and all . water in artificially created bodies of water containing significant public fishing resources or other public resources which are accessible to the public by navigation. The previous plan also defines these as waters and adjacent lands, the use of which benefits and belongs to the public and to which the public has the right of access. 4. Coastal Wetlands CAMA defines coastal wetlands as any salt marsh or other marsh area subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides. Coastal wetlands are also defined by specific marsh plant species found growing there. The unique productivity of the estuarine system is supported by decayed plant material and nutrients carried from the coastal marshlands, which ' contribute to the complex food chains found in the estuarine area. Also, coastal wetlands serve as the " vanguard" for the retardation of estuarine shoreline erosion and a feeding and nesting area for coastal wildlife and waterfowl. Coastal wetlands border the County's estuarine waters especially in the northern half of the County. The Cox Company Constraints: Land Suitability • V-3 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' Itisahih priority i g p o ty objective .under CAMA management to .safeguard the biological, social, economic and aesthetic values of the coastal wetland areas. Acceptable development in these areas is limited to activities related to fishing, boat docking, and farming, as permitted under North Carolina's Dredge and Fill Act and other applicable laws. ' 5. Other Natural Resource Designations Other natural resource designations include 404 Wetlands regulations as identified by the Fish ' and Wildlife National Wetlands Inventory and the Threatened and Endangered Species Profiles. Areas covered by water or those which contain waterlogged soils -for the majority of the growing season as well as those areas containing plants capable of surviving under limited oxygen conditions are categorized as 404 wetlands. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and Plant Conservation Program have categorized individual species which fall into four general headings; 1) vertebrates, 2) invertebrates, 3) vascular plants, and 4) nonvascular plants. Several species of rare birds, 1 including the Bald Eagle and the Red -Cockaded Woodpecker have been identified in the County. The Natural Heritage Programs have. also identified the following natural communities located within Beaufort County: Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest ' Estuarine FringeLoblolly, Pine Forest Tidal Cypress -Gum Swamp Tidal Freshwater Marsh Wet Pine Flatwoods B. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas There are many significant historic and cultural resources in Beaufort County., These are 1 identified by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Properties placed on the National Register of Historic Places or on the state study list for potential nomination to the National Register are listed along with the sites identified by the State as structures of architectural and/or historic significance. All identified archaeological sites are located around the waterfront, primarily in the areas of Tranters, Bear and Broad Creeks, Blounts Bay, Bath, Durham, St. Clair and South Creeks, and on r Indian Island. Seven" underwater archaeological sites have also been identified in Tranters, Bath, and St. Clair Creeks. Areas possessing archaeological significance are minimal and have not expanded or otherwise been added to in the past five years. The Cox Company Constraints: Land Suitability • V-4 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' M. Areas With Resource Potential ' A. Productive and Unique Agricultural Lands Productive agricultural lands, or prime farmland, comprises over 67,500 acres or 13% of all total land in Beaufort County. Executive Order 96, issued by the Governor in 1983, outlined the State's desire to promote the "conservation of prime agricultural and forest lands" in compliance with the Federal Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1980. Order 96 was prompted by the increasing development tension imposed on prime agricultural lands. The resulting development often irreversibly damaged the lands resulting in the reduction of food and/or timber production. The areas of prime farmland are characterized by soils which are best suited to agricultural production. These soils produce the highest yields with minimal inputs of energy and economic resources. Farming these soils results in minimal damage to the environment. The Beaufort County Soils Survey indicates three types of soils found in areas of prime farmland; the Beaufort County Land Classification Map generally categorizes areas of prime farmland under the heading "rural." B. Forest Lands Beaufort Count contains areas of rime forest land. The proper management of these forest areas Y P P P g is critical to the economic well-being of the County.. Two`areas within the County are considered to be wildlife forest management areas: Goose Creek State Park on the north side of the river and the Goose Creek Gameland Area on the south side of the river. ' C. Productive Water Resources Waterfront locations and amenities afford varied opportunities for the citizens of the County. As developments increase in these areas and demands are placed upon treatment and discharge systems,, there will need to be an increased maintenance and monitoring of the sensitive and proper functioning of these systems. The problem of non -point sources of pollution, from both urbanized and rural areas, continues to be addressed by County officials. Upstream areas of many tributaries have been identified as important for the growth and development of several fish and shellfish species, and are protected as nursery areas by the Division of Marine Fisheries. Water resources will continue to be utilized in a manner sensitive to both environmental impacts and the needs of the citizens of the County. rD. Primary and Secondary Nursery Areas The Division of Marine Fisheries has designated a few primary and secondary nursery areas in Beaufort County, as defined in their current regulations. The agency is, however, in the process of The Cox Company Constraints: Land Suitability • Y--5 1992 CAMS! band Use Plan - Beaufort County • North Carolina developing spawning and nursery areas and critical habitat designations. The Primary Nursery Areas are located in the shallow waters of North Creek, East Fork, Frying Pan Creek, Little East ' Creek and a portion of Goose Creek. The two Secondary Nursery Areas are located at the confluence of North Creek with East Fork and at Campbell Creek. E. Mining Lands Beaufort County contains several mineral deposits of varying types; chief among these are the large deposits of phosphate on the south and north sides of the river near Aurora and Bath Townships. The TexasGulf Corporation has a large mining operation near Aurora; no activities to obtain the phosphate near Bath have been initiated. Phosphate appears to be the only mineral deemed economically feasible for extraction at the present time. However, other minerals , such as the limestone found under phosphate deposits, could be harvested. Heavy mineral sands along the Suffolk Scarp contain a variety of minerals such as ilmenite, pyroxene, rutile, sillimanite and galucanite, which are used in various chemical processes. Potential mining operations for these minerals should be sensitive to the existing vegetation and habitat of this area. Deposits of peat, a highly organic soil of decomposed vegetable matter, are also found in the County. r: The Cox Company Constraints: Land Suitability • V 6 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina CHAPTER VI: ' Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis To assist Beaufort County in determining its present ability to provide basic community services, ' to anticipate future demand, and ' to identify deficiencies which will need attention,- an examination of the following indicators has been undertaken. 1. Existing WaterSuppl3' ' Nearly all County residents outside the municipalities with water systems currently rely on private wells as their water source. Two water treatment plants are operated by the City of Washington under the Department of Public Works, Treatment Facilities Division. Raw water is taken from Tranters Creek at two locations: 1) at Clarks Neck at the junction of Tranters Creek and State Road 1567, and 2) at Latham's Station, six miles west of Washington where Tranters Creek crosses Highway 264. More water is usually taken from the Latham Station due to salt intrusion at the Clarks Neck location eight months out of the year. The water system was improved in 1989. The Count is actively pursuing plans for the construction- Y Y P g p of .County wide water. service. The County has been divided into Water Service Districts. A bond referendum has recently been passed to provide for the construction of water service in Districts II and III. These:. districts are located in the northern section of the County. Upon completion of service to all Districts, it is estimated that close to 100% of the County will be served by public water. Water sources for housing units: 1980 ' Public system or private company: 5,720 (36.1%) Individual well: 9,907 (62.6%) Other source: 206 (1.3%) Total=15,833 ' In 1985. the water usage in millions of gallons per day ran as follows• Total:76.44 Municipal/Community: 2.92 Domestic:1.96 Industry:69.40 ' Livestock: .32 Irrigation:1.84 2. Sewage Treatment Plant The following is a statistical breakdown of the current sewage treatment service in the County of ' Beaufort. The Cox Company Constraints. Carrying Capacity Analysis • W-1 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina Sewage disposal aystems of housing ni 1 Public sewer: 4,728 (29.9%) Septic tank or cesspool: 9,958 (62.9%) Other means:1,147 (7.2%) i Total=15,833 ' 3. Solid Waste The existing landfill is located on the west side of S.R. 1334 about 12 miles east of Washington, ' North Carolina. The original landfill tract was opened in 1978. At this time it contained approximately 60 acres. In 1987 .the landfill received an extension on the permit not to exceed five years from date of issuance. Additions of a borrow tract and demolition tract took place in 1987 also. The landfill and the two additional tracts are located approximately one mile north of the Pamlico River. The general ground surface in the landfill area drains eastwardly with surface drainage collected by Duck Creek which empties into the Pamlico River at Sullivan Point. Plans are being made for the construction of a regional landfill. The facilities would be located ' near Bertie County's current landfill, although the exact location has not been determined. The facilities would consist of a landfill which will meet or exceed all state: and federal requirements regarding liner thickness and all other design aspects. ` The facilities would also include a ' recycling center for the separation of various waste stream components. The assumed demand for the regional landfill will reach 330 tons per day, 5 1/2 days per week for a total of 94,380 tons per year. 4. Schools Beaufort County children currently attend ten public and two private schools. These schools are located within six communities. The communities as well as the schools located within them are listed below. ' Aurora Aurora High School Grades 9-12 1991-92 Enrollment. 210 ' S.W. Snowden Elementary School Grades K-8 1991-92 Enrollment: 460 ' Bath Elementary School Grades K-8 1991-92 Enrollment: 468 Belhaven ' Belhaven Junior High School Grades 6-8 1991-92 Enrollment: 252 Belhaven Elementary School Grades PK 5 1991-92 Enrollment: 345 The Cox Company Constraints. Carrying Capacity Analysis • VI-2 1992 CAMALand Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina Chocowinity Chocowinity High School Grades 6-12 1991-92 Enrollment: 602 Chocowinity Primary School Grades PK-5 1991-92 Enrollment: 476 Pantego Beaufort Co. Elementary School Grades PK-6 1991-92 Enrollment: 211 The following private schools are operating under capacity: Pungo Christian Academy Grades 9-12 1991-92 Enrollment: 11$ Terra Ceia Christian School Grades K 12 1991-92 Enrollment. 110 5. Police, lire and Rescue Services Beaufort County maintains fifteen fire departments as indicated in Appendix IV. The County also utilizes seven rescue squads. ' 6. Primary Roads The following road improvement projects were scheduled by NCDOT for completion by fiscal year ' 1992: *Widening of US 264 from SR 1537 east of Greenville to Washington (10.6 miles) to a four ' lane divided facility (completed in 1989). *replacing of bridge No. 1 on US 264 at Tranters Creek. (completed) *replacing of bridge 1 n p g ge No. 5 o SR 1955 at Durham Creek. *replacing of bridge No. 78 on Main Street over Jack's Creek in Washington. *landscaping of SR 1403 from US 264 to US 17 in Washington. ' *landscaping of US 264 in Washington from SR 1501 to SR 1305. P g � ' *installing automatic warning devices in Belhaven at Carolina and Northwestern Railway Crossing 466 289E on NC 99. ' *installing automatic warning devices in Washington at Carolina and Northwestern Railway Crossing 466 150W on NC 32. t*realigning guardrail between SR 1001 and bridge over Cherry Run Branch and left -turn lane SR 1001 on US 17. Another improvement project, the widening of US 264 from 3R 1501 in Washington to NC 32 (5.3 miles) to a multi -lane facility, is scheduled to begin in August of 1992. The Cox Company Constraints. Carrying Capacity Analysis • VI-3 is 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina 7. Public Transportation System i The nearest commercial airport is Pitt/Gre enville, located approximately 30 miles west of Washington. The Warren Airfield is jointly owned by the County and the City of Washington. ' Currently the airport has two lighted runways, 5000 feet each, with hangar and fueling facilities available. The nearest railway station is in the City of Rocky Mount, located in Nash County. The carrier is Amtrak which provides direct and connector service to all destinations served by the railway. Bus i service in Beaufort County is provided by Trailways which operates a terminal in the City of Washington. i 1 i 1 i 1 1 1 1 i i The Cox Company Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis • ,W-4 1992 CAMALand Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina CHAPTER VII: ' Estimated Demand on Community Facilities Population Growth and Impacts on Community Facilities The section entitled "Existing Conditions" contains thorough analysis of the existing population ' counts and population projection based on the 1990 Census data. The 1990 Census indicated a population of 42,283 for the County. The population has remained relatively stable since 1970. Census data indicates an increase of 4,375 persons between 1970 and 1980 and an increase of 1,928 persons between 1980 and 1990. Projections to the year 2000 indicate a continuing population increase of approximately 4.4 percent over the coming decade, with the County population estimated to be 44,141. While existing population patterns indicate a current and projected increase over the next five to ten year period, public facilities in Beaufort County are deemed adequate (unless otherwise specified below) to handle the projected increase in population. 1 Existing Water Supply As explained in Chapter VI,' Beaufort County is in the process of installing a county -wide water ' system. All final engineering studies indicate that full service will more than adequately supply water to all potential county citizens, as well as residents of incorporated communities when necessary. See Appendix III for District II & III water demand projections. 2. Solid Waste ' Plans are being made for the construction of a regional landfill. The facilities would be located near Bertie County's current landfill and would be shared by Bertie County, Hertford County, Martin County and Beaufort County.- The service would consist of a landfill which will meet or ' exceed all state and federal requirements regarding liner thickness and all other design aspects. The facilities would also include a recycling center for the separation of various waste stream components. The assumed demand for the regional landfill will reach 330 tons per day, 5 1/2 days per week for a total of 94,380 tons per year. Contracts with the various counties would carry a term of twenty years. This facility is adequate to provide for projected population to, at a minimum, the year 2000. 3. Schools ' Recent demographic studies undertaken by the school system indicate a probable decline in the school age cohort. Realistic projections are limited to five years due to being unable to predict birth rate with acceptable accuracy. Based on the improvements completed over the last five years, it is ' felt that the existing resources are adequate to provide quality education over a minimum of five years. The Cox Company Estimated Demand • VH-1 1 i 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina 1 The following is a listing of the existing schools and their rated capacities: Aurora Aurora High School Grades 9-12 1991-92 Enrollment Capacity: 350 1 S.W. Snowden Elementary School Grades K-8 1991-92 Enrollment: 460 Capacity: 650 �l 1 Bath Elementary School Grades K 8 1991-92 Enrollment: 468 Capacity: 560 1Belhaven Belhaven Junior High School Grades 6-8 1991-92 Enrollment: 252 Capacity: 475 Belhaven Elementary School Grades PK 5 1991-92 Enrollment: 345 Capacity: 525 1 Chocowinity Chocowinity High School Grades 6-12 1991-92 Enrollment: 602 Capacity: 675 1 Chocowinity Primary School Grades PK-5 1991-92 Enrollment: 476 Pa tegro Capacity: 460 1 Beaufort Co. Elementary School Grades PK-6 1991-92 Enrollment: 211 Capacity: 350 The following, private schools are operating under capacity: 1 Pungo Christian Academy Grades 9-12 1991-92 Enrollment: 118 Capacity: 300 Terra Ceia Christian School Grades K 12 1991-92 Enrollment: 110 Capacity:195 1 Statistical Totals: YM # of Schools Enrollment ADM CM % of Can. 86-87 10 4330 5015 86.0% 1 90-91 10 3910 4975 78.6% 91-92 10 3919 4975 78.8% 1 4. Transportation 1 Beaufort County currently is not responsible for highway improvements or maintenance. The existing system of roads, however, are deemed adequate based on development trends and resulting traffic counts. The County will continue to support the NCDOT plans for expansion 1 and/or maintenance of county roads -as deemed necessary by development trends and general use. 1 1 1 The Cox Company Estimated Demand • VH-2 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County. • North Carolina Chapter VIII: ' GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICY STAT.EMENi5 ' Introduction Beaufort County's Land Use Plan is intended to be an expression of what the community wants to be and what it wants to look like. Simply stated, it is both a "vision for our future" and a means of ' achieving that vision. In pursuit of defining the vision, the foundation of the Land Use Plan Update is its commonly -held goals and objectives for the County. Since all future land use decisions will rest on this foundation, it is important these goals be clear, comprehensive, and reflective of community's desires and the State's legislative requirements. In turn, these goals and objectives have been developed into statements of planning policy addressing the specific land use issues which will affect Beaufort County during the upcoming ten year planning period. In preparing the Land Use Plan Update, the elected leaders of the County believe that establishing and adopting these policy_ statements regarding land use, the environment and growth ' management is the most important part of the planning process. In arriving at the recommended set of policies, the Advisory Committee was responsible. forresolvingmany conflicting issues and balancing the land planning' objectives of the citizens with those mandated by State and. federal guidelines. Further, great care has been taken to be responsive to the needs of the Coastal Resource Commission and, specifically, the legislative guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act. Policy Guidelines and LAMA Study Process To assist in organizing and presenting the Plan's policy statements, the County has adopted the Coastal Resource Commission's generalized topical categories. These categories provide a model for addressing areas of both local and state concerns while providing the County with broad flexibility in placing priorities on local land use issues. : The County's major land use and development policies are organized into the following five policy categories consistent with current CAMA standards: A. Resource Protection B. Resource Production and Management ' C. Economic and Community Development D.