Land Use Plan Update-1993

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DCM COPY R`Y'A ` DCM COPY
lease do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management Copy
1993 Update

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BRUNSWICK COUNTY LAND USE PLAN
1993 UPDATE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Donald E. Warren, Chairman
Tom B. Rabon, Vice -Chairman
Jerry W. Jones
Wayland Vereen
Marvin Donald Shaw Jr.
PLANNING BOARD
John L. Barbee, Chairman
Troy L. Price, Vice Chairman
Thomas F . Gray
John W. Thompson
Marion R. Warren
Jerry W. Jones, Ex-Officio
BRUNSWICK COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
John Harvey, AICP, Planning Director
Don Eggert, AICP, Planner II
GLENN HARBECK ASSOCIATES
Planning and Public Involvement
Wilmington, NC
J
This plan was prepared in accordance with T15A: 078.100 Land Use Planning Guidelines under the I
Coastal Area Management Act of 1974, as amended.
FINAL PUBLIC HEARING ON AUGUST 16, 1993.
PLANNING BOARD ADOPTION ON AUGUST 18, 1993.
FINAL ADOPTION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS ON SEPTMOM 7, 1993.
ADOPTION BY THE N.C. COASTAL RESOURCES
COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 24, 1993.

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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 '
1. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
8
1.1 Establishment of Information Base
8
,
1.2 Present Conditions
9
1.2.1 Population and Economy
9
1.2.2 Existing Land Use Analysis
28
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1.2.3 Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
34
1.3 Constraints, Land Suitability
48
1.3.1 Physical Limitations for Development
48
1.3.2 Fragile Areas
52
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1.3.3 Areas With Resource Potential
58
1.4 Constraints, Carrying Capacity Analysis
62
1.4.1 Potable Water System
62
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1.4.2 Sewer and Storm Drainage
65
1.4.3 Transportation
66
1.4.4 Law Enforcement
1.4.5 Fire and Rescue
69
69
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1.4.6 Schools
70
1.4.7 Library System
75
1.4.8 Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Access
76
1.4.9 Solid Waste Management
77
,
1.5 Anticipated Demand
78
1.5.1 Permanent and Seasonal Populations
78
1.5.2 Future Land Use Needs
80
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1.5.3 Community Facilities Demands
83
2. POLICIES FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
84
Introduction to the Policies
84
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2.1 Resource Protection Policies
86
2.1.1 Constraints To Development
86
2.1.2 Areas of Environmental Concern
86
2.1.3 Other Hazardous or Fragile Land Areas
89
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2.1.4 Hurricane and Flood Evacuation
94
2.1.5 Protection of Potable Water Supply
94
2.1.6 Package Sewage Treatment Plants
95
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2.1.7 Stormwater Runoff
96
2.1.8 Marina and Floating Home Development
97
2.1.9 Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
97
2.1.10 Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
98
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2.1.11 Development Near Sea Level
99
2.1.12 Upland Excavation for Marina Basins
100
2.1.13 Marsh Damage from Bulkhead Installation
100
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2.2. Resource Production And Management Policies
102
2.2.1 Productive Agricultural Lands
102
2.2.2 Commercial Forest Lands
102
2.2.3 Mineral Production Areas
102
'
2.2.4 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
103
2.2.5 Off Road Vehicles
104
2.2.6 Development Impacts
104
2.2.7 Peat or Phosphate Mining Impacts
104
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2.3 Economic And Community Development Policies
105
2.3.1 Types and Locations of Industries Desired
105
2.3.2 Provision of Services to Development
106
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2.3.3 Urban Growth Pattern Desired
107
2.3.4 Redevelopment, including Relocation of
Threatened Structures
107
2.3.5 Commitment to State and Federal Programs
108
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BrunswKx County Land Use Plan Contents
' 2.3.6 Channel Maintenance and Beach
Renourishment 109
2.3.7. Energy Facilities 109
' 2.3.8 Tourism 110
2.3.9 Coastal and Estuarine Beach Water Access 111
2.3.10 Residential Development 113
2.3.11 Commercial Development 113
2.3.12 Beautification
114
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2.3.13 Airports
114
2.3.14 Education
115
2.3.15 Retirees
116
' 2.3.16 Waste Management
117
2.3.17 Growth and Development Controls
118
2.4 Public Participation Policies
120
' 2.5 Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery
and Evacuation Plan 122
2.5.1 Storm Hazard Mitigation 124
2.5.2 Post Disaster Reconstruction 127
' 3. LAND CLASSIFICATION 135
3.1 Purpose of Land Classification and Relationship
' to Policies 135
3.2 Overview of Land Classification System 135
3.3 Descriptions of Individual Land Classes 136
3.3.1 Developed 136
3.3.2 Urban Transition
137
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3.3.3 Limited Transition
138
3.3.4 Community
140
3.3.5 Rural
140
' 3.3.6 Rural -Industrial
141
3.3.7 Rural with Services.
142
3.3.8 Conservation
142
' 4. INTER -GOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND
MUNICIPAL LAND USE PLANS 145
4.1 Inter -governmental Coordination 145
' 4.2 Municipal Land Use Plans 145
5. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 148
' 6. ACTION AGENDA FOR THE BRUNSWICK COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN 155
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APPENDICES After Page 176
Brunswick County Planning Board Glenn Harbeck Associates

Executive Summary

Brunsw& Cou= Land Lise Plan 6ecutive
Executive Summary
' Need For Brunswick County's growth rate continues to outpace most areas of
Planning the country. The attractiveness of the county's natural features,
' combined with higher levels of disposable income in the nation as a
whole, greater emphasis on the importance of leisure time, and
growing elderly population, has created a tremendous boom in
' growth and development in the county.
As the county becomes more generally developed, however, new
problems must be faced, including: land use conflicts, traffic
congestion, ever-growing public expenditures for the services and
facilities required by this new growth, and possible degradation of
' the very features that have been so instrumental in attracting large
numbers of people to Brunswick County.
The intent of the Land Use Plan is to anticipate and plan for this
growth. Such planning should work to protect and enhance the
quality of life of area residents and should also wisely manage the
' natural resources with which the county has been blessed. At the
same time, advanced planning and foresight can help minimize
increases in the local tax burden, through sound public and private
' investment decisions. The North Carolina General Assembly
recognized these issues when it passed the Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974, which requires local governments in the
' coastal area to develop land use plans and update them every five
years. The first Brunswick County Land Use Plan was adopted in
1976, with updates following in 1981 and 1987. This update refines
' the 1987 plan to address current conditions, issues and trends in the
county.
'Functions of the The Land Use Plan performs several important functions for local
Plan governing bodies and the general public; these functions are briefly
described below:
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• Source of Information - The plan's technical studies provide
information on a number of topics, including the local economy,
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population, environmental features, land use trends and community
facility needs.
• Guidance for Government Decisions - Once the governing body
adopts the plan, it then has a foundation for guiding future decisions
on budgets and ordinances, including zoning and subdivision
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regulations.
• Preview of Government Action - Decisions of the public in general,
and developers in particular, are easier to make when the probable
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 1 Glenn Harbeck Associates

outcome of governmental decisions is understood; the adoption of a
land use plan, increases the predictability of government actions.
• Public Participation in Managing Growth - Public meetings and
hearings held during the plan's preparation help to insure that the
plan reflects, to the extent possible, the specific nature of the current
growth issues facing the county.
Ingredients of Several major steps were involved in preparing the Brunswick
the Plan County Land Use Plan. First, a number of technical studies were
made of past and present conditions in the county. From these initial
studies, forecasts for future growth and development of the area were
summarized. Finally, policies and a land classification map were
devised to address present and future needs.
Technical Studies
A number of basic studies are required so that a solid information
base can be established for sound policy decisions. These basic
studies include the following subjects:
• Population and Economy
• Impact of Seasonal Population
• Existing Land Use Analysis
• Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
• Evaluation of Previous Land Use Plan Effectiveness
• Physical Limitations for Development
• Fragile Areas
• Areas with Resource Potential
• Water Supply
• Sewage Treatment and Storm Water Runoff
• Transportation Facilities
• Police
• Fire and Rescue
• Schools
• Parks and Recreation
• Solid Waste
• Population and Economic Projections
• Future Land Use Needs
• Community Facility Demands
Collectively, these studies summarize past and present conditions,
while providing the basis for estimating future conditions. The results
of these studies are contained in full in Section 1 of the Brunswick
County Land Use Plan. In addition, detailed mapping of existing land
use is available for inspection at the offices of the Brunswick Cou:,
Planning Department.
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Executive Summary
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Highlights of the Technical Studies
Population
During much of the 1950's, the population of Brunswick County was
less than 20,000 and growth was negligible. During the 60's, the
county's population increased by about 20% to a little over 24,000.
During the 1970' and 80's, however, the population exploded by
48% and 43% respectively. The 1990 Census counted over
50,000— up from 36,000 just a decade earlier. The year round
county population is expected to reach approximately 66,000
persons by the year 2000, and 80,000 by 2010.
Economy
The economic analysis included the following trends for Brunswick
County:
• A continued decline in agriculturally -based employment.
• A continued decline in seafood and fisheries -based employment.
• A relative decline in manufacturing employment as a percentage of
total employment, compared to service and trade employment.
• A continued increase in the volume of travel and tourism related
expenditures as a percentage of the total local economy.
• A continued increase in the so-called "mailbox" economy of the
county's rapidly growing retirement population; i.e., transfer
payments.
Land Use
' The analysis of existing land use revealed several significant land
use trends and problems:
• Scattered, unattractive development along beach roads creating a
poor image.
• Sprawling subdivision activity which is difficult to serve.
• Initiatives underway to create small area sewage treatment
systems.
• Continued rapid growth along the county's water -oriented edges.
' Water Supply
The main source of water for the County system was changed in the
early 1980s from groundwater to the Cape Fear River. Since the
system was established, over 100 subdivisions have installed and
dedicated water distribution systems to the County. Some 10,000+
lots in the county are currently served by the water system. In
September of 1990, work was completed on a new Water
' Distribution System Master Plan which analyzed the current
distribution system, projected future water consumption, and
recommended improvements to the system for action by 1991., 1995
and 2010. This plan is being carried out.
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Executive Summary
Waste Water Disposal
The suitability of area soils for septic tanks continues to be one of the
primary constraints on the future growth and development of the
county. Despite the apparent need for centralized sewage treatment.
the county's sparse development patterns make the provision of a
single, central sewage treatment system unworkable. Areas where
there are concentrations of small lots or higher density development
(such as near the beach communities) offer some possibilities,
however. As a result, there are several local area initiatives
underway which would seek to address this need.
Transportation Facilities
The four-laning of US 17 through the county is doing much to
alleviate congestion on this major traffic artery. In addition, the
completion of a by-pass around Shallotte and another by-pass
around Bolivia will further enhance the flow of traffic through the
county. Secondary roads and bridges leading to several of the
county's ocean beaches continue to present a problem on peak
summer weekends.
Policies For The technical reports described above were geared to gathering and
Growth and summarizing information related to the growth of the planning area.
Development Building upon this information, a number of policies were prepared
by the County Planning Board for consideration by the Brunswick
County Board of Commissioners.
The policies presented in this document are the result of weighing
factual information with public input about growth issues; as officially
adopted policies of the County, they will serve as the basis for future
decisions on capital improvements, ordinances, zoning decisions,
subdivision approvals, and other similar matters.
Land Classification Map
Some of the policies make reference to specially mapped areas; the
Land Classification Map contained in the Land Use Plan illustrates
these areas. The seven land classification categories (Developed,
Urban Transition, Limited Transition, Community, Rural, Rural -
Industrial, and Conservation) were adapted from the Coastal Area
Management Act's land use planning guidelines. By assigning the
land classes to specific parts of the county, the map shows visually
where and at what density growth should occur, and where
significant natural resources are to be carefully managed. In addition,
incorporated communities not included in the County's land
classification system are simply shown as Municipal on the land
classificaticn mn p. The various mapped areas may be summarized
as follows:
Brunswick County Planning Board page 4 Glenn Harbeck Associates
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Brunswick Courny Lmnc Use Plan Executive Summary
' Municipal
The towns of Belville, Bolivia, Boiling Spring Lakes, Calabash,
' Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Leland, Long Beach, Navassa, Oak
Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte, Southport, Sunset Beach, and
Yaupon Beach are covered by plans prepared independently of the
' County Plan. For the purpose of the County plan, all are shown on
the land classification map as Municipal. The reader is referred to
each Town's plan for specifics on each community's land
classification system.
Developed
' = The purpose of the Developed class is to provide for continued
intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns
and their urban environs. The three communities of Sandy Creek.
' Varnamtown and Bald Head Island, while not part of the
unincorporated area of Brunswick County, are included under the
general purview of the County Plan until such time as they may
prepare their own plan. Of the three, Bald Head Island and
' Varnamtown have been designated in the Developed class. (Sandy
Creek is addressed under the Community Classification).
' Urban Transition
The purpose of the Urban Transition class is to provide for future
urban development on lands that are most suitable and that will be
scheduled for the provision of a full range of public utilities and
services within the ensuing 10 years. Included in the Urban
Transition class are areas generally within the vicinity of an existing
municipality and/or areas being considered for the provision of some
form of centralized sewer facility.
Limited Transition
The purpose of the Limited Transition class is to provide for future
development on lands that are suitable and that will be scheduled for
' the provision of a limited range of public utilities and services within
the ensuing 10 years. Included in the Limited Transition class are
areas generally not likely to see the provision of centralized sewer
' facilities for the foreseeable future. They are, however, either
currently being served or planned to be served by the County water
' distribution system.
Community
The purpose of the Community class is to provide for clustered land
' development to help meet housing, shopping, employment, and
public service needs within the rural areas of the county. This class
incluc+P.q, for example, the communities of Maco, Mill Creek,
' Ash/Waccamaw, Bell Swamp/Winnabow, Grissettown, Sandy Creek,
Supply, and Piney Grove.
' Brunswick County Planning Board page 5 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Executive Summary
Rural
The purpose of the Rural class is to provide for agriculture, forest
management, mineral extraction, and other low intensity uses.
Residences may be located within Rural areas where urban services
are not required and where natural resources will not be
permanently impaired. This land class occurs extensively on the
north and west sides of US 17.
Rural -Industrial
This is a special subclass of the more general Rural classification. It
is designed to recognize areas currently developed for large scale
industrial type uses, and lands that have been identified as
particularly appropriate for future industrial development. Generally,
industries locating to these areas might be considered inappropriate
for location in a more densely developed, mixed use urban setting.
The rural -industrial land classification has been applied, for the most
part, to several relatively large land areas with convenient access to
the shipping channels of the Cape Fear River. Other land areas are
largely adjacent to these existing industrial operations.
Conservation
The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for effective,
long-term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas.
This management may be needed because of its natural, cultural,
recreational, productive or scenic values. By definition, this class
includes but is not limited to all Areas of Environmental Concern
(AECs), all 404 wetlands, and all critical habitat areas.
Major Changes Transition Area Redrawn and Divided Into Two New
From the 1987 to Categories
the 1992
Updated Plan The boundaries of Transition areas identified on the Land
Classification Map have been redrawn to reflect the most up to date
information on the probability of providing water and sewer services
to development in the next 10 years.
Two new sub -categories of the general Transition class have been
created as described above: Limited Transition and Urban
Transition.
New Industrial Land Class Established
The new rural -industrial land class was created to allow for special
recognition of areas in the unincorporated county either currently in
use for industrial purposes or particd:z�i'7 well suited for such use.
(See description above)
Brunswick County Planning Board
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Brunswidk County Land Use Plan Executive Summary
' New, freestanding section on implementation actions
created.
'
A new section of the land use plan has been created which brings
together in one place all suggested implementation actions designed
to carry out the policies. Rather than scattering these actions
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throughout the text of the Policies, this section provides an
appropriate means of clearly organizing all potential actions for
convenient review and use. A further benefit of this approach is that
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the action section may be updated on a regular basis (e.g. annually
in conjunction with the County's budget process) without changing .
the policy portion of the plan. If the document is maintained in a
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three ring binder for frequent users of the plan, the previous year's
action agenda may be simply removed and a new section inserted.
This approach should make monitoring of the plan's implementation
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easier as well.
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 7 Glenn Harbeck Associates
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1. Data Collection
and Analysis

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
C
1. Data Collection and Analysis
1.1 Establishment of Information Base
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) guidelines for preparing land use plans in the
coastal area of North Carolina require that an analysis of existing conditions and future
trends be performed prior to policy development. The intent of this requirement is to
insure that the policies as developed respond as closely as possible to current
problems and issues facing the county. Key components of the analysis may be
- described in four categories:
1) present conditions, including population, economy, existing land use, and current
plans and regulations;
2) land suitability constraints, including physical limitations for development, fragile
areas, and areas with resource potential;
3) community facility and service constraints, including water, sewer, transportation,
police, fire, schools, parks and recreation, and solid waste; and
4) anticipated demand, including population and economic projections, future land
use needs, and community facility demands.
Collectively, these studies establish the information base necessary to make policy
choices about future land use and development in the county. The following Sections
1.2 through 1.5 set forth the findings of this information base in greater detail.
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
1.2 Present Conditions
1.2.1 POPULATION AND ECONOMY
1.2.1(a) Population
From the time of the first US Census in 1790 until the 1960 Census, Brunswick County
grew at a relatively slow rate. In fact, during this 170 year period, the population grew
by a total of only about 17,000 people (3,000 to 20,000). Beginning in the 1960's,
however, the county began a period of unprecedented growth. During the 1960's, for
example, the County's growth rate was nearly twice that of the State of North Carolina.
In the 1970's, the County grew at a rate three times faster than that of the State. And,
during the 1980's, Brun-swick County grew at more than triple the State's growth rate.
According to statistics compiled by the Office of State Budget and Management,
Brunswick County continues to be the second fastest growing county of all 100
counties in the State of North Carolina.
POPULATION GROWTH
Brunswick County
State of North Carolina
Year
Population
% Increase
Population
% Increase
per decade
per decade
1930
15,815
—
—
—
1940
17,125
13.4
—
—
1950
19,238
12.3
4,052,795
—
1960
20,278
5.6
4,556,155
12.4
1970
24,223
19.5
5,084,411
11.6
1980
35,777
47.7
5,881,766
15.7
1990
50,985
42.5
6,628,637
12.7
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Population levels change in three different ways: natural increase (births minus
deaths), in -migration (people moving into the area), and out -migration (people moving
out of the area). Before 1960, nearly all the county's population increase could be
attributed to natural increase. In fact, the county experienced net out -migrations during
the 30's, 40's and 50's.
From sometime in the 1960's to the present, the county has witnessed steady
increases in the number of newcomers. During the 1960's, newcomers accounted for
only about one third of the total population increase of the county. By the decade of
the 80's, newcomers represented almost 85% of the total population increase.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 9 Glenn Harbeck Associates
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
POPULATION GROWTH DYNAMICS
' Decade +or- Natural Net
Increase migration
' 1930-40 + 1,310 2,709 -1,399
1940-50
+2,113
3,509
-1,396
1950-60
+1,040
3,752
-2.712
'
1960-70
+3,945
2,524
+1,421
1970-80
+11,554
2,897
+8,657
'
1980-90
+15,208
2,499
+12,709
Source: US Census and NC Debt. of Human Resources. Division of Vital Statistics
IPopulation Distribution
' As the following table indicates, not all parts of Brunswick County have grown at an
equal rate. During the 1980's, the Shallotte and Lockwood Folly townships in the
south and central portions of the county, respectively, grew at rates which exceeded
the county average. This continues a trend established during the 1960's and 70's-
' that of large numbers of people being drawn by the ocean and intracoastal-oriented
areas of the county south and east of U.S. 17.
' POPULATION GROWTH BY TOWNSHIP
1980-1990
' INCREASE
Township 1980 1990 Number Percent
' Lockwood Folly 7,361 10,705 3,344 45%
Northwest 6,136 7,454 1,318 21
Shallotte 6,542 11,818 5,276 81
Smithville 6,838 9,488 2,650 39
' Town Creek 6,878 9,269 2,362 35
Waccamaw 2,022 2,260 238 12
TOTAL 35.777 50,985 15,208 43
' Source: US Censuses, 1980 and 1990
The population growth statistics for the county's census tracts provide a slightly
' different perspective on the distribution of the county's population growth. The
county's three census tracts which front on the ocean and intracoastal waterway, tracts
203, 204, and 205, grew at rates substantially higher than the non -water oriented
' tracts of the county.
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
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POPULATION GROWTH BY COMPARABLE CENSUS TRACT
1980-1990
INCREASE
Tract
1980
1990
Number
Percent
201
7,297
8.879
1,582
22
202
4,510
5.926
1,416
31
203
6,895
9.623
2,728
40
204
4,746
7.263
2,490
52
205
7,061
12,404
5,343
76
206
5,261
6,917
1,656
31
TOTAL
35,777
50,985
15,208
43
Source: US Censuses , 1980 and 1990
A review of population changes at the municipal level provides yet another
perspective on where the county's population growth is headed. The beach
communities. for the most part, continued on a consistent, fast paced growth trend. Of
the non -oceanfront communities, the town of Calabash grew at an astounding 845%
during the 1980's. Much of this growth can be attributed, however, to the
reorganization of that town's government and area of jurisdiction during the 1980's. At
the same time, Shallotte grew at a very respectable 42% during the decade, a
reflection of the overall attractiveness of this part of the county to new development.
MUNICIPAL POPULATION GROWTH
1980-1990
CHANGE
'
Municipality 1980
1990
Number
Percent
Bald Head Island` N/A
78
N/A
N/A
'
Belville 102
46
(56)
(55)
Boiling Springs Lakes 998
1,672
674
68
Bolivia 252
226
(26)
(10)
Calabash" 128
1,189
1,061
829
'
Caswell Beach 110
155
45
41
Holden Beach 232
642
410
177
Leiand' N/A
Long Beach 1,844
1,785
3,816
N/A
1,972
N/A
107
Navassa 439
433
(6)
(1)
Ocean Isle Beach 143
534
391
273
Sandv Creek' N/A
271
N/A
N/A
Shallotte 680
976
296
44
Southport 2,824
2,359
(465)
(16)
Sunset Beach 304
321
17
6
Varnamtown' N/A
434
N/A
N/A
Yaupon Beach 569
764
195
34
TOTALS 8,625
15,701
7,076
82
'Incorporated between 1980 and 1990.
'
"During this period, the incorporated area of Calabash was significantly enlarged by
a major restructuring
of the town's municipal government including the town limits.
'
Source: US Censuses, 1980 and 1990
IBrunswick County Planning Board page 11 Glenn Harbeck Associates

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Brunswick County Land Use Plan
Data Collection and Analysis
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
The municipal growth rates noted above are also reflected in the overall percentages
of total county population in incorporated versus unincorporated areas. In 1980, over
75% of the total county population was living in the unincorporated parts of the county.
By 1990, this ratio dropped to about 70%. It remains to be seen how the introduction
of centralized sewage treatment systems and the continued expansion of the County's
' water distribution system may effect this overall growth distribution pattern.
POPULATION IN INCORPORATED VERSUS UNINCORPORATED AREAS
' 1980-1990
Numbers % of County
Population
1980 1990 1980 1990
Incorporated Areas 8,615 15,644 24% 30%
Unincorporated Areas 27,109 35,341 76 70
TOTAL COUNTY 35,777 50,985 100 100
' Source: US Censuses, 1980 and 1990
' Census Tracts and Block Groups
Brunswick County and the US Census Bureau together developed splits of certain fast
growing 1980 Census Tracts for the purposes of conducting the 1990 Census. In
addition, a series of Block Groups were developed within each Census Tract. A
significant amount of information is being made available from the 1990 Census at this
' block group level.
Further, the Census Bureau then divided each Block Group into numerous blocks.
Again, significant information has been made available at the block level.
This detailed information has been used in projecting future needs of the County water
' system and in revision of the electoral districts for the County Commission and the
Board of the Elections, to achieve proportionate representation.
' Population and Housing
Numbers of housing units in Brunswick County have increased at a faster rate than the
overall population growth. This is to be expected, given the continued national
declines in average household size during the 1980's and the relatively large
numbers of seasonal housing units built in the county. (For more information on
' seasonal units, see Section 1.2.1 (c) Impact of Seasonal Population.
I
Brunswick County Planning Board page 12 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan
Data Collection and Analysis
HOUSING GROWTH BY TOWNSHIP
1980-1990
'
HOUSING UNITS
INCREASE
Township
1980 1990
Number
Percent
Lockwood Folly
5,636 10,084
4,448
79%
Norinwest
2,451 2,917
466
19
Shallotte
4,701 10,826
6,125
130
Smithville
5,450 8,506
3,056
56
'
Town Creek
2,574 3,844
1,270
49
Waccamaw
747 937
190
25
TOTALS
21,559 37,114
15,555
72
'
Source: US Censuses, 1980 and 1990
'
HOUSING GROWTH BY COMPARABLE CENSUS TRACT
1980-1990
'
HOUSING UNITS INCREASE
Census Tract 1980 1990 Number Percent
'
201 2,881 3,495 614 21%
202 1,709 2,548 839 49
203 5,919 9,198 3,279 55
204 4,240 8,082 3,842 91
'
205 4,902 11,065 6,163 126
206 1,900 2,726 826 43
TOTALS 21,559 37,114 15,555 72
'
Source: US Censuses, 1980 and 1990
'
Age Breakdown
Age characteristics are important because they give an indication of likely future
'
school enrollments, future housing needs, and the anticipated market for certain retail
goods and various other community facilities. Overall, the table below indicates the
following trends:
'
-From 1950 to 1990 there was a continued decline in the pre-school, early school,
and teen years population sub groups of the county as a percent of the total.
'
-At the same time, the primary labor age group and the mature labor age group
showed steady increases, reflecting the movement of the baby boom generation
through the life cycle.
'
-Most significant, however, is the overall increase in the retirement population of the
county. From 1940 until 1990, the percentage of the total population 65 years and
over more than tripled. This is especially significant when compared with the same
age group percentages for the state of North Carolina. Brunswick County continues ■
to draw a significant share of elderly as new residents to the area.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 13 Glenn Harbeck Associates I

Brunswick County Land Use Plan
Data Collection and Analysis
'
PERCENT OF TOTAL POPULATION
AGE GROUPS IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY AS A ERCEN
'
1940-90
'
Age Group 1940 1950 1960
1970 1980
1990
Under 5 (Preschool) 11.6% 13.1 % 12.0%
9.6% 7.3%
6.5%
5 through 14 (Early School) 24.8 23.2 24.1
21.5 17.4
12.9
15 through 19 (Teen Years) 11.4 9.9 9.5
9.6 9.0
6.8
'
20 through 24 (College & New 9.0 7.3 5.5
7.6 7.6
6.0
Labor)
25 through 44 (Primary Labor) 25.0 25.9 23.7
22.7 27.0
28.8
'
45 through 64(Mature Labor) 13.7 14.7 18.0
20.6 21.0
24.4
65 and over (Retirees) 4.5 5.9 7.2
8.4 10.8
14.7
'
TOTAL 100% 100% 100%
100% 100%
100%
POPULATION 17.125 19,238 20,238
24.223 35.777
50,985
'
Source: US Censuses
'
PERCENT OF COUNTY POPULATION 65
YEARS & OVER
Brunswick County and the State of North Carolina
'
1970, 1980, and 1990
% OF TOTAL POPULATION
'
Year No. of Persons 65 In Brunswick
years & over in County
Compared to the
State of North
Brunswick Co
Carolina
1970 1,728 7.1%
8.1 %
'
1980 3,835 10.8
10.2
1990 7,494 14.7
12.1
'
Source: US Censuses, 1970, 1980 and 1990
'
Brunswick County Planning Board page 14
Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
Racial Composition
The continued rapid influx of primarily White residents, is reflected in the consistent
decline of the Black population as a percentage of total county population from 1950 to
1990. While more than 1 in 3 residents were Black in 1950, at present there are fewer
than 1 in 5 Blacks in the total county population.
RACIAL COMPOSITION OF BRUNSWICK COUNTY
AS A PERCENT OF TOTAL POPULATION
1950-90
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990
White 63.4% 64.6% 69.3% 76.3% 81.1 %
Black 36.6 35.4 30.7 23.7 18.1
Other — — — — .8
TOTAL 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Source: US Censuses
Education
Changes in the educational characteristics of Brunswick County residents are
available statistically, but are not easy measures from which to draw conclusions. This
is because the rapid in -migration of new residents provides no baseline from which to
measure educational improvement.
In the area of "median years of school completed", for example, the statistics would
seem to indicate that Brunswick County has improved in this category quite
significantly. However, given the fact that 85% of the county's population increase is
attributable to new residents moving in from outside the area, this figure may be
misleading.
Further, improvements in the drop -out rate also receive mixed reviews from some
educators. While some educators argue that keeping students in school is a very
important objective, others argue that keeping unmotivated students in school is
disruptive and counterproductive to those students who really do want to learn.
MEDIAN YEARS OF SCHOOL COMPLETED
Selected Counties
1970, 1980
1970
1980
% Increase
Brunswick
9.7
12.0
23.7%
New Hanover
12.0
12.5
4.2
Columbus
9.6
11.3
17.7
Wake
12.2
12.9
5.7
North Carolina
10.6
12.2
15.1 %
Source: Statistical Abstract of NC Counties, 1991
C
L
F
Brunswick County Planning Board page 15 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
7
C�
i�
AVERAGE DROP -OUT RATE
(% OF TOTAL ENROLLMENT)
Selected Counties, Region 0
1981 and 1988
1981-82 1987-88 AVERAGE
1981-88
Brunswick
11.70%
8.70%
8.72%
New Hanover
8.65
6.81
7.91
Columbus
11.06
10.91
10.62
Pender
9.92
7.52
9.17
State of NC
NA
NA
NA
Source: NC Dept. of Public Instruction
An evaluation of local expenditures for schools can also be misleading, but is
presented below for the purpose of providing some insights into the County's overall
commitment to education. The table indicates that despite the County's concerted
efforts to improve the educational system over past years, the percentage of total local
financial resources allocated to local schools is the lowest of a 4-county region in
Southeastern North Carolina. It should be also noted that from a local contribution
standpoint, Brunswick County ranks below the average for the State and for New
Hanover County, but ahead of Bladen, Columbus and Pender Counties.
LOCAL EXPENDITURES FOR SCHOOLS
Selected Counties and State of NC
1987-88
% of Local
Total Expenditures,
,Local per pupil cost
Financial Resources
1987-1988
1989-90
(Millions of Ss)
($'s)
Bladen
31.26%
$3.3m
$725
New Hanover
33.78
18.7
947
Columbus
37.78
5.6
575
Pencler
27.82
2.8
586
Brunswick
24.74
.9
870
State of NC
42.78
—
931
Source: Brunswick County Schools Survey Report, 1990-91, NC Department of Instruction
Brunswick County Planning Board page 16 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
1.2.1(b) Economy
Economic Sectors and E*oyment '
Consistent with trends across the nation and in Western Europe, employment levels in '
the manufacturing sector of the local economy have stagnated compared to the rapid
increases in non manufacturing employment. Much of the manufacturing base of the
United States has shifted to third world countries, where low labor rates, working '
conditions and environmental standards are less stringent. The impact of this shift in
the economy of Brunswick County can be seen in the following tables.
MANUFACTURING VERSUS NON -MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT
BRUNSWICK COUNTY
Selected Years 1970-90
'
Year
Total Manufacturing
Non-
manufacturing
'
1970
5,130 1,690
3,440
1975
8,830 3,320
5,510
1980
1985
11,250 3,210
13,960 2,770
8,040
11,190
'
1989'
17,020 2,680
14,000
Source: NC Employment Security Commission '
For 1989, the most current year for which figures were available, total employment was counted according to county
of residence, while manufacturing employment was counted by place of work As such, the estimates of non -
manufacturing employment and manufacturing employment may not add to the total. '
The above noted trend away from manufacturing and toward services is further refined
in the tables below. While the percentage of employment in manufacturing has ,
steadily declined since 1979, employment in trade has increased markedly. At the
same time, the continued rapid growth and development of the county has nearly
doubled the percentage of the workforce involved in construction. '
PERCENT OF WORKERS IN MAJOR EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES
BRUNSWICK COUNTY '
1979,1984,1989
Year Total Insured Manufacturing
Transportation,
Trade
Construction
Workers (%)
Communication,
(%)
(%)
'
and Utilities (%)
1979 6,228 52%
21%
21%
6%
,
1984 7,571 34
26
26
9
1989 8,302 32
24
34
11
'
Source: NC Employment Security Commission
Brunswick County Planning Board page 17 Glenn Harbeck Associates 1

I
Brunswick County sand Use Plan Data Collection and Analys
It is significant that those sectors of Brunswick County's economy that pay the highest
wages have stagnated in terms of employment (manufacturing and TCU), while
employment categories that pay the lowest wages have increased most in terms of
overall numbers. This trend does not bode well for the economic health of the county.
The leadershi, interviews, conducted for this plan, suggest strategies for turning this
situation around. These will be discussed later in this document.
' It should also de noted that the average weekly wage for manufacturing and
transportation. communication and utilities may appear high to some observers. Such
high average weekly wages are not the norm for most industries in the county; rather,
' they are the result of two or three industries which employ a large number of workers
at significantly higher than average wages for the region and state. These industries
include CP&L. Cogentrix, Dupont, etc.)
' AVE. WEEKLY WAGE BY MAJOR EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY
BRUNSWICK COUNTY
1979, 1984, 1989
Year Average Wage Manufacturing Transportation. Trade Construction
' Cverall Communication.
and Utilities
' 1979 S244 $341 $227 $121 $154
1984 347 493 552 160 228
1989 394 601 644 179 272
1990 420 612 696 177 309
Source: NC Employment Security Commission
A comparison of Brunswick County's employment by major category with that of the
state reveals several noteworthy points. First, the dominant influence of the Carolina
Power and Light Company Nuclear Plant and the Sunny Point Military Terminal are
reflected in the high percentage of the county's employment in Transportation,
' Communication and Utilities. If either of these operations should ever be eliminated or
scaled back, the impact on the county's economy could be dramatic*.
' Secondly, the lower percentages of employment in wholesale and retail trade, and
services compared to the state of North Carolina, reflects the leakage of purchasing
dollars to commercial and service centers in Wilmington, Myrtle Beach and Whiteville.
' While continued commercial growth in Shallotte may act to reduce this leakage, it may
take several years for the full impact to be realized.
' Regarding the elir,- -,ation of the CP&L plant in particular, some would say :nat it is not a question of if but when,
since the facility cor.;inues to age closer to its scheduled life span.
' Brunswick County Planning Board page 18 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
I
INSURED EMPLOYMENT BY MAJOR CATEGORY
BRUNSWICK COUNTY AND NORTH CAROLINA
1983 AND 1990
1983
1990
Category
County
State
County
State
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
0.3%
0.7%
0.6%
1.0%
Construction
5.9
4.7
7.0
5.3
Mining
-
0.2
-
0.3
Manufacturing
33.7
33.7
18.0
28.3
Transportation, Communications and
15.5
4.8
14.8
4.9
Utilities
Wholesale & Retail
14.1
21.6
20.3
23.0
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
2.4
4.0
5.3
4.3
Services
7.8
13.9
14.1
17.4
Government
20.3
16.4
19.8
15.5
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Source: NC Employment Security Commission
Brunswick County has consistently exhibited a higher unemployment rate than both
neighboring New Hanover County and the State of North Carolina. The leadership
interviews conducted for this plan provided some insights into the reasons why
Brunswick County's unemployment rate is so high. Those reasons included:
-The presence of a disproportionately large "underground economy", (relative to
other counties of similar size) which does not lend itself to traditional reporting by
state/federal employment and taxing agencies.
-The influx of a large retirement population entering the labor force after arriving in
the area.
-The county's fast rate of population growth outpacing the ability of the local economy
to provide jobs.
-The apparent myth that because Brunswick County is growing so fast, there must be
jobs for the taking. As a result, many people move in with the belief that they'll find a
job once they get here.
It should also be noted that a large number of jobs in the county are held by residents
of New Hanover County. For example, there are a high number of workers at the
CP&L Plant in Southport who commute daily from the Wilmington area.
As used in this report, the term "underground economy" refers to a variety of business activities, both legal and
illegal, which involve the exchange of money for goods and services for which no records of the transaction are kept
for tax purposes. Activities may include, for example, part-time commercial fishing (legal, except for non-payment of
taxes) and the importation and distribution of drugs (illegal). In discussions with the planning board, it was noted that
while the board does not condone such illegal activities, they are nonetheless an economic reality in many coastal
areas today.
H
n
runswick County Planning Board page 19 Glenn Harbeck Associates

' Brunswick CountyLand Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
Y
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
Brunswick and New Hanover Counties, and State Averages
' 1987-1991
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
Brunswick County 9.4% 7.6% 7.6% 8.0% 11.7%
New Hanover Cty. 6.2 4.6 4.0 4.2 5.9
' State of NC 4.5 3.6 3.5 4.6 —
Source: NC Employment Security Commission
' Per capita incomes in Brunswick County have been well below state and national
averages for the past several decades. Differences in per capita incomes also may be
attributed to several of the factors mentioned above, including especially the
' underground economy. Those factors aside, there is no denying that wage rates in
Brunswick County are not on a par with wage rates in other parts of the state and
nation. The mere fact that the County's industry hunters are still using low wage rates
' as a drawina card for new industry confirms this situation.
PER CAPITA INCOME
' Brunswick County
1970, 1980, and 1989
' 1970 1980 1989
Brunswick County. $2,363 $5,981 $1 1.303
State of NC 3,220 7,780 15,287
' United States 3,943 9,919 17,592
County Income as a 73.4% 76.9% 73.7%
% of State Income
County Income as a 59.9% 60.3% 64.3%
% of U.S. Income
' Source: US Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis
Percentage changes in gross state sales and use tax collections fluctuate more widely
in Brunswick County when compared to the state of North Carolina. This is to be
expected when comparing a smaller economy with a larger economy. It is significant
to note, however, that beginning around 1980, Brunswick County's annual increases
in state sales and use tax collections consistently outpaced percent increases at the
state level.
I
Brunswick County Planning Board page 20 Glenn Harbeck Associates

3runswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
GROSS STATE SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTIONS
Selected Periods 1970-90
% CHANGE
Period
Brunswick
State of North
County
Carolina
1969-70
8.48%
10.69%
1974-1975
(9.14)
6.67
1979-1980
26.69
9.42
1984-1985
26.18
17.03
1989-1990
3.67
2.45
Source: NC Employment Security Commission
Agriculture
The table following illustrates the continuing decline of agriculture in Brunswick
County's overall economy. While the amount of acreage in cropland has fluctuated
somewhat from year to year, the overall trend toward declining acreage is quite clear.
Even more dramatic is the decrease in total income derived from agriculture. This is
especially significant given the increases in the price of agricultural products over the
same period of time.
It should be noted that the overall decrease in farms is part of a national trend. This is
due in some measure to the consolidation of smaller farms into larger farming
operations. Also, in coastal -oriented Brunswick County, there continues to be
substantial conversions of former agricultural land into more profitable residential
development. In addition, the United States is increasingly becoming an importer of
foods and other farm products, such as fibers and wood.
AGRICULTURAL INCOME AND HARVESTED CROPLAND
Brunswick County
1980-1989
TOTAL CROPLAND
TOTAL INCOME
1000's of Acres
Millions of $'s
1980
28.5
33.0
1981
30.3
36.3
1982
34.1
25.4
1983
23.4
20.3
1984
25.3
19.0
1985
30.1
20.8
1986
25.8
17.4
1987
21.7
19.0
1988
18.6
17.9
1989
21.1
20.2
Source: USDA and Brunswick County Extension Service
I
Brunswick County Planning Board page 21 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Water Quality and Stream Classifications
TIDAL SALT WATERS FRESH WATERS
All significant tidal salt waters within the geography of Brunswick County All signi; cant fresh water creeks within the geography of Brunswick
have been aassified SA by the NC Department of Environment. Health Countv rave been classified C Sw by the NC Department of Environment,
and Natural Resources, with the exception of the following, which have Health and Natural Resources. Class C waters are of lessor quality than
been designated SC: Class B or other higher quality classifications and are not suitable for
water suoolies or for primary recreation The Sw code further identifies
SC Waters these waters as swamp waters.
1 Shallotte River above the Mill Pond to NC 130 in Shallotte. SPECIAL WATERS
2 Beavercam Creek above mouth of Polly Gully Creek
3 Dutchman's Creek above the CP&L Canal All SA waters in the county as well as the following C Sw and SC waters
4 Snow Marsh have been designated as HOW, meaning that they are rated as excellent
5 Waldor. Creek based on their biological and physical/chemical characteristics. They are
likely to De either primary nursery areas or critical habitat areas. The
SA waters are high quality waters suitable for shellfishing, primary names of these streams or stream segments are listed below and their
recreation and other uses. SC waters are of lessor quality than SA or SB locations are noted on the map by their corresponding numbers:
waters and are not suitable for shellfishing or primary recreation The
locations of these streams or stream segments are noted on the map to Shallotte River from its source to NC 130 in Shallotte.
below by their corresponding numbers. 2 Dutchman's Creek above the CP&L Canal
5 Waldon Creek fj
N--•—•--- — — —.—•-
j ,i
0
21
tle.,4,
Nomm
ON -1,51,
♦ lc�/
a
L I
M
-'� Llmea;_
_ 2•
2
Existing Land Use Map
I
�;! H
Vacant and Undeveloped
Municipal (Not in Planning Area)
•� ® Residential
Office and Commercial
- dip
Industrial and Related
Public and Semi -Public
Including Conservancy
-i_
Lands
•�
Note: Due to map scale, this existing land use map is necessarily generalized in
nature. aril Is Intended for general planning purposes only. For more detailed
information and mapping, please consult with the Brunswick County Planning
(/)
Department.
5 ;%
Brunswick. County
4
LAND USE PLAN
r a�
`
1993 Update
w
'��
�p ' .' .
Glenn Harbeck Associates
Planning and Public Involvement
SCALE IN MILES
N011TN e 1 2 3 4

