1998 Land Use Plan Update-1999

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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
1998 LAND USE PLAN
UPDATE
The Town of Edenton and Chowan County, North Carolina
Revised Draft Adopted by Edenton Town Council
October 26,1998
Revised Draft Adopted by Chowan County Board of Commissioners
September 22,1998
Revised Draft Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission
March 26,1999
Property of:
Edenton-Chowan
Planning and Inspections Department
The Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan Update
- Table of Contents
Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter
Title
Page
ES.
Executive Summary
1.
Introduction
Introduction to the Planning Process
I-1
The Coastal Area Management Act
I-3
Establishment of a Demographic and Land Data Base
I-5
Establishment of Land Use and Environmental Policies
I-5
Public Participation in the Planning Process
1-6
II.
Goals and Objectives
Community Character and the Environment
II-3
Transportation
II-4
Housing
11-4
Land Use
II-5
Public Services and Infrastructure
II{,
Economic Development
II-8
Implementation
II-9
III.
Data Collection and Analysis
Introduction
M-1
Establishment of the Information Base
M-1
Present Conditions: Population and Economy
III-2
Housing
1II-5
Economic Analysis
M-y
Watershed Related to Land Use Planning
III-10
Summary
III-19
IV
Present Conditions
Existing Land Use Analysis
PJ-1
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Description of Land Uses
IV-1
Significant Land and V &ter Use Compatibility Problems
IV-2
Major Problems from Unplanned Development
IV-4
Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Major Change
IV-4
Review of Existing Plans
IV-5
V. Constraints
Physical Limitations for Development
V 1
Fragile Areas
V-4
Areas with Resource Potential
V 10
Carrying Capacity Analysis
V 12
Other Community Facilities and Services
V 16
VI. Estimated Demand
Growth and Impacts on Community Services
VI-1
Future Land Use Needs
VI-5
Demand for Community Services and Facilities
VI-6
VII. Policy Statements
Introduction to CAMA Policies
VII-1
Policy Guidelines and the CAMA Study Process
VII-1
Policy Alternatives and Implementation Schedule
VII-3
Recommended CAMA Planning Policies
VII-5
Resource Protections
VII-5
Resource Production and Management
VII-5
Economic and Community Development
VII-18
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and
VII-31
Recovery Phase
Public Participation
VII-42
Policy Implementation Strategy
VII-43
General Implementation Recommendations
VII-44
Edenton UDO Recommendations
VII-46
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1998 Land Use Plan Update
Edenton and Chowan County
Subdivision Ordinance Recommendations VII-47
Capital Improvement Recommendations VU-48
Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation VII-48
Schedule for Policy Implementation by Local Officials VII-49
W1. Land Classification System
Developed
VM-3
Urban Transition
VHI-5
Limited Transition
VM-6
Community
VM-8
Rural With Services
VM-9
Conservation
VIII-11
Land Use Classification Map Boundaries
VM-13
IX. Public Participation Plan
AT. Appendix L• Citizens' Survey
AII. Appendix H: Visioning Forum Survey
AIM Appendix M. Policy Questionnaire
AIV. Appendix IV Local Plans, Studies and Regulations
AV. Maps
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1998 Land Use Plan Update
Edenton and Chowan County
List of Tables and Charts
Table #
Table Title
Page
III-1
Comparative Population Growth: 1980-1997
111-3
III-2
Edenton and Chowan County
111-4
III-3
Housing Units by Occupancy Status
1II-6
II1-4
Employment by Industry
III-7
III-5
Labor Force
III-8
111-6
Retail Sales
III-9
III-7
Gross Retail Sales
III-9
1I1-8
Surface Water Classifications
III-16
V-1
Transportation Improvement Program
V 15
V-2
Edenton and Chowan County School Enrollment
V 16
VI-1
Comparative Population Growth 1980-1997
VI-2
VI-3
Straight Line Population Projections
VI-3
VI-4
Capture Method Population Projections
V1=4
The Cox Company
- TIC-1

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chal2ter I:
INTRODUCTION
The Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter L-
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANNING PROCESS
The 1998 Land Use Plan is designed to be used as a guide for the physical development
of the Town of Edenton and the County of Chowan focusing on the upcoming ten-year
timeframe. This Plan, along with responsible leadership in its implementation,
provides a means by which the community's future growth can be successfully
channeled and accommodated. The overall purpose of the Land Use Plan is to
encourage the development of a safe, healthy and economically sound living
environment for the citizens of the area. The Land Use Plan focuses on those factors
which contribute to or hinder proper growth and development, and identifies those
areas in which the local government can have a positive impact
This Land Use Plan is somewhat unique in that it is the result of a joint planning effort
between Edenton and Chowan County in which the members of the respective
Planning Boards of eachjurisdiction came together to form a single steering committee
to guide the planning process. Although the Town of Edenton falls under the
jurisdiction of Chowan County, it is required by CAMA law as an incorporated town to
prepare its own Land Use Plan. However, since both localities face many of the same
land use issues and are nearly identical in terms of their demographic constitution, it is
clearly an asset to both jurisdictions and the region at large to develop one combined
Land Use Plan document. This unique arrangement allowed the two localities to
create a valuable dialogue concerning future planning issues.
The Land Use Plan is not the "gospel," but, rather, it is a document which presents the
local governments' best attempt at defining its "vision" for the future and suggests
ways to attain that "vision." The attitudes and desires of community residents support
the goals, policies and implementation recommendations which will be adopted into
this document. The participation of both the County and Town citizenry has been an
essential contribution to setting the course for future land development and
environmental conservation activities.
By preparing a Land Use Plan which is integrally tied to its precedent goals, objectives
and planning policies and yet incorporates future goals and objectives, the old adage
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
that "it is not enough to be what we have been" is underscored. Towards this end, one
of the initial steps in this planning process was to define these future goals, to translate
those goals into objectives by which they would be realized, and to establish policies
and strategies by which the goals can be implemented for the betterment of the
community. In arriving at the set of goals and objectives which have been
recommended for the Land Use Plan, three major and distinct efforts were undertaken
in order to ensure that the planning process proceeded along this rational line and with
the assurance that the adoption of future land use recommendations would be
constructed on a firm social, economic, moral and legal underpinning.
The initial effort in this regard was to undertake a thorough review and analysis of all
previous Town and County plans and growth management documents. By carefully
evaluating land use goals and objectives from earlier plans, the Joint Planning Board
was able to assess the "suitability" and "workability" of past planning strategies. In
doing so, past planning goals were then updated, refined and merged into the context
of the current Plan's study requirements.
Secondly, the 1998 Land Use Update planning process incorporated a range of citizen
input and participation opportunities which enabled all interested parties to express
their visions and expectations for the future of the community. An extensive citizen's
attitude survey was developed by the Consultant, and multiple work sessions were
held, during which public private citizens had an opportunity to comment on the Plan.
The consolidated findings were used by the Joint Planning Board in making the final
recommendations for the Plan. This effort complied with the requirements of the
Coastal Area Management Act as well as other State guidelines affecting land use
goals, objectives and implementation strategies for environmentally sensitive areas of
the community's wetlands region -
Thirdly, in order to maintain proper focus on the many CRC requirements of the Land
Use Plan, the Joint Planning Boards, the Town and County Staffs and the Consultant
maintained a goals -oriented "vigil" during the development of the multi -faceted land
use planning and environmental management recommendations which are outlined
herein. In doing so, the Town and County were both able to maintain a high level of
leadership and objective focus as the many "nuts and bolts" aspects of this Land Use
Plan were being developed and as numerous alternatives were introduced and
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
evaluated. The result of this goals -directed planning effort yielded a more consistent
land use planning program and a more efficient framework for the future management
of growth in the area.
Many of the policies presented in this document support the detailed regulations and
ordinances which have already been adopted by the two localities. The most involved
of these are the County's Subdivision Ordinance and the Town's Unified Development
Ordinance. Both of these documents outline specific regulations as they apply to
zoning, subdivision, dimensional requirements, parking, floodplain, open space,
signage, streets, historic districts and other specific landscaping, design and
development issues. These regulations and ordinances are outlined and explained in
greater detail in Chapter IV of this document. In several instances, the Land Use Plan
introduces specific recommendations for amending these ordinances in order to
improve their ability to regulate future land development (see Chapter VII: pages 44-
45).
THE COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974—commonly known as CAMA—established
a cooperative program of coastal area management and planning between local
governments and the State. Both the Town and the County have been active and
productive participants in the CAMA planning process since its inception. Land use
planning lies at the center of the involvement with CAMA, inasmuch as it has
provided community leaders an opportunity and responsibility to establish and
enforce policies to guide land development on a 5-year cyclical basis. This particular
Plan has also allowed elected and appointed officials for both localities to come
together and approach planning issues from a regional perspective.
The Coastal Resources Commission's Land Use Planning Guidelines are very clear on
the Commission's position regarding the importance of local planning as is stated in
Sub -Chapter 7B.0101 of the new and updated 1996 CAMA LUPGuidelines:
"Land development generally takes place as the result of decisions by private
individuals and government. If left entirely to chance, the resulting pattern of
development in a locality may well not be in the best overall community interest.
In order to promote this community interest for both present and future
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
generations, a land use plan is to be developed, adopted and kept current by the
local governments in the coastal area.
The land use plan is a framework that will guide local leaders as they make
decisions affecting development. Private individuals and other levels of
government will also use the plan to guide their land use decisions. Use of the
plan by these groups will lead to the more efficient and economical provision of
public services, the protection of natural resources, sound economic development,
and the protection of public health and safety."
Local government leadership, through the CAMA land use planning process, has
addressed many issues and has adopted policies that serve to guide the development
of the Edenton and Chowan County area. This process recognizes that many decisions
affecting land development are made by other levels of government (regional, state
and federal), and that local policies must take account of and harmonize with
established State and federal laws. However, most land use decisions are primarily
those of local relevance, concern and control.
By comprehensively addressing these issues via the Land Use Plan, State and Federal
agencies will support the Town and County policies that deal with these issues. These
agencies will also use the adopted land use plans and policies in making
determinations of local project consistency with State and Federal mandates, funding
appropriateness for grants and other key permit decisions. It is important to note that
in the absence of a regularly updated and adopted Plan, the Town and the County
relinquish a number of local decision -making responsibilities to State and Federal
agencies which may, or may not, have the best interest of the local citizens at heart.
Pursuant to the established Land Use Planning Guidelines of the Coastal Resources
Commission, the Land Use Plan is required by State statute to contain the eleven basic
elements outlined below:
• an executive summary
• an introduction to land use planning
• a statement of goals and objectives
• a summary of data collection and analysis
• an existing land use map
• constraints on future development
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Choman County
• estimated future demands
• a land use and environmental policy discussion
• a land classificafion system and map
• a system for intergovernmental coordination and implementation
• a public participation plan
ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEMOGRAPHIC AND LAND DATABASE
The data collection and analysis items required by CAMA are designed to establish the
information base necessary to make policy choices concerning future land use and
development proposals in the area. These items have been formulated so as not to
place unnecessary burden on the local planning resources. The data requirements can
generally be fulfilled by utilizing existing local plans and studies including the
previous Land Use Plan Updates, as well as information provided by the U. S. Census,
regional planning bodies and State agencies.
ESTABLISHMENT OF LAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The Land Use Plan is required by CAMA to fully address local policy on those land use
issues which will affect the community during the upcoming ten-year planning period.
The major issues must include, but are not limited to:
• Resource Protection
• Resource Production and Management
• Economic and Community Development
• Public Participation
• Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans
Rather than incorporate additional policy categories for major planning issues, the
Joint Planning Board has determined that the above categories are sufficient for this
update of the Land Use Plan. Other traditional planning topics such as transportation,
recreation, education, employment and growth management controls have been
integrated into the examination and discussions of the five major CAMA policy
categories.
It is incumbent upon the drafters of the Land Use Plan to ensure to the greatest extent
possible that there is consistency among individual policies developed in each of the
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
four major policy categories. Particular attention should be given to individual policies
in the resource protection, resoun:e production and management economic and communi
tu
development and storm hazard mitigation categories. These three categories will often
contain issues of overlapping as well as conflicting ideologies and philosophies. The
result is that potentially competing and contradictory goals, policies and strategies
must be forcefully addressed and sensitively resolved during the planning process.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE PLANNING PROCESS
Public participation is the cornerstone of the planning process. In complying with
CAMA planning guidelines, the Land Use Plan must document the means by which
public involvement in the land use plan update was accomplished. At a minimum, the
CAMA mandates that the Land Use Plan must address the following public
participation issues:
• a description of means to be used for public education on planning issues,
• a description of means to be used for continuing public participation in
planning, and
a description of means to be used for obtaining citizen input in developing
land use plan policy statements.
In fulfilling these State planning guidelines for public involvement, the Town and
County leadership through its specially appointed Joint Planning Board has prepared
policies based upon data analysis and land use inventories, as well as detailed citizen
input, related to the best possible alternative for each land use issue. The Land Use
Plan includes a description of the methods by which the Town and the County intend
to implement its policy choices. In summary, all policies adopted by the two localities
as a part of the 1998 Land Use Plan are designed to maintain full consistency with the
overall policy adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
EXECUTIVE SUNImARY
The Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANNING PROCESS
The 1998 Land Use Plan is designed to be used as a guide for the physical development
of the Town of Edenton and the County of Chowan focusing on the upcoming fifteen
year timeframe. This Plan, along with responsible leadership in its implementation,
provides a means by which the community's future growth can be successfully
channeled and accommodated. The overall purpose of the Land Use Plan is to
encourage the development of a safe, healthy and economically sound living
environment for the citizens. The Land Use Plan focuses on those factors which
contribute to or hinder proper growth and development and identifies where local
government can have a positive impact.
This Land Use Plan is somewhat unique in that it is the result of a joint planning effort
between Edenton and Chowan County in which the members of the respective
Planning Boards of each jurisdiction came together to form a single steering committee
to guide the planning process. Although the Town of Edenton falls under the
jurisdiction of Chowan County, it is required by CAMA law as an incorporated town to
prepare its own Land Use Plan. However, since both localities face many of the same
land use issues and are nearly identical in terms of their demographic constitution, it is
clearly an asset to both jurisdictions and the region at large to develop one combined
Land Use Plan document. This unique arrangement allowed the two localities to
create a valuable dialogue concerning future planning issues. Any differences that do
exist between the Town and the County in their policy approach to land use planning
issues are specifically spelled out within the text of the document.
The Land Use Plan is a document which presents the local governments' best attempt
at defining its "vision" for the future and suggests ways to attain that "vision." The
attitudes and desires of community residents support the goals, policies and
implementation recommendations which will be adopted into this document. The
participation of both the County and Town citizenry has been an essential contribution
to setting the course for future land development and environmental conservation
activities.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
REVIEW OF MAJOR GOALS
The Goals and Objectives developed as part of the Land Use Plan are designed to set
out the vision the Town and County have for the upcoming planning period. The
stated goals then serve as a foundation upon which to create policies and
implementation strategies to develop those goals into practices recognized throughout
the community.
The following is a summary of the major goals developed by the Town of Edenton and
Chowan County to guide future growth and development during the near planning
period.
A. COMMUNITY CHARACTER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Protect and enhance the natural and built environment of the community.
B. TRANSPORTATION
Ensure the location, character, and capacity of transportation facilities is compatible
with the Land Use Plan and encourages optimal community development patterns
while allowing for safe and efficient transit.
C. HOUSING
Provide for decent, safe and sanitary housing for all Town and County residents,
recognizing the need for all types of housing to serve the citizens of the area.
D. LAND USE
Plan for an integrated mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses which will
provide suitable housing, shopping, recreation and employment opportunities, while
recognizing the expanding tourism marketplace.
E. PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Provide an adequate level of public services and infrastructure to all the people of
Edenton and Chowan County, recognizing the regional aspects of certain facilities and
services and the need for regional planning, inter -governmental cooperation, and
equitable financial participation for the jurisdictions involved.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
E ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Expand the emerging tourism and retirement economic base in Edenton and Chowan
County while exploring other ways to expand upon other economic development
opportunities.
G. IMPLEMENTATION
Implement the objectives and policies of the Land Use Plan through the application of
conservative and creative zoning and subdivision measures, recognizing the broad
diversity in the levels of community acceptance of zoning and related growth
management controls..
REVIEW OF KEY POLICY STATEMENTS
This Executive Summary is designed to provide an overview of the land use issues
which will affect the community during the planning period as well as the policies
which the local governments have developed to specifically address those issues.
These policies, as well as the communities' goals and objectives, are presented in detail
in subsequent chapters of this document.
According to CAMA guidelines, the policies contained in the 1998 Land Use Plan
update must contain statements on land use issues which will affect the community
during the 10-year planning period. The policies are grouped into the following five
categories and are summarized below:
A. Resource Protection
B. Resource Production and Management
C Economic and Community Development
D. Public Participation
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster and Evacuation Plans
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
Policies addressing the protection of natural, cultural and historic resources should
take into consideration the potential benefits and liabilities which would accrue to the
community and its citizens through either the preservation or the development of these
areas.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Choman County
Natural Resources
a. Continue the conservation and management of public trust waters. Prohibit any
future development that would cause detriment to the physical or biological
functions of public trust areas. Navigational channels, drainage ditches,
bulkhead designed to prevent erosion, marinas, piers and docks shall be
permitted.
b. All commercial, industrial, institutional and residential development should be
sensitive to the character of prevailing soil types, flood prone areas and
physiographic conditions which impact septic tank use, private wells, and
construction feasibility. Update existing land use and zoning regulations to
complement the Land Classification Map.
C. Marinas developed in accordance with the Division of Coastal Management
standards and guidelines and applicable zoning shall be permitted.
d. Continue policies to disallow floating homes or water craft with any long-term
occupancy.
e. Protect identified significant natural areas from undue encroachment, damage or
pollution. This may be accomplished with low density and lot coverage
regulations in undeveloped areas adjacent to these natural areas.
f. Study the potential for the establishment of a land conservation fund or similar
instruments which would protect areas of environmental, recreational and/or
aesthetic importance by fee acquisition, dedication and/or permanent easement.
Historic and Cultural Resources
a. Initiate the development of neighborhood plans working with residents to
identify valued historic and cultural resources and problems in the
neighborhood and offering strategies to protect those resources and solve the
problems within one (1) year of plan adoption.
b. Encourage land use proposals which will have no negative impact on historic,
cultural, and/or archeological resources in the Town or County. These proposals
shall be reviewed through the Section 106 review process as well as through the
Historic Preservation Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office.
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Activities such as agriculture, commercial and recreational fishing, commercial forestry
and recreational uses of land are among the resources to consider.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Agricultural
a. Review development trends to ensure that growth does not occur in prime
agricultural lands.
b. Continue to support agricultural Best Management Practices in the County and
surrounding areas.
C. Encourage participation in the Non -Point Pollution Agricultural Cost -Share
Program designed to balance proper agricultural management with protection of
nutrient -sensitive waters from agricultural runoff.
d. The County and the Town should develop a joint Stormwater Management Plan
to identify the potential adverse impacts associated with uncontrolled
stormwater runoff and to devise changes to local ordinances aimed at providing
regional solutions to controlling such runoff.
Foresta
a. Continue to promote use -value assessment as a means of preserving the forestry
resource base and to encourage owners of parcels of 10 acres or more to apply for
use -value assessment
b. Promote public awareness of forestry BMPs in the area, while encouraging the
private forestry industry to implement such practices to the benefit of their
natural resource production activities.
C. Future public improvements should be planned and financed using fiscal
mechanisms which avoid adverse tax impacts on the owners of prime forestry
lands where such lands will not directly benefit from the planned public
improvements.
d. Encourage replanting of areas cleared for timber within the County.
Commercial and recreational fishing and other water -based resources
a. Establish minimum protective buffers along waterways to help protect water
quality and fisheries.
C. ECONOMIC AND CONIMUNTTY DEVELOPMENT
The policies contained in the 1998 Land Use Update should embody the attitudes and
objectives of Edenton and Chowan County regarding economic and community
development for the planning period while reflecting the long term goals of the
community.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
General Community Attitudes and goals for growth and development
a. Direct new development in accordance with soil capacity to accommodate water
and sewer needs.
b. Approve new development only when and where adequate public facilities and
services to support it are available.