` Public Participation E. - Storm Hazard Mitigation and Recovery To the greatest extent possible, the County has made every effort to ensure that there is consistency among individual policies developed in each policy category. However, many individual policy categories have overlapping, and potentially competing, impacts on other adopted policies. The Advisory Committee and the Board of, Commissioners have given particular attention to ' individual policies in the resources protection, resources production, and economic and community development categories. For each of the five major planning issue categories subject TheCax.Company Goals, 04kctives andPolicies • VW 1 .1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina 1 to policy guidance, as outlined in T15A:07B .0203`of the Coastal Resources Commission rules for ' Land Use Planning, the study process for the 1992 Land Use Plan has thoroughly examined the following considerations: ' the scone and imnatance of the land use issue as related to Beaufort County: In defining relevant land use issues, the Board of Commissioners, with the ' aid of the Advisory Committee, the public participation process and citizen groups, _examined those priority issues which will affect Beaufort County during the upcoming 10 year planning period. 1 the rangQ ofl goals. oLiectives and policies .which might be Pplicabl toad regsincr h g rticnl r land use iss : As the County considered potential policy options for each planning issue category, alternative scenarios and the impact of their outcomes were discussed based upon traditional and contemporary approaches to addressing public policy issues. The Plan's analysis of land use conditions,. ~ economic and population projections, and environmental considerations aided in formulating these options. The cost/benefit of policy impacts on the County, including cost of providing services and increased revenues generated from development, were analyzed. Further, the short and long ' range impacts of County -wide social, political and environmental implications of policy alternatives were closely weighed. Those policy alternatives found to be incompatible with the County's overall planning 1 goals and objectives have been eliminated from further consideration. • the specific nolicv deemed nUM ria c by the County for adoption into the 1992 ' Land Use Plan: The County's final selection and adoption of land use policies was based upon an extensive land use and economic data analysis as well as a full examination of the best possible alternative for each land use issue. These policy choices are set forth in the following sections of this chapter. The Board of Commissioners has found that the recommended policies are reasonable and achievable by the County government and are sensitive to the: fiscal constraints and the County's administrative system which will be in place for the 10 year planning period. • recommended imnl .m .n ation stra ffi s to ensure that theadopted land use Rolicy can be Waged into effect through reasonable actions of the public and/or Private sectors. ' In this document, the County presents the desired strategies and methods for achieving the policies which have been adopted for the five major land use The C=Company Goals, Objectives andPolicies • ,IW 2 1 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina 1 issue categories. In addition, the following sections of this document address ' the methods by which Beaufort County intends to implement the adopted policy choices as well as a proposed time schedule for implementation. ' Consideration of Policy Alternatives and Policy Implementation Schedule Based on Coastal Resource Commission study requirements, a wide range of land use policy options have been evaluated in order to ensure that the full range of the spectrum on any given ' issue has been fully explored. This process began with a detailed examination of past planning policies by the Land Use Plan Advisory Committee. A public participation process was conducted to create the forum for the input of all Beaufort County citizens. Extensive public meetings and 1 work sessions focused on defining the range of options from which an optimal policy on given issues could be drawn. At the conclusion of each of the following policy sections, there is a description of those policies considered during the planning process, but which have been eliminated. Those policies which have been stricken from consideration, in some instances, may be revisited at some future point ' in time. Other eliminated policies were found to be inconsistent with :CRC, State and Federal planning requirements. ' In a number of cases, specific policies were not pursued because of their incompatibility with the current political climate in the County. Such policies .usually involved the Committee making a choice between perceived conflicts in (1) unconditional recognition of "private property rights" ' and (2) imposing "too much government" on the people. Such conflicts take many forms when striving how best to establish a unified and comprehensive "vision" for the County's future. These debates over such age-old conflicts exist in every community which has ever undertaken a land use plan. Case history shows that, in most cases, there is no "right answer," but, rather, policies often lean towards convenient, short-term political answers that are responsive to the most vocal of prevailing constituent interests. In the 199 n 2 Land Use Plan Update, the Advisory Committee has sought to resolve the touchy issues. in a dignified fashion, while maintaining the central belief that Beaufort County has a strong and competent local governmental structure founded in conservative political and economic thought. This philosophical base fully respects State and Federal statutes related to land development and the environment, while respecting the importance of private property rights. The Advisory Committee, in concert with input from the County Staff, has outlined a recommended schedule for the implementation of the following adopted policies. Since the ' implementation of many policies involve the pursuit, approval, and allocation of public funding, continued scheduling refinements, including the possible elimination of some implementation objectives, may be required. Further, certain implementation tasks and strategies outlined herein ' are considered to be "ongoing and continued actions" for which no specific timeframe for execution is required for adoption. The Cox Company Goals, Obje+ctim and Policies • M-3 1 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County North Carolina P Policies for Beaufort Count y tY A. Resource Protection Goals, Objectives and Policies In establishing goals and policies related to resource protection, Beaufort County has thoroughly ' examined the various areas of environmental concern located within its jurisdiction and has. classified the categories of land uses which are appropriate for the County. For each class of land use, the Plan Update has carefully considered the specific rationale and reasons for the ' recommended land uses. In this effort, the physical constraints to land_ development in the County have been analyzed 1 pursuant to the Coastal Area Management Act. Further, uses for areas with cultural and historic value have been analyzed to determine what will be the benefits and/or liabilities which will accrue to the County and its citizens by either encouraging the development or preservation of these areas. 1. Preserve and protect Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) within ' Beaufort County. a. Support and complement Coastal Resource Commission efforts to protect, ' preserve and manage Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). b. Develop guidelines for land development which conform to the general use standards of the North Carolina Administrative Code (as amended) for development within the defined _estuarine system. rc. Support development in AECs only if such development meets the management objectives in 15 NCAC 711.0203 and the use standards in 15 ' NCAC 7H.0208 and .0209. d. Encourage development within the estuarine shoreline that does not significantly interfere with existing public rights, usage and access to navigable water and other public resources. ' e. Ensure that all land development plans with AECs have evaluated all possible alternatives to controlling pollution, erosion, natural barrier impacts, limiting drainage, and reducing other potentially negative ' impacts related to land use activities. f. Support construction of marinas. (for mooring of ten or more vessels) provided that such construction meets the following standards: • new marinas are not to be located in Primary or Secondary Nursery, ' Areas; ' The Car Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • Viff 4 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' construction o marinas in Class SA and or WS-I11 waters are to be f / provided with pump -outs; ' the timingo marina construction involving dredging shall be f g g g determined by Division of Marine Fisheries. ' g . Stud alternative local growth management techniques which would Y �' g 9 provide for the controls of land use types, densities and development ' criteria within AECs. h. `Continue efforts to protect and enhance water quality in the Pamlico River and its tributaries. Iin i . Support the expansion of the Agricultural Cost Share Program for counties the Pamlico/Tar drainage basin. j . Consider the adoption of a subdivision ordinance which establishes appropriate design standards for development of waterfront areas and areas with water accessibility. Identify and address areas of the County with land development constraints and guide appropriate and compatible land development activities. a . Define and delineate land areas with development constraints as a part of the Land Use Plan Update process: b.. Review possible control through;:. appropriate means; including a subdivision ordinance which would control land development in areas with identified physical land development constraints. c. Encourage intensive land development activities only on lands in which land development constraints can reasonably be overcome. d. Study local growth management techniques --such as zoning --which would provide for the recognition and control of land use types, densities and development criteria within. areas having defined development constraints. e. Continue to oppose air space .restrictions imposed by the presence of military bombing ranges in the region; support relevant position statements adopted by the CRC in 1990. f Encourage land use proposals which will not have a negative impact on historic, and/or archaeological resources in the County. ' 1992 CEIMALand Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina g. Encourage studies of the establishment of a land conservation fund which would protect areasof environmental, recreational, and/or aesthetic ' importance by fee acquisition, dedication and/or permanent easement. h Promote citizens' awareness programs and public educational opportunities for County historic and natural resources, including the conservation, preservation and maintenance thereof. 3. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Ne eds and Plans. ' a. Policy statements for hurricane and.flood evacuation needs and plans, as specified in Rule .0203(a)(6) of this Section are outlined in Section E of this Chapter.- 4. Protect the Coun s Water 4i� Supplies and Potable Water Resources. a. The County should make every effort to ensure that the protection of existing and future potable water supplies. and resources will be consistent with all State and Federal policies and guidelines. 1 b. Ensure that the Count 's land development Y p ent review process examines all land use proposals to determine their impact on the County's potable water supplies and resources. c. Support and promote, to the extent feasible, land use regulatory requirements near groundwater sources. d. Continue to support capacity use groundwater monitoring by the Division of Environmental Management. e. Continue the development of public water supplies and distribution systems into areas of the County. f. Develop citizens' awareness programs related to expanding water ' supplies and distribution systems, including information promoting access to these systems: 5. Guidelines and policies for the use of sewer treatment package plants in Beaufort County: ' a. The County recognizes that private package treatment plants may be P Y : appropriate in certain locations for the support of future land development ' activities in the County. TheCar Company Goals Objectives andPolicies • VIII-6 I 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina b. The location of any proposed use of package treatment plants for sewage ' treatment disposal must be approved by the proper permitting agency (i.e. the State or the County Health Department). c. ; Private developers considering the use of private sewer treatment plants must prepare facility impact statements which include consideration of maintenance and operational requirements for plant and provisions for the dedication of the plant into the public system should the private operation fail to meet any and all public guidelines. d . Any request for the approval of a private package treatment facility must be accompanied by documentation that all applicable State and Federal health requirements will be satisfied. i 6. Other Resource Protection Policies for Beaufort County: Pursuant to CAMA planning guidelines for Resource Protection Policies, certain additional issues must be addressed in the mandatory CRC approval process for the Land Use Plan Update. Some of the following. policies have lower priorities than those hereinabove described due to the geographic location of Beaufort County relative to some of the' other coastal :areas within the province of the Coastal Resource Commission. Notwithstanding, these policies are deemed -important to Beaufort County and are adopted into the Resource Protection policies. • Stormwaterrunoff The County recognizes the importance of private management of stormwater runoff associated with agriculture, residential development, phosphate or peat mining and their impacts on coastal wetlands, surface water or other fragile areas. - If the County considers the adoption, of a subdivision ordinance, it should have guidelines and land development criteria for stormwater management and runoff related to private land uses. The County supports State and Federal stormwater runoff criteria applicable to land development. • Marina and floating homes ' The County encourages the development of marinas and dry stack storage facilities at appropriate locations provided that such development is consistent with other Resource Protection Policies on pages VIII-4 and VIII-5, ' as well as all State and Federal regulations. The County does not have a ' The Car Company Goals, Obje 4%w and Policies • VW 7 1992 CAMA Land Use Pl an Beaufort County •North Carolina policy on floating homes at this time because of the absence of these homes in the County. If at a future date the need arises for policies concerning floating homes the County will amend the Land Use Plan at that time. • Industrial impacts on fragile areas Count policies related Y P to industrial development impacts on fragile areas should be consistent with other Resource Protection policies as well as ' general policies addressing Resource Development and Economic and Community Development. • Development of sound and estuarine system islands A policy on the development of sound and estuarine system islands is not applicable to Beaufort County. • Restrictions on development within wetland loss and sea level rise areas It is the County's position that a policy to address the restriction of development that might be susceptible to sea level rise and wetland loss is L worthy of continued research and investigation. However, as of this point in time, no specific policy has been finalized for adoption. ' Upland excavation for marina basins The County encourages continued State study of development guidelines for marinas with particular emphasis on upland :excavations for marina basins-. The County will consider the possible inclusion of these State guidelines should the County consider adoption of a subdivision ordinance. • The damaging of existing marshes by bulkhead installation Bulkhead installation should employ appropriate construction and resource protection techniques. Where installation is required, development plans should consider every feasible alternative to minimize the damage to existing marshes. ' 7. Policy alternatives eliminated during the Advisory Committee planning Process; Based on CAMA requirements, the Advisory Committee is required to list those policies considered during the planning process, but eliminated for one reason or another. The policies which have been stricken from the listings ' above during the April -June, 1992 Advisory Committee work sessions are The Cats Company Goals, Objectiraes andPolicies • V.fll-8 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina resented in the following outline. i i n f r h p got e. c tat o s o the deleted policies are based on numerical outline for the original draft policy section. ' 1 A E A.Le. Establish lish subdivision ordinance .standards to ensurethat any... development within ABCs does not weaken or eliminate natural barriers to erosion. The Committee felt that existing State and Federal standards were sufficient without the inclusion of additional local regulations. ' A.1. i. Initiate studies relative to the identification tcation o and nomination f procedure for expanded Areas of Environmental Concern under Section j.0500 of 15A NCAC 7H for other hazardous or fragile land areas, including but not limited to freshwater swamps and marshes, maritime forests, pocosins and 404 wetlands, ORW areas, shellfishing waters, water supply ' areas and other waters with special values, cultural and historic resources, and manmade hazards. The Committee felt that this was too expansive an effort in which to involve the County at this point in time. A.2. Promote the management and conservation of areas of Outstanding Resource. Waters (ORWs) within Beaufort County. The Committee eliminated this policy due to the fact there are no ORWs ' located within Beaufort County. A.3. c. All commercial, - industrial, institutional and " residential subdivision development should be sensitive to the character of prevailing .soils types, flood prone- areas and physiographic conditions which impact septic tank use, private wells, and construction feasibility. A.3. e. Development in areas where soils types have severe bearing capacity constraint are not encouraged. A.3.f. Develop and adopt administrative" procedures for Building Administrator to review and report on land development activities in AECs, ORWs, and other areas of development constraints. A.3.j. Periodically review, revise and update the inventory of historic ' properties in the County. The Committee felt the above four policies were not necessary for inclusion. under the topic of land development constraints and guidance of land ' development activities. . A.5.d. Create an active program to support State efforts to remove leaking underground storage tanks and in restoring adversely affected water supplies. A.S.e. Create an active program to support State regulations for the control of ' siting, construction and maintenance of underground storage tanks. The Cox Company Goals, Objectim andPolicies • VM-9 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County North Carolina A.5.f. Study, draft and adopt subdivisions regulations which address the control of underground storage tanks. ' The Committee felt the above three policies were not relevant with respect to the protection of the County's water supplies and potable water resources. 