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
' Another traditional, resource -based element of Brunswick Count 's economy is the
Y Y
seafood industry. The table below shows the dramatic decline in finfish landings from
' 1975 to 1991. Shellfish landings, on the other hand during this same period, seem to
be holding fairly constant. As will be seen in Section 1.2.1 (c) Impact of Seasonal
Population, seafood is nonetheless being outpaced by tourism -related industries in
' terms of its overall significance to the economy of Brunswick County.
SEAFOOD LANDINGS
'
POUNDAGE AND VALUE
Brunswick County
1975-1991
FINFISH SHELLFISH
Poundage Value Poundage
Value
'
(Millions of (Millions of (Millions of
(Millions of
Pounds) Dollars) Pounds)
Dollars)
1975
59.0 $1.0 1.1
$0.6
1980
70.8' 3.8 1.7
2.7
1985
1.0 1.3 0.8
1.8
1990
1991
1.9 2.4 1.1
1.7 2.1 1.0
2.2
1.7
Source: NC
Division of Marine Fisheries. Morehead City, NC
Finfish figures for 1975 and 1980 reflect large volume catches of Menhaden, a non-food fish
used for fertilizer and other commercial purposes.
The rapid growth of Brunswick County is reflected well in the tax base figures during
the period from 1970 to 1990. During this twenty year period, the county's tax base
Increased by a factor of nearly thirty times. At the same time, the county's tax rate
' dropped by approximately two thirds. It should be noted that increases in property
values during this period may also be attributed to the tremendous inflationary
pressures present in the national economy during the 70's and 80's.
'
BRUNSWICK COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX BASE
1965-90
'
Year Tax Base Tax Rate Tax Base
(Millions of $'s) (per $100 (per capita)
valuation)
'
1965 $76.6 $1.600 —
1970 135.1 1.800 $5,577
1980 1,683.4* 0.470 47,053
1985 2,213.2- 0.595
1990 3,976.3* 0.685 77,990
'
Source: Brunswick County Tax Department and Glenn Harbeck Associates
*Assessment ratio increased from 50% to 100% of value for 1975 and all subsequent years.
I
Brunswick County Planning Board page 22 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick Countv Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
In the table below, note the impact that Brunswick County's rather substantial tax base
has on the ability of the County to generate considerable property tax revenues while
holding the tax rate well below area norms.
COUNTY -WIDE TAX RATES
Selected Counties
1989
County -wide Tax Rates
County -wide levy
($millions)
Bladen
$.7150
6.2
New Hanover
.7200
34.4
Columbus
.6800
8.7
Pender
.6500
7.2
Brunswick
.5950
24.6
Source: Statistical Abstract of North Carolina Counties, 1991 p. H-28 and 29
Brunswick County Planning Board page 23 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
c) Imp
act act of Seasonal Population
(P P
' Clearly, the impact of a large seasonal population has a profound impact on the
county. Community facilities and services must be designed and operated to meet
peak seasonal demand, in addition to the demand created by the permanent
' population. The first table below compares Census counts of the county's permanent
population with estimates of the county's peak seasonal population during the 1980's.
The second table shows the relationship between year round and seasonal housing
' units during the same period. Most significant, perhaps, is that the number of seasonal
housing units as a percentage of total housing units declined slightly during the
decade. This may be a reflection of the number of retirees moving to the county on a
' permanent basis.
YEAR ROUND AND SEASONAL POPULATION GROWTH
' Brunswick County
1980-1990
' Year Year Round Peak Season Ratio of Peak
Population Population Season to
(Estimate) Permanent
' Population
1980 35,777 107,000 3:1
1990 50,985 153,000 3:1
1980-90 15,208 46,000 —
' Increase —
1980-90 42.5% 43.0%
Increase
' Source: US Censuses, 1980 and 1990, Brunswick County Planning Department and Glenn Harbeck
Associates
' YEAR ROUND AND SEASONAL HOUSING GROWTH
Brunswick County
1980-1990
' Year Total Housing Units Year Round Seasonal Housing Seasonal % of all
Housing Units Units housing units
' 1980 21,565 12,411 9,154 42%
1990 37,114 22,000 15,114 40%
1980-90 15,549 9,539 5,960 —
Increase
' 1980-90 72% 77% 65% —
% Increase
' Source: US Censuses, 1980 and 1990
I
Brunswick County Planning Board page 24 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
Another way of looking at Brunswick County's dependence on tourism is to compare
the volume of dollars spent on tourism relative to the total county population. The table
below shows that four counties in the state, Dare, Moore, Carteret and Brunswick, are
among the top twelve counties in terms of tourism dollars spent. These same four
counties, however, do not appear among the top twelve counties in terms of
population. Thus, these counties have a high volume of tourism expenditures when
compared to the other ninety-six counties in the state of North Carolina.
TOURISM DOLLARS SPENT VERSUS POPULATION
Leading Tourism Counties
County
Tourism
Rank
Population
Ranked in
Dollars
1000's of
Top 12 in
1000's of S's
People
Population
(1988)
(1990)
Mecklenburg
1,049,550
1
511
1
Wake
565,585
2
423
2
Guilford
455,086
3
347
3
Dare
440,921
4
23
NO
Buncombe
361,061
5
175
8
Forsythe
350,813
6
266
5
Durham
274,019
7
182
6
New Hanover
252,588
8
120
11
Moore
224,584
9
59
N O
Carteret
171,326
10
53
NO
Cumberland
166,443
11
275
4
Brunswick
145,695
12
51
N O
Source: NC Division of Travel and Tourism and US Census
1
Brunswick County Planning Board page 25 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
' The table followingillustrates how increases in travel expenditures during the mid
P 9
1980's dramatically outpaced increases in total manufacturing wages in the county.
' As recently as February of 1993, the State Travel and Tourism Division ranked
Brunswick County tenth in the State, with $123 million dollars in travel expenditures in
1991. This compares with a 1988 Tourism ranking of twelfth. (See previous page.)
' This is especially significant given the rapid expansion of the U.S. economy following
the recession of 1982. If these trends continue, Brunswick County's reliance upon
travel and tourism will soon far exceed any "traditional" economic and employment
' activities:
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRAVEL EXPENDITURES
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, 1982-1986
Year Travel Expenditures' Total Manufacturing
'
Wages"
1982 23,480,000 68,870,444
'
1983 35,083,000 72,861,498
1984 98,429,000 74,482,039
1985 104,212,000 74,491,363
1986 121,117,000 73,858,873
1987 134,287,000 73,316,849
'
1988 145,695,000 77,277,060
1989 75,320,000"' 82,137,077
'
Sources: 'Travel and Tourism Division, NC Dept. of Commerce
"Resources Development Commission of Brunswick County
"'In 1989, the method of computing travel expenditures was
changed, resulting in considerably lower figures for all counties
in the state.
Please note that there is no intent in this table to offer a direct dollar for
dollar comparison between travel expenditures and manufacturing
'
wages. Rather. emphasis should be placed on the relative magnitude
of increase in dollar amounts between the two categories.
I
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'
The following table illustrates the highly seasonal nature of the r
9 Y e retail economy of
Brunswick County. From a seasonal low of approximately $20 million during the
months of December, January, February and March, the retail economy explodes to
'
levels in excess of $30 million during the peak summer season. Thus, retail
merchants in Brunswick County are far more sensitive to sales volume during the peak
summer season, for example, than the more typical pre -Christmas season sales
'
period associated with more traditional economies. In fact, Christmas sales are more
apt to go to the regional commercial centers of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach.
'
GROSS RETAIL SALES BY MONTH
1990
'
Month Sales in Millions of Millions of Dollars
Dollars Above or Below
Monthly Ave
'
January $22.0 $(1.2)
February 20.5 (2.7)
March 20.5 (2.7)
'
April 25.9 2.7
May 30.6 7.4
June 25.2 2.0
July 32.7 9.5
'
August 35.6 12.4
September 31.7 7.5
October 25.3 2.1
November 23.6 .4
'
December 20.0 3.2
Difference 15.1 —
'
between
February and
Auaust
,
Monthly 2 3. 2 —
Average
'
Changes in Seasonal Population
For a full discussion regarding the methodology employed to estimate changes in '
seasonal as well as permanent population levels in Brunswick County, the reader is
directed to Section 1.5.1 (a) and (b) Permanent and Seasonal Population Estimates.
H
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I
R
1.2.2 EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS
1.2.2(a) Current Conditions
Purpose:
An existing land use survey and analysis serves a number of useful functions. The
primary function is to provide a "snapshot" of development patterns, and a basis for
determining growth trends overtime. The survey, in map form, identifies where
development has occurred, and what kind of development it is. When conducted at a
high level of detail, the survey can also show the relationships between different kinds
of land use and whether or not they are compatible.
Up to date information on existing land use is fundamental to the preparation of a land
use plan. Not only is the survey helpful in preparing growth and development policies,
but it is also useful in identifying, for example, where it may be cost effective to provide
public services, such as water and sewer. Accurate information on existing land use
can also be helpful in making changes to an existing zoning ordinance, or in providing
new zoning where there was none before. Because Brunswick County is presently in
the process of preparing its first ever zoning ordinance, information on existing land
use is particularly important at this time.
Data provided by the survey is also useful to both the public and private sectors in
considering specific development proposals. For the public sector, the land use
survey can assist in siting a school or a park, while in the private sector, the
information might be helpful in locating sites for future shopping centers or residential
developments.
Methodology:
Since 1985, the Brunswick County Planning Department has conducted a number of
surveys of existing land use in Brunswick County. Periodically, information on existing
land use in all of the municipalities in the County has also been collected. Municipal
level land use information, however, is not included on the existing land use map
found on the following page. For such information, the reader is directed to the
individual land use plans of each of these municipalities. Also, for more specific
information than is presented on the generalized land use map in this report, the
reader is directed to the Brunswick County Planning Department, where existing land
use maps at a scale of 1" = 400' are kept on file.
Geographic Areas of Analysis
Due to the relatively large size of Brunswick County (approximately 855 sq. miles) this
analysis divides Brunswick County into six geographic sub -areas:
Shallotte to the State Line
Shallotte River to Lockwood Folly
The Southport Oak Island Area
The Leland Area
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
Town Creek/Winnabow/Mill Creek
Ash/Waccamaw '
These six areas were selected due to their regional significance within the county, as
well as their general level of name recognition by county residents. '
Area 1 Shallotte to the State Line
During the decade of the 1980's, this area was the fastest growing part of Brunswick '
County. The area continued to experience the spillover effects from continued rapid
growth in the Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. Before the 1980's, '
most development in this part of the county was either at the beaches, or immediately
adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway opposite the beach areas.
During the past decade, however, this area has witnessed the introduction of
'
numerous large scale golf course communities, which have collectively consumed a
great deal of land. Examples of such large scale developments include: The Pearls,
Sea Trails, Lion's Paw, Ocean Harbor, and Brick Landing. Accompanying this
'
increase in large scale development has been a variety of convenience and specialty
shopping as well as the introduction of mainstream commercial shopping. Examples
of this include the Food Lion grocery store and Revco drug store at Seaside. Also,
'
during the course of preparing this plan, a new South Brunswick Branch of the Postal
Service opened at the Seaside location.
,
Over the past ten years, the Town of Shallotte has continued to strengthen its position
9
as a regional sub -nuclei of economic activity for this end of the county. Commercial
services and office developments have clustered in the Shallotte area. Despite the
'
recession of the past two years, demand for office developments stems from the
growing employment ranks of realtors, medical personnel, attorneys, and insurance
agents in the Shallotte area. Finally, there has been a continuation of the long
,
standing strip commercial development along NC 179 across from Ocean Isle Beach.
Area 2 Shallotte River to Lockwood Folly River
,
During the 1980's, this centrally located, coastal oriented area was the second fastest
growing section of Brunswick County. Similar to the Shallotte to State Line area,
'
growth was initially concentrated, for the most part, at Holden Beach and along the
Intracoastal Waterway immediately opposite the beach. Unlike Area 1, however, this
area has historically been developed with very small (e.g. 50') lots and less expensive
'
houses and manufactured homes. And, unlike the mixture of year round and seasonal
homes of Area 1, this area has a heavy predominance of vacation and weekend
homes.
'
While the trend toward manufactured housing in this part of the county has continued,
the last five years have seen the first planned golf course development arrive in the
,
area: Lockwood Links. It remains to be seen whether this is a foretelling of the
character of future development in the area, or merely an exception to the rule.
swick County Planning Board page 29 Glenn Harbeck Associates I

Bn,nswick Courtly Land Use Plan 1. Data Collection and Analysis
h/
illotte
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Brunswick County Land Use
Study Areas
FA
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Brunswick County Planning Board
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
F
Scattered commercial development can be found at various locations in the area.
Especially significant concentrations of commercial development are in the
Varnamtown area along the west shore of the Lockwood Folly River, and at Supply, an
unincorporated village located at the intersection of US 17 and NC 211. There is also
a strip of commercial development dispersed along NC 130 immediately across from
Holden Beach. Finally, for more substantial shopping needs, commercial services and
retail outlets in the Town of Shallotte also draw from this area.
Area 3 Southport/Oak Island
This area has perhaps the most diverse collection of land uses of anywhere in the
county. The area includes several major industrial uses, including the Carolina Power
and Light Nuclear Plant, the former Pfizer Plant, and the recently added Cogentrix
Cogenerating Facility. In addition, the Sunny Point Ocean Military Terminal consumes
a large amount of acreage along the Cape Fear River.
Residential development ranges from permanent housing concentrated in the Towns
of Southport and Long Beach to more seasonal housing at Caswell Beach. To the
interior of the area lies the sparsely developed City of Boiling Spring Lakes, with some
2,000 people living within this 17,000 acre planned community. Also added to this
area in the past five years is the new St. James Plantation, which opened in the Fall of
1991.
' Unlike the beaches closer to South Carolina, the beaches in the Southport/Oak Island
area are not as commercially oriented. Most commercial services are located on the
mainland side on the Intracoastal Waterway. In addition, a moderate amount of
' commercial development is located within the Town of Southport and its extraterritorial
jurisdiction (ETJ). Many of these are "mom and pop" type small businesses.
' Significant within the past five years has been the commitment of Yaupon Beach to a
new sewage treatment system. Active planning is also underway for the creation of a
sewer system by the Southeastern Sanitary District west of Southport and to the
' mainland side of Yaupon Beach. The possibility of an additional bridge to Oak Island
toward the west central end of the beach is another infrastructure improvement which
could radically alter development patterns in this part of the county. Prospects for the
bridge currently remain unresolved.
Finally, Long Beach Road (NC 133) from its intersection with NC 211 to the Oak Island
' bridge continues to present problems regarding commercial strip development and
multiple driveway accesses onto this roadway. This problem is most pronounced
during peak summer periods, when demand for travel to the beach is at a premium.
' Area 4 The Leland Area
The general Leland Area actually encompasses the three communities of Leland,
Navassa and Belville as well as significant development and land outside these
municipalities.. In some respects, this area serves as a bedroom community for New
Hanover County just across the river. In other respects, the presence of the Dupont
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
manufacturing plant on the Brunswick County side of the river draws large numbers of
employees from the Wilmington area. '
Recent developments in the Leland area include: the Old Forte Golf Course (reported
to be a non -real estate, purely commercial course), a nursing home, condominiums '
and single family homes in the vicinity of Olde Towne, and Jackey's Creek
Plantation —a golf course community in the Belville vicinity. Brunswick County's only
industrial parks are also located in this part of the county. These industrial parks are '
served by the County's first sewage treatment plant, which has been open and
operating for about five years.
Other factors significantly affecting this area include the possibility of a sewer system '
serving the Leland Sanitary District and further progress on a sewage treatment plant
for the Town of Belville. Area transportation planners also continue to consider the
'outer loop" as part of the Greater Wilmington Area Transportation Plan. If constructed, '
this major new roadway would pass above (and thus bypass) this part of Brunswick
County, accommodating significant traffic flows around Wilmington as a new US 17.
Area 5 Town Creek/Winnabow/Mill Creek '
This is essentially an ex urban. interior part of Brunswick County, split by US. 17.. The '
area draws its development strength from its reasonable proximity to the employment
base of New Hanover County. The area has the advantages of low taxes, open
country and some beautiful, undulating terrain —atypical of the broad, flat, pine- ,
covered coastal plain of southeastern North Carolina. Most development in this area
appears to be springing up in the form of subdivisions either with direct access to US
17 or within a short distance of the US 17 corridor. There is no industrial activity in this ,
part of the county, and very little office or retail development. Residents who live in this
area typically travel to New Hanover County, Shallotte, or Myrtle Beach for their
shopping needs. '
Area S Ash/Waccamaw Area
This rural part of Brunswick County has experienced the slowest growth rate of any '
area of the county for the past several decades. It is largely a resource -based area,
meaning that it depends largely on farming and timber related activities for its ,
economic sustenance. Population levels and development densities in this part of the
county tend to be very low. As a result, little activity is seen in this area. New
subdivisions established in this area during the 1980's tended to be quite small, and '
with few public or private improvements and little, if any, amenities.
One exception to the relatively dormant development character of this area is the '
presence of the Brunswick Community College, located on U.S. 17 in this part of the
County. Since the time the last land use plan was prepared, the College has
continued to grow with the addition of two new buildings and a new auditorium. The '
College is a significant land use activity and traffic generator in this part of the county.
As plans for the continued growth of this important institution are refined, it will be
important that such plans be coordinated as to their impact in this part of the county I
and on U.S 17, in particular.
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
'
1.2.2(b) Land Use Trends and Problems
' Based upon the foregoing discussion of development patterns in the six geographic
areas of Brunswick County,. several land use trends and problems can be readily
identified. These problems include:
' Scattered unattractive development along beach roads creates a poor
' image.
Commercial development which has been scattered along the major roads from
U.S.17 to the county's ocean beaches, foretells of the kind of commercial development
' = that could consume much of the road frontage in the county at some point in the future.
This was identified as a major concern by residents at the public workshops and.
fortunately, is something that can be addressed to some degree by a zoning
ordinance. In addition to a poor image, such development results in multiple,
uncoordinated driveway cuts, reducing the traffic carrying capacity and safety of the
very roads most in demand for efficient traffic movement during peak summer periods.
Scattered subdivision activity is difficult to serve.
' Brunswick County has experienced a wide range of relatively small-scale, scattered
subdivisions in the past. Such scattered subdivision activity tends to disperse the
population and makes the provision of services expensive and inconvenient, whether
' by the public or by the private sector. Examples include refuse collection and disposal
and school buses. Also, the relatively large lots and homogeneous land uses
associated with these developments encourage large lot sprawl, isolated from
' commercial services. As a result, all trips for personal services must be by individual
automobile, to the exclusion of alternative transportation modes. Ultimately, this form
of development overloads the county's road systems, especially during peak season
' summer months.
Sewage problems/sewage solutions.
The county is wrestling with what many local leaders see as the number one constraint
to development— that of sewage treatment and disposal. The county's relatively
' sparse development patterns make the provision of a single, centralized sewage
treatment system unworkable. Areas where there are concentrations of smaller lots or
higher density development (such as near the beach communities) offer some
' possibilities, however. As a result, there are several local area initiatives underway
which would seek to address this problem. For an overview of these activities, the
reader is directed to the section of this plan which addresses Sewage Treatment,
' Section 1.4.2.
Growth along the county's water -oriented edges.
' Just as the population of the United States has been moving steadily towards the
coastal margins of the country for the past several decades, the new population of
' Brunswick County is also being drawn to the water edges of the county. These edges
include, particularly, all of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, and those
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
sections of the Cape Fear River within a reasonable commuting distance of the City of
Wilmington. While newer developments in the form of large scale golf communities
have been moving inland to a degree, even these developments continue to reflect a
strong bias toward proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway, the beaches and the river.
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
! 1.2.3 CURRENT PLANS POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
! As a means of coordinating the various planning activities of Federal, State and Local
governments in Brunswick County, a summary of important plans, policies and
regulations is included here.
! 1.2.3 a Local Government
! Plans, Policies, and Regulations
1976 Brunswick County Land Use Plan —This was the first county -wide land use plan
! prepared under the guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). The
plan established the initial land classification system for the county, as well as a series
of growth policies and implementation actions.
1981 and 1987 Brunswick County Land Use Plan Updates —These five-year updates
to the original 1976 plan offered refinements to the growth policies and established a
! more systematic basis for decision making by both local government and the private
sector.
1988 Brunswick County Thoroughfare Plan —In March of 1988, shortly after adoption
of the last Land Use Plan Update, a Thoroughfare Plan for Brunswick County was
adopted by the NC. Board of Transportation following local adoption by the County
! and its municipalities. This was a cooperative effort involving staff of the Thoroughfare
Planning Unit, Planning and Research Branch, Division of Highways, NC Department
of Transportation, and a County -wide Thoroughfare Plan Coordinating Committee,
made up of representatives of numerous local governments and Chambers of
Commerce in Brunswick County. A summary of the findings and recommendations of
this plan is included in Section 1.4.3 of this report.
! 1991 Water System Distribution Master Plan —In September of 1990, work was
completed on a new Water Distribution System Master Plan. Prepared for Brunswick
! County by the engineering firm of William G. Daniel and Associates, the report was
based on the 1987 Land Use Plan and projections made jointly by the Planning Board
and Utility Operations Board for a twenty year period. The report analyzed the current
distribution system, projected future water consumption, and recommended
improvements to the system for action by 1991, 1995 and 2010. A summary of the
findings and recommendations of this plan is also included in Section 1.4.3 of this
report.
Subdivision Regulations —Brunswick County has had a subdivision ordinance in
! place since 1974; it was subsequently updated in June of 1980. This ordinance had
few requirements or standards for development. Private, unpaved roads were
permitted; no minimum lot size was specified.
In early 1992, a new subdivision ordinance became effective, after a long, protracted
process of review and approval. The new ordinance includes a requirement for paved
1 roads in major subdivisions —according to North Carolina Department of
Transportation standards. There is also more involvement by the County planning
I
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
staff in the review process and an earlier examination of subdivisions at the sketch
plan stage. In this manner, the staff is in a position to give feedback to applicants '
before preliminary plat review. The ordinance also establishes minimum lot widths
and setback lines, and a new 7,500 square foot minimum lot size.
,Zoning —(Despite the fact that Brunswick County is the second fastest growing county`
'
of all 100 counties in the state of North Carolina, there is no zoning in areas of the
county under the County government's jurisdiction. The lack of a zoning ordinance
may change in the near future, however. In November of 1991, the zoning issue was
put before the voters of Brunswick County in a non -binding referendum. The motion in
favor of instituting zoning passed by a margin of 2-1 at the voting booth. As a result of
this and other factors, the Brunswick County Commissioners gave a directive to the
'
County's planning department to present a proposed zoning ordinance by June of
1992. At the time of this writing, the draft ordinance is under review by the Planning
Board and County Commissioners.
'
It should be noted that the need for zoning was identified at all the public workshops
held during the early stages of the land use plan process, and was also mentioned
'
consistently during the several leadership interviews for the land use plan.
Site Plan Review —Since 1981, the Planning Board has had a policy calling upon
persons who plan to construct larger commercial facilities or higher density/large scale
residential projects to voluntarily submit their site plans for review and comment. This
policy has not changed since the 1987 Land Use Plan. Submission of site plans is up
'
to the discretion of the builder or developer; under this arrangement, only a building
permit is necessary to begin construction. Despite the purely voluntary nature of this
process. it is estimated that about 85% of all of these types of development proposals
go through such review and comment.
State Building Code Enforcement —In April of 1985, the Board of County '
Commissioners adopted ordinance No. 62 calling for a full program of administration
and enforcement of all volumes of the state building code. This function was initially
charged to the County Planning Department. In October 1987, a separate Building '
Inspections Department was created and there have been several Building Directors
since that time. Responsibility for building code enforcement has subsequently been
transferred to the County Engineer. At the present time, carrying out the program of '
building code enforcement involves four inspectors and two clerical support people, in
addition to overall direction received from the County Engineer.
Waste Water Treatment Regulation —The Environmental Health section of the County'
Health Department administers and enforces state law regarding septic tank systems.
The Environmental Management Division of the North Carolina Department of ,
Environment and Health exercises authority over other waste water treatment systems.
* According to the US Census Bureau, Brunswick County's population increased from 35,777 in 1980 to
50,985 in 1990, for a percentage increase of 42.5%. This was second in the state only to Dare County
(the Outer Banks), which had a 70.00 o increase over the same period. (Office of State Management and
Budget)
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
' Federal Flood Insurance Pr r m—Also in April of 1985, Ordinance No. 62, passed by
the Board of County Commissioners, started the County's administration of the Federal
' Flood Insurance Program regulations. Enforcement began in March of 1986, following
receipt of an acceptable set of Flood Insurance Rate Maps from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. This program is administered and enforced by the
' Building Inspection Department, with the Planning Board serving as the appeal
agency from decisions of the Building Director. If the structure is located in a flood
prone area, certification of the structure's ground floor elevation is required.
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Data Collection ano Ana
1.2.3 (b) Federal and State Licenses and Permits
In addition to the local plans, policies, and regulations identified above, there are a
number of other regulatory programs administered at the Federal and State level
which also exercise control over certain types of development activities. The following
is a list of some of these regulatory programs and permits. For a more complete listing,
and description of the specific activities controlled and permitting requirements, the
reader is directed to the publication entitled NC Environmental Permit Directory, by the
NC Department of Environment, Health. and Natural Resources, Division of Planning
and Assessment, 1991.
For each item which follows, the regulatory program or permit is first identified by its
official name, the responsible agency name is then given, followed by a brief
description of the activities controlled. A statutory reference is also provided.
State Licenses and Permits
AIR QUALITY PERMIT
Division of Environmental Management. Air Quality Section, Air Permits Branch (or the
appropriate Regional Office).
Required for any person who establishes or operates any air contaminant source;
equipment which may result in emissions of air contaminants or is likely to cause air
pollution; or construction or installation of any air cleaning device. (15A NCAC
2H.0600-.0610; 15A NCAC 2D.0500-.1108)
CAMA MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
NC Division of Coastal Management
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) stipulates that permits are required for all
development or land disturbing activities within designated Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC's) throughout the 20-county coastal area. Areas of Environmental
Concern include marshlands, tidelands. shoreline and waters of the estuarine system;
beaches, dunes, and inlets of the ocean hazard area; public fresh water supply areas;
and fragile natural and cultural resource areas. Development other than major,
termed " minor development", requires a permit from the local government for work in
an AEC. (15A NCAC 7H permit standards; 7J permit procedures; 7M general policies;
7K permit exemptions)
COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT (CAMA) MINOR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
administered by Brunswick County under authority granted by the Coastal Area
Management Act and standards adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission.
Single family, oceanfront houses usually require a CAMA minor permit. Other
examples of development requiring a minor CAMA permit would be single family
houses along the shores of sounds and rivers, small private and commercial
structures, and minor high ground grading or filling. (15A NCAC 7H permit standards;
7J permit procedures; 7M general policies; 7K permit exemptions.) Brunswick County
has two Minor CAMA Permit Officers.
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection ana Analysis
' FEDERAL CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION
NC Division of Coastal Management (DCM)
Required for: 1) Federal agency activities, 2) activities requiring federal licenses or
' permits, 3) activities requiring Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Licenses, and/or 4)
activities involving federal assistance to state or local governments. (North Carolina
General statute 113A-100 et seq. and Section 307 of the Federal Coastal Zone
' Management Act of 1972, as amended.)
STATE DREDGE AND FILL PERMIT
' Division of Coastal Management
Any project involving excavation and /or filling activities in estuarine waters, tidelands,
' marshlands, or state-owned lakes requires a permit. (15A NCAC 7J permit
procedures)
' PERMIT FOR AQUACULTURE OPERATIONS
Division of Marine Fisheries
' A permit is required for any aqua culture operation involved in the propagation of
saltwater/marine species of fish, shell fishing and crustaceans. (15A NCAC 31 .0011)
OIL REFINING FACILITY PERMIT
Division of Environmental Management
' Required for construction or operation of an oil refining facility. (15A NCAC IE .0014)
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PERMIT
' Division of Solid Waste Management
Established for the proper management of solid waste, these facilities are categorically
' defined as Treatment and Processing, Transfer, and/or Disposal Facilities. In addition
to these types of facilities, specific rules are established for the management of special
waste types, i.e. septage, yard waste, medical waste, etc. Permits are Issued in two -
parts; a permit to construct the facility precedes a permit to operate. (15A NCAC 1313)
INJECTION WELL CONSTRUCTION/USE PERMIT, Division of Environmental
' Management, Ground water Section.
Required of any person proposing to construct, alter, repair or abandon any injection
well or owning, using, operating or proposing to use or operate any well for the
purpose of injecting any substance to the subsurface or ground waters of the state.
(15A NCAC 2C .0201 - .0214)
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UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK NOTIFICATION
Division of Environmental Management Ground water Section
North Carolina's Underground Storage Tank (UST) Rules, became effective on
January 1, 1991. These rules establish performance standards and notification
requirements for new and existing UST systems, set for release detection and
reporting requirements, and establish procedures for the closure of UST systems and
cleanup of releases. (15A NCAC 2N .0101 - .0805)
WELL CONSTRUCTION PERMIT
Division of Environmental Management Ground water Section
Required for any person constructing a well with a design capacity of 100,000 gallons
per day or greater, or of any well added to an existing well system if the combined
system is 100,000 gallons per day or greater. (15A NCAC 2C .0100 - .0119) It should
be noted that Brunswick County has no ordinance governing private wells.
IMPOUNDMENT PERMIT
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental
Health
A permit is required prior to the construction or excavation of a basin or the obstruction
of stream flow that would result in any body of water of 100 acres or more except when
formed under natural conditions. (15A NCAC 18B .0300 - .0309)
LOCATION AND PROTECTION OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES
Public Water Supply Section
A public water supply system is any system which provides piped water for human
consumption and the system has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves at
least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of a year. (15A NCAC 18C, .0202, .0202,
.0203)
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS APPROVAL
Public Water Supply Section, Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources
Required for construction, alteration, or expansion of a public water supply system.
(15A NCAC 18C, .0300, .0400, .0500, - .1000)
DAM SAFETY PERMIT
Division of Environmental Health
Any person proposing to construct, repair, modify or remove a dam must file a
statement concerning the proposed activity. A permit will be required prior to the
initiation of such activity if the dam is 15 feet or greater in height (from top of dam to
lowest point at downstream toe) and the impoundment capacity is 10-acre-feet or
greater at the top of the dam. (15A NCAC 2K .0100 - .0408)
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-runswick County Lana Use Plan Data Collection ana Analysis
F
11
H
GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATION PERMIT
Director of the Division of Land Resources
A permit is required to conduct aeoloaical, geophysical. and other surveys and
investigations including seismic 'meth o-as for the discovery of oil, gas, or other mineral
prospects. (15A NCAC 5C .0001 - .0028)
MINING PERMIT
Division of Land Resources, Land Quality Section
A mining permit is required for any land disturbing activity that affects one or more
acres of land and is conducted to accomplish one or more of the following: breaking
surface soil to extract or remove minerals, ores, or other solid matter; any activity or
process to remove or to extract, minerals, ores, soils, and other solid matter from its
original location; or the preparation, washing, cleaning or other treatment of such
materials so as to make them suitable for commercial, industrial, or construction use.
(15A NCAC 5B .0001 - .0012)
PERMIT TO DRILL EXPLORATORY OIL OR GAS WELL
Division of Land Resources, Geological survey Section
A permit is required to conduct any exploratory drilling for oil and gas at any location in
the state. (15A NCAC 5 D .0001 - .0011)
SEDIMENTATION CONTROL PLAN
Division of Land Resources, Land Quality Section
An approved erosion and sedimentation control plan is required for any land
disturbing activity which uncovers one or more contiguous acres of land. (15A NCAC
413 .0001 - .0027) In Brunswick County, written approval of any such sedimentation
control plan must be verified before any local building permit may be issued.
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE: INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS (IRP)
State Clearinghouse, Department of Administration
The State Clearinghouse primarily functions to maintain a state and local level review
and comment system for the following:
A. Notifications of intent to apply for federal assistance
B. Direct Federal Development Activities
C. Environmental Impact Statements (State and National)
(1 NCAC 9.500, 1 NCAC 25)
NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
State Clearinghouse, Department of Administration
Any activity which involves the expenditure of public moneys, state actions
(approvals), and which may significantly affect the quality of the environment, must
comply with the provisions of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act. (1 NCAC
25, 15A N CAC 1 C)
Brunswick County Planning Board page 40 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Lana Use Plan Data Collemon and Analvsis
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION - PERMIT REVIEW
Environmental Review Coordinator. Division of Archives and History, Department of
Cultural Resources
Under state and federal regulations. the Division's Archaeology and Historic
Preservation Section operates an environmental review and compliance program
which reviews permit applications to determine if issuance will affect significant
terrestrial or submerged archaeological, historical, or architectural resources. (NCAC
T07: 04R .0200 - .0206) It should be noted that this review process is generally not
required for projects not involving state or federal permits or financial assistance.
PERMIT FOR EXPLORATION: RECOVERY OR SALVAGE
Office of State Archaeology, Division of Archives and History
Any person wishing to explore, recover or salvage an abandoned shipwreck or any
underwater archaeological artifacts in state-owned bottoms of navigable waters must
apply for a permit. (7 NCAC 4R .1000 - 1013)
BRIDGE (OR OTHER STRUCTURES) EASEMENT OR LEASE (over navigable waters)
Department of Administration. State Property Office
Bridge (or other structures) easement over navigable waters and leases for oil and gas
exploration and minerals. (1 NCAC 6B .0601 - .610, .0306)
CABLE OR PIPELINE EASEMENTS (lands below navigable waters)
Department of Administration, State Property Office
Cable and /or pipeline corridors in or on lands below navigable waters. (I NCAC 61B
.0601 - .0610)
EASEMENT TO FILL (lands below navigable waters)
Department of Administration, State Property Office
Easements to fill are required for all filling activities in navigable waters where land is
raised above the normal high water mark. The State claims title to all lands below the
mean high water mark. Easements to fill are not required if the applicant has lost the
area due to erosion during his period of ownership. (I NCAC 613 .0501 - .0512, .0601 -
.0610)
401 CERTIFICATION
Division of Environmental Management, Water Quality Section
Any person engaged in an activity which may result in a discharge to navigable
waters, defined as waters of the United States, and requires a federal permit, must
obtain a certification that such discharge will be in compliance with applicable state
water quality standards. (15A NCAC 2H .0500 - .0502, and 15A NCAC 2B .0109 and
.0201 (b)).
1
Brunswick County Planning Board page 41 Glenn Harbeck Associates

:3,unswicK County Lana Use Plan Data Coilection ano Anaivsis
NPDES iNATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM PERMIT
' Division of Environmental Management. Permits and Engineering Unit. Water Quality
Section.
' Permit is required for any project involving the construction, alteration. and/or
operation of any sewer system. treatment works. or disposal system and certain storm
water runoff which would result in a discharge into surface waters. (15A NCAC 2H
' 0100) Also, as of October 1, 1992. two additional types of projects require NPDES
permits: construction sites that will disturb an area of more than five acres, and (2)
industrial sites which fall within certain SIC codes.
' PERMIT FOR WASTE NOT DISCHARGED TO SURFACE WATERS (SANITARY
SEWAGE SYSTEMS)
' Note: This type of activity is controlled by one of two agencies, depending upon the
specific nature of the waste discharge:
' (1) Division of Environmental Management Permits and Engineering Unit, Water
Quality Section
' Permits are required for review involving the following project types: sewers and
sewer extensions; pumping stations, sludge disposal systems, ground absorption
systems: spray irrigation or land application disposal systems and treatment works;
and closed system or recycle disposal systems and treatment works. (15A NCAC 2H
' .0200)
(2) Division of Environmental Health
Prior to the construction of any residence, business, or place of public assembly, a
' permit must be obtained from the local health department for an approved sanitary
sewage system unless the system is designed to discharge to the surface waters or
land surface or unless the system Is owned and operated as a public or community
system. These on -site sewage permits, issued by the local health departments, consist
of improvement permits and system approval prior to construction. (15A NCAC 18A,
1934 to 1968)
' STORMWATER CERTIFICATION
Division of Environmental Management, Water Quality Planning Section
' Storm water certification is required for all development in the 20 coastal counties that
involves land disturbing activities on more than one acre of land and requiring a
CAMA major permit or a sedimentation/erosion control plan. (15A NCAC 2H .1000 and
' 213 .0200)
SURFACE WATER SUPPLY WATERSHED PROTECTION
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental
Management
' This is a relatively new, cooperative program of water supply watershed management
and protection administered by local government consistent with minimum statewide
' Brunswick County Planning Board page 42 Glenn Harbeck Associates

BrunswlCK County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
management requirements as established by the Environmental Management
Commission (EMC) (15A NCAC 2B .0100, .0200. and .0300) No such watersheds
have been identified in Brunswick County.
Federal Licenses and Permits
PERMITS TO CONSTRUCT IN NAVIGABLE WATERS
The Army Corp of Engineers
These are permits required under Sections 9 and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of
1899
DREDGING AND FILLING ACTIVITY
The Army Corp of Engineers
These are permits required under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act of 1972.
PERMITS FOR BRIDGES, CAUSEWAYS, PIPELINES OVER NAVIGABLE WATERS
The US Coast Guard
These are permits required under the General Bridge Act of 1946 and the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899.
ENERGY RELATED PERMITS
The Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management (Department of Interior)
These are permits required for off -shore drilling and approvals of outer continental
shelf pipeline corridor rights of way.
OTHER ENERGY RELATED PERMITS
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issues licenses for siting, construction and
operation of nuclear power plants; required under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, Title
II of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues permits for construction,
operation, and maintenance of interstate pipelines facilities required under the Natural
Gas Act of 1938. The Commission also issues: orders for interconnection of electric
transmission facilities under Section 202 (b) of the Federal Power Act; permits for
abandonment of natural gas pipeline and associated facilities under section 7C (b) of
the Natural Gas Act of 1938; and licenses for non-federal electric projects and
associated transmission lines under Sections 4 and 15 of the Federal Power Act.
U
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 43 Glenn Harbeck Associates

-runswick County Land Use Sian
Data Collection ana Anawsis
u
1.2.3 (c) Evaluation of Previous Land Use Plan Effectiveness
The last update of the Brunswick County Land Use Plan was certified by the Coastal
Resources Commission in December of 1987. The following is an evaluation by the
County Planning Department as to how that plan addressed the major issues it
identified and how successful the County has been in implementing the policies
recommended. Also included are highlights of several specific implementation actions
carried out in support of the 1987 Update —organized under each of the plan's major
policy sections. As will be seen in the paragraphs which follow, some of these items
are supportive of policies in more than one section of the plan.
Section 2.0 Overall Guiding Policy
Policy 2.0 of the 1987 update set the overall tone for the plan by stating the County's
overall support for positive growth and development. In all activities of the County
government, this basic policy has been the overriding factor in decision making. Thus,
the County's action in support of. for example. road improvements, expansions to the
County's water supply system, development of the County's industrial park, and better
management of new development through improved development regulations, are all
consistent with this objective.
Actions in Support of Section 2.1 Resource Protection Policies
Since the adoption of the last plan update in December 1987, the County has taken
several specific steps in furtherance of resource protection within the county:
New Subdivision Regulations —In October 1991, the County adopted a new, more
stringent subdivision ordinance after a lengthy period of public debate.
Zoning Ordinance Being Prepared —In November of 1991, the voters of Brunswick
County went to the polls to decide upon a non -binding referendum for zoning. The
motion passed by a better than 2-1 vote. The Board of County Commissioners then
directed the County Planning Director to present a draft ordinance by June of 1992.
Lockwood Folly River Basin Studies and Water Quality Monitoring —Due to the critical
importance and strategic location of the Lockwood Folly River to the central part of
coastal Brunswick County, the County has urged state and federal governments to
undertake necessary studies to address the challenges of growth and development
within this watershed basin. Water quality monitoring has been an on -going part of
these studies.
Reviews of Changes in Navigational Channels and Marina Proposals —The County
has worked in conjunction with the State in commenting upon various proposals for
changes in navigational channels and for marina proposals in various parts of the
county.
Each of the above actions demonstrate tangible efforts to improve the County's ability
to direct growth, and thus better manage the area's valuable environmental resources.
IBrunswick County Planning Board page 44 Glenn Harbeck Associates