C. The Town will provide water and sewer services only to areas that petition for
voluntary annexation. If no petition exists, the developer must pay all cost for
service installation.
d. The Town and County will continue to work together to provide services where
needed, and as feasible, for new development.
e. Develop the local school system and economy so that the area will be able to
provide educational and professional career opportunities for the next
generation of local residents.
f. Initiate a joint entrance corridor plan to protect and improve the major entrance
corridors into the Town and the County, recognizing that the visual quality of
these entrances transcend jurisdictional boundaries.
g. Explore the community's support for the designation of a formal greenbelt
system around the Town designed to serve as a symbolic and functional growth
management tool.
h. Initiate an inter jurisdictional entrance corridor planning study to protect and
improve the major entrance corridors into the Town and the County, recognizing
that the visual quality and function of these entrances transcend jurisdictional
boundaries.
i. Investigate the feasibility of developing a comprehensive plan to provide a
community -wide framework for establishing the location, type, scale and
distribution of land uses throughout the Town and the ETJ. (Town policy only.)
j. Promote the development of bikepaths in the Town and along major
thoroughfares in the County and coordinate path development with the design
strategy of the planned greenbelt system.
k. Explore the possibilities of providing more recreational facilities (ie. ballfields,
jogging trails, etc.) in the northern portion of the County.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Types and Locations of Industries Desired
a. Require industry to use the best available technology to avoid pollution of air or
water during both construction and operation of new industrial facilities.
b. Locate new facilities on land having stable, well -drained soils adequately
protected from flooding and easily accessible to public utilities and
transportation routes.
C. Develop an economic development program consisting of a blend of recruitment
of agricultural and technical -related industries and the expansion of existing
businesses.
d. Together, Edenton and Chowan County should aim for a diversified future
economy driven by several small -to -medium-sized industries. These smaller
businesses would be preferable to the single large-scale industrial or
manufacturing employers that have traditionally dominated the local job market.
Such a strategy would help to diversify the local economy and decrease the risk
associated with a locality relying solely upon one or two industries for jobs and
tax revenue.
e. The Town and County shall continue to work cooperatively in identifying
suitable industrial sites and marketing them to expanding firms that would
generate new job opportunities for local residents.
f. Continue to seek technical assistance and financial help to continue the
development of the Air Transpark outside of Edenton. This industrial park
offers the area a unique opportunity for attracting new industry and future
economic development. Great potential exists to link the airport with other
transportation alternatives (water, new and existing roads, etc.) in order to
develop a true commercial transportation center.
Patterns of Anticipated Residential Development.
During the next planning period, Edenton can anticipate a relatively slow growth rate.
Chowan County has a greater potential for increasing residential growth. Therefore,
the following policies, while applicable to Edenton, mostly address the future
residential growth anticipated in Chowan County.
a. Continue to encourage the rural cluster community patterns evident in
subdivisions such as Village Creek
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
b. Provide more affordable, quality housing opportunities for the area's young
professionals. It is believed that the community has a zeal need for more housing
in the $60,000-$80,000 range to provide first-time home buyers with a broader
range of housing opportunities.
C. Investigate the possible incentives available to developers for providing housing
in this price range.
d. Continue to support market -driven trends in redevelopment and reuse,
particularly in the retirement/assisted living care facility segment of the housing
market.
e. Investigate the potential for channeling the increasing number of mobile homes
into mobile home communities and for prohibiting the in-flight of older units
(those constructed before 1977) into the County.
Redevelopment of Developed Areas Including Threatened Neighbotiroods
While there are a number of substandard structures located throughout Chowan
County, thew are few substantial concentrations of decaying areas. However, several
residential subdivisions in the County have been identified as being "threatened."
Edenton is home to several older "threatened" neighborhoods which suffer from
deteriorated or dilapidated housing conditions. Further deterioration will lead to slum
condition, loss of housing resources and erosion of the tax base. Additionally,
Edenton's historic downtown district is important to the Town's economic viability and
should be preserved. The following policies concerning future redevelopment are
recommended for both localities:
Land Development
a. Continue active implementation of minimum housing code maintenance
requirements on an ongoing basis.
b. Continue to use a low interest loan pool to encourage downtown business
owners to rehabilitate their establishments.
C. Undertake a study to identify specific neighborhoods in the County and in
Edenton in need of rehabilitation and to implement rehabilitation strategies.
d. Support and fund development of affordable housing in the Edenton/Chowan
area.
e. Continue to encourage a variety of choice in existing neighborhoods through a
balance of preservation, rehabilitation and new development.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
f. Establish formal design guidelines to establish the master plan for development
for undeveloped and redeveloped parcels along the highway rights -of -way and
adjacent lands.
Tourism
a. Support and promote the waterfront areas as potential locations for
seasonal/annual festivals, markets and recreational activities.
b. Support efforts to develop an annual calendar of special events to be held
throughout the community. Publicize monthly listing of events in appropriate
local, regional and national publications.
C. Edenton and Chowan should make a serious commitment to take full advantage
of the opportunities available in the touristmarket. However, future attempts to
successfully cultivate future tourism based on the numerous existing historical
resources should focus on a "real" or "living" history interpretation in
Downtown Edenton, as opposed to a recreated interpretation as is seen several
other towns in the Middle -Atlantic region.
d. Explore alternatives for attracting tourists during the off-seasons (from
November to early December and January to March).
Coastal and Estuarine Water Access
a. Work to provide additional waterfront access and encourage the development of
public access beaches, boat docks, etc.
b. The Town of Edenton should investigate the feasibility of constructing a public
harbor along its Downtown waterfront area. This public harbor would provide
much needed public access to Edenton Bay and could include a marina, slips and
a town waterfront plaza. This development could attract transient boaters
seeking safe harbor during a storm or a stop -over on a trip up the Intercostal
Waterway. The Town could incorporate the Leary Oil facility into this public
harbor concept.
C. Chowan County should investigate the viability of eco-tourism development
along its waterfront areas. Such an industry would be ideal for the County given
its existing environmental resources. The County could explore the development
of several creek trails, for example, that could be used for recreational purposes.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
d. The County and the Town both support the notion of providing a permanent
mooring in the area to provide safe and efficient docking and boat storage
opportunities to local residents.
D. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST=DISASTER RECOVERY AND
EVACUATION
Storm hazard mitigation policies for Edenton and Chowan County are a mandatory
requirement of the CAMA and ensure that the local government establishes guidelines
for land development, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to property and
maximizing the safety and protection of human life.
a. The community, at this time, does not intend to commit local funds to implement
any widespread public acquisition of land in the Most Hazardous Areas. Certain
areas may be deemed appropriate for purchase where specific circumstances
dictate.
b. The community will continue to discourage development, especially high
density or large structures, in its most hazardous areas.
C. Both the Town and County continue to follow the Hurricane Evacuation Plan
which outlines extensive procedures for efficient and safe evacuation of
residents.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The 1998 Land Use Plan Update must accurately represent the ideas, attitudes and
concerns of residents. The public participation strategy employed by the Joint
Planning Board is reflective of the public planning process.
Policy Critique
Members of both Planning Boards were asked to complete a "Policy Critique
Questionnaire." This document provided a format for the examination and revision to
the policies and recommendations made for each locality in their most recent Land Use
Plans.
The Policy Critique exercise provided elected representatives and opportunity to
communicate their opinions regarding policies considered effective, and those the
respondents felt to be inadequate and in need of review. This exercise also created a
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
format for the Town and County Planning Boards to discuss policies which were not
implemented and devise methods to do so if it was felt implementation would advance
community goals and objectives.
Participation of Residents
Citizen involvement in the planning process was solicited via a "Citizens' Survey."
This questionnaire was thoroughly reviewed by the Planning Boards and professional
Staffs prior to its distribution. This survey document is useful in allowing the residents
to register their individual concerns pertaining to the character, degree and pattern of
population growth and development, as well as future land use issues for the
community.
Insightful feedback was provided by the survey respondents. Many value the quality
of life offered by Edenton and the surrounding Chowan County and are supportive of
measures which will work to protect and enhance the character of the area. Managed
growth was also supported by the respondents who would like to see measures taken
to ensure that public service provision continues at a qualitylevel and new growth will
not place a strain on existing infrastructure and other public services.
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
In its simplest form, the Land Classification System (LCS) is a map which attempts to
visually portray the community's "vision for the future." The LCS is achieved through
an extensive study process during which the physical, social, economic and
environmental realities of the planning area are carefully examined. The Land
Classification Map graphically outlines and assigns recommended land use categories
to individual geographical areas comprising the planning area. Separate Land
Classification Maps have been developed for the Town and the County (See Appendix
V). Large scale Land Classification Maps have been prepared by the Consultant and
are available in the Town Manager's office.
Both maps are intended to serve as general guidelines to assist the Planning Boards in
implementing the policies and strategies outlined in the Land Use Plan's policies and
strategies. In theory, the LCS is one which:
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan Country
1. Best accommodates the community's land use goals, objectives and policies;
2. Is capable of implementation within the context of satisfying both (a) the demands
of the marketplace, and (b) the ability of the locality to responsibly supply
municipal service and infrastructure;
3. Provides positive community -wide benefits with the least negative impact on the
existing physical, social, political and economic environment;
4. Satisfies the regulatory requirements of the State's Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA); and
5. Resolves the input of local citizens via the adoption of the LCS map by the
respective Planning Boards.
By graphically delineating specific land use classifications, each Planning Board is able
to apply the most appropriate planning policies to specific geographical areas within
the Town and County, respectively. Thus, each map is to be employed by the Town
and County, respectively to provide thoughtful guidance to future land use activities
and development based on its commonly held "vision," as defined by this Land Use
Plan. Put simply, it allows citizens to see where specific policies (local, state and
federal) will apply. The North Carolina CAMA regulations state:
"The land classfcationsystem provides a framework to be used by local governments to
identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes allows the local
government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to what density they
want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources
by guiding growth." (7B.02I3)(c).
The LCS is intended to be supported, complemented and implemented by growth
management "tools" which are potentially available to both localities via State enabling
legislation. These "tools" include zoning, subdivision, environmental controls and
other locally -adopted growth management mechanisms which serve to implement
local, State and Federal laws. However, in the strict sense of the term, the LCS is not a
regulatory mechanism.
Under the CAMA enabling statutes, the Land Classification System may include the
following seven separate land use classes within which more detailed classifications
may be developed:
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
1. Developed
2. Urban Transition
3. Limited Transition
4. Community
5. Rural
6. Rural with Services
7. Conservation
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP BOUNDARIES
Separate Land Classification Maps have been developed for the Town and the County.
Each of these maps was developed according to CAMA regulations, and they both
serve as valuable means of assisting in the implementation of the local policies adopted
in this Plan. What is unique about the Edenton and Chowan County plan is the inter -
jurisdictional approach the communities have taken in developing the Plan and the
associated Land Classification Maps. The planning jurisdiction is seen as a whole, and
the separations in the Land Classification Maps are undertaken for legal and functional
purposes only. CAMA regulations require that the Plan describe the boundaries of
each land classification in as much detail as possible. (7B.0213)(a) A summary of the
land classification boundaries for each map has been included at the end of chapter
VIII.
MAPS SUPPORTING THE LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
In addition to those maps delineating the divisions of the Land Classification System
for both Edenton and Chowan, several other maps have been developed in conjunction
with the Land Use Plan update to graphically depict areas and issues defined and
discussed in the text. These maps include:
1. Existing Land Use
2. General Soils
3. Flood Hazard Areas
4. Erosion Areas
5. Water Classifications
6. National Register of Historic Places Properties
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Choman County
NOTABLE CHANGES IN LAND USE POLICY AND MAP CLASSIFICATIONS
FROM THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED LAND USE PLANS
The most notable change in this Land Use Plan from those adopted in the early 1990's
by the Town and the County is reflected in the fact that the two localities have worked
together to develop a single land use planning document. This highly unique
partnership greatly aided the two jurisdictions in their attempt to creatively solve inter-
jurisdctional planning problems. It also helped officials from both localities to come
together and create a common "vision" for their future community.
This document also provides a much more thorough Implementation Strategy than
previous Town and/or County plans have included. As a part of this strategy, a time
line has been included to help the local officials prioritize various policies as well as
keep track of their future success and failure.
The most notable policy changes from those adopted in the 1992 Land Use Plan for the
Town regard its approach to growth management and the regulation of future
development via its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Several policies aim
specifically at revising the UDO in order to provide local officials with more modem
regulatory tools to ensure that future development accurately represents the Town's
vision for its future. The Plan also introduces the notion of planning a greenbelt to
serve as a symbolic and functional growth management boundary around the Town.
The most notable policy changes from those adopted in the 1992 Land Use Plan for the
County regard its approach to regulating boat mooring and providing additional boat
access and recreational space for its residents. Specific policies were introduced for
each of these measures. The County hopes to decrease the future construction of piers,
while providing a permanent boat mooring facility for the use of its residents. The
County is also extremely concerned about the lack of recreational opportunities for
residents of the northern end of the County. A specific policy was developed to target
new recreational space in this portion of the County.
Major land classification map changes
The Joint Planning Board has made several significant modifications to both the Town
and County land classification maps. The following section provides a summary of the
most significant map changes for each locality:
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Town of Edenton:
The most significant change made to the Land Classification Map by the Town Board
of Commissioners from the most recently adopted map is the substitution of the "Rural
with Services" classification for the "Rural" classification for undeveloped land within
the Town boundary that is not identified as being most developable. Although a large
majority of these lands are used primarily for agricultural purposes,.the Board of
Commissioners did not want to rule out the possibility of limited residential
development on these parcels so long as the new development did not disrupt the
primary rural character of the landscape. Based upon the description of the "Rural
with Services" classification provided by the CAMA guidelines, it is believed that this
designation is most appropriate for the undeveloped, rural properties remaining in
Town.
The Town's Land Classification Map also reflects several other minor changes made by
the Board of Commissioners. As part of working together with the County in the
formulation of this Land Use Plan, the Joint Planning Board attempted to work
together to find a common designation for lands within the Extra Territorial
Jurisdiction (ETJ) area. In past years, the Town designation for property within the ETJ
did not always jibe with County designations. However, for the 1998 Plan, the Town's
land use classification for these lands largely mirrors that of the County. As a part of
this process, several minor changes from the past map were made. These focused
mainly on the areas in the ETJ identified as Urban Transition on the 1992 map. For the
1998 LCM, these areas will be identified as Limited Transition in order to accurately
reflect the fact that the majority of these properties do not yet have access to all
necessary public services (ie. sewer and water) needed to properly support high
density development. Furthermore, a portion of the ETJ lying north of the Route 17
Bypass adjacent to the Pembroke Creek conservation area has been changed from
"Urban Transition" to "Rural with Services" in order to encourage low density
residential development similar to the type of existing development seen in this area.
Chowan Countv
The majority of the changes made by the Board of Commissioners on the County LCM
revolve around minor designation changes. For instance, the County added the
"Rural" classification in order to take a bolder step towards better preserving the
agricultural and forrested land in the County. This designation discourages residential
development in areas where adequate public services are not available and axe not
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1998 Land Use Plan update Edenton and Chowan County
planned. The new "Rural" classification is used to identify these applicable areas
throughout the County.
The Board of Commissioners also slightly reduced the area identifying small
communities on the LCM, focusing the "Community" designation more narrowly
around physical crossroad areas. The Board also identified several of the areas
adjacent to these communities as "Rural with Services" in order to encourage low
density, cluster residential growth around the edges of the crossroad areas. The "Rural
with Services" designation was also added to several sections along N.C. Highway 32
north of Edenton where sewer service is not available. The Board also added three
new crossroad areas (Byrum Crossroads, Hudson Corner and Macedonia) to the list of
Communities on the map and formally recognized the Sign Pine community.
Finally, the County Board of Commissioners also expanded the Conservation
designation in several areas to more accurately reflect the location of AEC's that
warrant protection from high density future development. These areas include swaths
of land bordering the following AEC's:
• Chowan River
• Rockyhock Creek
• Indian Creek
• Queen Anne Creek
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The resulting Land Use Plan is not the "gospel," but rather, a document which presents
the joint Planning Board's "vision" for the future and provides suggestions as to how
this "vision" can best be achieved. The attitudes and desires of community residents
support the goals, policies and implementation recommendations adopted into this
document. The participation of the Town citizenry has been an essential element in
setting the course for future land development and environmental conservation
activities.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chal2ter IL•
GoA s AND OBJEC=S
The Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter H.-
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In updating the 1991 Land Use Plans for Edenton and Chowan County, the new
combined Land Use Plan is designed to be a guide for the physical development of the
area into the first decade of the new century. The Plan addresses both localities and is
intended to positively influence all of the physical elements which make up its physical
form and function. Towards this end, the overriding purpose of the "Plan for the New
Century" is to encourage the continued development of a safe and healthy community
which offers a distinctive "vision" for the continued growth of the area. Many factors
will affect the new ideas and decisions which will mold the optimal course of action for
the Town and the County. The Land Use Plan focuses on those particular areas which
these two localities, through its leadership in urban planning and growth management,
can and should have a progressive impact towards defining what is in the best public
interest.
By preparing a future land use plan which is integrally tied to its precedent goals,
objectives and planning policies, the old adage that "a locality can be no better than its
aspires to be" is underscored. An intelligent and comprehensible land use plan cannot
be structured without energetically seeking and taking the necessary steps to define the
common components of the locality's vision for its future. The first steps taken
towards establishing the fruits of the planning process were to:
(1) define the desired future goals for Edenton and Chowan County,
(2) translate the goals into planning objectives by which they would be realized, and
(3) to establish policies, initiatives, and strategies by which the goals and planning
objectives can be implemented for the betterment of the two communities.
In other words, this effort is a step -wise progression in which "goals begat objectives
which begat policies which begat actions." In arriving at the following set of goals and
objectives which have been recommended for the 1998 Land Use Plan, a major effort
was undertaken in order to ensure that the planning process proceeded on this rational
line and with the assurance that adopted future land use recommendations would be
founded on a firm social, economic, moral and legal underpinning. The impetus for
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
this effort was a "Visioning Forum" held during the second Joint Planning Board work
session on March 13,1997.
During the "Visioning Forum", the consultant introduced a series of "Goals and Roles"
categories as topics that the members of the joint Planning Board were encouraged to
consider and reflect upon. These major categories established the basis for the
identification of the central goals and objectives for the Land Use Plan. They also
served as the basic building blocks upon which the vision for Edenton and Chowan's
future was defined by the Joint Planning Board. A summary of these topics and the
Joint Planning Board's discussion during the forum is included in Appendix II of the
Land Use Plan.
In addition to the Visioning Forum, input was generated from the community via a
Citizen's Attitudinal Survey which attempted to pinpoint the issues of highest priority
to the residents of Edenton and Chowan County. The insight generated from survey
responses was used to develop the goals and objectives developed as part of the 1998
Land Use Plan. -
The range of goals -setting influence for the Land Use Plan can be grouped into the
following seven (7) general categories:
L Community Character and the Environment
2 Transportation
3. Housing
4. Land Use
5. Public Services and Infrastructure
6. Economic Development
7. Implementation
Within each of these areas, the goals and objectives presented on the following pages
will serve to have a recognizable effect on the quality of future land use policy
decisions in the Town of Edenton and Chowan County. In certain instances, individual
goals apply uniquely to either the Town or the County and are noted accordingly.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update
Edenton and Chowan County
1. COMMUNITY CHARACTER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Major Goal•
Protect and enhance the natural and built environment of the community.
Objectives
A. Historic Preservation
1. Protect the Downtown Edenton Historic Area and plan for adjacent land uses
which do not encroach upon its unique character
2. Protect the integrity of the visual and historic character of Downtown Edenton
and other periods and styles of the Town's urban evolution.
B. Urban Design
1. Improve the character and quality of future development in the area by
discouraging strip development practices and enacting creative urban design
standards and implementation procedures.
2 Maintain the Town's pedestrian scale and small town, neighborhood "feel".
3. Promote intergovernmental cooperation and initiate formal actions to protect
and improve the area's major entrance corridors, recognizing that the visual
quality of these entrances transcend jurisdictional boundaries.
4. Strive to link the restored cotton mill & surrounding village to the Downtown
area.
C. Environment
1. Encourage the conservation of open space in the area and actively promote the
long-term preservation and maintenance of valuable natural resource areas
through public acquisition, private dedication of easements, and other
cooperative efforts.
2 Identify environmentally sensitive areas for all properties within the County
and Town, and implement enhanced growth management procedures which
promote design sensitivity to environmental issues at a site -specific level.
3. Coordinate environmental preservation efforts with neighboring jurisdictions,
and establish an action plan which targets environmental concerns that require
a regional approach.
