Land Use Plan-1986

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Division of Coastal Management Copy
' COUNTY
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1 STEPHENSON & ASSOCIATES
1 greenville, NC
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PLAN
1986

B E R T I E C 0 U N T Y L A N D U S E P L A N
Prepared for the
Bertie County Economic and Industrial Planning and Development Commission
With assistance provided by
Stephenson and Associates
Greenville, N.C.
Adopted by the Bertie County Board of County Commissioners on July 15, 1986
Certification by the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission
on July 25, 1986
The -preparation of this report (map, document, etc.) 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 Coastal Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

T.E. Brown
U.S. Hassell
BERTIE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Charles H. Edwards, Chairman
John Ed Whitehurst, County Manager
Bertie County
Joseph W. Spruill
Rev. Eugene Watson
Economic Development and Industrial Planning and Development Commission
Melvin R. Cobb, Jr., Chairman
C. Joseph Rhea, III, Vice Chairman
Bettie A. Askew Rev. J.W. Law Estella H. Simons
Woody R. Copeland Joseph D. Leggett Charles L. Smith
James L. Gilliam Norman F. Perry Henry G. Spruill
Charles B. Griffin, Jr. Bryant W. Savage Nancy G. Spruill
Andy Lee, Secretary and Executive Director
STEPHENSON AND ASSOCIATES
Richard A. Stephenson, Planner -in -charge
Lynn Roche Phillips, Associate
W. Gregory Loy, Associate
Bruce C. Payne, Associate.
Ann Stephenson, Secretary

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
' Page
Soil Limitations 34
Summary 34
V. Storm Hazards Planning and Mitigation
36
Introduction
36
Hazard Mitigation
37
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Identification of Hazard Areas
Risk of Damage in Hazard Areas
39
39
Estimated Severity of Possible Damage
41
Anticipated Development in Hazard Areas
41
'
Existing Hazard Mitigation Policies and
Regulations
42
Hazard Mitigation Policies
42
Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
43
Organization of Local Damage Assessment
Team
44
Damage Assessment Procedures and Requirements
45
Organization of Recovery Operations
47
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Reconstruction Operations
Temporary Development Moratorium
48
49
Adequacy of the Bertie County Disaster
Relief Plan
50
Adequacy of the Bertie County Hurricane
Evacuation
'
Plan
50
VI. Issues, Policies and Implementation
51
Land Use Issues
Land Use Policies
51
53
Resources Production Policies and Implementation
53
Policy and Implementation Related to
Farm Man-
agement Practices
53
Policy and Implementation Related to
Forest
Management Practices
55
Policy and Implementation Related to
Mining
and Quarrying
56
Policy and Implementation Related to
Commer-
cial and Recreational Fisheries
Policy and Implementation Related to
Tourism/
56
Recreational Development
57
Policy and Implementation Related to
Public
Access of Public Waters
57
Policy and Implementation Related to
Flood
Plain Development
58
Resources Protection Policies
59
Policy and Implementation Related to
Roanoke
River Flood Control
59
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Policy and Implementation Related to
Preservation
Historic
59
Policy and Implementation Related to
Hiking
Trail
60
Policy and Implementation Related to
Surface
and Groundwater Quality
60
Policy and Implementation Related to
Uncon-
forming Land Uses in Rural Areas
61
'
iv

I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Pale
Policy and Implementation Related to Im-
provement and Protection of Land and
Water Habitats
62
Policy and Implementation Related to Septic
Tank Limitations and Development
62
Policy and Implementation Related to Storm
Hazards
63
'
Policy and Implementation Related to Shore-
line Development
63
Economic and Community Development Policies
64
Policy and Implementation Related to Com-
munity Water Facilities
64
Policy and Implementation Related to Com-
munity Wastewater Treatment
65
Policy and Implementation Related to In-
dustrial Development
65
Policy and Implementation Related to
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Signs and Billboards
66
Policy and Implementation Related to
Commercial Development
66
'
Policy and Implementation Related to Com-
munity/County Services
67
Policy and Implementation Related to Im-
provement of Developed Areas
67
Policy and Implementation Related to Re-
duce Odors From Agri -Businesses
67
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Policy and Implementation Related to
Abandoned Structures
68
Policy and Implementation Related to
Highway Improvement
68
Policy and Implementation Related to the
Improvement in the Appearance of Per-
sonal Property
69
Important Special Issues, Policies and Imple-
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mentation
69
Citizen Participation and the Planning Process
70
VII. The Land Use Plan
72
Land Classification
72
Developed Land Use
72
Transition Land Use
72
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Community Land Use
72
Rural Land Use
72
Conservation Land Use
Spatial Arrangement of Future Land Uses
73
73
Developed Areas
73
Transition Areas
73
Community Areas
73
Rural Areas
74
Conservation Areas
74
Relationship of Land Use Policies and the Land
'
Classification
74

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page
Developed, Transition and Community
Areas Related to Land Use Policies
74
Rural Areas Related to Land Use Policies
78
Conservation Areas Related to Land Use
Policies
78
VIII. Summary
79
'
Introduction
79
Organizations Necessary To Plan
79
Plans, Documents, and Guidelines Needed in
Planning
80
Conclusion
80
IX. Amending The Plan
81
Public Hearing
81
Notice to the Coastal Resources Commission
81
Adoption Procedures
81
Appendix I
82
Appendix II
84
References
86
'
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LIST OF TABLES
Table
1
Population Change Within Incorporated Places 1960-1980
8
Table
2
Employment of Persons 16 Years or Older by Industry 1980
10
Table
3
Major Manufacturing Firms
11
Table
4
Average Unemployment Rates for 1984
13
Table
5
Measurements of Income Levels 1969 and 1979
15
Table
6
Bertie County Transportation Improvement Plans
26
Table
7
Bertie County Plan for Reorganization of Schools
28
Table
8
Bertie County Public School Facilities 1984-85
29
Table
9
Severity of Risk in Hazard Areas
40
Table
10
Bertie County Issues Information Matrix
52
Table
11
Land Use Policy Categories and Related Issues
54
Table
12
Relationship of Land Use Policies and the Land Class-
ification Categories
75
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 A Comparison of Population Pyramids for the State
and Bertie County 1980
5
Figure
2
County Population Change 1930-2000
7
Figure
3
Existing Land Use and Planning Units
end flap
Figure
4
Soil Suitability 1985
35
Figure
5
AEC's, Floodable Areas, and Pocosins
end flap
Figure
6
Future Land Use
end flap
vii

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I. INTRODUCTION
1 This publication represents an update of the existing county land
use plan. The original plan and its five year updates are required by
the Coastal Area Management Act. The Bertie County Economic and Indus-
trial Planning and Development Commission is the local planning agency.
This document is in accordance with the land use planning guidelines
(Subchapter 7B - 15NCAC).
'
Land use planning is the very core of the planning process. All
other phases of planning are performed to service the projected land use
pattern outlined in the land use plan. The land use pattern of an area
is also serviced by the economic development of the county. This idea
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was supported by Winston Churchill when he said, "We shape our buildings
and then our buildings shape us". Almost every aspect of our lives is
affected by land use.
The land use pattern of today's Bertie County is very different from
the days of early settlement. At one time, the county was a densely for-
ested habitat for many forms of wildlife. As man settled in the area, he
soon began to alter the landscape. Widely scattered development of farms
or plantations first appeared on the land. This occurred along the major
water courses in the county. Later, inland, compact rural development be-
gan to appear on the landscape. This development was concentrated at the
crossroads of major land routes. Growth continued along these routes and
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some industrial activities have evolved at the busiest of these crossroads.
Increased mobility has also had an impact on land use. Automotive
vehicles have eased the movement of people and goods and have brought on
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different land use needs. Further, we have witnessed an increase in lei-
sure time. These two factors have accounted for recreational development,
particularly along water courses, and :industrial expansion into rural
areas. Changes such as these are expected to continue. This development
includes all the necessary housing, services and space required for growth.
The land use plan can help keep the desired character of Bertie County
intact during the process of change. It is intended to serve as a tool
for development and guide growth to meet the people's needs.
Land use planning is based on many factors including topography,
drainage, soils, existing uses of land, availability of community services,
highways, population projections, trends in economic development and future
land use needs. A coordination of these elements is mandatory. Planning
is essential to avoid the chaos typical in other areas experiencing fast
growth. But land use planning is not an end in itself. Although the plan
allows for changes in the future, it must be implemented to receive the
benefits from its adoption.
There are many tools that a county government has at its disposal to
implement a land use plan. A county may: 1) regulate land use, 2) affect
1
land use by the provision of services, 3) purchase or condemn property
which usually determines what uses will occur, and 4) tax property to
affect what will occur. The usual tool for implementation is zoning.

' County zoning requires an immense effort in public education since it can
only be placed in effect by the electorate. The potential benefits of
zoning are of sufficient magnitude to justify great effort on behalf of
' its adoption if zoning is needed. However, new alternatives to zoning
are available for implementing the land use plan. These include, but are
not limited to: 1) moratoriums on development, 2) housing unit quotas,
3) maximum population limits for services, 4) land banking, 5) development
1 rights transfers, and 6) timing and sequencing controls.
Since the last land use plan update in 1980, the county has moved
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steadily forward, implementing many of the policies set forth at that
time. The forsight of the county commissioners, the county manager and
other county officials have provided an excellent foundation on which to
build the future of Bertie County. Already, in the area of resources pro-
tection the county has accomplished all of the 1980 policy implementation
procedures including the following: 1) completion of the soil survey in
the county, 2) completion of the flood insurance study, 3) showed concern
for the water withdrawals from the Roanoke and Chowan Rivers, 4) continued
the use of minor permit letting system to protect AEC's, 5) developed a
flood and hurricane evacuation plan, and 6) has discouraged county ser-
vices in areas where a negative impact on the environment could occur.
For resources production issues the county has accomplished all of the
policy implementation procedures including: 1) use of the soil survey for
soil conservation and septic tank permit letting, 2) supported proper forest
management practices, 3) announced the use value concept in taxing county
property, and 4) worked toward obtaining groundwater data for the county
for the purpose of monitoring groundwater levels. And in the area of eco-
nomic and community develpment, again the county accomplished all of its
policy implementation procedures, as follows: 1) provided additional
money for the economic development commission, 2) participated in numer-
ous state and federal economic development programs, and 3) improved com-
munity solid waste disposal, recreational facilities and secondary roads.
In summary, Bertie County has moved forward in the land use planning pro-
cess. Now, it is time to improve upon the many past accomplishments by
proceeding with the land use plan for 1986.
Many issues have accumulated during the past several years. The land
use planning guidelines (Subchapter 7B), indicates that certain issues
'
must be addressed. However, the following issues are not a part of this
document because of Bertie County's location: 1) encroachment into mari-
time forests, 2) stormwater runoff associated with phosphate or peat min-
ing, 3) off -road vehicle use, 4) encroachment into coastal dune fields,
5) channel maintenance and beach nourishment, and 6) marinas and floating
homes. The citizens of the county acknowledge where they presently stand
in this document. They do not wish to be controlled or manipulated by
those outside the community or external forces if they can help it. The
objectives of this plan are as follows: 1) to update population and eco-
nomic data, 2) to update existing land use, 3) to interrelate storm hazard
mitigation planning with the emergency management program, 4) to integrate
the issues, policies and implementation into the 1986 land use plan, and
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5) to formulate a time frame in which to pursue the land use planning pro-
cess. The people of Bertie County know they are'directly responsible for
controlling the county's destiny. They know that the easiest way for all
people to benefit from the human and natural resources of Bertie County is
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to move steadily forward into the future with an acceptable land use plan
and planning process.

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II. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
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Regional Setting
In many ways, the growth of Bertie County in the past and its pros-
pects for future development can be attributed to its relative location.
Land use in Bertie County is a product of the regional setting and dis-
tribution of the natural and human resources in the county.
'
Bertie County is located on the inner portion of the Atlantic Coastal
Plain physiographic province. This province extends from Massachusetts
to Florida and includes many types of landforms. The Coastal Plain is a
'
series of exposed ancient marine terraces most of which are rolling hills
and low-lying wetlands. Bertie County is nearly flat at the lower eleva-
tions in the southeast and rolling hills at higher elevations toward Roxo-
bel and Kelford.
The county is situated at the confluence of two major rivers. The
Roanoke River, one of the largest drainage systems crossing the coastal
plain, provides a wealth of natural resources along its course. Another
natural asset in Bertie County is the Chowan River. It is the upper por-
tion of the Albemarle/Pamlico Sound which is the second largest estuarine
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system on the east coast of the United States.
The flow of water into and from this estuarine system should be of
deep concern to the citizens of Bertie County. It should be noted that
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the natural resources in and around Bertie County have not yet been as
impacted as other areas along the east coast. However, other areas which
are now densely developed were not impacted either when they were primar-
ily rural. Bertie County is located near several urban areas witnessing
fast growth. As these areas grow, Bertie County will probably feel their
impact. The Hampton Roads area, a region of rapid growth, has already
sought to fulfill its potable water and electricity needs within Bertie
County's sphere. Although urban places offer different choices and amen-
ities than rural areas (i.e., shopping, the arts, education, and employ-
ment opportunities), a balance must be achieved. Bertie County offers
many resources to share, but the impact of unplanned resource develop-
ment could be detrimental.
Bertie County is a rural crossroad in the maze of an intensively com-
plex, heavily populated eastern seaboard. The pressures for and impact
of development will intensify. The challenge facing Bertie County is to
preserve the rural, agrarian livelihood valued by the residents while
'
still providing the economic and community development needed to maintain
a healthy lifestyle.
I
Population and Economy
y
Bertie County is a very large county with a relatively small number
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of people. The county occupies approximately 701 square miles and has a
population of 21,686 persons, making a population density of 31 persons
per square mile. This constitutes a rural county. Only 25 percent of all

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persons in the county live in towns with a population greater than 1,000.
Few changes have occurred in the county since the completion of the
land use plan in 1980. A brief description of existing trends in the
' population and economy of the county follows.
Population Characteristics
A population can best be described in terms of age, sex, race and
its distribution. Age structure is probably the most important popula-
tion characteristic in estimating future demands for services and facili-
ties such as schools, housing and public works. Sex and age characteris-
tics are the basic causative elements in determining birth and death
rates, as well as mortality and migration trends. Sex and age character-
istics as well as their distribution are the components of the popula-
tion pyramid.
Median age is a statistical measure of age composition. It is de-
fined as the age that divides the population into two groups of equal
size: one half of the group is older than the median age and the other
half is younger. The median age for Bertie County is not significantly
different from the states. In 1980, the median age for Bertie County
was 29.4 years. The median age for the state was 29.6. This implies
that one half of the population in Bertie County is less than 30 years
'
old.
The population pyramid combines several population characteristics
into one complete graph. It shows the distribution of the county's popu-
lation by sex and age. The population pyramids for Bertie County and
North Carolina are shown in Figure 1. By examining the shape of the pyra-
mid, it is possible to analyze the population's combined age -sex charac-
teristics. The interpretation of the Bertie County pyramid is as follows:
1) The base curves inward - this is a result of the
reduction in birth rates. In the future, there
'
will be a reduced demand for secondary schools.
2) The bulge in the 15-19 age group - as this age
group moves toward the work force age, more jobs
will have to be provided, consequently unemployment
may rise or the out -migration in this age group is
possible.
3) The middle section is concave - this indicates that
a relatively small proportion of the county's popu-
lation is 30 to 45 years old. This may represent
a vestige of out -migration from the area during the
'
19501s. This section of the population constitutes
a major portion of the labor force and buying power
1
of the county's population.
4) The large proportion over age 50 - this is much more
evident for the county than for the state. This
trend should have at least two major implications for
'
the planning program:

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1
A COMPARISON OF POPULATION PYRAMIDS FOR THE STATE
AND BERTIE COUNTY, 1980
Male % Female
BERTIE COUNTY
AGE
35+
)-8
i-T
)
i-5
-6
i-5'
)-51
i-4
)-4
5-3
)-3
5-2
)-2
5-1
D-1
5-9
)-4
5 4 3 2 1
Male
1 2 3 4 5
%
Female
NORTH CAROLINA
Source: N.C. State Government Statistical Abstracts, 1984.
Figure 1

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a. It will produce specialized demands on
services and facilities, particuarly in
the area of health care delivery systems
and recreation. This is because older
persons require greater medical attention
and more specialized recreation programs
than the rest of the population. The de-
mand for a local hospital now and in the
future is evident from this population
trend.
b. With a larger number of families receiving
fixed incomes (ie. pensions, social se-
curity), fluctuations in the economy and
social policies will have a greater im-
pact on the county's financial situation.
5) The disproportionately large number of women
over 50 years old - emphasis should be placed in
the future on providing cultural and recreational
programs designed for older women.
These aspects of the age/sex structure of the population should be
considered for future county planning endeavers.
Population Trends
An analysis of growth trends will indicate future pressures on the
land and water resources as well as public services and facilities. Ex-
amination of historic growth patterns will provide a basis for forecast-
ing future population levels.
Figure 2 shows population changes in the county since 1930. As shown
in the graph, Bertie County's population has grown within the last ten
years after two decades of significant out -migration. According to the
North Carolina Department of Administration estimates, it is expected
to increase slightly over the next 15 years. It is unlikely that this
gradual increase will have a serious impact on the demand for services
and facilities. The growth patterns for county towns can be seen in
Table 1. Notice that growth in the county is greater than in the towns.
Certain areas serve as bedroom communities for towns in neighboring
counties. The Aulander area has grown nearly 30 percent since 1970 and
the area around Powellsville has grown at an equally rapid rate. Lewiston -
Woodville has grown almost 16 percent since 1970. Growth in these areas
can be attributed largely to employment opportunities in bordering coun-
ties.
A tabulation of the seasonal population is designed to help local
governments prepare for great swells in the number of people who seasonally
place service and other demands on a local government. No such condition
exists in Bertie County and none is expected to materialize in the future.
Presently, slight seasonal population fluctuations are associated with
temporary farm related jobs during harvest season.