1
Brunswick Countv Lana Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
Actions in Support of Section 2.2 Resource Production and Management I
Policies
On Goina Programs —Brunswick County has continued to fund various county level
,
programs in support of agriculture, forestry, mineral production and mining and
fisheries.
,
Consideration of Resource Production Issues in New Zoning Ordinance—
As the new zoning ordinance is developed, consideration is being given to the
necessary conservation of key resource areas in the county for long term management
'
and use. It is significant that the preparation of the ordinance will be occurring during
the same period of time that the land use plan update is being prepared. It is the
intention of the County that these two documents will work hand in hand. I
Actions in Support of Section 2.3 Economic and Community Development'
Policies
Brunswick County fully endorses state planning guidelines emphasizing the close '
relationship between necessary infrastructure and growth. The County's industrial
recruitment program is fully related to the necessary infrastructure for such land use
activities. Some examples follow: '
Waste Water Treatment Plant —The County government's first waste water treatment
plant is now open and directly supports the development of the two industrial parks in
the Leland area.
Zonina Ordinance —A primary consideration of the County's new zoning ordinance will
be a close relationship between proposed zoning districts and the availability or
proposed availability of necessary infrastructure. The ordinance will also serve to
reinforce the economics of that infrastructure once put in place.
Water Access Plan —Since the adoption of the 1987 land use plan, the County has
seen to it that a water access plan was develop and adopted. This plan is considered
important to plan for access to the county's estuarine waters by area citizens.
Navigation Needs —The navigation needs of the county's residents have been
emphasized to the State and the Corps of Engineers over the past five years, in
studies related to Lockwood Folly in particular. The County also supports continuing
and periodic improvements to the Cape Fear River channel for its regional economic
development benefits as well as national security concerns.
Energy Facilities —A relatively new cogenerating facility in the Southport/Oak Island
area provides steam and surplus power to CP&L and the Archer, Daniels, Midland
facility in that part of the county. The project is a major addition to the county tax base.
n
Brunswick County Planning Board page 45 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Lana Use Plan
Data Colle=on and Analysis
Subdivision Ordinance —The County's new subdivision regulations follow through on
the commitment of the County to encourage better streets (especially pavea) and
better standards for development ;n general.
Clean County Program —Also since 1987. a clean county program has been
established and staffing providea.
Actions in Support of Section 2.4 Public Participation Policies
With the most recent update to the County's land use plan, the County has continued
its commitment to public involvement in plan development. In keeping with this policy,
the County has again sought to hold public meetings in numerous locations in the
county rather than requiring residents to travel, for example. to the county government
center in Bolivia. In addition to the land use plan public involvement, there have also
been numerous workshops, hearings and other types of public work sessions held in
the various parts of the county on issues such as the subdivision regulations. solid
waste management, parks and recreation, planning for the County water system, etc.
Even so, the spread out nature of the county presents particular challenges for
meaningful public involvement, and efforts must continue to find more and better ways
to garner additional input.
Actions in Support of Section 2.5 Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Disaster
Recovery and Evacuation Plan
Since 1985, and for the first time in the history of Brunswick County, the County has
actively enforced flood plain regulations, all volumes of the state building code, and
has adopted the previously mentioned new subdivision regulations. In addition, it is
expected that the new county zoning ordinance will work to guide new. intensive
development away from hazardous locations in the county.
Section. 3.0 Land Classification
In keeping with the intent of the land classification system, the vast majority of all new
development in the county since 1987 has occurred within the municipal, developed.
transitional, and community land ciassification areas. While there are examples of
several small subdivisions which have occurred outside these areas, particularly in the
Ash-Waccamaw area, these developments have had little impact on regional
population shifts or needs for infrastructure improvements. They are also generally
well removed from any impacts on the fragile environmental resources of the county.
' In addition, the expansion of the County's public water supply system has been
entirely consistent with the growth policies implied by the land classification map. It
should.be noted that in the time frame since the last land use plan update was
' adopted (November 1987 through calendar year 1991), the County has reviewed
some 193 subdivision plats totaling 12,077 lots and has issued a total of 8,155
building permits in the unincorporated county, as follows:
1 Brunswick County Planning Board page 46 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
Single Family Residential 813
Manufactured Housing Units (Mobile Homes) 4,135 '
Multi -family Units 50
Commercial 283
Industrial 5 '
Other 2,869
Improvements to the 1992 Update I
Improvements to the 1992 Brunswick County Land Use Plan have focused primarily in I
three areas:
1. The Land Classification Map has been refined, carefully examining the new land '
classification categories suggested by the state guidelines for their application in
Brunswick County.
2. Policy statements have been refined, more accurately reflecting what are believed '
to be the prevailing wishes of the citizens in Brunswick County. This refinement
required a careful examination of the issues identified at public meetings, as well as '
consensus building among the board members responsible for drafting and adopting
the plan.
3. The County continues to emphasize and refine the relationship between '
infrastructure improvements and planned areas for growth and development.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 47 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Coilection ana Analvsis
I
1.3 Constraints; Land Suitability
The State CAMA guidelines require that three factors be considered in land use plans
regarding land suitability constraints. The factors are: (1) physical limitations for
development, (2) fragile areas. and (3) areas with resource potential. While much of
the information contained in this section is unchanged from the 1987 Land Use Plan, it
has been updated where appropriate.
1.3.1 PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
' Physical limitations for development involve areas where development would be
costly or cause undesirable consequences. Included are hazard areas, areas with soil
limitations, water supply sources. and areas where the slope exceeds 12%.
1.3.1(a) Natural Hazard Areas
In Brunswick County, natural hazard areas are areas of shallow flooding as well as
areas which are subject to wave velocity. The only ocean erodible area under County
jurisdiction is the area of the Baptist Assembly Grounds. That particular area has
' experienced historical and unusual accretion rather than erosion of ocean front lands.
It should also be noted that there is a seawall at this location.
' The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated flood hazard
areas in Brunswick County. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has prepared a map of
Storm Surge Inundation Areas for Brunswick County. This map is based on the
' Special Program to List the Amplitude of Surge from Hurricanes (SPLASH) model.
These maps are acceptable for general planning purposes. However, if a specific
parcel of land is in doubt as to its location with regard to a flood hazard area, a ground
' elevation certification from a registered land surveyor is required before a building
permit may be issued.
' A composite Hazardous Areas Map is presented on the following page.
1.3.1(b) Man -Made Hazard Areas
' In the Southport -Oak Island area there are several manmade hazards, including the
Carolina Power and Light nuclear facility, the Sunny Point Ocean Terminal and its
' associated railroad corridor, and the Archer Daniels Midland Chemical facility. In the
northeast area of the county is the Dupont Chemical facility. The three general
purpose airstrips within the County also are potentially hazardous.
These land uses are of significant economic benefit to Brunswick County and to all of
southeastern North Carolina; even so, land uses locating near these facilities need to
' be sensitive to potential associated hazards.
These manmade hazard areas are identified on the composite Hazardous Areas Map.
' Airstrip locations are also shown on the Community Facilities Map.
tBrunswick County Planning Board page 48 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
Inadequate and unsafe road conditions, which generated considerable public
comment in the 1987 Plan, did not receive the same level of attention in the 1992
round of public meetings. One exception is the new bypass around Shallotte, where a
considerable number of serious accidents have occurred since the opening of this
new roadway. The four-laning of US 17 is also expected to reduce traffic hazards on
this major facility, especially at Grissettown and Supply. Also, NC Highway 133 is
being widened and has had several bridges replaced since the last land use plan
update.
1.3.1(c) Soil Limitations
Soil limitations are characterized by poor drainage, foundation hazards, and septic
tank unsuitability. Distinctions can be made between areas which are characterized
as generally unsuitable, but within which small pockets of favorable soils do exist, as
well as areas where serious limitations are common to most of the soils present.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Soil Conservation Service completed a
detailed soil survey of Brunswick County several years ago. This soil survey is useful
in providing easily accessible, detailed information on soils in the county. Unlike
development patterns, soil types are not subject to change, except over considerable
periods of time.
Basic rating categories of soil associations found in Brunswick County are defined as
follows:
Slight: Soil properties are generally favorable for the stated uses, or limitations
are minor and can be easily overcome.
Moderate: Some soil properties are unfavorable for development but limitations can
be overcome or modified by special planning, good design, and careful
management.
Severe: Soil properties are unfavorable and resulting limitations are too difficult to
correct or overcome. Soil will require major soil reclamation or special
design for stated uses. This rating, however, does not imply that the soil
cannot be used.
For more detailed descriptions of specific soil types in Brunswick County, including
their suitability for septic tanks, roads, and building development, the reader is directed
to the Brunswick County Soil Survey, available from the US Soil Conservation
Service.
The County has employed a staff person, based in the County Engineering
Department, to serve as a Soil Scientist/Hydrologist. This person's duties include
determination of soil characteristics in relation to development proposals and required
permits.
C
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Brunswick County 9 Plannin Board page 49 Glenn Harbe& Associates I

11
Hazardous Areas Map
Flood rone Areas'
p
Sunny Point Buffer Zone
Ocean Hazard Areas
Municipal(Not in Planning Area)
Notes:
' There are two floockwons areas under the County's jurisdiction which are classified
as'V-zones', meaning that they could be subject to high velocity wind and water
damage during a mator storm event. These two areas are located on either side of
the Lockwood Folly inlet at the mouth of the River. They are identified on Ine map in
sold black.
= Due to map scale. this hazardous areas map is necessarily generalized in nature,
and is intended for general planning purposes only. Within some land areas, for
example. there may be pockets of land which should be considered ftoodprone.
Conversely, within the rxiodprone areas identified there may be pockets of high and
dry and.
In these situanons, more detailed, site specific information will lake prece-
dence over the more generalized map, and the appropriate policies of the land use
plan document will appry.
Brunswick County
LAND USE PLAN
1993 Update
Glenn Harbeck Associates
Planning and Public Involvement
SCALE IN MILES
7ZmLJ
NORTH 0 1 2 3

_':runswici County Land Use Tian Data Collection and Anaivsis
Causes of Septic Tank Failure
One of the most common causes of septic tank failures in Brunswick County is the
installation of septic tank systems in soils which have seasonally high water tables.
' Another cause of failure is from the presence of an impervious soil layer which can
become saturated following rainfall and retard the vertical movement of water. These
' layers may be hardpans, clays, sandpans, or organic soil horizons. In Brunswick
County, these impervious layers are scattered in haphazard fashion and it is difficult to
predict their spatial arrangement. Organic soil horizons are a particularly difficult soil
' structure to pinpoint because of uneven organic decomposition. As soil types, sub -soil
types. and such factors as ground water tables vary, different sized lots or different
dimensions of lots are necessary to address particular situations.
A third cause of failures are those numerous instances where septic tanks and their
filter fields have, over the years, been permitted for developments on inadequately
sized lots (taking into consideration both total square footage and the outside
dimensions of such lots).
Prior to the NC Ground Absorption and Sewage Treatment Act of 1981 and resulting
Administrative Law, many very small lots were platted in the county. That process
changed materially following the 1981 law. The County's new subdivision ordinance
now requires a minimum of 17,000 square feet of lot acreage if County water is
' available and an absolute minimum of 7,500 square feet, regardless of what utilities
may be available.
' Land Suitability Analysis
Of the County's total 558,720 acres of land (approximately 855 square miles) the
' following breakdowns have been tabulated from the land suitability analysis of the
Brunswick County Soil Survey:
' CATEGORY ACRES % OF TOTAL
1. Soils with Limitations for 305,120 54.6%
' Septic Tank Systems
2. Soils with Limitations for the 233,520 41.8
' Support of Building
Foundations
' 3. Soils well suited for 247,000 44.3
Development
' 4. Soils well suited for 139,940 25.1
Agricultural Development
i 5. Soils well suited for 325,200 58.2
Forest Protection
Brunswick County Planning Board
page 50
Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
It should be noted that this analysis is very broad brush in nature; soils may be
modified through site engineering, improved drainage, etc., thereby dramatically
altering their suitability for development. Also, the percentages shown do not add to
1000%, due to the applicability of more than one category to a given parcel of land.
Even so, the figures do give some indication of the general character of much of the
land in coastal Brunswick County.
1.3.1(d) Potable Water Supply
The County is a major provider of potable water, with an expanding piped water
supply system serving both unincorporated and incorporated areas. Details of this
piped water supply system are further outlined in Section 1.4.1 of this Plan. The piped
water supply system is fed by a combination of treated surface and ground water.
Even so, the majority of Brunswick County residents continue to rely on non -regulated,
individual groundwater wells as a major source of potable water. Among problems
associated with wells in low lying coastal areas are salt water intrusion, brackish water
in heavy use areas, reliance upon septic tanks on the same small lots with individual
wells. and competition for such ground water among industrial, agricultural, and
residential users.
Some engineering studies have predicted that salt water infiltration of the county's
groundwater resources may occur as soon as the year 2000 in the area from the
ocean to at least U.S. 17, and along the Cape Fear River north to the general area of
the Dupont Plant. As a result, continued expansion of the County system would
appear to be a prudent and necessary course of action.
In the five years since the 1987 Land Use Plan was adopted, the County has provided
water distribution lines to over 10,000 lots in the more developed, unincorporated
areas of the county.
1.3.1(e) Areas Which Exceed 12% Slope
There are no known areas in the unincorporated area of Brunswick County with slopes
as extreme as 12%, excepting a ravine which is undevelopable near the Cape Fear
River.
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Brunswick Countv Lana Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
1.3.2 FRAGILE AREAS
Fragile areas are those areas which could be easily damaged or destroyed by
inappropriate or poorly planned development. Some of these sensitive lands have
been designated by the Coastal Resources Commission as Areas of Environmental
Concern (AFC's). Special consideration is to be given regarding their use.
This section of the Plan describes the significance and location of fragile areas located
within Brunswick County's planning jurisdiction. These sensitive areas are identified
on the Fragile Areas Map, which is presented on the next page. Policies regarding
land use in, or adjacent to. fragile areas are outlined in Sections 2.1.2 and 2.1.3.
Of speciai note in this round of land use plan updates is the availability of cost -share
matching grant funds which may be available to local governments in North Carolina
to finance inventories of natural areas and rare species. The funds are available
throuah the North Carolina Heritage Program, administered by Planning Division,
Division of Parks and Recreation. Raleigh. (Contact: Frank Boteler at [phone].
In addition, owners of fragile land areas may wish to take advantage of the tax benetits
of donating land for conservation purooses. Senate Bill 405, ratified in 1989.
increased the maximum income tax credit to 25% of the fair market value of the
donated interest in the land, up to a maximum of $25,000. (previously limited to a
maximum of $5,000). Complete information is available from the Wilmington regional
office of the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (919) 395-
3900.
' Areas of Environmental Concern (AFC's)
The Coastal Area Management Act of North Carolina calls for the identification of
certain environmentally fragile and important land and water areas that are judged to
be of greater than local significance. The Coastal Resources Commission, in
cooperation with local governments in the 20-county coastal area, has developed a
' program of permit review and coordination within areas of environmental concern
(AEC's), Essentially, special CAMA permits are required of all developments within
desianated AEC's. The intent of the regulatory program is not to stop development,
but rather to insure compatibility of development with the continued productivity and
value of certain critical land and water areas.
IThere are four broad categories of AEC's:
- Estuarine Systems
- Ocean Hazard Areas Systems
- Public Water Supplies
Natural and Cultural Resource Areas
' Each of these broad AEC categories is discussed in greater detail in the paragraphs
that follow.
' Brunswick County Planning Board page 52 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
1.3.2(a) Estuarine Systems AEC's
The estuarine system of Brunswick County consists of all estuarine waters, coastal
wetlands, public trust areas and estuarine shorelines. In general, the estuarine system
is defined by all of the salt and brackish inland waters and adjacent land areas of the
County.
Coastal Wetlands AEC's
These are the marshes, subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including
normal wind tides. Brunswick County contains numerous salt water marshes and
brackish marshes along its rivers and along the Intracoastal Waterway. It is the
objective of the State and County to safeguard and perpetuate the biological, social,
economic, and aesthetic value of these marshes as a natural resource essential to the
functioning of the estuarine system. Accordingly, State administrative law defines
suitable and unsuitable uses.
Estuarine Water AEC's
Estuarine waters have previously been defined as "all the water of the Atlantic Ocean
within the boundary of North Carolina, and all the water of the bays, sounds, rivers,
and tributaries thereto, seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and
inland fishing waters." (15 NCAC317.0200) Another way of defining estuarine waters is
to say that estuaries are semi -enclosed coastal water bodies having free connection
with the open sea and within which seawater is measurably diluted with fresh water
drained from the adjacent land. The estuarine water AEC's of Brunswick County are
associated with the Intracoastal Waterway and the southern sections of the Cape Fear,
Shallotte, and Lockwood Folly rivers.
Public Trust AEC's
Public trust AEC's are all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder, from
the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of State jurisdiction; all natural bodies
of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high
water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean
high water level or mean water level, as the case may be, except privately owned
lakes, to which the public has no right of access; all water in artificially created bodies
of water containing significant public fishing resources or other public resources which
are accessible to the public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public has
rights of navigation; and all waters in artificially created bodies of water in which the
public has acquired rights by a prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other
means.
In considering development on any body of water in Brunswick County, it is best to
presume that the water is in the public trust unless otherwise specifically documented.
The Intracoastal Waterway is the major Public Trust AEC in Brunswick County.
Development which would block or impair existing navigation channels, increase
shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 53 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Fragile Areas Map
Estuarine & Freshwater Systems
®
Green Swamp
Wildlife Management Areas
Bear Sanctuary
Ocean Hazard Areas
Municipal(Not in Planning Area)
Note: Due to map scale, this map is necessarily generalized in nature, and is Intended
for general informational purposes only.
Brunswick County
LAND USE PLAN
1993 Update
Glenn Harbeck Associates
Planning and Public Involvement
SCALE IN MILES
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=runsvncrc County Lana Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
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circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish
waters is considered incompatible with public trust areas.
Estuarine Shorelines
Estuanne shorelines, aithougn treated ostensibly as dry land, are considered a
component of the estuarine system because of the close association with the adjacent
estuarine waters. Estuarine shorelines are those non -ocean shorelines which are
especially vulnerable to erosion. flooding. or other adverse effects of wind and water,
and are intimately connected to the estuary. This area extends from the mean high
water level or normal water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish
waters for a distance of 75' landward. It is useful to emphasize that where the range of
saltwater influence on freshwater streams ends is also the approximate location where
the estuarine shoreline AEC also ends.
Because of the direct proximity. development in this area has a great influence on the
quality of the estuaries and is also subject to the damaging processes of shoreline
erosion and flooding. Accordingly, the State has defined standards for development
which take into consideration the dynamics of the shoreline and the resources
associated with estuarine waters. These standards are to insure that development
does not have an adverse impact on the estuarine system.
1.3.2(b) Ocean Hazard Area AEC's
These are natural hazard areas along the ocean shoreline where, because of their
special vulnerability to erosion or other adverse effects of sand, wind, and water,
uncontrolled or incompatible development could unreasonably endanger life or
property. Such areas include beaches, frontal dunes, inlet lands, and other areas
where there is a substantial possibility of excessive erosion or flood damage.
It is the objective of the State and County to provide management policies and
standards for such areas that serve to eliminate unreasonable danger to life and
property. A balance must also be achieved among the financial, safety. and social
factors involved in this type of development.
Types of Ocean Hazard Areas Are:
Ocean erodible areas —these are areas in which there exists a substantial possibility
of excessive erosion and significant shoreline fluctuation.
' High hazard flood areas —this is the area subject to high velocity waters in a storm
having a one percent chance of being equalled or exceeded in any given year, as
identified as Zone VI-30 on federal flood insurance rate maps.
' Inlet hazard areas —these are areas with a substantial possibility of excessive erosion,
located adjacent to inlets. The State sets use standards for ocean hazard areas by
' administrative law. The State further: requires erosion control activities. dune
establishment and stabilization, sets standards for structural accessways, and
new/substantial construction standards in ocean hazard areas.
' Brunswick County Planning Board page 54 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick Countv Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
The Ocean Hazard Areas designated within Brunswick County are, for the most part,
within the municipalities' jurisdictions. The only exception to this is the extreme
eastern tip of Oak Island. This area contains Fort Caswell and is owned by the North
Carolina Baptist Assembly. Only limited public access is allowed.
1.3.2(c) Public Water Supply AEC's
Small Surface Water Supply Watershed AEC's
Small surface water supply watersheds are catchment areas situated entirely within
the coastal area, classified by the North Carolina Environmental Management
Commission as Class A-11, which means that the maximum beneficial use is that of a
public water supply.
Classification of streams and rivers is an ongoing process by the State. When a
stream is Class A-11, no ground absorption sewage disposal systems may be located
within 100 feet of the water, a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) is required, and the standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution
Control Act of 1973 must be met. There are no such designated areas in Brunswick
County.
Public Water Supply Weil Field AEC's
Public water supply well fields are areas of well -drained sands that extend downward
from the surface into shallow ground water supplies. The North Carolina Department
of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources has identified such areas. There are
standards to be met on any development over such a well field. There are no such
designated areas in Brunswick County.
1.3.2(d) Natural and Cultural Resource AEC's
This fourth category of AEC's covers areas containing environmental, natural, or
cultural resources of more than local significance. State Administrative Law (15 NCAC
7H.0503) provides a nomination and designation process for any site to be declared
this type of AEC.
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Coastal Complex Natural Areas and Coastal Areas that Sustain Remnant I
Species AEC's
Coastal complex natural areas are lands that support native plant and animal '
communities and provide habitat qualities which have remained essentially
unchanged by human activity. These areas function as key biological enclaves for a
variety of natural species. They may be surrounded by landscape that has been '
modified but does not drastically alter conditions within the natural area.
Coastal areas that sustain remnant species are areas that support native plants or ,
animals determined to be rare or endangered. The objective is to protect habitat
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conditions necessary to *he continued survival of threatened and endangered native
plants and animals.
Although no areas in Brunswick County have been officially designated in this
category of AEC, there are many such areas in the County. Several years ago the
Norm Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, (now
the Department of Environment. Health. and Natural Resources) Division of Parks and
Recreation, National Heritage Program compiled detailed information on these areas.
a summary of which is available at the Brunswick County Planning Department.
Unique Coastal Geologic Formation AEC's
No unique coastal geological formations have been identified by State geologists in
Brunswick County.
Significant Coastal Archaeological Resource AEC's
Significant coastal archaeological resources are sites. objects. or features evaluated
by the NC Historical Commission that have more than local significance to history or
prehistory.
Brunswick County has a large number of archaeological sites. The great majority of
these sites have not been excavated nor has the county been systematically surveyed.
However, 172 prehistoric sites have been identified and entered into the State's
prehistoric file inventory maintained by the Department of Cultural Resources and the
Archeology Branch section.
The majority of these sites consist of surface scatters whose cultural affiliation has not
been identified. A number of midden mounds, which were areas of discard and
refuse. have also been noted.
In addition to the prehistoric sites, there are a number of known shipwrecks in the
Cape Fear River.
Significant Coastal Architectural Resources
The following inventory includes a description of the more significant historic sites
found throughout Brunswick County (not including Southport, for which a separate
inventory has been compiled).
HISTORIC SITES/FRAGILE AREAS
1.
Williams House
2.
Belvedere Plantation
3.
Railroad Hotel
4.
Winnabow Plantation
5.
Clarendon Plantation
6.
Olde Town Plantation
7.
Pleasant Oaks Plantation
Brunswick County Planning Board page 56 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan
Data Collection and Analysis
8.
Orton Plantation
9.
Brunswick Town (Fort Anderson, St. Phillips Church)
10.
Battery Lamb and Saltworks
11.
Price's Creek Lighthouse
12.
"The Rock's" (structure gone)
13.
Quarantine Station (structure gone)
14.
Fort Caswell
15.
Gause's Tomb
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16.
Hickory Hall
17.
Bald Head Lighthouse
18.
Cape Fear Lighthouse Complex
'
19.
Goodman Family House
20.
W. H. Walker House
21.
Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery
22.
Concord Methodist Church
'
23.
Sunny Side School
24. Bethel United Methodist Church ,
25. USCG Station at Oak Island
Many of these structures no longer stand. The old USCG Station at Oak Island is '
presently scheduled to be demolished. Some of the plantations ceased activities 150
years ago. Detailed descriptions of some of the more significant sites are available
from the Brunswick County Planning Department. '
1.3.2(e) Fragile Land Areas
Areas listed in this section include important natural or manmade sites which do not '
conveniently fit into previously listed AEC categories, yet are still deemed to be
development constraints because of their importance. The County regards these ,
areas to be no less significant than those officially designated.
Freshwater Swamps and Marshes ,
Brunswick County has thousands of acres of private and public freshwater swamps
and marshes. Most notable is the Green Swamp, which is the predominant land/water '
feature in the north central area of the county. Other important swamp and marsh
areas which should be protected are the Big Cypress Bay and Ponds, Orton Pond,
Spring Creek Pond, and numerous swamps and marshes associated with the Cape
Fear, Town Creek, Lockwood Folly, Shallotte, Calabash and Waccamaw Rivers.
Maritime Forest I
While there are no traditional maritime forests located in that portion of the
unincorporated area under Brunswick County's jurisdiction, some sections of land on '
the north side of ;he intracoastal waterway have elements of maritime forest, related
perhaps, to the period of time before the intracoastal waterway separated these areas
from their adjacent oceanfront land areas.
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1.3.3 AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL
Areas with resource potential include productive and unique agricultural land,
valuable mineral sites, private sanctuaries. public recreation lands. and other non -
intensive recreational uses.
1.3.3(a) Productive and Unique Agricultural Land
The Governor's Executive Order 96. Conservation of Prime Agricultural and Forests,
sets forth the State's policy of providing for the conservation of soil to promote the
efficient production and utilization of soil ... and to conserve natural resources. The
order directed each county's Soil and Water Conservation Commission to work closely
with the respective county Soil and Water Conservation Districts to develop a map of
prime agricultural and forest lands in their respective jurisdictions.
Soils that should be considered prime farmland, soils which are locally important. and
soils that are unique to specific locations have been identified for Brunswick County;
this information is available from the S & W Conservation District Soil Scientist in map
form. ,.
Prime farmland contains soils best suited for producing food, feed, fiber, forage and
oilseed crops. They are economically productive for all major crops common to the
' county. They are not excessively erodible or saturated with water for long periods of
time. Soils categorized as prime in Brunswick County are Foreston. Goldsboro. Johns.
Norfolk, and Onslow.
Locally important farmland has characteristics which cannot meet the reouirements of
prime soil designation but may produce economically satisfactory results, depending
' on their setting and the management practices employed. These soils may be
naturally wet and lack adequate internal drainage. Soils falling into this category are
Baymeade. Blanton, Croatan, Grifton, Lynchburg, Pactolus. Pantego, Rains.
' Tomahawk, Torhunta, Wando, and Woodington.
In addition, certain soils have been designated as unique. This farmland is sometimes
' used for the production of a specific crop that may not be produced on a general basis
in the area. Blueberries are a crop with special soil requirements that are unique to
the county. The soils with these qualities are Leon Fine Sand and Murville Mucky Fine
Sand.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 58 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Anal sis
AGRICULTURAL LANDS
PRIME FARMLAND SOILS
Foreston
26,692 acres
Goldsboro
29.830 acres
Johns
3,116 acres
Onslow
3,439 acres
Norfolk
12.521 acres
75,598 acres
LOCALLY IMPORTANT FARMLAND SOILS
Baymeade
55,973 acres
Blanton
16,127 acres
Croatan
3,533 acres
Grifton
22,023 acres
Lynchburg
19,991 acres
Pactolus
47,771 acres
Pantago
8,305 acres
Rains
35,619 acres
Tomahawk
4,975 acres
Torhunta
3,994 acres
Wando
12,176 acres
Woodington
29,703 acres
260,190 acres
UNIQUE LAND SOILS
Leon Fine Sand 45,611 acres
Murville Mucky Fine Sand 39,490 acres
Total 85,101 acres
It should be noted that these figures tend to exaggerate the amount of land actually
available for farming in Brunswick County. Many of these soils are located in areas
which are impractical to farm because of access, high water table levels, or other
reasons.
1.3.3(b) Valuable Mineral Sites
No known valuable mineral deposits exist in Brunswick County. Sand and coquina is
sometimes extracted for construction applications. There are some scattered deposits
of gravel, but the feasibility of mining is not known.
1.3.3(c) Private Sanctuaries
The Nature Conservancy owns 15,814 acres of land within the Green Swamp. The
Conservancy is a private organization dedicated to the preservation of unique natural
areas. It is the intent of the Conservancy that the area will remain free from
development .
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Various large private landholdings are 'de facto" gamelands by virtue of their isolation
and general inaccessibility. (These areas are mainly owned by timber companies).
The Orton Plantation and Pond is another major private landholding in Brunswick
County which contains natural areas uniquely salted for wildlife habitat.
While clearly not a private sanctuary, the community of Boiling Spring Lakes (17,000+
acres) has much of its territory taken up by land .vhich is not suited for development.
The State has also designated a Game Land/Bear Sanctuary within Brunswick
County. The Bear Sanctuary is one of 28 designated areas within the State designed
to promote the preservation of the species. Bear hunting is prohibited inside the
Sanctuary. Major private sanctuaries are identified on the Fragile Areas Map.
1.3.3(d) Public Recreation Land
The area north of the municipal limits of Bald head Island to the New Hanover County
line is owned entirely by the State of North Carolina. This land form separates the
Cape Fear River from the Atlantic Ocean. (The word "land" is somewhat misleading as
the areas consists of marsh, water, and small isiands).
Within this area are several different management and administrative jurisdictions.
The area adjacent to the New Hanover County line is now part of the National
Estuarine Sanctuary Program. This is a federal program (Section 315 of the Coastal
Zone Management Act) which provides the acquisition, development or operation of
areas "to serve as natural field laboratories in which to study and gather data on the
natural and human processes in the coastal region and man's effect on them."
' The Zeke's Island sanctuary is located in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties,
encompassing approximately 1.165 acres of upland, intertidal, and shallow water
areas. 178.8 upland acres of the site were donated to the State of North Carolina in
' 1981 as the initial component of North Carolina's National Estuarine Sanctuary. The
area is managed primarily as an educational and research site. though compatible
recreational uses are allowed.
For further information regarding the Zeke's Island sanctuary, contact the Marine
Sanctuary Program, Division of Coastal Management in Raleigh.
' The area south of Zeke's Island sanctuary consists of about 10,000 acres of marsh and
approximately 1,000 acres of upland. At last report, this area was being administered
by several State agencies. The majority of this area is administered by the
Department of Parks and Recreation. The Wildlife Resources Commission and the
Division of Marine Fisheries combine regulatory and enforcement jurisdiction.
' Battery Island and Striking Island have been leased by the State to the Audubon
Society for fifty year periods.
' Brunswick County Planning Board page 60 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
The spit of land above New Iniet is located in Brunswick County and is part of the Fort
Fisher State Historic Site. This area is administered by the Department of Cultural '
Resources and regulations are enforced by the Division of Parks and Recreation.
1.3.3(e) Other Non -intensive Recreational Uses ,
All or he navigable waters in the county are publicly owned. (Hence, their designation
as Public Trust Waters.) They are used for commercial and recreational fishing, '
swimming, and boating.
Also. ail the beach below mean high tide is owned by the State, as is any land raised I
througn beach nourishment projects.
In recent years, numerous semi -private and private golf courses have been developed
in Brunswick County. Nearly all of these courses are being built in the area of the
county between U.S. 17 and the intracoastal waterway. Most have been built in
conjunction with single family residential developments. There are currently twenty or '
more 18-hole or larger golf courses in Brunswick County, with more under
construction.
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1.4 Constraints; Carrying Capacity Analysis
As discussed in the preceding section, the suitability of land for development presents
one set of constraints on the future orowth of Brunswick County. These mostly natural
constraints are largely beyond the control of man, without considerable and often
costly modification of the land resource.
A second set of constraints, however, has to do with local governments' ability to
provide and pay for community facilities and services in the face of continued growth.
While such ability is linked to some degree to the natural systems upon which certain
facilities (such as water) depend, the provision of such facilities and services is more a
function of conscious decisions on the part of local governments as to whether such
services are needed, who will pay for them, how and when.
1.4.1 POTABLE WATER SYSTEM
After years of study, the County entered the water business on a fairly large scale in
1974, establishing a water treatment plant served by a well field. located about two
miles west of the Southport -Oak Island area, on NC 211. Trunk mains were provided
so that this plant served the Southport area. the rapidly develooing unincorporated
area related both to Southport and to Oak Island, and Caswell Beach, Long Beach
and Yaupon Beach on Oak Island, and then via trunk main under the Lockwood Folly
Inlet to Holden Beach.
That system was upgraded in 1980 so that the so-called "NC 211 " plant is today
' capable of producing six million gallons of potable water per day.
Starting in 1981, a major expansion of the system began, funded by a $37 million
general obligation bond approved by the County's voters. Initially trunk mains. with
necessary booster pumping stations and water tanks, were extended northerly from
Holden Beach via NC 130 through the heavily developed area between the Lockwood
' Folly and Shallotte Rivers to and through Shallotte. From Shallotte, the lines continued
on via NC 179 through the rapidly developing southwestern sector of the County all
the way through Calabash to a point just shy of the South Carolina state line. Today,
' the County system serves the Towns of Shallotte, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach,
Holden Beach, Yaupon Beach, Long Beach and Caswell Beach.
' It should be noted that the main source of water for the County system was changed in
the early 1980s. The County made an "up front" loan of $7,000,000 to the Lower Cape
Fear Water and Sewer Authority to permit that agency to undertake a regional project.
' As a result, the principal source of water became the Cape Fear River, from an intake
located above Lock No. 1 in Bladen County. From there, raw water is pumped through
a 48" trunk main through Columbus County into Brunswick County, where it connects
with the main water treatment plant in the northwest area of the County. This 24 million
gallon per day water treatment plant opened at Hoods Creek in 1989 with an
extensive additional network of trunk mains.
From this 24 MGD plant (capable of expansion to 48 MGD), 48" trunk mains extend,
then 42", then 36", and in some cases, then down to 24", running in varying directions.
' Brunswick County Planning Board page 62 Glenn Harbeck Associates

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These trunk mains cut through the northeastern portion of the county and provide a
connecting point for the Leland Sanitary District on Mount Misery Road. They then run
via the Sunny Point Railroad right-of-way, then southwesterly on U.S. 17 to connect
into the system in Shallotte, and southerly to connect into the original plant on NC 211
in the Southport -Oak Island area.
In addition, the County adopted a Water Distribution Systems Policy regarding new
developments in 1984. As a result, over 100 subdivisions have installed and
dedicated to the County, water distribution systems to serve these new areas. Some
10.000+ lots in the County are currently served by the Water System.
In July of 1989, the total median daily demand from all customers tied into the County
system was 3.7 million gallons of a total system capacity of 30 million gallons. By 1993
median daily demand had increased to 10 million gallons per day. This represents a
33% utilization. (p. 6, Water Distribution System Master Plan, Brunswick County, 1990
and telephone conversation with a representative of the County Engineering office.).
Plans for Expansion
In September of 1990, work was completed on a new Water Distribution System
Master Plan. Prepared for Brunswick County by the engineering firm of William G.
Daniel and Associates, the report analyzed the current distribution system, projected
future water consumption, and recommended improvements to the system for action
by 1991, 1995 and 2010. The following are relevant excerpts from the System Master
Plan, for each of the target years, in reverse order:
Year 2010 System Recommendations
For the year 2010, a 24" line is recommended along NC 133 from Leland Industrial
Park to NC 87 just above the Sunny Point Pump Station. It should connect to the
existing 36" line below the Leland tank via US 74/76.
A line along NC 211 between the 211 Water Plant and US 17 is proposed. This line's
diameter is 24" at the plant but can be reduced to 16" at Midway Road (SR 1500). A
16" line connecting NC 211 with Long Beach is also recommended. A 12" line along
Stone Chimney Road (SR 1115) from NC 211 to the existing line in Sabbath Home
Road (SR 1120) is necessary. The final waterline proposed for this portion of the
County is a 16" line from US 17 to NC 130 storage tank near the intersection of NC
130 (Holden Beach Road) and Sabbath Home Road will be needed to supplement the
existing Holden Beach tank.
The portion of the County below Shallotte will require several new waterlines. One is a
24" main along US 17 from Shallotte to Ocean Isle Beach Road (SR 1184) which
continues on down US 17 to Thomasboro as a 20" diameter line. South from
Thomasburo along SR 1165 to Clariday Road (SR 1164), a 20" line is recommended.
From there a 16" line is proposed for Clariday Road, where it will connect with the
existing main in NC 179. It is also recommended that a new 12" line be installed
parallel to the existing 8" line in NC 179 down to Pump Station No. 5. Finally, two
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connections between US 17 and NC 179 will also be necessary, a 20" line along
' Ocean Isle Beach Road (SR 1184) and a 12" one down NC 904.
In addition to the proposed lines through this portion of the County, a 0.5 million gallon
elevated tank should be erected in the vicinity of the NC 904/NC 179 intersection.
' (Note: Reference to the above -proposed tanK is in addition to the tank to be completed on NC 179,
approximately half way between Ocean Isle ar.a Shallotte.)
1995 System Recommendations
If Brunswick County's population increases as anticipated. the following portions of the
' proposed 2010 improvements will be required by 1995:
—The 12" line down Stone Chimney Road (SR 1115) from NC 211 to the existing 12"
waterline in Sabbath Home Road (SR 1120).
—That portion of the 16" waterline down NC 211 from US 17 to the above line in
Stone Chimney Road.
—The 16" line from US 17 to NC 130 via Mt. Pisgah Road (SR 1130) and Civietown
' Road (SR 1132), and
—A 20" waterline between US 17 anc NC 179 along Ocean Isle Beach Road (SR
1184).
' No new booster pump stations or storage tanks will be required in 1995.
Please note that the above recommendations assume that those facilities in the
' Shallotte to Calabash area (proposed for construction in 1991) are already in service.
These will be discussed in the following section.
' 1991 System Recommendations
The proposed US 17 line will become the main artery for serving the beach front areas
' via connections to NC 179 along Ocean Isle Beach Road, NC 179, and Thomasboro
Road. If Pump Station No. 4 is left in operation, it will reduce the amount of water
carried down NC 904 and Ocean Isle Beach Road by raising the pressure along NC
' 179. The additional water which will be conveyed down NC 179 from Shallotte as a
result of No. 4 remaining in operation vVill create large friction losses above No. 4 and
cause significantly lower pressures through that reach. Therefore, system performance
' will be enhanced by Pump Station No. 4 being off-line.
The engineers then considered several different scenarios for system improvements in
conjunction with the above recommendations. The proposed "Alternate 5" was then
selected and is described as follows:
' -Construct the US 17 line to Thomasboro, continue with a line to Calabash along
Thomasboro Road, also install the line from US 17 to NC 179 down NC 904, and
reverse Pump Station No. 5, but do not build an elevated tank.
•Construction of the recommended 1991 improvements is underway.
' •Major water system trunk lines, both existing and proposed, are shown on the
Community Facilities Map found at the end of this section (page 77a).
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1.4.2 SEWER AND STORM DRAINAGE
Brunswick County is wrestling with what many local leaders see as the number one
constraint to development, that of sewage treatment. The county's relatively sparse
development patterns make the provision of a single, centralized sewage treatment
system unworkable. Areas where there are concentrations of small lots or higher
density development (such as near the beach communities) offer some possibilities,
however. As a result, there are several local area initiatives underway which would
seek to address this problem. While these sewage treatment systems do not fall under
the planning jurisdiction of Brunswick County, considerable information has been
collected and summarized below to provide a general picture of what is going on.
Calabash and the Town of Sunset Beach recently completed studies to evaluate the feasibility
of centralized sewage facilities to serve their respective areas. An outcome of the studies was a
recommendation that the communities jointly develop a combined sewage treatment system. As a
result, they have formed the South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority. A planned phase one
plant would treat up to 2 million gallons per day. It is hoped that the facility would become
operational in three to four years. pending approval of funding. The Town of Shallotte is
planning to expand its sewage treatment capacity from 208 thousand gallons to 500 thousand
gallons per day. (The system is presently operating at about 65 % of capacity.) At Ocean Isle
Beach. a relatively new sewer system is currently in service. In December of 1992 bids were
opened to increase the Ocean Isle Beach wastewater treatment system by one third to a
capacity of one million gallons per day. Holden Beach has studied the issue for several years
but has apparently not been able to reach a consensus on the subject. Yaupon Beach recently
developed its own system which is reportedly under construction.
The Town of Southport expanded its sewage treatment plant during the past five years and
has plenty of capacity available at the present time. Just west of Southport, the Southeastern
Sanitary District is moving actively toward a 400 thousand gallon per day centralized sewage
system for that part of the county. Future system capacity could be as much as 1 million gallons
per day. The District has received a $2.1 million grant from FmHA and has passed a general
obligation bond for $1.2 million. The system is scheduled to become operational in the Fall of
1994. In the northeast part of the county, the Towns of Leland and Belville are each working
toward sewage treatment systems for their respective areas. Finally, the County undertook its
first activity in the provision of a public waste water treatment plant and service about five years
ago. This was in connection with a new county -owned industrial park. The plant was completed
and placed in service in 1987.
It should be noted that the County sewer system at the Leland Industrial Park is a modular,
package system capable of easy expansion. The treatment plant is located adjacent to the
receiving stream, the Cape Fear River, provides 24-hour hydraulic detention time for the 250,000
gpd design flow, and is capable of meeting the 30 mg/effluent limits for biochemical oxygen
demand and suspended solids respectively. The system has a 4.5 mile 8" sewer main. It is
currently (1992) operating at about ten percent of capacity. Each of the various sewer service
areas, whether existing or proposed, is shown on the Community Facilities Map, found at the end
of this section (page 77a).
Through its water management program and, more particularly, through its newly revised
subdivision review and approval program, the County has recently improved its capabilities
regarding the proper design of new storn, drainage facilities. However, no comprehensive storm
water management master plan has been prepared for the County to date. As certain portions of
the County become more densely developed, and adverse impacts on the County's estuarine
waters increase, a comprehensive storm water master plan may be necessary. In this regard, an
initiative is underway to seek state funding of an environmental management plan specifically
addressing storm water runoff in the Lockwood Folly River basin.
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developed. and adverse impacts on the County's estuarine waters increase, a
' comprehensive storm water master plan may be necessary.
1.4.3 TRANSPORTATION
' 1.4.3(a) Public Roads
' Brunswick County had 620 miles of paved public roads and 156 miles of unpaved
public roads as of January 1991 (the most recent date for which figures were
available). For comparison, at the time of the last Land Use Plan Update in 1987, there
' were 587 miles of paved public roads and 166 miles of unpaved public roads in the
County. There is a considerable undetermined amount of unpaved private subdivision
roads that have yet to be upgraded and added to the state secondary road system.
During public meetings, a continuing concern voiced by County residents was the
numerous inadequate and unsafe roadways within the County. Because of the high
volume of seasonal visitation to the beach areas. certain roads are carrying excessive
amounts of traffic.
' In October and November of 1987, just prior to certification of the last Land Use Plan
Update by the CRC, a new Thoroughfare Plan for Brunswick County was adopted by
the County and its municipalities. Following local adoption, the plan was then adopted
' by the NC DOT in February of 1988. Preparation of the plan involved a cooperative
effort of the Thoroughfare Planning Unit, Planning and Research Branch, Division of
Highways, NC Department of Transportation, and a County -wide Thoroughfare Plan
' Coordinating Committee, made up of representatives of numerous local governments
and Chambers of Commerce in Brunswick County. The following are excerpts of the
major findings and recommendations of the Thoroughfare Plan:
Maior Objectives
' The highway system in Brunswick County has primarily two important functions; they
are as follows:
' 1. To serve the ever increasing north -south traffic through the county.
2. To serve the increasing demand for access to the beach areas.
Road Capacity Problems:
An analysis of highways in Brunswick County was made to determine if the projected
1 traffic (year 2005) would exceed the practical capacity of the system. Comparing the
projected traffic to available capacities, it was anticipated that the following roads
would be experiencing capacity related problems within the design period (1988-
' 2005):
1. US 17 - from NC 87 (Bell Swamp) to NC 211 (Supply).
2. US 17 - from Supply to South Carolina County Line.
3. US 17-74-76 - from New Hanover County Line to Brunswick River.
4. NC 133 - from Oak Island Bridge to NC 211.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 66 Glenn Harbeck Associates

?runswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Anaivsis '
5. NC 133 - from NC 211 to NC 87.
6. NC 87 - from NC 211, 87 (Southport) to Sunny Point Access Road. '
Highway Improvement Priorities
Beyond simple capacity deficiencies, the Thoroughfare Plan also evaluated roads in I
the county according to a variety of economic. environmental, cost, and overall system
contribution factors. As a result of this full analysis, the Plan recommended fifteen road '
improvement projects, as listed in the table which follows. These fifteen were then
placed in three priority groups in order of probable need. By way of an update, the
status of each project is shown in the column to the far right of the table. '
_ ROAD IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES AND COST ESTIMATES (1987 DOLLARS)
1988 THOROUGHFARE PLAN I
BRUNSWICK COUNTY
ROUTE AND SECTION
RECOMMENDED CROSS
TOTAL
; Transportation
SECTION
COST
Improvement
($1,000)
Plan
STATUS`
(1993-1999)
PRIORITY 1
1. US 17 - Bell Swamp to Supply
4 Lanes Divided. Rural
21,300.
Complete
2. US 17 - US 74, 76 to Bell
4 Lanes Divided. Freeway
12,800.
Complete
Swamp
3. US 17 - Supply to Shallotte
4 Lanes Divided. Rural
8,400.
Under Contract j
Bypass
4. US 17 - Shall otte--Bypass
; 4 Lanes Divided. Freeway
13,300.
; Complete
5. US 17 - Bolivia Bypass
4 Lanes Divided. Freeway
19,500.
Complete
1 6. US 17 - Shallotte Bypass to
4 Lanes Divided. Rural
15,300.
i Under Contract
S.C. Line
7. US 74, 76 - New Hanover Co.
6 Lanes Divided. Rural
15,000.
Not in TIP
Line to US 17
Freeway
8. 1-40 Loop Extension
4 Lanes Divided. Freeway
39,800.
Construct Start
1996
PRIORITY 2
9. NC 211 - NC 133 to NC 211/87
4 Lanes Divided. Urban
2,700.
Not in TIP
Junction
Boulevard
10. NC 133 - Dosher Cutoff
4 Lanes Divided. Urban
2,000.
Not in TIP
Relocation
Boulevard
j
11. NC 87 - SPAT. Access Rd. to
15 Lanes, Urban
3,800.
Not in TIP
NC 211/87 Junction
PRIORITY 3
j
12. SR 1122 Connector to
2 Lanes, Rural
15,000.
Not in TIP
Southport
i
13. SR 1500 Connector to SR
2 Lanes, Rural
8,900.
Not in TIP
1190, Long Beach
14. SR 1163 Connector to NC 17912
Lanes, Rural
4,900.
Not in TIP
15. NC 179 Reali nment
i 2 Lanes, Rural
800.
Not in TIP
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Note: Cost values are estimates used in the planning stage and are not to be used as actual construction costs. '
'Source: Annual Report, NC DOT Transportation Improvement Program 1993-99, plus personal and telephone
interviews with DOT officials in Wilmington and Raleigh, September 4,1992.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 67 Glenn Harbeck Associates

runswick Countv Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
BRIDGE DEFICIENCIES AND REPLACEMENT PRIORITIES
' actors which are indicative of bridge sufficiency include. structural design adequacy
and safety, traffic safety, serviceability, location of structure, functional obsolescence
ano essentially for public use.
The 1988 Thoroughfare Plan identified some 46 deficient bridges located on routes
' included in the plan (pp. 39-40). Of these 46 bridges, the Plan identified 15 for priority
improvement. The locations, estimated costs and status of each of these projects is
shown in the table following.
' - IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES FOR DEFICIENT BRIDGES IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY
IDENTIFIED IN 1988 THOROUGHFARE PLAN
PRIORITY I ESTIMATED
REPLACEMENT COST
(in 1987 dollars)
Transportation
Improvement Plan
STATUS'
(1993-1999)
1. SR 1435 @Sturgeon Creek 447.000
Construct in 1998
2. SR 1426 @ Hook Creek ; 310,000
Construct in 1998
3. NC 130 Bear Branch 157.000
Construct in 1995
4. SR 1521 @ Rice's Creek
—Big
193.000
Construct in 1993 i
1 5. NC 211 @ Branch of Swamp
172,000
Not in TIP
6. NC 130 Wet Ash Swamp
i 183,000
Construct in 1997
7. SR 1500 @ Br. River Swamp
158,000
Not in TIP
18. SR 1500 @ River Swamp Creek
286,000
Not in TIP
9. NC 904 Sci peo Swamp
249,000
Construct in 1997
10. SR 1432 Mill Creek
202,000
Not in TIP
11. SR 1411 @ Br. Town Creek
i 267,000
Not in TIP
12. SR 1411 @ Town Creek
267,000
Not in TIP i
13. SR 1410 9 Lewis Creek
112,000
Not in TIP
14. SIR 1518 @ Mills Creek
162,000
Not in TIP
15. NC 211 Branch of Juniper Creek
172.000
Not in TIP
i
TOTAL,
$3,337,000
'Source: Annual Report, NC COT Transportation Improvement Program 1993-99, pius personal and telephone
interviews with DOT officials in Wilmington and Raleigh, September 4.1992.
OTHER ISSUES
' In addition to the above mentioned bridge replacement priorities, discussions continue
regarding: (1) the need for a new high-rise bridge at Sunset Beach to replace the
existing older bridge and (2) the need for an additional bridge serving the SouthMest
' end of Oak Island. Also, at the time of this writing, (9/22/92) design modifications and
improvements to the new bypass around Shallotte have been approved, due to a
number of accidents having occurred there since the facility was opened.
' The County has consistently supported these three needs.
' The Community Facilities Map shows existing thoroughfares within the County as well
as proposed major thoroughfare improvements recommended in the 1988
Thoroughfare Plan.
' Brunswick County Planning Board page 68 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick Countv Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
1.4.3(b) Air Transportation
There are two publicly owned general aviation airports in the county. One is known as
the Brunswick County Airport. It is operated by the Airport Commission, whose
membership is named by the County Commissioners and several municipal Town
Boards. This facility is situated on the mainland across from Oak Island.
During the early 1980's, a Master Plan for this airport was developed, and approved
by the County, by the North Carolina Aeronautics Council, and by the US Federal
Aviation Administration. Significant improvements have been provided with County
funding, and a new terminal building has been built. Also in the early 1980s, the
County Planning Department prepared an Airport Zoning Ordinance, which was
adopted and is being enforced through joint actions of the Airport Manager and the
County's Building Inspections Division.
The Ocean Isle Beach Airport, owned by that municipality, is located on the mainland
across from that island. During the 1980s, an Airport Zoning Ordinance was prepared
by the County Planning Department and is in effect, being enforced jointly by the Town
Airport Commissioner and the County's Building Inspections Division. An updated
Master Plan for that facility was completed in 1987-88. The Ocean Isle Beach runway
was recently widened and an additional airplane parking area has been installed.
There are several privately owned airstrips in different locations around the County,
the largest being the Vinnabow International Airport." It has less than ten home -
based aircraft, and a large paved and lighted runway. Most other airstrips are grassed
rather than paved facilities.
The County is an active supporter of the two publicly owned general aviation facilities
in the County, both by financial participation and through the development of plans
and ordinances. The locations of the three major airstrips within the County are shown
on the Community Facilities Map.
1.4.4 LAW ENFORCEMENT
Law enforcement for Brunswick County is provided by the County's Sheriff's
Department and local municipal police forces. The Sheriff's Department currently has
24 hour service with 49 personnel and 37 vehicles. As the county's population
continues to increase, it is anticipated that the resources of this vital public service will
also be increased.
1.4.5 FIRE AND RESCUE
For many years, the County has been the prime source of funds for operation and
maintenance of some 20 fire departments and 9 rescue squads, both in the
unincorporated areas and also in municipalities.
For example, as early as the 1960s, the County underwrote the mortgages these
agencies took on for purposes of erecting buildings.
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 69 Glenn Harbeck Associates I

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Brunswick Countv Lana Use Plan Data Collection ana Analvsis
The current FY 91-92 County budget provides further evidence of this commitment.
For each of the 20 fire departments totally within the county, whether they limit their
service to their municipality, provide service only to a specified unincorporated area, or
provide a combined service. a $13.500 direct grant is provided (up from $10,000 in 87-
88). In addition, on the basis of the five Electoral Districts, $50,000 in each of the five
such Districts is set aside for fire and/or rescue services, individual judgments to be
made during the course of the fiscal year by the Board of County Commissioners as to
distribution of those funds.
An additional fire department, whose service area is 90% in Columbus County and
' 10% in Brunswick County, was granted $2,500 and also is eligible to seek some share
of the $50,000 set -aside funds in that Electoral District.
Further, each of the 10 rescue squads in the county received a $13,500 appropriation
' (also up from 10,000 in 87-88), and they also are eligible to seek some snare of the
set -aside funds.
' Fire and rescue services, service areas, and operations are coordinated by the County
Fire Marshal. who is also the Emergency Management Coordinator. The result is a
' coordinated, unified network, all of which is related to and part of the
communication/telephone system at the County Government Center. It should be
noted that as of April, 1992 a new 911 system came on line, with all major emergency
service communications housed in a single new building.
The County continues to work with these various departments and squads towards
' possible future adjustments, all with the idea of providing improved service. in 1987,
service area distances officially acknowledged at the State level for fire departments
ranged from 1.5 miles to 3.0 miles. With the County water system in place, however.
some of these service areas have been extended to serve a five mile radius, and
' consolidation/merger of some of these departments is a long-range goal. It should
also be noted that some developing areas, such as St James plantation, for example.
' will require the establishment of a new fire station in the future.
1.4.6 SCHOOLS
' In most land use plans, coverage of "schools" normally focuses on the condition and
need for improvements to school facilities. However, during the initial round of public
input meetings for this update to the Brunswick County Land Use Plan, concern over
the quality of the county's overall educational system was identified very strongly. In
fact, the quality of education in the county's schools was among the highest concerns
' identified in three out of five regional meetings held for the plan. In addition, the
Leadership Interviews conducted for the plan also gave heavy emphasis to doing
something about education. Therefore, this land use plan will go beyond coverage of
' school facilities only, and will seek to address the quality of education in the county
from a broader perspective.
' In September 1991, the "Brunswick County Schools Survey Report" was completed by
the North Carolina Department of Instruction, Division of School Planning. While the
Report gives greatest treatment to the condition and capacity of the County's school
' Brunswick County Planning Board page 70 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
facilities, it also includes findings and statistics regarding the County's overall
commitment to education, relative to other counties in the region and state. Excerpts of
some of the report's findings and recommendations follow:
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS (Excerpts)
Community
—The 0-18 population in Brunswick County increased from 11,430 in 1980 to 1.2,671
in 1990.
—There are three primary indicators by which the wealth of a county can be measured:
(1) Per Capita Income —In 1989, Brunswick County's per capita income was
$1 1 ,303 or 73.9 percent of the North Carolina average.
(2) Per Capita Retail Sales— In 1989-90, Brunswick County's per capita retail.sales
was $6,594 or 72 percent of the state average.
(3) Per Pupil Property Valuation— In 1989-90, Brunswick County had a Der oupil
valuation of $491.763 or 226 percent of the state average.
achoot System
—The Brunswick County School System operated 11 schools in 1990-91.
—According to pupil population projections, the total school -age population will
increase by 10.5 percent from 1989-90 to 1994-95.
Schooi Finance
—During the 13-year period 1973-74 through 1985-86, Brunswick County spent over
$12.6 million on capital improvements to schools. This represents an investment of
local moneys of 6.31 percent of all the dollars available to the county during that
period. This is lower than the four surrounding counties.
—The quality of the educational programs in a school system is dependent upon the
amount of local funds that the unit received from the county. Local current expense
funds are used to employ staff members above the state allocation. There is
generally a relationship between the number of locally paid teachers and the
strength of art, music, guidance, media and vocational programs. In 1989-90. the
Brunswick County School System emploved 31 teachers from local funds
representing 5.7 percent of their total staff. The state average percentage of local
staff employed from local funds for the same year was 6.1.
—In comparing the local efforts to support schools through the local per pupil costs for
current expense, it should be noted that the North Carolina average for 1989-90
was $931.43 while Brunswick County's was $870.20.
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 71 Glenn Harbeck Associates

BrunswicK Countv Land Use Plan Data Collection and Anaivsis
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
' After analyzing the data regarding grade organization, pupil population projections,
geographic distribution of students. facility evaluations and economic capability of the
' Brunswick County school district, the following long-range plan was developed for
consideration by the board of education.
' Bolivia Eiementary
—Work to reduce the membership at Bolivia Elementary School to within its capacity
of 432 students.
' Lincoln Primary
—Convert Lincoln Primary from a K-3 school to a K-5 elementary school and reduce
' the membership to approximately 700. Phase out building 07 which is currently
used for special programs; however, the committee recommends that as soon as
possible the regular first grade classroom housed in building 07 should be located
into the main building and if students have to be housed in building 07 that it be
' used as a resource facility. Additionally, the kindergarten classes at Lincoln should
be reiocated into the purpose designed kindergarten classrooms.
Southport Elementary
—Reduce the student population of Southport Elementary to a 700-student school to
fully accommodate the Basic Education Plan once the new elementary school at
Supply is completed. Construct a new dining facility and convert existing dining
facility/kitchen into instructional space. Remove mobile units.
' Union Primary
—Convert this facility to a K-5 school and reduce the membership to approximately
' 700. Phase out and replace building 04 classrooms and building 05 music modular
building. Remove mobile units. Provide additional toilet facilities in media/cafeteria
building. Combine kindergarten classrooms to provide adequately -sized
' classrooms and/or build additional kindergarten classrooms.
Waccamaw Elementary
' —Convert from a K-8 to a K-5 schooi. Adjust the attendance line to assign additional
K-5 students to bring the membership up to approximately 450.
' Leland Middle
—Convert this school from a 4-8 to a 6-8 facility. Adiust the attendance lines to bring
membership in line with recommended size standards.
' Shallotte Middle
—Convert Shallotte Middle School from a 4-8 to a 6-8 school and bring membership
' in line with recommended size standards.
South Brunswick Middle
' —Construct eight additional teaching stations and remove mobile units.
IBrunswick County Planning Board page 72 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
West Brunswick High
—Build eight additional teaching stations and remove mobile units.
'
New Elementary Schools
—Construct an additional K-5 elementary school in North Brunswick County with a
'
capacity of 700 students.
—incorporate into long-range planning a new K-5 elementary school in the Calabash
area to house between 600 to 700 students.
New Central Office Complex
—Construct a new central facility at the county office complex.
'
Facility Improvements and Costs I
Subsequent to the preparation of the Brunswick County Schools Survey Report, a '
specific Long Range Plan for Brunswick County Schools was prepared, dated
November 22, 1991. The specific improvements along with their estimated costs are
as follows:
LONG RANGE PLAN
BRUNSWICK COUNTY SCHOOLS '
SOUTHPORT PRIMARY SCHOOL:
Construct new cafeteria and kitchen wing. Renovate existing kitchen to provide
additional instructional spaces and EMH/TMH spaces. Convert existing EMH/TMH
areas to resource rooms.
Construction budget: $681,000 '
Survey, borings 6,000
Professional fees 56,000 '
TOTAL COST: 743,000
NEW CENTRAL OFFICE:
'
Construct new central office on land in the County Complex in Bolivia. Include central
offices, AV suite, and public meeting space.
Projected
'
area:
16,000 sq. ft.
_ Projected cost/sq. ft. (w/parking)
$70
Construction budget
1,120,000
'
Survey, borings
10,000
Professional fees
80,000
Contingencies (2.5% of budget)
28,000
'
TOTAL COST:
1,238,000
WEST BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL: I
Construct 9 additional teaching stations with support areas, new administration area,
art, band room, and computer room. Renovate existing offices.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 73 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Lana Use Plan Data Collection and Anaivsis
Projected area:
24,206
Proiected cost/so. ft.
$68
'
New Construction budget
1,646,008
Renovation of existing offices (lump sum,
50,000
-otai construction budget
1,696,008
Survey, borings
15,000
Professionai fees
110,240
Contingencies (2.5% of budget)
42,400
'
7 TAL COST:
11863,648
' - NORTH BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL:
Construct 6 additional teaching stations with support areas. new administration area.
art. land room. and computer room. Renovate existino offices.
Projecteo area:
20.696
Proiected cosusq. ft.
$68
I
N w construction oudget
renovation of existina offices (lumo sum;
-407.328
50,OOC
Total construction budget
; .a57,328
Survey, borings
15,000
'
Professional fees
96.183
Contingencies (2.5% of budget'•
36,433
TOTAL COST:
11,604,944
NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. WES T AREA
Construct new elementary school in north area of county
for 600 students.
Projected area:
75,000
Projected cost/sq. ft.
Construction budaet
$65
4,875,000
Survey, borings
15,000
'
Professional fees (repeat North school)
Contingencies (2.5% of budget)
200,000
121.875
:.: S i .
COST:
'
Land acquisition costs:
40 acres @a 2,500/acre
100,000
TOTAL COST:
5,311,875
'
NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL; NORTH AREA
Construct new elementary school in north area of county for 600 students.
'
Projected area:
75,000
Projected cost/sq. ft.
$65
Construction budget
4,875,000
Survey, borings
15,000
Professional fees
273,000
Contingencies (2.5% of budget)
121375
Land acquisition costs:
40 acres @ 2.500/acre
100,000
Brunswick County Planning Board page 74 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
40 acres @ 2.500/acre
TOTAL COST:
100,000
5,384,875
SOUTH BRUNSWICK MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Add 8 new teaching stations, special ed. facilities, and resource rooms.
Projected area:
18,000
Projected cost/sq. ft.
$68
Construction budget
1,224,000
Survey, borings
15,000
Professional fees
83,232
Contingencies (2.5910 of budget)
30,600
TOTAL COST:
1,352,832
RECAP:
Southport Primary Schooi $743,000
New Central Office 1,238,000
West Brunswick High School Addition 1,863,648
North Brunswick High School Addition 1,604,944
New Elementary School: West 5,311,875
New Elementary School: North 5,384,875
South Brunswick Middle School Addition 1,352,832
GRAND TOTAL PROJECTED COST $17,499,174
1.4.7 LIBRARY SYSTEM
Until recently, library facilities in the county were administered by a Library
Commission made up of volunteers (appointees) from each of the small towns in the
county. During the course of preparing this plan, the County established a new
department within County government and the County Commissioners appointed a
newly structured Board of Trustees specifically to take over several existing libraries.
Permanent library buildings exist at Southport and Shallotte. There is also a trailer
type facility in Leland. Durina 1993, it is expected that new libraries will be constructed
on Oak Island and in Leland. While there is no master plan on the books, a potential
future library site has been discussed for location in Calabash.
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Brunswick CountyPlanning Board I
g page 75 Glenn Harbedc Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan, Data Collection and Analvsis
1.4.8 PARKS, RECREATION. AND WATERFRONT ACCESS
' On the basis of a plan prepared by the County Planning Department as an addendum
to the 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan, the County has implemented a program of
' providing recreational parks and services at various sites throughout the county.
During the decade of the 1980s. the County built a series of area parks— one in the
general Leland area, one in the Southport -Oak Island area, one in the Mill Creek-
, Winnabow-Town Creek area, one at Shallotte, one at Supply, and one in the Ash-
Waccamaw area. Community ceners have been built in two of these parks, and three
other centers have been built as separate operations in the Cedar Grove -Holden
' - Beach area, the Northwest Community -Sandy Creek area, and in the Town of Leland.
Each of these County park facilities is shown on the Community Facilities Map, found
on page 77a. Major amenities at each of the above -mentioned county parks are as
follows:
BRUNSWICK COUNTY AREA PARKS"
CURRENT AMENITIES
Supply
I Shallotte
Ash-
Southport
Mill Creek -I
Leland
I
Waccamaw
Oak Island
Winnabow.
area
'
To wn Cr.
)
(Lockwood
(Shallotte
(Waccamaw
(Smithville
(Town Cr.
Northwest
Folly
Township)
Township)
Township)
Township)
Township)
Township)
Concession
1
1
1
1
1
1
Stand wiRest
rooms
Little League
2
1
Fields
Tennis Courts
2
2
2
2
2
' 4
Picnic Shelters
2
3
1
2
1
4
Softball Field
1
1
2
2
4
Basketball
1
1
1
2
Court
Multi -purpose
1
1
1
1
Field
Community
1
1
1
Building
Playground
1
1
1
1
1
Area
' In addition, the County Parks and Recreation Department maintains and operates a
number of other smaller park and recreation facilities, and has maintenance service
agreements for certain facilities within the County school system.
IBrunswick County Planning Board page 76 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Lana Use Plan Data Collec.:on and Analysis
A new major park in the Shallotte_area, specifically oriented for the senior citizen
population of the area, was requested but not included in the County budget for the
1992-93 fiscal year.
1.4.9 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Brunswick County recently implemented a move to a privatized solid waste collection
system. As of March 1, 1992, Waste Management Industries assumed responsibilities
for waste collection and hauling previously handled by the County. It is a 5 year
contract.
Brunswick County has been moving steadily toward improvements in the way in which
trash collection and disposal is handled. The former 53-acre County landfill, for
example, recently underwent a major expansion in acreage, effectively extending the
life of the facility for several years. As of May 1993, the facility had about 460,000 tons
of capacity left, or enough space to handle the County's needs until January of 1998.
At that time the County is planning on shifting its solid waste disposal needs to a new,
artificially lined facility. A consultant has been hired by the County to locate a new site
for the facility. It is centrally located just off U.S. 17 near NC 211, and is shown on the
Community Facilities Map found on the next page.
An effort has been underway for several years to reduce the number of green boxes
scattered around the county. From a total of about 200 such boxes in 1987, there are
today only about 75-80 located at an estimated 65 sites in the county.
The County has three transfer stations, located in the Ocean Isle/Shallotte,
Southport/Oak Island, and Leland/Navassa vicinities, respectively.
There has also been a concerted effort to create convenience centers, where recycling
can occur. At the time of this writing, there is one active convenience center at the
intersection of Mount Pisgah Road and Highway 130. A second convenience center is
under construction on Highway 904, and a third is planned for the near future on
Highway 211. All three are to be manned facilities to encourage recycling and
facilitate proper use. All three are to have compactor boxes for efficient handling of
waste materials.
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 77 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Community Facilities Map
®
Sewage Service Areas
Water System Trunk Lines
Future
ACounty
Water Trunk Lines
Parks
Airstrip
Hospital
F-1
Sanitary Landfill
Municipal (Not in Planning Area)
Brunswick County
LAND USE PLAN
1993 Update
Glenn Harbeck Associates
Planning and Public Involvement
O"ta' "s
NORM 0 1 2 3 4

:3runswicK Countv Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
1.5 Anticipated Demand
' The purpose of this section is to anticipate how future population projections may
impact upon the need for additional developable land and community facilities in
' Brunswick County. These projections have a direct bearing on the amount of land
allotted, for example, to the Transition and Developed Classes of the Land
Classification Map. This is more fully explained in the paragraphs that follow.
1.5.1 PERMANENT AND SEASONAL POPULATIONS
1.5.1 (a) Permanent Population
As noted earlier under Section 1.2.1, the population growth of Brunswick County was
' fairly modest until about 1970. During the decade of the 70's, however. the County's
population increased by almost 48 percent. During the 1980's, this growth pattern
continued at only a slightly less rapid rate, adding another 43 percent to the County's
population. As a result, the permanent population of Brunswick County more than
doubled (from 24,223 to 50,985) in just two decades, 1970 to 1990.
' The Office of State Budget and Management is charged with responsibility for making
future population projections for all counties in North Carolina. The Coastal Area
Management Act land use planning guidelines further require that these projections
' be accepted and employed in preparing land use plans, unless better evidence and
information can be provided by the local government. The following compares the
State's population projections as prepared in 1987 with those prepared in October of
1991.
Population Projections
' PROJECTED POPULATION
' Year Estimate prepared in 1987 Estimate prepared in1991
2000 75,471 66,171
' 2010 86,755 79,866
2020 N/A 92,623
' Source: Mr. Bill Tillman, Office of State Budget and Management, and 1987
Brunswick County Land Use Plan.
Follow up discussions with the representative of the Office of State Budget and
Management revealed that the above projections are based primarily on trend lines
from the recent past. Thus, the lower than expected 1990 census count for the County
' had the effect of dampening previous, larger estimates of future population. The
representative also indicated that any special demographic studies prepared for the
County might very well be more accurate than those of the State. The explanation
' given was that the State's projections must rely upon known, factual information from
the past and extrapolations therefrom, as opposed to more locally specific conditions
and trends. Finally, the representative also indicated that the more recent projections
Brunswick County Planning Board page 78 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick Countv Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
may, in his opinion, be larger than what is reasonable to expect, based on the
probability that Brunswick County will not be able to sustain the rate of growth
(percentage -wise) experienced during the 70's and 80's.
At the same time, local officials are of the opinion that the 1990 Census resulted in an
undercounting of the permanent population (i.e. they believe that at least 4,000
residents were not counted). The County's experience in reviewing subdivision plats,
issuing building permits, water taps, etc. leads local officials to believe that the latest
projections may be too conservative.
In light of these differing views. and in recognition that the State feels that the current
projections may in fact be larger than justified, this plan recommends that the most
recent projections be accepted and employed in the 1991 Land Use Plan Update, as a
suitable compromise between State and Local government.
1.5.1 (b) Seasonal Population
As was the case for the 1987 Land Use Plan Update, peak seasonal population is
projected at two overnight visitors for each permanent resident, on the basis of
experience to date and volume of tourist housing. By the year 2000, therefore, a peak
day total population of about 200,000 is expected and, by 2010, that figure is projected
to grow to about 240,000.
ESTIMATED PEAK DAY
TOTAL POPULATION*
Brunswick County
Year 2000 198,513
Year 2010 239,598
The above figures include peak day estimates for the incorporated beach communities of Brunswick
County. The Brunswick County Planning Department has estimated that peak to permanent population
ratios run as high as seven to one in some beach areas of the County. Also, please note that no estimate
for year 2020 Peak Day population is provided, given the unpredictability of the permanent
resident/seasonal resident split some 30 years hence.
1.5.1(c) Economic Projections /Prospects
The economic analysis included as part of Section 1.2 of this Plan documents the
following economic trends for Brunswick County.
1. A continued decline in agriculturally -based employment.
2. A continued decline in seafood and fisheries -based employment.
3. A relative decline in manufacturing employment as a percentage of total
employment, compared to service and trade employment.
4. A continued increase in the volume of travel and tourism related expenditures as a
percentage of the total local economy.
5. A continued increase in the so-called "mailbox" economy of the county's rapidly
growing retirement population; i.e., transfer payments.
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Brunswick Countv Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
1
In addition, the Leadership Interviews conducted as part of the early public input for
this Land Use Plan offered several important insights into the future of Brunswick
County's economy. These insights describe several variables within the control of
Brunswick County residents that can have a marked impact on the future course of the
local economy. These variables include:
1. Education: The greater the commitment to improved elementary/high school
education, the greater the chances of attracting new business and industry to the
County for the benefit of local residents.
2. Infrastructure: While not a panacea, the County's continuing commitment to provide
-- potable water for urban and urbanizing areas and, perhaps equally important, a
multi -jurisdictional commitment to centralized sewage treatment systems, can have
a positive influence on new economic development. (The four-laning of US
Highway 17, while not under the control of the County, will also have a strong
influence on growth through improved access.)
3. Image: The ability of the County to institute new or improved development controls
(zoning, subdivision regulations, sign control, landscaping, buffering and tree
preservation, etc.), especially long the County's major roadways, will influence the
quality of development (and hence people —particularly tourists and wealthy
retirees) coming to the area.
4. High Caliber Tourism: The County needs to encourage high caliber tourism over
tourism which involves lower per capita tourism expenditures. By this strategy, the
tourism industry can provide higher paying visitor industry jobs, rather than
minimum wage, lower paying service jobs.
Summary Finding
As stated in the Summary of Leadership Interviews, Section on Economic
Development: "The future of real economic development, outside the tourism industry,
remains unclear. So long as the County's infrastructure and services are limited, and
the educational system remains poor, it may be an uphill battle getting attractive, clean
industry to locate in the county".
1.5.2 FUTURE LAND USE NEEDS
' The State's coastal land use planning guidelines require that estimates be prepared
showing how the land classification map compares with projected land use needs of
the county over the planning period. In the case of Brunswick County, this requirement
rests primarily with the needs and projections of the Limited Transition and Urban
Transition areas. (The Community Class simply reflects existing enclaves of residents,
the Developed Class is confined to the incorporated municipalities, the Conservation
' Class recognizes areas which should receive little or no growth, and the Rural Classes
are essentially the residual areas not assigned to any other class.)
Brunswick County Planning Board page 80 Glenn Harbeck Associates

°runswick Counry Land Use Plan Data Collection and Anaivsis
Calculating Land Use Needs
This plan uses a combination of population and housing projections, both permanent '
and seasonal, to determine the need for future land in the Urban and Limited
Transition Land Classes. The methodology for this determination follows. '
Population Proiections
1980
1990
i 2000
1 % 1980
i °01990
1 %2000
Municipalities ! 8.615
15,644
! 19.851 "
I 24%
1 30%
1 30%
Uninc. Area 27,109
35.341
! 46.320*
I 76%
! 70%
I 70%
Total ! 35.777
150,885
166.171
1 100%
100%
1 100%
LI
'Population projection applies to areas within 1990 municipal/unincorporated boundaries —does not
account for population shifts due to new incorporations or annexations. '
Source: U.S. Census, Office of State Budget and Management and Glenn Harbeck Associates.
The above table assumes that the percentage of new dwelling units within the '
County's 1990 municipal/unincorporated areas will hold constant. This can be
justified due to the fact that the apparent municipal population gains during the 1980's
were due, in large measure, to new incorporations rather than appreciable in- '
migrations to existing towns.
Housina Proiections
i 1980 1990
12000
% 1980
1 %1990
%2000
Permanent 112,411 122,268
133,086
58%
60%
60%
Seasonal 1 9,154 114,846
122,057
42%
40%
40%
Total 121,559 137,114
155.143
100%
100%
100%
Source: U.S. Census and Glenn Harbeck Associates
Year 2000 Housina Units By Incoroorated Versus Unincoroorated Areas
Totals
Within
Within
%
%
%
Munici-
Uninc.
alities
Area
Permanent 133,086
1
60%
Within i
9,926
30%
Municipalities
Within Uninc.
23,160
70%
Area
Seasonal
122,057
1
40%
Within
11,029
50%
Municipalities
Within Uninc.
11,029
50%
Area
Totals
55,143
120,955
134,1891
100%
100%
1 100%
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Brunswick County t_and Use Plan Data Collection and Analvsis
P
Therefore, there will be a need to accommodate a total of 34,189 existing and new
housing units within the unincorporated area by the year 2000. Assuming that:
(1) 90% of these units would be located in Transition areas, and
(2) that Brunswick County's dispersed development patterns continue at an average
net density of 2 units per acre (half acre lots) this would require an estimated 17,100
total acres of developed land within the Urban and Limited Transition areas. Major
factors contributing to this low overall density include the previously mentioned
dispersed development patterns. the preponderance of golf course communities in the
County, and to a large extent, the widespread occurrence of wet soils, Carolina Bays.
etc. throughout the County.
The Land Classification Map for Brunswick County proposes the following distributions
of land into each of the several land classes as follows:
Land Class Number of
Square
Miles
Percentage
of Total
County
Land Area
Developed/Municipal
93.5
10.9%
Urban Transition
68
8.0%
Limited Transition
71
8.3%
Community
11
! 1.3%
Rural Industrial
35
I 4.1 %
Rural
497.5
58.2%
Conservation'
79
9.2%
Total
855
1 100%
'This figure is actually a small percentage of the total land area allocated to the Conservation Class. This is
because this number does not include the extensive areas of the County in public trust and estuarine
system waters as well as all 404 wetland areas scattered throughout the County, and incorporated by
reference into the Conservation Class.
LIMITED TRANSITION ACREAGE CALCULATIONS
For the Limited Transition area, an estimated 80% of the total acreage assigned to this
class will be either undeveloped, in golf courses, or within the County's extensive
wetlands in the year 2000. Of the remaining developed acreage, some 25% will be
consumed by streets and utility easements. This results in the following calculations:
71 miles x 640 acres per sq. mile =
Less 80% undeveloped
Less 25% in streets and utilities
Net acreage developed in lots
45,440 acres
-36.352
9,088
-2.272
6,816 acres
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Data Collection and Analysis
URBAN TRANSITION ACREAGE CALCULATIONS
In the case of the Urban Transition area, some 65% of the total acreage assigned to
this class will be either undeveloped, in golf courses, or within the County's extensive
wetlands in the year 2000. Of the remaining developed acreage, some 25% will be '
consumed by streets and utility easements. This results in the following calculations:
68 miles x 640 acres/sq. mile = 43,520 acres ,
Less 65% undeveloped-28.288
15,232
Less 25% in streets and utilities -3.808 ,
Net acreage developed in lots 11,424 acres
Total land developed in lots within Limited and Urban Transition areas: 18,240 acres '
Reconciling projected land needs with the land classification map:
Thus, the land classification map anticipates a total of 18,240 acres of developed land '
within the two transition land classes of the unincorporated area. This compares with
the estimated need for about 17,100 acres of developed land necessary to '
accommodate the projected housing needs within the same area over the same
period of time. The approximate 1000 acre difference between the two numbers is
deemed inconsequential given the magnitude of the acreages involved and the '
assumptions made.
1.5.3 COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEMANDS I
For the sake of uninterrupted analysis and continuity of presentation, a discussion of
community facilities demands is included in each of the community facility evaluations
conducted in Section 1.4 of this Plan.
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2. Policies For -
Growth and
Development
. h