4. Investigate the feasibility of establishing a greenbelt around the Town as a
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1998 Land Use Plan Update
Edenton and Chowan County
means of managing growth in the area. The greenbelt would serve as a
physical and symbolic boundary, as well as a continuous buffer zone designed
to interrupt the flow of constant growth
Z. TRANSPORTATION
Major Goal:
The location, character and capacity of transportation facilities should be compatible
with the Town and County, s future Land Use Plan. Road and street plans should
encourage optimal community development patterns while allowing for transit in a
safe and efficient manner
Objectives:
A. Implement road and street improvements which are of the appropriate scale
and capacity to serve long-range traffic demands, while respecting the
environment and scale of the surrounding neighborhoods and communities.
B. Establish properly planned access points from existing streets and highways to
undeveloped and redeveloped properties.
C. Discourage the development of private road systems within single-family
residential subdivisions.
D. Establish a uniform set of design standards and construction guidelines for
public streets.
E. Expand local coordination efforts with NCDOT transportation planning
officials.
3. HOUSING
Major Goal:
Provide for decent, safe and sanitary housing for all Town and County residents,
recognizing the need for all types of housing to serve the citizens of the
Edenton/Chowan area.
Objectives:
A. Identify and support efforts to upgrade substandard dwellings. Adopt a pro -
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
active housing program which targets substandard dwellings for rehabilitation
and/or replacement.
B. Support and work with local, state and federal agencies to identify
opportunities and strategies for housing rehabilitation, development of
moderately priced owner -occupied housing, and the efficient implementation
of associated public infrastructure.
C. Provide more affordable, quality housing opportunities for the area's young
professionals. The Town in particular should investigate possible incentives to
developers for providing housing in this price range.
D. The County should investigate the possibility of limiting the entrance of older
mobile homes into the community.
E. The Town and County should encourage local developers to explore market
niche opportunities in the retirement/assisted living segment of the housing
market.
E Design standards and planning guidelines should be developed for new
residential development
4. LAND USE
Major Goal:
Plan for an integrated mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses which will
provide suitable housing, shopping, recreation and employment opportunities,
while recognizing expanding tourism marketplace.
Objectives•
A. Land Development
1. Identify and promote new land development opportunities which are
compatible with and sensitive to the preservation of stable and desirable
neighborhoods as well as the Land Use Classification map.
2 Identify, target and implement procedures which will result in the
conservation of environmentally sensitive land areas during new development
and redevelopment activities.
3. Ensure that future growth pressures do not overwhelm the needs of the
agricultural community.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
4. Reserve suitable areas for commercial, office, research and economic
development uses to provide tax revenues to balance the cost of providing
services for anticipated residential development.
5. Ensure that new development can be adequately supported by existing or
planned public services and infrastructure.
B. Preservation
1. Preserve stable residential and commercial areas.
2. Support the ongoing restoration of the Downtown area.
3. Protect historic and environmentally sensitive lands from industrial and other
high density uses.
C. Redevelopment
1. Identify redevelopment opportunities and provide public/private initiatives to
enhance the development of these properties.
2 Implement creative growth management techniques and design guidelines
which foster suitable redevelopment activities.
5. PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Major Goal.
Provide an adequate level of public services and the appropriate infrastructure to
support all the residents of Edenton and Chowan County, recognizing the regional
aspects of certain facilities and services and the need for regional planning, inter-
governmental cooperation, and equitable financial participation for the jurisdictions
involved.
Objectives:
A. Water, Sewer, Solid Waste and Stormwater Management
1. Cooperate with other regional jurisdictions in advancing regional planning
and implementation programs for raw water supply sources to serve the long-
range municipal water supply requirements for the Town, County and region.
2 Coordinate planning for future water and sewer facilities between Town and
County officials, where appropriate.
3. Plan for the most. effective timing and routing of public utility systems.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
4. Continue working with the other six counties in the regional solid waste
consortium to develop adequate solid waste disposal programs which meet
community needs and state mandates in the region.
5. Improve the existing drainage system within the Town and investigate the
feasibility of introducing new stormwater management measures into local
regulatory ordinances.
B. Public Buildings
1. Promote the use of the mill campus as a regional cultural center.
2 Explore the feasibility of developing an appropriately sized convention center
in the Downtown area.
C. Public Safety
1. Provide adequate facilities and management systems for police, fire, rescue
and judicial operations which fully protect and serve Town and County
residents and visitors.
D. Education
1. Support and advance programs, activities and facilities to create the highest
quality of public education for all students in the combined school system of
Edenton and Chowan County.
2 Develop the local school system and economy so that the area will be able to
provide educational and career opportunities for the next generation of
residents.
3. Improve access to the local community college and other academic and
vocational opportunities.
E. Parks, Recreation and Open Space
1. Expand and enhance the existing system of parks and open space in both the
Town and the County in order to provide recreation, while preserving scenic
vistas, natural areas and historic sites.
2 Plan for neighborhood parks as new residential development occurs.
3. Explore the feasibility of a public space greenbelt to protect and preserve the
Town's waterfront.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
6. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Major Goal:
Expand the emerging tourism and retirement economic base in Edenton and
Chowan County while exploring other ways to expand upon other economic
development opportunities.
Objectives:
A. Provide the necessary infrastructure, especially much needed transportation
improvements, needed to make the Air Transpark commercially viable to new
businesses.
B. Link the airport with other transportation alternatives (water, new and existing
roads, etc.) in order to develop a true commercial transportation center.
C. Continue to cultivate future tourism efforts focusing on the "real" or "living"
history interpretation in Downtown Edenton.
D. Focus on targeted tourism marketing and public relations campaigns that
center on finding and maximizing appropriate market niche opportunities in
economic development and tourism.
E. Encourage non -tourist related retail and service development in appropriate
areas as denoted on the Land Classification Map in order to diversify the
region's economic base.
E Identify areas suitable for new industrial development, with an emphasis on
long-term planning opportunities for corporate headquarters and research and
development facilities.
G. Work with existing businesses and property owners to ensure the continued
viability of the region's existing commercial areas.
H. Identify areas suitable for redevelopment, particularly along the Town's major
entrance corridors, and develop target specific strategies on a site -by -site basis
to encourage such redevelopment.
I. Promote a diversified future economy driven by several small -to -medium-
sized industries.
J. Support and preserve the existing local agribusiness economy.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
7. EM PLEMENTATION
MaJor Goal:
Implement the objectives and policies of the Land Use Plan through the application
of conservative, yet creative zoning and subdivision measures, recognizing the
broad diversity in the levels of community acceptance of zoning and related growth
management controls.
Objectives:
A. Review all recommended policies to ensure that each is financially and
politically feasible and implementable.
B. Develop formal implementation strategies that respond directly to specific
policies included in the Land Use Plan
C. Establish a formal timeline for the implementation of each recommended
strategy.
D. Ensure that the Town and County staffs have the appropriate resources at their
disposal to efficiently and effectively carry out the identified implementation
strategies.
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1998 Land Use Plan update
Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter III:
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter III:
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
The Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) updates its planning guidelines every five
years and subsequently adds and deletes policy requirements. The joint 1998 Land Use
Plan update for the Town of Edenton and Chowan County complies with the "Land
Use Planning Guidelines" of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC)
Subchapter 7B as amended in March of 1996. This section of the Code outlines the
requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) established in 1974. It also
"sets forth general standards for use by the Coastal Resources Commission in
reviewing and considering local land use plans." The purpose of the update is
primarily for the examination of existing policies and the evaluation of the relevancy
and adequacy of the techniques for implementation based on demographic changes
over the past five years.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INFORMATION BASE
The following information base is provided to establish a statistical foundation for use
during the formation of goals, policies and implementation techniques. Information on
population, housing, economics and land use was obtained from a variety of reliable
public and private sources. Most of the data related to demographics came from the
most recent U.S. 1990 Census of Population and Housing. Additional data was
acquired from State and local sources such as the North Carolina Department of
Revenue and the Chowan County TDA. Where information specific to the Town of
Edenton was not available, the information for Chowan County reveals trends
experienced by both jurisdictions. Windshield surveys and an analysis of building
permit data were conducted to update existing land use patterns and classifications.
Interviews and work sessions were conducted with the Town and County staffs as well
as elected and appointed officials from both jurisdictions. Information contained in the
The Cox Company Data Collection and Analysis • III-1

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
1998 Land Use Plan Update is based, in part, upon an update of data contained in the
1991 Plans of both the Town of Edenton and Chowan County.
PRESENT CONDITIONS: POPULATION AND ECONOMY
1. Population
The main purpose of providing population data with the Land Use Plan is to establish a
demographic benchmark against which land use decisions regarding type, mix and
character of real estate, as well as potential impacts on Areas of Environmental
Concern, may be tested. As is represented in Table III-1 on the following page,
population estimates provided by the N.C. State Data Center for 1997 place the
population of Chowan County at 14,192 persons. This estimate represents an addition
of 686 people since the adoption of the last Land Use Plan. Unfortunately, the Data
Center does not provide current population estimates for the Town of Edenton, but the
Town's Consultant estimates the 1997 population of Edenton to be 5,478 based on
recent growth trends in the region. Using this estimate, Edenton has experienced an
annual compound growth rate of only 0.56% since the last Plan was adopted, adding
only 210 persons between 1990 and 1997.
The population base in Edenton and Chowan County has fluctuated since 1980.
Between 1980 and 1990, the Town experienced a slight population loss while the
County grew only slightly at 0.73%. This is in sharp contrast to the population trends
between 1990 and 1997. Chowan County population figures continue to indicate a
slow increase in population (0.56% compound annual growth). Edenton, during the
same period, is shown as having its greatest increase in population over the entire
study period.
2. Gender
According to the 1990 Census, Edenton and ' Chowan's female population currently
outnumbers its males. Females comprise 56.1% of Edenton s population and 53.5% of
the total population in the County. These figures are representative of State and
national gender trends.
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�i
M
O
0
TABLE III-1
Edenton and C1lowan County
Comparitive Population Growth: 1980 -1997
1980
Growth
Compound
1990
Growth
Compound
1997
Jurisdiction
Population
Increment
Ann. Growth
Population
Increment
Ann. Growth
" Population
Edenton
5,357
(89)
-0.17%
5.268
210
0.56%
5,478
Chowan County
12,558
948
0.73%
13.506
686
0.71 %
14,192
North Carolina
5,880,095
748,542
1.20%
6,628,637
693,680
1.67%
7,322.317
Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census, N.C. State Data Center, The Cox Company
* Edenton estimate is developed by the Cox Company and is based on recent growth trends.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
3. Age
Currently, the highest concentrations of both Town and County residents with respect
to age occurs in residents between the ages of 0 to 17 and those aged 30-49. These
figures reveal an atmosphere in both Edenton and Chowan County which is conducive
to families with children. The presence of a high percentage of residents within the
school age bracket emphasizes the need for maintenance and/or improvements to the
school system. Of further concern to both jurisdictions is the presence of an increasing
elderly population. In ten years, it is estimated that nearly 30% of the population in
both the Town and the County will be over the age of 65. It is expected that as the
"baby boom" generation ages, increasing stress will be placed on housing facilities
targeted for the older (65+) age bracket.
TABLE III-2
Edenton and Chowan County
Age Groups
1997 Estimates
Age
Group
Edenton
Percent
of Total
Chowan
County
Percent.
of Total
Total
5,478
100.0 %
14,192
100.0
Under 5
329
6.0%
922
6.5%
5-9
416
7.6%
1,107
7.8%
10-14
488
8.9%
1,277
9.0%
15-17
231
4.2%
610
4.3%
18-20
153
2.8%
426
3.0%
21-24
148
2.7%
426
3.0%
25-29
263
4.8%
714
5.0%
30-34
318
5.8%
866
6.1%
35-39
416
7.6%
1,125
7.9%
40-49
695
12.7%
1,973
13.9%
50-59
526
9.6%
1,377
9.7%
60-64
279
5.1 %
730
5.1 %
65-69
345
'6.3%
85.2
6..0%
70-74
274
5.0070
667
4.7%
75+
597
10.9%
1,121
7.9%
Source: National Decision Systems
THE COX COMPANY
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
4. Income
Per capita personal income for 1997 is estimated to be $13,869 for Chowan County.
This figure is remarkably similar to that for Edenton, whose per capita income is
estimated at $13,869, as well. Household income estimates for both localities, like per
capita income levels, reveal County residents generating slightly higher incomes that
residents of Edenton. Chowan County's 1997 median household income is estimated at
$24,493, which is slightly higher than Edenton s $22,313.
HOUSING
According to the 1997 estimates, 87 percent of all persons in Chowan County and 81
percent of those in Edenton occupy family households. Non -family households
comprise 10.9 percent of all households in the County and 13.9 percent in the Town.
The number of persons per household based on 1990 Census figures in Edenton and
Chowan County are 2.45 and 2.59, respectively. Average household size in the
planning area is in line with the 2.54 persons per household figure recorded for the
State of North Carolina in 1990.
According to the U.S. Census definition, a household includes all persons who occupy
a single housing unit. A housing unit is defined as a single room or group of rooms
occupied as separate living quarters; single family detached homes, townhouse units,
apartments, and condominiums are all considered single housing units. Persons living
in group quarters or institutions, including hospitals, asylums and jails are not
considered members of households.
As is reflected in Table III-3 on the following page, the County and the Town
experience different levels of household tenure. Based on 1990 Census figures,
Edenton is nearly evenly divided between owner occupied and rental units while
Chowan County's households are predominantly owner occupied (70.62%). Estimates
for 1997 reveal a difference between the two jurisdictions in terms of vacancy rates.
The vacancy rate in Edenton is estimated to be 7.84 percent, much lower than that of
the County (13.49%). This difference may be attributed to the higher percentage of
seasonally occupied housing units in the County.
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'-1998 Land Use Plan Update
TABLE III-3
Edenton and Chowan County
Edenton and Chowan County
Housing Units by Occupancy Status
Edenton Chowan
Occupied
92.2%
86.5%
Vacant
7.8%
13.5%
Tenure
Owner -occupied
54.3% *
70.6% *
Rental
45.7% *
29.4% *
Vacant Units
For Rent
34.2%-*
14.2% *
For Sale
15.9% *
12.9% *
Seasonal
7.9% *
43.4% *
Other
42.0% *
29.5% *
* 1997 estimate
Source: 1990 U.S. Census, NDS
THE COX COMPANY
Since the last Plan was adopted, Chowan County has witnessed significant new home
s
construction. In termof building permit activity, the County has issued 473 permits
since August of 1992 (permit information prior to that date is unavailable according to
officials in the County Inspection Department). Nearly 73% (340) of these permits were
for mobile homes, as compared to only 271/6 (130) for "stick" home construction. The
balance of the permits were for apartment complexes.According to the County
Inspection Department, twenty-one new subdivisions have been platted and approved
since 1990. These subdivisions consist of 160 lots covering approximately 320 acres.
In 1997, the North Carolina Department of Commerce published figures ranking the
major towns in the State by construction activity and value of construction.
Edenton/Chowan ranked seventh in construction activity indicating that $1,390 was
spent annually per person on average. The County was ranked twentieth in value of
construction with a total of $24,143,595 invested during the 1997 calender year.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
1. General
The State of North Carolina monitors statistics relating to employment and commerce
for Chowan County on an annual basis. Based upon this analysis, it is clear that the
economy of Chowan County is dominated by three employment categories:
manufacturing, service and retail trade. "Manufacturing" includes such tasks as textile
and food production, logging and printing. "Services" are defined as hotels, insurance
and real estate, business services, health care and social services. "Retail" includes the
sale of food, apparel, home furnishings and general merchandise. According to the
most recent figures available from the N.C. Employment Security Commission, the
manufacturing sector accounted for 1,265 employees or 24 percent of the labor force.
In the same year, services accounted for 23 percent while retail tallied just over 18
percent. TABLE M-4
Chowan County
Employment by Industry
1996
Ave. Empl. % of Ave. Weekly
Industry for Qtr. Total Wage
Total All Industries 5,337 100% $439.65
Ao culture, Forestry and Fishing 87 2% $651.64
Mining - - $0.00
Construction 195 4% $342.83
Manufacturing
1,265
24%
$540.58
Transportation, Cornsn., & Utilities
234
4%
$464.01
Wholesale Trade
325
6%
$610.32
Retail Trade
955
18%
$284.26
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
162
3%
$465.98
Services
1,249
23%
$404.59
Government
865
16%
$439.08
Source: Employment Security Commission of N.C.
THE COX COMPANY
The Cox Company
Data Collection and Analysis • III-7

1998 Land Use Plan update
Edenton and Chowan County
Unemployment figures in Chowan County show a decrease in the unemployment rate
over the past six years. Between 1990 and 1996, the County's unemployment rate
dropped from 4.9% to 2.5%revealing a strengthening economy. In 1996, it was
estimated that of the 6,300 persons comprising the total work force in Chowan County,
only 160 are classified as unemployed.
TABLE III-5
Edenton/ Chowan County
Labor Force
April1990 April 1996
Total Workforce 6,130 6,300
Total Employed
5,830
6,140
Unemployed
300
160
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
2.5%
Source: N.C. Employment Security Commission
THE COX COMPANY
2 Commerce
The economies of Edenton and Chowan County are tied closely to manufacturing,
tourism, the service industry and retail spending. According to the State's Labor
Market Information Division, there were 365 business establishments operating in
Chowan County at the end of 1996. The service industry dominates the County
economy in terms of gross number of businesses, constituting nearly 30% of all such
establishments. Government offices are the next most prevalent establishments in the
County, with the Construction, Finance, Insurance and Real Estate and Manufacturing
sectors following closely behind.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Table M-6 reveals the steady growth in gross retail sales in the area since the last Plan
was adopted. As one would expect, the Town of Edenton dominates the County's
retail spending market. Since 1990, Edenton has captured well over 80% of the
County's total retail spending. With the exception of County sales in 1995-1996, both
Jurisdictions have exhibited gross gains in retail sales receipts each year since 1990.
However, as is indicated in Table III-7, when factoring in inflation, these growth figures
can be misleading. Adjusting for inflation, retail spending in the Town of Edenton has
actually decreased slightly since the last Plan was adopted. County -wide figures, on
the other hand, have experienced a net gain during this same time period. This trend
indicates that community based retail spending in the rural areas of the County has
increased since the last Plan was adopted.
TABLE III-6
Retail Sales
for
Chowan County and Edenton
Chowan % of Chowan's
Year County Edenton Total Retail Sales
1990.1991 $80.792,373 $72.215,631 89.4%
1991-1992
$81,670,315
$73,375,971
89.8%
1992-1993
$84,321,I04
$76,157.050
90.3%
1993-1994
$92,838,027
S75,097,182
80.9%
1994-1995
$102,514.951
$82.535,622
80.5%
1995-1996
S99,137,409
$86,227,982
87.0%
TABLE III-7
Edenton and Chowan County
Gross Retail Sales
1990-1996
Growth
Jurisdiction 1990-91 CPI 1990-91 adj. 1995-96 Increment
Edenton S72215,631 120 $86,658,757 $86,227,982 (S430,775)
Chowan $80.792.000 120 $96,950.400 $99,128,409 $2.178,009
Source: N.C. Department of Revenue
THE COX COMPANY
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
3. Tourism
Travel and tourism have made increased economic impact in Chowan County since
1990. The total dollars generated from tourism have increased from approximately $8
million in 1990 to over $11 million in 1995. Between 1994 and 1995, the County
experienced an 8.9% increase in revenue generated from travel and tourism
comparable to North Carolina's average of 8.1%.
In 1995, travel and tourism -related industries employed 150 persons of Chowan
County's total civilian labor force. An estimated 210 additional jobs are related to this
sector. This employment translated to a payroll of $1.86 million. State and local tax
receipts resulting from travel and tourism expenditures totaled $1.09 million,
representing a $76 tax savings for each resident.
A 1994 survey found historic sites, beaches, scenic areas, museums, golf and fishing to
be the most popular amenities and activities which attract visitors to North Carolina.
Local attractions such as historic Edenton, the Iredell House and the Albemarle Sound
are well suited to meet the tastes and preferences of tourists. Many visitors travel from
Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, Ohio and Georgia to visit
the local attractions. It is estimated that over 26,000 visitors came to Edenton and
Chowan County during 1995 with the peak times for visitors being April and May.