8. Scheduler li fo po cY - implementation by County: ' In concert with input from the Staff, the Board of Commissioners shall adopt a schedule for the implementation of the above policies. This schedule shall be . guided by the prioritization of policies outlined herein and shall be consistent with the ten-year timeframe for the subject plan document. B. Resource Production and Management Goals, Objectives and Policies The County is acutely aware of the impacts of future land development on existing resource production base. The efficient management and protection of natural resources is one of the major goals of the Land Use Plan Update. 1. Encourage farming as a productive resource and preserve and protect productive agricultural lands in Beaufort County. a. Support State and Federal agricultural programs which assist County farming and aid in identifying prime agricultural lands. b. Promote public awareness of agricultural Best Management Practices in.: the County, while encouraging farmers to implement such practices to the benefit of their natural resource production activities. The County will actively support continued funding of State and Federal cost -share programs. c. Continue to promote and support the Farmers Market in Downtown Washington. - d. Future County public improvements should be planned and financed to - avoid adverse tax impacts on agricultural property where such ' agricultural use will not directly benefit from the planned public improvements. e. Continue to promote use -value assessment as a means of preserving the farming base and encourage farmers owning parcels of 10 acres or more to apply for use -value assessment. The CaxCompany Goals, Objectives andPolicies • VIU-10 1992 CAMALand Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina f. Explore alternative land use guidelines, including subdivision or zoning ordinances, which ensure that possible conversion of agricultural ' lands to other uses can be achieved with minimal impact on adjacent agricultural lands. ' 2. Encourage forestry as a valuable natural resource industry and preserve and protect the County's commercial forest lands. ' a. Support. State and Federal forestry programs which assist County commercial forests and the forestry industry. b. Limit the degree of land use controls on commercial forest lands in order that land clearance and adequate forestry drainage activities can be economically implemented by the private sector, while, at the same time, supporting State and Federal programs aimed at minimizing the practices of the uncontrolled drainage of wetlands for silvicultural activities. c. Promote public awareness of forest Best Management Practices in the P forestry g County, while encouraging the private forestry industry . to implement such practices to the benefit of their natural resource production activities. d. Future County. public improvements should be planned and financed to avoid adverse tax impacts on the owners of prime forestry lands where such lands will not directly benefit from the planned public improvements. e. Continue to promote use -value assessment as a means of preserving the forestry resource base and encourage owners of parcels of 20-acres or more to apply for use -value assessment. f. Explore alternative land use guidelines and subdivision regulations which ensure that the subdivision of forestry land can be optimally achieved without adversely impacting adjacent forestry lands. g. Encourage forestry operators to maintain vegetative buffers between cleared areas and major County public roadways. ' 3. Support, encourage and protect the County's commercial and recreational fishing and other water -based resources and production activities. a Commercial and recreational fishing resources and production activities, including nursery and habitat areas, and trawling activities The Cax Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • VX-11 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort Cou • f my North Carolina ' in estuarine waters, are- recognized as valuable contributors to the economy of Beaufort County. ' b. The consideration of detailed policies, strategies and implementation programs designed to protect and enhance commercial and recreational fishing activities in the Pamlico River and its tributaries should be encouraged by the County. ' c. The County should support State efforts to reduce nutrient loading in the County's surface waters. d. If the County considers the adoption of a subdivision ordinance, any proposed guidelines should include incentives for private development to preserve areas adjacent to Primary and Secondary Nursery Areas. ' e. Initiate a study to review the need for the most appropriate loc ' location of additional public river access sites in the County with a goal of a site on each side of the river. f. Apply for grants which fund Beach Access studies and, based on study results, apply for Beach Access Grant funding for implementation of physical improvements. ' g. Continue to support development of a fisheries management program and regulations for both commercial and sports fisherman; support expansion of local operations serving both commercial and recreational users. h. Encourage activities such as "catch and release" and stocking programs which attempt to preserve declining fish species. i. Encourage and support ' Division of Marine Fisheries investigative efforts in the County which focus on culling practices. j Encourage development of aquaculture in Beaufort County. 4. Other Resource Production and Management Policies for Beaufort County. Pursuant to CAMA planning guidelines for Resource Production and Management Policies, certain additional issues must be addressed in the ' mandatory CRC approval process for the ,Land Use Plan Update. Some of the following policies have lower priorities than those hereinabove described due to the geographic location of Beaufort County relative to some of the other ' coastal areas within the province of the Coastal Resource Commission. The Cox Company Goals, Objectives andPolieies • VIII ll 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' Notwithstanding, the following policies are deemed important to Beaufort County and are adopted into the Resource Production and Management ' policies of the community. • Mineral production areas The Count continues to support mining activities when the ro'ects are Y PP g projects reviewed and permitted by appropriate State. or Federal mining regulations.- ' Off -road vehicles The County does not consider off -road vehicles to be an issue of significant ' concern requiring that it be addressed in this policy statement. 9 g P Y • Residential, commercial and industrial land development impacts on any resources The relevant policies .related to land development impacts on natural resources are fully addressed in other policy sections of this document. • Phosphate mining's impact on any resource Phosphate mining provides a substantial economic benefit to Beaufort County ' and its residents. The County supports continued development of the area's phosphate deposits, provided that such developments are operated in accordance with applicable State or Federal mining laws or regulations. 5. Policy alternatives eliminated during the Advisory Committee planning process: i Based on CAMA requirements, the Advisory Committee is required to list those policies considered during the planning process, but eliminated for one reason or another. The policies which have been stricken from the listings above during the April -June, 1992 Advisory Committee work sessions are presented in the following outline. Numerical citations for the deleted policies are based on numerical outline for the original draft policy section. .B.Lb. Limit the degree of land use controls on agricultural lands in order that land clearance and adequate farm drainage activities can be economically implemented by County farmers. B.1.e. Encourage the initiation of effort by the Agricultural Extension Service and the Chamber of ; Commerce to work with Beaufort County communities to develop farm markets benefiting local farmers. B.1. i. Employ the Land Classification System to encourage and guide the The Cax Company Goals, Objectim andPolicies • VW-13 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' location of intensive land development activities in areas of the County which are served by public utilities and facilities, while discouraging leap ' frog subdivision of active agricultural lands in remote areas of the County. The Committee felt that the above three policies did not need to be included in the Plan Update at this point in time. B.2. i. Employ the Land Classification System to encourage and guide the location of intensive land development activities in areas of the County ' which are served by public utilities and facilities, while discouraging leap- frog subdivision of active forestry lands in remote areas of the County. B.2.k. Encourage immediate replanting of areas cleared for timber, employing County inspection staff to undertake periodic reviews of - and reports on deleterious clearing activities. The Committee felt that the above two policies were not an appropriate 1 commitment for the County as a part of the current Plan Update. B.3.c. The County should initiate studies which consider appropriate ' marina siting criteria which serve to maintain and protect important nursery areas. The Committee felt that existing State and Federal regulations adequately addressed the extent to which the County should impose siting criteria on marinas. B.3.k. Utilize the 'Plan's Land Classification System to recognize and establish minimum protective buffers along County ;:waterways where adjacent lands have soils and development constraints which create adverse environmental impacts. The Committee felt the inclusion of this policy would create -excessive study and management requirements for, the County and its staff. 3.B.j. Actively pursue reef development programs to support fish habitat at artificial reefs through the State's Division of Marine Fisheries. The Committee felt that the above policy was not applicable at this point in time and should not be included in the Plan Update. ' 6. Schedule for policy implementation by County:' In concert with input from the County Staff, the Board of Commissioners shall ' adopt a schedule for the implementation of the above policies. This schedule shall be guided by the Commissioners' prioritization of policies outlined ' herein and shall be consistent with the ten-year timeframe for the subject plan document. tThe Cox Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • VIUI 14 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina C. Economic and Community Development Goals, Objectives and Policies In anticipation of the continued growth in Beaufort County over the coming decades, the community generally favors the ongoing implementation of responsible economic and community development projects throughout the area. Further, in light of the current economic downturn in the national and regional economy, the County's encouragement and active support of local employment that generates land uses are considered to be an important goal of the 1992 Land " Use Plan Update. ` 1. General County goal for economic development: The County encourages and supports all types of economic development which can be 'shown to complement the existing demographic, economic and environmental base within Beaufort County. 2. General County commitment to provision of supporting services to economic development: The County, in conjunction with its incorporated jurisdictions, is committed ' to providing appropriate levels of public services, facilities, and infrastructure. 3. General locational and development characteristics for economic development activities, including redevelopment: a. The County emphasizes the importance of locating new economic development: in and around existing urban areas where public infrastructure and acceptable transportation systems already exist or where such infrastructure and systems can be reasonably extended. b. The County places priority on encouraging new economic development twhich provides employment -intensive opportunities for the local work force and, in particular,. offers viable job opportunities for the youth and underemployed of Beaufort County. _c The County encourages the redevelopment and revitalization on of existing underutilized industrially and commercially developed areas. The ' County also encourages increasing development densities on properties which are capable of supporting higher land use intensities without being deleterious to the environment and public infrastructure. The Cav Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • M 15 1992 CAHA Land Use Plan Beaufort County North Carolina ' 4 Commitment to jurisdictional, regional, State and Federal economic development activities: will continue r local, regional n t u li a. The County cot ue to support oca ,and State public c interest groups concerned with economic development ' b. Continue to support the Chamber of Commerce in their efforts to market the County retail and industrial sites. c. Continue to support and provide public information pertaining to groups such as the Mid -East Commission, the Regional Development Institute, ' and the Small Business Institutes at Beaufort Community College and East Carolina University, which provide assistance to new and small businesses and to economic development projects. 1 l f h Washington/Beaufort f n d. Continue to support the development o the Was gton/Beau ort County Industrial Park. e. Continue to provide cooperative assistance in working with incorporated municipalities to plan for and extend water and/or sewer services to industrial and commercial firms locating outside municipal service areas. f. Continue to advocate, plan and program a County -wide water and sewer system to provide for long-term economic development provided that the feasibility of such projects can be justified on economic and environmental grounds. g. Consider appointing a County Committee on Economic Development to study and recommend strategies which best serve the objective of promoting and soliciting appropriate economic development and tourism ' activities which promote the objectives and policies of the 1992 Land Use Plana ' h. Continue to support the four land upgrade of US 17 and US 264 in Beaufort County as close as feasible to the existing locations. ' i . Continue to seek Community Development Block Grants or other applicable funding sources for community development purposes. 5. Land use trends and the management policies related to future County growth. ' a Employ the Land Classification Map as a means of aiding in the The Cax Company Goals, Objectives andPolicies • VIU-16 1992 CAMALand Use Plans Beaufort County • North Camlina ' selecting and designing appropriat e areas of the County .for future commercial, industrial and other economic development land areas. b. Discourage intensive g s ve economic development activities in remote areas of the County which are not currently served by adequate public facilities ' and public access unless such facilities can be provided within, the definition of this plan. c. Study the feasibility of using zoning as a mechanism to (1) select, designate, and reserve optimal economic development sites for future industry and commerce, and (2) establish minimal, but appropriate, ' controls for the location, density and standards for all types of intensive land uses. ' d. Continue to provide for the orderly growth and economic viability of land development in the County: ' 1. To provide guidance for possible subdivision development, the County will consider the need for, and possible adoption of a subdivision ordinance. 2. Adopt, as a part of this plan, the Land Classification Map which designates appropriate areas of the Countyfor intensive economic development land use activities. 3. Adopt, as a part of this plan, the Land Classification Map which ' designates appropriate areas of the .County for residential land use activities requiring public services and infrastructure. ' 4. Adopt, as a part of this plan, the Land Classification Map which limits ` the development of intensive commercial, industrial and ' residential land uses in areas which are infeasible to develop and provide public services from an environmental and economic standpoint. 5. Stud the most appropriate means b which to link land use density YY _ Y requirements to the County's Land Classification Map. ' 6. Update the Mobile Home Park Ordinance in order to incorporate more contemporary and reasonable health, safety and general welfare standards for manufactured housing and the siting thereof. e. Encourage the development of a regional landfill operation to serve Beaufort County. ' The Car Company Goals, Objectives and Policies VRT-17 1992 CAMA Land, Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' 6. Coastal and estuarine beach access: ' a. Enhance opportunities in the County for beach access and undertake active efforts to increase such access to public trust waters. ' b. It is the County's goal related to access to public trust waters to provide for the diverse recreational needs of County residents as well as tourists to Beaufort County. ' c. Coastal and estuariner Ovate .beach access (which may include urban waterfront access) must comply with State standards for beach access ' locations as expressed in 7M .0303. These locations should be studied and indicated on maps which could be incorporated into the Land Use Plan. ' d. Study the feasibility of identifying, selecting and developing additional sites for public access on both sides of the Pamlico River. ' e.. Undertake necessary efforts with the State Division of Coastal Management and Division of Water Resources to obtain public trust water access assistance in funding the planning, land acquisition and ' site development of these improvements. 7. Tourism in Beaufort County: a. Continue County support aimed at promoting and enhancing levels of tourism and tourism -related development opportunities in the County. b. Continue to support the activities of local and regional public interests tgroups responsible for promoting tourism in the County. c. Continue to support the development of an annual calendar of all special ' events to be held throughout the County; publicize the periodic listing of events in appropriate local, regional and national publications. ' d. Support the development of a museum to commemorate the life and works of Cecil B. deMille. ' e. Support State efforts to develop a marine estuarine study center and museum in the County. 