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COUNTY
POPULATION CHANGE
1930
- 2000
1930-1940
1.4 %
1980-1985
.3.1
%
1940-1950
0.9 %
1985-1990
2.9
%
1950-1960
-7.9 %
1990-1995
2.2
%
1960-1970
-15.7 %
1995-2000
0.1
%
1970-1980
2.4 %
27
N
0
26
c
v
25
zl*
24
0
E-+
23
a
a
a..
0
22
a
21
20
1930
1940
1950
1960 1970 1980 19851990
2000
Y F A R
Source:
N.C.'State
Government
Srarisrical Abstracts, 1984.
Figure 2

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8
POPULATION CHANGE WITHIN
INCORPORATED
PLACES
1960 - 1980
% Change
% Change
1980
1970
1970-1980
1960-1970
Askewville
227
247
- 8.1
26.6
Aulander
1214
947
28.2
-12.5
Colerain
284
373
-23.9
9.7
Kelford
254
295
-13.9
-18.5
Lewiston -Woodville
671
580
15.6
-17.6
Powellsville
320
247
29.6
- 2.2
Roxobel
278
347
-19.9
-23.2
Windsor
2126
2199
- 3.3
21.3
Total Incorporated
Population
5374
5235
1.0
-16.4
Bertie County
21024
20528
2.4
-15.6
Source: N.C. State Government Statistical Abstracts, 1984.
Table 1

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I
Regional Aspects of the Economy
An understanding of the function and structure of the economy of
'
Bertie County is a critical component of the county planning and manage-
ment program. It provides essential economic information for decisions
concerning the future.
'
The economy may be divided into two parts: basic and non -basic sec-
tors. The basic sector is made up of all activities which export goods
and services to places outside the county or which sell to people or
firms who come into the county. This activity brings money into the
county. The non basic sector is made up of all activities which produce
goods and services for consumption within the county. These activities
'
tend to turn the same money over and over again. To give a better idea
of this concept, consider a manufacturing firm that has chosen to locate
in Bertie County. This firm is classified as a basic industry. Housing,
food stores, and health care services must be provided for the incoming
'
employees. This demonstrates how a growing basic economy usually promot-
es the development of non -basic activities.
Economic Base and Employment
Bertie County is primarily a rural county with an agribusiness base.
In 1981, retail sales totaled $54.5 million, yet much of the county in-
come is derived from the sale of agricultural products. In 1981, for
example, the estimated income from all farm products sold totaled al-
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most $70 million. The county is best known for peanut production and is
a leader in producing tobacco, soybeans, hogs and poultry products. Agri-
culture is also a leading employer in the county. Table 2 lists the per-
centages of persons employed in each economic sector. Compared to the
average for the state, Bertie County employs nearly ten times as many
people in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
'
Manufacturing firms located in the county are also major employers.
Nearly 40 percent of the county residents are employed in this sector of
the economy. Nearly one-half of the county's manufacturing comprises
textile and forestry products companies (Table 3). Greater diversifica-
tion in the manufacturing sector should be considered in the economic de-
velopment of the county. With recent declines in the tobacco and textiles
industries, it will become increasingly more important to promote differ-
ent types of industrial development, which is a major concern for the
Bertie County E.D.I.P.D. Commissioner.
'
Unemployment in the county has been an item of concern, yet these
figures have followed national trends. The 1983 Bertie County value was
slightly higher than the state level, but was significantly different
'
from surrounding counties (Table 4).
' Income
Mean and median income values are measures used in most analyses of
' income characteristics, but it is important to make the distinction

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EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS 16 YEARS OR OLDER BY INDUSTRY, 1980
Percent of Employment
Bertie Co. N.C.
Agriculture, Forestry,
Fisheries, Mining
13.42
Construction
5.53
Manufacturing
38.76
Transportation, Communication,
other Public Utilities
2.56
Wholesale and Retail Trade
15.37
Finance, Insurance
and Real Estate
3.85
Personal Entertainment
and Recreation
3.12
Health Services
3.54
Educational Services
7.96
Other Professional and
Related Services
2.37
Public Administration
3.47
Source: N.C. State Government Statistical Abstracts, 1984.
Table 2
3.64
6.22
32.76
6.10
18.38
7.10
3.78
6.12
8.46
3.25
4.13

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11
MAJOR MANUFACTURING FIRMS
'
Firm
Location
Age
Product
Employees
Bema Manufacturing
Hwy 13/17
Byp.
1981
Bathing Suits
45
Company
Windsor
Blue Bell, Inc.
Rt. 4
1967
Garments
190
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Windsor
Cardinal Chemical
Rt. 4
1979
Chemical Distribution 5
Windsor
Coastal Concrete
Hwy 13/17
Byp.
1963
Cement Products
14
Company, Inc.
Windsor
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Coulbourn Lumber Co.
Hwy 17
1938
Lumber
115
Windsor
'
Gillam Bros. Peanut
Spring St.
1935
Peanuts
25
Sheller, Inc.
Windsor
(60 Seasonal)
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Lea Lumber & Plywood
Hwy 13
1939
Veneer
223 and 34,
Plants #3 and #20
Windsor
respectively
R. J. Reynolds
Rt. 1
1961
Research
60
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Experimental Farm
Merry Hill
Southeastern Timber
Hwy 17N
1962
Lumber
60
'
Windsor
Stephenson Crab Co.
Hwy 13/17
Byp.
1983
Fish Products
120
'
Windsor
Williford Lumber Co.
Hwy 17N
1962
Furniture Squares
25
'
Windsor
and Chips
Windsor Wood Products
Hwy 17N.
1965
Furniture Components
25
Windsor
'
Workers Owned Sewing
Granville
St.
1979
Contract Sewing
50
Company
Windsor
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Bunch Pattern Works
Hwy 308
1947
Industrial Patterns
9
Lewiston
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Gregory Manufacturing
City
1923
Farm Machinery
150
Company
Lewiston
Louisiana Pacific
Hwy 308
1953
Lumber
80
'
Lewiston
'
Table 3

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Firm
Perdue, Inc.
Columbian Peanut Co.
Northeastern Agri -
Supply
Perry -Wynn Fish Company
Roxobel Apparel
MAJOR MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Continued
Location
Age
Hwy 308
1976
Lewiston
City
1952
Aulander
Hwy 11
1979
Aulander
River Road
1927
Colerain
Cemetary Road
1983
Roxobel
Source: Bertie County E.D.I.P.D.
Table 3 Continued
Product Employees
Chicken Processing 2600
Peanut Products 35
(140 Seasonal)
Chemicals and 8
Fertilizers
Fish Products 15
(250 Seasonal)
Childrens Clothes 50

M M M = M M M M M r M
AVERAGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES FOR
1984 and 1983
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
STATE
8.1
7.6
7.2
6.3
5.8
6.2
6.6
Bertie
12.5
11.2
10.3
9.4
8.4
9.2
9.1
Chowan
9.1
7.2
5.9
5.0
3.8
4.3
4.5
Halifax
12.8
12.5
11.1
10.4
10.3
13.2
11.1
Hertford
10.0
9.7
8.8
7.8
7.1
7.1
8.5
Martin
11.3
10.3
9.5
8.2
7.7
10.3
11.2
Northampton
11.1
10.8
9.4
8.4
9.3
12.0
10.2
1984
1983
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avg.
Avg.
STATE
6.1
6.3
6.8
7.0
7.2
6.2
8.9
Bertie
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.1
10.0
13.2
Chowan
3.8
5.3
6.3
6.5
7.4
5.8
7.6
Halifax
10.2
9.6
11.0
11.3
11.7
11.3
12.2
Hertford
9.6
9.4
9.9
10.0
9.7
9.0
9.5
Martin
9.2
9.2
10.3
9.8
10.8
9.8
14.8
Northampton
11.1
10.1
10.6
10.9
11.5
10.5
11.3
Source: Employment Security Commission, 1985
Table 4 1-.
w

14
between the two measures. Most people, when speaking of the "average",
are actually referring to the arithmetic mean. In the case of incomes,
the mean is simply the sum of all family incomes divided by the number of
'
families. Since this value does not account for the allocation of in-
come, it may be considered a general value which describes the total in-
come available in the area. The median income is the income level at
which one-half of the families make more and half make less. Median in-
'
come describes income distribution and, as such, may be considered a
better measure of the income of families in the area. In an area where a
considerable difference exists between the number of families in the low-
er income groups and those in the upper income groups, the median may be
considerably less than the mean income. These two figures will be equal
only in the case of an even distribution.
In 1979, the median family income was $16,792 and the mean family
income was $19,513. These figures are compared with the state and sur-
rounding counties in Table 5. In Bertie County, mean income is slightly
�.
higher than median, indicating a lower standard of living. The disparity
between mean and median income reveals an important economic problem. A
'
median income substantially lower than the mean implies that the area has
a disproportionately larger number of families in the lower income group.
This notion is supported by the percentage of population that is classi-
fied as living within the lower income level (Table 5). Nearly 30 per-
cent of the county population maintains an income below the poverty level.
This figure is representative of the general economic condition of the
rural portion of the coastal plain region. While this figure has improved
'
since 1969, it should be a major concern for the county's leadership.
Summary
'
The population and economic characteristics for Bertie County indi-
cate that economic diversification should be a goal for economic develop-
ment. A greater variety of industries should be invited to locate in the
county. Too much dependence on one type of industry, such as textiles,
is economically unsound. Economic diversification would help raise low
1
income levels, reduce unemployment and lower out -migration rates.

M M M M M M M M M = M M M M M r
MEASUREMENTS OF INCOME LEVELS
Mean Income
1969 1979
1969 and 1979
Median Income
1969 1979
Percent of All
Persons With Income
Levels Below the
Povertv Level
1969 1979
STATE
$ 8,872
$19,513
$ 7,774
$16,792
20.3
14.8
Bertie
6,056
14,950
4,829
11,861
44.3
29.4
Chowan
7,604
16,771
6,397
13,295
30.0
24.0
Halifax
6,964
15,404
5,799
12,819
38.7
29.5
Hertford
6,885
16,797
5,912
14,341
34.7
24.3
Martin
6,532
16,135
5,711
13,867
34.8
24.1
Northampton
6,171
16,080
4,782
12,190
46.0
28.1
Source: 1984 North Carolina Statistical Abstract
Table 5

16
III. EXISTING LAND USE
Bertie County has a total area of 461,000 acres. This figure in-
cludes a total of 20,600 acres which is water . This abundant water area
consists of the Chowan and Roanoke Rivers, and the Albemarle Sound. The
Cashie River and several smaller streams are included in this waterscape.
'
The average daily flow from all sources exceeds 6,200,000 gallons per
minute.
Generally, the topography is level to gently sloping. Elevation
'
ranges from sea level at the confluence of the Chowan and Albemarle Sound
to over 100 feet near Lewiston. The soils range from excessively drained
soils along the river terraces to very poorly drained clays throughout
the county. Water management and erosion controls are required on a
majority of the acreage within the county. Wind erosion is a problem on
sandy soils.
Forested land is the most common type of land use in Bertie County.
It consists of approximately 320,000 acres which accounts for nearly 70
percent of the total land in the county. Of this acreage, almost two-
thirds of the forested areas are privately owned and one-third are owned
by corporations. The main forest types found are Loblolly-short leaf
pine, oak -pine, and oak -hickory. There are some areas that due to clear-
ing without reforestation, insect and disease problems, and lack of for-
est management, are a problem.
Cropland accounts for approximately 22 percent of the total area in
'
the county. It is the second most dominant land use within the county.
Approximately 70 percent of the cropland acreage requires drainage or
'
management for erosion control.
Area in cropland is continually changing. For the most part, how-
ever, cropland is slowly rising. Some land that has been cleared by log-
ging operations is being reverted to cropland. This has proven to be
beneficial to some farmers, as larger farms are usually more efficient.
Areas devoted to pastureland are continually decreasing in the coun-
'
ty. It accounts for less than one percent of all land in the county.
Much of the land once used as pastureland is marginal land that is being
converted to accommodate hog and broiler production.
There has been a slight increase in built-up land associated with
urban areas. Commercial and residential land uses have developed along
the major corridors of the county. These consist of service -related
facilities to accommodate highway travelers and single family, non -farm
residences respectively.
t
Growth Patterns
Bertie County, as a whole, is not experiencing rapid growth. It is
unlikely that any major land use compatibility problems will occur with-
in the near future.
'
Land use changes may occur in the more remote areas of the county.

17
1
Most of the county population is concentrated in or around the communities.
Smaller concentrations exist in rural areas at county crossroads. These
population pockets have promoted development of convenience -oriented out-
lets, such as gas stations and convenience stores.
There may be areas that will require special attention in the future.
Compatibility problems will occur if development is haphazard or unplan-
'
ned. These include areas that are currently or anticipated to experience
development in the future. The strips of land along the major highway
'
corridors in the county will require planning. The area south of Windsor
along U.S. 17 is an area with a variety of competing land uses. On part
of this area is the county industrial park. Development is likely to
continue in this area and it is recommended that it be restricted to uses
that complement the industrial park and highway users. Other areas of
concern include the Merry hill section in the southeastern section of the
county, the N.C.' 11 corridor and the Roxobel-Kelford area.
Merry Hill serves as a bedroom community to nearby Plymouth in Wash-
ington County, the location of Weyerhaeuser, a major regional employer.
It is likely that this area will experience continued growth.
The northeastern portion of the county, including Lewiston -Woodville,
Aulander, Roxobel and Kelford, is also experiencing additional growth due
to industrial development. The location of a processing plant has in-
creased the need for residential development to house its employees. It
is anticipated that future land use changes will result from production
related industries moving into the area and a need for housing will in-
'
crease.
'
County Planning Units
The county has been divided into eight planning units for the pur-
pose of analyzing the existing land uses and related activities in great-
er detail. The planning units are as follows:
'
1) U.S. 17 Corridor
2) N.O. 11 Corridor
3) Roxobel-Kelford
4) Powellsville
5) Askewville
6) Merry Hill
7) Chowan River
8) Roanoke River and Roquist Pocosin
The planning units are delineated on the generalized existing land
use map in Figure 3 (end flap). There are several units which require
special management attention and others offer potential for positive eco-
nomic development. The environmentally sensitive areas must be protected
because of the natural resources they hold for Bertie County. The cor-
ridors are major regional transportation routes and are subject to com-
patibility problems if allowed to develop in an unplanned or haphazard
manner. The following narrative details the existing land use patterns
found in each of the planning units.

18
U.S. 17 Corridor Planning Unit
The U.S 17 corridor extends from the Chowan River to the Roanoke
River including the Windsor urbanized area. It does not include other
planning units through which it passes. The planning unit approximates
a corridor 1,000 feet in width on either side of the center line of the
highway. This unit includes the county industrial park, a large variety
' of competing land uses in the Windsor planning area, and highway -oriented
businesses.
'
The area east of Windsor has two rural crossroads. They are located
at Midway and at Greens Cross Church. Midway, with Taylor's Store about
one half mile north on N.C. 45, has a number of commercial and highway -
oriented land uses. From the Chowan River to Windsor, agriculture and
forestry are the dominant land uses. A concentration of residences occur
at Edenhouse, some of which are "second homes". Other residential land
uses are either farmsteads or rural non -farm homes. For approximately a
'
mile east of Windsor land uses are primarily residential with several com-
mercial establishments scattered along the highway.
The land south of Windsor is densely to moderately developed up to
the floodplain of Roquist Creek. Immediately south of Windsor for approxi-
mately two miles is a mixture of land uses. This is one of the most un-
attractive areas in the entire county. It largely consists of substand-
ard housing with scattered marginal commercial establishments along the
highway. The area has continuous unpaved ingress/egress along the high-
way and numerous unkept signs and billboards. It is aesthetically dis-
pleasing for travelers or visiters to observe such conditions.
The area between the Roquist Creek floodplain and the Roanoke River
floodplain is composed primarily of forest and agricultural land uses.
The uplands are sandy and several sandpits are located near the Roanoke
River floodplain. This area, in contrast to the land immediately south
'
of Windsor, is visually attractive.
In summary, this planning unit, which includes Windsor and its en-
virons, has much of the county's commercial, industrial, and highway -
oriented land uses. This unit, by virtue of these land uses, contributes
substantially to the county's tax base compared to the small amount of
land included in it.
N,C. 11 Corridor Planning Unit
The N.C. 11 corridor extends from the northern county line southward
to the Roanoke River. It does not include other planning units through
which it passes. The planning unit approximates a corridor 1,000 feet in
width on either side of the center line of the highway. This unit includes
the communities of Aulander and Lewiston -Woodville. Substantial growth
in this unit has taken place recently and will likely continue.
' The re-routing of N.C. 11 with limited controlled access through
western Bertie County has allowed traffic to flow smoothly to and from
the Virginia Tidewater. The land uses along the highway are mostly forests
with scattered cultivated fields, except for a large concentration of
r

1
19
agricultural activity in the Lewiston -Woodville area. A number of sand
and gravel pits are scattered along the artery south of Lewiston -Woodville
on sand ridges in the Roanoke River floodplain.
In the Aulander area, urban growth continues southward along N.C. 305.
'
Residential land uses also continue along other roads extending from the
central business district, particularly toward Millennium in Hertford
County.
About eight miles south of Aulander are the communities of Lewiston
and Woodville, which have been merged. Lewiston is a small compact town
which centers on the junction of N.C. 308 and old N.C. 11. Woodville, a
1
younger village, differs in that it is oriented toward the industrial
development along the railroad and the old highway south of Lewiston.
Traveling along N.C. 11 is pleasant. This route experiences little
congestion, with occasional exceptions near Aulander and Lewiston. This
planning unit has and will show substantial industrial growth if the
communities are able to develop the necessary infrastructure. This area
will contribute an increasingly significant proportion to the county's
tax base if development continues.
'
Roxobel-Kelford Planning Unit
The Roxobel and Kelford communities and their outlying area are lo-
cated in the extreme northwest portion of the county. This planning unit
is bounded on the north and west by the county boundary, on the south by
the Roanoke River and Roquist Pocosin planning unit. The eastern border
'
is the N.C. 11 corridor. This planning unit is a good example of rural
Bertie County. It is comprised of several small farm service centers,
cropland and forests.
This planning unit has the highest elevation in the county with sev-
eral small areas exceeding 100 feet. It is also on an interfluve between
the Cashie River and the Roanoke River. Near the Roanoke River floodplain,.
fairly steep slopes prevail from the upland areas. Most of the uplands
'
and sandy ridges are cultivated, and the majority of the steep slopes,
pocosins, and floodplains are forested. Most roads follow the interfluves,
such as N.C. 308 and N.C. 11 to U.S. 258 at Rich Square. Several places
'
along N.C. 308 south of Kelford are non -farm residential areas. In
addition, there is a major agricultural processing plant in this planning
unit. In general, this planning unit represents a fine example of a stable
rural portion of the coastal plain.
Powellsville Planning Unit
The Powellsville planning unit is in the north central portion of the
county. The southern boundary of this unit is located so that stream
drainage is to the north. It is bounded on the west by the N.C. 11 cor-
ridor and on the east by the Chowan River planning unit. This unit repre-
sents another good example of rural Bertie County with small rural com-
munities, large forested areas, and farmland.
'
Powellsville is located just south of Hertford County and less than

20
five miles from Ahoskie. This community formed at the crossroads of
N.C. 42, C.R. (county road) 1321, and a railroad, now abandoned. U.S. 13
'
presently bypasses the town along its western boundary. Much of the farm-
land in this unit is situated along rural roads that follow the inter-
fluves. Forests, which are located in pocosins and swamps, comprise most
of the land area. Small crossroad communities such as Trap, Cremo, Hex-
'
lena, and Connaritsa are fine examples of the small, older rural settle-
ments of the county. Along the roads near Powellsville and along U.S. 13,
rural non -farm residences are increasing. This is probably due to the
'
extension of community water lines. Generally, this planning unit is a
stable rural environment with some growth occurring due to its nearness
to Ahoskie.
Askewville Planning Unit
The Askewville planning unit is the second largest in the county and
'
approximates the Cashie River drainage basin above Windsor and the U.S. 17
corridor. This is another unit which shows a mix of farms, forests, and
rural communities.
This planning unit is primarily forested with most small farmland
areas scattered along rural roads. It is largely a poorly drained up-
land area with several small crossroad communities such as Rhoades, Buena
Vista, and Todds Crossroads. The county land fill is located on C.R. 1221
north of Republican in this planning unit. A few isolated sand pits are
scattered throughout the area. In general, this area is sparsely populated
'
and mostly forested.
Merry Hill Planning Unit
'
The Merry Hill planning unit is located in the southeastern portion
of the county and includes the lower Cashie River and its floodplain. The
Merry Hill unit is located across the Roanoke River from Plymouth where
'
many people work. This unit also includes a section of estuarine shore-
line at the confluence of the Roanoke and Chowan Rivers.
'
This planning unit has the lowest elevations in the county with po-
cosins, floodplains, and wetlands. Most of the area is forested except
along the roads. The roads tend to follow the interfluves between creeks
and swamps such as Salmon Creek, Black Walnut Swamp, Cashoke Creek, Cashie
River, and the Roanoke River.
The area is sparsely populated with most residences along N.C. 308
'
and C.R. 1540. Some residential development is scattered on a few bluffs
of Batchelor Bay and Albemarle Sound. Merry Hill is a small farm service
'
center and the only concentrated rural community in the unit. Some linear
residential development is located along N.C. 308 and C.R. 1500 near
U.S. 17. With the re-routing of N.C. 45 south of Midway, some scattered
residential development is occurring. Of interest is the newly developed
access area at the Sans Souci Ferry site. In summary, the Merry Hill
area is largely forested with residences along the roads. Water -oriented
recreational activities in isolated areas on the streams and sounds have
'
occurred and will likely increase.