?runswick County Land Use Plan Policies For Growth and Development
2. Policies for Growth and
Development
INTRODUCTION The data collection and analysis described in Section 1 of this plan
TO THE was geared to gathering and summarizing information related to the
POLICIES growth of Brunswick County. Building upon this information, a series
of official local government policies are hereby set forth. As officially
adopted policies of the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners,
they serve as the basis for future decisions on land use, development
and capital improvements.
' Polccy Format
u
In addition, Section 6 of this Plan, entitled the Action Agenda,
includes a number of Implementation Actions designed to carry
out the Polices of the Land Use Plan over the next five years.
It is important to understand that the narrative (discussion) is not
Policy, and does not carry the same degree of importance as the
actual policy statements. The narrative Is designed to provide
background and rationale for the ensuing policy statement. In most
instances, the discussion serves to identify a problem or issue, and
may present a summary of findings from other technical studies.
There is no intent to establish policy within any discussion section.
More detailed discussions of issues related to policies are found in
the earlier information sections of the Plan.
The policy statements, on the other hand, must be viewed in a wholly
different light. As statements of local government principle. the
policies should remain substantially unchanged during the five year
planning period. Frequent changes to the polices would undermine
their effectiveness in achieving intended goals and objectives.
Indeed, the policies are designed to maintain a consistent and
predictable direction for local government decisions affecting local
growth and development during the planning period. In reviewing the
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Brunswick County Lana Use Sian
Policies For Growth and Deveiooment
pages that follow. the reader is asked to focus greatest attention on
he policies, while relying upon the discussion primarily as '
explanations `as to intent.
As in the 1987 Plan, Brunswick County feels it would be appropriate '
o begin the policy section by affirming the County's overall guiding
policy regarding future growth and development. It is recognized that
rapid growth has occurred and will continue to occur in Brunswick '
County due to its coastal location. This growth is predominantly in the
form of a growing tourism economy, rapidly rising seasonal and
permanent populations and related residential and commercial ,
development. This growth, if properly guided, is deemed to be
beneficial and, in most respects, is encouraged.
Policy 2.0 Brunswick County supports..the::currerit growth: trend being
experienced. and;: to . the.. extent msib'Ee, will plan for and
accommodate future growth:': while simultaneously '
maintaining and:: improvingthe quai!ty::of. life.:*: for: current>
and future residents.
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Brunswick Cour^/ Land Use Plan Policies For Gromn and Development
2.1 RESOURCE
' PROTECTION
POLICIES
' 2.1.1 Development activities in Brunswick County are constrained by a
Constraints To variety of natural and manmade limiting factors, as discussed in
Development Sections 1.3 and 1.4 of this plan. Of the various natural limitations on
' development in the County, the suitability of soil for septic tanks is, by
consensus, the single most significant constraint presently facing the
area. Citizen comments at all five public input meetings for the land
' use plan, as well as input received during the leadership interview
process, confirmed the analytical findings of the soils evaluation. In
both instances, the public felt that if the county is going to be able to
' sustain additional growth and development, concerted efforts toward
the provision of centralized sewage treatment systems would be
necessary. (More on this in sections 2.1.6 and 2.3.2.)
' Another natural constraint to development in Brunswick County.
though less pervasive than the septic tank suitability problem, is the
occurrence of areas prone to flooding. Flood prone areas have been
identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS (FIRMs). and the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers Special Program (SPLASH). The composite natural
hazards map found in the back of this plan, identifies flood prone
areas in Brunswick County. Considering the total amount of acreage
' in unincorporated Brunswick County, there is a relatively large
percentage of land area in the County that is free from the effects of
flooding.
I Policy 2.1.1(a);
u
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Policies For Growth and Deveboment
Detailed descriptions of all eight AEC's found in Brunswick County
are located in Section 1.3.2 of this plan. Each AEC category is briefly
summarized below with the applicable policy statement immediately
following. The reader is urged to consult with the full definition and
state -promulgated use standards of each AEC category before
contemplating development in these areas.
2.1.2(a) Coastal These are marshes, subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides,
Wetland AEC's including normal wind tides. In Brunswick County, these are
predominantly salt water marshes and brackish marshes along the
county's rivers and the intracoastal waterway.
Pot[cy : 2:7:2(a)
Eifarts to protect and preserve the envlronmenta! Value:.'ofi
..
coastal wetland AEC`s shatf be supported Siuch
protectfon shall be balanced with the ..economic and
community values>of piers, docks, and marinas which serve.
the,: public, whether they be p�biicly : Qr... plrivatety.. owned.
2.1.2(b) Estuarine waters are found in semi -enclosed water bodies having
Estuarine Water free connection with the open sea and within which sea water is
AEC's measurably diluted with fresh water drained from the adjacent land.
In Brunswick County, estuarine waters are found in the intracoastal
waterway and in the southern sections of the Cape Fear, Shallotte,
and Lockwood Folly Rivers.
i PoIlby:: 2:Z 2(b)
Developments and mrtlgation aciuttiss wh>Ich support the
function; :. clesntcness, salinity, and circulation >of estuarine .
water.: resources.: are .aupported
2.1.2(c) Public Public trust waters are all ocean and inland waters from the mean
Trust Waters high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction. Unless the
AEC's body of water is a private lake with no public access, it is safe to
assume that the water is in the public trust, unless otherwise
specifically documented. One issue of special concern in Brunswick
County is the trend toward longer piers extending out into the
County's estuarine waters. As prime waterfront sites— those with
deep water close to shore —have become developed. remaining
waterfront sites must build longer piers to reach water of adeqate
depth for boat dockage. While state regulations require that such
piers do not block stream channels, the net effect in many instances is
to inhibit the movement of watercraft in the estuary. This is particularly
evident at high tide when small boats, which would normally have
free movement through the estuary, must constrain their navigation to
limited pockets of open water, essentially fenced in by these long pier
lengths. In the case of small sailing craft, the presence of these long
piers may totally prevent the craft from sailing through the affected
body of water. The County recognizes that this is a complex issue,
requiring a careful balance between the rights of the public and the
CI
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Brunswick County Land Use Plan Policies For Growth and Development
rights of the waterfront property owner. Nonetheless, the County
recognizes that the weight of the argument must rest ultimately in
favor of the rights of the public to the reasonably unobstructed use of
public trust waters.
Policy 2.1:2(c:)
' 2.1.2(d) Estuarine shorelines are non -ocean shorelines extending from the
Estuarine mean high water level along the county's estuarine sounds bays and
Shoreline AEC's brackish waters for a distance of 75 feet landward. Where the range
' of salt water influence on fresh water streams ends is also the
approximate location where the estuarine shoreline AEC also ends.
' i, Policy 2.1 2..(d),.
11
7
3runswick> County..supports.. the protection and preservatior
estuarine shorelines, particularly regarding :those usf
standards: contained. in T15A.07H 0209 (e)`"
2.1.2(e) Ocean These are natural hazard areas along the ocean shoreline which are
Hazard Area especially vulnerable to the effects of sand, wind, water and erosion.
AEC's Nearly all ocean hazard areas in Brunswick County are located within
the incorporated beach communities. The only exception is the
extreme eastern tip of Oak Island and part of Bird Island.
Policy 21.2
3runswEck County upports state and: federal guideUnes
tesigned to manage development Jn the ocean ;haze d
4ECs under the County's planmrtg �urlisd><ction the Bap#ist
assembly: grounds:: and part. d `B.ird :: sland..
2.1.2(f) Public This category consists of small surface water supply watersheds and
Water Supply public water supply well fields. There are no such designated areas
AEC's in Brunswick County.
2.1.2(q) Natural Within the system of Natural And Cultural Resource AEC's there are
and Cultural five distinct sub -categories:
Resource AEC's
1. Coastal Areas That Sustain Rare Species —areas that support
native plants or animals determined to be rare or endangered.
2. Coastal Complex Natural Areas —lands that support native plant
and animal communities and provide habitat qualities which have
remained essentially unchanged by human activity.
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BrunSMCK Countv Land Use Pian Policies For Growth and Develoomert
3. Unique Coastal Geological Formations —sites that contain
geological for that are unique or otherwise significant
components of coastal systems. or that are especially notable
examples of geologic formations or processes in the coastal area.
4. Significant Coastal Archaeological Resources —these are areas
that contain archaeological remains (objects, features, and or sites)
that have more than local significance to history or pre -history.
5. Significant Coastal Historic Architectural Resources --defined as
districts. structures, buildings, sites or objects that have more than
local significance to history or architecture. Currently, there are no
natural or cultural AEC's located in the unincorporated area of
Brunswick County. Nonetheless. there are many such areas county
which may be deserving of such designation. (See section 1.3 for
details)
It should be noted that the protection of wildlife and natural resources
was identified as a priority issue at all five public meetings held early
in the planning process for the land use plan.
Policy 2.1.2(g)l Brunswick County ;supports the select tue...desianat>lan of.
appropriate areas as nafurail and cultural resource AO's.
(Coastal Complex Natural Areas, Coastal Areas That
SustainRemnant Species, uniique GeologEc tr rmatlons=` .
Sfgnifi�cant Goastat; Arcitaeologllc.a Resources and
Si nificant ..Coastal;: Histor€cal. Archiiecturai.t?esources). .
2.1.3 Other
According to a June 1991 article in North Carolina Wildlife ("Stew in
Hazardous or
Brunswick", by Lawrence S. Earley) Brunswick County is one of the
Fragile Land
most biologically diverse areas in the State of North Carolina. The
Areas
article quotes Alan Weakley of the North Carolina Heritage Program
as saying 'Brunswick County has, by far, more records of rare plants.
Introduction
animals and significant natural communities than any other county in
the state". More specifically the article continues, Brunswick County
has ... "more than 500 'natural heritage elements', or populations of
rare plants and animals and high quality natural communities. Only
three other counties have more of these elements of natural diversity
Brunswick County is the only county with more than 100 rare plant
records."
In addition Brunswick County is the only county with more than 20
natural areas of national and statewide significance. As compiled by
the State's Heritage Program, several of the most notable natural
areas include the following:
H
r
1
H
d
Orton Pond Millpond and surrounding uplands provide breeding habitat for '
anhinga, osprey, fox squirrels, alligators, red -cockaded woodpeckers
Brunswick County Planning Board page 89 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Pian Policies For Growth and Development
and a rare snail (Planorbella magnifica). The Natural Heritage
' Program rates this site as having national significance.
Boiling Spring The largest group of pocosins. Carolina bays and savannas in private
Lakes Wetland ownership. Severai rare plants have been found here, including the
' Complex rough -leaf loosestrife. National significance.
' Military Ocean The 12,000-acre military base contains a large number of limesink
Terminal' Sunny ponds, longleaf pine forests and pocosins which provide habit for
Point many rare and endangered plant and animals species. National
significance.
Waccamaw River The habitats associated with the Waccamaw River contain rare plants,
Aquatic Habitat including the disjunct Plymouth gentian, and several rare fish and
shellfish. National significance.
'
Bald Head
Island
Diversity of high -quality maritime communities, including the largest
remaining maritime forest in the county. The island also hosts the
state's only locations of cabbage palm (Sabai palmetto). Large
numbers of loggerhead sea turtles nest on the island's beaches.
'
National significance.
'
Green Swamp
-Preserve
Owned by The Nature Conservancy, the 15,700-acre Green Swamp
Preserve consists of an extensive pocosin wetland system associated
with probably the best remaining longleaf pine savannas in the state.
Provides unique habitat for 14 insectivorous plants and a variety of
wildlife, including the black bear, American alligator and red -
cockaded woodpecker. National significance.
Battery Island
The maritime forests on this natural island in the lower Cape Fear
River host the state's largest breeding colony of herons, egrets and
'
ibises. More than 5,500 nests have been counted. National
significance.
'
Brunswick/ -Cape
Fear River
The extensive freshwater tidal marshes in this area support one of the
largest populations of alligators of any North Carolina river or estuary.
Marshes
Statewide significance.
'
Sunset Beach,
In late summer, these ponds are visited by post -breeding wood storks
Wood Stork
from Florida and Georgia. The ponds are the northernmost localities
Ponds
on the Atlantic coast used by wood storks. Statewide significance.
Bryant Mill
Located along the southern shore of the Cape Fear River, this bluff
(Greenbank)
contains a variety of wet and dry habitats sheltering several unusual
'
Bluff
plant species, including large -leaved grass -of -Parnassus. National
significance.
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-^,:nswicK Ccunty Lana Usa Plan
Policies For Growth and Deveiooment
Zeke's Island Complex of islands, marshes, tidal flats and shallow estuarine water
Estuarine on the northern end of Bald Head Island. An important nesting site for
Sanctuary loggerhead sea turtles and colonial nesting waterbirds. Statewide
significance.
The article notes that most of the county's 20 significant sites are
either privately owned or have extremely limited access. Most of the
areas identified fall into one or more of the following specific fragile
land area categories suggested by the Coastal Area Management Act
Land Use Flannina Guidelines.
2.1.3 (a)
According to generalized soils mapping, Brunswick County contains
Freshwater
literally thousands of acres of fresh water swamps and marshes,
Swamps,
including pocosins and 404 wetlands. While many of these areas
Marshes,
have been specifically identified as described in the introduction
Pocosins, and
above. there are many thousands more throughout the length and
404 Wetlands
breadth of the county. This situation goes hand in hand with the
county's problems in identifying suitable lands for septic tank use.
This land use plan seeks to direct urban level development to specific
geographic areas of the county where adequate services can be
provided. Even within the designated growth areas, the county
recognizes that there may be extensive areas of fresh water wetlands
that cannot be developed without great economic and environmental
costs. Therefore the County has adopted a policy of directing
development first, to general geographic areas and secondly, to
specific "dryer sections" within the borders of these areas.
21:3 : (a) Brunswick Cou'.
CAMA program
perml;tting proc
water -swamp::: r
2.1.3(b) According to a report published by the North Carolina Division of
Maritime Forests Coastal Management in November of 1988 (An Assessment Of
Maritime Forest Resources On The North Carolina Coast.
Michael J. Lopazanski, et al) maritime forests are the woody plant
communities that develop as an end result of primary succession on
coastal dune systems. The report further notes that maritime forests
are generally restricted to the coastal barrier islands.
(Lopazanski, p. 1)
For Brunswick County, this means that most maritime forests fall
within the planning jurisdiction of the incorporated beach
communities along the county's ocean shore.
In their 1988 report, Lopazanski, et al compiled "a complete inventory
of all maritime forest tracts remaining in North Carolina greater than
20 acres in size". According to the report, the only remaining maritime
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Brunswick County Lana Use Plan ?olicies For Growth and Development
IPolicy 2.1.3 b
n
C�
forest areas in southeastern North Carolina meeting this size
requirement are located on Bluff Island, Middle Island, and Bald Head
Islana. Middle and Bald Head are within the planning jurisdiction of
the Village of Bald Head Island, while Bluff is a publicly owned nature
preserve witnin the planning jurisdiction of Brunswick County.
Even so, at feast one other source (Earley, 1991) has noted the
presence of some maritime forest habitats along the tidal creeks and
ridges on the northern bank of the Intracoastal waterway in Brunswick
County.
Maritime forests in Brunswick County shall receive a hiigh
level of environmental: protection when considering.:public
and private sector•, uses. When development is considered,
preferred usage: shallbe for low intensity or clustered.
development forms.
2.1.3.c) There are currently no Outstanding Resource Waters identified within
Outstanding the planning iurisdiction of Brunswick County. Lockwood Folly River
Resource Waters was at one time up for consideration as an ORW, but was removed
(ORW) from the list of potential ORW's due to periodic high bacterial levels.
The NC Division of Environmental Management has reported that
failing septic tanks and storm water runoff from subdivisions along the
river are the most likely causes of high counts of fecal coliform in the
river. High fecal coliform counts have required the closing of shell
fishing beds over widespread portions of the river. As recently as
1988, for example, it was reported that 71 % of the shell fishing areas
in the river had to be closed, the largest percentage of waters of any
shell fishing area in the state. In June of 1989 the State published a
report on Lockwood folly which documented many of these findings.
Since that time, the State has continued to monitor fecal coliform
levels in the river on a weekly basis. Funding in support of the
monitoring program is expected to run out before the end of 1992.
While no specifics were offered, a State official involved in the
program indicated that major sources of fecal coliform contamination
were being identified. Recommended actions to be taken to correct
these problems would be the next logical step. Brunswick County
officials have continued to express their support for a specific
management plan to restore the river's water quality, including
possible future reconsideration as an ORW.
j < Policy 21.3: (c)
Brunswick. County;upports he efforts<:of the. State to
restore the water:4uality of the Lockwood. .Folly;Rlver, as
well as other estuarine: waters in the county,. to:: -.a water
quality. level deserving of� ORW designation.
J
Brunswick County Planning Board page 92 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Lana Use Plan
Policies For Growth ana Deveiooment
L
2.7.3(d) Water As noted in sections 1.3 and 1.4 of this report, Brunswick County is
Supply Areas. moving rapidly away from well water as its orimary source of potable
water. The County's relatively new piped water system relies
primarily upon surface water from the Cape Fear River upstream of
the area of salt water influence. While the County's water system
continues to draw from a series of ground water wells west of
Southport, plans are in place to phase out this element of the county's
water supply. There is some concern that if present trends continue,
saltwater intrusion will become a major problem for wells located
anywhere generally east of US 17 in the County. In fact, engineering
studies prepared as early as the late 1970's, first identified saltwater
intrusion as a real threat to the long term potable water supply of
County residents. Nonetheless, for many rural area residents, ground
water is the only source of potable water for their homes.
At the same time, the County is aware of the vulnerable position in
which it has placed itself when relying upon a surface water supply
source whose quality is dependent upon the duty and care of
upstream water users. This issue has become particularly evident
with the advent of major hog slaughtering facilities upstream, the
possibility of inter basin water transfers, and increasing levels of
upstream development. Therefore, the only prudent course of action
is to see that both sources of water receive careful attention and
protection for their long term use.
Policy 2.1`.3(d) The:::county's :ground water ;reso>urces, especially those .
,.:areas*.::. not..subject of saltwater irirusfan, shall be
.
I,.reco,anizdd,:':�as:::a:::va.uable secondary source cf public and
private.::potable ;water snd shalt receiiue a .high :level tf
rotection when considerin .4ev61 00irneft0ro' owls
2.1.3(e) Cultural As noted in section 1.3.2, the State Division of Archives and History
and Historic has stated that there are no fewer than 172 prehistoric sites and 25
Resources significant historic architectural structures and sites in the
unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. The State has also noted
that there are in all likelihood other properties and sites of prehistoric.
architectural and/or historical significance of which they are unaware.
Further, the State office has observed that areas along the county's
sound shorelines, stream and river shorelines, and some high ground
areas within or around low lying marsh land have a higher than
average probability for containing archeological sites.
Support for the protection and enhancement of cultural and historic
resources has been strong among some segments of Brunswick
County society, as evidenced by historic preservation efforts in
Shallotte. Southport, Brunswick Town and elsewhere.
H
Brunswick County Planning Board page 93 Glenn Harbeck Associates

- nsv�cK Ccun,v Lana Use Pian=ciimes For Growtn ana Deveioomern
u
Policv 2.1.3(b)l Brunswick County supports::the : protection of: other»:cultural
and . historic. resource . areas::>(beyond-.-Ahose:: designated:: as
AEC's) to:. preserve:; their cultural,: educatlonai: and:.aesthetici
values and: dualities.
2.1.3(f) As disc::ssed more fully under section 1.3.1(b), Brunswick County
Manmade contains several sizable manmade hazards including: Carolina
,Hazards Power _and Light Nuclear Facility, the Sunny Point Ocean military
terminal (and its associated railroad corridors), the Archer Danieis
Midlana Chemical Facility and the DuPont Chemical facility. In
addition. the two general purpose airports within the county are also
potentially hazarcous. Eacn of these tacilities is an important
economc asset tc the Countv and, therefore, deserve ail due
consideration in avoidina the placement of new cievelooment wnicr.
would lead to immediate or Iona term land use conflicts. As the areas
impactea directly oy these facilities Involve the planning jurisdictions
of the Town of Ccean Isle Beach and the Southeastern Sanitary
District. continueo inter -local coordination will be necessary. Throuan
the County's Planning Department and Emergency Services
Department, the mechanisms are already in place to achieve this
coordination.
' Policy: Z.13
0
Brunswick County will seekto .minimize: potential nand ::use
confCicts and:: hazards development- In ereasnear 9
existing -hazardous:: facilities. ;
2.1.4 Hurricane Section 2.5 of this plan deals exclusively with the subject of storm
and Flood hazard mitigation. post disaster recovery and evacuation. The reader
Evacuation is referred to that section, which includes several oolicy statements on
hurricane and flood evacuation.
2.1.5 Protection 1981 marked the first year of a major commitment by Brunswick
of Potable Water County to develop a regional water supply system for the County.
Supply Since that time, the County has been moving aggressively away from
ground water and toward surface water as its primary source of
potable water supply. Engineering studies have predicted that
saltwater intrusion will become a growing problem in the county's
groundwater, especially in the increasingly populated areas near the
county's ocean coastline.
The County's system draws its raw water supply (through the Lower
Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority) from a point just above Lock
and Dam Number One on the Cape Fear River. This location is
above the point of estuarine salt water influence reaching up the river
from the mouth of the Cape Fear.
In recent years, considerable concern has focused on the impact of
upstream developments and uses on the quality of the water in the
Brunswick county Planning Board page 94 Glenn Harbedk Associates

=.;1nswIcK CcL;;^;v Lana Use Tian
Policies For Growtn ana Development I
Cape Fear. By the time it reaches the Authority's water intake, the
river has received urban and agricultural area runoff, various
oollutants, and effluent discharges from an area which encompasses
a large area of the interior of the State of North Carolina. At the same
time. there is a continuing concern that interbasin transfers could
occur upsteam, thereby diminishing the flow volume of the river, and
further concentrating pollutants in the stream.
In other words. Brunswick and New Hanover Counties are at the end
of the pipe, in a manner of speaking, with regard to the quantity and
quality of the water in the Cape Fear River. More particularly, the
recent development of a large hog slaughtering facility on a site in
Bladen County within the Cape Fear basin has served to amplify the
issue.
Protection of the County's raw water supply therefore ranks as a very
hiah priority concern for the future growth and development of
Brunswick County, ana the whole lower Cape Fear region. The
County is vitally interested in seeing applicable state and federal
agencies carefully monitor and control upstream development
activities so as not to irreparably damage the very future of the
County.
Policy 2.1.5(a)l Brunswick County supports all s#ate; and federal eif#orts to
,protect the qualify of wafer. to ftte Cape Fear Rlvar, whether
i sUch pro#eciion >invohres ccntr+�ts otrar point source_
.::
idischarges' , surface. ru`Hoff,or...;inter::fsasin:..water .transfers.....
Policy. 2. .5(b) Brunswick County wilt. contrnue irnprovernents to and
expans1 of the area's central, piped water su t
PP Y
system
r
Policy:: 21.5(c) Brunswick County suppprts the reguiattah of oxEc waste
and€ other harmful ma�erca[s whfci� could reach surfaco or
ground>water. resources, as wet[ as impraveci startn water
mane ement:..and:. erasionlsecftmentatlon.::controls.<
2.1.6 Package As discussed previously, extensive areas of soils unsuited for septic
Sewage tanks are a major constraint on future growth and development in
Treatment Plants Brunswick County. Until such a time as centralized sewage treatment,
facilities are put in place, new developments in the county will have to
rely upon either septic tanks or package sewage treatment plants for '
their sewage disposal needs.
Several trends have emerged which lead the County to be supportive
of the use of package sewage treatment plants. These trends include:,

::nswicK ; nN Lana usa Plan=ciicies For Grc:vtn ana Develooment
1. newer development occurrina increasingly on marginally
suitable sciis.
' 2. a tignteninc of regulations concerning the siting ang
operation of conventional septic tanks.
' 3. an Identifies need for a greater variety of housing types in
the county —including multi -family cluster development ana
other forms of innovative residential development.
' 4. the scarcity of state and federal funding sources for the
construction of municipal sewage treatment facilities.
' Currently, Brunswick County has no plans to build publicly financed
and operated sewage treatment plants in the foreseeable future.
While several other smaller area initiatives are underway, there is
' little doubt that the private sector will have to play an increasing role
in the provision of sewage treatment facilities in the county. For all a-
the reasons outlined above, package sewage treatment olants will
' continue io present a viable option for domestic and commercial
sewage disposal in unincorporated Brunswick County.
' Policy 2:y:fi Until such; time:: that district sewage:; treatment systems: are
feasible and available, Brunswick County shall encourage !
the: use o#: private, smallpackage sewage treatment plants
#or ;appropriately scaled.. developments,..: especially...In those
' ; areas .:w�ih:: a>il: [imitations for.. septjc >fank . use. _
' 2.1.7 Noted North Carolina hydrogeologist Ralph C. Heath. when. soeakinc
Stormwater about the coastal area of North Carolina. has stated that the...
Runoff "construction ... of multi -story condominiums, motels and other vacation
facilities, with their parking lots, tennis courts, and swimming pools. is
resulting in the creation of large expanses or impervious areas.
Disposing of the runoff from these areas during storms in a manner
' that is not detrimental to the adiacent sounds and ocean is among the
most pressing water management problems now confronting the
developer and the public officials in this area." (News: Water
' Resources Research Institute of the University of North Carolina.
November 1986).
' The construction of large, impervious surfaces associated with major
commercial and residential development, accelerates the rate at
which rain waters reach the estuarine sound waters. This rapid influx
' of fresh water can change the natural salinity of the sound water and
disrupt the biological balance of the natural system. The water can
also carry higher than normal levels of nutrients and other
' biodegradable materials that can create excessive oxygen demand
for decomposing the material.
' Much of what is described above can be witnessed in the continued
rapid development of the unincorporated area of Brunswick County.
The widespread closing of the county's estuarine waters for
Brunswick County Planning Board page 96 Glenn Harbeck Associates

::runswicK County t_ana Use rat yc!icies For Growth and Develooment I
sheilfishing is but one symptom of a much larger problem. While it '
rnav be too late to turn matters completely around, it is commendable -
that BrunswicK County currently requires a storm water management
plan be submitted as part of any development proposal. The county '
intends to give greater attention to this element of plan review, with
the intent of more carefully controlling storm water runoff into the
estuary.
'
Policy 2:1.7
Brunswick county encouragesaii = land: use activ1tles
employ effective storm: water management practides to
protect>the: quality; of-:ahe county`s streams;: rivers, :marshes
,
and estuarine systems.
I
is..."any
,
2.1.8 Marina
According to CAMA guidelines, a floating structure structure
and Floating
not a boat. supported by a means of floatation designed to be used
Home
without a permanent foundation, which is used or intended for human
'
Develoloment
habitation or commerce. A structure will be considered a floating
structure when it is inhabited or used for commercial purposes for
more than 30 days in any one location. A boat may be deemed a
'
floating structure when its means of propulsion has been removea or
renaered inoperative and it contains at least 200 square feet of livinc
space area."
'
Policy... ZA, 8(a)
Floating home development is not seen by the Brunswick County
Planning Board as having any significant benefit to the county. The '
environmental, aesthetic and public trust area problems associated
with such development are deemed to far outweigh any potential
economic benefits gained. '
Regarding marina development, the County believes that the state's
use standards for marinas as specified in T15A:07H.0200 offer '
sufficient standards and safeguards for future development of such
fariiities_
Brunswick County discourages tloatmg nome aevc�wp!:!!F �
anywhere �r>E the -waterways, public trust waters, and along
the. shorelines of:the couniys #n titsxtont regulated ay the
.
PaEicy ..2 .8(b)'' Srunsw.tck Cohn y enc>aura-9. enu�rvnmentatty ras ons>Ibte
manna development n accordance with ell . State LAMA
t :...:..<=:.:::::> ii :` :;ii ;i ::>:;.... I::<::i? ?<: ::>::. ...
standards»:for:; AECa..:: :: <.;.:
2.1.9 Industrial
Impacts on
Fragile Areas
The topic of industrial impacts oi, fragile areas brings to the forefront
two major growth issues in Brunswick County. First, the majority of all,
land in the county is environmentally fragile, and is therefore readily
susceptible to destruction. Second, the county has a strong industrial

::,:;des For Grcvnn ana oevenoment
tax case for a resident poouiaiion of its size and, from an economic
' U�eveiopment oersoeciive. .vouici like to encourage more industrv.
Of course, the couniv wouid Dreier that industrial deveiooment not
:oca:e in frame areas: nowever :re county recognizes inat the
' :oca::onai needs of many indusmes are dependent ucon proximiiv .o
aii. air, and highway transooriation and the availability of utilities.
' `re couniy's iand classification mao, which is an integral Dart of the
poiicv section of this plan. nas identified several areas of the county
that are suitable for industrial development. The map also reserves a
large area in the general "Rural" class which may also be appropriate
for certain types of industry.
' At the same time, the map identifies several areas that are clearly not
suitable for industrial development. These areas include. for
' examoie. the Green Swamo. certain large Carolina bays. and most c-
,he county's regularly flooded wetlands.
' Bven so, the county will consider all industrial location decisions on a
case by case basis. When the economic benefits of a new industry
outweigh their potential environmental impacts, the county will worK
' with the industry to see that such impacts are mitigated to the
maximum extent possible.
' Policv 2.1.91 Economically beneficial industries will be allowed. to: locate:
in: fragile areas if' environmental: impacts can be mitigated.
' 2.1.10 There are many small sound and estuarine system islands in
Development of Brunswick County which are privately owned. Among these, the most
Sound and well known include Bird Island, wnich falls primarily (95%) within the
' Estuarine extra -territorial planning jurisdiction of the Town of Sunset Beach, and
System Islands Sheep Island, near the Town of Long Beach.
' Plans and discussions regarding the fate of the 85 acre Bird Island
are continuing as this lard use plan is being prepared. In mid 1.992,
the owner submitted plans to the State to build a bridge and
' causeway to the island, plus a pier with space for six boats, and a i 5-
lot subdivision. Officials with various state and federal agencies have
been reviewing the request, which has generated considerable
' interest among local area residents.
Concerning Sheep Island, the Town Board of Long Beach in April of
' 1992, made an official determination that Sheep Island not be part of
the Town: rather the island is to be considered part of unincorporated
Brunswick County, and therefore under the County's planning
' jurisdiction.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 98 Glenn Harbeck Associates

nswicsc Ccun v nano Use rian Policies For Growth ana Development I
While these islands (and other smaller. unnamed ones similar to
them) have extremely fragile environmental conditions. it is the
County's position that so Iona as these islands are under private
ownership, they should be allowed to develop in accordance with
private croperty rights enjoyed by other property owners in the county
At the same time. if the owner(s)of these islands should decide to
build upon them. the County would strongly encourage the property
owner to develop such islands in an environmentally sensitive
manner.
Policy 2.1.10I
2.1.11 There has been considerable discussion and debate over the past
Development decade about the influence of sea level rise on beach and shoreline
Near Sea Level erosion along North Carolina's coast. In the case of Brunswick
County, all areas subject to this debate fall within the planning
jurisdictions of the incorporated beach municipalities along the
county's ocean coast.
Nonetheless, there are some developments occurring along the
northern shore of the intracoastal waterway, within the unincorporated
area, that could eventually be effected by sea level rise. For this
reason, some discussion is in order. The County's flood plain
regulations typically require that development in floodprone areas be
elevated above the 100 year flood plain. In addition, the estuarine
shoreline AEC standards discourage new development from
occurring too close to a threatened shoreline. Generally, the County
supports a policy of prudent initial development with full recognition oT
the risks and consequences of building in such areas; that failing,
structures should be required to retreat when threatened —rather than
hardening the shoreline.
Policy Z :'t.i:f' Development w�thEn areas suscep#Eble to sea' evei rEs ?
shorellrie erosion, andfor wetlantf loss, should talcs In#o
co lderatrorr such conditions upon al development In>
the event such develcptnerit �s later threatened by
shoreline logs, the count wait not"Perm
it efforis #o harden
#he...shore tiine : ci:", rcrteict.::ianwisi :.d'l vela` menu.>:......, .
1
1

7
E.unsWICK Courts UMO Usa rig. ciyes For Growtn ana Demooment
' 2.1.12 Upland As the immediate coastal area of BrunswicK County. indeed the State
Excavation for of Nortn Carolina. has become more intensiveiv developed for
Marina Basins shoreline uses. natural sites for oeep water marinas have become
increasingiy scarce. State reoulations which justifiably discourage or
prohibit the destruction of wetland habitats, primary nursery areas and
other important. environmentally sensitive estuarine areas. have
made opportunities for new marina developments difficult.
Nonetneless. as the coastal pooulation of Brunswick County grows.
demand for manna facilities grows commensurately.
' State CAMA standards (15-NCAC 7H.0208(6)(5) set forth the
following four alternatives. in orcer of priority, for the development of
'
new marinas:
upland site, no wetland/habitat alteration, good water
circulation.
'
2. upland site. dredging only for access. minimal damage to
fisheries or wetlands.
deep water site. not in primary nursery area. not requiring
excavation or wetland alternation.
4. open water site, excavation of unproductive areas no
'
deeoer than depth of connecting channels.
Thus, the State has declared upland sites to be the preferred
alternative for new marina development. As a result, excavation for
'
marina basins in upland sites becomes an attractive option from a
permitting perspective, especially where no wetlands/habitat
alteration is involved and where good water circulation can be
'
achieved.
'
Policy :2.t.12
; Brunswick County supports the: development of marina.
i basins In:.:...upland: cites in<:accairdance :wilth .::CA standards:
set. forth in:: 15=NCAC 7H 0208(6)(5)
'
2.1.13 Marsh
Generally,Y PP Brunswick Count supports the standards for bulkheads
Damage from
and rip rap as identified in T15A:07H.1100 regarding the general
Bulkhead
permit for the construction of such structures in estuarine and public
Installation
trust waters. To meet the requirements of the general permit,
proposed bulkheads and/or rip rap can be placed only along
'
shorelines either (1) void of wetland vegetation —including marsh
grass and wooded swamp, or (2) where all construction is to be
accomplished landward of such vegetation. (.1105 specific
'
conditions)
While Brunswick County supports these standards. it also recognizes
' (as does the State) that in some instances it may be necessary to use
bulkheading or rip rap materials to stabilize a channel leading from
an upland marina to a deep water channel. In such instances, the
Brunswick County Planning Board page 100 Glenn Harbeck Associates

=r:nswicx Cc r.r� �a^o User ==^iicies For Growth ano Deveioomem
County supports aopticable state and federal regulations concerning ,
the minimization of such channels and the mitigation of such impacts
on wetlands destroyed by such structures.
Policv 2.1.13 Brunswick County supports state and: federal :standards::.
which seek to --prevent: or mini mize.:marsh:damage: from
bulkhead- or rip. rap...-. insiallatlon. The County ;.recognizes,
however-: that some:lim'ited marsh damage may be:
necessary to::: provide-: for:< otherwise environmentally sound:
development.-
n
1

_ , nswicK C:,unty Lana Use Pian=^iicies For Growin ano Oemoomerf
7
2.2. RESOURCE
PRODUCTION
AND
%IANAGEMENT
POLICIES
2.2.1 Productive Statistics comoiled fcr Section 1.2.1(b) of this plan (Economy), reveai
Agricultural a continuing cecline Tor agriculture in Brunswick County's overall
Lands economy. While the amount of acreage and cropland has fluctuatea
somewhat from year to year, the overall trend toward declining
acreage is quite clear and, compared to some inland counties.
Brunswick County's sandy, low nutrient coastal soils have not
traditionally generated high agricultural yields.
' Policy 2 2:1
During the leadersnio interviews conducted for this plan. the term
"subsistence ievei farming" was used frequently to describe the
historic character of farming in Brunswick County. Over the past ten
years. the County has experienced the conversion of substantial
amounts of agricultural lands into more profitable residential and
commercial development.
i'he continued agrlculturat use .of the Brunswick County's:.
Ire`tttair>E ng farm[ands..'s#tall be encouraged.
' 2.2.2 While there are no official current estimates of commercial forest
Commercial acreage available, the Brunswick County Planning Board in 1987
Forest Lands estimated that approximately two thirds of all land in BrunswicK
' County was in commercial forest land. Forest lands for paper
production are a very important land use in the county.
i Policy 2.22
The most significant environmental impact regarding commercial
forestry activities centers on the large drainage ditches oftentimes
employed on such lands. The construction of major systems of
drainage can radically alter the environmental character and wildlife
habitat of these extensive land holdings. Further, such ditches can
accelerate the speed at which storm water reaches the estuary,
thereby changing the salinity of the estuary. At the same time,
drainage can reduce the amount of rain water being recharged to the
ground water resource, potentially increasing the speed at which salt
water intrusion effects the potable ground water supply.
girunswcck :County suppor s cammeir..al tares#ry as a tttajor
land use, provided sIgnifrcant adverse impacts an na#ural
rasource; sys#ems. ara ::minimized. .
2.2.3 Mineral Mineral production and mining activities in Brunswick County involve
Production primarily borrow pits for the extraction of sand and gravel. There are
Areas known deposits of sand and gravel and coquina scattered throughout
Brunswick county Planning Board page 102 Glenn Harbeck Associates

::,unswicK CCunty Lana Use P'=_n Policies For Growtn and Development'
the county. At the present time, extensive borrow pits are located '
alona Todd Road and in the Shallotte point area. The County's
proposed zoning ordinace is expected to contain provisions which
would offer a greater measure of local control over such activities.
Policy 2.2.3 Mineral: production: and: nfinmg activities. wdi be::.:considered
on a:::case by case review: ot: economic:: benefits :.:and
environmental and land . use.: impacts....
2.2.4 Commercial and recreational fishing are an integral part of the
Commercial and economic, social and cultural heritage of Brunswick County. As
Recreational discussed in section 1.2.1(b) Economy, levels of commercial fishing
Fisheries activity have remained steady or declined slightly over the past 25
years. At the same time, interest in recreational fishing has increased
enormously.
Commercial fish landings, however, are not the sole indicators of tie
impact of the fisheries resource on the overall economy of BrunswicK
County. Much of the county's tourism -driven economy is oerived from
both the real and perceived image of an area with close ties to sea.
During the early public meetings held for the land use plan, this
concern was most apparent in the amount of support given to the
protection of wildlife habitats and the proper management of the
county's natural resources, including the fisheries resource.
State law prohibits local governments from regulating the marine
fisheries resource, which is considered to be held in the public trust.
The Marine Fisheries Commission and Division of Marine Fisheries,
however, welcome the input of local governments and residents in
decisions regarding marine fisheries regulations. Also, the County
does have the ability to control land side development to minimize
adverse impacts on water quality in the estuary, and particularly
primary nursery areas and shell fish areas.
In addition to naturally occurring fisheries resources, aquaculture,
(which may be defined as the controlled growth of fish, shell fish or
marine plants for economic benefit) has gained interest in coastal
North Carolina in recent years. Such aquaculture facilities can
include both landside containments as well as open water marine
sites. Principle species with high potential for aquaculture
development in the coastal waters of North Carolina include hard
clams, soft shell crabs and oysters (Aquaculture Development Plan
for North Carolina, Governors Task Force on Aquaculture, December
1988). The relatively poor quality of the county's estuarine resources,
however, may preclude open water marine sites.
Public concern continues that the county's waters are being over -
fished and that the fisheries resource is being rapidly depleted. The
I
H
E
fl

E..:nswicx Courts Lana Use r-an
=ciicies rcr Growtn ana Deveimment
County would therefore like to see better fisheries management ana
enforcement occur in its waters.
'Brunswick County supports efforts: to.. maintain: and: I
entrance the fisheries resource:: of its:?.waters*,.. includin '
9 �
better fisheries. management..and.-:-. enforcemen#; and j
i aquaculture development activities... I
'
2.2.5 Off Road
Concern for the environmental impacts of off -road vehicles in coastal
Vehicles
North Carolina is primarily oriented toward beach and near beach
'
dune areas. Such beach areas in Brunswick County occur within the
incorporated beach communities along the county's ocean shore.
Nonetheless. off -road vehicles have been known to traverse the
'
countv's wetlands and other fraoile areas at locations further inlana.
In such areas, off -road vehicle traffic can easily destroy fragile
wetland vegetation as well as other naturai habitats upon which the
'
county's wildlife depends.
Policy 2.2.5
I Brunswick County discourages. the -use::: of off -road... vehicles
'
i in all fragiie : areas: because of potential adverse
environmental: impacts.
'
2.2.6
All of the county's major development impact issues. such as
Development
industrial development, expanding residential development. and
Impacts
storm water runoff, etc. are covered under specific policv headinas
'
various parts of this plan. The table of contents provides a means a;
quickly identifying the location of policies concerning particular
development types.
'
2.2.7 Peat or
While peat and phosphate mining have been an issue in other
Phosphate
coastal counties of North Carolina, opportunities for peat or
'
Mining Impacts
phosphate excavation in Brunswick County are speculative at best
and would have to be considered at the time any such proposal
should arise. For this reason, the reader is referred to the general
mining policy set forth previously under section 2.2.3.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 104 Glenn Harbe& Associates

�E,unswick
Lana Use Plan
SECTION 2.3
ECONOMIC AND
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
POLICIES
�'-clides For Growtn ana Develooment
Introduction
This poiicy section is concerned with those issues associated with the,
deveiopment and redevelopment of Brunswick County. Among the
several issues discussed are the types and locations of desired
development, the willingness of the County to provide public services
for development, the desired pattern of development, local support for
state and federal programs influencing development, and the
provision of access to public open space and land and water
recreational areas.
,
2.3.1 Types and
The leadership interviews conducted early in the planning process.
Locations of
combined with discussions at the Planning Board level, provided
'
Industries
usefui insiahts into the challenges concerning economic development
Desired
in Brunswick County. Much of the area's present attitudes about
growth stem from the economic history of the county over the past 100'
years. Prior to the 1 960's, most Brunswick County residents lived
under a basic, subsistence -level, resource -based economy (i.e.
farming and fishing). And, despite the tremendous industrial growth
'
experienced during the 60's and 70's, the county continues to have
an unemployment rate consistently higher than surrounding areas.
'
Thus, many residents continue to place a high priority on economic
growth and better paying jobs.
At the same time. the educational system remains behind state norms.'
causing local area workers to have a difficult time competing for job
openings. As a result, there is concern among county residents that
new industries brought to the county will simply bring employees from
outside the area to fill the new positions created. There is a strong
feeling among local residents that new industries brought in should
'
use local talent (or re-trained local talent) rather than hiring people
from outside the county. Otherwise, the new industry does not
represent economic development, but rather, just economic growth for'
growth's sake.
Regarding the issue of "clean" vs. "dirty" industry, Planning Board ,
members felt that such industries were difficult to characterize in
today's rapidly changing national and global economy. The point
was also made that Brunswick County presently generates a large
amount of waste from its existing industrial base, and it therefore has
a responsibility to address the difficult issues of disposal of hazardous
waste materials. '
Finally, the issue of tourism as an industry is discussed later under
section 2.3.8. '

,s•'. -K Ca-- - - - ss -cr uave+oc7-=
' Policy 2.3.11 Brunswick County encourages. the development of industry
throughout the county, provided -such such development is
compatible with surrounding land uses and that potential
' environmental impacts can be- effectiveiv mitigated.
2.3.2 Provision Brunswick County sumpons CAMA's renewed emphasis on the
of Services to-eiationsnip between future grovitn and the provision of services to
Development s.;poc - -hat gre�:: n. This re!ationsnip is reflectea most scecifically
the Jana classification map which accompanies this plan. The lana
' c,asslfication map clearly icentifies those parts of Brunswick County
that the County believes can be adequately serviced within the next
ten years. Services provided to these areas wiil include. first and
' foremost. the county's piped water system. Since 1981. Brunswick
County has been aggressively pursuing the development of a centrai
piped viater supp y system to ail developing pars of the county.
l�
iJue to the large eeograpnic size of Brunswick County and its
reiativeiv scatterea. sparse aeveiopment pattern. a large centralizec.
interccnnecting sewage collection and treatment system would not ce
feasible for many years to come. For this reason. it is more likely that
several smaller systems could be developed to serve, in particular,
the barrier island beach communities and the near shore mainland
areas just across the intracoastal waterway. The county remains
flexible as to whether these sewer service districts might be handled
by the municipalities themselves. by sanitary districts or by some
combination of the two. In any event, the County would be willing to
participate in a local intergovernmental effort to coordinate research
and development of the various authorities or municipalities in setting
up such sewage service districts.
Regarding other services, the County's commitment to law
enforcement through the Sheriffs Department. and to emergency
services through 'he Emergency Services Department, and through
financial and other support for the volunteer fire departments and
rescue squads, is quite clear (See Sections 1.4.4 and 1.4.5). Also.
the County's substantial dollar investments in water system
infrastructure, and the fairly significant investment in parks facilities. is
the best evidence of the County's strong commitment to providing the
necessary services to support new growth.
Solid waste management, including recycling and disposal, another
key service of the County, is discussed specifically in Section 2.3.16
of this plan.
Policy 2.3.2 ! Brunswick County will strive, to :the.:.best extent possible, to
facilitate the:: expansion of: public.; servides:: and-:: facilities- to.
meet. the needs of existing . and:: future_ populations..
Brunswick County Planning Board page 106 Glenn Harbeck Associates

,unswick Cccnty Lana Use Plan Policies For Growth ana Development I
2.3.3 Urban Brunswick County's urban growth pattern is strongly influenced by its
Growth Pattern relationship to the Atlantic Coast, the Intracoastal Waterway and, to a
Desired lesser extent, the Cape Fear River. The growth tendencies for various
parts of the county are documented in some detail in section 1.2.2 of
this report. Suffice it to say that the strongest urban level growth has
been occurring and continues to occur in that part of the county
between US 17 ano the intracoastal waterway. This is particularly
evident at the end of the county closest to the South Carolina State
line, within striking distance of the Grand Strand.
The location of distribution lines for the County's piped water system
in future years will serve to reinforce this pattern. At the same time,
Section 1.3.2 documented the many fragile natural areas of the
county and their general distribution in relation to these growth areas.
It is therefore in the best economic and environmental interest of the
county to reinforce the existing urban growth pattern. In fact, a review
of the entire plan will reveal that the various actions of the county are
all designed to reinforce this pattern, whether it be the County water
system, road improvements, solid waste recycling centers, fire
protection, or initiatives to develop sewer treatment districts.
The combination of all the factors noted above is clearly reflected in
the land classification map. The land classification map, in turn, is to
be further reinforced by the proposed county zoning ordinance. It is
through the effective use of policies and the land classification map,
combined'with growth management tools like the new zoning
ordinance and the updated subdivision regulations, and with a
commitment to provide services to these areas, that the desired
overall urban growth pattern of the county can be achieved.
I P'o icy 23�3`
2.3.4
The 1987 update to the land use plan noted that... "beyond scattered
Redevelopment,
historic home restoration, there is little restoration or redevelopment
including
activity occurring in the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County"
Relocation of
(page 86). For the 1992 update, Planning Board members noted that.
Threatened
as the county is maturing, there are a high number of substandard
Structures
houses throughout the county in need of rehabilitation.
The County believes that the best way to insure that these structures
will be either removed or rehabilitated is to provide for good jobs and
higher incomes to the permanent residents of the county.
With regard to structures which may be threatened by major storm
events or shore line or beach erosion, most of these situations occur
U
L