WATERSHEDS RELATED TO LAND USE PLANNING
An understanding and appreciation for the regions watersheds are very useful in
relating land use planning to environmental management objectives such as water
quality protection, fisheries productivity and habitat management. Watersheds, or
basins, are an area of land that drains to a single outlet or water body. Watersheds can
be defined at many different scales and sizes, but their boundaries invariably follow
ridge lines and topographic divides that separate lands draining to different surface
waters. Watershed boundaries have been delineated at a variety of different scales in
the State of North Carolina by the Division of Environmental Management. The largest
commonly used boundaries are those defining the boundaries of the State's major river
basins. The State of North Carolina is comprised of seventeen major river basins, eight
of which encompass the coastal area: Lumber,- Cape Fear, White Oak, Neuse, Tar -
Pamlico, Roanoke, Chowan and Pasquotank. The Town of Edenton lies entirely within
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
the Chowan River Basin, while Chowan County falls within both the Chowan River
Basin and the Pasquotank River Basin.
The State Division for Water Quality (DWQ) has further subdivided these major river
basins into smaller "subbasins," which are currently used as the foundation for their
basinwide water quality plans. The DWQ subdivided the Chowan River Basin into
four separate subbasins. Edenton and the western half of Chowan County is entirely
contained within Subbasin 04 (030104), which includes the Chowan River, Catherine
Creek, Indian Creek, Rockyhock Creek, Pollock Swamp, Queen Anne Creek, Pembroke
Creek and Edenton Bay. The DWQ subdivided the Pasquotank Basin into seven
separate subbasins. The eastern half of Chowan County is entirely contained within
Subbasin 52 (030152), which includes the Yeopim River, Middleton Creek, Goodwin
Mill Creek, Burnt Mill Creek, the Perquimans River and a portion of the Albemarle
Sound.
Even smaller watersheds were recently delineated for the entire State by the USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service. These watersheds are referred to as "14-digit
hydrologic units" (because of the unique 14-digit code assigned to each watershed), or
simply "small watersheds." These small watersheds generally range in size from 5000
to 50,000 acres. Edenton is located within three small watersheds that drain into the
Albemarle Sound via smaller tributaries, including several creeks and Edenton Bay.
The eastern half of the County falls within five small watersheds that drain into the
Albemarle Sound via smaller tributaries and the Yeopim River. For land use planning
purposes, the larger watershed delineations will provide a more than sufficient level of
detail, as it is only necessary to look at the smaller watersheds when identifying specific
pollution sources and management responses.
1. Water Quality
The quality of surface water in a locality is determined primarily by the activities that
take place on the lands that drain to those waters (ie., its "watershed"). Industrial
activities and municipal sewage systems produce wastes which are dumped, typically
after treatment, either directly or indirectly into surface waters. Land -disturbing
activities, such as construction and agriculture, as well as the daily use and
maintenance of our built environment (such as driving on paved roads or fertilizing
lawns) also have a measurable impact on water quality. Watersheds provide the
connection between these land -based activities and their impacts on specific lakes,
streams, bays or sounds. Watersheds can be viewed as the "service districts" for
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
surface water quality, similar to water and sewer districts and fire service areas used
for understanding and managing other community services.
Clearly, it is advantageous to incorporate watershed planning into the normal local
land use planning process. By considering land use and water quality issues
simultaneously, both of these planning processes can be improved. Furthermore, the
vast majority of information required for watershed planning are already assembled in
the course of land use planning data collection. By incorporating a watershed
perspective into land use planning, surface water resources, which are central to most
economies, will be better protected from the effects of future growth and development.
One of the fundamental goals of a land use planning process is to understand the
connections between existing conditions and trends and their effects on the economy,
citizens and natural environment of the area. This also is the primary goal of the
watershed planning requirement within CAMA's land use planning guidelines. These
guidelines recommend that the Land Use Plan address the following water quality -
related issues:
A. What are the major tributaries and rivers that flow through the Town?
The Chowan River and Edenton Bay are the major surface waters that impact the
planning area. The Yeopim River, Pembroke Creek and Rockyhock Creek are
significant tributaries that feed into the River and/or Bay. All of these bodies of
water have been identified by the Department of Water Quality (DWQ) as
significant surface waters that are critical to the environmental and ecological
future of the Chowan and Pasquotank River Basins, respectively.
B. Which land areas drain to these different bodies of water?
The vast majority of the Downtown Area drains directly into Edenton Bay, which
in turn eventually drains into Albemarle Sound. Outlying portions of the Town
drain directly into Pollock Swamp and Pembroke Creek, Queen Anne Creek and
the Chowan River, and then on to the Sound. The DWQ has identified eleven
different drainage areas in the County. These established drainage areas drain into
various water bodies that fall in either the Pasquotank or Chowan River basins
depending upon their geographic location. A detailed listing of these drainage
areas can be found in the Chowan River Basinwide Water Quality Management
Plan and the Pasquotank River Basinwide Water Quali!y Management Plan
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
developed by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural
Resources' Division of Water Quality.
C. What downstream jurisdictions and resources will be affected by local actions?
Local land use decisions will affect water quality issues in several downstream
jurisdictions within the Chowan and Pasquotank River basins, and Subbasins 04
and 52 more specifically. First and foremost, local actions will directly impact the
surrounding land within Perquimans County, Bertie County and the outlying
portions of Chowan County. Other downstream jurisdictions affected by Town
and County actions may include the communities of Hertford and Winfall and the
county of Hertford. The downstream resource which will be impacted by Town
action is the Albemarle Sound.
D. Where are the existing water quality problems?
Existing water quality problems in the planning area are found in Burnt Mulch
Creek, and the Chowan River. Burnt Mulch Creek is considered impaired.
"Impaired waters" are those identified by the DWQ as only partially supporting or
not supporting their designated uses. The DWQ has given this impaired water
area a "NS" use support rating, meaning that the water area does not adequately
support its designated uses because of water quality problems. Portions of the
Chowan River are only partially supporting designated uses due to continued
problems with nuisance algal blooms. Also, a fish consumption advisory has been
placed on the river by State officials due to potentially dangerous dioxin levels.
E. Are there known sources for these problems?
There are several known sources for these water quality problems. Historically,
discharges from the United Piece Dye Works (UPDW) into the Chowan River in
Chowan County has been considered one of the potential sources of impairment.
UPDW is working with DEM to monitor nitrogen discharge and to ensure that
toxic and nutrient limits are met by the manufacturer. The main source for water
quality problems in the area is non -point agricultural stormwater runoff.
F. Are there significant upstream (extra jursidictional) pollution sources?
According to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, the Union Camp Fine Paper mill in Franklin, Virginia is the only
significant upstream pollution source impacting local surface waters. The plant has
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
historically discharged dioxins that the DWQ believes have contributed to the
dioxin contamination of fish in the Chowan River. Union Camp has taken
significant steps to improve the quality of their effluent and to eliminate the
discharge of dioxin in the surface waters. Levels of dioxin have been decreasing
and many results indicate that they are below North Carolina's action level for this
pollutant.
G. Which watersheds contain especially sensitive surface waters which require extra
protection?
No specific surface waters in the Town or County have been identified as being
especially sensitive by the DWQ or any other State agency.
The main concern of an analysis of a watershed -orientation within the land use
planning process focuses on the question, "How will future growth and development,
as proposed in the Land Use Plan, affect surface water quality?" Given that the Town
and County are facing increasing growth pressures and both have a large supply of
developable land, it is possible that future development could significantly impact
surface water quality in the region. This is especially true in the County, since it has
little regulatory control over land development in the absence of zoning regulations.
As new development proposals are presented in the area, it will be critically important
that the Town and County ensure that proper modern development regulations,
including subdivision, site planning, stormwater management and erosion and
sedimentation controls are in place and implemented for each new development
project in order to protect the water quality of each of the major surface waters to
which runoff and wastes will drain. Although local actions may have a limited effect
over the large rivers and sounds which collect drainage from vast upland areas, they
can have a significant effect on the small tributaries and shore areas nearby. The health
of shellfish areas, for example, is often much more dependent upon nearby land uses
than on upstream water quality. An emphasis on water quality in local tributaries, for
example, can have a significant effect on general water quality, for example it has been
estimated that over 93 percent of streams in the United States have drainage areas less
than 23 square miles. Thus, without proper management of future growth and
development in this region, the potential exists to impair the surface water quality of
each of the significant surface water bodies that impact the Town and the County.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
2. Water Classifications and Quality Standards
North Carolina has established a water quality classification and standards program
used to identify important surface waters and to protect uses of the waters such as
swimming, aquatic life propagation or water supplies. The program was initiated by
the State in the early 1950's when all surface waters in the State were assigned a
primary water classification according to their evaluated "best use." Water quality
standards were added and adopted for all the State's river basins by 1963. This
classification effort included the identification of water bodies (which included all
named water bodies on USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps), studies of river basins to
document sources of pollution and appropriate best uses and formal adoption of
standards/classifications following public hearings.
These water quality standards have evolved over time to and have been modified to be
consistent with the Federal Clean Air Act and its amendments. Water quality
classifications and standards have also been modified to promote the protection of
surface water supply watersheds, high quality waters and the protection of unique and
special pristine waters with outstanding resource values. Classifications and standards
have been broadly interpreted to provide protection of uses from both point and
nonpoint source pollution.
Each of the significant bodies of surface water within the Chowan and Pasquotank
River basins have been classified according to the quality of the water or water type
each contains. The major surface waters in the Town and County are classified as is
represented in Table III-8 on the following page:
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1998 Land Use Plan Update
Edenton and Chowan County
TABLE III-8: Surface Water Classifications
Major Body of Surface Water
Water Classification
River Basin
Edenton Bay
Freshwater Class B
Chowan
Freshwater Class C
Nutrient Sensitive Waters NSW
Chowan River
Freshwater Class B
Chowan
Freshwater Class C
Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW)
Saltwater Class B
Swamp Waters (Sw)
Middleton Creek
Freshwater Class C
Pasquotank
Saltwater Class B
Saltwater Class C
Swamp Waters (Sw)
Yeopim River
Freshwater Class C
Pasquotank
Goodwin Mill Creek
Burnt Mill Creek
Albemarle Sound
Perquimans River
Swamp Waters (Sw)
Freshwater Class C
Swamp Waters (Sw)
Freshwater Class C
Saltwater Class C
Swamp Waters (Sw)
Freshwater Class C
Saltwater Class B
Swamp Waters (Sw)
Freshwater Class B
Freshwater Class C
Saltwater Class B
Saltwater Class C
Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW)
Pasquotank
Pasquotank
Pasquotank
Pasquotank
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
3. Water Types
As is reflected in Table III-8, six distinct water classifications are found in the planning
area. These include:
• Freshwater Class B
• Freshwater Class C
• Saltwater Class B
• Saltwater Class C
• Nutrient Sensitive Waters
• Swamp Waters
Class B waters are used for primary recreation and other uses suitable for Class C.
Primary recreational activities include swimming, skin diving, water skiing, and similar
uses involving human body contact with water where such activities take place in an
organized manner or on a frequent basis. There are no restrictions on watershed
development activities. Discharges must meet treatment reliability requirements such
as backup power supplies and dual train design.
Class C waters are protected for secondary recreation such as fishing, wading, boating
and other uses involving human body contact with water where such activities take
place in an infrequent, unorganized, or incidental manner. Class C waters also provide
habitats, for wildlife, fish and aquatic life, and support some agricultural uses.
Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW) are waters needing additional nutrient management
due to their being subject to excessive growth of microscopic or macroscopic
vegetation. In general, management strategies for point and non -point source pollution
control require no increase in nutrients over background levels.
Swamp Waters (Sw) are those waters that generally have naturally occurring very low
velocities, low pH and low dissolved oxygen.
The water quality standards applicable to each of these assigned classifications are
those established in 15A NCAC 2B .0200, Classifications and Water Quality Standards
Applicable to the Surface Waters and Wetlands of North Carolina, as adopted by the
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
North Carolina Environmental Management Commission. The standards for all salt
waters are the same basic standards applicable to Classes B and C for freshwater.
4. Land Ownership Features
Watersheds contained in the planning area are also defined by the mixture of natural
resources and land ownership features within each. The range of ownership listings for
watersheds throughout Chowan County include:
• Anadromous Streams
• Game Lands
• Miscellaneous State Ownership
• Natural Heritage Inventory
• State Parks
• State Wildlife Lands
• USFWS Refuges
5. Land Cover
Land cover types for the watershed are also delineated on maps provided by the North
Carolina Division of Coastal Management. This information was derived from a set of
classified Landsat Thematic Mapper scenes produced for eastern North Carolina using
1987 and 1988 satellite imagery. Subbasin 04 primarily consists of lands classified as
forested wetlands, while Subbasin 52 primarily contains land covers classified as
agricultural lands with widespread use of canals draining wetlands.
Further information regarding the water quality characteristics and standards is
available from the DCM. For a more detailed analysis of the Pasquotank River Basin
and its subbasins, refer to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources Division of Water Quality's Pasquotank River Basinwide Water
Quali , Management Plan. For a more detailed analysis of the Chowan River Basin
and its subbasins, refer to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources Division of Water Quality's Chowan River Basinwide Water Quality
Management Plan. Both of these plans provide an extremely detailed summary of
water quality conditions, issues and regulatory strategies, and both served as primary
resources in the development of this section of the Land Use Plan. Additional
information on specific water classification and water quality standards for the Basin
can be found in the DWQ's Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
the Waters of the Pasquotank River Basin and Classifications and Water Quality
Standards Assigned to the Waters of the Chowan River Basin.
SUMMARY
The demographic and economic figures generally reveal that the past historic growth
trends experienced by Edenton and Chowan County will likely continue throughout
the next planning period. Population increases should continue to grow steadily as
should the local economy and personal income levels. The manufacturing, services and
retail sectors of the economy will continue to be very significant for both local
employment and tax revenue. There are no known substantial local or regional
developments planned for the upcoming planning period which will significantly
impact growth in either of these communities.
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Chapter IV:
PRESENT CONDITIONS
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter IV:
PRESENT CONDITIONS
EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS
A major element in the formulation of the Land Use Plan Update is understanding the
physical and cultural changes which have taken place since 1991. It is important to
understand the existing trends and patterns of development when designing new
goals, policies and implementation techniques. The future development patterns and
growth management strategies for any vacant property or infill development will be
greatly influenced by the distribution, pattern of development and concentration of
existing land uses. This chapter serves to outline the following existing land use
patterns: residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and vacant land.
L DESCRIPTION OF LAND USES
A. Residential
The primary concentration of residential land use in Chowan County lies within the
boundaries of the Town of Edenton. Chowan Beach, Arrowhead Beach, Cape Colony,
Country Club and Mulberry Hill are the significant residential subdivisions located in
the County. In addition, there are several "crossroads" communities in Chowan
County characterized by a duster of houses, one or two stores, a church, etc. which are
found along several major highways and secondary routes.
B. Commercial
Commercial land in Chowan County is also concentrated in the Town of Edenton.
Downtown Edenton contains the Central Business District (CBD), which is comprised
of retail businesses, government buildings and municipal services. Outside of the
CBD, at the intersection of U.S. Route 17 and N.C. Route 32 is a major shopping center
also classified as commercial land. A concentration of commercial activity near
Edenton Municipal Airport along S.R. 1114, between the Cape Colony and Edenton
Country Club subdivisions include two trucking companies, a community store and a
gasoline station. In other areas of the County, especially at crossroads communities, it
is common to find small grocery stores with gasoline service pumps.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
C. Industrial
The County contains several tracts classified as industrial land uses ranging in size
from 4 to 54 acres. All of these tracts lie outside of the Edenton town limits. The
Industrial classification consists of light and heavy industries, warehouses,
wholesalers and heavy commercial uses. The majority of the existing industrial land
uses are located near the airport and south of Chowan Beach near the Chowan Riven
The Town of Edenton presently owns a parcel of land known as Air Transpark
currently being planned for conversion into a major industrial park
D. Institutional
This land use classification includes those areas containing professional offices, some
residences and limited institutional uses. The institutional uses include schools,
churches and public buildings. Edenton hosts the majority of the institutional land
uses existing in the County. The most significant tract of institutional land beyond the
immediate environs of Edenton is the Municipal Airport which consists of 717 acres.
Another significant tract is the Edenton Sewage Treatment Plan, consisting of 27 acres
and located northwest of the Cape Colony subdivision near the Albemarle Sound.
E. Vacant Land
Chowan County, including the Town of Edenton, contains several thousand acres of
vacant and otherwise undeveloped land. Vacant land in the County is primarily
located in the floodplain and/or is employed by agricultural, forestry and timber uses.
The lands classified as vacant in the County are not necessarily suited for
development. Vacant land in and around Downtown Edenton, in contrast, affords a
great opportunity for infill development or for the dedication of public open space.
Such lands are identified as "Urban Transition" areas on the LCS map included in the
Appendix.
2 SIGNIFICANT LAND AND WATER USE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
A land use compatibility problem generally concerns land use types which somehow
restrict expansion or additional investment on adjacent properties with other land uses.
The elimination and avoidance of land and water use compatibility problems is a
primary goal of the CAMA regulations and guidelines established by the Coastal
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Resource Commission. The Town of Edenton and Chowan County have adopted and
incorporated these regulations, including the recently adopted water supply plans into
land use policies in order to ensure consistency while also allowing some local
flexibility in determining growth management needs and strategies.
Both jurisdictions allow future land development in sensitive areas, including areas of
environmental concern, as long as such development does not have significant and
potentially negative impacts on land, air or water resources. Such policies keep in
mind the balance between resource protection and management and continued
economic growth, and also reflect the general use standards of the North Carolina
Administrative Code (as amended). Land use compatibility issues relevant in Edenton
and Chowan during this planning period include:
• Airport Land Use;
• Industrial Park Development;
• Water Quality Issues;
• Open dumps and junk Yards.
A. Airport Land Use Compatibility
The presence of the Edenton Municipal Airport located southeast of the Town presents
challenges for development in the adjacent areas. Aviation activity inevitably produces
noise, mostly from single -engine aircraft. With the existing commercial and light
industrial activity already occurring in the vicinity, it is quite possible that similar
commercial and industrial developments will be attracted to the area. Both the Town
of Edenton and Chowan County have taken steps in the past to protect airspace and to
encourage utilization of land conducive to the overall location. These policies shall
continue into the future.
B. Industrial Park Development
The Town of Edenton has acquired a former military air base with the intention of
developing the property as an industrial park. The County supports this effort as it
will bring jobs to residents and tax revenue to both localities. Due to both land and
water capability problems (i.e. appropriate combination of acreage compatible with
surrounding land uses and threats to water quality) development of this site has thus
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1998 Land Use Plan update Edenton and Chowan County
far been unfeasible. However, these problems do not appear unsurmountable, and
plans are underway to provide the necessary infrastructure to the site.
C. Water Compatibility Problems
The improvement and maintenance of the existing water quality in Chowan County is
another major concern. The monitoring of water systems for dangerously high levels
of chemical discharges and other potentially hazardous substances is ongoing.
Industry outside Chowan County's boundaries is seen as contributing to the detriment
of the water quality of the Chowan River. Steadily declining amounts of fish catches
are perceived as being directly connected to declining water quality. Regulations that
protect water quality will be enforced.
3. MAJOR PROBLEMS FROM UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT
Several subdivisions in Chowan County were designed and developed prior to the
adoption of the subdivision ordinance. Many small, 50' wide lots are included within
these developments, several of which are not suitable for placement of septic tanks.
Other problems from unplanned development include unregulated junkyards and
buildings located too close to roadways. In the future, such problems will be alleviated
by enforcement of the County Subdivision Ordinance and the 1989 "setback"
ordinance. Future commercial and economic growth and the construction of new
residential areas should include consideration of stormwater management, recreation
and open space, economic revitalization, local housing needs, historic, cultural and
natural resources, agricultural uses, erosion and sediment control standards and
transportation systems.
Scattered residential and commercial development along the existing roads leading to
the countryside is another example of unplanned development common throughout
Chowan County. Impending public safety hazards from such development have been
well -documented in other localities. Future development along primary roadways and
the entrance corridors into Edenton should be more sensitively clustered and executed
according to existing land use ordinances which encourage public safety and good
design.
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4. AREAS EXPERIENCING, OR LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE, MAJOR LAND USE
CHANGES
The presence of the County -wide water system may encourage the development of
rural, low -density subdivisions outside of those areas currently experiencing
residential development. The N.C. 32 corridor north of Edenton appears to be one
such area having strong potential for low density residential development. The
absence of a centralized sewer outside of the Town boundaries dictates low density
land use reliant on septic systems. The potential for future industrial development on
the Air Transpark site exists during the planning period. Development of this site is
dependent upon the feasibility of extending water and sewer to the site and
overcoming physiographic constraints.