21
Chowan River Planning Unit
The Chowan River planning unit includes Colerain and several small
rural crossroads such as Goose Pond and Perrytown. In the northern por-
tion of the unit, farmland is about equal to the forested areas. In the
southern portion of the unit where most of the land is poorly drained,
'
forest land dominates the area.
Along the Chowan River the shoreline is either a steep bluff, low
'
narrow sandy strands, or wetlands. There are eight locations along the
shoreline where development has occurred. From Colerain Beach to Willow
Branch Landing, these small concentrations are related to commercial
fishing activities, permanent residences, summer cottages and recreation
activities. Most bluff areas have an elevation greater than thirty feet
'
and are subject to erosion during the winter winds out of the northeast.
Low lying areas are subject to flooding from wind tides when easterly
winds are blowing. With most of the shoreline undeveloped, serious prob-
I
lems do not abound at the present time.
In summary, this planning unit has some of the best soils in the
county. It has the most developable shoreline and is adjacent to the most
estuarine waters in the county. Except for its shoreline location, this
planning unit is similar to other rural farming communities in the county.
'
Roanoke River and Roquist Pocosin Planning Unit
The Roanoke River and Roquist Pocosin planning unit is the most
elongated and largest in the county. It consists almost entirely of
poorly drained areas. The area west of the N.C: 11 corridor is a large
meander which consists mostly of swamp interspersed with sand ridges.
'
The ridges are usually cultivated while the swamps are forested. The
area is very sparsely populated with only a few structures scattered
along unpaved roads.
Between N.C. 11 and U.S. 17, the area is divided into two low lying
areas: 1) the Roquist Pocosin, and 2) the Roanoke River floodplain. The
Roquist Pocosin is primarily forested with cultivation in slightly better
drained soils along its edge. This area includes the ridges along which
N.C.308 is located. Several small crossroad communities are located
along the road with scattered rural residences between them. The Hope
Plantation and a school are also located along the road. The Roanoke
River floodplain is separated from the Roquist Pocosin by a sand ridge
along which C.R. 1108 is located. Several linear -shaped communities are
located in the area. Farming occurs on the higher sand ridges in the
floodplain and along the road and the remaining area is in woodland.
Some of this aria is a conservancy preserve.
The remainder of this planning unit is east of U.S. 17. This area
consists of the Roanoke River floodplain and numerous sand ridges which
are cultivated. The floodplain is almost entirely woodland. In general,
' this area consists of low lying, poorly drained forested areas with some
cultivated fields on the higher soils. Settlement in the area is along
the roads that follow sand ridges. This includes several small cross-
road concentrations and scattered residences between them.

'
22
Special Planning Areas
'
Within each of the county's planning units are special areas or sites
that merit attention. These include: 1) estuarine water, 2) public
trust water, 3) estuarine shorelines, 4) wetlands, 5) swamp forests, in-
cluding floodplains and pocosins, 6) fragile or unique habitats, and
7) historic and archaeological areas and sites. The first four of these
areas are classified as "areas of environmental concern" (AEC's). His-
toric areas and sites are also classified as AEC's, provided there has
'
been approval by state authorities.
There are three types of AEC's which have been designated in the
county. They include estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines, and public
'
trust water. There are no designated wetlands in the county. The defi-
nitions of these areas are found in G.S. 113A-113 (b)(2).
Estuarine waters are defined as the waters of the bays, sounds,
'
rivers and tributaries seaward of the dividing line between coastal fish-
ing waters and inland fishing waters. Estuarine waters are important in
that they are among the most productive natural environments in the state.
These waters support the basic aquatic life that sustain the commercial
fisheries. Nine of the ten leading commercial catches within the state
are dependent on the estuary for life.
'
There are nine areas in Bertie County that are classified as estuar-
ine waters. They include:
'
1) Albemarle Sound
2) all man-made tributaries
3) Roanoke River
'
4) Conine Creek
5) Thoroughfare Creek
6) Middle River
7) Eastmost River
'
8) Chowan River - from confluence to 300
yards south of the U.S. 17 bridge
'
9) Cashie River - from Sans Souci Ferry to
its mouth
The management objective for the areas of environmental concern is
'
to give highest priority to its protection in order to maintain the bio-
logical, social, economic, or aesthetic values associated with it. The
development of navigation channels and the use of wharfs are examples of
appropriate alterations in this area, provided that such changes will not
'
be detrimental to the biological and physical character of the system.
Incompatible uses would include projects which directly or indirectly
'
block or impair existing navigational channels, increase erosion along the
shore, or disrupt the ecology of the shellfish waters. There are presently
no such incompatible.uses in the county.
' The estuarine shoreline, another type of AEC, .is considered a compo-
nent of the estuarine system because of its close association with adja-
cent estuarine waters AEC's. Estuarine shorelines are defined as non -
ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding or
1

'
23
other adverse effects of wind and water. They are intimately connected
to the estuary and are defined as those areas in the county that border
the water bodies defined as estuaries. The AEC jurisdictional area is
'
defined to extend for a distance of 75 feet landward from the mean high
water mark. Unless measures have been taken to prevent erosion, no de-
velopment should occur within these areas. This 75 foot line can be used
to determine setbacks in all ordinances such as subdivision and health
regulations.
Public trust waters are the third type of AEC found in the county.
'
These areas consist of all natural bodies of water in the county exclud-
ing privately -owned lakes to which the public has no right of access.
Mismanagement of development in these areas could be extremely harmful.
These areas are critical in that they provide a valuable recreational out-
let for the public and also serve to support commercial and sport fish-
eries. Control over development in public trust areas is presently ex-
ercised by the state or federal government. Bertie County can -assist in
managing these areas by controlling development adjacent to them with
regulatory devices such as setback lines, minimum lot sizes, septic tank
'
ordinances, floodplain ordinances, and sedimentation controls.
Although not rigidly defined as a form of AEC in North Carolina,
'
there are two areas in the county that merit concern: 1) the Roanoke
River valley and 2) the Roquist Pocosin. Both of these areas contain
swamp forests that support native plant and animal communities. They pro-
vide conditions or characteristics that have not been greatly damaged by
local human activity, but flood control provided by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers has created local problems. It is recommended that develop-
ment in these two areas be restricted to rural land uses such as forests.
They should be maintained in a manner consistant with good forest and
'
wildlife management practices. Agricultural development should be limited
and closely monitored in these areas.
'
Other areas exist within the county that are not classified as AEC's,
but are fragile or unique environments. This includes the areas that
are home to endangered birds, wildlife and vegetation. Areas such as
'
these can be nominated for consideration as AEC's by the county.
Historic and archaeological sites should receive special consider-
ation in land use planning. These areas are defined as places and proper-
ties owned, managed, or assisted by the state pursuant to G.S. 121 and
properties or areas that have been designated by the secretary of the In-
terior. A National Historic Plantation and the King House, both located
'
in the Roquist/Roanoke planning unit, are presently registered places.
There are other sites in the county that require consideration and preser-
vation as well. The North Carolina Division of Archives and History lists
135 archaeological sites and 16 historic sites in Bertie County, includ-
'
ing Windsor. The number and location of underwater archaeological sites
are not known at this time. Development at or near to these sites should
'
be in keeping with the character of these places and its history.
Summary
'
In general, there are no significant land use compatibility problems
1

'
24
'
in the county. It is suggested that stringent management and planning
practices be maintained in these environmentally sensitive land and water
areas to maintain their existing integrity.
1
1

' 25
IV. EXISTING PLANS, REGULATIONS, AND CONSTRAINTS
This section contains a summary of the conditions, plans, and poli—
cies related to land use. Items included in this section contribute to
the overall county land use planning process.
Transportation Plans
'
Bertie County is included in the regional plan of the Ahoskie Divi—
sion of Highways. It does not have a county transportation plan. The
1
North Carolina Department of Transportation has planned specific improve—
ments for the roads in the county. Expansion of the Highway 17 bridge
over the Chowan River is the only major improvement planned. Other speci—
fic plans are included in Table 6.
Due to the relative situation of Bertie County, many of its roads
are widely used by travelers, but Highway 17 is the most heavily used ar—
tery in the county. There is 457 miles of paved roads and 181 miles of
unpaved roads for a total of 638 miles of roads. Of this total, about
96 percent of the roads are rural with the remainder in urban areas.
'
Only 25 percent are part of the state's primary highway system. With re—
spect -to usage, the highway system in the county appears to be adequate.
There should be no need to develop alternate routings in the near future.
'
The major routes in Bertie County include U.S. 17, U.S. 13, and
N.C. 11. The minimum average daily traffic flow on U.S. 17 is 3,300 ve—
hicles; on U.S. 13, 1,900 vehicles; and on N.C. 11, the flow is 2,000
1
vehicles. Maximum flow of traffic can be pinpointed to specific sites
along the roads. Along U.S. 17, maximum flow is 7,300 vehicles just south
of Windsor. Near Aulander, N.C. 11 receives 2,800 vehicles per day.
Highway U.S. 13 has a high traffic volume of 5,000 vehicles per day in
'
two locations: 1) immediately north of Windsor and, 2) due north of
Powellsville.
The traffic pattern indicates that a large amount of movement occurs
'
from the county to the nearby communities of Ahoskie, Edenton, Williams —
ton, and Plymouth. It also shows that internal movement is centered on
'
Windsor and to a lesser degree on Lewiston —Woodville, and Colerain.
Public transportation is available for Bertie County on a limited
basis. In addition to some limited opportunities for public transit a—
long the major routes by Trailways, the Choanoke Public Transportation
Authority (CPTA) provides the major portion of transit services. At the
present time the CPTA provides a morning service five days per week
throughout the county. In addition, CPTA provides senior citizen groups
'
with transport Monday through Friday, and transit to the county mental
health facilities on Monday and Tuesday. During the summer, summer school
students are provided transportation to the senior high school and the
'
school in Aulander. Other services by CPTA are 'on demand'.

BERTIE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLANS
1985 - 1993
Location
Route
Status
Est.
Cost
Description
11.6 mile stretch
U.S. 13/17
FY85
$1.5 million
Update section, add
north of Roanoke R.
safety features,
bridge to intersection
resurface and widen
south of Windsor
southbound lane
FEDERAL AID BRIDGE
REPLACEMENT
Roanoke River at
13 -1- 10
FY86
$10.9
million
Replace entire bridge
Williamston
with dual -lane high
rise structure
Conine Creek
13 -1- 40
1985
$1.7
million
Replace southbound
Southbound Lane
completion
lane
Between Conine Creek
13 -1- 30
FY86
$1.1
million
Replace most of
and Roanoke River
structures in south -
bound lane
Source: N.C. Division of Highways, Ahoskie Regional Division Chief, 1985.
Table 6

27
Schools
The Bertie County Board of Education currently operates seven ele—
'
mentary schools and one senior high school in the county. Elementary
schools serve grades K-8 and are located throughout the county. The
senior high school located about three miles north of Windsor, serves the
entire county. Secondary education is also provided by a private in—
stitution, Lawrence Academy, located in Merry Hill. Post —secondary edu—
cation is offered by Roanoke—Chowan Technical Institute (RCTC) in Ahoskie
and Martin County Community College (MCCC) in Williamston. Both MCCC
1
and RCTC have.located branch campuses in Windsor. The Bertie County
school system was reorganized in 1985 (see Table 7). The purpose of the
reorganization was to maintain quality conditions in the schools and to
adjust to a decline in school population. A school bond issue was pass—
ed which will allow for necessary remodeling and rebuilding plans.
Colerain school is almost completely rebuilt.
'
School enrollment has declined since construction of many of the
county's education facilities. Reorganization was necessary to economi—
cally support the loss of students. This trend can be seen in the table
below:
'
YEAR ENROLLMENT
1968-69 6,118
1973-74 5,559
'
1979-80 4,885
1984-85 4,261
Enrollment is expected to rise by 1990. Table 8-describes the existing
'
conditions in the Bertie County Schools. It lists capacity, enrollment,
and allotment for each school.
'
Existing Plans and Regulations
This section outlines the plans and regulations in force in Bertie
'
County. This discussion should provide the citizens with an idea as to
how plans and regulations are related to land use. A broad range of regu—
latory powers are available to the county, however, most of the regula—
tions that have a major impact on land use in the county are enforced at
the state or federal level. The following is an outline of the regula—
tions that are currently enforced. State and federal regulations which
'are enforced in the county are listed in Appendix A.
Community Facilities Plan
'
Bertie County does not have a community facilities plan. A county—
wide water bond election was defeated in 1978 and has not been reconsid—
ered since that time. Studies completed regarding the water and sewer
needs of the county as a part of Region Q include a survey conducted by
the Mid —East Commission in 1975. A similar study was completed in 1968.
There are several private and municipal systems located throughout the
county which are described elsewhere in this document.

BERTIE
COUNTY
PLAN FOR REORGANIZATION OF SCHOOLS
Attendance
Schools serving
1984 - 85
Projected
Resulting
1990
Area
Area by grades
Membership
Plans for use
Organization
Membership
Askewville
Askewville K-8
171
Addition
K -
8
195
Aulander
Aulander K-8
374
Addition
K -
8
400
Powellsville
C. G. White K-8
402
No change
K -
8
260
Colerain
West Colerain K-5
269
Abandon
K -
8
500
Colerain 0 - 0
166
Rebuild
K -
8
West Bertie
West Bertie K-8
671
Addition
K -
8
750
Merry Hill
J. P. Law X-8
199
Addition
K
- 8
200
Windsor
Southwestern K-8
979
Convert to K-8
K
- 8
1,020
Windsor District
Bertie Senior
Bertie Senior 9-12
1,196
Convert to 9-12
Senior High Addition 9
- 12
1,180
Total
4,261
4,505
Source: Bertie County Schools Superintendent, 1985
Table 7
N
co

SCHOOL
Askewville Elem.
Aulander Elem.
Southwestern Elem.
Bertie Senior High
C. G. White
Colerain Elem.
At completion
John P. Law Elem.
West Bertie Elem.
West Colerain Elem.
BERTIE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES
1984-8�
TEACHER/PUPIL
CAPACITY ENROLLMENT
GRADE TAUGHT YEAR ERECTED PLUS ADDITIONS
240
171
8.5
20.1
K-8
1964,
85
350
374
18.5
20.2
K-8
1964,
75, 85
800-1,000
979
51
19.2
K-8
1962,
1968
1,200
1,196
82
14.6
9-12
1962,
68, 70, 72, 82, 85
600
402
22
18.3
K-8
1951,
70
475
0
0
0
0
Razed
- 84 , Completion 86
225
199
10.5
19.0
K-8
1961,
85
725
671
32
21.0
K-8
1961,
1975
200
269
13.5
20.0
K-5
1932,
61
4,261
Source: Bertie County School Superintendent, 1985
Table 8

30
'
Recreation Program
The county does not have a recreation program. Since revenue shar-
ing programs have ceased, recreational activities are now funded and
coordinated by individual organizations. There is no allocation of
county funds for recreational activities.
ISolid
Waste Collection/Disposal
'
Bertie County operates a solid waste system, consisting of a land-
fill and rural dumpster collection operation. The landfill is located
in the Askewville planning unit. A study is currently under way to make
recommendations for improvement of this system.
Prior Land Use Plans
Bertie County utilizes the 1980 CAMA plan for references on land use
policies. Policies regarding land use in the county are outlined on
pages 41-44 in that plan. Once the 1986 CAMA plan is adopted, it will
supersede the 1980 plan including the policies therein. At the present
time there are no county regulations governing land use.
Floodway Ordinances
Ordinances are currently enforced in the county as certain areas
have been designated as flood hazard areas. In 1980, a flood insurance
rate map prepared by the National Flood Insurance Program was rejected
by the county due to data inaccuracies. An Alabama -based consulting
firm has been contracted to design maps with greater accuracy. Hearings
have been held for the approval of the maps and were adopted in 1985.
The county is in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Building Codes
'
On July 1, 1985, the state building code was adopted in the county.
This follows legislation that requires each county to adopt regulations
on a staggered schedule based on population. The state presently en-
forces certain federal codes such as CAMA permits. Information is avail-
able from the county building inspector's office.
'
Septic Tank Regulations
Septic tank regulations are enforced in Bertie County. These regu-
lations meet the minimum standards established by the North Carolina
Division of Health Services. A copy of these regulations can be obtained
through that office.
'
Zoning and Subdivision Regulations
Bertie County has not enacted zoning or subdivision regulations.
IFurther,
only Windsor and Aulander enforce a zoning ordinance.
1

' 31
Implementation and Enforcement Ordinance
The CAMA minor permit issuing system is enforced in the county.
This system governs development within designated AEC's.
1
Constraints Related to Community Facilities
Most types of development are dependent upon the location and ca—
pacity of sewer and water facilities. These basic necessities are often
the controlling factor in the location of growth. Expansion of water
and sewer lines into undeveloped areas typically promotes development.
'
Bertie County does not have a county —wide water or wastewater system,
nor are there plans in the foreseeable future for construction of such.
The following narrative describes the location and capacity of the com—
munity water and wastewater systems according to the planning units.
U.S. 17 Corridor Planning Unit
The Town of Windsor operates a municipal water system that is sup—
plied by three deep wells. They have a combined pumping capacity of
1,000 gpm. Approximately 400,000 gallons of water are stored in a
ground tank and a water tower. The Town of Windsor also sells a supply
'
of water to the South Windsor Water Association which is located approxi—
mately two miles from town. Maximum demand is calculated to be
19440,000 gpd and average demand is 300,000 gpd.
'
Windsor also operates a 1,150 mgd secondary treatment wastewater
facility with positive solids removal. The effluent from this facility
is discharged into the Cashie River. Additional connections could be
made to this system as it is operating with a 75,000 gpd surplus.
N.C. 11 Corridor Planning Unit
The Aulander area has three water systems in use at this time. The
Town of Aulander presently uses two deep wells with a combined average
yield of 700 gpm. This system was constructed in 1924 and serves 1,300
residents. The town stores the water in a 225,000 gallon ground tank
and a 75,000 gallon elevated storage tank. There are 65 fire hydrants
tapped into this system. Maximum capacity is computed at 600,000 gpd
and peak load is 300,000 gpd. It is capable of expansion to accomodate
approximately 250 more persons.
The South Aulander Water Association. Incorporated, is located along
highway N.C. 305 south of Aulander. This system is supplied by one deep
well which has a yield of 100 gpm. It has been in operation -since 1925.
'
Water is stored in a small hydropneumatic pressure tank and there are no
fire hydrants integrated into this. system.
The Millenium Association is located in a small community less
than one mile north of Aulander. It was organized in 1964 and consists
of a well with a pumping capacity of 160 gpm. Water is stored in a
5,000 gallon pressure tank and several hydrants are connected to the
system. The system serves approximately 300 persons and is being
planned.