8. Quality of life issues in the County: a. Continue to take active steps towards the preservation and enhancement ' of the quality of life in the County. ' The Cav Company Goals, Objectir andPolicies • V ff-18 1992- CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County. • North Carolina ' b Con tinue, ue to apply for funding for housing improvements _under .the Community Development Block Grant program. ' c. Su oA the development and enhancement of urban waterfront r pp p t areas, while ensuring such projects are compatible with all local, State and ' Federal environmental requirements. d. Provide active leadership in ensuring that NCDOT roads and streets in ' the County are adequately maintained and upgraded in a fashion consistent with the 1992 Plan's land use objectives. 1 9. Other Economic and Community Development Policies for Beaufort County. Pursuant to CAMA planning guidelines for Economic and Community 1 Development Policies, certain additional issues must be addressed in the mandatory CRC approval process for the Land Use Plan Update. Some of the following policies have lower priorities than those herein described due to: (a) the prevailing attitudes of the County's citizenry and related political influences, and ' W the geographic location of Beaufort County relative to some of the other coastal areas within the province of the Coastal Resource Commission. ' Notwithstanding, the following policies are deemed important to Beaufort County and are adopted into the Economic and Community Development ' Policies of the community. • State and Federal Programs ' The County remains committed to State and Federal programs in planning areas, where applicable, related to community and economic development, ' including erosion control, public access, highway improvements, port facilities, dredging, and military facilities. • Channel Maintenance The proper maintenance of channels is a priority to Beaufort County. The County remains committed to pursuing State and Federal program ' assistance for projects for channel maintenance and beach nourishment projects, where applicable (including financial aid, provision of borrow and spoil areas, provision of easements for work.) • EnergyFacility Siting t3' 8' The siting of OCS energy facilities is not an issue with the County at this time. ' The Car Company Goals, Objectives andPolicies • "H.W 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County North Carolina ' 10. Policyal rn i to at ves eliminated during the Advisory Committee planning Pro_ vess: Based on CAMA requirements, the Advisory Committee is required to list those policies considered during the planning process, but eliminated for one reason or another. The policies which have been stricken from the listings above during the April -June, 1992 Advisory Committee work sessions are presented in the following outline. Numerical citations for the deleted ' policies are based on numerical outline for the original draft policy section. C.S.d. Complete and adopt subdivision regulations drafted so as to preserve the rural character of the County's outlying areas. The Committee felt the County was not prepared to undertake the study and adoption of rural preservation regulations at this point in time. 11. Schedule for policy implementation by County: In concert with input from the Staff, the Board of Commissioners shall adopt a schedule for the implementation of the above policies. This schedule shall be ' guided by the prioritization of policies outlined herein and shall be consistent with the ten-year timeframe for the subject plan document. D. Public Participation Goals, Objectives and Policies Public participation provided the cornerstone of the 1992 Plan Update.:: The Board of Commissioners believes that the greatest value of citizen participation in the. planning process is that it allows each member of the community the opportunity to influence governmental decision making. In order for the 1992 Land Use Plan Update to be an effective policy document, it must accurately represent the ideas, attitudes, and concerns of the residents. By preparing a Land Use ' Plan Update which is integrally tied to its precedent goals, objectives and policies, the old adage that "a locality can be no better than it aspires to be" is underscored. In. this regard, an intelligent and comprehensive plan cannot be structured without the direction of the locality's vision for its future. The Board has recognized that this vision must come from the residents of Beaufort County. To achieve this end, at the outset of the planning process, the Board and the Planning Advisory Committee designed a Public Participation Plan setting forth the specific methodology to be used by the County in its effort to achieve this essential representation of its citizens. The previously. adopted Public Participation Plan d other documentation related to the County's ongoing citizens' involvement strategies are included in the Appendix of this document. The Cav Company Goals, Objectives andPolicies • M20 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan : Beaufort County • North Carolina 1 Use Advisory Committee: .Land ry ' The Land Use Plan Advisory Committee was officially designated by the County Board of Commissioners as the lead representative for obtaining citizen input to the planning program and reporting that information to the ' Board of Commissioners. In this effort, the Advisory Committee was responsible for investigating land use issues, analyzing past County planning policies, preparing public news releases, organizing citizen ' meetings, conducting work sessions to discuss policy options, presenting alternative goals and objectives to the citizens, and synthesizing the community input into a consolidated set of goals, objectives and policies for ' adoption into this document. 2. Public notification of the planning process: ' Duringthe preliminary stages of the 1992 Land Use Plan Update process, all P rY g P P , County citizens were provided periodic official notices that the planning process was underway. These notices were intended to encourage the citizens to express their attitudes and feelings regarding land use issues in the County. The public was informed of when and where they could voice their concerns. In most cases, the Advisory Committee reserved time. on its agenda at each regular monthly meeting to obtain citizen comments. As the I Land Use Plan process matured, periodic updates, which outlining completed and pending tasks and policy --related decisions, were made available to the citizenry for .ongoing review. ' 3. General public information on the planning process: The Land Use Advisory Committee drafted and distributed regular official notices of the Land Use Plan Update process via the Washington Daily News and the Scoov. A reporter from these publications was periodically informed by the County Manager and/or County Planner of the progress and status of the Land Use Plan Update. The local reporters were encouraged to act as "partners" with the County officials in the conveyance of information to the public. The news media was informed of the time and location of the monthly Advisory Committee meetings and was encouraged to promote citizen attendance and participation. In addition, the media was asked to prepare "focus" articles aimed at the Land Use Plan Update process. 1 ' The CazCompany Goals, Objectives and Policies • VMIV 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan. Beaufort County •North Carolina Policy Critique Questionnaire: q The Land Use Advisory Committee was asked to complete a "Policy Critique Questionnaire." This document, prepared by the County's consultants, provided a format for the examination of and revision to the 1987 Land Use ' Plan's policies and implementation recommendations. This "Policy Critique Questionnaire" ' was subsequently distributed to the Board of Commissioners for use in their evaluation and formulation of new policies ' for inclusion in the Plan Update. 5. Public Attitudinal Survey: Citizen involvement in the planning process was solicited via a "Public Attitudinal Survey and Citizens' Questionnaire". This questionnaire was ' designed by the County'sconsultants and was thoroughly reviewed by the Advisory Committee and County Staff prior to its distribution. The survey was printed with large typeface in a handy tabloid format, ensuring ease of distribution and use by County residents. This survey document was particularly useful in allowing the residents to register their individual concerns pertaining to the character, degree and pattern of population growth as well as future land use issues for the County. Indirect distribution, of the questionnaire was made through the local news media. Also, the questionnaire was distributed to local merchants as well as through interest groups as described below. To ensure the participation of the County's. youth, the survey was administered to senior students via the County's Public and Private school systems. A total of 6000 surveys: were distributed. The general findings and statistical results of this survey are presented in the Appendix of this document. 6. Participation of public interest groups: ' In an effort to reach the greatest audience, representatives from various public interest groups were asked to regularly attend Advisory Committee meetings and report back to their membership. These representatives were given both the "Policy Critique Questionnaire" and the "Public Questionnaire" to distribute and/or review with their group members. The ' groups included, among others: American Legion '0 Jaycees • Kiwanis Club Rotary Club • Pamlico Senior Citizens The Carr Company. Goals, Objectives and Policies • VMM-M 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina • Pamlico -Tar River Foundation • Church Groups • County High School Seniors 7. Synthesis and incorporation of public participation input into 1992 Land Use ' Plan Update: The County of Beaufort officials understood the great value and necessity of comprehensive public participation in the planning process. Community participation was viewed as an opportunity which should continue through every phase of the Land Use Plan Update and subsequent County decisions ' related to land use. Through the implementation of this process, the Board feels that a representative profile of the County's constituency has aided in formulating a clear and attainable vision for the future of Beaufort County.: ' In summary,the primary purpose of this Public Participation Plan is to P 1'Y P I'P P inform, educate and involve the citizens as fully as possible in matters related to land use planning in Beaufort County. In pursuit of this purpose, this participation process was intended to remain flexible in format and execution, while giving every Beaufort citizen the opportunity to take part in this democratic process: 8. Ongoing public participation in the County's governmental planning j activities and land use review process: The County is committed to ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to j continue to participate in.. the planning process subsequent to the adoption of the 1992 Land Use Plan: To this end, the following policies and strategies will be carried out by the County: a. Official notification of all County Board of Commissioners' public hearings involving land use issues will be placed in the local media. b. The County Staff will provide the local media with public interest 1 information to assist and ensure the preparation of accurate and timely articles concerning land use, economic development and community - related issues. C. The County will establish appropriate study committees, on a case -by -case basis, to further investigation evolving land use issues as well as other policy directives as outlined in the 1992 Land Use Plan. tThe Carr Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • VHT 23 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Planning Goals, Objectives and Policies Coastal Storm hazard mitigation policies for Beaufort County are a mandatory requirement of the Coastal Area Management Act and are included in the 1992 Land Use Plana As related to contemporary land use issues in Beaufort County, CAMA's"primary aim in establishing these policies is to ensure that the County government fully recognizes the need to promulgate reasonable guidelines for land development so that the risk of damage to property and the threat of harm to human life from coastal storms is kept to a minimum level. The Board of Commissioners fully recognize that Beaufort County faces the potential threat of major storms each and, every year. While there has been a substantial reduction in the overall frequency and severity of significant coastal storms over the past several decades, this does not diminish the -reality of the resulting havoc when the long predicted "big one" finally, but predictably, arrives. Even though Beaufort County does not have the direct coastal exposure of many other CAMA communities, the County's estuarine and other inland areas are considered to be potentially threatened by hurricanes and tropical storms. In recognition of this, the County adopted a detailed storm hazard mitigation plan in 1984 entitled "Before the Storm in Beaufort County: Avoiding Harm's Way." This plan provides information on areas at risk from storm damage, outlines policies on storm hazard mitigation, presents a detailed plan for evacuation of the County, and includes a reconstruction plan to guide the rebuilding of impacted areas after the storm. In preparing the updated policies for the 1992 Land Use Plan, the 1984 "Before the Storm" study was thoroughly reviewed in the context of (a) updatedCAMA policies for storm hazard mitigation and (b) its application to this document: While not specially presented in the format of the new CAMA policy guidelines, the 1984 study was found to be consistent in most issues with the recently amended CAMA code and is referenced herein as being the source of the most current and competently researched plan of action on this issue. In addition, the County's 1987 Land Use Plan, beginning on page 60, incorporates a discussion of storm hazard planning and policies. Again, the.1987 Plan is not consistent with the format and mandatory topical headings of the amended CAMA code, - but it presents considerable relevant background data which. remains relevant, applicable and, to a limited extent, is hereinafter incorporated by reference. A copy of these plans are available for review at the Beaufort County Department of Emergency Management. For storm hazard management and planning purposes, there are three categories of impacted land in Beaufort County which must be considered in preparing policies: (1) areas. of Environmental Concern, (2) areas subject to flooding, and (3) areas with highly erodible soils. The AECs in the County are defined as public trust areas,. estuarine waters and shorelines, and coastal wetlands. Areas which are- subject to flooding generally adjoin the AECs and the many small creeks and streams in the County. Floodprone areas are mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; these areas are graphically depicted on official floodplain maps which are on file at the jThe Cax company 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' Office of Emergency Mana ement. Areas with high erodible soils are defined on the it g Y g g Y soils maps of the Soil Conservation Service. 1. Coastal Storm Hazard Mitigation Planning Activities es and Studies: a. Effects of coastal storms on Beaufort County: I As presented in the 1987 Plan, the description of the effects of coastal ' storms to which the community will be subjected -such high winds, storm surge, flooding, wave action, erosion, and the like --remains current and applicable and is incorporated herein by reference. A copy is included in , 1 the Appendix of this document. b. Composite Hazards Map: The 1 Pla n an included a composite hazards map based on the best available information including NFIP maps and data, the Eastern N.C. Evacuation Study, and AEC data. The County has examined each hazardous area in terms of type of potential storm hazard and the relative severity of risk presented at that particular location, and has determined that the veracity of this map has not changed since the adoption of the previous County Land Use Plan. A copy of this map and supporting document is included in the Appendix of this document. 1 c . Existing Land Use Inventory: ' In conjunction with the existing land use analysis.for the 1992 Land Use Plan, the County conducted an inventory for each of the most hazardous areas for the purpose of determining the amount of existing development at risk for each area. The impact of this analysis is achieved by overlaying each hazard area shown on the Composite Hazards Map upon the updated Existing Land Use Map. A discussion of this impact is found in Chapter 3 of this document. I2. Coastal Storm Mitigation Policies: Based on the preceding analysis, the County has incorporated and adopted the following Coastal Storm hazard mitigation policies into the 1992 Land Use Plan: The Cax Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • VHT 25 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina a. Policies related to high wind e flooding and erosion: g surge, g ' - The County supports the enforcement of the ' North Carolina Building Code construction standards for wind -resistive factors and design wind velocity. The. County, through its building inspection activities, will periodically review and report on violations of the Building Code related ' to wind standards, including matters related to the tie -down of mobile homes. • The County remains supportive of the hazard mitigation elements of the National Flood Insurance Program. • The County remains supportive of the enforcement of CAMA and 404 Wetlands permitting processes in areas potentially susceptible to flooding. 1 b. Policies related to discouraging development in Most Hazardous Areas: ' The. County will continue to discourage development, especially high density or large structures, in its most hazardous areas. ' The County remains supportive of CAMA permitting processes for development standards for shoreline stabilization and drainage along the County's estuarine shoreline areas.. • The County will explore the need for development criteria which area supportive of and complementary to State and Federal policies related to Most Hazardous Areas. c. Policies related to land acquisition in most hazardous areas: • The County, at this time, does not intend to commit local funds to implement any widespread public acquisition of land in the Most Hazardous Areas, provided that certain areas may be deemed appropriate for purchase where specific circumstances dictate. d. Policies related to citizen evacuation: • The County continues to support its adopted "Civil Preparedness Hurricane Evacuation Plan" as the primary guidance resource for County evacuation efforts. Tfie Car Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • VW--2i 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' The Count supported limited y pp ed m ted development density in Most Hazard Areas so as to decrease the number of people needing to be evacuated. ' The County encourages the adequate planning, ng, development and use of motels, condominiums and other large-scale residential structures for adequate and sufficient emergency shelter for their occupants and residents. ' The County supports a policy of ensuring that new public buildings can be adequately prepared and used as.emergency evacuation shelters. rThe County continues to support ongoing refinements and participation in the regional evacuation planning process. 