5. REVIEW OF EXISTING PLANS
A large number of plans, regulatory policies and studies exist which address in detail a
wide range of issues which relate to community facilities, development and
preservation in Edenton and Chowan County. These plans represent over two decades
of land use and facility planning and span a wide range of issues. A listing and short
summary of these past plans, studies and regulations can be found in the Appendix of
this document as well as a review of similar documents developed since the adoption
of the 1991 Land Use Plans for both Edenton and Chowan County.
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Chapter V.
CONSTRAINTS
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter V:
CONSTRAINTS
The following section analyzes the general suitability of the undeveloped lands in the
Town of Edenton as well as in the surrounding areas of Chowan County. Each of these
land areas face potential constraints to future development. These various constraints
can be grouped into the following broad categories:
1. Physical Limitations for Development including natural and man-made
hazard areas, areas with soil limitations, sources and estimated quantity and
quality of water supply, and areas containing steep (>12%) slopes.
2. Fragile Areas including estuarine waters and estuarine shorelines, public trust
waters, 404 wetlands, areas identified by the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program and other areas containing fragile resources not covered by a specific
regulation.
3. Areas with Resource Potential containing productive agricultural, forest, and
fish/gamelands and other non -intensive outdoor recreation lands.
Much of the information contained in this chapter has remained unchanged since the
1991 Plan due to the relative stability and unchanging nature of geologic features and
resources in the jurisdictions. However, the information has been updated where
necessary. Planning policies related to the hazard areas are contained in Chapter VII.
I. PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
A. Hazard Areas
1. Natural Hazards
The flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) as dictated and outlined by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate that substantial sections of Chowan
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County are classified as "Zone A". This classification designates areas which are
subject to inundation by a flood with a frequency of 100-years. Development in these
areas may be costly either to human welfare or existing development. The
High Hazards Flood map included in the Appendix (Map C in Appendix V) identifies
the following areas as lying within the 100 year flood limits: -
• Cannon's Ferry
• Harris Landing
• Rockyhock Landing
• White Landing
• Drummond Point
• Bluff Point
• Middle Creek area
• The land south of the U.S. Route 17 bridge in southwest Edenton
As stated in the 1991 Land Use Plan, a significant section of Chowan County's
developed areas he within the 100-year flood plain. The primary danger of flooding is
due to hurricane storm surges.
2. Man -Made Hazards
Currently the primary man-made hazards include airports, tank farms, nuclear power
plants and explosive storage areas. The existence and location of these sources in
Edenton and Chowan County include:
• Oil Storage area (Edenton)
• Edenton Municipal Airport (Edenton)
• Open Dumps/Junkyards (Chowan County)
B. Areas with Soil Limitations
A detailed soils report for Edenton and Chowan County may be found in the Soil
Survey of Chowan County and Perquimans' Counties, North Carolina published in
September 1986 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service.
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Generally, most of the soils in Chowan County have limitations for many uses because
of wetness, permeability factors and low strength. These soils pose constraints on
construction of buildings and/or roads. These constraints can usually be overcome by
adequate drainage systems and design practices. Much of the Town of Edenton
contains soils considered suitable for construction.
This Soil Survey also indicates several areas which contain poor to very poorly drained
soils in Chowan County. These soils are generally not suitable for intensive urban uses
requiring septic drainage field installation and the construction of building
foundations. Most of the soil types, however, are suitable for various agricultural uses
if the proper drainage is provided. The policy section of this document contains
growth goals and policies for development which are sensitive to the constraints of the
existing soils.
C. Sources and Estimated Quantity and Quality of Water Supply
The Chowan County water system is based on a system of deep wells which tap
underlying ground water. The principal source of ground water in Chowan County is
precipitation, some of which falls on the recharge areas farther west on the Coastal
Plain Province. Other ground water that may be encountered in the County is that
which was trapped in the sedimentary deposits at the time of their deposition or during
subsequent inundations by the sea.
Underlying Chowan County are five distinct aquifers from which freshwater can be
obtained at some location within the County. These aquifers were mapped by the U.S.
Geological Survey and are described in detail in a report titled, "Ground Water Bulletin
No. 14. "
The Edenton water system consists of two elevated water tanks with a total storage
capacity of 800,000 gallons. The water treatment plant has a treatment capacity of
1,200,000 gallons per day. The Towri s three wells can pump 600 gallons per minute for
treatment. Treatment capacity of the plant is approximately 50% greater than the
maximum pumping capacity of the Towri s three wells on a daily basis.
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Edenton's wells are located in the following areas:
1. Freemason Plant
2. Old Hospital Site
3. Beaver Hill Site
4. Beaver Hill Well #2 with on -site treatment
5. Virginia Road with treatment at Freemason Plant
The general quality of ground water in the County is such that some degree of
treatment is necessary to make it meet the U.S. Public Health Service standard for
public water supplies. The quality of the surface water in the Chowan County area,
especially in the Chowan River, has been of special concern for many years due to the
incidence of serious algae blooms.
All of the Chowan River and its tributaries have been classified as Nutrient Sensitive
Waters. This designation requires actions be undertaken to minimize point and non -
point sources of pollution. To this end, Chowan County has been active in the North
Carolina Agricultural Non -Point Cost -Share Program since 1984.
D. Areas Where the Predominant Slope Exceeds 12 Percent
The elevations in all of Chowan County and the Town of Edenton are all very Iow,
therefore steep slopes are not a concern in the planning area.
II. FRAGILE AREAS
Fragile areas are defined as areas which could sustain considerable damage from
unplanned or otherwise inappropriate development. These include: areas of
environmental concern, natural resource fragile areas and cultural resource fragile
areas.
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A. Areas of Environmental Concern
There are four defined Areas of Environmental Concern in Chowan County. These
include the following:
1. Estuarine Waters,
2. Public Trust Waters,
3. Coastal Wetlands and
4. Estuarine Shorelines
These waters are considered to be among the most productive natural environments
within Edenton and Chowan County. The preservation and protection of the estuarine
waters and adjacent shorelines are strictly regulated both by established Federal and
State guidelines as well as via the policy statements specified in this document.
The Areas of Environmental Concern are identified as follows:
Public Trust Waters:
Public Trust Waters are defined as "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." These waters are also defined as all navigable natural bodies
of water except privately owned lakes with no public access, and all water in artificially
created bodies of water with public rights of access and navigation. Canals are also
considered public trust waters under this definition. Public trust rights in regards to
these waters include the right to navigate, swim, hunt, fish and enjoy other recreational
activities, and also to freely use and access public beach areas and shorelines (NCAC
T15A: 07H.0207).
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Public Trust Waters in Edenton and Chowan County:
• Pembroke Creek
• Filberts Creek
• Queen Anne Creek
• Yeopim River
• Bethel Creek
• Burnt Mill Creek
• Bennett's Mill Pond
• Pollock's Swamp
• Rocky Hock Creek
• Dillard or Indian Creek
• Stumpy Creek
• Catherine or Warwick Creek
• Middleton Creek
• Trestle House/Cape Colony Trail
Coastal Wetlands:
Coastal Wetlands are defined as "any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or
occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach
the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not
include hurricane or tropical storm tides." (NCAC T15A:07H .0205) By technical
definition, there may be coastal wetlands in the planning jurisdiction however, there
are no "coastal wetlands", (i.e. regularly flooded salt marsh areas containing certain
plant species), of any significance in Chowan County or the Town of Edenton which
warrant examination in this Land Use Plan. Most of what could be termed "wetlands",
although not coastal wetlands, consists of "wooded swamp" areas in the lowlands near
the Yeopim River. The more sensitive areas are those closest to the water. Some of the
wooded swamps in Chowan County are designated significant natural areas and could
also contain areas that sustain remnant special, and wildlife habitats. All of these are
important resources to Chowan County. However, the County does not believe that all
land uses in these areas should be prohibited.
Estuarine Waters:
Estuarine Waters are defined in G.S. 113A -113 (b) (2) as "all the water of the Atlantic
Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds,
rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing
waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife
Resources Commission and the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources." The location of estuarine waters in the planning area consist of the
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Albemarle Sound and all man-made tributaries, Yeopim River (below Norcum Point,
waters beyond Norcum Point are inland waters), the Chowan River and Edenton Bay.
Estuarine Shorelines:
The estuarine shorelines AEC encompass the area landward along most areas of the
Albemarle Sound and some of its tributaries, including the Yeopim River, Norcum
Point, the Chowan River and Edenton Bay. They extend for a distance of 75 feet
landward of the mean high water mark of estuarine waters.
B. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
Natural resource designations falling under this category include areas which are
generally recognized to be of educational, scientific or cultural value because of the
natural features of the particular site. Nine significant natural areas in Chowan County
were identified in a 1990 regional survey of the Albemarle -Pamlico Estuarine Regions
entitled Regional Inventory for Critical Natural Areas Wetland Ecosystems and
Endan eg_ red Species Habitats of the Albemarle -Pamlico Estuarine Region: Phase I.
(See Appendix IV.)
Coastal Complex Natural Areas
Coastal complex natural areas are lands that support native plant and animal
communities. They may be surrounded by landscape that has been modified but has
not drastically altered conditions within the natural areas. There are nine sites in
Chowan County considered by the N.C. Natural Heritage Program to be coastal
complex natural areas. Snow Hill Bay, Drummond Point Woods and the Catherine
Creek Marsh and Swamp are considered to be of State significance while Warwick
Creek, Oak Flats and Slopes, Holiday Island, the Lower Indian Creek Swamp and
Ravine, the Gallberry Swamp and Pocosin, the Reedy Point Swamp and Cherry Point
Woods are of regional significance.
Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
Areas that sustain remnant species are those ares that support native plants or animals
which are considered rare or endangered within the coastal area. Four areas in
Chowan County fall into this classification: Warwick Creek Oak Flats and Swamp,
Holiday Island, Catherine Creek Marsh and Swamp and Lower Indian Creek Swamp.
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Unique Geological Formations
Unique coastal geological formations are defined as sites that contain a geological
formation unique or significant to the coastal system. Both the Snow Hill Bay and
Gallberry Swamp, which are Carolina bays with natural vegetation still remaining, are
considered to be significant physiographic sites.
Wooded Swamps
Wooded swamps are simply forested wetlands. All nine sites within Chowan County
identified in the regional inventory for critical areas are classified entirely or to some
extent as wetlands on the national Wetlands Inventory. Likewise, all nine sites have
vegetation suitable to classify them as wooded swamps.
Prime Wildlife Habitats
Prime wildlife habitats are areas supporting large or diverse populations of wildlife or
habitats for species considered rare, endangered or of special concern. The Warwick
Creek Oak Flats and Slopes, Holiday Island, Reedy Point Swamp, Cherry Point Woods,
Drummond Point Woods and Catherine Creek Marsh and Swamp are prime wildlife
habitats.
Pocosins
A pocosin is a wetland with scrub swamp vegetation dominated by evergreen heather
and hollies with pond pine in the canopy. Three areas in Chowan County are classified
as pocosins. Carolina Bays are generally pocosins and Snow Hill Bay and Gallberry
Swamp are classified as such. The Reedy Point Swamp likewise, has vegetation in
some areas that qualify as pocosin.
C. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Areas classified as cultural resource fragile areas are those particularly important to a
locality either in a historical or aesthetic sense. They are generally recognized to be of
educational, associative, scientific, aesthetic or cultural value because of their special
importance to our understanding of past human settlement, and in particular, human
interaction with the coastal zone.
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There are many significant historic and cultural resources in both the Town of Edenton
and Chowan County. The State Division of Archives and History conducted a
comprehensive architectural survey of Chowan County resources, which was released
in 1992, identifying many of these resources. Additionally, there are several individual
sites in the Town of Edenton and in Chowan County which are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places as is Edenton s Historic District. Still more properties in
both jurisdictions are eligible for designation on the National Register but have not yet
been nominated.
Town of Edenton Sites - National Register of Historic Places
Albania, south side of US 17
Barker House, Broad Street
Chowan County Courthouse, East King Street
Cupola House, 408 Broad Street
Edenton Historic District
Edenton Tannery Site (archeological)
Hayes Plantation, Edenton Bay on south side of Queen Anne Court
James Iredell House, 107 East Church Street
Pembroke Hall, West King Street
Peanut Factory, East Church Street
St. Paul's Episcopal Church & Courtyard, West Church Street
Speight House and Cotton Gin, East Church Street
Strawberry Hill, junction of NC 34 and US 17
Wessington House, 120 West King Street
Chowan County Sites - National Register of Historic Places
Athol, south side of SR 1114
Cullins-Baker House, NC 32 and SR 1304, Tyner vicinity
Greenfield Plantation, SR 1109, Somer vicinity
Mulberry Hill, south side of SR 1114, Edenton vicinity
Sandy Point, east side of SR 1118, Edenton vicinity
Shelton (Clement) Hall, of west side of NC 32, Edenton vicinity
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Study List Properties
Bennett's Mill Pond, north side SR 1222, Valhalla vicinity
Briols, southwest side NC 32, Hancock vicinity
Coke House (Beech Grove), lane on northeast side SR 100, Somer vicinity
Haughton-Leary House, NC 37, Edenton vicinity
Hicks Field, Freemason and Woodard Streets, Edenton vicinity
Martinique, lone on north side SR 1222, Small Crossroads vicinity
Former US Government Fish Hatchery, Edenton vicinity
The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources has identified six archeologic
sites in Edenton. Seventy-eight such sites have been recorded in Chowan County;
however, very few in either locality have been evaluated for National Register
significance. The most notable location of archaeological significance in the planning
area is the site of the Arrowhead Beach subdivision where Indian artifacts have been
found.
III. AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL
A. Productive and Unique Agricultural Lands
Executive Order 96, issued by the Governor in 1983, outlined the State's desire to
promote the "conservation of prime agricultural and forest lands" in compliance with
the Federal Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1980. Order 96 was prompted by the
increasing development tension imposed on prime agricultural lands. Subsequent
development irreversibly damaged many of these prime agricultural lands, resulting in
the reduction of food and/or timber production.
The areas of prime farmland are characterized by soils which are best suited to
agricultural production. These soils produce the highest yields with minimal inputs of
energy and economic resources. Farming these soils results in minimal damage to the
environment. Both Edenton and Chowan County contain a variety of soil types well
suited to agricultural production. Overall, Chowan County has 80,170 acres of soil
types classified as important farmland. This represents 69.9 percent of all land in the
County. Because agriculture and commercial forestry are substantial income producers
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for Chowan County, and soil conditions are crucial to the success of these industries,
soils cannot be underestimated in value.
B. Productive Water Bodies
Both Edenton and Chowan County have valuable areas of water resources. Because of
the significance of commercial and recreational fishing the Chowan County, the
primary fishing areas should also be considered as an area with resource potential.
Serious pollution of the Chowan River, as evidenced by its designation as a Nutrient
Sensitive Water, has affected fish landing in the County. The deterioration of
commercial fishing has significant economic impacts because there are two fishery
processing businesses in the County providing employment and income to several
County residents.
C. Mining Lands
Within Chowan County, there currently exists six sand mining operations. There are
no other known areas in the County or in the Town of Edenton which contain
marketable mineral resources. Each of these operations are carefully managed and
regulated, and they pose no serious threat to the management of vital regional
resources.
D. Publicly Owned Forests and Fish Game lands
There is one publicly owned game land in Chowan County managed by the NC
Wildlife Resources Commission. The Chowan County Game land is approximately 30
acres of mostly swamp located at Highway 17 and Pembroke Creek.
Edenton Bay and its tributaries function as spawning and nursery areas for a wide
variety of species of fish and other marine life. The Division of Marine Fisheries does
not have a designated nursery area in Edenton; however, the opportunity for such a
designation exists in the future.
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E. Privately -Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries
There is one privately owned wildlife refuge in Chowan County. The John Crisanti
Wildlife Refuge is a 40-acre refuge located on Airport Road. There are no privately -
owned wildlife sanctuaries in Edenton.
F. Non -Intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands
Lands used for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, camping and other outdoor
recreational uses are important resources to consider in the development of land use
policies. In Chowan County, the presence of productive water bodies and expansive
woodlands creates numerous opportunities for recreational activities such as hunting
and fishing.
The Town has developed Queen Anne Park and Waterfront Park on land adjacent to
the Town Hall as well as Filberts Creek Park to provide residents with urban outdoor
recreational opportunities.
IV. CARRYING CAPACITY ANALYSIS
To assist the Town of Edenton and Chowan County in determining present abilities to
provide basic community services, to anticipate future demand and to identify
deficiencies which will need attention, an examination of the following indicators has
been undertaken.
A. Existing Water Supply
As stated above, Chowan County currently obtains its potable water from five distinct
aquifers capable of supplying 1.8 million gallons per day (GPD). Peak public water
usage, based on 1992 figures, falls in the range of 0.930 to 1.7 million GPD. The
County maintains three elevated storage tanks, each with a capacity of 200,000 gallons,
for a combined storage capacity of 600,000 gallons.
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Edenton employs three wells for regular use all drawing from the Castle Hayne
aquifer. The wells, coupled with water supplies from the two treatment plants,
produce a maximum yield of slightly over 1.2 million GPD. Peak demand in Edenton
is currently 700,000 GPD leaving excess pumping capacity. The Town currently has
two elevated storage tanks with a total storage capacity of 800,000 gallons.
B. Sewage Treatment Plants
The County currently has no centralized sewer system and no private sewage
treatment facilities are in operation. Edenton however, maintains a sewage treatment
facility with a current capacity of 1.076 million GPD. With present utilization of
700,000 GPD, adequate excess capacity exists to effectively serve anticipated
development. Edenton enforces a planning policy of not extending sewer lines beyond
Town boundaries with the exception of extending lines to the Chowan Middle School
and the White Oak Elementary School. The current system operates efficiently and
effectively and no infiltration problem exist in either the County or the Town.
C. Solid Waste
Since the last Land Use Plans were adopted, the Town of Edenton and Chowan County
have both changed their solid waste disposal procedures. In past years. both localities
utilized the Tri-County landfill in Perquimans County for solid waste disposal. Now
both Edenton and Chowan have joined a larger seven county consortium that relies on
a private firm to dispose of their municipal waste. Municipal waste in both localities is
collected and transported to a collection facility in Belvedere, North Carolina where it is
then turned over to the East Carolina Environmental Company for transport to their
regional facility in Bertie County. This regional facility serves all seven participating
counties in eastern North Carolina. The old Tri-County Landfill is still used to collect
discarded automobile tires and other waste materials not accepted by the private firm.
Both localities also participate in recycling programs coordinated by Waste Industries
Inc. East, a private recycling firm. Recyclables, including office paper, are gathered at
the curbside of residences and businesses within the Town of Edenton and are
delivered to a regional facility in Elizabeth City. Chowan County has established four
sub -stations strategically located within the County were residents can drop off their
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
recyclables. These items are then transported to a regional facility for sorting and
recycling and resale by the private firm.
A ten year Mean Solid Waste Disposal Plan for the seven county area was completed
shortly after most recent Land Use Plans were adopted. The 1998 Land Use Plan
projects that the regional landfill in Bertie County has sufficient capacity to support the
solid municipal waste for all seven participating counties during the current planning
period. Thus, it is assumed that the current solid waste disposal system will remain in
tact for the life of this Land Use Plan.
D. Transportation
There are several major thoroughfares in Chowan County including US Route 17 which
bisects the County from east to west and NC Route 32 in the southern portion of the
County. There also exist many State -maintained roadways, both paved and unpaved,
in Chowan County. In 1993, "Type A" Thoroughfare Plan was mutually adopted by
Edenton and Chowan County outlining existing traffic conditions.
Despite increasing traffic volume, the North Carolina Department of Transportation
considers the general road system as adequate with sufficient capacity to handle future
growth. The primary road system throughout the County is in good condition and
secondary roads in some areas will require only minor improvements. The paving of
presently unpaved roads will continue. The table on the following page outlines the
most recent transportation improvements undertaken in Edenton and Chowan County
and lists upcoming projects identified by the Transportation Improvement Program.
The Cox Company Constraints • V 14

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I
TABLE V-1
Transportation Improvement Program
N.C.D.O.T.
Federal Fiscal Year 1995
County
Route/City
Description
Type Work
Work Started
Remarks
Chowan
Edenton
East church Road at Norfolk Southem Railway
C
Yes
Complete
Crossing 465 282D. Install automatic
warning devices
Chowan
Edenton
King Street at Norfold Southem Railway
C
No
Deleted, did
Crossling 465 281W. Install automatic
not qualify
warning devices.