:_-''UnSWICK CcunN Lana use Flan :-oliaes Fcr Growin ana Deveimmeni
within the Incorporated beach municipalities of t h e county. The
' County's policies concerning such situations are presented fully in
Section 2.5 concerning Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster
Recovery, ana Evacuation.
Policv 2.3.41 Brunswick. County supports: and.:. encourages-.:. the restoration
of. =significant : and::: arch %tecturally imp;ortant::;:historin:
structures.. Redevelopment of:::tubstandard:::structures
' within the county shall'be supported' through public and..
private::.. sector.::.: in I ti at Ives.:-: f or.-r the:.:economil c:::betterment of :
' area: residents.;..
2.3.5 LAMA guidelines suggest that local governments address local area
Commitment to commitment to state and federal programs including items such as
State and erosion control, public access, highway improvements, port facilities.
Federal dredging, and military facilities. Brunswick County acknowledges ano
' Programs supports all such applicable state and federal programs which work to
improve the quality of life and economic development opportunities
for county residents. The County attempts to cooperate and assist in
' the implementation of these programs whenever possible.
As identified elsewhere in this plan, many roads and bridges in the
county are in need of improvement. At the same time, the protection
and enhancement of the county's estuarine water resources and
waterborne transportation systems are vital to the long term interests
' of the County from both an economic and tourism standpoint.
For these reasons, programs of greatest significance to BrunswicK
' County include those federal and state programs which would
support improvements to the county's road system and to the county's
water transportation system. Protection and enhancement of water
' quality and the fisheries resource are also considered to be top
priorities. The County especially supports the efforts of the US Army
Corps of Engineers for the maintenance of the intracoastal waterwav
' and the Cape Fear River channel. as well as proposed demonstration
work on the eastern channel of the Lockwood Folly River (More on
this under 2.3.6 below). Obviously, the North Carolina Department of
' Transportation's ongoing transportation improvement program is also
of considerable significance to the County.
Policy< 2 35
Brunswick County Planning Board -- page 108 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Lana Use P;n-n Policies For Growth and Develooment I
2.3.6 Channel As noted immediately above, Brunswick County's waterways are vital
Maintenance to the long term vitality of the county's commercial commerce as well
and Beach as recreational economy. Efforts to maintain the county's waterways
Renourishment are therefore supported to the maximum extent possible, including
activities necessary to provide for the provision of borrow and spoil
areas and the provision of easements when necessary to accomplish
the work. The maintenance dredging of the Shallotte River and the
Lockwood Folly Rivers, in particular, continue to be a priority.
One project of particular interest to the County is the proposed
"demonstration work" related to the opening of the eastern channel of
the Lockwood Folly River. Discussions with a representative of the
US Army Corps of Engineers' revealed the following summary and
status report: The Water Resources Development Act of 1992
included a demonstration project to dredge a 100 foot wide (bottom
width), six foot deep (8 foot overdepth) channel for this location.
However, no specific funding was attached to the project. Rather, the
project must compete nationally with other projects included in the
same bill. At the time of this writing (October 26,1992), the Wilmington
office of the ACOE was within one week of submitting a study plan
and cost estimate" for the preparation of environmental work and
engineering design for the dredging. Preliminary cost figures for the
initial dredging , exclusive of the engineering work, have been
estimated at one to two million dollars. The ACOE representative
could offer no specifics on the probability that even the preliminary
engineering work would be funded, or when. A specific
implementaion action is included in this plan calling upon the Federal
government to pursue this project with all due speed.
Telephone consultation with Tom Jarret, Chief, Coastal Engineering Branch, US Army Corps
of Engineers, Wilmington, NC Office, October 23,1992.
Brunswick County's beaches, while located entirely within the
incorporated areas of the beach towns, nonetheless have a spill over
economic impact to the balance of the county. Regarding beach
renourishment activities, the county recognizes that there can be a
reciprocal and supporting relationship between beach renourishment
and channel creation and maintenance. The County therefore
supports efforts to coordinate the disposal of spoiled materials, if
appropriate, on to area beaches in their renourishment.
PoiJc 2...3.fi Blrunsw�ck Count su orts fife ciontlnu+d tna>Intenanc>� of
y PP
t>Gavigatiie channeis t�lnd. Ir;Etefs attcf >: j<he.. r n+pulrf .. p .........:
:..
%e count 's .a�eaches fn a: fittie! oordinate:d...fiasis aR.> ........
1
H
E
Ii
2.3.7 Energy CAMA guidelines suggest that each local government include specific
Facilities policies related to energy facility siting and development. Specific '
subjects under this heading include electric generating plants,
inshore and outer continental shelf exploration or energy
development, possibilities for onshore refineries, storage, and trans- ,

...r.s•.r.cx ,.c...... _.:..., .,sue - �.,
Fc- Gromn ana Oeveioomen-
0
nioment. aind the ootentiai negative environmental effects from
c.tentiai c:owouts. Mills. etc.
-here are currently two maior energy proaucing incustries in
Brunswick "ounty-Carolina Power Light and Company and the
Cocentrix aereratine Plant near Soutnport. :_3-.th of these
industries are vaivaole economic assets to the county. Future enerov
aciiities locating Brunswick County, whether onsnore or offshore.
:viii be recurred to meet or exceeo the standards of design and
operation ceino used by existing energy facilities. It will be the
buraen of anv sucn energy facilities as well as any other major
industries.:o prove that their design and operations will have no
significant adverse impacts on the environment or the County's
communities ana oeopie.
Policy 2.3.71 Any new major energy facilities to be located in Brunswick I
County shall, prior to. approval,. make a full disclosure of aill
costs and benefits associated with the project, and will 1
further mitigate all potential adverse impacts of the proiect.l
' 2.3.8 Tourism The subject of tourism as an economic development industry was a
focal point of discussions during the ieadersnip interviews. as well as
' during Planning Board discussions in the early stages of !ana use
plan preparation. 7 he central issue of discussion revolved arouna to e
type of tourism that the County wishes to promote. Fundamentally, it
' was agreed that the County neeas to encourage tourism that
generates higher expenditures per tourist visitor. The benefit of such
a strategy is that more dollars will be in into the local economy
for the benefit of year round residents. while minimizing the number' of
visitors it takes to generate a similar level of economic impact.
Ultimately. "wear and tear" on the county's natural environment will
' be minimized, while the economic benefits of tourist dollars will
continue to flow into the county.
' Contrary to conventional wisdom, the tourism industry can offer high
paying jobs if the tourism market sought after is of high caliber. This
requires restaurants and accommodations otfering nigher value
' services. In turn, the amenities aeveloned (e.g. golf courses, marinas.
ocean front resorts, equestrian facilities, etc.; must be of a quality to
enhance the tourism potential of the county.
Policy 2.3.8
Brunswick County encourages: the development of a high;::
quality; purism trade as a >prlmary.eiement of he cow�ty!S
economic future.:. Investments:; in.. services.:fadi[it[e
growth-..-:. management -. shall' be, employedn .furtherance of:`
this objective.
H
Brunswick County Planning Boaro page 110 Glenn Harbeck Associates

=runswicK Countv Lana Use Plan Policies For Growth and Develooment
2.3.9 Coastal Brunswick County has in place a recent (1990) Shoreline Access
and Estuarine plan which is comprehensive in scope. As stated in the Plan's
Beach Water introduction,`..." [tJhe primary purpose of the plan is to identify sites. set
Access priorities for possible site development, and clarify County policy on
shoreline access, taking into consideration a need to balance
orov!sion of shoreline access ov both the public sector and private
sector'. 11990 Brunswick County Shoreline Access Plan. Brunswick
County. NC, page 2.)
The following is a summary of the policy section as set forth in the
shoreline access plan:
F—
L
Waters covered-- '
In addition to ocean and estuarine waters, access should also
be provided to fresh water rivers and lakes.
Jurisdictional coverage-
1
he plan addresses all unincorporated areas of the county plus
;he Town of Sunset Beach, which agreed to be included in the
Alan's provisions, inaddition to creating their own access plan.
Government involvement in providing shoreline access— '
The plan acknowledges that the private development sector
oftentimes provides the greatest measure of shoreline access.
The plan suggests that the county's "bigger" needs, not met by
the private sector, should be addressed by the state and
federal government. The County's involvement, at least from a
financial standpoint, will be considered on a case by case
basis.
No Exercise of Eminent Domain— '
Powers of eminent domain shall not be used to acquire any
interest in land necessary for shoreline access.
User Fees— I
The County supports the employment of user fees to recover
the cost of providing shoreline access facilities and for their I
operation and maintenance.
Forms of Shoreline Access— '
The plan listed the following forms of shoreline access for
which no need was identified, at least within the County's
unincorporated jurisdiction: oceanfront, swimming, pedestrian,'
sailing, and bicycle access.
Forms of shoreline access for which the County felt the private '
sector should be responsible included: boat berthing and
dock/pier access.

=_..C:eS Fc. Gr:nvrn Ann 17ava,nmmnnr
Shoreline access facilities for which a need was identified and
`or wnlcn the County should actively support firancialiv or
otherwise. incluaed: fishina reefs, visual access (espec!aliv to
rivers), and boat ramps. including specific recreational
amenities such as picnic benches and taoles. Snelters. an �a
c;aygrcuna equipment.
-he plan further stated that while each of the first mentionea
tzoecific access facilities were ruled out for Counr✓ support. the
County did feel that such amenities might be developed in
conjunction with boat ramp sites as an incidental recreational
use.
No Pubiiciy Owned Shorelines To Be Sold or Leaseo—
All current publiciv owned shoreline lanes shou!a be retained
,or some form of public use and enlovment. rather than be!no
soil off for private aeveioprnent.
Maintenance, Poricino of Shoreline Access Fac:ritles—
The pian calls upon various involved state agencies to do
'
better icb of maimainina their existing boat ramp facilities in the
County.
'
Better Utilization of Existing Access Grounds —
The plan calls for the expansion of existing boat ramp facilities
'
within existing sites where adequate space is available.
Shoreline Plan as an Element of the Countv's Comorehensive Plan —
The 1990 Brunswick County Shoreline Access Plan is one
element of Brunswick County's Comprehensive Plan, of wh!cn
the CAMA land use plan is also a Dart.
' Need for Flexibility —
The plan emphasizes the need for flexibility with regard to
' specific sites or future access opportunities not vet identified.
Relationship to Major Thoroughfare Plan —
The plan suggests that access opportunities be sought as all
elements of the major thoroughfare plan are executed.
' The plan also includes a total of 43 existing or potential snoreline
access sites identified in map form.
' On January 25, 1990, a work session was held with the County
Commissioners and County Planning Board to discuss 14 of the sites
for possible first phase development access. The previously
mentioned policy statements for the access plan were adopted by the
Countv on February 5. 1990 with adoption of the entire draft occurring
on February 19, i 990.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 112 Glenn Harbeck Associates

:r,;nswicx C,:unry Lano Use r:e.^. :�ciicies For Growtn ana Deveiooment I
Policy
t Brunswick County encouragesefforts:: to:::provide
reasonable publlc. access::to the::.: county's :;beaches, shares,
and :waterfronts, .in ac.cordanca'.with: the ;County's:'.:shoreline
access plan which is adopted.':: herein .. by. reference. .
2.3.10 As noted in section 1.2, Brunswick County issued approximately
'
Residential 5.000 building permits for residential structures between November
Development 1987 and the end of calendar year 1991. Of this total, over 4,000
permits were issued for the placement of manufactured housing
'
(mobile homes). At the same time, the County reviewed some 193
subdivision piats involving over 12,000 lots. While these numbers do
not include permits issued within the incorporated municipalities of
the county, they reveal the magnitude of growth, especially regarding
new mobile home placements in the county.
The County therefore supports efforts to diversify its housing stock to
include more single family and multi family homes in a variety of
deveiopment densities and types. The County is especially interestec'
in seeing such development directed toward areas where urban
services are presently in place or can be in place within the next 10
years. These areas are identified on the land classification map as '
urban transition and limited transition areas.(See Section 3 for more
details.) _
Poilc 2.Z.1.01 A; varlety of resi+
withinahose arei:
approprtate by 'ti
with the arov�sio
2.3.11 Section 1.2.2 summarized the situation regarding commercial
'
Commercial development in Brunswick County. As residential development has
Development spread throughout the County, so too has commercial development.
This is most evident along the more highly traveled roads leading
'
from US 17 to the County's ocean beaches. Such stripping of the
roadway provides maximum exposure to the traveling public and
allows developers to pick scattered sites where real estate prices are
,
less competitive. Unfortunately, strip commercial development has
many public costs:
'
(1) The use and efficiency of the highway is diminished by the
number of driveway cuts and turnouts Into the highway. This can '
cause an unpredictable flora of traffic, resulting in congestion and
increased accidents. In most instances, it eventually results in the
loss of the highway for its originally intended purpose, that of moving'
traffic through the County. Parallel roads must then be built at
additional public expense —at a time when public coffers are straining
to meet competing demands. I

7
_ �svrcx :�ciicies For Growin ano i;eveioomert
(2) Tnis stria commercial development oattern is also more costly to
' service with regard to the extension of water and sewer lines. police
ano „re orotection. and trash co,lection.
�) grip commerciaiization ineviiabiv leads to visual blignt due to a
zroiiferation of sans. variable Seibacl<S. unplanned narking areas
:vith Minimai landscaping, etc.
'
Such S rio commercalization was identified as a maior concern by
residents at the oublic workshocs. Fortunately, it is also something_
that can be addressed by a zoning ordinance— if adequate and
enforceable provisions controlling strip commercialization are
orovieed. it remains to be seen now effective the County's uocoming
zonin.d ordinance may be in this regard after it emerges from the
'
oublic and political review process.
' Policy 2.3.11 1 Brunswick County encourages commercial development in
appropriate locations throughout: the County; the County
discourages commercial strip_ development.
2.3.12 Closeiv related to controlling commercial strip development along the
Beautification county's highways. is the issue of beautification. In large measure,
' Brunswick County's highways. whether US 17 North and South or the
several highways leading to the county's beach communities, are
what most travelers see when visiting the county. If the county is to be
' successful in recruiting a higher caliber visitor to the area. thereby
increasing the economic condition of county residents providing
services to the visitor, then the issue of highway beautification must
' take on a high level of importance.
Policy 2.3.12
Brunswick County .shall >employ a:.comb>Inatron:>of incentives,
and:::controls >:toencourage beau tiffcatiort measures which
preserve the natural amenities: of the; cvmmunitys
especially:.as-::::seen from-: the county's.. main highways: and
roadways:. leading to: the beaches:
2.3.13 Airports Brunswick County has two general purpose airports. (identified on the
' community facilities map) with no commercial carrier service. Ocean
Isle Beach Airport is located within the extraterritorial planning
jurisdiction of The Town of Ocean Isle Beach. Brunswick County
Airport is located within the planning jurisdiction of the Southeastern
Sanitary District; the County's previously prepared airspace zoning
' will continue to be enforced by the County. Both facilities have
prepared Master Airport Plans which have been accepted by the FAA
and the State aeronautics board. Air service expansion is seen as
' necessary to improve both traditional industrial development as weil
as tourist and second home visitation. It is essential that land uses
adjacent to airport development and expansion areas be compatible
' with this most important service.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 114 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Ll
2.3.14 Education Of all the policy categories contained in this plan. education is the
category least related, in a traditional planning sense, with the
preparation of a land use plan. In fact, in most land use pians,
education would not even be included as a subject for policy
development. In the broadest context of Brunswick County. however.
education is at the very heart of the community's future. Few other
factors, including transportation, utilities, land suitability, etc. can
compare with the influence that education has over the area's
prospects for positive economic development.
P`oiicy 2.3.'f'4{a)'
P�oiiCy 13 14(b)`
In today's industrial recruitment world, it comes as no surprise that a
strona educational system is critical in attracting new industries to an
area. One of the major factors that a company considers when
making a relocation or expansion decision is not only the work ethic
of the local labor force, but also the level of educational attainment
and perceived trainability of area workers. With rapidly changing
technologies, it is important that employees be able to adapt to these
situations and to progress as technologies change.
As first noted in the leadership interviews conducted during the early
stages of this plan, Brunswick County's hopes for economic
development are being stymied by a labor force which iacks the basic
educational skills necessary to survive in the increasingly technical
workplace of the 1990's. Despite efforts to improve the local school
system over the past decade or more, leaders interviewed were
discouraged that Brunswick County ranks near the bottom of the state
which, in turn, ranks at the bottom of the nation in terms of education.
Generally, the County's school facilities (i.e. buildings) are good, and
the County has shown a commitment to maintaining its rapid pace of
new facility construction to keep up with Brunswick County's
incredible growth rate. Unlike many other counties also ranked
poorly in education, Brunswick County does not appear to be lacking
the financial resources necessary to support a quality school system.
(See Section 1.2.1)
The attainment of a quality e�ivatanat s}►stem shag
recagc>iued as $ cr�tica faciar in the future econom>r
;:.:..
deveiapment:.of<Btunswtck.:;.aurrty....;

Zlunswicrc County Lana Use r;?n=-!icies Fcr Growth and Development
' Policy 2.3: 14(c)] appropriate: educatlonat- and---:: training programs.:- shall.ltae
encouraged.. to:: help:: unemployed: and: underemployed [ocai
residents take advantage: of business expansion.., to
;stay. abreast of new.: technologies.:
1
2.3.15 Retirees The influence of retirees on the economy and quality of life in
' Brunswick County was a central item of discussion during the
!eaeershio :merviews conducted for the land use oian. The explosion
of the retiree population in Brunswick County in recent years brings
certain bless;ngs to the area. For example, retirees oftentimes bring
sizaoie banK accounts, and increase the tax base by the cost of the
'
real estate assets they secure. The money they spend is also less sensitive to recessions, in that thev tend to be on fixed incomes
-inaffemed cy swings in the national economy. Retirees also brmo
rnanv talents with them whicn have the potential `or great
' soclalicuitura! impact if brought to bear.
On the other nand, there are some ootential downside factors which
' can also be associated with retirees. First. while manv retirees do
bring sizable monetary assets with them. otners may come with
relatively limited resources— being able to afford only modest
' housing on a relatively inexpensive lot. As a result. the limited
property assets of some retirees may simply require more In County
services than they can provide in local tax dollars.
Second, relatively wealthy retirees are retiring younger in the belief
that they have sufficient nest eggs available to ' carry them through their retirement years; unfortunately, many of these retirees have not
been able to anticipate the exorbitant increases in medical costs
which can quickly consume their savings. It is known, for example,
that as the County's retirement population has grown, so too has the
number of retirees applying for aid from the County's Social Service
programs.
' Third, it has been mentioned that retirees bring many talents with
them; retired executives could offer their talents, for example, to the
' development of small businesses. They could also help out in the
public schools, at hospitals, libraries, etc. In light of these needs,
more area retirees should come forward to apply their talents in
Brunswick County.
Finally, while retirees place no strain on the iocal schools. this
population group is also not quick to support measures to improve the
schools, particularly when it involves taxes. They may feel as if they
have already paid for the education of their own grown children, and
do not wish to pay for the education of yet another generation. A
county that has a very large retirement population may, therefore, find
itself in a situation where it is very difficult to get a school bond
Brunswick County Planning Board page 116 Glenn Harbeck-Aasociat

unswicK Cc::nry Lana Use Pian policies rcr Growtn and Deveiooment
referendum passed. Over the next ten years, Brunswick County may
'
approach a retirement population which could exact such pressure on
'
Brunswick County's already much -maligned school system.
Policy. 2.3:151 HiKunswick<Caiunty hatlencourags >retiree: recruitment. .
'
.programs -..-which are:::designed to .attract a h[gher. income;» j
more highly: educated>::poputation subgroup.::..- j
2.3.16 Waste Waste Management, including all forms —human, animal, solid.
Management industrial, construction materials, etc. was identified as one of the
'
highest priority issues during the public input meetings held during
the early stages of plan preparation. Residents of the County
apparently recognize that the manner in which wastes are collected
life in
'
and disposed will have a long term impact on the quality of
Brunswick County.
deserve attention.
,
Several specific waste management issues special
First, the issue of sewage treatment, previously addressed under its
own section. is foremost in the minds of many residents. So long as
'
the County is primarily dependent upon individual septic tanks for its
sewage treatment and disposal, many feel that economic
development prospects for the County and environmental quality of
'
the County's water resources will continue to suffer.
Second, animal waste has been identified as a concern, due to the
'
emergence of livestock operations of increasingly large scales in
many parts of the state.
,
Third, solid waste continues to be a big issue, given the
environmentally fragile nature of most of the county's land area.
Opportunities for regional cooperation in solving the solid waste
'
management issue may be especially beneficial to Brunswick County.
particularly if the County continues to grow at the rapid pace of the
last two decades.
,
Brunswick County industries generate huge amounts of industrial
waste, the disposal needs for which are handled largely by the
'
industries themselves. As such they are less apt to be a subject of
general public knowledge, but the waste is being generated and
disposed of nonetheless.
'
Finally, the disposal of construction related materials is a problem
which is somewhat unique to Brunswick County, given the high levels
'
of construction activity occurring in this rapidly growing county. The
County's collection stations, for example, have in the past been
overwhelmed by the actions of contractors unloading huge amounts
'
of construction materials at a single collection point, thereby usurping
the ability of local residents to dispose of household trash at that
location.
'

^rurswIcK County Land Use Plan
policies Fcr Growtn ana Deveiooment
Policy 2.3.16(a) Local area: requirements for solid:: waste disposal facilities
i shall.: continue to be -anticipated. -..:.through advanced...
planning; facilities:- shall be located.: and: designed so as not.
to:adversely impact significant::natural or manmade;
;sources.. -
Policy 2.3.16(b) , Brunswick: County recognizes-. the :need:::for a. regional-:
solution to. the solid waste issueand. will support efforts
toward that: end.
Policy 2.3.16(c) Research and development of recycling and resource
i recovery programs, whether public or private, shall ` be
encouraged:: and supported.
' 2.3.17 Growth For the past several years. Brunswick County has been in the process
and of revising. improving and. in some instances. creating new land use
Development controls. Several development trends in the area are causing the
Controls County to reassess the acequacy of its existing regulations to guide
and control future development. For example, the rate of placement
of mobile homes in the County has exploded in recent years. far
' outdistancing the pace of conventional single family construction in
the area.
' Whereas early development in the County was most often
concentrated on the best available soils in terms of the septic tank
suitability and drainage. newer developments have been moving into
' marginally suitable soils. There is also increasing recognition of the
problem of previously platted lots in private ownership. Many of these
lots are known now to be unsuitable for development.
At the early public meetings regarding the development of the land
use plan. the need for improvement in the County's existing land use
controls, particular the need for zoning, was evident from the
comments received from area residents. Comments included the
need to require larger lot sizes, to adopt stricter design criteria, to
' prevent objectionable commercial uses from moving in immediately
next door to residences, to better manage mobile home placements,
and to haft the hodge podge of commercial strip development which
has proliferated along the County's major roadways.
AS noted during the leadership interviews, Brunswick County's
' economic future is based in no small measure on the kind of physical
environment and image which, ultimately, will determine the quality of
industries and the caliber of tourist and retiree drawn to the area. US
t 17 and the roads leading to the County's beaches are especially
important corridors which will require careful land use planning and
zoning controls.
:,:; Brunswick County Planning Board s page 118 J,; enn. Harbedk, ales

::r;;nSWICK C;=ry Lana Use Plan Policies For Growin ana DeveloDment'
From anotner perspective, peome are unwilling to invest sizable
dollars in real estate with little or no assurance that an old mobile
home. junkyard. or repair garage, for example, could move in next
door. The County Commissioners, through their directive to the
County Planning Director to prepare a new zoning ordinance, have
expressed their desire to institute some form of zoning in the near
future. It will not be an easy task, and there will no doubt be pressure
to water down or discard the proposed zoning ordinance altogether.
For all of the reasons identifies above, this plan recommends that
every effort be made to establish zoning and that a deliberate,
extensive public education program be initiated to make the public
aware of its advantages.
Policy 2.3.17

_J
3runswicx Counry Lana Use Plan policies For Growth ana Develooment
2.4 PUBLIC
' PARTICIPATION
POLICIES
The public participation plan and program for the Brunswick County
iand use plan is discussea fully in section 5 of this document. For the
sake of completeness, however, a summary of the importance of
' public participation in the Brunswick County land use plan is included
here.
Since its inception, North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act
land use planning program has placed a high level of emphasis on
public participation in the development of local use plans and
'
policies. The intent is to insure that the resulting pian and policies
reflect, as closely as possible. the will of the people in the community.
Two key elements must be included in any effective public
'
participation program: (1) public education. and (2) public
invoivement. The most effective format for public participation
involves two wav communication between citizens and locai plannlna
'
officiais. `
The public participation strategy employed in the development of the
'
Brunswick County land use plan involved a variety of activities.
Included were a series of town meetings heid in five different
locations in the County for the convenience of the attending public.
'
Numerous meetings with the County Planning Board, all advertised
and open to the public, focused the Board's attention on the plan ana
its policies. It should also be noted that the Planning Board was
'
pleased at the level of newspaper coverage given to the development
of the plan including, particularly, frequent articles appearing in the
BrunswicK Beacon, the Mvrtle Beach Sun News. the State Port Pilot
'
and the Wilmington Star News. Random feedback receives during
the course of the plan's preparation revealed that several of these
well written and timely news articles were effective in catching the
'
attention of the interested pubiic.
CAMA planning guidelines suggest that public participation policies
'
be discussed in three categories; (1) public education, (2) citizen
input in developing policy and (3) ongoing public participation and
planning. The following policies are designed to address these
'
suggested headings.
17 <Polic , : 7 41 >... .-. W
-Brunswick County Planning Board- __ _ _ � 120
', } . r .. Glann Harbedk Asaocazea

?runswiCK County Lana Use :�olides For Growin ana DeveloomenT I
Policy 2.4.1 (b)l
Policy 2.4.1 (c)I
Citizen.. input- in the :development of: growth policies shall:;■
be supported: through . attentiom. given to::the issues and;::
priorities which -the: public ideMiffed::during: ,early:::::`input
meetings.
Following: plan. adoption, Brunswick: County:shall :employ
frequents constructive:: and:: open .regular.: meetings -,:of..:the
Planning Board and County Co hmissioners as :<the pcimary-
vehicle. for engaging-.,-
.publicarticipation: in : on going ,
'planning issues and. development :projects.
L

?runswiCK Counry Lana use Tian olicies rcr Growth ana Oevelooment
2.5 STORM
HAZARD
'
MITIGATION,
POST -
DISASTER
RECOVERY AND
EVACUATION
'
PLAN
Introduction
Brunswick County, like so many other coastal counties, is especially
vulnerable to the damaging effects of hurricanes Because of this
.
vulnerability, the county must devise means by which development
can be managed to mitigate the hazards associated with hurricanes.
'
To achieve this objective, hazardous areas must be mapped to
assess the county's vulnerability to damage. Further. existing
mitiaation measures must be reviewed and oerloalcally improved.
Description of
the Effects of
'
Coastal Storms
Flooding
Flooding is a hazard along the many rivers in unincorporated
'
Brunswick County, as well as in the area immediately adjacent to the
Intracoastal Waterway. Since much of this area is attractive for
residential development, there is considerable private investment in
'
these flood Drone areas.
FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps identify those areas of land with a
'
one percent chance of flood inundation in any given year. Flooding in
areas closest to the ocean can be the result of high waters associated
with storm surge, i.e. water that is pushed upstream by strong winds
'
off the ocean. Some flooding on small tributaries. however, can also
be attributed to heavy rainfall over a short period of time.
'
Storm Surge
The potentiai for storm surge flooding in Brunswick County has been
and Wave Action
studied by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Developed areas
in Brunswick
subject to the destructive effects of storm surge and wave action are
County
located within the incorporated beach communities of the county. The
Special Program to List the Amplitude of Surge from Hurricanes
(SPLASH) model was used to map Storm Surge Inundation Areas so
'
that evacuation studies could be made. The SPLASH map shows
surge levels based on class one through five hurricanes. By using
these maps, local emergency management authorities can plan
'
evacuation routes based on anticipated inundation levels. The
SPLASH map is available for inspection at the Brunswick County
Planning Office.
The most populated unincorporated, areas of the county are generally
not subject to flooding or storm surge. These areas include: the
_ Brunswick County Planning Board : , , page 122 , .. Glenn Harbeck Asaogates

I
- ❑nSWICK CC::-:V Lana use Pian
=�,i�cies r-cr uro.-rr. Z-a Deveioomem
Lelano area. the area between Southport and Oak Islana. and much
of the area near --,a Intracoastal Waterway from the Lockwood Folly
=liver westward -c -he South Carolina state line. _ands immediately
abuttina ,ne waterway near the Lockwood Folly River inlet are subject
to "veIocity-type V-zone) flooding, however. as identifies on the
Hazaracus Areas ',lap. These comprise a very small percentage of
the total deveiocea area of the unincorporated county (See Map).
Winds Hurricane force grinds and wind blown debris can cause serious
damage to buildings and other possessions as well as damage to
overhead utilities. Brunswick County is located in a zone identified by
the State Building Code as having a reasonable expectation of
having 110 mph �.vinds from a hurricane. The State Building Code
requires that any new structure built in the county be able to withstand
winds of 110 mph. The Building Code sets standards for design,
anchorage and tie downs for structures.
Composite The Composite r--zards Map includes areas identified or. the FEMA
Hazards Map Flood Insurance -=ate Mao as being within the 100 year flood zone
and areas identified by the Storm Surge Inundation Areas Map. It
serves as a general guide as to where flooding could occur: however.
it should not be used for site specific land use interpretation since
detailed elevation information is not provided.
Existing Development in Brunswick County has historically taken place in a
Development at sweeping pattern that runs east of NC 87 in the northeast. and south
Risk of US 17 along the ocean shore of the county. For the past ten years,
the greatest amount of development has been occurring in those
areas adjacent to the beach communities, the Intracoastal Waterway
and the rivers. This growth is reflected, in large measure. by
summertime populations rather than permanent populations.
As stated earlier. ;here is considerable development at risk located
within the flood hazard areas of the incorporated beach communities.
There are. however, no recurring flooding problems on the mainland.
Highway 17 in the Winnabow area has in the past. been subject to
flooding during extreme rainfalls. It is hoped that recent
improvements to this road will have alleviated the problem. There are
other isolated drainage problems that usually are associated with
small area drainage basins.
None of the potentially hazardous industries located in Brunswick
County (Sunny Point Army Terminal, which stores and transfers
hazardous materials, Carolina Power and Light nuclear facility, and
Arthur, Daniels, Midland Company which produces citric acid) are
located in flood hazard areas. These facilities are all located on
Highways 87 ano 133 near Southport.
I�

�runswICK County Land Use Plan =oiiaes For Growtn and Develooment
In terms of residential development, it is no coincidence that the same
' environmental conditions and geographic locations that make the
County so susceptible to nurricanes, also make the County very
attractive for seasonal. second home and permanent populations.
' Lana development in flood prone areas will continue to occur as the
tourism retirement economy of Brunswick County continues to
expand. The County estimated that in 1985 there were residential
' structures valued at approximately $41.2 million within flood prone
areas. By 1987 Planning Department estimates indicated the value of
all structures within flood prone areas to be nearly $58 million. By
extrapolation, it could be estimated that the total value of such
structures in 1992 is over $100 million.
2.5.1 Storm Storm hazard mitigation involves "activities which reduce the
Hazard probability that a disaster will occur, and minimize the damage
Mitigation caused by a disaster. Such activities can range from the
establishment of a nationwide hurricane tracking system to the
adoption of local land use regulations which discourage residential
construction in flood prone areas. Mitigation activities are not geared
' to a specific disaster, they result from a long-term concern for avoiding
the damages of future natural disasters". (McEiyea, et al. Before The
Storm: Managing Development to Reduce Hurricane Damages,
' 1982).
Current Regarding applicable land use and building regulations, current
' Measures storm hazard mitigation measures are incorporated in various County
and State ordinances and guidelines including the following:
' - Brunswick County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
- Brunswick County Building Code Ordinance.
- Brunswick County Subdivision Ordinance.
' - Brunswick County Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
- CAMA Guidelines for Areas of Environmental Concern.
- NC Residential Building Code.
' Flood Damage Brunswick County regulates development in flood hazard areas
Prevention primarily through the flood plain management regulations which are
' Ordinance outlined in Article 5, Articles A-E in Ordinance No. 62, An Ordinance
Enacting a Building Code for Brunswick County, North Carolina.
' CAMA All development occurring in AEC areas must conform to state
Guidelines for guidelines, which serve to discourage inappropriate development
AEC's forms in these areas.
Brunswick The Brunswick County Building Code Ordinance, enacted April, 1985,
County Building contains an element entitled "Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction,
' Code Ordinance (Article 5). This section cites the requirements for new construction or
Brunswick county Planning Board pagq.124 :._---Penn Harbeck �lesocates

_ 7-. sVi;CK C.:_n7, Lana ;..-a .;,;a^
I'-5cies For Grc,.vtn ana Cevebomem
substantial improvements in areas of special flood hazard. A
summary of these requirements `glows:
General Standards:
All structures snail be anc-cred to prevent flotation. Collapse or
iaterai movement.
Construction materials ana utility equipment must be resistant
to flood damage.
Construction shall be by methods and practices that minimize
flood damage.
All new replacement water supply systems shall be designed
TO minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the
system.
New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be
designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters
into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood
waters.
On -site waste disposal systems (e.g. septic) shall be located
and constructed to avoid impairment to them or contamination
from them during flooding.
Specific Standards:
Residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including
basement, elevated no lower than (1) foot above flood
elevation.
Non-residential structures shall be either elevated no lower
than (1) foot above the 100 year base flood elevation or be
flood proofed. A registered professional engineer or architect
must certify compliance with these standards.
No mobile home shall be placed in a floodway or coastal high
hazard area, except in an existing mobile home park or
existing mobile home subdivision.
All mobile homes shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse,
or lateral movement by providing over -the -top and frame ties to
ground anchors.
In new mobile home parks and subdivisions. stands or lots
must be elevated on compacted fill or on pilings so that the
F
L
1-1

Erunsw= County Lana Use Plan Policies For Growth ana Devetooment
lowest floor of the mobile home will be at or above the base
flood level.
The design and installation of anchorings and pilings must be
' certified by a registered professional engineer or architect.
No alteration of frontal dunes or use of fill for structural support
shall occur in the V zone, except as may be specifically
allowed under applicable CAMA regulations.
— Open space or breakaway walls (e.g. lattice work) must be
used below base flood elevations in V and A zones.
Brunswick The Brunswick County Subdivision Ordinance, which was first
County adopted in 1980, was until recently little more than a registration
Subdivision ordinance for new divisions of land. It contained few specific design
' Ordinance criteria for the approval or disapproval of new subdivisions. Only
streets that.were to be dedicated to the State required design and
construction standards. In 1991, however, the ordinance was
' substantially revised to include specific development standards,
including specific requirements for drainage. Administration of the
ordinance has included the incorporation by reference of Section 1-4-
' 69, the Revised Codes of Brunswick County, Standards For
Subdivision proposals, including specific provisions to minimize or
eliminate flood damage.
' NC Uniform The North Carolina Uniform Residential Building Code is the tool that
Residential the County uses to manage development to minimize potential wind
' Building Code damage. The County does not have the authority to modify the
Building Code to better meet its needs. Under the laws of the State.
each county must enforce these uniform regulations.
' Zoning and Brunswick County does not yet have a zoning ordinance in effect in
Growth the unincorporated area. Without a zoning ordinance, the County
Management does not possess the primary means available to local governments
for controlling the location and design of different land uses and
development forms.
' It is apparent that the zoning ordinance is a major remaining need of
the County, in relation to storm hazard mitigation, as well as a number
' of other development issues. County -wide zoning could serve as an
effective tool to guide growth and development to areas which would
be less susceptible to storm hazards.
t
Brunswick. County Planning Board _ Page 126 Glenn Harbeck Associates

=runswicx Ccur^ _ar,a �_; �;,n-_rcies rcr Growtn ana tDeveiocmen
Storm Hazard
Mitigation
Policies
Policy 2.5.1(a)l
Policy 2.5.1(b)
Policy 2.5.1(c)
Policy 2.5.1(d)
Policy 2.5.1(e)
2.5.2 Post
Disaster
Reconstruction
Brunswick County shall discourage high intensity uses and
large structures from being constructed;: within the 100=year
floodplain, erosion -prone:;; areas,; and other locations
susceptible to hurricane and: flooding- hazards-.
Brunswick Countyshall not: participate: in the purchase: of
land parcels located:; in: hazard:: areas or: rendered
unbuildable by storms or. -:other events, -for -the purposes of
shorefront access..
Brunswick County shall:continue; to: enforce the North.
Carolina building 'code,. particularly those. provisions: which
require construction standards to.-: meet. resistive factors:
i.e. design, wind velocity-.*-
Brunswick County encourages the: placement of utilities
underground for all:" new:: development:
Brunswick: County shall em io p y growth management .:
techniques to.. facilitate effective emergency> evacuation :.
The County shall also:. cooperate on a. regional bass wiith
emer enc evacuation lannin
g Y p g::: :.
Post disaster reconstruction policies are required as part of the land
use plan to guide development during the reconstruction period
following a disaster so that the community, as it is rebuilt, is less
vulnerable to coastal storms than it was before the disaster.
section
In accordance with CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines, this
discusses post disaster reconstruction policies according to the
following five categories:
1- The County Emergency Management Plan, especially the
preparation and response sections. '
2- Local policies which will direct reconstruction over a longer
period of time. ,
3- The establishment of a "recovery task force" to oversee the
reconstruction process and any policy issues which might
arise after a storm disaster. ,
4- The establishment of a schedule for staging and permitting
repairs, including the imposition of moratoria, according to
established priorities assigned to the restoration of central
services, minor repairs, major repairs and new development.'