2. Post Disaster Reconstruction Plan and Policies: Post disaster reconstruction policies are required by CAMA as part of the 1992 ' Land Use Plan in order to guide new development and redevelopment during the reconstruction period following a natural storm disaster. In this regard, the County leadership's major, goal is to ensure that, as reconstruction ' activities are planned, programmed and implemented, Beaufort County will be less vulnerable to coastal storms than it was before the disaster. a. Previous County planning studies related to postdisaster recovery: The post disaster reconstruction program the County shall be generally guided by is the. "Beaufort County Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan, which was originally adopted in 1982. • The County continues to support the generalized policies of the "Beaufort County Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan" related to establishing priorities, staging and permitting of reconstruction repairs ' . following a major natural storm disaster: Priority : Repair and rebuild essential service facilities_ such as electricity, water, and sewer. Priority 2: Repair other public facilities as necessary for shelter. Priority : Use a triage (worst damage last) approach to staging and permitting the private sector reconstruction effort. . b. Updated County: policies governing the support, direction and 1 management of post disaster recovery activities: The Cav Company Goals, Objectim andPolicies M-27 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' The Board of m Co missioners shall appoint a Post Disaster Recovery Task Force before any major storm occurs for the purpose of ' overseeing the potential reconstruction process as well as establishing any recovery -related policy issues which might arise after a given storm disaster. The Emergency. Preparedness Coordinator shall serve as the chairman of the Post Disaster Recovery Task Force and shall be directly ' responsible to the Board of Commissioners. • The County's Post Disaster Recovery Task Force shall be responsible for the establishment of a schedule for staging and permitting repairs, including the imposition of construction moratoria. Any moratorium shall be in full accordance with the Task Forces established tpriorities assigned to the restoration of essential services, minor repairs, major repairs and/or new development based on the impacts of the particular storm. • Upon adoption of this Plan,the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and its Post Disaster Recovery Task Force shall be directed ' to convene to review, update and reformulate a set of generalized action plans, logistical structures and management strategies to be used for any given potential post disaster` recovery program, including (1) reconstruction scheduling_ and priority setting; routines, (2) public information dissemination, (3) damage assessment assessments and accounting systems, (4) appropriate coordination and communication links with State and Federal agencies, (5) coordination of private. and pubic inquiries to appropriate sources, and (6) assistance programs as may be deemed appropriate. The results of this study shall be presented to the Board of Commissioners and other appropriate agencies for review and adoption. ' c . The County supports the establishment of general guidelines related to the long term recovery and restoration process subsequent to natural disaster: Reconstruction shall be implemented under at least the minimum ' standards in effect prior to the given storm. • Structures not conforming to minimum standards and storm ' hazard mitigation policies which were destroyed must be redeveloped to those standards and policies. ' The Carr Company Goals, Objectives and Policies. • VM-29 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina The County will support the authority of the Sanitarian in decisions related to prohibition of septic permit issuance and reissuance in those areas where redevelopment of shoreline properties will be injurious to the public's health, safety and general welfare. • The Chairman of the Board .of Commissioners shall serve as the overall Emergency Coordinator for intermediate to long term post disaster recovery activities. The Chairman shall delegate the oversight ' of the reconstruction and recovery effort as well as implementation of the long term recovery plan to appropriate personnel. • Upon receipt of sufficient information from the Post Disaster Recovery Task Force pertaining to any given storm disaster, the Emergency Coordinator shall prepare and. recommend a long term post disaster recovery plan for adoption by the Board of Commissioners. The plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Development moratoria, (2) repair and reconstruction priorities, (3) repair and ' reconstruction phasing and scheduling, (4) fiscal and economic impacts of the plan, 5) emergency regulations governing all facets of land use and land development permitting, (6) repair and/or replacement of public ' infrastructure, .(7) relocation of pubic infrastructure to less hazardous areas, and (8) setting timeframes and schedules for planning and redevelopment 'activities. • The Emergency Coordinator shall establish a Damage Assessment Committee. The Damage Assessment Committee shall conduct surveys of damaged structures for the purpose of estimating the physical and economic impacts of storm damage. Damages classification criteria shall be in terms of the following: Destroyed: Repairs costing more than 80% of value. Major. Repairs costing more than 30% of value. Minor. Repairs costing less than 30% of value. Habitable: Repairs costing less than 15010 of value. i 1 1 1 1 The Car Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • VW 29 Chapter IX. ' Land Classification System 1 1 _1 i 1 ■ 1 1 The County of Beaufort Land Use Plan • 1992 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina CHAPTER IX: ' Land Classification System ' In its simplest form, the Beaufort County Land Classification System (BCLCS) is a map which attempts to visually portray the County's "vision for the future." The BCLCS is achieved through an extensive study process during which the physical, social, economic and environmental ' realities of the County are carefully examined. The Land Classification Map graphically outlines and assigns recommended land use categories to individual geographical areas comprising the County. The BCLCS map is intended to serve as a general guideline to assist the County Planning Staff in implementing the adopted Land Use Plan's policies and strategies. In theory, the BCLCS is one which: 1. Best accommodates, the County's land use goals, objectives and policies, 2. Is capable of implementation within the context of satisfying both (a) the demands of the marketplace and (b) the ability of the County to responsibly tsupply services and infrastructure, 3. Provides positive community -wide benefits with the least negative impact on the existing physical, social, political and economic environment; 4. Satisfies the regulatory requirements of the State's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA); and 5. Resolves the input of County citizens via the adoption of the BCLCS map by the County Commissioners. By graphically delineating specific land use classifications, the County staff is able to apply the most appropriate planning policies to specific geographical areas within the County. Thus, the map is to be employed by the County to provide thoughtful guidance to future land use activities and development based on its commonly held "vision," as defined by this Land Use Plan. The North Carolina CAMA regulations state: "The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local governments to identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land ' classes allows the local governments to illustrate their policy statements as to The Cox Company Land Classification System IX-1 1 2 CAMALand U 99 s"7- e n Beaufort County • North Carolina where and to what density they want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources by guiding growth." The BCLCS is intended to be supported, complemented and implemented by growth management "tools" which are potentially available to the County via State enabling legislation. These "tools" include zoning, subdivision, environmental , controls and other growth management mechanisms which serve to implement local, State and Federal laws. However, in the strict sense of the term, the BCLCS is not a regulatory mechanism. Under the CAMA enabling statutes, the Beaufort County Land Classification System may include seven separate land use classes: developed, Urban Transition, Limited Transition, Community, Rural, RuralwithServices, and Conservation. At the County's option, the Land Use Plan Advisory Commission can further subdivide these land use classes into more specific subclasses. If this is done, the subclass must closely relate to the precepts of the original major class. While, not all of the seven major land use classes will necessarily apply to Beaufort County, the classification system --commonly referred to as the 7-Tiered System --provides a clear, uniform process by which the County. officials and the citizens can best make decisions concerning future land development and environmental issues. In assessing the optimalorganization of the Beaufort County Land Classification System, the planning process sought.to focus on the statutoryrequirements of the Coastal Area Management Act, which state that the classifications should "give particular attention to how, where and when development of certain types and intensities will be encouraged or discouraged." For example, CAMA recommends that: "Local governments are also encouraged to make some distinction between urban transition areas, which are intended to reflect intensely developing areas with the full range of urban services to be supplied, and limited transition areas that are less intensely developed, may have private services and are frequently located in a rural landscape." "Urban land uses and higher .intensity uses which presently require the traditional urban services should be directed to lands classified developed. Areas developing or anticipated to develop at urban densities which will eventually require urban services should be directed to lands classified transition. Low density development in settlements which will not require sewer services should be directed to areas classified as community. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other similar low intensity uses and very low density, dispersed residential uses should be directed to lands 1992 CAMALand Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina ' classified rural. Generally, public or private water or sewer systems will not be provided in areas' classified rural as an incentive for intense development." With respect to the Land Classification Map for Beaufort County, the seven land use categories are defined, as follows: 1. DevelopedAreas: As defined by CAMA, the purpose of the Developed Areas class is to provide for continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns, and their urban environs. Areas of the County meeting the intent of the Developed Areas classification are currently urban in character where minimal undeveloped land remains and have in place, or are scheduled for the timely provision of, the usual municipal or public services. Land designated as urban in character ' includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, and other uses at high to moderate densities. Public services include water, sewer,: recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire protection. In some instances.a Developed Area may not have all the ' traditional urban services in place, but if it otherwise has a "developed" character and is scheduled for the timely provision 'of these services, it still meets the intent of the Developed Area classification. Areas developed for predominantly residential purposes meet the intent of this classification if they exhibit: • a density of 3 or more dwellings per acre; or • a ,majority of lots of 15,000 square feet or less, which are provided or scheduled to be provided with the traditional urban services; or • permanent . population densities which are high and seasonal populations ' that may swell significantly. ` The County, at its option, may subdivide the developed class into subclasses. Developed/multifamily residential, Developed/single family residential, Developed/commercial and Developed/industrial are examples. This furtherrefinement of the Developed Area class will be helpful in future years when Beaufort County elects to impose controls over the location of certain uses which may not be fully compatible with each other. For example, future policies may stipulate that heavy industry and low -density residential housing should not be located on adjacent parcels. In such .case, the a distinction on the Land Classification Map between Developed/industrial and Developed/single-family residential would provide the County staff with a means of more responsibly guiding the location of these potentially incompatible land uses. Th.e Cox Company Land Classification System • IX-3 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • Norili Carolina - In separating the Developed Area class into future subclasses, the County should discuss how, when and where, it will provide the services necessary to support the unique needs of the urban area. In summary, the Developed Area class is designed to illustrate intense urban development and the public facilities and services necessary to support it. This class should be applied to existing cities and towns within the extraterritorial planning jurisdictional areas that contain intense urban development requiring urban services. 2 Urban Transition The purpose of the Urban Transition class is to provide for future intense urban development on lands that are suitable and that will be provided with the necessary urban services to support ' intense urban development. ' County geographical areas meeting the intent of the Urban Transition classification can be categorized as either (a) presently being developed for urban purposes or (b) will be developed - within the next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated. population and urban growth. These Urban Transition areas are in, or will be in, an evolving or "transitional" state of development going from lower intensity uses to higher intensity uses and, as such, will eventually require urban services to be supplied by either the County or incorporated communities. Examples of areas defined by CAMA as meeting the intent of this class are lands included within municipal: ' extraterritorial planning boundaries and areas 'being considered for annexation by incorporated communities. Urban Transition areas in Beaufort County will provide lands for intensive urban growth when lands in the Developed Areas class are not available. Urban Transition lands must be able to ' support urban development by being generally free of physical limitations and be served, or readily served, by urban services. Urban development includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and other uses at or approaching moderate to high densities. Urban services include water, sewer, streets and roads, police and fire protection that will be made available at the time development occurs or soon thereafter. In choosing land for the Urban Transition class, CAMA regulations indicate that such land should not include the following: "Areas with severe physical limitations which would make the provision of urban services difficult or impossible, lands which meet the definition of conservation, lands of special value (unless no other alternative exists), such The Cox Company Land Classification System IX-4 1 LI 11 IM 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina' as productive and unique agricultural lands, forest lands, potentially valuable mineral deposits, water supply watersheds, scenic and tourist resources including archaeological sites, habitat for important wildlife species, areas subject to frequent flooding, areas important for environmental or scientific values, lands where urban development might destroy or damage natural systems or processes of more than local - concern, or lands where intense development might result in undue risk to life and property from natural or existing manmade hazards." Further, CAMA stipulates that "even though AEC standards occasionally permit urban transition type development on a lot by lot basis within the various AECs, this classification should generally not be applied to any AEC." Areas that are predominantly residential meet the intent of the Urban Transition class if: • they are approaching three dwelling units per acre, or a majority of the lots are 15,000 square feet or less and will be provided with> essential urban services to support this high density development, or • are contiguous to existing developed municipal areas. The urban transition class is found most often in close proximity to the incorporated communities of Beaufort County. Smaller areas of urban transition are found down River Road and in conjunction with water front developments such as Pamlico Beach, Bayview and Cypress Landing. 3. Limited Transition Areas As defined by CAMA, the purpose of the Limited Transition class is to provide for development in areas of Beaufort County that will have some services, but are suitable for lower densities than those associated with the Urban Transition class, and/or which are geographically remote from existing towns and municipalities. County areas meeting the intent of this class will experience increased development during the current 5-year planning period. The Limited Transition Areas will be in a state of development necessitating some municipal infrastructure, facilities, and/or services. As opposed to Urban Transition Areas, these areas are of modest densities and are often suitable for the provision of closed water systems rather than individual wells. Within Beaufort County, geographical land which is classified Limited Transition will provide "controlled development" with services, but may not be applied on lands that are suitable for The Cox Company Land Classification System • IX-5 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina traditional high intensity urban development normally associated with sewers or other services. The Limited Transition lands may possess physical limitations or be applied to environmentally sensitive areas of the County near, valuable estuarine waters or other fragile natural systems. Sewers and other services may be provided because such services are: (a) already in the area, or ' (b) readily available nearby, or (c) because the lands are unsuitable for septic tanks, or (d) because the cumulative effect of septic tanks may negatively impact significant public resources. ' The Limited Transition class is intended for predominantly residential development with densities of three units per acre or less, or in development with the majority of lots 15,000 square feet or greater. In many areas, lower densities would be necessary and should be considered. Clustering or development associated with Planned Unit Development may be appropriate in the Limited Transition Class. Areas which meet the definition of the Conservation class should not be classified Limited Transition. ' CAMA guidelines recognize that due to its very nature, the Limited Transition land classification may be controversial because..it forces the locality to "pick" between potentially incompatible land development and conservation issues. As such, CAMA requires that if a local government chooses . to implement this class, it shall describe the circumstances making this classification necessary and shall also describe how this class will help the local government achieve both its economic 1 development and natural resources protection policies. This discussion shall include statements as to why lands included in this classification are appropriate for development which necessitates the provision of services. As sewer and other services become more widespread in Beaufort County, they could potentially be ' extended into service areas that are not suitable or conducive for high density urban development. The use of such services generally increases environmental protection requirements in