'
32
A land application wastewater treatment plant is presently in opera—
tion in Aulander. Its capacity is 0.341 mgd. The North Carolina Divi—
sion of Environmental Management has required that the facilities in
Aulander be upgraded. The Town of Aulander expects to have a land appli—
cation system, a form of tertiary treatment, in operation soon. It is
planned to have a design capacity of 0.08 mgd and will serve approxi—
mately 1,000 persons with an average daily flow of 0.06 mgd.
Millenium and South Aulander residents have septic tanks for sewage
disposal. Soils in these areas are generally limited for wastewater
disposal by use of septic tanks and absorption fields.
The Lewiston —Woodville Utilities Association operates awater Sys-
tem that was constructed in 1964. This water association serves 250
connections and 35 hydrants,. Its two wells, when combined, yield 300 gpm.
Water is stored in a 100,000 gallon tower. The maximum daily demand is
432,000 gpd and the average daily demand is 62,700 gpd. In 1981, a new
pressure demand switch was added to the system. This system cannot be
expanded.
The Lewiston —Woodville Utilities Association operates a wastewater
collection and treatment facility. Tt was constructed in 1969 and serves
the corporate limits of both towns. It is a 0.070 mgd secondary waste—
water treatment plant that is being studied for increased capacity.
Permission to design an experimental system has-been granted. A mora—
torium has been placed on this system and the community is involved in a
'
11201" study. Effluent from this system enters the Cashie River.
Roxobel—Kelford Planning Unit
1
The Roxobel water system was built in 1964 and is supplied by two
deep wells that yield a combined 300 gpm. Water is stored in a 75,000
gallon elevated storage tank. Maximum daily capacity is calculated at
216,000 gpd and the average daily demand is 50,000 gpd.
Roxobel residents presently utilize individual on —site systems for
their wastewater disposal. The soils of this area are generally suitable
for residential septic tanks.
The Town of Kelford near Roxobel had a water system constructed in
'
1963 and presently serves 270 people. It consists of a well that pumps
an average of 200 gpm and a 75,000 gallon water tower. Water is un—
treated prior to distribution. Nearly 30 hydrants are connected to this
system. Maximum demand is calculated at 144,000 gpd and the average
demand is 50,000 gpd. This system cannot expand at the present time.
Septic tanks are widely used in the area surrounding Kelford. There
are moderate limitations for the location of septic tanks in be—
this area
cause of the soils.
Askewville Planning Unit
The Town of Askewville is a small community located north of Windsor
and east of U.S. 13. The Askewville water system serves approximately

' 33
' 80 connections. It is supplied by two wells which have a combined ca-
pacity of 200 gpm. However, one well is inoperable at the present time.
' Askewville residents presently rely on on -site wastewater disposal
systems, but the soils are generally limited for efficient operation of
septic tanks.
Chowan River Planning Unit
The Town of Colerain is located about one half mile west of the
Chowan River in northeastern Bertie County. Its municipal water system
serves approximately 280 community residents. It was constructed in
1938 and consists of two wells with a combined pumping capacity of
660 gpm. A 38,000 gallon elevated tank stores the water. Eighteen hy-
drants are tapped into this system. This system cannot be expanded.
The wastewater collection and treatment facilities for Colerain
serve 275 residents within the town limits. It is a secondary treatment
plant. The facility was constructed in 1976 and has a capacity of
75,000 gpd with a 38,000 gpd surplus. The discharge location is on a
tributary of the Chowan River. Since this system is operating at 50 per-
cent, there is sufficient capacity for the community to plan for develop-
ment. However, the effluent quality is not in compliance -with state
' standards. Residents outside the town limits rely on septic tanks for
wastewater disposal.
' Powellsville Planning Unit
The Powellsville area is supplied by two water systems. The water
system that serves the Town of Powellsville was constructed in 1954. It
is supplied by two wells that have a combined yield of 115 gpm. The
system distributes to 330 persons and uses a 10,000 gallon tower and a
5,000 gallon ground tank for storage. Fifteen hydrants are integrated
into this system.. The town has planned a new distribution system which
will'be completed in 1986.
The East Powellsville Water Corporation serves nearly 200 persons.
The system is divided into two separate locations which are unconnected.
One well is situated northeast of Powellsville and yields 50 gpm. Water
is stored in a 2,000 gallon pressure tank. An additional well southeast
of Powellsville yields 100 gpm and is stored in a 2,500 gallon storage
tank.
' The community does not have a wastewater treatment facility. The
efficient operation of septic tank absorption fields is limited due to
soil limitations.
' Roanoke River and Roquist Pocosin Planning Unit
The Clear Water Valley Association and Beacon Light Water Associa-
tion are located on N.C. 104. Each system consists of one well. The
Beacon Light Water Association was constructed in 1974 and serves 40
persons. Water from this system is untreated and is stored in a 1,077
' gallon storage tank. The well yields 75 gpm.

34
The Clear Water Valley Association serves 35 persons and yields
an average of 50 gpm. Water from this source is untreated and stored in
' a 1,800 gallon storage tank.
There are no facilities for wastewater disposal in this area. Sep-
tic tanks are widely used, but the soils are not well -suited for septic
tank absorption fields.
Soils Limitations
The soil survey for Bertie County has recently been completed and
' is scheduled for publication soon. Preliminary analysis shows 41 soil
bodies or mapping units. Of the 41 soil bodies, only 12 are well drained,
ten are moderately drained, and one is excessively well drained. These
areas will not present problems for industrial or urban development, but
these soils are best suited, in most cases, for farming and/or forestry
activities.
There are 14 poor to very poorly drained soil bodies in the county.
Three soils are extensively floodable. Nearly 80 percent of the soils
in the county have limitations for septic tanks due to poor drainage,
' seasonably high water tables, or permeability problems. The map in
Figure 4 outlines these areas. When the soil survey is published, these
soil bodies can be located more accurately. The survey will be a very
useful tool for recommending areas which could be developed.
Summary
Seven planning units in the county have either water or wastewater
facilities or both. The Merry Hill planning unit relies on individual
wells and on -site wastewater disposal. Most water systems in the county
have chlorinated water systems. Powellsville is the only community that
does not have its water system metered for billing purposes.
' The towns of Aulander, Colerain, Lewiston -Woodville and Windsor
operate wastewater treatment facilities and plants. Residents of other
communities rely on private on -site wastewater disposal systems.
The capability of soils usually limits development in certain areas.
Areas not limited by soils include the Aulander region, some areas in
the vicinity of Windsor, and the Colerain area.
1

m m r m m r m m m m m m m m m m m m m
SOIL SUITABILITY 1985
O SUITABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT
©SUITABILITY SLIGHTLY LIMITED
® SUITABILITY LIMITED
® SUITABLE FOR RECREATION
4 s ?
Mlles

36
Ii
V. STORM HAZARDS PLANNING AND MITIGATION
Introduction
All land use plan updates are
required
to mitigate and plan for
'
storm hazards. Storm hazards are
far more
serious than commonly per-
ceived, but the series of tornados
which struck
eastern North Carolina
in March of 1984 may have raised attention
to storm planning and miti-
gation. This section of the land
use plan
is offered to help Bertie
County prepare for these hazards.
' There are numerous natural hazards but, due to many factors, only a
few are likely to occur in Bertie County. These hazards are:
'
1)
Flooding and Erosion
a. Estuarine
b. Riverine
2)
Earthquakes
3)
Drought
4)
High Winds (hurricanes and northeasters)
5)
Tornados
6)
Snow Storms
7)
Hazardous Waste Dumping (man -induced im-
pact on natural systems)
Of particular importance to Bertie County land use planning are storms
and their resultant erosion, flooding and high winds. Although Bertie
County is located inland from coastal waters, flooding of the Cashie,
Chowan and Roanoke Rivers is not an unlikely phenomenon.
In order to effectively plan for storm hazards and their periodic
reoccurrence, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This involves com-
bined efforts of the local planning commission and the Emergency Manage-
ment Coordinator in the Emergency Operation Center.
' There are typically four parts of a comprehensive emergency manage-
ment plan. One part includes the land use plan. The four parts are de-
fined as:
'
1)
Mitigation - the activities which actually
eliminate or reduce the probability or occur-
rence of a disaster caused by a hazardous
event. It also includes land use planning
and other long-term activities which reduce
the effects of hazardous events.
'
2)
Preparedness - the activities that are neces-
sary when mitigation measures have not, or can-
not, prevent disasters caused by a hazardous
event. This involves the emergency management
'
team to assist in saving lives and property and
to enhance response operations.
'
3)
Response - these activities follow an emergency

'
37
'
or disaster. Of primary concern is emergency
assistance to casualties. Also, the emergency
'
management team seeks to reduce secondary dam-
age and to speed recovery operations.
4) Recovery - these activities involve short and
long term operations. In the short term, the
emergency management team attempts to restore
all systems to normal operation. This includes
vital life supporting systems. In the long
'
term, recovery involves return to life at nor-
mal or improved levels. This step should in-
volve the county planning process.
'
In general, mitigation and long-term recovery require the county
planning process, while preparedness, response and short-term recovery
'
fall within the responsibility of the Emergency Management Coordinator.
Coordination between emergency management and local planning officials
is mandatory for a successful mitigation of hazards.
'
The Division of Coastal Management encourages local governments to
focus on three phases of hazards planning. These include storm hazard
mitigation, post -disaster recovery and evacuation plans. In storm haz-
ard mitigation, it is recommended that an inventory of hazardous areas be
completed. The intent of this inventory is to put into perspective the
level of existing development within the hazardous areas. It is designed
'
to inform local officials of what proportion of the population, housing,
and county tax base may be suject to damage in the event of a disaster.
Policies should be formulated to deal with redevelopment in the hazardous
areas.
'
A post -disaster reconstruction plan is designed to operationalize
clean-up procedures after the storm. This involves the immediate clean-
up and plans for long-term redevelopment. A recovery task force should
be established to schedule priorities for redevelopment. Repair and re-
construction guidelines should be established. This phase of the plan
requires coordination of the local government and emergency management
officials.
'
The local government is required to evaluate the adequacy of evacu-
ation routes used in emergency situations. The routes should be criti-
cally assessed for their efficient use. If the required evacuation time
exceeds the standard warning time as provided by the National Weather
' Service, officials should consider adopting policies which would improve
the adequacy of the routes. This step may involve coordination with the
Division of Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation.
Hazard Mitigation
The
first step of hazard mitigation is to identify the frequency and
magnitude
of the hazards in
the county. This involves studying storms,
including
their frequency of
occurrence and severity levels. This step
can be done
available
by using records
to predict future
from the past, as these are the only data
storms. Generally, it can be stated that the
11

38
larger the storm, the less often it occurs. Consequently, although a
large storm may not have recently occurred, planning mitigation must
still be undertaken. The local government must be prepared now for the
possible occurrence of disasters at any time.
' The second step of hazard mitigation is to conduct a vulnerability
analysis. This step determines what is at risk. In order to assess this
information, research must determine the type and location of prior prop—
erty damage, and the potential for damages as well as the location of pre—
vious injuries to people. Generally, the vulnerability study analyses
the potential for death, injury and destruction of property.
' The third step of hazard mitigation includes general and specific
measures for minimizing damage that is likely to occur. The general
measures include, but are not limited to the following:
1)
Building Codes
2)
Zoning Ordinances
3)
Tax Incentives/Disincentives
4)
Land Use Management
5)
Safety Codes
6)
Preventative Health Care
'
7)
8)
Public Education
Building Use Regulations, and
9)
Resource Allocations
' Most of the general measures involve adoption, compliance and enforcement
by the local governments. The role of the planning commission is leader—
ship in the adoption process and coordination among the participating
' governmental agencies. The planning commission is also involved in the
compliance and enforcement of the measures. The specific measures in—
clude, but are not limited to, the following:
1)
Flood Measures
a.
Stream channelization
b.
Construction and protection of farm
ponds, retention basins and reservoirs
'
c'.
Reforestation and preventing deforest—
ation
d.
Land conservation techniques such as
'
contour plowing, grass waterways, plow/
plant cultivation and cover crop planta—
tion, and
e.
Flood —proof buildings
2)
High
Winds
a.
Roof anchors
b.
Window size and thickness codes
c.
Mobile home tiedowns
d.
Windbreaks
'
e.
f.
Forest and farm management, and
Real estate disclosure laws
3)
Erosion
a.
Wetlands protection
b.
Swamp forest protection

'
39
'
c. Construction and protection of
breakwaters and levees, and
d. Public information programs
'
4) Preventative Health
a. School innoculation
b. Rodent/insect eradication
'
c. Water purification
d. Sanitary waste disposal
e. Health codes/Laws/inspections, and
'
f. Public health education
Several of the specific measures are currently in operation in the county.
Others are functioning, but need improvement. The county may choose to
incorporate the other measures into their current regulations.
Storm hazard mitigation requires coordination of many agencies for
'
successful operation. A comprehensive effort is necessary to fully re—
alize a mitigation plan and its relation to the overall emergency and
county planning processes.
Identification of Hazard Areas
' Bertie County has two major hazard areas which require action:
1) the Chowan River shoreline and wetlands, and 2) the Roanoke River
floodplain and wetlands. Each of these areas are identified on the map
in Figure 5 (in end flap). Other hazard areas of lesser areal extent
are: 1) the Cashie River floodplain, 2) Black Walnut Swamp and wetlands,
3) Salmon Creek Swamp and wetlands, and 4) Roquist Creek and Pocosin.
' These areas are integrated into the two major hazard areas listed above.
Most are located nearby or drain into the major hazard areas.
Identification of these areas has involved two major sources: 1) the
county soil survey, 2) the U.S.G.S. topographic maps of the area, plus
the flood insurance study. Specification of the exact location of the
hazard areas is difficult in this study. Because of map scale, the bound—
aries are too general to specifically delineate between hazard and non —
hazard areas. A boundary as such requires large scale maps commonly used
in a flood insurance study which is currently in use in the county. How—
ever, for land use planning purposes, the location of boundaries at this
scale is adequate.
' Risk of Damage in Hazard Areas
The level of damage to life and property in the hazard areas of
' Bertie County is considered relatively small as indicated in Table 9.
There are several clusters of development along the Chowan River that are
vulnerable to storms brought about by high winds, flooding and wave ac—
tion. At the Colerain Landing, waterfront development includes a petrol—
eum storage facility, a fish processing plant, restaurant and a recreation
area. The remaining clusters are primarily residential developments with
eight clusters between Bull Pond Point and Edenhouse Point and five clus—
ters from Edenhouse Point to Terrapin Point. Most of these residential

M
SEVERITY OF RISK IN HAZARD AREAS
Wave
Severity
Erosion/
Action/
High
Hazard Area
Rank
Scour
Battering
Flooding
Wind
Estuarine Shoreline AEC
1 (
0
•
( 0
0
V-Zone Flood Zone
2
(
0
• (
•
Wetland AEC
2
0(
0
0 (
0
A -Zone Flood Zone
3
( •
0
B-Zone Flood Zone
3 (
0
0
Remainder of County
4
0
Risk levels: High
(0), Moderate
(0),
Low ( )
Table 9 .r-
0

'
41
'
clusters are situated above the slosh zone. However, approximately fif-
teen dwellings are situated within the slosh zone, and an additional
forty dwellings are located very close to the slosh zone. Other struc-
'
tures can be considered to be outside of storm waves and flooding. How-
ever, these structures can suffer from wind damage, falling trees and
flying debris.
While the Roanoke River has controlled flow because of several dams
upstream of Bertie County, inundation can occur both naturally as well as
being man induced. On the upper Roanoke River the dwellings and roads
'
are located above the twenty foot contour while trails and unimproved
roads are usually more than fifteen feet. On the lower Roanoke River
'
the dwellings and roads are located above the fifteen foot contour, ex-
cept at Cashoke Landing where a dwelling is located at approximately ten
feet. Inundation from storm tides can exceed this level, but not often
enough to warrant major concern.
'
On Roquist Creek near U.S. 17 a dwelling is located very close to
the floodable area and could receive flood waters. On the Cashie River
there are two areas of concern. One is at the Sans Souci ferry site
where one dwelling is less than five feet above normal river level and
another is less than ten feet over normal river level. At Windsor the
central business district,- sewage treatment plant and a number of dwell-
'
ings can be considered vulnerable to flood waters. The occasional forc-
ing of water upstream by high winds into the Windsor area and associated
storm rainfall can create a vulnerable condition on the low lying land.
'
It is likely that damage to public and private utilities will occur
from high winds. Additionally, it is likely that several roads at low
lying bridges may be flooded during the storm period and immediately
'
thereafter. Of particular concern are the U.S. 17 bridges over Salmon
Creek and Edenhouse Creek.
Estimated Severity of Possible Hazard Damage
' We have been witness to recent damage along the Chowan River brought
about by the waning energy of a hurricane. With the full force of hurri-
cane winds or a prolonged Nor'easter, the potential for damage exists for
' all frontage property along the Chowan River with other hazard areas be-
ing flooded. There are no less than approximately fifty residential and
commercial structures which are vulnerable to storm hazard damage. Us-
ing a replacement cost of $50.00 per square foot and an average 1,000
' square foot per structure, the damage, if totally destoyed, could be as
high as $2,500,000.00
' Anticipated Development in Hazard Areas
' The people of Bertie County have been wise in their use of land
through the years. Most development has occurred on the high ground ex-
cept for a few instances. The waterfront development at Colerain is un-
derstandable since the land uses are river oriented. Other developments
' are oriented toward residential uses.