3runswicx Cc::nty Lana usa Tian Policies For Growth ana Deveboment
5- The establishment of policies for repair and or replacement
' of public infrastructure including relocation to less hazardous
areas.
' Emergency Given the large number of incorporated towns in BrunSWICK County, a
Management primary concern immediately following a major storm event is county -
Plan wide coordination of post disaster reconstruction activities. This is
' especially important for the beacn communities, given the
vulnerability of their position along the oceanfront. To insure that
there is coordination between the various municipalities and county
Government, the County Emergency Management Coordinator acts
as a liaison between the County and other local governments on
emergency preparedness matters.
As noted in the CAMA guidelines. it should not be the intent of this
olan to reiterate Brunswick County's Emergency Management Plan.
However, it may be useful to review current procedures for assessing
damages immediately following a storm. These procedures provide
the framework within which officials must carry out recovery activities.
The major federal legislation geared towards disasters is the Disaster
Relief Act of 1974. The steps to be taken after a major storm event are
as follows:
' 1- Local damage assessment teams survey the effected areas
to determine the extent of storm damage within the
' community.
2- Damage information is compiled and the nature and extent
of damage is reported to the North Carolina Division of
' Emergency Management.
3- The DEM evaluates the damage information and advises the
governor of the seriousness of the situation.
4- The Governor may declare a state of emergency and put the
state's Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan into effect, as
well as direct state resources as needed.
' 5- If it is determined by the governor that the severity of the
situation exceeds the capabilities of state and local
government, the Governor may ask the President, via FEMA
' to declare an "emergency" or "major disaster'.
6- Federal relief assistance given to a community after a
declaration of an emergency usually ends one month after
' the initial Presidential declaration. Federal assistance for
emergency work after a major disaster has been declared
typically ends six months after the declaration and federal
assistance for permanent work ends after eighteen months.
From the County's perspective, one of the most important local
' government responsibilities is the coordination of a local damage
assessment team. This team must necessarily be comprised of
individuals capable of giving reliable estimates on the original value
Brunswick County Planning Board - page 128 Gl _, ,- , -. -. -_ enn Harbedc Associates

�unswicx County Lana Use r - c:es Fcr Grcvn n ana Deveioor en
of structures. tie value amount of damages sustainee. and an
account of reoa:rs. Due to the vast amount of land ana structures
foune -n the un:ncorporated area. this calls for the organization of
sever -a: assessment teams. The following are recommended team
memcers as ceimeatea in the Brunswick County Disaster Relief ana
Assistance P!ar.
1- Plan Property Survey Team
Building and Grounds
arks anc Recreation Department Representative
Building Standard and Code Enforcer
Architect
2- Bus:ness ana Industry Survey Team
"ax Collector
Building :nspector
Realtor
Volunteer Fireman
3- Private Dwei!ings Survey Team
-ax Supervisor
Volunteer Fireman
Realtor
Architect
4- Private Dweilings Survey Team
Building Contractor
Civil Engineer
Realtor
Architect
11
7
H
It is extremely important that the status of damage assessment teams ,
be upcated on a frequent basis to maintain an accurate file.
Damage Damage assessment is a rapid means of determining, to the best
Assessment extent aossible. an estimate of the amount of damage caused by
Procedures and either a natural or man made disaster. In the event of a major storm. it
Requirements is expressed in terms of:
1- The total number of structures damaged '
2- The extent of damage by type of structure
3- The estimated total dollar loss
4- The estimated total dollar loss covered by insurance. '
During the assessment. damaged structures should be classified in
accordance to the following suggested state guidelines: '
Destroyed repairs that would cost more than 50% of the structures
value. '
Major repairs that would cost 30% of the structures value.
Minor repairs that would cost less than 30% of the structures
value. but the structure is presently uninhabitable. '

-^ rsvtcx County Lana Use Plan Pci caes For Growtn ana Deveioomem
1
Habitable minor damage. with repairs less than 15% of the
structures value.
The damage assessment team will color code tax maps accordina to
' the camage ciassification scheme outlined in the preceding
paraorapn.
Destroyed red;
Maior orange;
Minor yellow;
'
Habitable green.
In the second phase of the damage assessment operation, estimates
of the value of sustained damages would be calculated. This phase
'
would be completed in the Office of Emergency Management under
the supervision of the Emergencv Management Coordinator.
'
The information on the value of damages sustained should be
derived througn the following recommended mettiodoiogy.
'
1- The number of businesses and residential structures that
have been damaged within unincorporated areas of the
'
county should be summarized by damage classification
category.
2- The value of each damaged structure should be obtained
'
from a market set of tax maps and multiplied by the following
percentages for appropriate classification category.
Destroyed - 100%; major damage - 50%; minor damage -
25% and habitable - 10%.
'
3- The total value of damages for unincorporated areas of the
county should then be summarized.
'
4- The estimated value loss covered by hazard insurance
should then be determined (a) estimating full coverage for all
damage structures where the average value of such
'
coverage exceeds the amount of damage to the structure
and (b) multiplying the number of structures where damage
exceeds the average value of insurance coverage by the
'
average value of such coverage.
5- Damage to public roads and utility systems should be
estimated by utilizing current construction costs for facilities
'
by linear foot (e.g. 10' water line replacement cost = xs/l.f.)
The procedures recommended above provide a relatively time
'
efficient and uncomplicated means by which to estimate overall
property damage. For this method to be used, however. it is
necessary that flood insurance information be obtained and that the
'
value of each structure be placed on tax maps.
.,,Brunswick County Planning Board -- page 130 Glenn Harbeck Associates

nSWICx n^✓ us- Oclices rer Growin ano Caveiecma- '
Local Policies to Nilliam D. McElyea. et ai, in heir booklet "Before the Storm: '
Direct Managing Deveiooment to Recluce Hurricane Damages" discuss
'deconstruction manv of the Issues that local covernments must confront in setting
coiicies for reconstruction foliowing a major storm event. The authors
^ote that reconstruction strategies pursued by community are too '
often poorly definea. For this reason, it is suggested that eacn
community ask itself a series of questions when planning fer long
term reconstruction: '
- Should there be changes ;,-, land use?
'
When particular sections of a community are severely damaged by a
disaster, land use decisions are the most important ones a local
government can face. For this reason it is suggested that the local
'
government prepare a set of cost disaster land development
guidelines before disaster strikes to help the community resolve these
issues beforehand. make quick and sound decisions immediately
'
after the disaster, and recover smoothly from the damages.
2- Should there be changes i,^ the building code?
'
A natural disaster provides the opportunity for testing whether or not
the community's building code is adequate to reasonably protect
'
residential, commercial, and public structures. As with land use
changes, building code decisions need to be made quickly (or if
possible, before the disaster) if they are going to have any effect on
the community's future safety.
3- Should there be a concerted effort to make the community more
'
efficient and more attractive?
This issue is closely related to the land use and building code issue
'
and arises where extensive damages create the possibility for
relocating or redesigning transoortation and utility networks and
residential and commercial structures. Because such post disaster
'
improvements will take place incrementally and will be molded by
compromise, large scale master plans in advance are not
recommended.
'
4- Should there be compensation or special financial assistance for I
private property losses?
In most instances, guidelines and stipulations for reconstruction '
grants and low interest loans are controlled by the federal, state, and
other outside agencies providing the funds; the local government is
not typically heavily involved in this aspect of reconstruction. '

3runswick Counry Lana Use Plan Policies For Growth and Develooment
F
5- How should increased local public expenditures be financed?
The repair and reconstruction of damaged roads. utilities and public
buildings after a disaster will substantially increase local government
expenditures while property damages and reduced business activity
will decrease the flow of local tax revenues. This situation may
require a wholesale reconsideration of revenue generating sources.
including special assessments, special tax districts, user fees, etc.
Also regarding land use controls, most communities already have
' guidelines for reconstruction in their land use regulations and
building codes. These guidelines apply to "non -conforming" land
uses and to structures which were built before the building code was
' adopted. Communities need to pay more attention to such common
tools in adopting measures to reduce future damages.
In summary, the author's note that recovery efforts will be enhanced if
key issues are resolved before the disaster strikes.
Establishment of State guidelines suggest that a recovery task force be appointed to
Recovery Task guide restoration and reconstruction activities during the post
Force emergency phase. This task force may be active from a period of a
few weeks up to one year. The responsibilities of this group will be as
' follows:
' 1. Develop a restoration schedule.
2. Set priorities concerning restoration.
3. Obtain a pre -disaster agreement between the localities and
' the County that covers the role of local officials and County
officials during a disaster.
4. Determine the need for outside assistance and request such
' assistance when it is needed.
5. Keep state officials abreast of conditions through the use of
Situation and Damage Reports.
6. Maintain accurate records of activities and expenditures
through the use of standardized forms that will be available
at the Office of Emergency Management.
' 7. Pronounce a local "State of Emergency" if such a
determination is warranted.
8. Authorize debris removal and restoration of public utilities.
' (In the case of private utility companies, the Task Force will
act as coordinator for restoration activities.)
9. Commence the repair and restoration of public facilities and
' services in order of need.
10. Keep an up-to-date listing of various types of federal and
state assistance that may be available to private businesses
' and individual property owners.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 132 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Lana User;an
?olicies For Growth and Deveboment
11. Organize personnel to assist disaster victims
understanding the different types of assistanc
e
Because of the variety of duties that this Task Force must perform, it is ,
necessary that it be composed of a cross section of the public. The
Task Force should include the following persons:
Chairman of the Board of County_ Commissioners
Brunswick County Manager
Emergency Management Coordinator
County Tax Appraiser
County Finance Director
County Building Inspector
County Engineer
Minor CAMA Permit Officer
Finally, State and Federal agencies will need to confer with the State
Major CAMA Permit Officer during local recovery planning efforts.
Schedule for It is not possible to devise a rigid schedule for local recovery
Staging and decisions before a storm occurs due to the unpredictability of those
Permitting events. The amount of time that it takes to assess storm damages and
Repairs make reconstruction decisions directly correlates with the level of
damage caused in the community.
It is possible, however, to establish a sequence of activities that the
County will need to follow in assessing damages and granting
permits for repairs and reconstruction. The sequence of activities that
follows should be reviewed by the recovery task force and be
adjusted as necessary after damage assessment operations have
been completed. The larger the storm, the more likely the time frame
will have to be extended.
ACTIVITY
1. Complete Initial Damage
Assessment
2. Begin repairs to Critical Utilities
and Facilities
3. Assess, Classify and Map Damages
4. Summarize Reconstruction
Priorities and Develop Master
Reconstruction Schedule
TIME FRAME
Immediately after storm is
over
As soon as possible
after storm is over
Complete by second
week after the storm
Complete one week after
second phase damage
assessment is completed
H
P-
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I3runswic►c County Lana Use Plan Policies Fcr Grcvan and Deveiooment
' Repairs/Replace Foilowing a major storm event, damages to public infrastructure may
ment of Public be extensive. This may require the replacement and or relocation of
' Infrastructure roads. water and sewer facilities. and other utilities. Relocation of
these capital facilities may be necessary to place the facilities in a
less hazardous location, or to better serve a land area which has
' been re configured by storm erosion or accretion. in any event, the
provision. extension and timing of public utilities such as piped water
and sewer can be an effective growth management and storm hazard
' mitigation tool by encouraging redevelopment to occur on lands
better suited for urban level growth.
' Post -Disaster
Reconstruction
Policies
Policy 2.5.2(a) ;The Board of: County Commissioners>:of Brunswick County
shall be ultimately responsible :for supervising the .
' implementation of polices .and procedures contained in, the
i disaster relief and.. assistance plan, and -the post. -disaster
recovery policies of the land use plan.
I- Policy 2.5.2(b)
Polic 2.5.2(c)
I - Policy: 2.5.2(d)
: p , 011icT 2.5.2(e
77
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In: the:.event of extensive hurricane damage to public
utilities requiring replacement or..::.'relocation of these
utilities; efforts shall be: made to>iocafe damaged utilities
away from hurricane hazard:: areas or to strengthen their
construction:
Priority, will be::given to those.,repairs:#hat will restore
service to asmany persons as:::soon as» possible.
The:. Board. of.:County Commissioners :may; declare a:
moratorium of up.:to y80. days on the permitting of.. any new
construction.:ncluding. crew utility hookups;. or-
redevelopment construction that:.,would.. increase the:.
intensity of the.:.:, land:.,:. uses existing: before: the hurricane.
Brunswick County shall continue to :work :closely. With:-
.
emergency: management. agency personnel ` in::: the::
.preparation of the County's evacuation Plan. The,..:County
shall also: continue:: to.>press<for necessaryimprovements
for effective evacuation of:::: threatened areas.
IBrunswick County Planning Board page 134 Glenn Harbeck Associates

3. Land Classification
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,Jrswrx Ccunty La:-c Use Pa.- _ano Classification
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3. Land Classification
3.1 Purpose of A land classification system has been developed to assist in the
Land implementation of the policies set forth in Section 2 of this Plan. By
Classification delineating lano classes on a map, areas can be identified where
and Relationship certain policies (local, state and federai) will apply. The land
to Policies classification system is intended to be supported and complemented
by zoning, subdivision and other local growth management tools;
these local tools should be consistent with the classification system as
much as possible. Although general areas are outlined on a land
classification map, it must be remembered that land classification is
merely a tool to help implement policies and is not, in the strict sense
of the term, a regulatory mechanism.
The land classification map for Brunswick County is provided at the
back of this document. The general geographic application of each
land class in the county is also provided as a part of each categorical
description below. The designation of land classes allows the County
to illustrate its policy statements as to where and at what density
growth should occur, and where natural and cultural resources
should be conserved by guiding growth.
3.2 Overview of The basic land classification system (as presented in the State
Land guidelines for land use planning) includes seven classes: Developed.
Classification Urban Transition. Limited Transition, Community, Rural, Rural with
System Services, and Conservation. The guidelines allow local governments
to subdivide these classes into more specific subclasses if they
choose. In keeping with this provision, Brunswick County has elected
to create a special sub -class of the Rural classification entitled Rural -
Industrial, as explained later in this section.
Some classes may not apply to each local government. For example,
in the case of unincorporated Brunswick County, no Developed areas
are designated. Rather, these areas are more properly reserved to
the more densely developed and serviced incorporated municipalities
of the County. Similarly, the Community or Rural class, used
extensively in the unincorporated area, may not apply in several of
the incorporated municipalities.
The State guidelines also encourage local governments to make
some distinction between Urban Transition areas, which are intended
to reflect intensely developing areas with the full range of urban
services anticipated, and Limited Transition areas that are less
intensely developed, may have private services, and are frequently
Brunswick County Planning Board page 135 Glenn Harbeck Associates

�mnswcK County Land Use Plan Land Classification
located in a rural landscape. Both of these classes have been
employed in Brunswick County.
;n creating the land classification map, this plan has given particular
attention to how, where and when certain types and intensities of
development will be encouraged or discouraged. As stated
previously, urban land uses and higher intensity uses requiring the
full range of urban services (i.e. Developed areas) have been
reserved to the planning areas of the county's incorporated
municipalities. Areas developing or anticipated to develop at urban
densities, eventually requiring urban services, have been classified
as Urban Transition or Limited Transition. Low density development
in settlements which will not require sewer services has been
classified as Community. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and
other similar low intensity uses, including very low density, dispersed
residential uses, have been classified Rural.
Additionally, certain land areas, which would otherwise qualify under
the general Rural classification, have been specifically earmarked as
Rural -industrial, in recognition of their general use or suitability for
industrial development. Finally, areas generally known to be regularly
flooded or containing areas of significant or valuable natural
resources, have been designated Conservation. Detailed
descriptions of each land class, in accordance with the general
guidelines found in T15A: 07B .0200 of the North Carolina
Administrative Code, follow.
3.3 Descriptions
of Individual
Land Classes
3.3.1 (A) Purpose.
Developed: The purpose of the Developed class is to provide for continued
intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns
and their urban environs.
(B) Description and Characteristics.
Areas meeting the intent of the Developed classification are currently
urban in character where minimal undeveloped land remains and
have in place, or are scheduled for the timely provision of, the usual
municipal or public services. "Urban in character" includes mixed land
uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and
other uses at high to moderate densities. Services generally include
water, sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire
protection. In some instances, an area may not have all the traditional
urban services in place, but if it otherwise has a developed character
and is scheduled for the timely provision of these services, it still
meets the intent of the Developed classification. Areas developed for
7
Brunswick County Planning Board page 136 Glenn Harbeck Associates

hnswcK Ccurry_,-ane use Plan ; and Classification
rj
predominantly residential purposes meet the intent of this
classification if they exhibit:
i . a densitv of 3 or more dwellina units per acre: or
2. a majority of lots of 15,000 square feet or less, which are
provided or scheduled to be provided with the traditional urban
services: and/or
3. permanent population densities which are high and
seasonal populations which may swell significantly.
(C) Application in Brunswick County
This land class is reserved to the incorporated municipalities of the
County. With three exceptions (Bald Head Island. Sandy Creek, and
Varnamtown), all incorporated communities located in Brunswick
County have their own land use plans, and therefore, make their own
policv decisions reaardina the use of this land class. Of the three
incorporatea communities within the Jurisdiction o; the County:s ianci
use plan, Bald Head Island and Varnamtown have been designated
in the Deveiooea class. (Sandy Creek ;s addressed elsewhere
under the Community Classification).
3.3.2 Urban (A) Purpose.
Transition: The purpose of the Urban Transition class is to provide for future
intensive urban development on lands that are suitable and that wil!
be provided with the necessary urban services to support intense
urban development.
(B) Description and Characteristics.
Areas meeting the intent of the Urban Transition classification are
presently being developed for urban purposes or will be developed in
the next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated population and
urban growth. These areas are in, or will be in an urban "transition"
state of development, going from lower intensity uses to higher
intensity uses and, as such, will eventually require urban services.
' Other specific characteristics of Urban Transition areas Incluae the
following:
' 1. Areas classified Urban Transition will provide lands for
intensive urban development when lands in the Developed
class are not sufficient to accommodate growth. Urban
transition lands must be able to support urban development by
' being generally free of physical limitations and currently servea
or readily served by urban services. Urban development
' includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial,
institutional, industrial and other uses at or approaching high to
moderate densities. Urban services include water, sewer,
Brunswick County Planning Board page 137 Glenn Harbeck Associates

_:JnSWCKCOUMV t-:--rb Use Plan sand Classification
streets and roads, police and fire protection that will be made
available at the time development occurs or soon thereafter.
Permanent population densities in this class will be high and
the seasonal population may swell significantly.
Urban Transition land
'
2. in choosing land for the class, such
should not include: areas with severe physical limitations
which would make the provision of urban services difficult or
impossible. lands which meet the definition of Conservation,
lands of special value (unless no other alternative exists) such
as productive and unique agricultural lands, forest lands.
'
potentially valuable mineral deposits, water supply -
watersheds, scenic and tourist resources including
archaeological sites, habitat for important wildlife species,
areas subject to frequent flooding, areas important for
environmental or scientific values, lands where urban
development might destroy or damage natural systems or
processes of more than local concern, or lands where intense
development might result in undue risk to life and property from
natural or existing manmade hazards.
3. It should be understood that even though AEC standards
occasionally permit Urban Transition type development on a lot
by lot basis within the various AEC's, this classification should
'
generally not be applied to any AEC.
4. Areas that are predominantly residential meet the intent of
this class if:
a. they are approaching three dwelling units per acre, or '
b. a majority of the lots are 15,000 square feet or less
and will be provided with essential urban services to '
support this density of development, or
c. are contiguous to existing developed municipal areas.
(C) Application in Brunswick County
The Urban Transition classification has been applied to those parts of
the unincorporated area where either: (1) authorization for centralized
sewer service is already in place or (2) where initiatives are underway
which have a significant probability of establishing authority for
centralized sewer service within the next five years. These areas
include, principally, developable areas adjacent to the incorporated
areas or extraterritorial jurisdictions of the Towns of Leland, Navassa,
Belville, Southport, Long Beach, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, ,
Sunset Beach, and Ca;abash.
3.3.3 Limited (A) Purpose.
Transition: The purpose of the Limited Transition class is to provide for
development in areas that will have some services, but are suitable
Brunswick County Planning Board page 138 Glenn Harbec k Associates

:. swrcCCUMVL-no use POn snd C'assTicc cn
for lower densities than those associated with the Urban Transition
' class, and/or are geographlcaily remote from existing towns ana
municipalities.
t
(B) Description and Characteristics.
Areas meeting the intent of this ciass will experience increasea
development during the planning period. They will be in a state of
'
development necessitating some municipal type services. These
areas are of modest densities and often suitable for the provision of
closed water systems rather than individual wells.
'
-
Areas classified Limited Transition will provide controlled
development with services, but may not be on lands that are suitable
'
for traditional higher intensity urban development normally associatea
with sewers or other services. These may be lands with physical
limitations or areas near valuable estuarine waters or other fragile
'
natural systems. Sewers and other services may be provided
because such services are already in the area or readily available
nearby, because the iands are unsuitable for septic tanKs or the
cumulative impact of septic tanKs may negatively impact significant
public resources.
'
The Limited Transition class is intended for predominately residential
development with densities of three units per acre or less, or the
majority of lots 15,000 square feet or greater. In many areas, lower
densities may be in order. Clustering or development associated with
planned unit developments may be appropriate in the Limited
Transition class.
Areas which meet the definition of the Conservation class should not
be classified Limited Transition.
' (C) Application in Brunswick County
The Limited Transition classification has been applied to those parts
' of Brunswick County that exhibit three main characteristics: (1) they
are currently serviced by the County:s centralized, piped water
distribution system, (2) they are in areas that are either developed or
are developing at a density and character not in keeping with the
' character of a rural area and, (3) they are not presently authorized nor
anticipated for centralized sewer service in the next ten years.
The County has several specific objectives in applying this class
within certain parts of the unincorporated area. First, there is a need
to recognize the availability of tha County water distribution system,
'
and the beneficial impact this system can have in relieving pressure
on the County's ground water aquifers. Second, the presence and
continued trend toward the development of numerous large, planned
'
golf course communities is an economic force in the county that must
Be acknowledged. Third, the County recognizes that these same
Brunswick County Planning Board page 139 Glenn Harbec k Associates

'_:�,%nswickCcLrvt_am Use Plan Land Classifi=,cn
n
areas will not likely receive centralized sewer service within the 10
year pianning period, and are therefore not candidates for the Urban
Transition classification.
3.3.4 Community (A) Purpose.
The pumose of the Community class is to provide for clustered, mixed
land uses at low densities to help meet the housing, shopping,
employment and other needs in rural areas. Due to the small size of
most communities, they will appear as small areas in a dispersed
pattern on the County's land classification map. This class illustrates
small, dispersed groupings of housing and commercial land uses in a
rural landscape.
(B) Description and Characteristics.
Areas meeting the intent of the Community class are usually
associated with crossroads in counties. They may be developed at
low densities which are suitable for private septic tank use. These
areas are clustered residential and/or commercial land uses which
provide both low intensity shopping and housing opportunities and
provide a local social sense of a "community". Very limited municipal -
type services, such as fire protection and community water, may be
available, but municipal type sewer systems are not to be provided as
a catalyst for future development. In some unusual cases, sewer
systems may be possible, but only to correct an existing or projected
public health hazard. Areas developed in a low density fashion in
small, dispersed clusters in a larger rural landscape with very limited
or no water and sewer services meet the intent of this class.
(C) Application in Brunswick County
The Community classification has been applied to those relatively
small, predominately unincorporated communities in Brunswick
County that exhibit many or all of the characteristics described above.
Included in the classification are several small communities that,
while they may or may not be incorporated, are commonly recognized
as having some sense of identity and association with a particular
part of the county. This class includes but is not limited to the
communities of: Northwest, Sandy Creek (incorporated), Maco,
Clarendon, Bell Swamp/Winnabow, Mill Creek, Piney Grove,
Kingtown, Ash/Waccamaw, Longwood, Grissettown, and Hickman's
Crossroads.
3.3.5 Rural: (A) Purpose.
The Rural class is to provide for agriculture, forestry, mineral
extraction and other allied uses traditionally associated with an
agrarian region. Very low density dispersed residential uses on large
lots with on -site water and sewer are consistent with the intent of the
Rural class. Industries may also locate in the Rural area or, in the
case of especially large industries, may wish to seek special
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 140 Glenn Harbec k Associates

_,un swcK Ccunw Lam Use Pan Lana Classrfication
designation as a Rural -Industrial area. Generally, development in this
class should be as compatible with resource production as possible.
(B) Description and Characteristics.
Areas meeting the intent of this classification are appropriate for or
presently used for agriculture. forestry. minerai extraction and other
similar uses. plus industries not wishing to locate in an urban setting.
Very low density dispersed, single family residential uses are also
appropriate within Rural areas where lot sizes are large and where
densities do not require the provision of urban type services. Private
septic tanks and wells are the primary on -site services available to
support residential development, but fire. rescue squad and sheriff's
protection may also be a available. Population densities are generally
very low.
(C) Application in Brunswick County
The Rural class is the broadest of the several general land classes
and thus constitutes the maior land class on the BrunswicK County
Land Classification Map. The vast majority of all interior land areas.
away from the ocean and intracoastal waterway, have been
designated Rural.
3.3.6 Rural- (A) Purpose.
Industrial The CAMA Guidelines allow local governments to subdivide the
program's general land classes into sub -classes to better illustrate
where certain specific activities might best occur. For Brunswick
County, this plan has created a special Rural -Industrial sub -class of
the general Rural classification. Its purpose is to accommodate and
encourage industrial development on appropriate sites within
speciaily designated land areas.
(B) Description and Characteristics.
Lands designated for the Rural-Industriai sub -class include areas
currently developed for large scale industrial type uses, and lands
containing sites that are particularly appropriate for future industrial
development'. Generally, industries locating within these areas might
be considered inappropriate for location in a more densely
developed, mixed use urban setting.
(C) Application in Brunswick County
The Rural -Industrial land classification has been applied. for the most
part, to several relatively large land areas with convenient access to
the shipping channels of the Cape Fear River. Existing industries
located within these areas include, for example, Dupont, the Sunny
Point Military Terminal, the Archer Daniels Midland Plant, the CP&L
.As is the case with virtually all lands in Brunswick County, there will be areas unsuited
for development within the broader geographic areas designated for Rural -Industrial.
This requires site specific investigation in relation to concrete development
proposals.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 141 Glenn Harbeclk Associates

9nmswrK County Lar o Use Plan Land Classification
Nuclear Power Plant, and the Cogentrix Cogenerating Plant. Other
land areas which have been included are largely adjacent to these
existing industrial operations. It should be noted, however, that the
County would seek to employ the Rural -Industrial class in the future
as may be advantageous to recruit new industry to other appropriate
!ocations within the broader Rural land area.
3.3.7 Rural with (A) Purpose.
Services. The Rural with Services class is intended to provide for very low
density land uses including residential uses where limited water
services are provided to avert an existing or projected health problem.
Development within this class should be low intensity in keeping with
a rural character. Rural water systems, such as those funded by
Farmers Home Administration, may be appropriate in these areas due
to the need to avert poor water quality problems. -These systems,
however, should be designed to serve a limited number of customers
and should not serve as a catalyst for future higher intensity
development.
(B) Description and Characteristics.
Areas meeting the intent of this class are appropriate for very low
intensity residential uses, where lot sizes are large, and where the
provision of services will not disrupt the primarily rural character of the
landscape. Private wells and septic tank services may exist, but most
development is supported by a closed water system. Other services
such as sheriffs protection and rural or volunteer fire protection and
emergency rescue etc. may also be available.
(C) Application in Brunswick County
This class is intended to be applied when and if the County (or other
agency) ever provides very limited water services to avert a known or
anticipated health problem in a predominantly larger agrarian region.
Currently, no such situation is known to exist in Brunswick County;
however, the Rural with Services land class is included here so that in
the event need arises, prompt action can be taken to address the
problem area.
3.3.8 (A) Purpose.
Conservation The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for the effective
long-term management and protection of significant, limited, or
irreplaceable areas. Management is needed due to the natural,
cultural, recreational, scenic or natural productive values of both local
and more than local concern. As such, the Conservation class should
be applied to areas that should be either not developed at all
(preserved), or if developed, done so in an extremely limited and
cautious fashion.
Urban services, public or private, should not be provided in these
areas as a catalyst to stimulate intense development. In most cases,
11
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 142 Glenn Harbec k Associates

unswicx Cc;;nty L.=.-)o Use Flan _end Classification
limited on -site services will adequately support any limited
development within this class and will also protect the very features
which justify the area's inclusion in the Conservation classification. It
should be understood that even though AEC standards occasionally
' permit urban tvpe development on a lot by lot basis wimin the various
AEC's and that services are occasionally provided. this Is the
exception rather than the rule: the primary intent of the Conservation
class is to provide protection for the resources it contains.
(B) Description and Characteristics.
' Areas meeting the intent of this classification include:
1. AEC's. including but not limited to, public trust waters,
estuarine waters, coastal wetlands etc. as identified in 15A
NCAC 7H.
2. other similar lands, environmentally significant because of
their natural role in the integrity of the coastal region and which
include. but are not limited to: bottom land hardwoods,
pocosins. swamp forests, areas that are or have a high
probability of providing wildlife habitat, forest lands that are
essentially undeveloped and lands which otherwise contain
' significant productive, natural, scenic, cultural or recreational
resources.
' (C) Application in Brunswick County
For Brunswick County, the Conservation class includes:
' 1. all AEC's as defined in 15A NCAC 7H and as further
summarized in Section 2.1 of this Plan,
' 2. all wetland areas under the jurisdiction of the US Army
Corps of Engineers' 404 wetlands Permit Program and
' 3. any existing and future critical wildlife habitat areas as may
be designated by the State Natural Heritage Program.
For further information on the specific types of uses allowed within
each of the three categories which comprise the Conservation Class,
the reader should consult with the applicable policies of Section 2 of
' this plan. (i.e. marina development, location of industries,
development of estuarine system islands, etc.) The reader should
also refer to 15A NCAC 7H of the North Carolina Administrative Code
' fcr allowable uses within Areas of Environmental Concern).
With regard to use standards for critical habitat areas, the County will
' support the specific state management plans for each area, provided
that any such plan is prepared with considerable input and in close
coordination with area residents and County government.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 143 Glenn Harbeck Associates

amnswcK County Land Use Plan Land Classification
Mapping of AEC's, 404 wetlands, and critical habit areas in the
Conservation class on the Land Classification Map is accomplished
with the uncerstanding that these areas are more accurately defined
by their characteristics in their respective management policies and
'
plans. and :,;erefore, the map only indicates approximate locations of
these areas. Oftentimes, the scattered, widespread nature of such
areas (e.g. 404 wetlands) precludes their mapping except at a very
'
generalizea revel of detail. In such instances, the standards of the
Conservation class and its three primary components shall be applied
in accordance with the site specific information made available during
'
the land development process.
As with the 1987 update to the County's Land Use Plan, the County
specifically reserves the option to assist industry in accommodating
their access needs to the shipping channels of the Cape Fear River.
Due to the presence of fragile land and water areas along most of the
River's shoreline, the unavoidable need for industrial access through
Conservation areas along the Cape Fear is acknowledged. The
County will encourage desired industries to develop such access '
facilities in a manner which mitigates, to the extent possible,
environmental impacts.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 144 Glenn Harbeck Associates

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Land
Classification Map
Municipal in Planning
(Not Area)
Developed
®
Urban Transition
■
Limited Transition
Community
Rural Industrial
Rural
Conservation
Note: Due to map scale, this land classification map Is necessarily generalized in
nature, and Is intended for general planning purposes onry. Within some classlhca-
tions. for example, tnere may be pockets of Jana which should be considered Con-
servation. Conversely, within the Conservation class there may be pockets of high
and dry, non -Sensitive land. In these situations, more detailed, site specilic informa-
tion will take precedence over the more generalized map. and the appropriate poli-
cies of the land use plan document will apply.
Brunswick County
LAND USE PLAN
1993 Update
Glenn Harbeck Associates
Planning and Public Involvement
SCALE IN MILES
7�
NORTH e t p 3

4. Inter Governmental
Coordination and-!
Municipal
i p
Land Use Plans

"'runswicK County Lana Use P;an ntera^vernr - Ta! Coormration and Municioai_Lana Use Plan!;
1
4. Intergovernmental coordination
1 and Municipal Land Use flans
1
' 4.1 Inter- The Brunswick County Land Use Plan. including the policies for
governmental growth and development and the land classification map. will serve to
Coordination coordinate numerous policies, standards, regulations, and other
1 governmental activities at the local. State and Federal levels. Such
coordination is achieved in three ways:
1. State and Federal government agencies are required to review
- local land use plans when considering any actions or activities
under their jurisdiction. Their actions are to be consistent.
1 whenever possible, with the intent of the local land use plan.
2. The policies and land classification system described in the land
use plan provide a basis for planning and budgeting for the
1 provision of public facilities and services such as water ana sewer
systems, roads and schools.
3. The Countv land use plan can serve as a coordinating instrument
1 in helping to bring together the various regulatory policies and
decisions of the local government into one document.
' The preparation of the Brunswick County Land Use Plan and Policies
has proceeded in a manner which recognizes the planning activities
of other local government jurisdictions, and State and Federal
1 agencies. In preparing the plan. copies of other local government
land use plans (in the County ana adjacent to it) were reviewea. Ir
addition, certain relevant State plans and studies, such as the NC
1 DOT Transportation Improvement Program were reviewed. State
representatives involved in population projections, marine fisheries,
water quality monitoring, and historic and archaeological preservation
1 were also consulted. Federal authorities in charge of channel
maintenance and flood insurance were contacted and interviewed.
Further, within Brunswick County government, representatives of the
1 following local government functions were consulted: county
manager's office, economic development. emergency services,
engineering, health, parks and recreation, planning, and social
1 services.
Need for intra- Within Brunswick County there are sevent,3en incorporated
1 county local municipalities; having more towns than any other county in North
government Carolina. These towns are also scattered over a broad geographic
planning and area, given that Brunswick County is the eighth largest county of the
' coordination State's one hundred counties. Citizen comments received at more
than one public input meeting held for the land use plan reflected on
the difficulty in reaching consensus among so many fragmented
1
Brunswick County Planning Board page 145 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Lana Use Plan '^-eraovernmental Coorcination and Municioai Land Use Plans '
jurisdictions. Even the fact that the County is located in several
different telephone calling zones makes convenient communication ,
from one end of the county to the other challenging.
-he difficulty in accomplishing necessary change in such an
'
environment came to the forefront during public discussion of the
need for county -wide coordination of sewage treatment planning and
implementation. There was general consensus that in addition to
,
concerns about sewage treatment, there is also need for continued
improvements in coordinating the "delivery" of emergency services,
education, solid waste management, and planning services, to name
'
just a few. This plan therefore includes a specific implementation
action calling upon the area's legislative delegation to the NC
General Assembly to sponsor a special study to determine the most
'
effective form of local government for intra-county cooperation. Such
a study might involve employing the resources of the Legislative
Services Bureau and the Institute of Government.
'
4.2 Municipal Of the seventeen towns in the County, fourteen have prepared or are
Land Use Plans preparing their own independent CAMA land use plan. This is in
'
accordance with 113A-110 of the Coastal Area Management Act.
These municipalities are as follows:
,
Belville Long Beach
Boiling Springs Lakes Navassa
Bolivia Ocean Isle Beach
'
Calabash Shallotte
Caswell Beach Southport
Holden Beach Sunset Beach
,
Leland Yaupon Beach
The reader should consult with the appropriate local government land '
use plan on matters involving activities within each of the
communities identified above. As noted previously, these
municipalities are shown on the County's land classification map in '
the municipal land class, with an accompanying note to review their
independent plans for matters involving these areas.
The three remaining municipal governments in Brunswick County, not
having their own independent land use plans, are listed on the
following page, along with certain basic statistics describing their size '
and character:
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 146 Glenn Harbeck Associates

^unswK�x County Land Use Plan Intergovernmentai Cooremation ano Municipal Land Use Plates
'
Community
199.0 Total Percent i
, Lacking i Civilian i Per Median
Name
! Popuiation Housing i Complete I Labor Un- Capita Household
I
(Year
incorporated)
Units Plumbing i Force employed: Income Income
'Aoril '90)
Bald Head
7e 398 0 35 0.0% $57.148 $108.616
Island
i 985)
I
Sandv Creek
_
2; 1 90 0 136 5.9% 310.339 $33,250
(1988)
Varnamtown
434 253 2 184 8.20% $10.22d i $25,714
(i988)
Source: 1990 Census
_
For CAMA land use planning purposes, the communities of Bald
Heao isianc and Varnamtown are shown on the County's land
classification map in the developed land class. In the case of Sandy
Creek. that community's incorporated area has been shown as
community on the land classification map. In all three communities.
any Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) that exist within these
'
municipaiities are considered to be in the conservation land class. As
is the case throughout the county, the conservation land class
acknowieciaes that the use and performance standards developed by
the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission for AECs, as well
as all applicable regulations for wetland protection, will be applied to
development proposals within each area so designated. As such.
these minimum standards for AEC and wetland protection will be
used by the appropriate permitting authority in issuing CAMA
development permits.
'
Also, in the case of Bald Head Island, the Village enacted a zoning
ordinance in 1991 which largely reflects the overall Land Use Plan of
the developer on the Island. The Village has considered the
possibility that a portion of the maritime forest could be sola and/or
donated to the State of North Carolina to be preserved in its natural
state. It is the policy of the Village to support and encourage this
acquisition by the State.
' Accordingly, the Village adopted an overlay district in the 1991
Zoning Ordinance to identify the Bald Head Island Maritime Forest in
its entirety and set standards for its development compatible with the
environmentally sensitive nature of the Bald Head Island and Middle
Island Forests.
Each of these communities received a draft of this section of the
County land use plan and was asked to comment. Official letters of
concurrence were subsequently received from Baia Head island aiid
Varnamtown, and are included in the appendix to this plan.
While Sandy Creek did not respond in writing, the County Planning
Director indicated that the community agreed at the beginning of the
planning process to allow the County to exercise planning authority
for the !and use plan within it's planning jurisdiction.
IBrunswick County Planning Board page 147 Glenn Harbeck Associates

5. Summary of -
Public Participation

?runswick County Lana :;se Plan Summary Of Public Particioation
1
1
5. Summary Of Public Participation
Introduction Since its inception. North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act
' Program has placed a high level of emphasis on public participation
in the development of local land use plans and policies. The intent is
to insure that the resulting plan and policies reflect, as closely as
1 possible, the will of the people in the community.
Meaningful public involvement was an important element in
1 preparing an updated land use plan for growth and development in
Brunswick County. For the public involvement program to be
effective, two key factors were included:
1) public education and
1 2) public input.
1 The most effective format for public involvement includes this two-
way communication between citizens and local officials.
1 The public involvement strategy employed for the Brunswick County
Land Use Plan provided numerous opportunities for effective
communication. First and foremost was the appointment of the
' County Planning Board as the Steering Committee for the Plan. This
6-member board (5 regular members plus 1 County Commissioner)
is appointed by the County Commissioners and represents various
1 interests and geographic areas of the county.
The Planning Board had an active, leadership role throughout the
' preparation of the Land Use Plan. The Committee's role was
particularly critical during the formulation of the Growth Policies and
the Land Classification Map. In this capacity, the Planning Board
1 offered local perspectives, providing input on the accuracy of
information gathered, and feedback on the recommendations given.
All Planning Board meetings were open to the public and several,
1 jointly hosted with the County Commissioners, were designed
specifically to garner public input in an organized, constructive
fashion.
' The following is a summary of program phases and key meetings for
public involvement in the preparation of the Brunswick County Land
1 Use Plan:
1. Strategy The first priority in carrying out the public participation strategy for the
1 Development/ Land Use Plan was to meet with key local officials to discuss and
Public receive approval of the planning process for citizen involvement.
Participation During this phase, the planning consultant, the County Staff, the
1 Plan Planning Board and the County Commissioners each had a
constructive role in preparing, reviewing, and approving the
proposed planning and public involvement strategy. Also, State
1 Brunswick County Planning Board page 148 Glenn Harbeck Associates

BrunswicK County Lana Use Plan Summary Of Public Participation
concerns. suggestions, and requirements for the planning process
were conveyed to the County staff and elected and appointed t
officials during a special workshop held with a representative of the
Division of Coastal Management at the County Government complex
in Bolivia. ,
Public Meetings Held During This Phase:
September 18. 26, October 16.
,
November 20. and December 18. 1991 County Planning Board
October 7, December 2, 10, and 16, 1991 Board of County Commissioners
'
December. 1991 DCM Workshop
2. Issue Issue identification for the Brunswick County Land Use Plan
,
Identification by consisted of a series of five public meetings held at strategic
the Public locations in various parts of the county. A concerted eftort was made
to cluster the meeting dates within a two week period to maximize
,
public exposure and media attention. Each of these meetings was
jointly hosted by one member of the Planning Board and one
,
member of the Board of County Commissioners. A mailing list was
compiled and special invitations and announcements were prepared
and mailed to over 100 residents of the county, known to represent a
'
wide cross section of interests. Announcements were also sent to
local news media.
The purpose of these meetings was to provide the public with the
opportunity to make their concerns known about growth and
development issues facing the county. The intent was to accomplish
this task as early as possible in the planning process, so that these
'
concerns might be recorded and used as a foundation for the
preparation of the Plan.
'
The specific involvement technique used to solicit public input was a
modified nominal group process using index cards and display
sheets. Following the identification of issues, the relative priority of
'
each issue was identified by a simple voting process. After the entire
series of meetings was completed, all growth issues were typed up
'
exactly as recorded and sorted into policy categories consistent, to
the extent possible, with categories suggested in the CAMA
guidelines. The complete listing and ranking of all issues as
identified at the meetings was then presented to the Planning Board
'
for discussion and review. This written tabulation of growth issues
was also made available for public inspection and review.
'
Public Meetings Held During This Phase:
January 7, 1992 Public Input Meeting No. 1 Jones Byrd Clubhouse
January 9, 1992 Public Input Meeting No. 2 Southport -Oak Island
'
Chamber of Commerce
January 14, 1992 Public Input Meeting No. 3 Town Creek Community
Building
'
Brunswick County Planning Board page 149 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Lana Use Plan
Summary Of Public Particioation
L
.1
January 15. 1992
January 16. 1992
January 21. 1992
Public Input Meeting No. 4
Public Input Meeting No. 5
Discuss public input
Leland Community
Building
Lockwood Folly
Community Building
County Planning
Board
3. Leadership During this phase, the consulting planner, working in cooperation
Interviews with the County Planning Director, conducted a series of personal
interviews with several local leaders from various walks of life and
areas of knowledge in Brunswick County. The purpose of the
interviews was to gain in-depth insights into prospects for future
growth and development in the county. Each person interviewed
was asked two questions:
1) What are Brunswick County's greatest assets? and
2) What are the county's liabilities. or things that are holding
the county back?
In addition. each person was encouraged to focus on any specific
issue they cared to amplify. Specific comments were not attributed to
any one individual so as to encourage candidness and assure
anonymity.
Following the interviews, a summary of several of the common
threads running throughout the interviews was prepared for review
by the Planning Board.
Interviews were conducted on Tuesday, January 28 and Wednesday.
January 29, 1992, with the following individuals:
Mr. P.R. Hankins
Superintendent of Public Instruction,
Brunswick County Schools:
Mr. Eugene Tomlinson
Member, Coastal Resources Commission
for some 15 years, Mayor of Southport, 18
years:
Mr. Bill Rabon
Veterinarian, Chairman, Brunswick
County Health Board;
Mr. Mike Reeves
President, Brunswick Community College;
Mr. Jamie Orrock
Director of Social Services, Brunswick
County and
Mr. Ed Gore
former Chairman of the County Planning
Board, developer of Sunset Beach and
environs.
Public Meetings Held During This Phase:
January 22 and February 19, 1992
County Planning Board
1 Brunswick County Planning Board page 150 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick Counry Land Use Plan Summary Of Public Participation
4. Discussion of Based in part on the issues identified during Phases 2 and 3 above.
Public Input and and in keeping with the data collection and analysis requirements of
Growth Factors the CAMA land use planning guidelines, a growth factors analysis '
was preparea for initial review by the Planning Board. To
accomplish tnis task, a completed draft of the analysis was
distributed to the Planning Board for their review and comment. '
Each Planning Board member was asked to review the document for
both its scope and its accuracy. As a result of the review, changes
were made and additional research was conducted to address '
specific comments and points felt to be in need of clarification.
Public Meetings Held During This Phase:
January 22, February 19, and March 18, 1992 County Planning Board
5. Plan and With the resuits of the initial public input in hand, and with the Growth
'
Policy Factors Anaivsis completed, the consulting planner, working closely
Development with the County planning staff and Planning Board, prepared a draft
Work Sessions set of Growth Policies. The kick off meeting for this process was a
'
special, all day work session designed to give the Planning Board
the opportunity to review the entire set of existing County policies,
and to better understand the way in which the policies interrelate. At
'
the same time, this initial session was most beneficial in identifying
policies in need of updating, modification, deletion or addition.
'
Based on the initial all day work session, the consulting planner then
prepared a draft of the Policy Section of the Plan, complete with
policy statements and explanatory text. The Planning Board then
reviewed the policy section during two regular meetings of the Board.
Both meetings were open to the public and public comments were
invited and accepted. Each proposed policy statement, along with its
'
explanatory text, was reviewed with suggested changes recorded
and completed.
'
A second element of the plan, also prepared during this phase, was
the proposed Land Classification Map. The map was prepared using
washable markers on an acetate overlay. This technique allowed for
'
instant changes to the map in accordance with directives from the
Planning Board during public meetings.
'
A third element of the Ian prepared during
p p p g this phase was the
Implementation Actions section,. Unlike the County's previous land
use plans, however, this plan section was prepared as a separate
'
element, allowing this section to be updated on an annual basis
without altering the balance of the plan. This section was reviewed
in a fifth meeting of the Planning Board.
'
Brunswick County Planning Board page 151 Glenn Harbeck Associates

2runswicK County Land Use Plan Summary Of Public Particioation
Following the completion of this series of review meetings, a revised.
completed draft of the policies. text and map was prepared in
accordance with the directives and comments of the Planning Board.
Public Meetinos Held Dunna This Phase:
April 9. 1992 County Planning Board
May 20. 1992
June 17, 1992
July 15, 1992
August 19. 1992
County Planning Board
County Planning Board
County Planning Board
County Planning Board
All Day Work Session on
Policies
Review of Land Classification
Map
Discussion of Draft Policy
Section
Discussion of Draft Policy'
Section and Draft
Implementation Actions
Final Discussion of Draft
Policies and Implementation
Actions. Expression of intent
for further public comment.
6. Planning
A joint work session on the draft plan was held to provide the
Board
opportunity for the Planning Board and County Commissioners to
Presentation/
meet in a round table discussion. The purpose of the meeting was
Discussion of
not to formally adopt the plan, but rather to reach consensus as to the
Draft Plan with
adequacy of the plan and its policies for formal public review, and
County
generally, for submission to the CAMA program staff. While this
Commissioners
meeting was also open to the public, (and public comments were
accepted) its primary intent was to allow the two boards to
concentrate their attention on the draft plan, in the absence of formal
public dialogue.
Public Meetings Held During This Phase:
September 21,1992 Joint meeting of Board of County Commissioners/County
Planning Board
After the joint work session on the draft plan was completed, and
7. Public
comments from the two boards received, a formal public meeting was
Comment
held by the County Commissioners to accept public comments in an
Meeting /Follow-
organized fashion. Notification for the meeting included large
up Review
announcements printed in the county's two newspapers of general
Session
circulation as well as approximately one hundred individual
announcements mailed to a broad spectrum of community leaders in
the county. All comments received at the meeting, whether favorable,
neutral or negative, were noted for the record and for further action
as appropriate.
Once public comments were accepted and recorded, a review
meeting was held with the Planning Board to go over the public
comments and to decide upon revisions in response to citizen
concerns. Plan revisions were then completed in accordance with
directives received from the Planning Board, as the official steering
Brunswick County Planning Board page 152 Glenn Harbeck Associates