these areas if the density of development remains relatively low. The Limited Transition class is intended to provide for appropriate moderate densities of development with the benefits of both urban services and sound environmental protection guidelines. However, the reliability of services, such as sewage treatment systems, is critical to the appropriate development of these areas. If the County intends to allow the private provision of urban services, such as sewage systems and garbage collection, then the County should require special assurances that these private services will reliably protect the public resources and avoid unnecessary public expenses. ' Both the Urban Transition and Limited Transition classes are designed to illustrate emerging and developing areas where some appropriate level of services are required.Limited Transition confines itself to smaller areas of development along the water front, such as Hills Point, Duck Creek and areas along the Pungo River. The Cox Company - Land Classification System • M-G 1 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina 4. Community Areas The purpose of the Community Areas class is to provide for clustered, mixed land uses at low ' densities to helpmeet the housing, shopping, employment and other needs in the rural areas of Beaufort County. ' The portions of the County meeting the intent of the Community Areas class are areas presently developed at low densities which are suitable for private septic tank use. These areas are clustered ' residential and/or commercial land uses which provide both low intensity shopping and housing opportunities and provide_a local social sense of a "community." Very limited municipal type services such as fire protection and community water may be available, but municipal -type sewer ' systems are not to be provided as a catalyst for future development. In some unusual cases, sewer systems may be possible, but only to correct an existing or projected public health hazard. ' Segments of the County developed in a low density fashion in small, dispersed clusters -in a larger rural landscape with very limited or no water and sewer -services meet the intent of this Community Areas class. The Coastal Area Management Act stresses that the Community Areas class applies to clustered ' low intensity development in a rural landscape. This development is usually associated with crossroads neighborhoods in Beaufort County. Some Community Areas may have or may require municipal type services to avert an existing or anticipated health problem. Even though limited services may be available, these Community Areas should not be shown in the higher intensity land classes, as the major characteristic which distinguishes Community Areas with limited ' services from the Developed and Transition classes is that services are not provided to stimulate intense development in rural setting, but rather to neutralize or avert health problems. Due to the ' small size of most Community Areas, they will appear as small areas in a dispersed pattern on the County's Land Classification Map. ' Most community areas are limited to the rural crossroads that support small pockets of development. These areas include Highway 17 South, Everts Crossroads, Burbage Crossroads, ' Coxs Crossroads, and Highway 33 near Aurora. 5. Rural Areas The Rural Areas class is to provide a County designation for agriculture, forestry, mineral ' extraction, and other allied uses traditionally associated with an agrarian region. Other land uses, due to their noxious or hazardous nature and negative impacts on adjacent uses may also be 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina appropriate here if sited in a manner that minimizes their negative effect on surrounding land uses or natural resources. Examples of such uses include energy generating plants, refining plants, airports, sewage treatment facilities, fuel storage tanks, and other industrial type uses. Very low density dispersed residential uses on large lots with private on -site water and sewer are consistent with the intent of the Rural Areas class. Development in this class should be as compatible with resource production as possible. County land meeting the intent of the Rural Areas classification is appropriate for, or presently used for, agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other uses, or if of a hazardous or noxious ' nature, should be located in a relatively isolated and undeveloped area. ' Very low density dispersed, single family residential uses are also appropriate within Rural Areas where lot sizes are large and where densities do not require the provision of urban type services. Private septic ' tanks and wells are the primary on site services available to support residential development, but fire, rescue squad and sheriff protection may also be available. Population densities will be very ' low. The Rural'Area class is the broadest of the seven classes. In the future, the County may _wish to further subdivide the rural class into subclasses such as Rural/agricultural, Rural/forestry, etc. in order to illustrate where these basic rural activities should be maintained within the County. 6. Rural with Services tThe Rural with Services category is designed to complement Rural Areas category by recognizing that limited:, residential development may occur without threatening the agricultural ' environmental with potential suburban expansion. Thus, the Rural with Services class is intended to provide for very low density land uses including residential use where limited water services are provided in order to avert an existing or projected health problem. It is emphasized that any and all land development within this class sh(fuld be governed to ensure low intensity in order to maintain a rural character. Rural water systems, such as those funded by Farmers Home ' Administration, are or may be appropriate in these areas due to the need to avert poor water quality, problems. In summary, Count areas meeting the intent of this class areappropriate for ve low intensity Y Y gvery Y residential uses, where lot sizes are large, and where the provision of services will not disrupt the ' primary rural character of the landscape. Private wells and septic tank services may exist, but most development is supported by a closed water system. Other services such as sheriff protection and rural or volunteer fire protection and emergency rescue, etc.. may also be available. .This class is intended to be applied where the local government has provided, or intends to provide, very The Cox Company Land Classification System M-8 1 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan - Beaufort County • Nort1: Carolina limited water services to avert a known or anticipated health problem in a predominantly larger ' agrarian region. Areas in this category are found along 200' on each side of all state maintained roads that are not ' currently grouped into another land classification category. 7. Conservation The purpose of the Conservation Areas class is to provide for the effective long-term management ' and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas of Beaufort County. Land management is needed due to the natural, cultural, recreational, scenic, and/or natural productive values of both local and regional concern. Land areas in Beaufort County meeting the intent of this classification include the following: • AECs, including but not limited to public trust waters or estuarine waters as identified in 15A NCAC 7H; • Other similar lands, environmentally significant because of - their ' natural role in the integrity of the coastal region, including but not limited to bottom land hardwoods, pocosins, swamp forests,areas that are or have a high probability of providing wildlife habitat, forest lands that are essentially undeveloped and lands that otherwise contain significant productive, natural, scenic, cultural, or recreational resources. The Conservation Areas class is designed to illustrate the natural, productive, scenic, cultural and recreational features of the County which make it a desirable place in which to live, work, and visit. As such the Conservation class should be applied to areas that because of their unique, productive, limited, cultural, or natural features, should not be developed at all (preserved) or, if developed, done so in an extremely limited and cautious manner. At a minimum, all AECs as defined in 15A NCAC 7H, should be included in this class. The land use plan should include, and ' the local government is strongly urged to include, other similar areas protected by other state or federal agencies. Examples include Army Corps of Engineers' "404 wetlands." " As AECs should be included in the Conservation class, the local government should acknowledge the distinctions ' among the various uses the Coastal Management Program, permits within each AEC group. It should be understood, however, that the local government may develop its own more restrictive ' standards as the state's are considered minimum. CAMA stipulates that, at a minimum, each plan should include language such as: The Cox Company Land Classification System IX-9 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina Estuarine Shoreline AECs - These areas are located adjacent to estuarine ' waters AECs and are known for their contribution to the natural productivity of the waters close by. Many uses may by permitted as long as the 30 percent impervious rule is met and development is well managed on individual sites to ensure minimal degradation. • Other similar lands that are afforded some protection by another agency, such as '404 wetlands where use and performance standards of that ' agency will apply. *Other unique lands that may not be afforded protection by another agency, but are known for their natural, scenic, historical, cultural, or hazardous nature. These areas might include areas identified by the Natural Heritage Program, pocosins, savannas, tracts of native forests, etc. When these areas are included in the Conservation class ,the local government "should describe the types of uses it deems appropriate, if any, within each area and under what circumstances those uses might by appropriate. Urban services, either public or private, should not be provided in the Conservation Areas due to their potential nature as a catalyst to stimulate intense development. In most cases, limited on-_ site services will adequately support any limited development within the Conservation class and will also protect the very features which justify the area's inclusion in the Conservation ' classification. CAMA emphasizes that even though AEC standards occasionally permit urban type development on a lot by lot basis within the various AECs and that services are occasionally provided, this is the exception rather than the rule, and the primary intent of the conservation class is to provide ' protection for the resources included therein. Mapping of AECs in the Conservation class on the local government's land classification map should be accomplished with the understanding the ' AECs are extensively defined in 15A NCAC 7H and, therefore, maps only indicate approximate locations and are not definitive enough for site specific regulation purposes. Policy development in the land use plan should acknowledge the intent of this class and policies should be consistent ' with the function of areas shown in the Conservation class. The Cox Company Land Classification System • IX-10 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina Two major areas in the County are considered under this category. One is Goose Creek State Park located on S.R. 1334, and the other area is Goose Creek Game lands located on Highway 33 near Aurora. Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation ' The land classification map for Beaufort County serves to guide the activities of private developers and public agencies and to coordinate policies, standards, regulations and other governmental strictureswhich affect development within the County limits. In doing so, the development policies, issues and concerns of adjoining jurisdictions shall also be considered, and meaningful attempts at conflict resolution and coordination shall be made with these jurisdictions. Throughout the constructing of this plan, continuous efforts were made to make local policies and regulations consistent with the regulations of nearby planning jurisdictions and the requirements of State and Federal governing agencies.The implementation of this plan will also consider compatibility and consistency with these governmental bodies. The Public Participation Appendix provides'a detailed account of coordinating activities with local and State officials in the making of this land use plan update. 1 1 1 The Cox Company Land Classification System IX-11 . 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina CHAPTER X.- Summary: Relationships of Policies and Land Classification The guidelines set forth b CAMA in section T15A: 07B .0205 require that this Land Use Plan � Y q Update relate the general policy statements (Rule .0203) to the Land Classification categories. The 1 comparison shall indicate which land uses are deemed appropriate for the locality within the specific land classifications. The following section serves as. a summary of the Land Classification Chapter of this document. 1. Developed Class Beaufort County contains four sub -categories within the Developed classification: multi -family residential, single family residential, commercial, and industrial. The County will continue to ' monitor the compatibility of these uses through implementation of the existing applicable ordinances. Further development in these areas will be executed as indicated on the Land Classification Map. The existing infrastructure will be improved, expanded and maintained as necessary : to provide for the continuance of these services to areas falling under this classification. Other public- services such as police and fire protection will be expanded and/or improved as needed. 2. Urban Transition Class The Urban Transition class indicates land areas which will accommodate future urban growth patterns. Necessary steps will be taken to assure that areas classified as Urban Transition will be able to support urban development by being generally free of physical limitations and be served or readily served by urban services. Urban Transition areas as indicated on the Land Classification Map are positioned so as to greatly reduce or eliminate potential land use compatibility problems even in the event of full scale urban development. 3 Limited Transition Class Areas falling under this classification will contain controlled development of lower density than the Urban Transition class. These lands are generally suited to residential development rather - than high density commercial or industrial development. The Limited Transition class within Beaufort County is intended to provide for moderate development densities with the benefits of both urban services and sound environmental protection guidelines. The County may allow controlled private installation of urban services in this class. The portions of Beaufort County which are indicated as Limited Transition are those having special environmental or geological features such as estuarine waters and/or limiting soil characteristics. The Cox Company Relationships ofPolicies and Land Classification • X-1 1992 CAMKALand Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina 4. Community Areas Class The Community Area class indicates primarily low density residential development which is supported by minimal services such as fire protection. In some cases, community water may be 1 available. Due primarily to the low density format, public sewer service is generally not provided. 1 Community areas usually take the form of crossroad developments and .are located throughout Beaufort County. Intensive development in this classification is not encouraged. 5. Rural Areas Class This classification contains uses dedicated to agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other allied uses. Very low density residential areas served by private on -site water and sewer services also fall under this heading. Future development in this class will be as compatible with resource protection and resource management policies as possible. 6. Rural with Services Class Rural with Services was established to provide for very low density land uses including residential where water services are provided to avoid. -existing or projected health problems. It should be noted that provision of these services is not to be used as incentive for future development. This class will be compatible with resource protection policies. As indicated on the Updated Land Classification Map, this category has the greatest potential for expansion pending the construction of the slated County -wide water system. 7. Conservation Class The Conservation Class applies to areas requiring strict management and protection of irreplaceable land features located within Beaufort County. These areas include AECs and other lands having environmentally significant features due to their role in the integrity of the coastal region. All policies relating to AECs and public trust waters as well as other environmentally significant features including but not limited to swamp forests, bottom land hardwoods and prime wildlife habitat areas apply to this class. 