' 42
'
With -the increasing population and economy within the county as well
as outside the county there will be a demand for intensifying water ori-
ented land uses. While Bertie County is not in the mainstream of coastal
development, it should be anticipated that development in and near hazard'
areas will occur.
1
Existing Hazard Mitigation Policies and Regulations
At the present time, flood insurance rate maps are available as a
mitigation policy. The county building code and the existing land use
plan also tend to contribute to mitigation policies by the county, but
the county Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan is the major document to
mitigate hazards. There are also state and federal regulations in effect
in the county.
Hazard Mitigation Policies
Existing Bertie County policies allow development to occur in hazard
'
areas. It is expected the development within the hazard areas will occur
in the future. If development is to occur in these areas, it should be
'
safe development, that is, it should be hazard -proof. Where and what
kind of development should occur in Bertie County, and how this develop-
ment should be constructed so as to minimize damage in the event of a
major storm are the two issues facing those that formulate policies and
'
regulations in Bertie County.
It is the policy of Bertie County to mitigate storm hazards by
'
adopting the following measures in the next five years:
1) Bertie County Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance - This ordinance should be de-
signed to meet the National Flood Insur-
ance Program. The ordinance should also
be designed to minimize flood damage by
referring to accepted practices and meth-
ods that would set forth uniform rules
for developers.
2) Bertie County Hazard Area Redevelopment
'
Policy - This policy is related to the
Building Code and the Flood Damage Pre-
vention Ordinance. The policy is to in-
dicate that reconstruction after a
storm be subject to the regulations of
the building code, which states that if
any building damaged in excess of sixty-
'
five percent of its value will conform
with the code requirements for new
buildings when repaired. Also, in the
'
flood damage prevention ordinance it
should require that all existing struc-
tures must comply with requirements re-
lated to the 100-year flood elevation,

' 43
with the code requirements for new
buildings when repaired. Also, in the
flood damage prevention ordinance it
should require that all existing struc-
tures must comply with requirements re-
lated to the 100-year flood elevation,
which is if any repair, reconstruction,
or improvement of a structure is equal
to or exceeds sixty-five percent of the
market value, the improvement or repair
must follow the building code regulations.
'
Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
A post -disaster plan will permit Bertie County to deal with the
aftermath of storms in an organized and efficient manner. The plan pro-
vides the mechanisms, procedures, and policies that will enable the
county to learn from its storm experiences and to rebuild the county in
a wise and practical manner.
A post -disaster reconstruction plan encompasses three distinct re-
1
construction periods:
1) The emergency period - the reconstruc-
tion phase immediately after a storm.
1
The emphasis is on restoring public health
and safety, assessing the nature and ex-
tent of storm damage, and qualifying for
and obtaining whatever federal and state
'
assistance might be available.
2) The restoration period - the weeks and
months following a storm disaster. The
emphasis during this period is on re-
storing community facilities, utilities,
and essential business so the county can
return to normal activities.
'
3) The replacement period - the period dur-
ing which the community is rebuilt. The
period could last from months to years de-
'
pending on the nature and extent of the
damages incurred.
It is important that local officials clearly understand the joint
federal -state -local procedures for providing assistance to rebuild after
a storm so that local damage assessment and reconstruction efforts are
carried out in an efficient manner that qualifies the community for the
'
different types of assistance that are available. The requirements are
generally delineated in the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-288)
i
which authorizes a wide range of financial and direct assistance to lo-
cal communities and individuals. The sequence of procedures to be fol-
lowed after a major storm event is as follows:
' 1) Local damage assessment teams survey

'
44
storm damage within the community.
2) Damage information is compiled and
summarized and the nature and extent
'
of damage is reported to the North
Carolina Divsion of Emergency Manage-
ment (DEM).
3) DEM compiles local data and makes re-
commendations to the Governor concern-
ing state actions.
4) The Governor may request a Presidential
declaration of "emergency" or "major dis-
aster". A Presidential declaration makes
a variety of federal resources available
'
to local communities and individuals.
5) Federal relief assistance provided to
a community after an "emergency" has
been declared typically ends one month
after the initial Presidential declara-
tion. Where a "major disaster" has been
'
declared, federal assistance for "emergency"
work typically ends six months after the
declaration and federal assistance for
"permanent" work ends after 18 months.
Federal disaster assistance programs previously provided aid for
communities to rebuild in the same way as existed before the disaster
'
occurred. This policy tended to foster recurring mistakes. However, re-
cent federal policy has started to change the emphasis of disaster assis-
tance programs. Specifically, Executive Order 1198 (Floodplain Manage-
ment) directs all federal agencies to avoid either directly or indirectly
supporting future unwise development in floodplains, and Section 406 of
the Disaster Relief Act can require communities, as a prerequisite for
federal disaster assistance, to take specific actions to mitigate future
'
flood losses. Bertie county has been provided a comprehensive listing of
the federal disaster assistance programs that may be available following
a major storm.
Organization of Local Damage Assessment Team
A local damage assessment team should be in place and include in-
dividuals who are qualified to give reliable estimates of the original
value of structures, an estimated value of sustained damages and a des-
cription of the repairs. The logistics involved in assessing damage to
Bertie County after a major storm will possibly necessitate the organi-
zation of several damage assessment teams. The Bertie County Disaster
Relief and Assistance Plan is in place and provides the county with such
teams.
1
The Emergency Management Coordinator should immediately undertake
a recruitment effort to secure the necessary volunteers and to establish
a training program to familiarize the members of the damage assessment
team with required damage classification procedures and reporting re-
quirements. It is suggested that Bertie County assume the responsibility
for developing and implementing a training program for both county dam-

' 45
age assessment teams and the town damage assessment teams. In establish-
ing the assessment teams, it might be very difficult to fill certain
positions, because the services of some individuals will likely be in
great demand after a storm disaster. The Emergency Management Coordi-
nator should establish an active "Volunteer File" with standing instruc-
tions on where to report following a storm. Damage assessment forms and
procedures should be prepared and distributed to volunteers as part of
the training program.
IDamage Assessment Procedures and Requirements
Damage assessment is defined as a rapid means of determining a
'
realistic estimate of the amount of damage caused by a natural or man-
made disaster. For a storm disaster, it is expressed in terms of:
1) number of structures damaged, 2) magnitude of damage by type of
structure, 3) estimated total dollar loss and 4) estimated total dollar
loss covered by insurance.
After a major storm event, members of the Damage Assessment Team
should report for a briefing from the Emergency Management Coordinator.
In Bertie County the Emergency Management Coordinator should establish
field reconnaissance priorities according to the extent of damage and
where landfall occurred. Because of the potentially large job at hand,
the limited personnel resources available to conduct the assessments,
and the limited time within which the initial assessment must be made,
the first phase of the assessment should consist of only an external
visual survey of damaged structures. A more detailed second phase
assessment can be made after the initial damage reports are filed.
'
The initial damage assessment should make an estimate of the extent
of damage incurred by each structure and identify the cause such as
wind, flooding, or wave action of the damage to each structure. This
first phase assessment should be made by "windshield" survey.
Damaged structures should be classified in accordance with the sug-
gested State guidelines as follows:
1) Destroyed (repairs would cost more than
80 percent of value).
'
2) Major (repairs would cost more than 30
percent of the value).
3) Minor (repairs would cost less than 30
percent of the value, but the structure
is currently uninhabitable).
4) Habitable (some minor damage, with re-
pairs less than 15 percent of the value).
It will be necessary to thoroughly document each assessment. In many
'
cases, mail boxes and other information typically used to identify spe-
cific structures will not be found. Consequently, the damage assess-
ment team must be provided with tax maps, (aerial photographs with prop-
erty line overlays) other maps and photographic equipment in order to
record and document its field observations. Enough information to com-

r 46
r lete the damage assessment worksheet must be obtained on each damaged
P g
structure.
' The second phase of the damage assessment operation will be to esti-
mate the value of the damages sustained. This operation should be carried
r our under the direction and supervision of the Emergency Management Coor-
dinator. A special team consisting of tax clerks, tax assessment per-
sonnel, and other qualified staff should be organized by the Emergency
Management Coordinator. This team should be incorporated into the plan.
' In order to estimate total damage values it will be necessary to have the
following information available for use at the Emergency Management Office:
1) A set of property tax maps (including
aerial photographs) identical to those
utilized by the damage assessment field team.
r 2) County maps delineating areas assigned to
each team.
3) Copies of all county property tax records.
r
In order to
produce the damage value information required, the following
methodology
is recommended:
1)
The number of businesses and residen-
tial structures that have been damaged
within the county should be summarized by
r
2)
damage classification category.
The value of each damaged structure should
be obtained from the marked set of tax maps
and multiplied by the following percentages
'
for appropriate damage classification cate-
gory:
a. Destroyed - 100%
b. Major Damage - 50%
r
c. Minor Damage (uninhabitable) - 25%
d. Habitable - 10%
3)
The total value of damages for the unincor-
porated areas of the county should then be
summarized.
4)
The estimated value loss covered by hazard
insurance should then be determined.
5)
Damage assessment reports should be ob-
tained from each municipality and the data
r
should then be consolidated into a single
county damage assessment report which
should be forwarded to the appropriate
state officials.
6)
Damage to public roads and utility systems
should be estimated by utilizing current
construction costs for facilities by lineal
foot.
The damage assessment is intended to be the mechanism for estimat-
ing overall property damage in the event of a storm disaster. The pro-
cedure recommended above represents an approach for making a relatively
1

47
quick, realistic
damage estimate after a storm. Damage assessment is
provided for
in the Bertie County Damage Relief and Assistance Plan.
Organization of Recovery Operations
Damage
assessment operations as provided in the county disaster
plan are oriented to take place during the emergency period. After the
emergency operations to restore public health and safety and the initial
damage assessments
are completed, the guidelines suggest that a recovery
'
task force to guide restoration and reconstruction activities during a
post -emergency phase which could last from weeks to possibly more than
Ia
year. The
responsibilities of the recovery task force will be:
1)
Establishing an overall restoration
schedule.
2)
Setting restoration priorities, in ad-
vance, by definition.
3)
Determining requirements for outside as-
sistance and requesting such assistance
when beyond local capabilities.
4)
Keeping the appropriate State officials
informed using situation and damage re-
ports..
5)
Keeping the public informed.
6)
Assembling and maintaining records of
actions taken and expenditures and ob-
ligations incurred.
7)
Proclaiming a local "state of emergency"
if warrented.
8)
Commencing cleanup, debris removal and
utility restoration activities which
would include coordination of restora-
tion activities undertaken by private
utility companies.
9)
Undertaking repair and restoration of
essential public facilities and services
'
in accordance with priorities developed
through the situation evaluations.
10)
Assisting private businesses and indi-
'
vidual property owners in:
a. obtaining information on the vari-
ous types of assistance that might
be available from federal and state
agencies.
b. in understanding the various assis-
tance programs, and
c. applying for such assistance.
When a major storm does eventually
hit Bertie County and major damages
occur, consideration should be giv-
en to establishing an assistance
team to carry out the above func-
tions as long as there is a need
to do so.
1

' 48
A sequence and schedule for undertaking local reconstruction and restor—
ation activities is presented. The schedule was deliberately left vague
' because specific reconstruction needs will not be known until after a
storm hits and the magnitude of the damage can be assessed.
' Reconstruction Operations
The Bertie County Reconstruction Task Force should be the following
' individuals:
1) Chairman of the Board of County Commis—
sioners
2) Bertie County Manager
3) Emergency Management Coordinator
4) Chief County Tax Appraiser
5) County Finance Director
6) County Code Inspections Director
The following policies have been formulated to enhance reconstruc—
tion after storm recovery:
1) Building permits to restore structures
located outside of designated AEC areas
that were previously built in conform—
ance with local codes, standards and the
provisions of the North Carolina Build—
ing Code shall be issued automatically.
2) All structures suffering major damages as
defined in the County's Damage Assessment
Plan shall be repaired or rebuilt to con—
form with the provisions of the North Caro—
lina Building Code and other related ordin—
ances.
3) All structures suffering minor damage as
defined in the Bertie County Damage assess—
ment Plan shall be permitted to be rebuilt
to their original state before the storm
condition, provided non —conforming use
regulations are met.
4) For all structures in designated AEC's
and for all mobile home locations, a de—
termination shall be made for each AEC as
to whether the provisions of the N.C. Build—
ing Code, the State Regulations for Areas
of Environmental Concern, or other ordin—
ances appeared adequate in minimizing
storm damages. For areas where the con—
struction and use requirements appear
adequate, permits shall be issued in
accordance with permitting policies 1,
2 and 3. For AEC's where the construc—
tion and use requirements do not appear
to have been adequate in mitigating dam—

'
49
'
ages, a Temporary Development Morator-
ium for all structures located within
that specific AEC shall be imposed.
'
5) All individual mobile homes located in
mobile home parks sustaining some damage
to at least 50% of their mobile homes in
the park shall be required to conform to
current ordinances.
6) Permits shall not be issued in areas sub-
ject to a Temporary Development Moratorium
until such a moratorium is lifted by the
Bertie County Board of Commissioners.
7) All damaged water and sewer systems (both
public and private) shall be repaired so as
to be elevated above the 100-year floodplain
'
or shall be flood -proofed, with the methods
employed and the construction being certified
by a registered professional engineer.
8) All damaged roads used as major evacu-
ation routes in flood hazard areas
shall be repaired so as to be elevated
at least one foot above the 100-year
floodplain evacuation.
9) All local roads that have to be com-
pletely rebuilt shall be elevated so as
to be above the 100-year floodplain
'
elevation.
Temporary Development Moratorium
Under certain circumstances, interim development moratoriums can be
used in order to give a local government time to assess damages, to make
sound decisions and to learn from its storm experiences. Such a mora-
torium must be temporary and it must be reasonablyrelated to the public
health, safety and welfare.
It is not possible to determine prior to a storm whether a temporary
development moratorium will be needed. Such a measure should only be
used if damage in a particular area is very serious and if redevelopment
of the area in the same manner as previously existed would submit the
residents of the area to similar public health and safety problems. The
'
Bertie County policy regarding the proclamation of temporary development
moratoriums shall be to:
Require the Bertie County Emergency Management Office to assess
' whether a Temporary Development Moratorium is needed within one week
after the damage assessment process is completed. Such an assessment
should clearly document why such a moratorium is needed, delineate the
specific uses that would be affected by the moratorium, propose a speci-
fic schedule of activities and actions that will be taken during the
moratorium period, and establish a specific time period during which the
moratorium will be in effect.

'
50
Adequacy
of the Bertie County Disaster Relief Plan
The purpose of the Disaster and Relief Plan is to prevent or lessen
'
the effect of disasters on the people and property in Bertie County.
The plan, adopted in 1983, is considered adequate in its intent, scope
and composition.
Adequacy of the Bertie County Hurricane Evacuation Plan
The
purpose of the evacuation plan, which was adopted in 1977, is
to provide for an orderly and coordinated evacuation to minimize the
'
effects of hurricanes on residents and visitors in the county. The
plan's scope, organization, concept of operation,
warning and alert
system, increased readiness action checklist, evacuation areas, routes
and shelter locations, reentry procedures, responsibility groups, com—
munications and public information activities, are considered adequate.
It must be realized that this is the plan for Bertie County citizens,
and not a plan to shelter an excessive number of visitors or evacuees
'
from other counties.
1
L�

51
'
VI. ISSUES, POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION
l
Land Use Issues
Land use issues are related to the concern for, or that which
affects, the welfare and the happiness of the citizenry. The people
should have a continuous interest in how the land is used, both now and
in the future. Of particular importance to the future of Bertie Count-
ians, is how well we perform as stewards of our land today. Some issues
'
revolve around how to protect our natural resources. This includes how
we use them and how we manage them. Other issues are concerned with
economic and community development. How can we protect our natural heri-
tage while we attempt to sustain or increase economic growth and improve
our communities? Many of these issues evolve from a difference of
opinion as to how our land is to be used. The resolving of these and
other issues can be accomplished through continuous public participation.
' In the 1976 CAMA land use planning guidelines, each community was
given the opportunity to voice their opinion on the issues that were per-
ceived to be a community concern. A questionaire was sent out to 2,500
families asking for opinions on the county's needs, environmental issues
and the budgetary procedures of the county government. The Planning
Board then established goals for growth in the county.
The goals identified in 1976 and used again in 1981 were:
1) to protect, manage and utilize natural .
resources in the county,
2) promote greater economic development,
3) improve the quality of life for area
'
residents,
4) to be alert for land development prob-
lems in the county, and
5) to ensure a more efficient local
government.
A list of objectives to attain these goals was provided in the 1976 plan.
'
Although many of those objectives have been accomplished, much remains
to be done. A list of these objectives appears on pages 41-44 in the
1976 CAMA plan and on pages 49-50 in the 1981 CAMA plan.
'
In order to facilitate an understanding of the present land use
issues in Bertie County, a land use issues information matrix was de-
vised (see Table1O). The matrix indicates twenty-eight issues. Because
r
all issues do not have the same degree of importance geographically, the
matrix shows their distribution among the planning units. The catagor-
ies to show the degree of concern are: 1) critical, 2) moderate,
'
3) slight, and 4) none. The matrix was distributed to the planning com-
mission members and a few county officials. Their input has resulted in
the final matrix. The various issues are self-explanatory. Each cata-
'
gory will be discussed in the policies section to follow.