Chowan
Edenton
NC 32 (Virginia Road) at Norfole Southern
C
No
Funded, construction
Railway crossing 465 698T. Install
not authorized
automatic warning devices.
Chowan
US 17
Edenton to Winfall. Widen roadway to a
C
Scheduled completion FFY'97
four land divided facility wilh a new structure
over the Perquimans River at Ilertford.
Chowan US 17
West of Chowan River to US 17 Buesiness, East
of Edenton. Widen roadway to a multi -lane facility
with interchanges at SR 1234 and SR 1319.
Chowan US 17, US 70 &
US 17, US 17 Bus, to US 17 Bus. in Chowan Co.;
US 264
US 70. Wayne County line to east of Legrange in
Lenoir County and west of NC 41 to US 70 Bux.
east of New Bern in Craven County; US 264, Wuke
Co, line to 1-95 in Wilson County. Logo Signing.
Chowan Edenton
SR 1114 (Airport Road Extension), NC 32 to
US 17 Bypass. Construct a two land facilitiy on
new location.
Chowan SR 1207 Rocky flock Creek. Replace bridge 4.
C Yes Scheduled completion IFFY '99
C Yes Scheduled for completion, FFY '97
No Scheduled for feasibility study
R/C No Right of Way - FFY'OI
Construction - FFY'02
Chowan Edenton NC 32 (Virginia Road) at Chesapeake and C No Funded, construction not authorized.
Albemarle Railroad crossing 465 698T.
Install automatic warning devices
Source: N.C.D.O: r Transportation Improvement Program
Ya

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Bridges are also important elements of the transportation system in Edenton and
Chowan County. Among these, the Albemarle Sound Bridge was replaced in 1988 with
a new facility and is in excellent condition.
E. OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
1. Schools
The Edenton-Chowan County School System is a joint system operating two
elementary schools, one middle school and a high school. In addition, there are two
private schools operating in the Chowan County vicinity. The Emmanuel Christian
School is located in Edenton, and Lawrence Academy is located in Bertie County. It is
estimated that only 50 Chowan County residents attend private schools and therefore
have little impact on the demand for public education in Chowan County. The
following list contains the school name, grade range, enrollment as of the 1996-97
school year and the rated capacity of that school.
TABLE V-2
EDENTON & CHOWAN COUNTY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Name
Grades
Enrollment
Capacity
White Oak Elementary
K-S
379
400
D. F. Walker Elementary
K-5
831
975
Chowan Middle School
6-8
607
625
John A. Holmes High School
9-12
700
725
Source: Chowan County Public School System
Construction of a new elementary school in the Edenton-Chowan County system has
begun. This new school will be serving students beginning with the 1998-99 school
year. The addition of a new elementary school will necessitate redrawing existing
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
district lines. It is estimated that Edenton-Chowan County School District has the
capacity to absorb growth and does not pose a constraint to population increases.
2. Police, Fire and Rescue Services
Edenton currently has 18 full-time officers, including the Chief, and 3 auxiliary officers.
The department presently has 15 patrol cars. Eighteen full-time officers represents one
officer per 355 Edenton residents. Law enforcement in the County is primarily the
responsibility of the County Sheriff with a staff of six officers and one deputy.
Additionally, five officers, salaried with grant money, are employed in Chowan
County. The department presently has 14 patrol cars. Including the five officers on
grant, thirteen full-time officers represents one officer per 592 County residents. The
police department would like to see the addition of five additional full-time officers
and at least as many squad cars over the ten year planning period.
The County is served by two Fire Departments, one full-time department located in
Edenton serving the southern portion of the County and a volunteer fire Department
based in the northern portion of the county at Center Hill Crossroads. The Edenton
Fire Department has eight paid staff and 17 volunteers. The County volunteer
company operates with 35 volunteers. The paid and volunteer firefighters throughout
Chowan County represent one Fire Department staff person for every 234 people,
which is considered adequate.
Rescue Squad services are provided by the Edenton-Chowan Rescue Squad which
consists of three full-time personnel and sixty-five volunteers. There are three rescue
squad units, one in Edenton and one each in Gliden and Rockyhock. The rescue squad
has six ambulances and three response vehicles which are considered adequate at the
present time. The Edenton-Chowan Rescue Squad also maintains two water rescue
boats which supplement the US Coast Guard Services. In 1989, a 911 system was
initiated in Chowan County which handles all emergency calls.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter VI:
ESTIMATED DEMAND
The Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter V1.
ESTIMATED DEMAND
GROWTH AND IMPACTS ON COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The main purpose of providing population and land use projections is to establish
benchmarks against which future land use decisions regarding the type, mix, character
and quantity of real estate products may be tested. This study focuses on those
relationships for a defined planning period that extends from 1998 to 2010 (CAMA
regulations require that the Land Use Plan provide estimates for the ten year planning
period; however, the N.C. State Data Center does not provide projections for the year
2007, so the Plan will use the Center's 2010 projection as the basis for the planning
period estimate).
Population growth will greatly influence future demands for residential, office, retail
and industrial property in the Town of Edenton and in greater Chowan County.
Population forecasting is at best an "educated guess." For this reason, population
forecasts developed in conjunction with the Land Use Plan should be used only in the
context of establishing a generalized analytical framework for the allocation of future
land uses.
The future number of persons who choose to live in the area will be influencedby both
market forces and the growth management policies of the Town, the County and other
neighboring jurisdictions, in addition to other factors. Thus, population growth must
be viewed in a regional context. While it is relatively clear that a certain amount of
growth will occur within the areas defined on the Land Classification Map as "Urban
Transition" and "Limited Transition," it is difficult to predict in which precise areas
development will occur because of the changing availability of land served by
adequate community facilities.
Chapter II: Existing Conditions, contains a thorough analysis of the existing population
and population projections based on 1990 Census data and the most recent estimates
provided by the N.C. State Data Center. The N.C. State Data Center provides
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
population estimates and projections on a statewide basis and for cities and counties.
Unfortunately, the Data Center does not provide such estimates and projections for
towns within the State. Nevertheless, Table 1 represents the Data Center's latest
estimates for the Chowan region. Included in this table is the most recent estimate of
the 1997 population (5,478) provided by the Consultant for the Town of Edenton. This
estimate is based on the latest Census counts, state planning estimates, as well as past
growth trends and current economic and social considerations. The N. C. State Data
Center estimates Chowan County's 1997 population, inclusive of the Town of Edenton
to be 14,192.
TABLE VI-1
Edenton and Chowan County
Comparitive Population Growth: 1980 - I997
1980 Growth Compound l990 Growth Compound 1997'
Jurisdiction Population Increment Ann. Growth Population Increment Ann. Growth Population
Edenton 5357
Chowan County I2.558
(89) -0.17% 5268 210 0S6% 5.478
948
North Carolina 5.880.095 748.542
0.73% I3.506 686 0.71% 14.192
1.20% 6,623.637 693.690 1.67% 7322.317
Sonar: U.S. Bnrean of the Census. N.C. State Data Center. The Cox Company
In order to provide a future population projection for the Town of Edenton, two
different methods have been used: the straight-line method and the population growth
capture method. It should be noted that there is currently no appreciable seasonable
population change in either Edenton or Chowan County, and therefore, no "peak"
population calculation has been included in the projections. This lack of significant
seasonal variability could conceivably change in the future as both localities attempt to
attract more tourists and retirees. If these local objectives concerning growth are
successfully implemented in the upcoming planning term, the Town and the County
should consider incorporating a peak population calculation into population
projections developed for -the next Land Use Plan Update.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Straight -Line Method
The straight-line method uses a locality's past annual population growth rates to make
educated guesses concerning future growth. As is reflected in Table 2 below, three
different annual compound growth rates (ranging from 0.7% to 1.7%) were
incorporated into the straight-line method in order to provide a reasonable range of
what the Town's future population could become. Using the straight-line method, it is
estimated that the Town of Edenton will have between5,998 and 6,820 residents by the
year 2010.
TABLE VI-2
Edenton Population Projections*
1997 - 2010
Method 1: Straight Line Projection
Projection Annual 1997 2000 2002 2007 2010
Range Growth RL Population** Population Population Population Population
LOW
0.7%
5,478
5594
5,672
5,874
5,998
MEDIUM
1.2%
5,478
5,678
5.815
6,172
6,397
HIGH
1.7%
5,478
5,762
5,960
6,484
6,820
' Assuming a constant compound annual growth rate.
** 1997 population estimate developed by the Cox Company based on past growth trends.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Population Growth Capture Method
This method is slightly different in that it uses the Data Center estimates for Chowan
County as the basis for projecting Edenton's future population growth. This strategy is
based on the assumption that Edenton will continue to absorb a certain percentage of
the County's projected growth. According to the 1990 Census, Edenton constituted
39% of the total population of Chowan County. Based on the population estimates
provided by the N.C. State Data Center (represented in Table 3 below), Edenton
captured approximately 30.1% of the total population growth in Chowan County
between 1990 and 1997. Based on this recent growth trend, three different capture rates
(between 35% and 55%) were incorporated into the population growth capture method
in order to provide a reasonable range of predicted future growth in the Town. This
method assumes that the Town will capture a constant annual percentage of Chowan's
growth between 1997 and 2010. Using this method, it is projected that the Town of
Edenton could grow to a total population of between 5,829 and 6,030 by 2010.
TABLE VI-3
Edenton Population Projections
1997-2010
Method 2: Population Growth Capture Method
1997-
2000-
2002-
2007-
2000
2002
2007
2010
Growth
Growth
Growth
Growth
1997 Incre- 2000
Incre- 2002
Inge- 2007
Incre- 2010
Pop.** ment Pop.
meat Pop
ment Pop
ment Pop
Chowan County 14,192 256 14.448
147 14,595
373 14.968
228 15,196
Edenton
Projection Growth
Range Capttre RL
LOW 35% ' 5.478 90 5568 51 5,619 131 5,750 80 5.829
MEDIUM 45% 5.478 115 5593 66 5,659 168 5.827 103 5.930
HIGH 55% 5,478 141 5,619 81 5.700 205 5.905 125 6,030
• Assuming that Edenton will capture a constant annual percentage of Chowan County's growth raze.
"Population estimate for Chowan County provided by the N.C. State Data Center.
Population estimate for Edenton developed by the Cox Company based on past growth trends.
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3995 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Choman County
Although each of the methods represented above utilizes a different approach in
projecting future population growth, both are based entirely on historical growth
trends within the region and assume a relatively rapid pace of continued growth.
Neither, however, factors in the "supply side" of the future population growth
equation. In other words, both methods are based solely on demographic statistical
demand absent of any consideration to the political boundaries or physiographic
features limiting future development within the Town. Furthermore, future social and
economic changes in the region will also have an impact on the market demand for
developable property. Predicting future social and economic regional trends is
extremely difficult; however, the desire expressed by the Joint Planning Board in the
Policies section (see Chapter 7) to attract more retirees, tourists and new industry
certainly would indicate a potential for growth in the local economy during the
upcoming 10-year planning period. If these efforts are successful, population growth
in the area could exceed the levels projected in Tables 2 and 3.. Clearly, all of these
factors will need to be considered along with these population projections in the
process of making sound future land use decisions. In the meantime, these figures can
be used to aid in the forecasting of future land demands, community facility demands
and infrastructure support requirements.
FUTURE LAND USE NEEDS
The population projections provided for the Town of Edenton reflect a range of future
population increase of between 351 and 1,342 persons by the year 2010. According to
1990 Census information, the Town had 2.57 persons per household. Using this figure
as the basis for projecting future housing demand, Edenton will need to accommodate
an additional 137 to 522 housing units by the year 2010 in order to satisfy the projected
population increase.
The Town's Unified Development Ordinance allows approximately 2 residential units
per acre within its R-20 residential district. Since this is the Town's least restrictive
district in terms of n-dni,,,um lot size required (lots must be at least 15,000 square feet
in this district), this density level will be used to estimate the projected range of total
land area demanded in .the Town. Based on this requirement, Edenton will need
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
approximately 68.5 to 261 acres of land area to accommodate this anticipated growth.
Since the .other major residential zoning district in the Town requires larger minimum
lot sizes than that reflected in the R 20 district, it should be assumed that the future
acreage demanded will fall towards the higher end of the range provided. Because of
the extensive undeveloped land area in the Town, either of these possible scenarios
could be accommodated during the 10-year planning period.
The N.C. State Data Centerprojects that Chowan County will gain an additional 1,004
residents between 1997 and 2010. Based on the County's 2.60 average household size
(as reported in the 1990 Census), the County will need to accommodate an additional
386 housing units by the year 2010 in order to satisfy the projected population increase.
Assuming an average housing density of 2 dwelling units per acre, the projected
population growth would translate into a demand for an additional 193 acres of
developable land.
Chowan County has ample amounts of vacant, undeveloped land suitable for
residential development. This requirement could be easily met within the identified
developable property in the County as reflected on the Land Classification Map.
In terms of non-residential land use demand, it is estimated that the Town's new
industrial park (the Air Transpark) will have an ample supply of developable land to
meet the future industrial demands during upcoming the planning period. Future
commercial land use demands should be comfortably met within the Town and in the
appropriate areas designated on the County's Land Classification Map (see the
"Limited Transition" and "Community" areas on Map A in the Appendix).
DEMAND FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES
1. Existing Water Supply
Current capacities of the both the Town and County public water systems indicate that
sufficient resources are available for the projected increase in population. The
pumping capacity of the Valhalla plant has been improved since the last LUP was
adopted, thereby substantially increasing the capacity of the County water system.
The Town has also extended its water system to the Air Transpark in order to
adequately support the planned industrial expansion in this area.
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1998 Land Use Plan update Edenton and Chowan County
2. Sewage Treatment Plant
Edenton's sewer treatment facility currently operates at an excess capacity of over
300,000 GPD. This excess capacity is more than adequate to meet the projected
demands for future development. The only sewer extensions beyond the Town
boundaries are along Rt. 32 north to the Chowan Middle School and the White Oak
Elementary School and to the Air Transpark east of Town. The Town is steadfast in its
policy of not extending sewer lines to any other areas outside the Town's boundaries.
Therefore, in the areas outside of Edenton, new residents will continue to rely on septic
tanks for the disposal of sewage. With the limited availability of suitable, well -drained
soils, septic tank placement may pose problems. Septic tank placement may require
additional design criteria. One area in the County that is suitable for septic tank
placement is the stretch of land along Route 32 north of Edenton. The soil along this
corridor is extremely sandy and is therefore, very receptive to septic tank use. There is
sufficient developable land in this area to satisfy the projected demand for residential
land during the planning period.
3. Solid Waste
The new regional landfill facility located in Bertie County has sufficient capacity to
dispose of municipal solid waste from both the Town and the County during the
upcoming ten-year planning period.
4. Schools
The Edenton/Chowan County School Board is currently constructing a new
elementary school to be opened during the 1998-1999 school year. With the addition of
this new facility, it is estimated that the Edenton/Chowan County School District will
have the necessary capacity to absorb the residential growth projected for the 1998-
2010 planning period.
5. Police, Fire and Rescue Squad Services
While it is believed that police, fire and rescue squad staffing and facilities are
adequate at this time, the Town and County staffs foresee the expansion of personnel
on a regular basis to adequately cover the predicted increase in population over the
next ten year planning period. (See Chapter V: "Constraints" for a more detailed needs
assessment of these services.)
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
6. Transportation
The primary road network. in Chowan County is currently considered to be
functioning at below capacity by the North Carolina Department of Transportation
The new U.S. 17 Bypass project will help the primary road"network in the County
improve its operating efficiency. The widening and paving of secondary roads in the
County will continue. The U.S.17 By-pass and By-pass bridge should be adequate to
meet Edenton's current and future primary highway needs. However, it is critical that
both the County and the Town maintain a "planning eye" directed at effects on traffic,
pedestrian patters, land development and support services resulting from the slated
highway and secondary arterial improvements.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter VII.
POLICY STATEMENTS
The Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter VII:
POLICY STATEMENTS
INTRODUCTION TO CAMA POLICIES
The Land Use Plan for the Town of Edenton and Chowan County is intended to be an
expression of what the community wants to be and what it wants to look like. Simply
stated, it is both a "vision for the future' and a means of achieving that vision. In
pursuit of defining the vision, the foundation of the Land Use Plan is based in its
commonly -held goals and objectives for the Town and the County. Since future land
use decisions will rest on this foundation, it is important these goals be reflective of the
community's desires and the State's legislative requirements. In turn, these goals and
objectives have been translated into statements of planning policy addressing the
specific CAMA-related issues which will affect the communities during the decade.
In preparing the Land Use Plan Update, the elected leaders representing both the Town
and the County stress the importance of environmental and growth management issues
regarding future land uses. In arriving at the recommended set of policies, the Joint
Planning Board was responsible for resolving many conflicting issues and balancing
the land planning objectives of local citizens with those mandated by State and Federal
guidelines. Further, great care has been taken to be responsive to the needs of the
Coastal Resource Commission and, specifically, the Coastal Area Management Act.
POLICY GUIDELINES AND THE CAMA STUDY PROCESS
To assist in organizing and presenting the Plan's policy statements, the Joint Planning
Board has adopted the Coastal Resource Commission's generalized topical categories.
These categories provide an excellent model for addressing areas of both local and
State concerns while providing both localities with broad flexibility in placing priorities
on specific local land use issues. At the same time, all policies adopted by the Town
and the County in the 1998 Land Use Plan must be consistent with the overall coastal
laws established by the Coastal Resources Commission and adopted by the Legislature.
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3/1/99
The community's major land use and development policies are organized into the
following major policy categories consistent with current CRC administrative
guidelines:
A. Resource Protection
B. Resource Production and Management
C. Economic and Community Development
D. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans
E. Continuing Public Participation
To the greatest extent possible, every effort has been made to ensure that there is
consistency among individual policies developed in each policy category. However,
many individual policy categories have overlapping, and potentially competing,
impacts on other adopted policies. Both Planning Boards have given particular
attention to individual policies in the resource protection, resource production and
management and economic and community development categories. For each of the
five major planning issue categories subject to policy guidance, as outlined in T15A:07B
.0212 of the State Code, the study process for the 1998 Land Use Plan has thoroughly
examined the following considerations:
• the scope and importance of the land use issue as related to Edenton and
Chowan;
In defining relevant land use issues, the Planning Boards, in conjunction with the public
participation process and citizen groups, examined those priority issues which will affect
the area during the upcoming 10 year planning period.
• the range of alternative goals, objectives and policies which might be applicable
when addressing the particular land use issue;
As the community considered potential policy options for each planning issue category,
alternative scenarios and the impact of their outcomes were discussed based upon
traditional and contemporary approaches to addressing public policy issues. The analysis of
existing land use conditions, economic and population projections and environmental
considerations aided in formulating these options. A cost/benefit analysis of policy impacts
on the community, including cost of providing services and increased revenues generated
from development, were analyzed. Further, the short and long range impacts of
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311199
community -wide social, political and environmental implications of policy alternatives were
closely weighed. Those policy alternatives found to be incompatible with the community's
overall planning goals and objectives have been eliminated from further consideration.
• the specific policy deemed appropriate by the community for adoption into the
1998 Land Use Plan;
The community's final selection and adoption of land use policies were based upon an
extensive land use and economic data analysis as well as a full examination of the best
possible alternative for each land use issue. These policy choices are set forth in the
following sections of this chapter. The Planning Boards have determined that the
recommended policies are reasonable and achievable by the respective governments and are
sensitive to the fiscal constraints and the local administrative systems which will be in place
for the 10 year planning period. At the end of policy statements throughout this chapter,
the respective governments will be delineated by E for Edenton, C for Chowan County, and
EC for Edenton and Chowan County.
• recommended implementation strategies to ensure that the adopted land use
policy can be placed into effect through reasonable actions by the public and/or
private sectors.
In this document, the community presents the desired strategies and methods for achieving
the policies which have been adopted for the five major, land use issue categories. In
addition, the following sections of this document address the methods by which Edenton
and Chowan County intend to implement the adopted policy choices as well as a proposed
time schedule for implementation.
POLICY ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
Based on Coastal Resource Commission study requirements, a wide range of land use
policy options and variations have been evaluated in order to ensure that each major
CAMA policy issue has been fully explored. This process began with a detailed
examination of past planning policies by past Town and County Planning Boards. A
public participation process was conducted to create the forum for the input of all local
citizens. Public meetings and Land Use Plan update work sessions focused on defining
the range of options from which an optimal policy on given issues could be drawn.