2runswlCK County Land Use Plan Summary Of Public Particic_::on
committee for the land use plan, appointed by the County
Commissioners.
Public Meetinas Held During This Phase:
October 6. 1992 Public Input Meeting hosted by the County
'
Commissioners
October 21.1992 County Planning Board meeting to discuss and
direct revisions
8. State Review
Following additional revisions to the plan in accordance with
and Comment/
Planning Board (Steering Committee) directives, the plan was sent to
Prepare
the State CAMA program staff for review and comment in late
Revisions As
October 1992. Comments received from the review staff in mid -
Appropriate
February of 1993 were then considered by the Planning Board at
'
their regular meeting in March. Revisions were then authorized as
appropriate and the plan was submitted a second time in early May.
Public Meetings Held During This Phase:
'
March 24,1993 County Planning Board meeting to discuss and
direct revisions
'
9. County
The County Commissioners held a formal public hearing to present
Commissioners
the plan for a final time for public review and comment. Notice of the
'
Adoption of Plan
meeting was in accordance with requirements for public hearings for
(Public Hearing)
the local adoption of CAMA Land Use Plans, as well as the County's
normal protocol. Adoption of the plan was contingent, as necessary,
upon the preparation of final revisions made in accordance with
directives received from the County Commissioners. The plan was
then submitted to the Coastal Resources Commission for certification
by that body.
Public Meetings Held During This Phase:
'
(date) Public Hearing by the Board of County
Commissioners for consideration of adoption
'
The following table summarizes the planning process by month from
initial organization to the final public hearing for adoption.
I
Brunswick County Planning Board page 153 Glenn Harbeck Associates

1=runSWICK CCU^tV Lan0 L._2 P!-=^
�ummary c, Oublic Particioatlon
ISummary of Public involvement Prccess
'
Month
Major Activities
October '91
Execute Contract VVith Consulting PlannerOraanize for Planning and Public
Invoivement
'
adopt Public Participation Plan Begin Growth Factors Analysis
,Vovember
'
December
'92
Continue Growth Factors Analysis
January
Continue Growth Factors Analvsis; Identify Growth Issues
,=ebruary
Conduct Leadership Interviews Evaluate Growth Issuesi Finalize Growth Factors
Analysis
'
Marcn
Present and Discuss Growth Factors Analysis and Leadership Interviews
April
Discuss Needed Revisions to Existing Policies and Land Class. Map
'
May
Prepare Draft of Preliminary Policies and Land Classification
June
Beain Review of Preliminary Policies and Land Classification
'
July
Complete Review of Preliminary Policies and Land Classification
Present and Review Implementation Actions
Begin Compiling Draft Plan in Full for Review
'
August
Planning Board Review of Progress To Date and Discussion of Joint Meeting with
County Commissioners
'
September
Prepare final working draft.
Hold Joint Meeting: County Commissioners and Planning Board
'
October
Hold Public Review Meeting for Comment
Planning Board Action on Public Comments
Submit Plan for State and Federal Agency Review
'
February '93
Comments received back from State Reviewers
March
Planning Board Action on State Comments
April
Revisions as necessary
'
May
Resubmit revised plan to State Reviewers
Comments received back from State Reviewers
'
Schedule public hearing 30 days in advance
Public hearing before County Commissioners/
Adoption of Plan with revisions as necessary
'
Submit Plan to CRC for Certification
E
I
Brunswick County Planning Board page 154 Glenn Harbeck Associates

6. Action Agenda!

I
2funSW1Cc County Lana Use Plan Acton Acenaa
6. Action Agenda For the Brunswick
County Land Use Plan
Introduction to the Action Agenda
The Action Agenda of the Brunswick County Land Use Plan is
provided to identify specific implementation actions in.
furtherance of the Policies and Land Classification Map. These
actions are normally intended to be accomplished within the
five year planning period between adoption of this plan and the
next land use plan update (scheduled for 1997).
Implementation actions are designed to suggest several possible
courses of action available to the County to carry out the Policies and
Map. The suggested actions are not all-inclusive nor are they
binding: additional actions may be added and others removed as
conditions change. In fact. it is suggested that this summary of
policies and implementation actions be reviewed on an annual basis
during development of the County's work program and budget
approval process. In this manner, the effectiveness of the policies
and implementation actions can be better evaluated. Further, by
making this Action Agenda a separate section of the plan (as
opposed to scattering the implementation actions throughout the
narrative), these actions can be updated and re-inserted into the
document on a regular basis.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 155 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick Ccuniv Lana Use Plan
2.1 Resource Protection
Policies
2.1.1 CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
Policy 2.1.1 (a) Development is encouraged to
locate in areas without soil
suitability problems and where
infrastructure is available; in areas
where suitability problems exist,
engineering solutions are
supported to the extent that the
natural environment is not
compromised.
Policy 2.1.1 (b) Brunswick County supports the
administration and enforcement of
all applicable flood plain
management regulations and the
national flood insurance program.
Action Aaenca '
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
(1) Ongoing efforts to incorporate U.S. Soil
Conservation Service detailed soil
classification maps into the County's
geographic information system (GIS) will
continue.
(2) The County planning staff will review zoning
and subdivision proposals with respect to the
I soils found on the proposed site.
(3) Plans to produce detailed topographic
mapping (2' contour intervals) in the County's
GIS will continue.
(1) The County will continue to enforce the
local flood damage prevention ordinance.
' (2) Efforts to disseminate flood insurance rate
maps to Realtors, developers, financial
institutions, and insurance agencies will
continue.
(3) Recent initiatives by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to
update the County's flood insurance rate maps
will be encouraged and supported. Such
mapping should be designed to take
advantage of information contained in the
County's GIS system and, upon completion,
should be incorporated into the County's GIS
system.
'UI
U
H
Brunswick County Planning Board page 156 Glenn Harbeck Associaies
H

3runswick County Lana Use Plan Action Aaenaa
' 2.1.2 AREAS OF
2.1.2(a) Coastal
Wetland AEC's
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
Policy 2.1.2(a) Efforts to protect and preserve the i
environmental value of coastal
wetland AEC's shall be supported.
Such protection shall be balanced
with the economic and community
values of piers, docks, and marinas i
which serve the public, whether
they be publicly or privately
owned.
I I
' 2.1.2(b)
Estuarine Water
AEC's
H
H
0
Policy 2.1.2(b) i Developments and mitigation
I activities which support the
function, cleanliness, salinity, and
circulation of estuarine water
resources are supported.
i
(1) The County's commitment to the protection
of coastal wetland AEC's will continue through
County financial and staff support for the minor
CAMA permit program.
(2) Major CAMA permit reviews and comment
by the County's staff will include references to
the County's land use policies. Also, the
County will request that the State consult with
the County on all interpretations of the Land
Use Plan, its policies, and land classification
map. so that consistent State/local
interpretations will be achieved.
(3) The County will seek funds for a study
addressina the need for publicly financed
marinas or boat berthina facilities in the
County.
(1) The County will call upon the North Carolina
Department of Transportation to conduct a
study of road drainage patterns within the
Lockwood Folly Watershed. The study will
examine, for example, the effects of direct
ditching to estuarine waters and potential
corrective actions.
(2) The County will continue to support and
improve upon existing regulations dealing with
runoff from proposed development.
i (3) Upon completion of State studies
examining the causes of water quality declines
in the Lockwood Folly River, the County will
consider the creation of a shoreline overlay
i district as part of an overall zoning ordinance.
Such overlay district might include
requirements for more intense review of
proposed drainage, and limitations on the type
of land uses allowed within the overlay district.
(4) The County will encourage the State and
Federal Government to develop appropriate
regulations over storm drainage and soil
erosion from agricultural and forestry activities.
(5) The County will continue to press for
implementation of the demonstration project,
approved by Congress as part of the Water
Resources Development Act of 1992, to
reopen the eastern channel of the Lockwood
Folly River.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 157 Glenn Harbeck Associates

?runswick County Land Use r;an
Action Acenoa
2.1.2(c) Public
Trust Waters
AFC's
Policy 2.1.2(c) The community's need for piers
and docks, whether publicly or
privately owned, shall be tempered
by the rights of the public for the
free and open use of public trust
waters for navigation, shell fishing,
and other uses. Efforts of State
and Federal agencies to limit the
length of docks and piers as they
project into estuarine waters
(T15A:07H.0208) are especially
j supported.
2.1.2(d)
Estuarine
Shoreline
AFC's
Policy 2.1.2(d) Brunswick County supports the
protection and preservation of its
estuarine shorelines, particularly
regarding those use standards
contained in T15A:07H.0209(e)
2.1.2(e)
Ocean Hazard
Policy 2.1.2(e) i Brunswick County supports State
and Federal guidelines designed
to manage development in the
i ocean hazard AEC of the Baptist
assembly grounds, the only ocean
hazard AEC under the County's
planning jurisdiction.
2.1.2(f) Public Not applicable.
Water Supply
AEC's
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
(1) The County will support a strengthening of
State's standards concerning pier length and
obstruction of shallow -water navigation in the
county's public trust waters.
(1) Upon completion of State studies
examining the causes of water quality declines
in the Lockwood Folly River, the County will
consider the creation of a shoreline overlay
district as part of an overall zoning ordinance.
Such overlay district might include
requirements for more intense review of
proposed drainage, and limitations on the type
of land uses allowed within the overlay district.
(See 2.1.2(b) above also).
(1) The County will continue to support proper
enforcement of applicable CAMA regulations
for ocean hazard area AEC's, and will continue
to consult ,.,rith the staff of the Baptist
Assembly.
D
Brunswick County Planning Board page 158 Glenn Harbeck Associates

:--, jnswicK Ccunry Lana Use Plan
action
L
2.1.2(g) Natural
and Cultural
Resource
A E C's
Policy 2.1.2 (g) ; Brunswick County supports the
selective designation of
appropriate areas as natural and
cultural resource AEC's (Coastal
Complex Natural Areas, Coastal
Areas That Sustain Remnant
Species, Unique Geologic
Formations, Significant Coastal
Archaeological Resources and
Significant Coastal Historical
Architectural Resources).
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
1) The County supports ap--ropriate State
studies to examine areas witnin Brunswick
County for possible AEC designation under
the natural and cultural resource AEC
category.
2.1 3 OTHER HAZARDOUS OR FRAGILE LAND AREAS
2.1.3 (a)
Freshwater
Swamps,
Marshes,
Pocosins, and
404 Wetlands
Policy 2.1.3 (a)
' 2.1.3 (b)
Maritime
Forests
7
Brunswick County will continue to
support the efforts of the CAMA
program and the US. Army Corps of
Engineers 404 permitting program
to preserve and protect sensitive
fresh water swamp and marsh
areas.
i (1) In the absence of AEC designation, the
j County supports efforts of the North Carolina
I Wildlife Resources Commission to identify and
designate critical habitat areas within the
county, provided that coordination for local
study and evaluation is included.
Policy 2.1.3 (b) Maritime forests in Brunswick 1 (1) The County will investigate the need for a
County shall receive a high level of I local ordinance concerning tree preservation,
environmental protection when i particularly regarding outstanding and historic
considering the public and private trees, including but not limited to significant
sector uses. When development is! live oaks and maritime forest.
considered, preferred usage shall
be for low intensity or clustered
development forms.
u
Brunswick County Planning Board page 159 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick Countv Land Use Plan Action Aaenaa
2.1.3 (c)
Outstanding
Resource
waters (uKw,s
Policy 2.1.3 (c)
2.1.3(d) Water
�uutjiv A[Ud5.
Brunswick Countv supports the
efforts of the State to restore the
water quality of the Lockwood Folly
River, as well as other estuarine
waters in the county, to a water
quality level deserving of ORW
designation.
Policy 2.1.3(d) The county's ground water
resources shall be recognized as
i valuable secondary source of
public and private potable water
and shall receive a high level of
protection when considering
development proposals.
2.1.3(e)
Cultural and
Historic
Resources
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
(1) Regardless of whether ORW designation is
accomplished, the County will consider
creating a special shoreline overlay district
within the County's overall zoning ordinance to
protect and restore, to the extent possible,
water quality in the county's estuarine waters.
(See also Policy Sections 2.1.2(b) and 2.1.2(d)
above.)
(2) The County will continue to press for
implementation of the demonstration project.
approved by Congress as part of the Water
Resources Development Act of 1992, to
reopen the eastern channel of the Lockwood
Folly River.
(1) Demands on the county's groundwater
a i resources will be relieved through continued
expansion of the county -wide water system, in
accordance with the 1990 Water Distribution
System Master Plan.
Policy 2.1.3(e) i Brunswick County supports the (1) Brunswick County will encourage the State
protection of other natural and to update the current list of cultural and historic
cultural resource areas (beyond resources in Brunswick County to include
those designated as AEC's) to areas such as, especially, Clarendon
preserve their cultural, educational Plantation.
and aesthetic values and qualities. ,
2.1.3(f)
Manmade
Hazards
Policy 2.1.3(f) I Brunswick County will seek to (1) The County will continue to enforce air
minimize potential land use space zoning for the Brunswick County
conflicts and hazards related to Airport, in keeping with the wishes of the
development in areas near existing jurisdiction within which the airport falls, the
hazardous facilities. I Southeastern Sanitary District.
2.1.4 HURRICANE AND FLOOD EVACUATION (See Section 2.5)
J
1
Brunswick County Planning Board page 160 Glenn Harbeck Associates

?runswicic County Lana Use Plan Action Aaenaa
I
2.1.5 PROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLY IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
Policy 2.1.5(a)
Policy 2.1.5(b)
Policy 2.1.5(c)
Brunswick
County supports all
State and
Federal efforts to
protect the quality of water in the
Cape Fear
River, whether such
protection
involves controls over
point source discharges, surface
runoff, or
inter basin water
transfers.
Brunswick County will continue
improvements to and expansion of
the area's central, piped water
supply system.
Brunswick County supports the
regulation of toxic waste and other
harmful materials which could
reach the ground water resource.
as well as improved storm water
management and
erosion/sedimentation controls.
2.1.6 PACKAGE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
(1) Brunswick County will encourage State
efforts to prepare targeted studies and
effective policies on water allocation, inter -
basin transfers, water quality impacts. etc. as
these issues affect the Cape Fear River.
, (1) Implementation of the Water Distribution
i System Master Plan as prepared by William G.
Daniel and Associates, September 1990 will
continue in accordance with the general
phasing of improvements recommended.
(1) The proposed zoning ordinance will direct
higher density and more intensive
development to locate in areas where public
water is provided, thereby reserving areas
dependent upon the groundwater resource
for lower density development.
Policy 2.1.6 Until such time that district sewage (1) In areas with uncorrectable soil suitability
treatment systems are feasible and problems causing severe limitations for septic
available, Brunswick County shall tanks, a package sewage treatment plant will
encourage the use of private, small I be required of all major subdivision projects.
package sewage treatment plants
for appropriately scaled j (2) The County will continue to develop and
developments, especially in those improve upon its relatively new responsibilities
areas with soil limitations for septic (July 1, 1992) for inspection, and to insure
tank use. proper operation and maintenance of
subsurface sewage disposal facilities in the
county-
2.1.7 STORMWATER RUNOFF
' Policy 2.1.7
Stormwater
Runoff
t
Brunswick County encourages all
land use activities to employ
effective storm water management
practices to protect the quality of
l the county's streams, rivers,
marshes and estuarine systems.
(1) The County will implement and enforce a
new provision in the County subdivision
I regulations requiring that a copy of the soil
erosion/sedimentation control plan be
included as a part of all new subdivisions.
Detailed standards are included in the new
ordinance.
(2) Brunswick County will encourage the State
to seek appropriate legislation to require that
agriculture and forest activities meet
reasonable storm water runoff standards.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 161 Glenn Harbeck Associates

BrunswicK Cc::nty Lana Use Plan Action Aaenca I
2.1.8 MARINA AND FLOATING HOME
DEVELOPMENT
Policy 2.1.8(a) I Brunswick County discourages
floating home development
anywhere in the waterways, public
trust waters, and along the
shorelines of the county, to the
extent regulated by the State.
Policy 2.1.8(b) Brunswick County encourages
environmentally responsible
1 marina development in accordance
with all State CAMA standards for
AEC's.
2.1.9 INDUSTRIAL IMPACTS ON FRAGILE AREAS
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS I
i (1) Brunswick County will continue to support
CAMA standards regarding floating structures
in coastal waters.
(2) Should need require. the County will study
other coastal counties such as Carteret
County and New Hanover County for
appropriate local regulations and standards.
(1) The County will seek funds for a study
examining the need for possible publicly
financed and publicly owned marinas and other
boat berthing facilities.
Policy 2.1.9 1 Economically beneficial industries 1 (1) The County will implement and enforce
will be allowed to locate in fragile industrial performance standards in the
areas if environmental impacts can proposed zoning ordinance.
be mitigated.
(2) The land classification map and zoning
ordinance will identify areas not suitable for
industrial development.
2.1.10 DEVELOPMENT OF SOUND AND ESTUARINE SYSTEM ISLANDS
Policy 2.1.10 Development of sound and
estuarine system islands is
permitted, provided that impacts
on the natural environment are
properly mitigated. When such
islands are deemed to have greater
than local significance, the County
encourages the State to purchase
these environmentally sensitive
areas for the benefit of all
residents of the state.
(1) The County will continually work to improve
its subdivision and zoning regulations to
provide for proper environmental protection
and development on sensitive estuarine
system islands.
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 162 Glenn Harbeck Associates

3runswicrc Countv Lana Use Tian
Action Aaenaa
2.1.11 DEVELOPMENT NEAR SEA LEVEL
Policy 2.1.11 Development within areas
susceptible to sea level rise,
shoreline erosion, and/or wetland
loss, should take into
consideration such conditions
upon initial development. In the
event such development is later
threatened by shoreline loss, the
County will not support efforts to
harden the shoreline to protect
_ unwise development.
2.1.12 UPLAND EXCAVATION FOR MARINA
BASINS
Policy 2.1.12 Brunswick County supports the
development of marina basins in
upland sites in accordance with
CAMA standards set forth in 15-
NCAC 7H.0208(6)(5).
I
2.1.13 MARSH DAMAGE FROM BULKHEAD
INSTALLATION
Policy 2.1.13
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
i 1 i The County will continue to enforce the
`loop protection ordinance as a means of
e-nsurina that new development in low -lying
areas is consistent with the limitations of the
Jana.
;1 i The County will continue to support CAMA
stanaards for the development of marinas in
upland locations.
(2) The County will seek funds for a study of
the need for publicly financed and publicly
owned marinas: such study, if approved, to
include consideration of upland marina sites.
Brunswick County supports state , (1) Brunswick County will continue to support
and Federal standards which seek I State and Federal standards for
to prevent or minimize marsh environmentally sensitive bulkhead
damage from bulkhead or rip rap I installations.
installation. The County
recognizes, however, that some !
limited marsh damage may be
necessary to provide for otherwise i
environmentally sound
development.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 163 Glenn Harbeck Associates

3runswick Countv Land Use P;sn Action Acenda
2.2. Resource Production And
Management Policies
2.2.1 PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LANDS
voiicy Z.Z.1 i ne continued agricultural use of
the Brunswick County's remaining
farmlands shall be encouraged.
2.2.2 COMMERCIAL FOREST LANDS
Policy 2.2.2 Brunswick County supports
commercial forestry as a major land
use. provided significant adverse
Impacts on natural resource
systems are minimized.
2.2.3 MINERAL PRODUCTION AREAS
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS I
(1) The proposed zoning ordinance, once
adopted, will be reviewed from time to time as
to standards for preservation and protection of
the better agriculture lands in the county.
(2) The County will encourage the State ana
Federal Government to develop appropriate
regulations over storm drainage and soil
erosion from agricultural and forestry activities
(1) The County supports studies regarding the
feasibility of using wood chips and residual
bark to supplement solid waste combustion to
provide sufficient fuel for large scale steam
generation or gaseous energy.
(2) The County will encourage the State and
Federal Government to develop appropriate
regulations over storm drainage and soil
erosion from agricultural and forestry activities.
Policy 2.2.3 " Mineral production and mining i (1) The locations of mineral production and
activities will be considered on a i mining activities will be controlled by the
case by case review of economic I County's proposed zoning ordinance. After
benefits and environmental and adoption of the ordinance, no State
i land use impacts. permission will be granted in violation of the
j County zoning.
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 164 Glenn Harbeck Associates

BrunSWICK County Land Use Plan Action Agenda
' 2.2.4 COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL
FISHERIES IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
I
0
1
Policy 2.2.4
Brunswick County supports efforts ; (1) The County will support educational
to maintain and enhance the seminars to inform local area residents and
fisheries resource of its waters, ! business people about the potential for
including better fisheries aquaculture development in the county. Such
management and enforcement, educational seminars may include courses at
and aquaculture development County high schools. efforts -of the local
' activities. Extension Service, and course work at
Brunswick Community College, and UNC-W.
(2) The County will request the assistance of
the Duke Marine Lab. the Marine Crescent and
local economic development interests to
establish significant aquacultural operations in
Brunswick County.
(3) The County will continue to provide funding
in support of the artificial reef program
involving, for example. the sinking of old boats
and railroad cars.
(4) The County will call upon and cooperate
with the State and Federal government for
improved marine fisheries management.
(5) The County will continue to press for
implementation of the demonstration project,
approved by Congress as part of the Water
Resources Development Act of 1992, to
reopen the eastern channel of the Lockwood
Folly River.
2.2.5 OFF ROAD VEHICLES
lacy 2.2.5 Brunswick County discourages the (1) The County Magistrate and the Sheriff's
use of off -road vehicles in all Department will be called upon as necessary to
fragile areas because of potential enforce trespassing laws involving off road
adverse environmental impacts. vehicles on properly posted private property,
as provided for in the General Statutes.
2.2.6 DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS
See table of contents to identify policies and
implementation actions concerning particular
development types.
2.2.7 PEAT OR PHOSPHATE MINING IMPACTS
See general mining policy and implementation
actions set forth previously under section 2.2.3.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 165 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan
Section 2.3 Economic And
Community Development
Policies
2.3.1 TYPES AND LOCATIONS OF INDUSTRIES
DESIRED
Note: the issue of tourism as an industry is
discussed under section 2.3.8.
Policy 2.3.1 Brunswick County encourages the
development of industry
throughout the county, provided
such development is compatible
with surrounding land uses and
that potential environmental
impacts can be effectively
mitigated.
2.3.2 PROVISION OF SERVICES TO
DEVELOPMENT
Note: Solid waste management, recycling and
disposal are discussed specifically under section
2.3.16.
Action Aaenaa I
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
(1) The new zoning ordinance contains several
manufacturing/industrial zoning districts and an
"economic development overlay district'.
Such an overlay district would allow the County
to respond to concrete requests for new
industrial development in an appropriate and
flexible manner.
(2) The County will continue to support efforts
to actively seek blue chip industries with higher
pay scales relative to existing pay scales in the
county.
(3) The County will continue to fund the
Resources Development Commission as a
principal agency in recruiting new industry to
the county, as well as encouraging the
expansion of existing industry.
(4) The County will consider, when justified,
funding of necessary infrastructure and
targeted job training at the Community
College, in support of new industrial activities
in Brunswick County, possibly supplemented
by the full university system available within the
state.
L
Brunswick County Planning Board page 166 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County Land Use Plan
Action
enaa
L
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
Policy 2.3.2 Brunswick County will strive, to the 1 (1) The County will continue to expand the
best extent possible, to facilitate water distribution system in keeping with the
the expansion of public services 1990 Water Distribution Master Plan.
and facilities to meet the needs of
existing and future populations.
(2) The County will continue to coordinate
transportation improvements in the area
through updates to the County thoroughfare
plan, and through review and comment on the
transportation improvement program (TIP).
(3) The County will continue to participate in
the development of the Wilmington Urbanized
Area Transportation Plan.
i
(4) The County Commissions will review
allocations for secondary road improvements
i on a regular basis.
(5) The County will continue to provide its
coordinated human services transportation
program.
(6) The County will continue to require right of
way protection as necessary in subdivision
reviews.
(7) The County will continue to support water
and sewer improvement districts by providing
seed money to pay for initial studies, and by
assisting in the preparation of necessary
correspondence and paperwork for grant and
loan applications. The County would also
participate in a local intergovernmental effort to
coordinate the research and development of
sewage collection and treatment systems in
the County, with a n eye toward developing a
County -wide plan for a coordinated series of
sewage treatment service areas.
(8) The County will continue to serve in a
coordinating capacity regarding extra territorial
jurisdiction between nearby municipalities (e.g.
Sunset Beach, Calabash).
(9) The County will consider the appointment
of a study committee to re-examine better
utilization of the County's existing parks
facilities, particularly regarding the availability of
community buildings for young people.
(Continued on next page)
Brunswick County Planning Board page 167 Glenn Harbeck Associates

3runswlCK County Land Use Plan
2.3.3 URBAN GROWTH PATTERN DESIRED
Policy 2.3.3 Brunswick County will seek to
Improve coordinated development
through the creation and
implementation of enhanced land
use controls, growth management
policies and the strategic provision
of necessary services and
infrastructure.
2.3.4 REDEVELOPMENT —INCLUDING
RELOCATION OF THREATENED STRUCTURES
Note: a discussion of structures threatened by ocean hazards is
included in Section 2.5 (Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster
Recovery, and Evacuation).
icy 2.3.4 Brunswick County supports and
encourages the restoration of
significant and architecturally
Important historic structures.
Redevelopment of substandard
structures within the zounty shall
be supported through public and
private sector initiatives for the
economic betterment of area
residents.
Action Aaenaa I
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
(10) The County will request that its legislative
delegation to the General Assembly sponsor a
study to determine the most effective form of
local government for Brunswick County. Such
study should give particular attention to the
provision of services and facilities by the
various service providers in the county. The
study should also include consideration of
model legislation drafted by the US Advisory
Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.
or other reputable sources for such
government form.
(1) The land classification map will be employed
to direct urban level growth to appropriate
locations where services can be provided.
(2) The County's water distribution system
master plan will be employed to directly
support the transition areas identified in the
land classification map.
(3) The County's proposed zoning ordinance
will target and direct growth to areas consistent
with the land classification map and the water
distribution system.
(4) The County will continue to enforce the
flood damage prevention ordinance as a
means of discouraging inappropriate
development in flood prone areas.
(1) The County Commissioners will continue to
pursue recent initiatives for the County's
participation in the Small Cities Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program,
including opportunities for Section 8 housing.
(2) The County will continue to work for higher
paying jobs and enhanced economic
opportunity for local area residents as a means
of providing additional income to residents for
rehabilitation of their homes.
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 168 Glenn Harbeck Associates
II�

Brunswick County Lano Use Plan Action Aoenda
' 2.3.5 COMMITMENT TO STATE AND FEDERAL
PROGRAMS
H
Policy 2.3.5
Brunswick County supports
applicable State and Federal
programs regarding economic and
community development,
especially those programs related
to water quality, fisheries, and
water and road transportation
system improvements.
2.3.6 CHANNEL MAINTENANCE AND BEACH
RENOURISHMENT
Policy 2. 3.6 , Brunswick County supports the
continued maintenance of
navigable channels and inlets and
the renourishment of the county's
beaches In a timely, coordinated
fashion.
' 2.3.7 ENERGY FACILITIES
Policy 2.3.7
1
Any new major energy facilities to
be located in Brunswick County
shall, prior to approval, make a full
disclosure of all costs and benefits
associated with the project, and
will further mitigate all potential
adverse impacts of the project.
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
(1) The County will continue to participate in
the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
process.
(2) The County will continue to participate in
! shared funding of Brunswick Community
College.
(3) The County will continue to operate job
training programs at the County Industrial Park
in coordination with the Community College.
(4) The County will participate in UNC-
Wilmington's new regional economic
development strategic planning program.
(5) The County will continue to press for
i implementation of the demonstration project,
approved by Congress as part of the Water
Resources Development Act of 1992, to
reopen the eastern channel of the Lockwood
Folly River.
i (1) The County is committed to ongoing
j unified support for channel improvements in
waterways throughout the county.
i (2) The County will support efforts to place
spoil materials from channel maintenance and
dredging on Brunswick County beaches,
inciuding each of the county's incorporated
beach municipalities, as warranted.
(3) The County will continue to press for
implementation of the demonstration project.
approved by Congress as part of the Water
Resources Development Act of 1992, to
reopen the eastern channel of the Lockwood
Folly River.
(1) The new County zoning ordinance will
include performance standards for private
industry, including energy facilities.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 169 Glenn Harbeck Associates

?runswick Countv Land User=n
Action Aaenaa
2.3.8 TOURISM
Policy 2.3.8
Brunswick County encourages the
development of a high quality
tourism trade as a primary element
of the county's economic future.
Investments in services, facilities,
and growth management shall be
employed in furtherance of this
objective.
2.3.9 COASTAL AND ESTUARINE BEACH WATER
ACCESS
The recent (1990) Brunswick County Shoreline
Access Plan contains a full policy section, which is
summarized in Section 2.3.9 of the Land Use Plan.
The Access Plan also includes a total of 43 existing
or potential shoreline access sites identified in map
form.
Policy 2.3.9 1 Brunswick County encourages
efforts to provide reasonable
public access to the county's
i beaches, shores, and waterfronts,
in accordance with the County's
i shoreline access plan which is
adopted herein by reference.
2.3.10 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Policy 2.3.10 A variety of residential
development types is encouraged
within those areas of Brunswick
County identified as appropriate by
the land classification map in
concurrence with the provision of
necessary urban services.
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
(1) The County will continue to provide funding
on an annual basis to the Southport -Oak Island
and South Brunswick Chambers of Commerce
for tourism promotion.
(2) The County has begun and will continue to
develop a Clean County Program, the purpose
of which is to educate and organize public and
private organizations and individuals to
enhance the county's appearance.
(1) The County will continue to work toward
implementation of the 1990 Brunswick County
Shoreline --ess Plan.
(1) The new zoning ordinance will
accommodate a variety of residential
development forms including but not limited
to: patio homes, townhomes, manufactured
homes, zero lot line and flag lot developments,
cluster developments, as well as traditional
single family subdivision developments.
1
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 170 Glenn Harbeck Associates

3runswick Countv Land Use Plan Action Aaenda
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Policy 2.3.11 Brunswick County encourages
commercial development in
appropriate locations throughout
the County; the County
discourages commercial strip
development.
2.3.12 BEAUTIFICATION
Policy 2.3.12 Brunswick County shall employ a
combination of incentives and
controls to encourage
beautification measures which
preserve the natural amenities of
the community, especially as seen
from the county's main highways
and roadways leading to the
beaches.
' 2.3.13 AIRPORTS
icy 2.3.13 Brunswick County will encourage
land development patterns which
allow for adequate airport
expansion and development.
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
(1) The proposed zoning ordinance includes
two commercial districts designed to
accommodate a broad spectrum of commercial
development. These districts include:
commercial -low density, commercial -
manufacturing, heavy manufacturing and rural -
industrial.
(2) The County will continually work to improve
road access standards to protect the integrity
of. particularly, significant traffic -carrying
roadways through the county and to the
beaches.
(1) The new zoning ordinance will provide for
sign regulations appropriate for Brunswick
County. Once adopted, these sign
regulations will be reviewed periodically for
!heir effectiveness.
(2) The County has begun and will continue to
develop a Clean County program, the purpose
of which is to educate and organize public and
private organizations and individuals to
enhance the county's appearance.
(3) The County will update its previous
investigation of the feasibility of establishing
tree preservation standards for outstanding
and historic trees in the unincorporated area.
(4) Efforts to eliminate the number of "green
box" trash receptacles in the county will
continue. Screening of privately owned green
boxes will be encouraged.
(5) The proposed zoning ordinance
establishes development standards over
outdoor advertising structures.
(1) The County will nontinue to enforce air
space zoning for the Brunswick County
Airport, in keeping with the wishes of the
jurisdiction within which the airport falls, the
Southeastern Sanitary District.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 171 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick Countv Land Use Plan
2.3.14 EDUCATION
Action Aaenca
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS '
Policy 2.3.14(a) j The attainment of a quality
j (1) In light of the critical importance of primary
educational system shall be
education to the future of Brunswick County,
recognized as a critical factor in
the County Commissioners. in coordination
the future economic development
with Board of Education and the Brunswick
j of Brunswick County.
Community College Board of Trustees, and
with appropriate assistance from the UNC
System. will place increasing emphasis on the
development of a quality educational system in
the county. The important linkage between a
good educational system and economic
development/quality of life issues will be
i
emphasized during such efforts.
Policy j
Responsibility for improvements to j
(1) Activities which encourage on -going school
2.3.14(b) I
the educational system shall not
visitations and workshops by. parents, and by
be placed solely with policy I
leaders in business and industry shall be
makers, professional educators
especially emphasized.
and administrators. Programs and
actions which emphasize (1)
parental involvement and (2)
assistance from the business
community shall be strongly
pursued.
I
Policy 2.3.14(c)
Appropriate educational and
(1) The County will continue to provide support
training programs shall be
for the Brunswick Community College
encouraged to help unemployed
Industrial Education Center, housed in
and underemployed local residents
Brunswick County's Industrial Paris in the
take advantage of business
Leland area.
expansion and to stay abreast of
new technologies.
2.3.15 RETIREES
Policy 2.3.15 Brunswick County shall encourage _!(1) The County will work with developers to
retiree recruitment programs which i increase local area awareness of the
are designed to attract a higher opportunities to market their developments to
income, more highly educated retirees with above average incomes, relative
population subgroup. to the national norm.
2.3.16 WASTE MANAGEMENT
Policy 2.3.16(a) Local area requirements for solid (1) Long range planning for the County's
waste disposal facilities shall landfill needs, as well as alternative waste
continue to be anticipated through disposal methods, shall continue.
advanced planning; facilities shall
be located and designed so as not
to adversely impact significant
natural or manmade sources.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 172 Glenn Harbeck Associates

3runswick Countv Land Use Plan Action Aaenda
I
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
n
Policy2.3.16(b) i Brunswick County recognizes the ; (1) The County will continue to explore
need for a regional solution to the i opportunities for joint regional recycling in
solid waste issue. and will support cooperation with adjacent cities and counties.
efforts toward that end.
Policy 2.3.16(c) i Research and development of (1) The County will undertake an education
recycling and resource recovery and enforcement program to curtail
programs, whether public or construction material dumping at trash
private, shall be encouraged and collection sites.
supported.
(2) The County will continue to coordinate the
recycling efforts of the incorporated
municipalities in cooperation with those of the
County.
2.3.17 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS
Policy 2.3.17 Brunswick County supports growth
management provided by
continued improvements to land
use and development controls and
Is committed to the proper
enforcement of such ordinances.
(1) Ongoing efforts to introduce county -wide
zoning in the unincorporated area of the
county will continue to be a priority.
(2) The feasibility of establishing tree
preservation measures, either has a separate
ordinance, or as an addition to the zoning
ordinance, will be investigated.
(3) Administration and improvement of the
County's subdivision regulations will continue.
(4) The County will support State initiatives for
the appropriate regulation of livestock
production facilities.
(5) Sign regulations. if implemented as
proposed in the County zoning ordinance, will
be evaluated and refined periodically as to their
appropriateness for the predominantly rural
character of Brunswick County.
(6) The County will accommodate and provide
proper planning for four classes of
manufactured housing, as specified in the
zoning ordinance.
(7) Commercial zoning districts and driveway
access standards will be implemented and
periodically refined to discourage inappropriate
stripping of development along the county's
highways.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 173 Glenn Harbeck Associates

�runswicic County Land Use Plan Action Aaenda
2.4 Public Participation Policies
Note: the public participation plan and program for
the Brunswick County land use plan is discussed
fully in section 5 of this document. IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
! Policy 2.4.1 (a) ! Brunswick County shall continue to I
(1) The County will continue to conduct special
employ public participation
public meetings as necessary to address
techniques at public meetings
important growth issues and proposals in
which actively involve the public in
Brunswick County.
Identifying and discussing
iplanning issues, thereby
"engaged"
(2) The County will continue to provide
facilitating a form of
advance notice and interviews with the press in
education. Media attention
an effort to inform the public as to the purpose
concerning such meetings is also
of public meetings in advance of such
strongly encouraged and
meetings.
thankfully acknowledged for the
public service they provide.
I Policy 2.4.1 (b) I Citizen input in the development ' (1) The Planning Board will periodically
I of growth policies shall be I evaluate its effectiveness in achieving this
i supported through attention given policy, and will consider special actions to
I i to the issues and priorities which encourage participation.
the public identified during early
1 input meetings.
i Policy 2.4.1 (c)
I Following plan adoption,
(1) The County will continue to provide for
Brunswick County shall employ
open meetings of the Planning Board and
frequent, constructive and open
County Commissioners in both the letter and
regular meetings of the Planning
spirit of the open meetings law of the State of
Board and County Commissioners
North Carolina.
i
as the primary vehicle for engaging
public participation in on -going
(2) To facilitate constructive input, and so as
' planning Issues and development
not to keep otherwise unscheduled speakers
projects.
I waiting, the Planning Board will continue to
schedule opportunities for public input in
advance of selected meetings.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 174 Glenn Harbeck Associates

Brunswick County nano Use Plan Action Aaenda
2.5 Storm Hazard Mitigation,
Post -Disaster Recovery and
Evacuation Plan
2.5.1 STORM HAZARD MITIGATION
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
Policy 2.5.1(a)
Brunswick County shall discourage
(1) The County will continue to enforce the
high intensity uses and large
flood damage prevention ordinance.
structures from being constructed
within the 100-year floodplain,
erosion -prone areas, and other
locations susceptible to hurricane
and flooding hazards.
Policy 2.5.1(b)
Brunswick County shall not
(1) The County will continue to push for the re -
participate in the purchase of land
mapping of flood hazard areas to provide a
parcels located in hazard areas or
more accurate picture of land located in
rendered unbuildable by storms or
hazardous locations.
other events, for the purposes of
shorefront access.
Policy 2.5.1(c)
Brunswick County shall continue to
(1) The County will continue to provide
enforce the North Carolina building
building inspections services for the
i code, particularly those provisions
unincorporated area, as well as some of the
which require construction
municipalities in the county, including the
! standards to meet resistive factors,
enforcement of all provisions relative to storm
i.e. design, wind velocity.
safety and resistance.
Policy 2.5.1(d)
Brunswick County encourages the
Note: No action necessary as this policy is
placement of utilities underground
being implemented on a broad scale by nearly
for all new development.
all developers.
Policy 2.5.1(e)
Brunswick County shall employ
(1) Continual improvements in the County's
growth management techniques to
administration of the 911 emergency system
' facilitate effective emergency
will be sought.
evacuation. The County shall also
cooperate on a regional basis with
(2) The street signage program will continue.
emergency evacuation planning
efforts.
(3) The county -wide street naming and
addressing program will continue.
Brunswick County Planning Board page 175 Glenn Harbeck Associates

?runswicK Countv Land Use Plan Action Aaenaa
2.5.2 POST DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
Policy 2.5.2(a)
Policy 2.5.2(b)
Policy 2.5.2(c)
Policy _2.5.2(d)
Policy 2.5.2(e)
The Board of County
Commissioners of Brunswick
County shall be ultimately
responsible for supervising the
implementation of polices and
procedures contained in the
disaster relief and assistance plan,
and the post -disaster recovery
policies of the land use plan.
In the event of extensive hurricane
damage to public utilities requiring
replacement or relocation of these
utilities, efforts shall be made to
locate damaged utilities away from
hurricane hazard areas or to
strengthen their construction.
Priority will be given to those
repairs that will restore service to
as many persons as soon as
possible.
The Board of County
Commissioners may declare a
moratorium of up to 180 days on
the permitting of any new
construction, including new utility
hookups, or redevelopment
construction that would increase
the intensity of the land uses
existing before the hurricane.
Brunswick County shall continue to
work closely with emergency
management agency personnel in
the preparation of the County's
evacuation plan. The County shall
also continue to press for
necessary improvements for
effective evacuation of threatened
areas.
(1) The County's new Emergency Services
Center will serve as a logical command center
for the directives of the County Commissioners
during and after a major storm event.
(1) The County will monitor all reconstruction
efforts involving both public and private
utilities, including roads. to provide for less
vulnerable redevelopment after a hurricane.
(1) This poiicy will be implemented in
accordance with the best practices of public
and private utilities regarding the restoration of
service following a major storm event.
(1) Implementation of any such moratorium will
be carried out if, in the opinion of the Board of
County Commissioners, insufficiently planned
new construction would result in a compromise
of the public health, safety, and general
welfare.
(1) The County will employ the new
Emergency Services Center as a convenient
facility to coordinate storm preparation efforts.
II�
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Brunswick County Planning Board page 176 Glenn Harbeck Associates

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October 19, 1992
?r. John Harvey
Planning Dept. - Brunswick County
P.O. Box 249
Bolivia, \C 28422
Dear Mr. Harvey:
The Village of Bald Head Island met in monthly session on
October 17, 1992. The council discussed the section of the
1992 Brunswick County Land Use Plan that referred to Bald
Head Island and agreed unanimously that the statements as
presented were satisfactory to our governing body.
We are pleased to be able to cooperate in getting your plan
before the CRC for approval.
Sin erely, I
Wallace Martin
Town Manager
anu
_. , . - .- :- _ - — - 4
v , C-

TOWN OF VARNAMTOro. N
505 Sabbath Home Rd.
Supply, NC 28462
October 15, 1992
Brunswick Count;:
P.O. Box 249
3395 Ocean Hwy E.
Bolivia, -C 28422
Dear Sir:
The Town of Varnamto%%'n., Board of Aldermen met on Monday
October 12, 1992 and :jade the following resolution.
we resolve to approve submission of the Community and
Land Use Plan draft for review.
We hope this information will be of help to you in this
program.
Sincerely,
Judy Galloway
Mayor
cc Haskell Rhett