BERTIE COUNTY ISSUES INFORMATION MATRIX
'
CRITICAL CONCERN X
'
MODERATE CONCERN 1
SLIGHT CONCERN 0
NONE -
COMMUNITY WATER FACILITIES
COMMUNITY WASTEWATER TREATMENT
TOURISM/RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
SIGNS/BILLBOARDS
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
IMPROVEMENT IN COMMUNITY/COUNTY SERVICES
IMPROVEMENT OF DEVELOPED AREAS (DWELLINGS)
'
ODORS FROM AGRIBUSINESSES
FARM MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (RUNOFF)
FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (RUNOFF/HABITAT)
ABANDONED STRUCTURES
HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS
ROANOKE RIVER FLOOD CONTROL
'
PUBLIC ACCESS TO PUBLIC WATERS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMERCIAL & RECREATIONAL FISHERIES
HIKING TRAILS
FLOOD PLAIN DEVELOPMENT
IMPACT ON SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY
UNCONFORMING LAND USES IN RURAL AREAS
'
MINING OR QUARRYING OF EARTH MATERIALS
IMPROVEMENT & PROTECTION OF LAND & WATER HABITATS
IMPROVEMENT IN THE APPEARANCE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
SOIL LIMITATIONS FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS & DEVELOPMENT '
STORM HAZARDS
SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN LAND USE ISSUES
'
Table 10
52
� � � z
O O w O V)
a o a s a <0
w 3 V
0 !- cxO
Ix w o: w a f- wa
O O J W J 3 N >
V V W J >
uw z J > V YO
W w co } Q J. 3 Q 00
> > X a 0 x ]C H mJ QIx
� = cx E V d Q w o.. w
X X 0 - 0 0 0 - - I
X X 0 0 I I I - 0
X X 0 0 X 0 0 - I X
X X 0 - - - 0 - - -
I I - - - 0 0 - - 0
XX 0 - - - - - - -
X X I I 0 I 0 - - -
0 X 0 0 0 I 0
0 X X - - - - - - -
0 0 I I I I 1 - - X
0 0 0 I 1 1 1 - - X
0 0 0 l 1 I 0 - - 0
I X 0 0 I 1 I - - 0
0 0 I 0 - - - I I X
X X I 1 I 0 0 - - X
I X I 0 I 0 I - - 1
I I 0 0 X 0 0 X X X
X X I X I 1 I - - X
X X I I X I I X X X
I I X X X X X X
I I I I I 0 0 - - X
0 0 I I X I I X X X
I X 0 0 0 0 0 - - I
X X X X X X X - - X
X X X X X X X X X X
- 0 - I I - - X X X
X X X X X I I X X -

53
Land Use Policies
The land use issues of Bertie County can be resolved through strate-
gies or policies. This provides a basic approach and a guide'for solv-
ing land use issues before they materialize or become unsolvable. At
the center of policy formulation is the county planning effort. The
reasoning here is that the county planning office has the necessary re-
sources to be the major source of data and information which is essen-
tial in determining issues and policies . Further, it is equally im-
portant to solicit public views on issues and related policies. The
'
planning process allows this to occur most effectively.
The formulation of policies, herein, is based on an open process of
consultation, negotiation and compromise. The policies set forth in
'
this plan are a result of this formulation process. There are twenty-
eight issues directly related to a single policy in these land use
policy categories. An overall policy was articulated for each which
represents a myriad of policy alternatives. Consequently, each issue
has a related policy and a way to implement it. In a word, an issue is
resolved by a policy through an implementative process.. This procedure
'
is an improvement over having several policies for a single issue, and
a hodge-podge of implementation mechanisms. Here in this plan, a single
issue, with a single policy, and related implementation tasks are used.
'
To successfully accomplish this land use plan we must decide on a
course or courses of action. Through the policy statements, which indi-
cate how we intend to solve the land use issues, we reveal our prudence
and wisdom in the planning and management processes of implementation.
The land use policies are divided into three categories: 1) resources
production, 2) resources protection, and 3) economic development.
'
Table 11 shows how each issue fits best into one of these categories.
Resources Production Policies and Implementation
Bertie County has 701 square miles of natural resources; no more,
no less. Some of these resources are renewable, such as the forests.
Some are non-renewable, such as sand or other minerals. Others, such
'
as soil or water, are a combination of living and non -living materials.
These resources can only be renewable as long as their environments are
kept suitable for continuous use, or can be non-renewable if they cannot
'
be rebuilt or repaired within minimal financial constraints. In general,
the county should direct its land use policy toward protecting its natu-
ral resource base. The purpose for this protection is to ensure a fu-
ture economic return from the resources as well as to safeguard the en-
vironment from degradation.
'
-Policy and Implementation Related.to Farm Management Practices.
Agricultural activities utilize surface water, groundwater, and
soil resources for the growing of farm products. This is a major activ-
'
ity in Bertie County, and the one that yields the greatest economic re-
turn. Consequently, the protection of the natural resources for agri-
cultural use is most important. It will be a matter of policy that all

Resources Production
1) Farm management practices
2) Forest management practices
3) Mining or quarrying
4) Commercial & recreational
fisheries
5) Tourism/recreational
development
6) Public access to public
waters
7) Flood plain development
LAND USE POLICY CATEGORIES AND THE RELATED ISSUES
Resources Protection
1) Roanoke River Flood Control
2) Historic Preservation
3) Hiking trails
4) Impact on surface & ground—
water quality
5) Unconforming land uses in
rural areas
6) Improvement & protection of
land & water habitats
7) Soil limitations for septic
systems & development
8) Storm hazards
9) Shoreline development
Table it
Economic development
1) Community water facilities
2) Community wastewater treatment
3) Industrial development
4) Signs & billboards
5) Commercial development
6) Improvement in community/
county services
7) Improvement of developed areas
8) Odors from agri—business
9) Abandoned structures
10) Highway improvement
11) Improvements in the appearance
of personal property
41

' 55
' farm managers use the most effective methods for maintaining suitable
environment for sustained agricultural production, and that this produc-
tion will not degrade the in situ environment or the environments juxta-
position to it. In order to carry out this policy the following items
will be implemented during the next five years:
1) To utilize the Bertie County Soil Sur-
'
vey in managing and planning all as-
pects of agricultural production,
2) To specifically plan and manage agri-
cultural use only where soil capability
classes I, II, III and IV, and
"prime farmland" are designated
'
(see Appendix II),
3) To spcifically'use land in other capa-
bility classes for pasture, wood-
land or wildlife,
4) To fully support and participate in
the Bertie Soil and Water Conserva-
tion Program,
'
5) To participate in and support the
protection of all fragile environ-
ments, particularly the surface
waters, by employing the best man-
'
agement practices available, and
6) To inaugurate an annual Bertie
County Fair for the purpose of
'
promoting education and informa-
tion about agriculture, forestry,
fisheries conservation, industry,
'
economic development, and citi-
zen participation.
'
Policy and Implementation Related to Forest Management Practices
Forestry activities utilize the same resources as farming activi-
ties. Forests occupy the most land in Bertie County. They are an im-,
'
portant use of the land in that, most woodlands are located in or adja-
cent to fragile environments. It will be a matter of policy that all
woodland managers use the most effective methods for maintaining a suit-
able environment for sustained forestry production, and that this pro-
duction will not degrade the environment. In order to carry out this
policy the following items will be implemented during the next five
'
years:
1) To utilize the Bertie County Soil
Survey in managing and planning all
aspects of woodland production,
2) To plan and manage woodland use
where environmentally suitable, or
in areas where capability classes V, .
'
VI and VIII are located (see
Appendix II),
'
3) To fully support and participate in

' 56
'
the Bertie Soil and Water Conservation
District Long -Range Conservation Program,
4) To participate in and support the protec-
tion of fragile environments, particularly
wildlife habitats and surface waters, by
employing the best management practices
available, and
'
5) To inaugurate an annual Bertie County
Fair.
'
Policy and Implementation Related to Mining and Quarrying
There are several areas in the county where quarrying for sand has
occurred. These sand pits are major in size, now mostly abandoned and
'
related to past highway construction. It will be a matter of policy
that all persons, firms or governmental agencies quarrying or mining in
the county are to submit a plan for approval by the County Planning
'
Office. In order to carry out this policy, the following items will be
implemented in the next two years:
'
1) Quarrying and mining guidelines in conso-
nance with N.C. Division of Land Quality
regulations will be approved by the County
Commissioners,
'
2) Quarrying and mining activities will only
occur on lands deemed unsuitable for agri-
culture, woodland and wildlife unless the
'
land can be restored to its original state
or other acceptable condition.
Policy and Implementation Related to Commercial and Recreational
'
Fisheries
Fishing occurs in the waters receiving runoff and effluents from
farms, forests, industry, and rural and urban communities. It is criti-
cal that the receiving waters are of a quality that will support a via-
'
ble habitat for fish, wildlife, and water fowl. Of major consequence is
the degraded surface water flowing from other counties and states lo-
cated upstream from Bertie County. It will be a matter of policy that
all land and water users are to utilize the most effective methods avail-
able for assuring that the water quality of all surface runoff and efflu-
ents are equal to or better than the quality of the receiving waters.
Further, it shall be the policy to request other counties, states or any
'
other individuals or organizations to comply to a similar policy. In
order to carry out this policy the following items will be implemented
during the next five years:
'
1) To fully support and participate in the
Bertie County Soil and Water Conserva-
tion District Long -Range Conservation
Program,
'
2) To participate in and support the pro-
tection of all fragile environments,
particularly the surface waters, by

57
employing the best fisheries management
practices available,
3) To support and comply with local, state
and federal efforts to improve the com-
mercial and recreational fisheries, and
4) To inaugurate an annual Bertie County
Fair.
Policy and Implementation Related to Tourism/Recreational Development
Tourism and recreational development can take place in Bertie County.
The natural resources of the county can support, but are not limited to,
the following activities:
Hunting Swimming
Trapping Water Skiing
Fishing Boating
Bird Watching Canoeing
Hiking Sailing
Back Packing Sun Bathing
Running or Jogging Farm Vacations
Camping Golfing
Historic Site Visitation County Fair
These recreational and tourist pursuits, if developed in Bertie County,
will allow compatibility with other resource producing activities. Fur-
ther, it will allow additional primary and secondary sources of income
for Bertie County citizens and additional county revenues. It will be a
matter of policy to plan for and promote recreational and tourism activi-
ties. In order to achieve this development the following items will be
implemented during the next five years:
1) To develop a recreation/tourism plan
for Bertie County,
2) To organize a recreation/tourism com-
mittee within the Windsor area Chamber
of Commerce or an advisory committee
to the County Planning Office,
3) To participate in and support the pro-
tection of all recreational and tourism
sites and areas, and
4) To support and participate in the inaug-
uration of a County Fair and other pro-
grams and activities that allow citizen
and tourist participation.
Policy and Implementation Related to Public Access of Public Waters
At the present time Bertie Countians must leave the county to gain
access to public water. Public boating access on the Roanoke River is
located at Hamilton, Williamston, Plymouth and at Conaby Creek in Wash-
ington County. Public access to the Chowan River is located at Cannon's
Ferry and Edenhouse Bridge in Chowan County, and in Hertford and Gates
County. There is a public access area to the Cashie River at Sans Souci.

' 58
'
It is a matter of policy to seek additional public access to public
waters in Bertie County. In order to carry out this policy the following
items will be implemented during the next five years:
1) To support the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission and its boating
access area program,
1
2) To seek funds for the purpose of pro-
viding two additional boating access
'
areas in Bertie County,
3) To locate and develop an access area
on the Roanoke River near to and south
of Kelford and Roxobel, and on the Cho -
wan River near Colerain, and
4) To plan and develop these areas, if
feasible, as multifunctional recrea-
tional facilities.
Policy and Implementation Related to Flood Plain Development
'
The most fragile environments of the county are the flood plains,
pocosins, and wetlands. Nearly all of these areas are woodlands with
few exceptions. While it would be wise not to allow development in these
areas, it is sometimes not practical. Flood plains are natural storage
'
areas for flood waters. At the present time the Roanoke River is regu-
lated by six dams in ;North Carolina and located upstream of Bertie County.
'
Because of excessive and poor control the flood plain in Bertie County is
unnaturally flooded for long periods, which is tending to alter the habi-
tat. It is a matter of policy to seek to regulate the flow of the Roan-
oke River to a more natural state. Further, the policy related to the
development of the flood plain is for access use to farmlands on sand
ridges, forest lands, and recreational and commercial fishing and hunt-
ing sites and areas. Pocosins are critical habitats. Development in
these areas would not be wise, but is practical. Development in pocosins
1
should relate to woodland production only. In developing these two crit-
ical habitats, it is the policy to require a development plan and its
approval prior to developing an area. Finally, it is a matter of policy
not to allow any wetland, so designated, to be developed. In order to
carry out these policies the following items must be implemented during
the next five years:
1) Require the proper regulation of the
Roanoke River flow through legislation,
if necessary,
2) To specifically plan and manage the
land and water use in floodplains,
'
pocosins and wetlands using guidelines
approved by the County Commissioners,
and
3) To support and comply with local, state
and federal efforts to maintain these
critical habitats.
I

'
59
'
Resources Protection Policies
It has been suggested in the previous section that in order to real-
ize a fair economic return from farming and forestry, the natural re-
sources must be protected. The protection mechanism is largely one of
properly managing our natural resources. It is clear that certain other
areas must be protected as well, but for other purposes. These purposes
are far beyond self indulgence and economic gain, and mainly one of self
preservation. Further, the resources protection here is to improve,
1
maintain and limit uses of the natural resources for public good (see
Table 11).
Policy and Implementation Related to Roanoke River Flood Control
'
'striper'
In order to at least partially solve the decline in the
lower Roanoke River and western Albemarle Sound, the dams on the river
must be regulated in a manner more consistant with a natural flow. It
'
is very likely that striped bass eggs and fry are swept into the flood -
plain in April and May in high rainfall years. And in low rainfall
years they don't reach the sound. There are other factors involved in
this complex situation, but in the main, it is one of protecting the
lower river and all that this implies. It will be a matter of policy to
protect the fish resources in and adjacent to Bertie County. In order
to carry out this policy the following items must be implemented during
the next five years:
1) Require the proper regulation of the
'
Roanoke River flow through legislation
if necessary, and
2) To support the efforts of the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission,
Division of Marine Fisheries, and other
agencies or groups, public and private,
to improve the present flood control
'
operation.
Policy and.Implementation Related to Historic Preservation
There are numerous historic sites and other cultural resources in
Bertie County. These resources have been identified, but should be pro-
tected and preserved if they are deemed worthy for future generations to
see. Several sites have received restoration such as the Hope Plantation.
This activity should be expanded throughout the county. It will be a
matter of policy to plan for and promote historic preservation activities.
In order to achieve historic preservation the following items will be im-
plemented in the next two years:
' 1) To develop a historic preservation plan
for Bertie County,
2) To organize a historic preservation com-
mittee within the Bertie County Historic
Society or an advisory committee to the
County Planning Office, and
1

1 60
3) To participate in and support the pro-
tection of all historic sites and areas.
'
Policy and Implementation Related to Hiking Trails
At the present time there is one hiking trail in Bertie
County, the
historic Cashie-Roquist Pocosin Hiking Trail. A hiking trail
can be used
for a variety of purposes. Not only can a trail be used for
physical
fitness, it can also be used for educational purposes in both
physical,
1
biological and social sciences. There are numerous areas in
that short and long trails can be developed for a variety of
the county
purposes.
But the existing Cashie-Roquist Trail should be improved. To
improve
and develop hiking trails, the recreation/tourism plan should
be accom-
plished with hiking trails being a part of the plan. It will
be a mat-
ter of policy to plan for and promote hiking trails. In order
to achieve
this plan the following items will be implemented during the
next five
years:
1) To include in the recreation/tourism
plan for Bertie County, a section on
'
hiking trails,
2) To participate in and support the pro-
tection of hiking trails and adjacent
areas, and
3) To locate and develop additional
trails, if feasible, and according to
'
the recreation/tourism plan.
Policy and Implementation Related to Surface and Groundwater
Quality
'
Surface water and groundwater are the most valuable resources in
Bertie County. Under all circumstances, these water resources must be
protected. Surface water is commonly impacted by overusing the available
supply and overloading by adding excessive toxics, nutrients, pollutants
1
and contaminants. While the land in Bertie County contributes a share
of this excessive loading and perhaps overuse of surface water, most of
the problem originates in the upstream areas of the North Carolina pied-
mont and Virginia. It is difficult for areas downstream to cope with
upstream abuses. This is due to the cummulative effect of individual
point and nonpoint sources. For Bertie County to improve the surface
waters of the county, a great amount of cooperation will be necessary.
In the past and at the present time little is being done to improve the
water quality of the state's surface waters. While laws are in force to
regulate effluents, they are not sufficient to provide 'clean' water. To
'
this end it will be the policy to protect the surface water, particularly
its quality, in Bertie County, and to seek to protect all upstream waters,
through federal and state legislation if necessary.
Groundwater is the major source of domestic and industrial water
supply in Bertie County. Groundwater is commonly impacted by excessive
drawdown, contamination from septic tanks, solid waste, landfills and
overloading soils with agricultural chemicals. At the present time there
does not seem to be a major groundwater problem in the county. However,
'
private domestic groundwater users are not required to have their water

61
tested, so there is Little, if any, information concerning contamination
of private domestic wells, deep or shallow. Also, as far as it is known
there are no excessive drawdown problems. However, there is a potential
for future groundwater problems. These problems could likely result
from a greater density of septic tanks and drainfields, and excessive
drawdown to supply other areas with water.
It will be a matter of policy to preserve and protect all ground-
water resources for Bertie County use only, and to protect the quality
of the groundwater.
1
In order to protect the water resources of Bertie County the follow-
ing items will be implemented:
'
1) To support the efforts of the North Caro-
lina Division of Land Resources in protect-
ing water quality,
2) To support the efforts of the Division of
Environmental Management to control efflu-
ents,
3) To support the efforts of the county and
state health services in protecting water
supplies and effluents, and
4) To seek the necessary legislative assis-
'
tance to improve surface water quality in
all drainage basins affecting Bertie County.
1
Policy and Implementation Related to Unconforming Land Uses in Rural
Areas
' Rural areas are unique regions which possess extensive uses of the
land, and the necessary infrastructure to support a relatively sparse
population. In general, cropland, pasture and forests are the dominant
' land uses, and the people of Bertie County have expressed an interest
in maintaining the existing environment. Other land uses tend to support
the dominant land uses. For example, farmsteads, roads, schools, church-
es, crossroad retail stores, farm service establishments and other activi-
ties assist the rural population in their everyday lives. To have land
uses other than what is normally expected would create an unbalanced
rural environment. It will be a matter of policy to protect the integ-
rity of the rural areas of Bertie County. In order to carry out this
policy the following items must be implemented during the next five years:
1)
To establish carrying capacity thresholds
for the county,
2)
To use these thresholds in devising a
growth management plan,
'
3)
To include in this growth management
plan, mechanisms that will allow rural
land uses to successfully compete in
the marketplace, and
'
4)
To require those with potential or ac-
tual unconforming uses in rural areas to
1
submit a detailed plan to the planning
office for approval or disapproval.