The Cox Company
CAMA Policies • V 1-3

1/99
In a number of cases, specific policies were not pursued because of their incompatibility
with the current trends in the community. Such policies usually involved the Joint
Planning Board making a choice between any perceived conflicts between (1) fully
respecting individual private property rights and (2) imposing "too much government"
by attempting to guide and direct future growth. Such conflicts take many forms when
striving to establish a unified and comprehensive vision for the community's future.
There are those who promote expansive economic development without regard for the
environment. On the other hand, environmental activists often promote no growth
agendas under the veiled guise of ecological propriety. Further, public policy debates
occasionally pit the interests of opposing social, economic and governmental factions.
These debates exist in every community which has ever undertaken a land use plan.
Case histories show that, in most instances, there is no right answer, but, rather, far too
frequently policies lean towards convenient, short-term political answers that are
responsive to the most vocal of prevailing constituent interests. The Joint Planning
Board recognizes that this is not the proper way to plan for the future of the two
communities.
In the 1998 Land Use Plan Update, the Joint Planning Board has sought to resolve the
sometimes competing and complex policy issues in a dignified fashion, while
promulgating the central belief that Edenton and Chowan County have competent and
complimentary local governmental structures. These structures are founded on
political and economic thought driven by the expressed needs of the local constituents
of the Town and County.
But there are acknowledged differences in land use philosophy which exist between the
two jurisdictions: The Town of Edenton promotes a pro -active land planning stance by
taking the lead in guiding and managing local land use activities. Edenton currently
employs both zoning and subdivision regulations (through its Unified Development
Ordinance) which are designed to promote good urban design, preserve its historical
integrity and in general, to maintain the health, safety and general welfare of the
Towns citizenry. It also takes seriously its urban planning responsibilities for the
contiguous extra -territorial areas within the County. On the other hand, Chowan
County has historically avoided any serious attempt to implement growth management
structures. Zoning, for the most part, is non-existent, and its primarily rural
constituency has never given any serious consideration to the implementation of a
formal zoning program throughout the County. While there has been some thinking
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3/I/99
towards establishing guidelines for growth to protect the agricultural areas from
intense urban development, zoning has been generally viewed as an unacceptable and
unreasonable restriction on personal property. It does not appear that this view will
change the negative political sentiment towards growth management in the near
future.
Due to the strength and character of the Town's existing local regulations, the CAMA
policies in this Land Use Plan are appropriately supportive and encompassing of these
adopted regulations. The current regulatory background of Edenton includes plans
which address not only land use, but also transportation, urban design guidelines,
recreational facilities, open space and waterfront development, and historic
preservation and other plans geared towards the community facilities and amenities.
RECOMMENDED CAMA PLANNING POLICIES
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
In establishing policies related to Resource Protection, the goals and objectives set forth
in Chapter II related to community character and the environment serve as the
foundation for these policies. The overriding goal of both Edenton and Chowan
County is to protect and enhance the natural and built environment of the community.
Both jurisdictions have thoroughly examined the various Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC's) located within their respective boundaries and classified the
categories of land uses which are appropriate for the community. For each class of
land use, the Land Use Plan Update has carefully considered the specific rationale for
the recommended land uses. The overriding vision guiding the policies related to
resource protection is that all natural resources should be regarded as valuable assets
which need to be sheltered from adverse impacts. While the Town and County both
recognize that limited development is acceptable in some resource areas, guidelines
and policies directing such development need to be developed and implemented to
ensure such projects are sensitive to their environment.
In establishing the following goals, the physical constraints to land development in the
community have been analyzed pursuant to T15A: 07B .0212 of the Coastal Area
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Management Act. Further, uses for areas with cultural and historic value have been
analyzed to determine the potential benefits and/or liabilities which would accrue to
the community and its citizens by either encouraging the development or preservation
of these areas.
The County contains Areas of Environmental Concern in its estuarine system, which
are categorized as Public Trust Waters, Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters and
Estuarine Shorelines. Public Trust Waters are defined as "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." These waters are also defined as all
navigable natural bodies of water except privately owned lakes with no public access,
and all water in artificially created bodies of water with public rights of access and
navigation.
Public trust rights in regards to these waters include the right to navigate, swim, hunt,
fish and enjoy other recreational activities, and also to freely use and access public
beach areas and shorelines (NCAC T15A: 07H.0207). Coastal Wetlands are defined as
.any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides,
including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas
through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not include hurricane or
tropical storm tides." (NCAC T15A:07H .0205)
Estuarine Waters are defined in G.S. 113A -113 (b) (2) as "all the water of the Atlantic
Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds,
rivers and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing
waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife
Resources Commission and the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources." The Estuarine Shoreline encompasses the area landward along the
estuaries, bays, sound and other brackish waters for a distance of 75 feet from the mean
high water level or the normal water level. It is a policy of the State to conserve and
protect water systems for the benefit of the public.
Al. Identify and address each of the AEC's and other fragile areas, list the types of
land uses and develop policies for issues that are locally significant in each.
The Areas of Environmental Concern are identified as follows:
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Public Trust Waters.
Pembroke Creek
Filberts Creek
Queen Anne Creek
Middleton Creek
Yeopim River
Burnt Mill Creek
Pollock's Swamp
Rockyhock Creek
Dillard or Indian Creek
Stumpy Creek
Catherine or Warkick Creek
Bethel Creek
Coastal Wetlands:
By technical definition, there may be "coastal wetlands', (i.e. regularly flooded salt
marsh areas containing certain plant species), in Chowan County or the Town of
Edenton; however, none of any significance have been identified which would warrant
extensive policy formulation. Most of what could be termed "wetlands', although not
coastal wetlands, consists of "wooded swamp" areas in the lowlands near the Chowan
River. The more sensitive areas are those closest to the water. Some of the wooded
swamps in Chowan County are designated significant natural areas and could also
contain areas that sustain remnant special, and wildlife habitats. All of these are
important resources to Chowan County. However, the County does not believe that all
land uses in these areas should be prohibited.
Estuarine Waters:
The location of estuarine waters consists of the Albemarle Sound and all man-made
tributaries, the Yeopim River (below Norcum Point, waters beyond Norcum Point are
inland waters), the Chowan River and Edenton Bay.
Estuarine Shorelines.
The estuarine shorelines encompass the area landward along Albemarle Sound and its
tributaries, the Yeopim River, Norcum Point, the Chowan River and Edenton Bay. They extend
for a distance of 75 feet landward of the mean high water mark of estuarine waters.
Policy for Public Trust Waters
The valuable water resources present in Chowan County support commercial and
recreational uses as well as being of significant aesthetic value. Unless otherwise noted,
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each of the initialized policy statements listed in the following sections are applicable to
both localities.
a. Continue the conservation and management of public trust waters. Appropriate uses
include those which do not cause detriment to the physical or biological functions of public
trust areas. Navigational channels, drainage ditches, bulkheads designed to prevent
erosion, marinas, piers and docks shall be permitted. EC
Policy for Coastal Wetlands
These areas are defined as salt marsh or other marshes subject to regular or occasional
flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide water reaches the
marsh through natural or artificial courses) but not including hurricanes or tropical
storm tides.
a. Allow uses which promote "conservation" of the sensitive areas, with conservation meaning
the lack of imposition of irreversible damage to the wetlands. EC
b. Uses which require water access and uses such as utility easements, fishing piers and docks
will be allowed provided they adhere to use standards set forth in the Coastal Area
Management Act. EC
Policy for Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
Chowan County is aware that protection of estuarine waters and shorelines is of
paramount importance to maintaining the delicate balance necessary for the healthy
proliferation of marine life and waterfowl. The County recognizes that certain actions
within the estuarine shoreline could have a detrimental effect upon the quality of the
waters. Of added significance is the continual designation of most of the estuarine and
public trust waters in Chowan County's jurisdiction as "Nutrient Sensitive Waters."
This designation indicates a need for additional efforts to protect the quality of these
waters and shorelines.
a. Permit only those uses that are compatible with the nature of the estuarine system.
Residential, recreation and commercial uses are acceptable provided that there is no
substantial chance of pollution, erosion is not accelerated, impervious surfaces are limited,
public access to navigable waters is not hampered and North Carolina Sedimentation
Pollution Control standards are met. EC
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A2. Identify and address areas of the planning jurisdiction with land development
constraints and guide appropriate and compatible land development activities
around these constraints. EC
Areas with Constraints include:
Flood Hazard Areas
Areas with Soil Hazard Limitations
Natural Resource Fragile Areas
Cultural Resource Areas
The majority of the County's land area consists of soil types not conducive for urban
development. A significant amount of soils are not suitable for dwelling foundations or
septic tank placement. Also, it should be noted, many soil associations considered as
"prime" or important farmlands occur within Chowan County. These soils make up
70% of all soils in the County.
The County of Chowan has in place a detailed Soils Map and a Flood Hazard
Boundary Map. The soils map indicates which soils are inappropriate for septic tanks
and urban uses. The Flood Hazard Map identifies which areas are flood prone,
creating the necessity for floodproofing and/or elevation requirements.
The majority of new development planned within the County in the upcoming
planning period is anticipated to occur along the Route 32 corridor north of Edenton.
The land surrounding this corridor is very sandy, and therefore, is particularly
receptive to septic systems. Thus, this segment of future residential growth could
potentially be supported without the extension of a sewage system along Route 32
northward from Edenton
a. Continue to support and amend existing land use ordinance regulations which
appropriately regulate and control land development in areas with identified physical
constraints. EC
b. As indicated in the Town's adopted land use ordinance, all commercial, industrial,
institutional and residential subdivision development should be sensitive to the character
of prevailing soil types, flood prone areas and physiographic conditions which impact
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septic tank use, private wells, and construction feasibility. Update existing land use and
zoning regulations, when necessary, to complement the Land Classification Map. E
C. Protect identified significant natural areas from undue encroachment, damage or
pollution. This may be accomplished with low density and lot coverage regulations in
undeveloped areas adjacent to these natural areas. EC
d. Continue to support and update existing growth management tools and study new
alternatives which would provide for the control of land use types and densities and
establish development criteria within areas having defined development constraints. EC
e. Encourage land use proposals which will have no negative impact on historic, cultural
and/or archaeological resources in the Town and County. These proposals shall be
reviewed through the Section 106 review process as well as through the Historic
Preservation Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office. EC
f. In cooperation with the Edenton Historic Commission and State Preservation Office,
review, revise and update the inventory of historic properties in the planning area as
needed. E
g. Identify areas of historical significance and cultural importance in the County and ensure
that significant resources are preserved or recovered through a resource management
plan. C
h. Study the potential for the establishment of a land conservation fund or similar
instruments which would protect areas of environmental, recreational, and/or aesthetic
importance by fee acquisition, dedication and/or permanent easement. EC
i. Promote citizens' awareness programs and public educational opportunities for
community historic and natural resources, including the conservation, preservation and
maintenance thereof. EC
j. Initiate the development of neighborhood plans working with neighborhood residents to
identify resources and problems in the neighborhood and offering strategies to protect
those resources and solve the problems within one (1) year of plan adoption. E
k. Encourage the redevelopment of the mill campus into a regional cultural center. EC
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A3. Protect the community's water supplies and potable water resources.
The Town and County both rely on ground water supplies as their major source of
water. The protection of the quality and quantity of the potable water supply is critical
to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Chowan and Edenton and provides a
basis for future economic development.
a. The community should make every effort to ensure that the protection of existing and
future potable water supplies and resources will be consistent with all State and Federal
policies and guidelines. EC
b. Prepare and periodically update a Water and Sewer Plan which would direct future
expansion and current maintenance of community water and sewer facilities. Prepare
water and sewer maps in conjunction with this Plan within two (2) years. E
C. Ensure that the community's land development review and inspection process examines
all land use proposals to determine their impact on the community's potable water
supplies and resources. EC
d. Use the existing Zoning Ordinance to control densities adjacent to ground water
supplies. E
e. Continue the extension and maintenance of public water supplies and distribution
systems into selected areas of the community. EC
f. Develop citizens' awareness programs related to expanding water supplies and
distribution systems, including information promoting access to these systems. EC
A4. Develop guidelines and policies for the use of sewer treatment package plants
in Edenton and Chowan County:
The only centralized sewer service in Chowan County's planning jurisdiction comes
from the Town of Edenton. It may become necessary to develop small package
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treatment systems in order to accommodate certain types of development in outlying
areas of the County.
a. The community may permit the use of private package sewage treatment plants if the
associate development meets the following criteria: EC
• The said development is consistent with the community's existing policies and
ordinances.
• The system meets or exceeds the State and federal permitting requirements.
• The project will have no adverse impacts beyond its boundaries..
• The perpetual operation and maintenance of the system is guaranteed without
obligation to the community in any way.
• The permitted system is of the highest level of suitable technology.
b. Update the Water and Sewer Plan which would direct future expansion and current
maintenance of community water and sewer facilities. Prepare and update water and
sewer maps in conjunction with this Plan. E
C. Private developers considering the use of private sewage treatment facilities must provide
adequate financial responsibility to insure orderly maintenance and operation of the
facility for the life of the development for which it is intended to serve. EC
d. Upon application for a development permit, a private package treatment facility must be
accompanied by environmental assessments and/or, documentation of assurances that all
applicable State and local health requirements will be satisfied. EC
e. Any application for a wastewater disposal system which is to be located in the planning
jurisdiction shall be coordinated with existing facilities. The Town and County should
work together to assure that a waste water permit is not issued without a corresponding
zoning permit. EC
f. All development and subsequent construction of wastewater facilities shall be consistent
with the regulations set forth by the respective Town and County land use ordinances.
EC
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A5. Stormwater Runoff associated with Agriculture, Residential Development,
Phosphate or Peat Mining, and its Impact on Coastal Wetlands, Surface
Waters, or Other Fragile Areas.
Significant portions of the major water courses in the planning area are "Nutrient
Sensitive Waters". Stormwater runoff from both urban development and agricultural
activities could adversely affect the quality of these waters.
a. Continue involvement in the Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Program
aimed at reducing the amount of agricultural run-off into Nutrient Sensitive Waters. C
b. Support strict enforcement of existing sedimentation and pollution control measures
including the BMP program. EC
C. Apply to CAMA for a grant to develop a stormwater management plan for the Town in
order to identify potential adverse impacts associated with uncontrolled stormwater
runoff and devise changes to local ordinances aimed at controlling such runoff. E
A6. Marina and Floating Home Development and Dry Stack Facilities
Marinas and other water -dependent projects can provide public access to valuable
water resources and have the potential to serve as valuable economic assets to the
community if properly developed. The Town and County both would like to
encourage boat owners to tie their boats on permanent moorings rather than build new
piers. The County supports the placement of a permanent mooring facility in the
County.
a. Marinas developed in accordance with the Division of Coastal Management standards
and guidelines and consistent with zoning shall be permitted. EC
b. Review plans for water -dependent development on a case -by -case basis ensuring location
and character are consistent with applicable zoning restrictions. EC
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C. Continue policies to disallow floating homes or watercraft with any long-term occupancy
EC
d. Adopt a mooring ordinance to regulate boat mooring in Edenton Bay and insert it into
the Town's Unified Development Ordinance. E
e. Apply to CAMA for permit to construct a permanent boat mooring facility on Pembroke
Creek and/or on Holiday Island. EC
A7. Upland Excavation for Marina Basins
a. Developing marinas and boat basins in upland excavation areas is permissible provided
such development meets all applicable ordinance requirements and other applicable local,
State and federal regulations and all required permits are obtained. EC
A8. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
Holiday Island is the only estuarine system island within the study area. This island
can be characterized as a wooded swamp and is therefore, a natural fragile area.
a. Protect Holiday Island from any environmentally adverse development by adhering to
policies set forth in this land use plan regarding development in sensitive environmental
areas and through strict enforcement of existing ordinances and regulations such as the
building code. C
A9. Restriction of Development in Areas up to Five Feet Above Mean High Water
a. Development in areas up to five feet above mean high water mark is not restricted
provided such development meets all applicable zoning, CAMA, Building Code and Flood
Zone requirements. EC
A10. Damaging of Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Installation
a. Bulkhead construction adjacent to coastal wetlands requires a CAMA permit.
Freshwater swamps and island wetlands are protected by the Clean Water Act and a
Corps of Engineers permit is required for work in these areas.
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b. Bulkhead installation along waterfront areas is permitted if all local, State and federal
permits can be obtained following all applicable regulations. EC
C. When necessary, bulkhead installation should be conducted employing appropriate
construction and resource protection techniques. Where installation is required,
development plans should consider every feasible alternative to minimize the damage to
existing marshes. EC
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
It is inevitable that both Edenton and Chowan County will face development pressure
in the coming decades. The task at hand is to ensure that this growth does not come at
the expense of valuable natural resources such as land and water which have defined
the area throughout its existence. The vision for the community is to. protect these
resources and ensure continued vitality in agricultural and water -based industries.
The Town and County are acutely aware of the impacts of future land development on
its existing resource production base. The water and waterfront represent productive
natural resources in the area which must be recognized in the Plari s land use policies.
Policies directed at resources based in agricultural and forestry uses apply mainly to
the County and limited areas of the Town. The overriding vision guiding the
formulation of policies related to resource production and management is to support
the continued vitality of those industries such as agriculture, fishing and forestry,
which have been a mainstay of the local economy for decades. The ideal scenario is to
balance resource production with environmental protection to ensure the high quality
of Edenton and Chowan County's natural environment lasts for generations.
Although County lands which are presently used for agriculture or forest production
may provide much needed space for urban development in the future, the community
supports policies aimed at preserving and protecting environmentally and esthetically
sensitive forest and agricultural lands.
B1. Encourage sensitive resource management policies and implementation
techniques for productive agricultural lands in the planning area. EC
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a. Support State and Federal agricultural programs, where applicable, which assist farming
and aid in preserving prime agricultural lands in and around Edenton and Chowan. EC
b. Review development trends to ensure that growth does not occur in prime agricultural
lands. EC
C. Continue to support agricultural Best Management Practices in the County,
encouraging farmers to implement such practices to the benefit of their natural resource
production activities. EC
d. Encourage participation in the Non -Point Pollution Agricultural Cost -Share Program
designed to balance proper agricultural management with protection of nutrient -sensitive
waters from agricultural run-off. EC
B2. Encourage forestry as a valuable natural resource industry and preserve and
protect the community's forest lands. C
Woodlands and forests cover most of Chowan County's landscape but do not represent
a significant portion of the Towns land. Substantial amounts of income are generated
annually in the County from forestry products. Commercial forest areas do not exist in
Edenton, therefore, the following policies pertain only to areas outside Town
boundaries.
a. Support State and Federal forestry programs which assist community commercial forests
and the forestry industry. C
b. Ensure land use controls on commercial forest lands that limit opportunities for
community expansion and/or development. C
C. Promote public awareness of forestry Best Management Practices in the area, while
encouraging the private forestry industry to implement such practices to the benefit of
their natural resource production activities. C
d. Future public improvements should be planned and financed using fiscal mechanisms
which avoid adverse tax impacts on the owners of prime forestry lands where such lands
will not directly benefit from the planned public improvements. EC
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e. Continue to promote use -value assessment as a means of preserving the forestry resource
base and encourage owners of parcels of 10 acres or more to apply for use -value
assessment. C
f. Encourage replanting of areas within the County cleared for timber. C
B3. Support, encourage and protect the community's commercial and recreational
fishing and other water -based resources and production activities.
Most of the estuarine waters in Edenton and Chowan County are important spawning
and nursery areas. These waters are important for the propagation of fish and shellfish
which contribute to both recreational and commercial fishing in the area. Fish and
shellfish have been steadily declining in local waters in recent years. This may be
attributable to declining water quality.
a. Commercial and recreational fishing resources and production activities, including
nursery and habitat areas, and trawling activities in estuarine waters, should be
recognized as important contributors to the local economy. EC
b. Actively support State efforts to reduce nutrient loading in the surrounding surface
waters, which include consideration of more stringent restrictions on nitrogen discharges
and enhanced regulations controlling the disposal of animal wastes. EC
C. Support the regulation of development in coastal wetlands and wetlands as administered
by CAMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers, respectively. EC
d. Establish minimum protective buffers along waterways to help protect water quality and
fisheries. EC
B4. Residential, commercial and industrial land development impacts on
resources
The area defined as the planning jurisdiction is still growing. It shall continue to be the
policy of both the Town and the County to direct future growth by enforcing the
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regulations set forth the joint Land Use Plan, the Town's Unified Development
Ordinance and the County's Subdivision Ordinance.
a. Require all new development and/or redevelopment to be consistent with policies on
Resource Protection, Resource Production and Management and Economic and
Community Development. EC
b. Allow development to take place only when and where adequate services, including
water, sewage disposal, road access and schools, are available to support that
development. EC
C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
Both Edenton and Chowan County strongly support the ongoing implementation of
responsible economic and community development projects throughout the area. The
Towns Unified Development Ordinance establishes the types of development that are
encouraged and permitted within Edenton and the extra -territorial jurisdictional area.
