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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.
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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
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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
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Chapter L
Introduction
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The County of Beaufort Land Use Plan • 1992
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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.
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77ie Cox Company Introduction • I-1
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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' *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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Beaufort County • North Carolina
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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
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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
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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.
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' 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
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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.
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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.
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1 The Car Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • VW 29
Chapter IX.
'
Land Classification System
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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(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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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(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.
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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.
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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.
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1
Water Demand Projections
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The County of Beaufort Land Use Plan 1992
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Additional Statistics
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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
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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 '�
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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