'
62
Policy and Implementation Related to Improvement and Protection of Land
and Water Habitats
'
The land and water habitats of Bertie County are home to millions
of birds, animals, plants, fish and foul. These species have resided in
Bertie County for thousands of years, and many have adjusted to the na-
ture of man. Unfortunately, many have not. Hopefully, all Bertie Coun-
tians will realize that if the natural habitat changes because of man,
man will also have to adjust; and eventually, it may be that sometime
in the future man will not be able to adjust to the change. If we watch
the habitat, it will tell us the proper direction to follow in how we
are to use our land and water. It will be a matter of policy to improve
and protect our land and water habitats. In order to carry out this
policy the following items must be implemented in the next five years:
1) To protect those areas in the county
as indicated in this land use plan as
'
critical habitats and areas of environ-
mental concern,
2) To improve and/or reestablish land
'
and water habitats for recreational or
environmental purposes, and
3) To comply with guidelines and prac-
tices established by the Soil and Water
Conservation District, North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission and
other conservation groups or agencies.
Policy and Implementation Related to Septic Tank Limitations and Devel-
opment
'
Most of Bertie County has soils which are limited for septic tank
and drainfield use. With the intensification of development the use of
septic tanks as a means of private or industrial wastewater disposal
should not be allowed. The reason for minimizing septic tank use is to
decrease the potential for groundwater and surface water pollution. It
shall be a matter of policy to promote the use of community wastewater
collection and treatment systems in developed areas, and not to allow
intensive development without community wastewater treatment facilities.
In order to implement this policy the following items should be effectu-
ated in the next ten years:
1) To allow septic tanks and drainfield
installation only on parcels of land
r
that have complied with the North Caro-
lina Health Services regulations,
2) To promote the improvement and expan-
sion of the existing wastewater treat-
ment systems in the county, and
3) To promote the installation of small
wastewater treatment facilities in
'
areas of intensive development in
rural communities, such as Quitsna,
Midway, Merry Hill, Cahaba, Roxobel,

' 63
' Kelford, Powellsville, Askewville and
Colerain.
Policy and Implementation Related to Storm Hazards
The protection of the natural environment during storms requires
the nonoccupance by man, the minimal use of the involved area, or re-
stricted development with necessary mitigation mechanisms in force.
There are certain areas such as floodplains and shorelines that prohibit
development or very little of it. And there are certain storms that may
occur anywhere, at any time, which are nearly impossible to predict or
to protect against. Natural phenomena including tornados, hurricanes,
snow storms, hail storms and rain storms are part of the natural environ-
ment. If man wishes to inhabit areas where these storms frequently occur
it is up to man to make the necessary adjustments. Man must either re-
frain from using these areas or must adhere to stringent regulations in
order to occupy such places. Further, certain hazard areas such as
'
floodplains, shorelines or wetlands are better left in their natural
state. At the present time in Bertie County there is little reason to
develop floodplains, wetlands or shorelines. In order to maintain this
balance it shall be a matter of policy to allow floodplains, shorelines
'
and wetlands to remain in their natural state. Further, development in
these areas will be for access and recreational uses.
'
In order to carry out this policy the following items will be im-
plemented in the next five years:
1) To support and coordinate with the
Emergency Management Office all
phases of the Disaster Relief and
Assistance Plan,
2) To support and promote the Flood
Insurance Study and its applica-
tion,
'
3) To adhere to the provisions of the
building code, and
4) To provide for a flood prevention
ordinance and a hazard redevelop-
'
ment policy.
Policy and Implementation Related to Shoreline Development
The protection of shorelines from haphazard development or develop-
ment that is not in the best interest of the county is good common sense.
Shorelines are not an infinite commodity, and once they are developed
they are no longer available for other uses. In order to protect the
shorelines of Bertie County it shall be a matter of policy to protect
' the shoreline from intensive development and to allow adequate public
access to the public waters.
' In order to carry out this policy the following items will be imple-
mented in the next five years:
1) To protect the shorelines in the county
1

64
'
by requiring a sketch plan for any de-
velopment within two hundred feet of
the high water mark,
2)
To improve and/or reestablish the
shoreline where development has im-
pacted the natural processes,
3)
To comply with guidelines and prac-
tices established by the Soil and
Water Conservation District and
'
other conservation groups or agen-
cies, and
4)
To promote, plan, and acquire as
much shoreline as deemed suitable
for the county for public use.
Economic and Community Development Policies
Bertie County continues to have a chronic unemployment problem.
This problem, coupled with its low family income, can be solved through
' economic development mechanisms or increased out -migration of.citizens.
Economic development will improve the tax base so that more and better
services are available while out -migration will not. The economic de-
velopment issues have been identified in Table 11. It is possible for
Bertie County to achieve economic development while it protects its
rural heritage and its natural resources. The purpose of economic de-
velopment is to generate additional jobs, income and a favorable cli-
mate for growth and management.
Policy and Implementation Related to Community Water Facilities
IMost
of the community water facilities are located in small towns
and villages, while a few can be considered small rural systems. These
water systems are fairly small, but could be expanded without excessive
cost with proper planning and management. It is not recommended that a
county water system be developed. It is the policy to assist the com-
munity systems in maintenance, improvement and expanding the capability
in their existing service areas. In order to carry out this policy the
following items will be implemented during the next five years:
1) To organize a Bertie County community
water system coordinating committee,
2) To have this committee study the ex-
isting systems and plan for their pro-
'
jected needs, improvement and manage-
ment,
3) To seek funding if the need arises, and
4) To participate in and support the effort
of agencies and groups desiring to im-
prove the domestic and industrial water
supply.

11
65
'
Policy and Implementation Related to Community Wastewater Treatment
The treatment of wastewater in Bertie County can become a problem
in the not too distant future. Most soils in the county are limited for
this purpose because of the seasonal high water table and poor permea-
bility in most of the county. Several communities that have wastewater
treatment plants and collection systems have reached their maximum ca-
'
pacity. Windsor's wastewater treatment plant has sufficient capacity
for their service area with some to spare. It is not recommended that
the county develop a wastewater collection and treatment system. It is
'
the policy to improve and expand existing community wastewater collec-
tion and treatment facilities, and to construct small wastewater col-
lection and treatment facilities where urban and rural concentrations
are large and dense enough to warrant such systems. In order to carry
out this policy the following items will be implemented during the next
five years:
'
1) To organize a Bertie County community
wastewater system coordinating commit-
tee,
2) To have this committee study the ex-
isting systems and plan for their pro-
jected needs, improvement and manage-
ment,
3) To seek funding as the need arises,
and
4) To participate in and support the
effort of agencies and groups desir-
ing to construct or improve small
wastewater collection and treatment
'
facilities.
Policy and Implementation Related to Industrial Development
'
It is recognized that not all industries seek out rural counties in
which to locate. It is also recognized that Bertie County does not want
'
all industries to come into the county. Consequently, there must be a
marriage between Bertie County's industrial 'want list' and those in-
dustries on that list that want to locate in rural areas. This is not
an easy thing to accomplish. But it is the best way to assure a steady
'
meaningful economic growth. It is the policy to improve and expand eco-
nomic development in Bertie County. In order to carry out this policy
the following items will be implemented during the next two years:
'
1) To promote economic development
through a coordinated marketing pro-
gram within the economic development
commission,
2) To continue present efforts in in-
dustrial development,
'
3) To provide prospective industries
with up-to-date information about
Bertie County,
4) To organize and promote the county

'
66
'
fair, and
5) To work toward providing industrial growth
mechanisms such as loans, tax relief, land
and services.
Policy and Implementation Related to Signs and Billboards
While Bertie County does not have a problem with signs and bill-
boards like other commercialized areas, it could be a problem.- At the
present time there are signs and billboards that advertise for out -of -
county businesses, some that are in disrepair, some that are located in
a pristine environment, some that are distracting to the safety and wel-
fare of the highway users, and some that need to be modernized and im-
proved. While it is not necessary to regulate signs and billboards in
the county, it is desireable to work with advertising agencies and lo-
cal businesses to promote the county in the best possible way. It is
'
the policy to improve the type and location of signs and billboards in
the county. In order to carry out this policy the following items will
be implemented during the next five years:
'
1) To coordinate advertising agencies,
businesses and economic development
groups to improve signs and bill-
boards in the county,
2) To devise sign and billboard guide-
lines to be used on a volunteer basis
'
and in conjunction with the economic
development commission, and
3) To work toward beautification of the
county's highways and roads includ-
ing signs and billboards.
Policy and Implementation Related to Commercial Development
1
Commercial development requires expansion in Bertie County. A
major effort should be given to developing retail businesses in Bertie
County. Many people have indicated that they have to travel to other
1
counties to obtain equipment, supplies and services. It is the policy
to promote commercial development and all that this entails. In order
to carry out this policy the following items will be implemented dur-
ing the next five years:
1) To promote commercial development
through a coordinated marketing
program within the economic develop-
ment commission,
2) To continue present efforts in com-
mercial development,
3) To provide perspective businesses
with up-to-date information about
Bertie County.
'
4) To organize and promote the county
fair, and
5) To work toward providing commercial

'
67
'
growth incentives such as loans, land
and services.
'
Policy and Implementation Related to Improve Community/County Services
'
There are many services that communities and the county make avail—
able to its citizens. Some of these services are expected as required
by law, while others have evolved because of need. County and community
agencies and officials in the capacity of serving the citizens should
keep an open door so problems can be solved. It is the policy to promote
'
public good in community and county agencies by serving the citizens
well. In order to carry out this policy the following items will be im—
plemented during the next two years:
1) To promote in—service training pro—
grams in the county for the purpose
of educating officials and other in—
dividuals as to how to handle people
problems,
2) To promote the availability of the
planning office as a contact agency
to direct and coordinate problem solv—
ing efforts, and
3) To organize and promote the county
fair so that the citizens are made
aware of public services.
'
Policy Implementation Related to Improvement Developed Areas
and of
There are several areas in the county that need to be improved.
'
Some of these improvements are related to housing, businesses, roadways,
recreation sites and areas, and industrial sites. In many cases the
structures are decaying from lack of maintenance. It is the policy to
'
improve developed areas where structures are in need of repair. In order
to carry out this policy the following items will be implemented during
the next five years:
'
1) To organize a task force to improve
and repair structures that are de—
caying or dilapidated,
2) To improve the land by removing de—
bris and other unnecessary materials,
3) To organize a beautification task
force to improve the scenery in de—
veloped areas and elsewhere, and
4) To promote structure and land care
guidelines and training sessions,
'
5) Seek block grant funding.
Policy and Implementation Related to Reduce Odors From Agri —Businesses
'
Care must be given to controlling air quality. When agricultural
processing plants develop offensive odors, health and economic develop—
ment problems can meterialize. While it is agreed that these processing

68
'
plants are desired in the
county, it must
Y
also be understood
that
clean air is necessary.
It is the policy
to maintain a good
quality of
'
air in Bertie County. In
order to carry
out this policy the
following
items will be implemented
during the next
five years:
' 1) To set up air monitoring stations in
areas where problems exist if feasible
and in relationship to the North Caro—
lina Division of Environmental Manage—
ment,
2) To have the county sanitarian work with
plants having air quality problems so
that a solution is mutually agreed up—
on, and
3) To promote the need for air quality to
' all citizens.
Policy and Implementation Related to Abandoned Structures
'
There
are numerous abandoned structures in
Bertie County. These
structures
are dangerous, eye sores, a blight on
the countryside, and un—
necessary.
Some of these structures are historical
in themselves and
'
should be
repaired, while others could be used
again. Still, others
should be
torched by the fire fighters so that
they can practice their
very important
service to the community. It is
the policy to reduce the
'
number of
abandoned structures in the county.
In order to carry out this
policy the following items will be implemented during the next two years:
.1) To inventory abandoned structures in
' the county, and
2) To work with the property owner as to
the improvement of the structure or
' its demolition.
Policy and Implementation Related to Highway Improvement
Bertie County has a good highway system. Its paved roads are ade—
quate and most of the unpaved roads are kept in good condition. If Ber—
tie County is to achieve many of its development goals, highway improve—
ment is a necessity. Of major importance is the movement of people and.
goods during storms or other emergencies. Also, the movement of trucks
and buses into and out of the county is a concern. Finally, to put
' Bertie County on a major artery between Tidewater Virginia and points
south would enhance its economic well—being in a way that no other public
expenditure ever could. It is the policy to promote the improvement in
highways, both within the county and regionally. In order to carry out
' this policy the following items will be implemented during the next five
years:
' 1) To request that a transportation
plan be accomplished by North Caro—
lina Department of Transportation,
' 2) To request that a study be accom—
plished by the North Carolina and

'
U.S. Department of Transportation per-
taining to the feasibility to connect-
ing I-64 in Tidewater Virginia with
I-20 in Florence, South Carolina, with
an interstate highway with its route
through Bertie County,
'
3) To raise low lying roads in the county
so they are passable during high water,
4) To improve the bridges where U.S. 17
enters the county, and
'
5) To upgrade the county road improvement
program.
'
Policy and Implementation Related to the Improvement in the Appearance
of Personal Property
'
So that Bertie County can show the world how great it is, each in-
dividual in the county must show that they take pride in themselves,
their personal property and the county's collective appearance. It is a
well known fact that in any society you must put your best foot forward.
The success of Bertie County to achieve economic development depends on
how well its people represent the county. And it starts at home, at
'
school, at work, at play and by the individual. It is the policy to pro-
mote Bertie County in a positive and aggressive manner. In order to
carry out this policy the following items will be implemented in the
next five years:
'
1) To organize a task force to promote
individual pride in Bertie County,
2) To organize groups to improve the
'
appearance of personal property and
public grounds in the county, and
3) To promote the county fair.
Important Special Issues, Policies and Implementation
'
During the course of this land use plan update, the people of Bertie
County were confronted with a very important special issue. The issue
was one of siting a large electrical energy producing facility in the
eastern portion of the county. Several public hearings were held which
revealed that the land use plan allowed energy producing facilities as
one of the acceptable land uses in the county. The public hearing showed
an overwhelming support for not allowing the siting of energy facilities
in the county. The people indicated that the siting would have, among
other things, a negative impact on the natural resources, farming and
forestry activities, and the local infrastructure such as roads and high-
'
ways. The general feeling was that the risk was too great to take. The
issue was resolved by the energy producer seeking a site elsewhere. Con-
sequently, the policy of this land use plan is that energy producing fa-
cilities are not a desired land use and be prohibited from occurring in
Bertie County. In order to carry out this policy, the county commission-
ers should consider legislative means for implementation.
11

' 70
impact
In addition to the potential environmental of energy produc-
ing facilities, there is also a concern for the impact of the disposal of
hazardous waste in the county. At the present time some hazardous waste
dumping is taking place. At several public hearings during the course of
this land use plan update, it was noted that empty toxic chemical con-
tainers used mostly by farmers are being abandoned so that the residual
chemical concentrates can be spilled into the environment. Some of the
containers are being deposited in the county's trash receptacles for
dumping at the county's solid waste disposal site. In most cases this is
' probably being done unknowingly. The extent of this impact is not known,
but there is reason for concern as it could develop into a major problem.
' The people of Bertie County are sensing an increased demand on their
rural environment including the possibility of siting for hazardous waste
disposal. The recent episode in Warren County has prompted hazardous
' waste disposal concerns among the citizenry. The consensus is that the
people in Bertie County do not want to be told they are to have a hazard-
ous waste dumping site, when there is significant local support against
it. Thus, it is the policy of this land use plan that hazardous waste
' disposal not be allowed. Further, it is the policy to control all forms
of hazardous waste disposal in the county, so that Bertie County can main-
tain its clean environment. In order to implement these policies, the
' county commissioners should consider legislative means to effectuate the
desires of the citizens.
The implementation of these policies should be achieved as soon as
' possible so that the environment of Bertie County is protected against
undue stress and negative impact.
ICitizen Participation and the Planning Process
There is a need to increase citizen participation in Bertie County.
'
There were six public meetings in five different communities from February
to April, 1985, for the purpose of discussing land use planning issues
and policies. In addition, the Bertie County Economic and Industrial
'
Planning and Development Commission usually discussed land use planning
at every regular meeting since October, 1984. While the meetings were
very well attended by members of the commission, the citizens were no-
ticeably few in number. In order to have a successful land use planning
process, which includes successful economic development, citizen partici-
pation is needed. It has been known for many years that there is a direct
relationship between successful planning and development and citizen par-
'
ticipation. In other words, as citizen participation increases, economic
growth increases also. This process is deemed less than adequate at the
present time.
'
We have fought hard to gain and maintain a representational form of
government in the United States; at all levels. In the planning process,
citizen involvement is mandatory. Historically, citizens have been a
'
part of planning and development. Not only are government officials and
agencies ineffective without citizen participation, but the planning pro-
cess would tend to malfunction as well. Usually, citizens desire to par-
ticipate if an immediate needs to be solved. At other times they
problem

' 71
tbecome
involved only if officials or agencies are not doing what they
think they should. But this should not be!
Citizen involvement is a valuable part of the decision making pro-
cess at all levels of government. The rationale being that citizen par-
ticipation: 1) influences government decisions, 2) maintains stability
in society, 3) supports and advises officials, 4) guards the public in-
terest, and 5) reduces alienation between the people and the government.
'
Citizen involvement in the planning process is equally important.
Citizens have a direct concern and should be involved in the following
planning processes: 1) assessing community values, 2) determining issues
'
and policies, 3) choosing alternative plans, 4) approving or modifying
plans, and 5) feedback after plans have been effectuated. The citizen's
role is as equally important as the public official's role. It should
not be thought of as just another time -wasting, unnecessary burden. The
'
citizen's importance is found in the success of improving the well-being
of all the citizens. Caring by the citizens, is sharing their time and
mind for the public good.
Citizen involvement may occur in different ways. All citizens should
generally be involved in: 1) informational, neighborhood or community
planning meetings, 2) public hearings, 3) attitude surveys, 4) referen-
dums, and 5) voting. Other types of involvement will depend on the citi-
zen's interests, but all citizens should be involved in at least one of
'
the following: 1) a task force which has been assigned a specific problem
to be solved, 2) a citizen advisory committee, 3) county, community or
neighborhood planning commissions or boards, 4) elected citizen represen-
tative on a public policy -making body, 5) workshops for the purpose of
'
learning how to solve problems, 6) citizen training for the purpose of
gaining knowledge about government operations, and 7) volunteer services.
There really are many ways the citizens can become involved in their com-
munities. Hopefully, the citizens of Bertie County will recognize this
need and respond to it in a positive manner. It is the policy of Bertie
County to hold to these statements regarding citizen involvement in gov-
ernmental affairs, particularly the planning process.

72
VII. THE LAND USE PLAN
'
The data have been collected, the information has been digested and
analyzed, the issues have been tabulated and studied, the policies have
been formulated, the implementation for the policies have been stated,
and time frames for effectuation have been set. The final task of the
land use plan is to devise a land use plan (see end flap). At this point,
the future is brought to the present by assigning different land uses to
certain areas. The distribution of these land uses reflect population
distribution, economic trends, existing land uses, soils and other natur-
al resources, community services, and storm hazards.
Land Classification
'
The land use plan uses a land classification consisting of five cate-
gories: 1) developed, 2) transition, 3) community, 4) rural, and 5) con-
servation. These categories are recommended for use in the Land Use Plan-
ning Guidelines (Subchapter B) which is part of the State's administra-
tive code.
'
Developed Land Use
Developed areas provide for continued intensive development. These
areas have been and continue to be developed for urban uses. They include
'
the usual urban services such as water, sewer, police and fire protection,
and recreational facilities.
'
Transition Land Use
Transition areas provide for future intensive development. These
areas are considered appropriate for urban growth in the future and.
should be scheduled for the necessary urban services as development occurs.
However, these areas should not be developed in hazard nor fragile and
environmentally sensitive areas, until most of the land in developed
'
areas has been urbanized.
Community Land Use
Community areas provide for clustered development in rural areas.
These areas allow for additional housing, shopping and public services.
They are considered to be crossroad communities and tend to serve the
immediate community and nearby rural area.
Rural Land Use
Rural areas provide for agriculture, woodlands, mining or quarrying,
and low density residential uses. These areas allow for the usual rural
1 land uses which include farming, forests, farmsteads, passive recreation,
processing of farm and forest products, farm and forest services, schools,
churches, community centers, scattered non -farm residences and general
stores.