1 1 1 The Cox Company Relationships ofPolicies and Land Classification • X-2 r r 1ss2 CAMA1 and vse Plan Beaufort County • North CaMam Appendix: I Public Participation Plan The greatest value of citizen participation in the planning process is that it allows each member of the community the opportunity to influence governmental decision making. In order for the 1992 Land Use Plan Update to be fully effective, it must accurately represent the ideas, attitudes, and concerns of the residents. By preparing a Land Use Plan Update which is integrally tied to its precedent goals, objectives and policies, the old adage that "a locality can be -no better than it aspires to be" is underscored. IAn intelligent and comprehensive plan cannot be structured • P ed without the direction of the locality' s vision for its future. This vision must come from the residents of Beaufort County. The following Public Participation Plan outlines the methodology to be used by the County in its effort to achieve this essential representation of its citizens. • The Land Use Plan Advisory Committee will be officially designated by the County Board of Commissioners as the lead agency for obtaining citizen input to the planning program and reporting that information to the Board of Commissioners. • During the preliminary stages of the Land Use Plan Update process, all County citizens will be provided periodic official notices that the planning process is underway. These notices shall encourage the citizens to express their attitudes and feelings regarding land use issues in the County. The public will be informed of when and where they may voice these concerns. In most cases, the Advisory Committee will reserve time, on its agenda at each regular monthly meeting to obtain citizen comments. As the Land Use Plan process matures, periodic updates which outline completed and pending tasks and decisions will be available to the citizenry for further review. • The Advisory Committee will distribute official notice of the Land Use Plan Update process via the Washington Daily New-, and the Bs=. A reporter from these publications will be periodically informed by the County Manager and/or County Planner of the progress and status of the Land Use Plan Update. The reporters will be encouraged to act as "partners" with the County officials in the conveyance of information to the public. The news media will also be informed of the time and location of the monthly Advisory Committee meetings and encouraged to promote citizen attendance and participation. In addition, the media will be asked to prepare "focus" articles aimed at the Land Use Plan Update process. • The Advisory, Committee will be asked to complete a "PolicyCritique Questionnaire." This document provides a format for examination of and ' revision to the status of the 1987 Land Use Plan's policies and implementation recommendations. The Car Company PublicParik • I Z pat�onPlan A 1992 CAMALand UsePlan Beaufort County • North Carobna • Citizen involvement in the planning process will be solicited via a "Public Questionnaire." This survey document will allow the residents to register their concerns pertaining to the character, degree and pattern of population .growth as well as future land use issues for the County. Indirect distribution of the questionnaire will be through the local news media. , The questionnaire will be distributed to local merchants as well as through interest groups as described below. The questionnaire will also be administered to students via the County's Public and Private school systems. • In an effort to reach the greatest audience, representatives from various l public interest groups may be asked to regularly attend Advisory . Committee meetings and report back to their members. These representatives will be -given both the "Policy Critique Questionnaire" and the "Public Questionnaire". to distribute and/or review with their group members. The County of Beaufort officials understand the great value and necessity of comprehensive public participation in the planning process. Resident participation will be viewed as an opportunity which continues through every phase of the Land Use Plan Update. Accurate representation of the County's constituency should result in a clear and attainable vision for the future of Beaufort. The primary purpose of this Public Participation Plan, therefore, is to inform, educate and involve the citizens of the County as fully as possible. In pursuit of this purpose, this participation process is intended to remain flexible in format and execution, while giving every Beaufort citizen the opportunity to take part in this democratic process. L The Car Company Public Participation Plan • AI-2 BEAUFORT COUNTY CITIZEN'S SURVEY TALLY SHEET Citizen's Attitude Survey Tally Sheet 1992 Land Use Plan Update The County of Beaufort I. Population I. The current population of Beaufort County Is 42283. Population growth has increased by 14% over twenty years.. Population growth should be encouraged. Strongly 1 Disagree 2 3 4 5 Strongly 1 Agree 77 23 87 82 17 6% 169 2 19% Totals 438 38% 100°,6 2. Without more local Industry and Job opportunities, young in Be employment and residences elsewhere. people aufort County will seek Strongly 1 Disagree 2 3 4 5 Strongly Agree 22 13 39 79 285 5% 3% 9% 18 65% Totals 38 100% 11. General Attitudes on Growth and Land Use 1 3. The unemployment rate (5.4% annually) is a major concern in thd County. Strongly 1 2 3 Disagree 4 5 Strongly - Agree 34 53 90 74 183 7% 13% 21 % 17% Totals 434 42% 4. The 'quality 10000 of life' in Beaufort County Is very good. Strongly 1 2 3 Disagree 4 5 Strongly Agree 35 61 85 125 8% 14% 19% 130 29°k 30% Totals 436 1000/0 5. Growth in Industry and commerce is a high priority in the County and should be promoted in the Land Use Plan. Strongly 1 2 3 4 Disagree 5 Strongly Agree 47 26 50 89 Totals 221- 11% 6% 11% 21% 51% 433 100% 6. The continuing preservation of agricultural land and support of the farming Industry is an Important goal for the future. Strongly l Disagree 2 3 4 5 Strongly Agree 16 26 55 97 243 4% 5% 13% 22% 56% Totals 437 10000 r 7. Increased emphasis on tourism should be a County goal. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree' r Totals 33 35 95 102 167 432 7% 8% 22% 24% 39% , 1000/0 r 8. The reservation of historic sites and buildings Is an Important goal for the County. p g Po 9 Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree Totals 33 29 112 96 169 438 7% 6% 26% 22% 39% 100% III. Land Use Concerns 9. Existing land use controls are adequate to protect the quality of the environment. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree 136 105 89 23 82 Agree T 435 s 31% 25% 20% 5% 19% 1000/0 10. There needs to be an Increased County -wide effort towards recycling goods and conserving landfill space. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree Totals 15 15 22 78 303 433 3% 3% 5% 19% 70% 1009'0 11. The current regulations concerning the commercial use of forest land are sufficient. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree Totals 77 63 169 38 64 411 18% 16% 42% 9% 15% 1000/0 12. The location of new industry and residential development should be left to the `marketplace" and not to County guidance. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree T s 186 64 59 38 91 438 42% 15% 13% 8% 22% 1000/0 1 r r 1 13. The County should set standards to guarantee that new subdivisions have property designed streets and utilities. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree 27 17 27 85 279 T 435 s 6% 4% 6% 64% 1000/0 14. 1 would approve of new industry locating across the street from my home. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree T 436 s 242 39 66 35 54 56% 9% 15% 8% 12% 10090 j15. The County should the location industry guide of and commerce to protect existing residential areas. Strongly 1 2 .3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree Totals 28 12 16 66 316 438 6% 4% 3% 15% 72% 100% r 16. The County has no ordinances for governing the location and type of future growth. Minimum regulations (such as subdivision and zoning) for future land use should be adopted. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree Totals 33 15 25 74 286 433 7% 3% 4% 17% 66% 10090 17. To protect the environment, new residential and commercial development along Beaufort County's waterfront areas should be controlled by the County. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree ' 39 27 43 84 242 I435 9% 6% 10% _19% 56% 100% IV. Residential Housing 18. More affordable housing is "needed in Beaufort County to serve the needs of low and moderate Income residents. Strongly 1 2 3. 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree L 70 50 96 98 123 437E 16% - 12% 22% 22% 28% 1009b ' 19. More housing for the elderly should be constructed in Beaufort County. Strongly 1' 2 3 4 5` Strongly, Disagree Agree Totals 37 22 140 115 124 438 8% 5% 32% 27% 28% 1009% 20. Existing housing is sufficient to meet the needs of the citizens of the County. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree ' 79 120 146 45 31 otals I4211 19% 29% 35% 11% 6% 1000/0 V. County Services 21. Construction of County -wide water and sewer services should be a high priority. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree 75 33 66 79 183 I4361 17% 7% 16% 18% 42% 1000/0 22. Beaufort County has sufficient recreation activities and facilities to serve the needs of Its citizens. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree 117 104 97 57 28% 24% 22% 63 TQ s 12% 14% 1000/0 23. Senior citizens programs and facilities in the County are adequate for the needs of its retired citizens. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree 'Totals 72 118 139 47 61 437 16% 28% 32% 10% 14% 10000 24. The Public school system provides adequate facilities and education for the County's children. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree Totals 131 102 79 55 70 437 300/. 23% 17% 12% 16% 1000/. 25. The County does a good job with my real estate tax dollars. Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree Agree Totals 100 84 159 55 17 415 24% 20% 39% 12% 5% 10000 26. Leadership In the County has Improved compared to five years ago. - ' Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly. Disagree Agree Ts 115 43 178 77 24 37 26% 10`Y0 41 % 18% 5% 10000 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ' ISSUED BY: COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE, COUNTY OF BEAUFORT FEBRUARY 28, 1992 The 1992 Land Use Plan Update is currently underway for the County of Beaufort. The County Board of Commissioners has appointed a Land Use Plan Advisory Committee to represent the County during this process. The Update will be officially adopted by the Board of Commissioners later in the year. The Committee holds regularly scheduled monthly meetings. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and will be notified by this newspaper and other public information sources as to meeting times and locations. The main purpose of the Land Use Plan is to establish the character and pattern of future land use and growth in the County. This purpose is achieved through the formulation of goals, policies and implementation strategies. These goals and policies are. established through analysis of existing social and economic trends in Beaufort. The project will review the pattern of existing land uses as they relate to issues such as resource' protection and management, housing, economic trends,- and agricultural and. industrial production. The Charlottesville, Virginia firm of the Cox Company has been selected as the County's Consultant Planners. The firm brings over , twenty years of planning experience to the project. They. have completed similar studies for the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, and ' Hershey, Pennsylvania, and are currently doing Land Use Plans for Plymouth and New Bern, North Carolina among others. The Plan Update is required under the Coastal Area Management .. Act (CAMA). Based on 1974 State law, CAMA specifies that the State's 20 coastal communities prepare Land Use Plans. The CAMA act also requires that these Plans be updated every five ` years. The 1992 Plan is the third such update for the County; the most recent update was adopted in .1987. In order for the 1992 Plan Update to be fully effective, it must accurately represent the ideas and attitudes of the citizens. To this end, a "citizen's survey" will be published in this newspaper and distributed to various merchants throughout Beaufort County. Your response to the questionnaire is extremely important to the t County's future. r BEAUFORT COUNTY CITIZEN'S SURVEY r r_ WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING BEAUFORT COUNTY? 1 RESPONSES (1) EDUCATION: Education: 73 Merger: 27 Facilities: 20 Teachers: TOTAL: 125 1 (2) ECONOMIC GROWTH: Jobs:. 46 New Industry: 35 Economic Dev: 19 . rTourism: 05 TOTAL: 105 (3) ENVIRONMENT: Environment:. 44 rWater Quality: 31 Resources: 0 5 r TOTAL: 80 (4) LAW ENFORCEMENT: Crime: 46 Drugs: 20 Teens 11 TOTAL 77 (5) PLANNING: Zoning: 32 r Land Use: 2 0 Subd. Regs: 0 7 Growth Mgt: 12 TOTAL: 71 r RESPONSES (6) GOVERNMENT: f Taxes: 28 Elections: 16 Leadership: 13 Other: 11 TOTAL: 68 (7) WATER/SEWER: Septic Tanks: 26 Quality Water: 30 TOTAL: 56 (8) SOLID WASTE: ' Recycling: 16 Litter: 1 1 Landfill: 06 TOTAL: 33 (9) RECREATION: Activities: 30, Water Access: 03 TOTAL: 33 (10) ELDERLY: Senior Citizens: 26 Retirement: 05 TOTAL: 31 (1 1) HEALTHCARE:: 12 HOUSING: 09 HOSPITAL BOARD: 07 (12) OTHER: Highway 17: 05 rNew Bridge: 03 BEAUFORT COUNTY CITIZENS SURVEY 1 The following5 received a "Strop questions."Strongly Agree (#5) response. 15. The County should guide the location of industry and commerce to protect existing residential areas. 316/438 10. There needs to be an increased County -wide effort towards recycling goods and conserving landfill space. ` 303/433 16. The Count has no ordinances for governing the Y g g location and type of future growth. Minimum regulations (such as subdivision and zoning) for future land use should be adopted. 286/433 2 Without more local industry and job opportunities, young people in Beaufort County will seek employment and residences elsewhere. 285/438 13. The County should set standards to guarantee that new subdivisions have properly designed streets and utilities.' 279/435 The following 5 questions received a Strongly Agree (#4) response. 4. The "quality of life" in Beaufort County is very good. 125/436 19. More housing for the elderly should be constructed in Beaufort County. 1 15/438 7. Increased emphasis on tourism. should be a County Goal. 102/432 t 18. More affordable housing is needed'in Beaufort County to serve the needs of low and moderate income residents. 98/437 6. The continuing preservation of agricultural land and support of the farming industry is an important goal for the future. ' 97/437: The following 5 questions received a "Strongly Disagree (#1) response: ' 14. 1 would approve of new industry locating across the street from my home. 242/436 12. The location of new industry and residential development should be left to the "marketplace" and not to County guidance. " ' 186/438 9. Existing land use controls are adequate to protect the quality of the environment. 136/438 ' 24. The public school system provides adequate facilities and education for the County's children. 131 /437 22. Beaufort County has sufficient recreation activities and facilities to serve the needs of its citizens. 117/438 The following 5 questions received a "Strongly Disagree" 99 (#2) response. 20. Existing housing is sufficient to meet the needs of the citizens of the County. 120/421 23. Senior citizens programs and facilities in the County are adequate for the needs of its `retired citizens. 1 18/437 9. Existing land use controls are adequate to protect the qualityof the environment. 105/435 22. Beaufort County has sufficient recreation activities and facilities to serve the needs fit its citizens. 1 04/438 24. The Public School system provides adequate facilities and ' education for the County's children. 102/437 =2 The following 5 questions received a #3 (uncommitted) response. 26. Leadership in the County has improved compared to five years ago. 178/437 ' 11. The current regulations concerning the commercial use of forest land are sufficient. 169/41 1 ' 25. The County does a good job with my real estate tax dollars. 1 59/41 5 ' 20. Existing housing is sufficient to meet the needs of the citizens of the County. 146/421 19. More housing for the elderly: should be constructed in Beaufort County. 140/438 3 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina Beaufort County General Public Meeting Notes ' Jatnauy9,1992 Time: Full Day . Present: Cox Company ' Purpose: Updating existing land use via windshield survey. All major and the majority of minor roads were covered by two teams. Existing land use was updated and verified. Information -to be used ' for mapping and text. February 18,1992 ' Time: 7:30a.m.-10:OOa.m. at Holiday Inn Present Advisory Committee, Don Davenport, John Rodman, County Commissioners Items of Discussion: Introduction of Project to Advisory Committee. Discussed critical path. :Response to Policy Critique Questionnaire. Format of future meetings. ' Fielded comments from Committee members on public participation and method of reaching the greatest number of citizens. March .W,1992 Time: 1:OOp.m.-2:00p.m. at County Office Building Present: Don Davenport, John Rodman Items of Discussion: Reviewed findings from Land Use windshield survey. Discussed remarks applying to Draft Chapters II and III of Update. Discussed remarks applying to Charts and other statistical graphic illustrations. Discussed strategy for citizen survey distribution. March 25,1992 ' Time: 7:00p.m.-9:OOp.m. at County Office Building Present: Advisory Committee, Don Davenport, John Rodman ' Items of Discussion: Began analysis of 1987 Land Use Plan goals, objectives and policies. Completed approximately half of the Policy Critique Questionnaire. April 41992 Time: 2:OOp.m.-4:OOp.m. at County Office Building Present: John Crew, CRC, Don Davenport, John Rodman ' Items of Discussion: Quarterly update competed. Found to be 50% complete. Spoke with John Rodman regarding policy critique questionnaire, Chapters I, II, III and IX. The Cox Company Public Meeting Notes • 1 i -. 1992 CAMALand Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina April22,1992 Time: 7:OOp.m.-9:OOp.m. at County Office Building Present: Advisory Committee, Don Davenport, John Rodman ' Items of Discussion: Began discussion of Chapter VIII-draft Policy Chapter. Continued discussion of Chapter IX -draft Land Classification Chapter. May 8,1992 Time: 4:30p.m.-6:00p.m. at County Office Building Present: John Rodman Items of Discussion: Continued discussion of Policy Chapter. Rodman updated Cox Co. on issued raised at meeting of Thursday May, 7 by Advisory Committee members. ' May 27,1992 _ Time: 7:OOp.m.-9:OOp.m. at County Office Building ' Present: Advisory Committee, Don Davenport, John Rodman Items of Discussion: Finalized discussion on Chapter VIII-Policy Chapter. Cox Co. to revise based on comments and resubmit for further review. 1 June 2 ,1992 Time: 7:00p.m 9:OOp.m. at County Office Building ' Present: Advisory Committee, Don Davenport, John Rodman Items of Discussion: Cox Co. presented Advisory Committee with Draft Land Use Plan Update. I The Cox Company Public Meeting Notes • 2 CAMALand Use Plan The County of Beaufort In developing the updated planning policies for the 1992 Land Use Plan, we believe that it is a CAMA mandate that you review the previously adopted goals and objectives from the previous plan. By doing so, the County can assess the suitability of past planning strategies in the context of what.is now ' appropriate during the coming decade. We believe that by thoughtfully updating these policies and _implementati.ons/aetions,you `can better respect and reflect the evolving nature of your County while at the same time achieving the primary objectives of the Coastal Area Management Act. In reviewing each of the previously adopted planning goals and policies you . 1 should evaluate the following questions: 1. What is your evaluation of the outcome (either positive or negative) of the communities. efforts to implement this goal? 2. , Has this goal/objective caused any conflicts with any other community planning goal or strategy? 3. What has. -been the economic, social, and political impacts of the subject goal/policy. In addition to these questions and in the interests of thoroughly ' representing the intentions and positions of the Commission., we have drafted the following "policy critique questionnaire." Beginning with the 1986 Land Use Plan, we have summarized in this document the various categories of adopted planning goals, policies and implementation strategies. Please respond to the questions as prompted by the columns to the right of each policy and implementation. If you believe the goal or policy statement is in need of a "redraft", don't hesitate to rewrite it in your own words. In closing, keep in mind that if goals and policy statements are to be fruitful, they must. be founded within a "local mindset and philosophy_" and not inspired by consultants. Thus, you should view the task as the most important facet of this Plan Update. ' The Cox Company I. Resource Protection A. Protect and enhance water quality In the Pamlico River and its tributaries. 1. Support Innovative wastewater treatment systems that eliminate discharges of domestic wastewater into the surface waters of the state; support use of package treatment plants only if other alternatives are not available; oppose Issuance of permits to discharge domestic wastewater Into the Pamlico River. 2. Support expansion of the Agricultural Cost Share Program to include the counties of the upper Tar drainage area 3. Support control of urban stormwater runoff by local communities. 4. Consider adopting subdivision regulations that set maximum runoff standards and encourage use of Innovative stormwater controls. 5. Encourage regulatory, administrative and educational efforts In upstream communities (e.g. improvements to wastewater treatment facilities,. adoption of land use controls, instituting stormwater controls, etc.) that will help improve water quality in downstream areas. B. Preserve and protect Areas of Environmental Concern 1. Support development in AECs only if such development meets the management objectives in 15 NCAC 7H.0203 and the use standards in 15 NCAC 7H.0208 and .0209. 2. Support construction of marinas' according to the following standards: • marinas not to be located in Primary or Secondary Nursery Areas; • marinas In Class SA or WS-1, WS-11, or WS-111 waters to be provided With pump -outs; • timing of marina construction involving dredging to be determined by Division of Marine Fisheries. 'marina: boat basin with capacity to moor ten(10) or more vessels. 3. Consider adopting subdivision regulations which use incentives to preserve land adjoining AECs. C. Protect the County'spresent and future water supply. 1. Support establishment of a state fund to assist communities in removing leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) and in cleaning up affected water supplies. 2. Support regulations which control the siting, construction and �C, v��� a �a.�Cm C_ O A. a2 uTo �qyj/ N$ PCP E Q q d nL° 8Cpm711 2 E in LL0. J0,_ The County of Beaufort CAMA Land Use Plan Update The Cox Company (Resource Protection 'continued) maintenance of USTs; support projects in which no USTs will be placed within 100 feet of surface waters. 3. Support capacity Use groundwater monitoring by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). Should significant declines in groundwater levels be noted, urge DEM to limit withdrawals, giving municipal uses priority over industrial uses. 4. Request that the coastal Resources Commission designate Tranters Creek a public water supply AEC should the creek ever be used to supply a County water system. D. Protect the County's historic and cultural resources 1. Support local Historic Commissions in area communities; encourage strict enforcement of Historic District ordinances. 2. Consider reinstating the County's Historic Properties Commission; review and revise the inventory of historic properties in the County. Consider giving properties of special importance a local historic property designation. 3. Support proposals which will have no negative Impacts on historic or archaeologic resources. E. Provide for safe, environmentally sound development 1. Support a demonstration program for septic alternatives. 2. Support expansion of municipal water and sewer systems; support wastewater projects proposing alternatives to surface water discharge systems. 3. Study the feasibility of a County water and sewer system; develop a strategy to generate public support for such systems if projects appear feasible. 4. Consider adopting performance -based subdivision regulations where lot size is determined in part by soil suitability. F. Protect wildlife habitat and preserve scenic resources 1. Actively oppose the take-over of County air -space by military operations. 2. Consider the establishment of a land conservation fund which would protect areas of environmental, recreational or aesthetic importance by In -fee acquisition or purchase -in -less than fee techniques. c IE ;bra x 0 m2 L - 11 IQ N2t CL _ 10 ._ E .05p Era EEtAb p Q _ 01 The County of Beaufort CAMA Land Use Plan Update The Cox Company (Resource Protection continued) Potential Additional Resource Protection Policv/ImolemeNation Considerations: Please note: In light of the above assessment the following have been Included as possible additional implementations relating to Resource Protection. Please modify, and/or comment as needed. Also please do not hesitate to add others. 1. Support current state and federal efforts to preserve the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. 2. Encourage strict enforcement of all water quality regulations by the State Department of Environmental Management. 3. Support strict enforcement of the state Environmental Health Code regarding the siting of in -ground septic systems. 4. To reduce solid waste, Initiate a community pilot recycling program that could eventually become county -wide by curbside pickup and transfer stations; investigate markets for recyclable materials. damp'oe, �yZ� 2St cc 0k. NbZ'- �d C a=,2` C0 p �°'� �.5 , m E N NAz �92 m, N _ aL II. Resource Production and Management A. Preserve and enhance agricultural uses in Beaufort County. 1. Promote and expand the Farmers Market in downtown Washington. Enlist the assistance and support of the Agricultural Extension Service and the Chamber of Commerce and work with other area communities to develop markets in which all County farmers could participate. 2. Support municipalities in designing programs for public Improvements so that financing avoids imposition of costs on agricultural property whose agricultural use will not benefit from those improvements. 3. Encourage farmers owning parcels of 10 acres or more to apply for use - value assessment. 4. Consider adopting subdivision regulations to ensure that land is used efficiently when agricultural properties are subdivided. B. Protect commercial forest lands 1. Encourage owners of parcels of 20 or more acres in size to apply for use - value assessment. 2: Encourage operators to leave vegetative buffers between cleared areas and major (i.e. paved) roadways. 3. Support a program administered by state or federal agencies to minimize drainage of wetlands for silvicultural activities. 4. Encourage immediate replanting of areas cleared for timber. C. Protect and enhance commercial and recreational fishing activities in the Pamlico River and its tributaries 1. Consider adopting criteria for siting of marinas which protect important nursery areas. 2. Support state efforts to reduce nutrient loading in the County's surface waters. a. encourage more stringent restrictions on nitrogen discharges. b. support regulations controlling the disposal of animal wastes. 3. Consider adopting subdivision regulations which use Incentives to preserve areas adjoining Primary and Secondary Nursery Areas. 4. Review the need for additional public river access sites ... a minimum of one on each side of the river. Apply for funding to conduct a Beach Access Study; based on study results, apply for a beach Access Grant d 8ic^ a u� a a��T uTe ro2� gm�ar }a a�'�.2• a2��m Q,7,Z.0 > y"a _ .8-8 r a m g— E •5Q��•a�i in p�i?� u r cc aC:: �-RU u,�o i° g�US mSLL gyp, 11 p •J (Resource Production and Management continued) from the Division of coastal Management and apply for assistance form the Office of Water Resources under the Civil Works Project Program. 5. Support development of a fisheries management program and regulations for both commercial and sports fisherman; support expansion of local operations serving both commercial and recreational users; request that the Division of Marine Fisheries investigate the possibility of closing the Pamlico and Pungo Rivers to commercial trawling" and hauling. 6. Encourage activities such as "catch and release" programs which attempt to preserve declining species. 7. Request that the Division of Marine Fisheries investigate culling practices at local fish processing plants to assure that significant numbers of undersize and "trash' fish are not being wasted to the detriment of future stocks. D. Preserve areas of prime farmland 1. Consider adopting a policy to preserve prime agricultural land. Submit proposals for public projects to the SCS for review. Carefully review projects which in the opinion of the SCS, will have adverse impacts on important areas of prime agricultural land. 2. Support development of a comprehensive state program for farmland preservation. Support legislation that proposes to study programs existing in other areas and to develop appropriate programs and i techniques for use in North Carolina. E. Ensure efficient, environmentally sound agricultural production. 1. Support use of Best Management Practices for agricultural land use and production. 2. Work with the SCS to encourage participation in the state's Agricultural Cost Share Program. 3. Support the Conservation Provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill: • Conservation Reserve • Conservation Compliance Sodbuster • ° Swampbuster a�g� aciZ A np", 3 °i.S� _ 'Ntig� mZ� A a ua agm c �Z Cana 2 g'a' Em'' min E E.4 t c.- �y Qo (Resource Production• and Management continued) F. Provide for development that preserves the area's productive natural resources 1. Support additional mining activity only if, in the opinion of appropriate officials at the Department of Natural Resources and community Development, the project will have no long term significant impacts on land, air, or water resources; support development of special review criteria for mining activities involving rivers and creeks. 2. Support only those proposals for industrial development that demonstrate that their implementation will lead to no significant adverse impacts on traditional and/or current uses of land and water resources. 3. Support development in accordance with the Land Classification Map. High density development should generally adjoin developed areas, however the County will support projects which involve conversion of farm and/or forest land if the. benefits of the project clearly outweigh any negative impacts which might result. In all cases, the County supports preservation of areas of prime farmland. Potential Additional Resource Production and Management Pollcv/Implementation Considerations: Please note In light of the above assessment the following have been included as possible additional implementations relating to Resource Production and Management. Please modify, and/or comment as needed. Also please do not hesitate to add others. 1. Support the Environmental Protection Agency's Albemarle Pamlico Estuarine Study. 2. Support state and federal programs which attempt to reduce non -point pollution. These Include the Agricultural Cost Share Program and the Conservation Provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill. 3. Continue to publicize the recreational fishing opportunities available in the area in regional tourism brochures. m N C a o �.Zz Gy T Z 11p� ` O oZ N -- C� c o m 5Z1E ate'm.4.- N4 N u 3 Q NN1Z �o 52 T`6 A 1�%5> ,Q • E FE C - Q-0) X pZ[•e' �'1 VY� E A N i0 N 4, 'a n- g, yC0;N E/ EY' 2lL ' Cn � Ill. Economic and Community Development A. Provide for commercial and Industrial growth and expansion which meets the objectives of the County's Land Use Plan. 1. Support the Committee of 100 and the Chamber of Commerce in their efforts to market the County's designated industrial sites. 2. Support groups such as the Mid -East Commission, the Regional Development Institute, and the Small business Institute at East Carolina University, which provide assistance to new and small businesses and to economic development projects. 3. Assist the Committee of 100 in developing a County Industrial Park and in constructing a building on speculation to house future industrial tenants. 4. Support the Economic Development Task Force in its efforts to Identify solutions to regional problems through public/private partnerships. 5. Work with municipalities to extend water and/or sewer services to Industrial and commercial firms locating outside municipal service areas in accordance with the Land Classification Map; for residential projects in the unincorporated area, water and sewer service is to be the responsibility of the developer. 6. Advocate a County water and sewer system should studies prove feasibility of such projects. B. Provide for the orderly growth of the County 1. Consider adopting subdivision regulations; link density requirements to the County's Land classification Map. 2. Consider adopting the revised Mobile Home Park Ordinance. 3. Adopt a system for land classification which sets out an explicit development scheme for the County; adopt a land classification map which clearly delineates this development scheme. C. Increase access to public trust waters. 1. Develop additional sites for public access on both sides of the Pamlico River; contact the state Division of Coastal Management and Office of Water Resources for assistance in funding land acquisition and site development. 2. Encourage developers of waterfront projects 10 contribute to a land conservation fund; target contributions to public access projects. cc �u,.2 u.'m }. 11 a b � '5 E � . E 00 C m H to $ ` aj 11 LL (Economic and Community Development continued) D. Promote and enhance tourism opportunities In the County. t. Develop an annual calendar of all special events to be held throughout the County; publicize monthly listing of events in appropriate local, regional and national publications. 2. Support the development of a museum to commemorate the life and works of Cecil B. deMille. 3. Support regional proposals to promote tourism: support the concept of Initiating a paddlewheel showboat to tour the North Carolina coast; work with proponents to ensure that Beaufort County communities are included as stopping points. E. Preserve and enhance the quality of life 1n the County. f. Continue to apply for funding for housing improvements under the Community Development Block Grant program. 2. Support the development and enhancement of urban waterfront areas; be prepared to address problems related to waterfront areas (overcrowding, sanitation problems, floating homes, etc.) should such concerns arise. 3. Consider adopting subdivision regulations to preserve the rural character of outlying areas. Potential Additional Economic and Community, Develop Pollcy/Imnlementatlon Considerations: Please note: In light of the above assessment the following have been Included as possible additional implementations relating to Economic and Community Development. Please modify, and/or comment as needed. Also please do not hesitate to add others. 1. Encourage location of new commercial uses in vacant commercial buildings downtown. 2. Devise and adopt a Transportation Plan. 3. Devise and adopt an economic development plan. G n� d Z T a N� _._, tfQ� N fG nm T 11 - yy N2 ulo Z Y�p i6 T 11 m N 11 a ,. x g ?bpp E Q� d` N Epp 0 E� J (J E s d C � LL O 90 � IV. Public Participation A. Solicit citizen input in all planning decisions 1. Advertise all special Board of Commissioners meetings in the Deily News; periodically advertise the Board's regular meeting date; emphasize that citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all meetings dealing with planning issues. 2. Appoint ad hoc committees to address special planning issues; ensure composition of committees represents diversity of interest groups advertise committee meetings and encourage citizen participation. B. Apprise the public of planning Issues as they develop 1. Report important planning and community development issues, decisions and developments to the Daily News; provide information and assistance in preparing feature articles addressing land use and development issues. C. Increase public awareness of the need for hurricane preparation. 1. Support the "preparedness" program the County Office of Emergency Management conducts In local schools. 2. Participate in the storm evacuation exercise held each year by the Office of Emergency Management. Potential Additional Public Participation Pollcv/Imalementation Consideratfons: Please note: In light of the above assessment the following have been Included as possible additional implementations relating to Public Participation. Please modify, and/or comment as needed. Also please do not hesitate to add others. 1. Organize task forces on specific issues to be solved. 2. Organize leadership workshops for citizens and County officials. CM'pOA ,dp F C.a ( aa))Z QpEIn 4� TR of a7D p� a7 y.MOOQN.. N.M.. i' L�, I�oZ.0 ern$ �� T II y.Z C 1��0 Q �Z A i5uga ii T 11 ry•� E m w o Eyy-� O gNg C .5'13E A 11 N �.dN d wE—q�- d ULL o I The County of Beaufort CAMA Land Use Plan Update The Cox Company V. Storm Hazards A. Utilize regulatory controls to reduce the risk of hurricane damage 1. Enforce the state building code for all new construction within the County. 2. Enforce the County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. 3. Consider adopting subdivision regulations that include special provisions for development within the storm hazard area. B. Increase public awareness of the need for hurricane preparation 1. Support the "preparedness program state and local emergency management officials conduct in local schools. 2. Work with state officials to plan and conduct an area -wide hurricane evacuation exercise. Potential Addiflonal Storm Hazards Pollcy/Imnlementatfon �onsideratfons: Please note: in light of the above assessment the following have been Included as possible additional implementations relating to Storm Hazards. Please modify, and/or comment as needed. Also please do not hesitate to add others. t. Protect natural areas sensitive to storm hazards. 2. Classify AECs as Conservation on the County's Land Classification Map. v n� �E �n um U0 ma — aN uT° �^7y: A 2 E p5 c v�u N Si a � Appendix III. 1 Water Demand Projections ■ ■ 1 ■ 1 1 The County of Beaufort Land Use Plan 1992 1 «Y O Os Ze3o r Lu> Ho� YO �N :In< x sr o_IN of o Y O I 0 .. H J n HV1 son Nt+Y > H Z ��yy >>S�..'.b>> �l r1 SIY yNy Sn r0 � u(( oYYN RM<O. H W t YYYYYM N' >.COnr - I1ry M I�p I .1 1. " 3 O 1 = Z Y 1 N .IC VQ I V M :< ss 0 a +U .. <R •�5 N.J c • M s"^ w a11v 4hR NM/ - - fsY•-w1 On 0. 0 „N n i V� Iona Ca<w..w w�M�00w Ywe 01.�0 Ny.wt.J �OM - C� - b�ppc� u •.�. Ropa�l lO. r ope. �vl ~VYp+IU �• pII�115n �Mri �O�•.I aMO... .. O .tZ N� NnwSN.Yr Ij W - 11 1 1.11 1 IN 1. 1 1 1 Y nn 000n onn _. o _. Appendix IV. 1 Additional Statistics 1 1 I ' The County of Beaufort Land Use Plan 1992 BEAUFORT COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS Aurora Fire Department P.O. Box 667 Aurora, N.-C. 27806 ' Bath Fire Department P.O. Box 126 Bath, N.C. 27808 Belhaven Fire Department P.O. Box 220 Belhaven, N.C. 2781u Biounts Creek Fire Department P.O. Box 05 Blounts Creek, N.C. 27814 Bunyan Fire Department Rt 5 Box 315 Washington, N.C. 27889 Chocowinity Fire Department P.O. Box 145 Chocowinity, N.C. 27817. Clarks Neck Fire Department 1R4t- 3 Box:607 Washington, N.C. 27889 Long Acre Fire Department Rt-1 Box 405 Plymouth, N.C. 27962 Old Ford Fire Department Rt 1 Box 418 Washington, N.C. 27.889 Pamlico Beach Fire Department Rt 2 Box 5270 Belhaven, N.C. 27810 Pantego Fire Department P.O. Box 67 Pantego, N.C. 27860 Pinetown Fire Department P.O. Box 56 Pinetown, N.C. 27865 Pungo River Fire Department Rt 1 Box 204 "Pantego, N.C. 27860 fire department, con't: Sidney Fire Department P.O. Boar 533 Belhaven, N.C. 27810 Washington Fire Department ' 410 N. Market 'Street Washington, N.C. 27889 1 i BEAUFORT COUNTY RESCUE SQUADS Aurora Resn:ue Squad P.O. Box 277 Aurora, N. C. 27806 Blounts Creek Rescue Squad F.G. Box 61 Blounts. Creek. N.C. 27814 ' Belhaven Rescue Squad F.O. Bc.:: 220 Belhaven, N.C. 2781O Community Rescue Squad P'0. Box 176 ' Bath, N.C. 27808 Pamlico Beach _Rescue Squad Rt 2 Box 5270 Belhaven, N.0 27-810 Piretown EMS P.O. Box 69 Pinetown,-N.C. 270065 Washington Rescue Squad 410 N. Market Street Washington, N.C. 27889 '� /72 •ti .21 ss .o Cti- L o I po' o 1pf7.h J tf I.I� �F•� 1.77 f /•/' I Sti „I y o 1 '. 1411 4 t2 ^Ilry + r �- 4 2 c '• I �a a.S 1. 9P 35*40 �h Iffs �� 35*40 lop, .,f - .Ip S '•7. ., �I y x Q Hry r T. f r.cnan C.MY 0, I•i. _/ '\ ;�. �- I•JO 1 NNE gyp. T CA. .10 p 1.1• � VI �_ IN .Jf ADDITIONAL AREAS F LOODTID ;;i �I „�-� •" _— _ --__ — -� 0 1 Ml 2 Ml a MI NORTH BY CATEGORY 4 & 5 STORMS32 \� 1 1992 CAMA LAND USE PLAN The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant prodded by the .'forth Carolina Coastal \ v � �•-� •/• 9anagement Program, through funds prodded by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1952, as amended, THE COUNTY OF BEAUFORT� NORTH CAROLINA which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource !Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. P SOURCE: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MAY SULJfVU S: NUMM [;AKUUM UF:YAKIAMfWT OF 7-iAN3FVKTA77UN