73
IConservation Land Use
' Conservation areas provide for the management of or the protection
of natural resources. These areas allow for the protection of AEC's,
unique, fragile or hazardous areas. While agriculture and forestry may
occur in certain situations such as floodplains and pocosins, they are
to be managed so that the impact on the environment is minimal.
Spatial Arrangement of Future Land Uses
The land use plan shows how land.use in Bertie County will be dis-
tributed in five to ten years. It is the intent of the plan to maintain
the rural character of the county while allowing for industrial and com-
mercial land uses to occur in developed and transitional areas.
Developed Areas
The developed areas in the land use plan correspond to the existing
urban areas. Most of the areas presently have land available for develop-
1
ment. However, past growth rates show little promise for substantial ur-
banization. Still, these developed areas have the more desireable land
'
for commerce and industry. Most of the developed areas have the urban
services expected for growth. But, these communities must plan to solid-
ify their infrastructures and to fill in the available undeveloped land,
particularly Windsor, and to a lesser extent other communities.
rTransition
Areas
The transition areas in the land use plan are bordering the developed
'
areas. These areas have land available for development to occur. The
transition areas near Aulander and Powellsville are expected to be suf-
ficient to handle increased growth. These faster growing communities,
because of their proximity to Ahoskie, can be expected to have some spill-
over growth. The transition areas must be planned now for the necessary
services to be in place as development occurs. This includes water,
sewers, police and fire protection, and other components of the urban in-
frastructure. Growth is also expected in the Colerain and Midway areas
due to their proximity to the Chowan River. Other transition areas re-
lated to urban places occur southeast of Windsor and south of Woodville.
A transition area located along U.S. 17 between the Roanoke River and Ro-
quist Creek floodplains is considered a prime location for commercial and
residential development. This is due to its proximity to Williamston and
'
the recreational opportunities associated with the nearby natural habi-
tats.
Community Areas
The community areas correspond to the rural concentrations in the
county. These clustered settlements, usually at crossroads, appear to be
stable, although rural non -farm residences along the major roads contrib-
ute to their change in shape and size., If development continues in this
manner, considerable land will be lost for rural uses. This should not
'
be allowed to happen.

74
Rural Areas
The rural areas correspond to the existing rural land uses, which
are usually located between the poorly drained areas. Much of the county
is in this category. This area holds the valuable farmlands and wood-
lands, and should be kept in tact. As indicated above, there is a ten-
dency to change rural land uses in favor of community, transition and de-
veloped areas. This has been held to a minimum level in this plan.
' Conservation Areas
The conservation areas are the county's poorly drained areas along
' its water courses and in pocosins. These are areas that have critical
habitats or are designated areas of environmental concern.
' It is these areas that are set aside because of their natural charac-
teristics and their long-lasting contribution to the lives of the citi-
zens of Bertie County; both past and present. To impact the conserva-
tion areas would be like removing a part of everyone's life. Conse-
quently, they are to be protected or managed so that they will remain
essentially unaltered for generations to come.
Relationship of Land Use Policies and the Land Classification
There are nearly thirty policies which have been generated in the
1
land use plan. These policies are summarized according to resources
production, resources protection, and a community and economic develop-
ment catagories as they are related to the five land use categories
(see Table 12).
Developed, Transition and Community Areas Related to Land Use Policies
tGenerally,
policies related to community and economic development
are related to the land classification categories of development, tran-
sition and community. Developed areas are expected to intensify the use
of their land, with vacant urban parcels being occupied before develop-
ing the transition areas. This is a cost effective growth management
practice. Transition areas are available for expansion by urban areas
provided urban services are in place. Clustered areas such as those in
1
the community category provide for moderately intensive settlement, but
should be contained in those areas so designated. In all situations it
is expected that the quality of life is maintained or improved. In no
case are subdivisions, mobile home parks or similar intensive uses to be
located outside the developed and transition areas. Community uses are
to be reserved for low to moderate density single family dwellings,
commercial and institutional uses.
Certain developed, transition and community uses are related to re-
sources protection and production policies. For example, these inten-
sively used areas should not impact rural or conservation areas or spread
into them.

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SUMMARY OF RESOURCES PRODUCTION POLICIES
1) All farm managers use the most effective methods for maintaining a suitable
environment for agricultural production.
2) All woodland managers use the most effective methods for maintaining a
suitable environment for forestry production.
3) All persons, firms or governmental agencies quarrying or mining in the
county are to submit a plan for approval by the county planning office.
4) All land and water users are to utilize the most effective methods available
so that the water quality of surface runoff and effluents are equal to or
better than the receiving water.
5) To plan for and promote recreational and tourism activities.
6) To seek additional public access to public waters.
7) To seek to regulate the flow of the Roanoke River to a more natural state,
and to require a plan prior to any development in floodplains and pocosins,
but not allow development in any wetland.
RELATIONSHIP OF LAND USE POLICIES AND THE LAND CLASSIFICATION CATEGORIES
Table 12
Ln

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SUMMARY OF RESOURCES PROTECTION POLICIES
1) To protect the fish resources in and adjacent to Bertie County.
2) To plan for'and promote historic preservation activities.
3) To plan for and promote hiking trails.
4) To protect surface water, particularly its quality, and to seek to protect
all upstream water, and to preserve and protect all groundwater resources
including its quality.
5) To protect the integrity of the rural areas.
6) To improve and protect our land and water habitats.
7) To promote the use of community wastewater collection and treatment systems
in developed areas, and not to allow intensive development without commun-
ity wastewater treatment facilities.
8) To allow floodplains, shorelines and wetlands to remain in their natural
state.
RELATIONSHIP OF LAND USE POLICIES AND THE LAND CLASSIFICATION CATEGORIES
Table 12 (continued)
v
ON

rr r rr rr rr rr rr r� r rr rr rr �r rr �r rr rr rr �r
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SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
oa
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1)
To assist the communiiy water systems in maintenance, improvement and ex-
panding the capability in their existing service areas.
x
x
x
2)
To improve'and expand existing community wastewater collection and treat-
ment facilities, and to construct small facilities if warranted.
x
x
x
3)
To improve and expand economic development.
z
0
c
x
x
4)
To improve the type and location of signs and billboards.
Cn
M
x
x
x
5)
To promote commercial development.
a
0
x
x
x
6)
To promote public good in community and county agencies by serving the
z
citizens well.
H
x
x
x
x
7)
To improve developed areas or other areas where structures are in need of
repair.
x
x
x
x
x
8)
To maintain a good quality of air.
x
x
x
x
9)
To promote the improvement in highways in the county and regionally.
x
x
x
x
x
10)
To promote Bertie County in a positive and aggressive manner.
RELATIONSHIP
OF
LAND USE POLICIES AND THE LAND CLASSIFICATION CATEGORIES
Table 12 (continued) �'

78
Rural Areas Related to Land Use Policies
Basically, policies related to the rural category are resources
oriented. Rural areas are expected to remain essentially rural without
urban interference or impact. The rural a.reas are to be protected for
production and preserved for lasting rural uses. Of major importance is
the protection of water quality. Since water is cycled throughout our
environment, every abuse has a collective and expotential negative effect.
Consequently, the citizens are to take every opportunity to protect the
quality of water. This will assure an environment that can produce as
well as be clean.
Conservation Areas Related to Land Use Policies
Beyond the use of land for space to live and to produce, are areas
to be conserved so that a balance is maintained in the environment. It
is necessary to hold certain lands and water to act as a buffer or filter
for other areas being intensively used. Without the conservation areas,
our society would be hard pressed to continue to survive.

' 79
1 VIII. SUMMARY
Introduction
The successful completion of the land use plan does not occur with
' its adoption. The land use plan is merely the beginning, but a very
good one.
'
Organizations Necessary
to Plan
In order to
siderable amount
effectuate
of work is
the plan and implement its policies a con—
required. Further, it will require
energetic
leadership and a
substantial
amount of citizen participation. A list of
committees, tasks
forces and
civic groups are indicated below according
'
to the policy categories
(an
asterisk indicates the committees needing
to be organized).
' Production — Bertie County Planning Commission and Office
Bertie County Fair Committee-
Bertie County Commissioners
Bertie County Soil and Water Conservation District
' Recreation/Tourism Committee*
Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
' N.C. Legislature
U.S. Congress
Protection — Bertie County Planning Commission and Office
Bertie County Commissioners
N.C. Legislature
U.S. Congress
'
Bertie County Fair Committee*
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Bertie County Historic Society
N.C. Air and Water Resources Divsion
N.C. Environmental Management Divsion
N.C. Health Services Division
Bertie County Emergency Management Office
Hazards Mitigation Task Force*
Development — Bertie County Community Water and Wastewater
Coordinating Committee*
N.C. Department of Transportation
Bertie County Planning Commission and Office
Bertie County Commissioners
'
Community Improvement Task Force*
Bertie County Beautification Task Force*
'
Pride in Bertie County Task Force*
This involvement will create a movement toward an ongoing planning
process and growth management in Bertie County. It must be realized
'
that the involvement must be well orchestrated.
1

1 80
1 Plans, Documents, and Guidelines Needed in Planning
The working organizations at the state and local level will pro-
'
duce plans, guidelines, legislation and other documents to aid in achiev-
ing a fully operational planning process and community involvement.
These documents are listed below according to the appropriate policy cate-
gory (an asterisk indicates the studies and plans which need to be ac-
complished).
Production - Bertie County Soil Survey;
Bertie County Soil and Water Conservation
District Long -Range Program
Quarrying and Mining Guidelines*
Recreation/Tourism Plan-;
Guidelines for managing land and water
'
use in floodplains, pocosins and
wetlands -
Protection - Legislation to properly regulate the Roanoke River-;
Bertie County Historic Preservation Plan-
'
Recreation/Tourism Plan (hiking trails)*
Legislation to improve surface water quality*
Growth Management Plan*
Rural unconforming use site plan guidelines'
Storm Mitigation Plan-;
Building Code
IShoreline
development site plan guidelines*
Development - Bertie County Community Water System P1anJ,
Bertie County Community Wastewater System Plan*
Bertie County Economic Profile--
Bertie County sign and billboard guidelines*
Bertie County Beautification Plan-
Bertie County Economic Development Plan*
Bertie County structure and land care guidelines*
Bertie County Transportation Plan*
Conclusion
rTo
fully realize the importance of the planning process will take
years. This land use plan is a beginning. It is highly advisable to
begin effectuating the land use plan now. This means leadership and
participation by the citizens of the county. It also means the willing-
ness to achieve or work for the common good in an organized manner. In
five years an assessment of how successful Bertie County has been will
be made. Will Bertie Countians be better off then, than now?
1

81
IX. AMENDING THE PLAN
Special and changing circumstances may sometime require a change in
the land use plan. A certain policy or land classification may need a-
mendment to suit a peculiar situation within the county. The land use
plan may be amended as whole by a single solution or in parts by succes-
sive resolutions. The successive solutions may address geographical sec-
tions, county divisions, or functional units of subject matter. To
change all or some part of the land use plan, the amendment process must
be in accordance with a series of procedures. These include a local
public hearing, a notice to the Coastal Resources Commission, and approv-
al by the CRC.
Public Hearing
jThe
land use plan may be amended only after a properly held public
hearing. Notice of this hearing must appear at least 30 days prior to
the date of the hearing and must list the date, time, place, and pro-
posed action. This should be available for viewing at a particular
office in the county courthouse and must appear at least once in the
local newspaper. Copies of the proposed amendment should be made avail-
able at the time of the public hearing.
' Notice to the Coastal Resources Commission
The local government proposing a land use plan amendment shall pro-
vide information to the executive secretary of the CRC. This information
' should include a notice of the public hearing, a copy of the proposed
amendment, and the reasons for the amendment. This should be delivered
to the executive secretary or his designee no less than 30 days prior to
the public hearing.
'
Adoption Procedures
After the hearing, the locally approved amendments should be deliv-
ered to the executive secretary of the CRC in the form that they will
I
appear in the land use plan. The CRC will review the changes at the
first regularly scheduled meeting held after the executive secretary has
received notification of the amendment. After review of the changes,
the CRC shall approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve the land use
'
plan amendments. Should the amendments be disapproved, the CRC will
provide an explanation of the reasons for its disapproval and offer sug-
gestions as to how the amendment might be changed so approval could be
granted. Final amendments to the text or maps shall be incorporated in
context in the land use plan and shall be dated to indicate the date the
amendment became final. The amended land use plan shall be maintained
as required by G.S. 113A-110(g).
IF

' 82
' APPENDIX I
STATE DEVELOPMENT REGULATING AGENCIES
' I. Department of Natural Resources and Community Development (DNR CD)
' — permits to discharge surface waters or operate wastewater treatment
plants or oil discharge permits; NPDES permits (G.S. 143-215)
A. Division of Coastal Management
' — permits to dredge and/or fill in estuarine waters, tidelands, etc.
(G.S. 113-229)
— permits to undertake development in Areas of Environmental Concern
' (G.S. 113A-118)
B. Division of nand Resources
— permits to alter or construct a dam (G.S. 143-215.66)
- permits to mine (G.S. 74-51)
— permits to drill exploratory oil or gas wells (G.S. 113-381)
— permits to conduct geographical exploration (G.S. 113-391)
— sedimentation erosion control plans for any land —disturbing activity
over one acre (G.S. 113A-54)
C. Secretary of NRCD
permits to construct an oil refinery
II. Division of Environmental Management
permits for septic tanks with a capacity over 3,000 gallons/day
' (G.S. 143-215.3)
— permits for withdrawal of surface or ground waters in capacity use
areas (G.S. 143-215.15)
' — permits for air pollution abatement facilities and sources
(G.S. 143-215.108)
permits for construction of complex sources; e.g. parking lots,
subdivisions, stadiums, etc. (G.S. 143-215.109)
' — permits for construction of a well over 100,000 gallons/day
(G.S. 87-88)
' III. Department of Administration
easements to fill where lands are proposed to be raised above the
normal high water mark of navigable waters by filling (G.S. 146.6c)
' IV. Department of Human Resources
— approval to operate a solid waste disposal site or facility
(G.S. 130-166.16)
' — approval for construction of any public water supply facility that
furnishes water to ten or more residences (G.S. 130-160.1)
1
1
U

83
APPENDIX I, CONTINUED
FEDERAL DEVELOPMENT REGULATING AGENCIES
I. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
— permits that are required under Section 9 and 10 of the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899; permits to construct in navigable waters
permits that are required under Section 103 of the Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972
— permits that are required under Section 404 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act of 1972; permits to undertake dredging and/or
filling activities
II. U.S. Coast Guard
— permits for bridges, causeways, pipelines over navigable waters;
required under the General Bridge Act of 1946 and the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899.
— deep water port permits
III. Department of the Interior Geological Survey Bureau of Land Management
— permits required for off —shore drilling.
— approvals of OCS pipeline corridor rights —of —way
IV. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
licenses for siting, construction and operation of nuclear power
plants; required under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and Title II
of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974.
V. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
— permits for construction, operation and maintenance of interstate
piplelines facilities required under the Natural Gas Act of 1938.
orders of interconnection of electric transmission facilities under
Section 202 (b) of the Federal Power Act
— permission required for abandonment of natural gas pipeline and
associated facilities under Section 7C (b) of the Natural Gas Act
of 1938

84
I
11
11
APPENDIX II
SOIL CAPABILITY CLASSIFICATION
The use of soil information from soil surveys has been a part of
land use planning for many years. While the soil surveys have been a
part of farm management since the nineteenth century, the use of soils
data in planning dates from about the 1950's. Today, soil surveys are
used for many purposes other than agriculture.
Soil capability classes indicate the variation or suitability of
soils for several types of use. The groups are made according to the
limitations of the soils when used for field crops, the risk of damage
when they are used, and the way they respond to treatment. The grouping
does not take into account major and generally expensive landforming
that would change slope, depth, or other characteristics of the soils.
There are also suitability classifications for woodland and wildlife.
In addition the soil surveys also include information related to suit-
ability for septic tanks and drain fields and other sanitary facilities,
and the Unified and AASHO classification systems used for engineering
purposes.
There is a wealth of soils information in every soil survey which
is published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation
Service, in cooperation with the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment
Station. The explanation of soil capability classes used in this land
use plan is as follows:
Class I - These soils have few limitations
that restrict their use.
Class II - These soils have moderate limita-
tions that reduce the choice of
plants or that require moderate
conservation practices.
Class III - These soils have severe limita-
tions that reduce the choice of
plants, require special conserva-
tion practices, or both.
Class IV - These soils have very severe limi-
tations that reduce the choice of
plants, require very careful manage-
ment, or both.
Class V These soils are not likely to
erode but have other limitations,
impractical to remove, that limit
their use largely to pasture,
range, woodland, or wildlife.
Class VI
- These soils have severe limita-
tions that make them generally
unsuited to cultivation and limit

85
their use largely to pasture,
'
range, woodland, or wildlife.
Class VII
- These soils have very severe
limitations that make them un-
suited to cultivation and re-
strict their use largely to
pasture, range, woodland, or
'
wildlife.
Class VIII
- These soils and land forms
'
have limitations that preclude
their use for commercial plants
and restrict their use to recrea-
tion, wildlife, water supply, or
'
to esthetic purposes.
Each capability class
can be assigned a subclass based on the risk of
erosion, risk of water
interferring with crop production, or where soils
'
are shallow, droughty
or stony.

'
Allor, David J., 1984, The Planning Commissioners Guide, APA Planners
Press, Washington, D.C.
Clark, John R., 1977, Coastal Ecosystem Management, John Wiley & Sons,
New York, N.Y.
'
Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1983, Preparing for Hurricanes and
Coastal Flooding, U.S.G.P.O., Washington, D.C.
Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1985, Flood Inurance Study, Bertie
'
County, N.C., Community Number 379290, Washington, D.C.
McElyea, William D., et al., 1982, Before the Storm: Managing Development
to Reduce Hurricane Damages, Center for Urban and Regional Studies,
'
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.
N.C. State Data Center, 1984, North Carolina State Government Statistical
'
Abstract, Office of State Budget and Management, State of North Carol-
ina, Raleigh, N.C.
Smithwick, William.J., 1983, Bertie County Disaster Relief and Assistance
'
Plan, Bertie County, Windsor, N.C.
The Conservation Foundation, 1980, Coastal Environmental Management,
e� U.S.G.P.O., Washington, D.C.
U.S. Soil Conservation Service, 1985, Bertie County Soil Survey, un—
' published draft.
Westman, Walter E., 1985, Ecology, Impact Assessment, and Environmental
Planning, John Wiley & Sons, New York, N.Y.
1 ,

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URBANIZED AREAS
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[:1 FARMS &FORESTS
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP 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 COASTAL MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
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IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION,
Figure 6