The ordinance institutes a three-tier permitting process (i.e., zoning, special use and
conditional use permits) aimed at evaluating each development based on a set of
established findings. The County has no specific land use controls for the local of
industry and economic development, except for the Cape Colon.
C1. General community attitudes and goals for growth and development:
a. Manage and direct growth and development in balance with available support services.
EC
b. Continue to work toward a diversified economy including industry, tourism and
improved technical educational opportunities. EC
C. Continue land use planning and directing growth in the Town by enforcing the relevant
ordinances. E
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d. Guide new development so as not to encroach or destroy Areas of Environmental Concern
(AECs) and other special and sensitive areas, as reflected in policies for Resource
Protection and Resource Production and Management. EC
e. Direct new development in accordance with soil capacity to accommodate water and
sewer needs. EC
f. Approve new development only when and where adequate public facilities and services to
support it are available. EC
g. Develop strengths within the local school system to respond to the needs of the local
economy so that the area will be able to provide educational and professional career
opportunities for the next generation of local residents. EC
C2. Types and Locations of Industries Desired
Chowan County has a need for increased job opportunities for its unemployed and
under -employed citizens. Industrial and/or commercial development could provide
these opportunities as well as expand the County's tax base. The County favors
industrial development which could take advantage of existing natural resources
and/or expand upon the existing industry in the area.
Edenton also invites industry or commercial establishments which will create new jobs,
increase the tax base and upgrade the standard of living for all residents. The
locational characteristics of the Town and County are diverse with each jurisdiction
providing different opportunities for industrial development. The following policies
regarding industrial growth apply to both jurisdictions.
a. Require industry to use the best available technology to avoid pollution of air or water
during both construction and operation of new industrial facilities. EC
b. Locate new facilities on land having stable, well -drained soils adequately protected from
flooding and easily accessible to public utilities and transportation routes. EC
C. Together, Edenton and Chowan County should aim for a diversified future economy
driven by several small -to -medium-sized employers. Such a strategy would help to
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diversify the local economy and decrease the risk associated with a locality relying solely
upon one or two industries for jobs and tax revenue. EC
d. The Town and County shall continue to work cooperatively in identifying suitable sites
for economic development and marketing them to expanding firms that would generate
new job opportunities for local residents. EC
e. Both localities should continue to work closely with the Edenton Chamber of Commerce
and the North Carolina Department of Commerce in promoting the area as a desirable
location for prospective industries. EC
f. Continue to seek technical assistance and financial help to begin the development of the
Air Transpark outside of Edenton. This industrial park site offers the area a unique
opportunity for attracting new industry and future economic development. Great
potential exists to link the airport with other transportation alternatives (water, new and
existing roads, etc.) in onton to develop a true commercial transportation center. EC
g. Actively promote a local farmers' market in Edenton. EC
C3. General community commitment to provision of supporting services to
economic development:
The Town and the County are committed to providing appropriate levels of public
services, facilities and infrastructure in support of economic and industrial
development where economically feasible, environmentally sound and otherwise, in
the best public interest. The following policies identify specific areas where the two
localities can display their commitment to economic development:
a. The Town will provide water and sewer services only to areas that petition for voluntary
annexation. If no petition exists, the developer must pay all costs for service installation.
EC
b. Support facilities and services provided by or within the County, such as police and fire
protection, health services, social services, solid waste collection, and library services,
appear to be adequate to support projected growth and development for the entire
planning period. EC
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C. The Town and County will continue to work together to provide services where needed,
and as feasible, for new development. EC
d. The County will explore the various options for improving the sewage treatment
problems that exist in many of the septic systems in the Country Club subdivision, and
other areas of the County where needed. C
e. Prepare a Market and Economic Impact Study for future commercial and economic
development in Edenton and its ETj. E
C4. Urban Growth Patterns Desired
The Town of Edenton is the single, most significant "urban' area in Chowan County.
The balance of the County is largely devoted to scattered residential development with
a pronounced rural pattern, with the exception of several subdivisions. The following
policies apply to both localities:
a. Encourage growth to occur and expand in geographical areas in and around the Town as
portrayed in the respective Land Classification Maps. EC
b. Examine growth patterns and review the Land Classification Map and Unified
Development Ordinance when deemed necessary and appropriate based on development
pressures. E
C5. Type, Densities, and Location of Future Residential Development.
As shown in Chapter VI, Edenton can anticipate a relatively slow growth rate over the
coming decade. Therefore, it shall be Edentons policy to continue to allow residential
growth as permitted in the Towns Unified Development Ordinance with respect to
type, density, location and units per acre of future development.
On the other hand, demographic trends indicate that Chowan County has increasing
potential for additional residential growth. Further, due to the County's relatively low
cost of land as well as its lack of modern zoning and land development standards,
subdivision developers can undertake projects without concern for permitting delays,
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lim
giving them a near -term competitive advantage over development opportunities in
other communities.
The following policies, while certainly applicable to Edenton, mostly address the future
residential growth anticipated in Chowan County.
a. Enforce the County's existing subdivision regulations in all future subdivisions. C
b. Continue to encourage the rural cluster community patterns evident in subdivisions such
as Village Creek. C
C. Provide more affordable, quality housing opportunities for the area's young professionals.
It is believed that the community has a real need for more housing in the $60,000-
$80,000 range to provide first-time home buyers with a broader range of housing
opportunities. EC
d. Investigate the possible incentives available to developers for providing housing in this
low -moderate price range. EC
e. Investigate the potential for channeling the increasing number of mobile homes into
mobile home communities and for prohibiting the relocation of older units (those
constructed before 1977) into the County. EC
f. Investigate the viability of implementing improved forms of cluster residential
development in the Town and in the County in order to protect existing public roads.
EC
g. Support the conversion of businesses to residences in appropriate areas of Downtown
Edenton. E
C6. RedeveIopment of Developed Areas Including Relocation of Structures Due to
Erosion.
While there are substandard structures located throughout Chowan County, there are
few substantial concentrations of decaying areas due to erosion. However, several
residential subdivisions in the County have been identified as being "threatened."
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Threatened neighborhoods are defined as those whose stability is undermined by
substandard, deteriorated or dilapidated housing conditions. These conditions
threaten the health, safety and welfare of community residents. Special care must be
taken to identify opportunities in these areas for improved maintenance, enhanced
code enforcement and where appropriate, redevelopment.
Edenton is also home to several older "threatened" neighborhoods which suffer from
deteriorated or dilapidated housing conditions. In addition, several scattered mobile
homes suffer from substandard living conditions. Further deterioration will lead to
slum conditions, loss of housing resources and erosion of the tax base. Additionally,
Edenton's historic downtown business district is important to the Towns economic
viability and should be preserved. The following policies concerning future
redevelopment are recommended for both localities:
a. Undertake a study to identify' specific neighborhoods in the County and in Edenton in
need of rehabilitation. EC
b. Fund rehabilitation efforts through a Community Development Block Grant. Apply for
CDBG funds annually in order to address areas of concentrated, substandard housing.
EC
C. Continue to support applications for needed federal or State financial assistance to fund
rehabilitation efforts. EC
d. Continue active implementation of minimum housing code maintenance requirements on
an ongoing basis. EC
e. Make use of the HUD sponsored "HOME" program and other programs funded through
the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) which are used to upgrade
existing neighborhoods. EC
f. Continue to support and fund development of affordable housing in the Edenton/Chowan
County area. EC
g. Continue to encourage a variety of choice in existing neighborhoods through a balance of
preservation, rehabilitation and new development. EC
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h. Continue to use a low interest loan pool to encourage downtown business owners to
rehabilitate their establishments. E
i. Continue to support market -driven trends in redevelopment and reuse, particularly in the
retirement/assisted living care facility segment of the housing market. EC
C7. Commitment to State and Federal Programs Including Erosion Control, Public
Access, Highway Improvements, Port Facilities, Dredging and Military
Facilities.
State and federal programs play an important part in the development of both the
Town and the County. Both jurisdictions are generally receptive to these programs and
will continue to support them.
a. Continue to support and provide public information pertaining to groups such as the
NRCOG, the Regional Development Institute, and the Small Business Institute at East
Carolina University, which provide assistance to economic development projects. EC
b. The community remains committed to State and Federal programs in planning areas
related to community and economic development, including erosion control, public
access, and highway improvements. EC
C8. Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects Including Financial
Aide, Providing Spoil Areas or Providing Easements.
Proper maintenance of channels, including periodic dredging, is very important in the
planning district, mainly because of the economic impact of commercial fisheries and
tourist boat traffic. If silt or other deposits fill in the channels, this could impede
efficient mobility and docking of commercial and recreational vessels. With adequate
channel maintenance, the community can make better utilization of its waterways for
water transportation purposes.
C9. Energy Facilities Siting
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In some coastal counties, the siting or location of energy facilities relates to either peat
mining, phosphate mining, or off -shore oil exploration. However, in the absence of
significant peat reserves, phosphate, or oil resources, no specified, detailed policies in
this area can be formulated at this time. Nevertheless, should the siting of an energy
facility become a realistic possibility for the planning area including the possibility of
electrical energy facilities, it shall be the policy of both localities to carefully review
each such project on a case -by -case basis and require strict adherence to federal, State
and any local environmental regulations.
a. Support construction of a natural gas pipeline through Chowan County.
b. Natural Gas corridor shall be reviewed by the Chowan County Planning Board and Board
of Commissioners concerning environmental issues. C
C10. Tourism
Tourism in Edenton and Chowan County is likely to have a significant impact upon the
local economy in the future. Although most of the local tourist economy revolves
around Historic Edenton, Chowan County has the potential to benefit from tourism -
driven economic activities as well. With its numerous environmental and historical
resources, the area has a vast and unfulfilled potential to expand tourism. Edenton and
Chowan should make a serious commitment to take full advantage of the opportunities
available in the market.
a. Continue to study and pursue programs aimed to promote and enhance levels of tourism
and related development opportunities in the community. The area should focus on
finding and maximizing appropriate market niche opportunities in economic development
and tourism, including attracting additional transient boat traffic and eco-tourists. EC
b. Support and promote the waterfront areas as potential locations for seasonal/annual
festivals, markets and recreational activities. EC
C. Continue to support the activities of local and regional public interest groups responsible
for promoting tourism in the community such as the Edenton Chamber of Commerce. EC
d. Solicit all available sources of State and federal funds to assist in the promotion of
tourism. EC
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e. Support efforts to develop an annual calendar of special events to be held throughout the
community. Publicize monthly listing of events in appropriate local, regional and
national publications. EC
f. Explore alternatives for attracting tourists during the off-seasons (from November to
early December and January to March). EC
g. Future attempts to successfully cultivate tourism based on the numerous existing
historical resources should focus on a "real" or "living" history interpretation. EC
C11. Coastal and Estuarine Water Access:
Public waters are a major natural resource for recreational activities. Throughout the
planning area, there is a real need for improved and additional public access to the
waterfront areas.
a. Remove the sunken tugboat and barges from the Downtown waterfront area in Edenton
Bay immediately, and ensure that the appropriate environmental measures are
implemented within the process to protect the Edenton Bay from further fuel leakage. E
b. Enhance opportunities in the community for waterfront access. Support access programs
sponsored by CAMA and Wildlife resources.
1) The Town of Edenton should investigate the feasibility of constructing a public
harbor along its Downtown waterfront area. This public harbor would provide much
needed public access to Edenton Bay and could include a marina, slips and a town
waterfront plaza. This development could attract transient boaters seeking safe
harbor during a storm or a stop -over on a trip up the Intercostal Waterway.
The Town could incorporate the Leary Oil facility into this public harbor concept. E
2) The County should investigate the viability of eco-tourism development along its
waterfront areas. Eco-tourism is a thriving "clean" industry that takes advantage of
existing environmental characteristics such as creeks, lakes and rivers to promote
recreational activities and attract visitors. Such an industry would be ideal for the
County given its existing environmental resources. The County could explore the
development of several creek trails, for example, that could be used for recreational
purposes. C
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C. The community shall continue to provide for the diverse recreational needs of the
permanent and seasonal populations as well as tourists by supporting the design and
construction of the extensive waterfront area. EC
d. Estuarine water access must comply with State standards for access locations. These
access areas should be studied and indicated on maps which could be incorporated into
the Land Use Plan at some time in the future. EC
e. Undertake efforts with the State Division of Coastal Management and Office of Water
Resources to obtain public trust water access assistance in funding the planning, land
acquisition and site development of these improvements. EC
f. The County and the Town both support the notion of providing a permanent mooring in
the area to provide safe and efficient docking and boat storage opportunities to local
residents. EC
C12. Land use trends and management policies related to future growth:
The overall land use trends forecasted for the future include: continuing urban land
development and clearing activities in and around the Town, continued emphasis on
agricultural use of land in the County and increasing pressures for waterfront
residential development and recreational activities in both communities.
a. Employ the Land Classification Map as a means of selecting and designating appropriate
areas of each community for future commercial, industrial and other economic
development land uses. EC
b. Participate in the extension of infrastructure into the developing areas as necessary and
financially feasible. EC
C. Utilize the Land Classification Map at the Planning Board level for each locality to guide
growth -related land use decisions in areas most conducive to commercial and industrial
development, while employing the Map to discourage intensive economic development
activities in remote areas of the community which are not currently served by adequate
public facilities and public access. EC
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d. Explore the community's support for the designation of a formal greenbelt system around
the Town designed to serve as a symbolic and functional growth management tool. EC
e. Continue the use of zoning controls in the Town and extra -territorial areas as a
mechanism to select, designate, and reserve optimal economic development sites for future
industry and commerce. E
f. Continue to strengthen and utilize zoning practices in the Town to establish appropriate
controls for the location, density and standards for future residential development. E
g. Continue to support and amend existing subdivision ordinance provisions so as to
preserve the rural character of the community's outlying areas and to prevent to platting
of small lot frontages along the County's limited number of public roads. C
h. Through the continued implementation and refinement of the existing zoning and
subdivision ordinances, insure that future growth pressures do not overwhelm the needs
of the agricultural community. EC
i. The community will be pro -active in pursuing State and federal assistance and other
methods of funding to be utilized for revitalization and other improvements as deemed
appropriate. EC
j. Coordinate with NCDOT to ensure that roads and streets in the community are
adequately maintained and upgraded in a fashion consistent with the existing zoning
ordinances of the Town and the County, respectively and the 1998 Land Use Plan's land
use objectives. EC
k. Revise the Town's Unified Development Ordinance where appropriate to achieve
compatibility with the recommendations contained in the Land Use Plan. E
1. Study the feasibility of a limited County Unified Development Ordinance, which
would place its primary emphasis on protecting prime agricultural lands and directing
high density development into areas which do not require major public expenditures for
roads and infrastructure. C
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M. Continue to develop a unified approach for parking facilities and the management
thereof in the Downtown area. E
n. Develop and implement a master plan for sidewalks and pedestrian walkways in the
Town. E
o. Enforce property maintenance and zoning regulations to ensure the continued viability
and quality of all property within the Town and County. EC
p. Work with property owners and subdividers to encourage cluster forms of residential
development to ensure that the capacity and character of the County's public road
frontages are maintained. C
q. Depending upon water availability and septic capability, subdivisions may develop
outside of the currently developed areas served by public utilities. C
r. The location and intensity of commercial uses should be guided by the availability of
public services, accessibility and be in compliance with development standards. EC
S. Initiate an inter jurisdictional entrance corridor planning study to protect and improve
the major entrance corridors into the Town and the County, recognizing that the visual
quality and function of these entrances transcend jurisdictional boundaries. EC
t. Establish formal design guidelines to establish the master plan for development for
undeveloped and redeveloped parcels along the highway rights -of -way and adjacent
lands. E
U. Investigate the feasibility of developing a comprehensive plan to provide a community -
wide framework for establishing the location, type, scale and distribution of land uses
throughout the Town and the ETJ. E
V. Promote the development of bikepaths in the Town and along major thoroughfares in the
County and coordinate path development with the design strategy of the planned
greenbelt system. EC
W. Explore the possibilities of providing more recreational facilities (ie. ballfields, jogging
trails, etc.) in the northern portion of the County. C
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D. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY AND
EVACUATION PLANS
Storm hazard mitigation policies for Edenton and Chowan are a mandatory
requirement of the Coastal Area Management Act and are included in the 1998 Land
Use Plan. As related to contemporary land use issues in the planning area, CAMA's
primary aim in establishing these policies is to ensure that the community government
fully recognizes the need to promulgate reasonable guidelines for land development so
that the risk of damage to property and the threat of harm to human life from coastal
storms is kept to a minimum.
The purpose of this section of policies is to address issues and concerns relating to the
potentially damaging effects of hurricanes or major coastal storms. As stated in the
1991 plans of both Edenton and Chowan County, hurricanes or tropical storms pose a
potential threat to the health and safety of its citizens. Damage from high winds,
flooding in low-lying areas, and to some degree, erosion along some sections of the
Albemarle Sound and Chowan River shoreline, are some of the potential adverse
effects which need to be considered. These elements could affect both property and
infrastructure.
It should be noted that many elements addressed in this section are included in the
Chowan County Hurricane Evacuation Plan, which was originally adopted in June,
1978 and has been periodically updated. The following section provides a brief
summary of how elements of a major storm event may affect Chowan County.
D1. Effects of a Coastal Storm
High Winds
High winds are major determinants of a hurricane. By definition a hurricane is a
tropical disturbance with sustained winds of at least 73 miles per hour. Extreme
hurricanes can have winds up to 165 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 200 miles per
hour. These winds circulate around the eye, or center, of the storm, generally, over
open water.
As the hurricane moves inland, although the friction or impact of the winds striking
land causes dissipation of the full force, there is still a tremendous amount of energy
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left. This intensified wind energy causes damage to buildings, overturns mobile
homes, fells trees and power lines, and destroys crops. Tornadoes can often be
spawned by a hurricane's size and power. In the event of a major storm moving as far
inland as Chowan County, it is likely that all of the County would be subject to the
same wind velocity.
Flooding
Flooding, on the other hand, may not affect all areas of Chowan County with equal
rigor. The excessive amounts of rainfall and the storm surge which often accompany
hurricanes can cause massive coastal and river line flooding which could result in
excessive property damage and deaths by drowning (more deaths are caused by
drowning than any other cause in hurricanes). Flooding is particularly a problem in
oceanfront coastal areas because of the storm surge in low-lying areas.
Chowan County, although relatively inland, could be affected by a storm surge under
intense conditions. The Eastern N.C. Hurricane Study indicated that under Level 5
conditions, a water storm surge could be as high as 7.4 feet in Edenton and 8.2 feet at
Arrowhead Beach. A significant amount of the County's jurisdiction is located in the
100-year flood plain. FEMA maps show that the Zone A flood plain extends to land
area adjacent to the Chowan and Yeopim Rivers and the Albemarle Sound and the
creeks and streams which feed into the rivers. Most of the land area is vacant.
However, the high hazard flood area extends in finger -like protrusions adjacent to and
encompassing a significant amount of developed area, including some platted lots. In
the event of a major storm, these areas are the ones most susceptible to damage from
flooding. This is especially true for the Reedy Creek area, Harris Landing, and lands
adjacent to Pollock's swamp, and Rockyhock Creek.
Wave Action
Damage from wave action is connected very closely to the storm surge,( i.e., wind
driven water with high waves moving to vulnerable shoreline areas). Areas most likely
to be affected are ocean erodible areas and estuarine shoreline areas. There are no
ocean erodible areas in Chowan County, but there are extensive estuarine shoreline
areas (75 feet inland from the mean high water mark of estuarine waters) in the
County. However, wave action damage would have the most significant impact along
the Albemarle Sound shoreline. As the existing land use maps prepared by the
Division of Coastal Management clearly indicate, there is a significant amount of
residential development in or near the estuarine shoreline area. Wave action can cause
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erosion as well as push possible flood waters to areas not reached by the storm surge
itself. The estuarine shoreline along Chowari s river line shores, (i.e., the Chowan and a
portion of the Yeopim), are generally sufficiently inland from a open coast so that the
wave energy is dispersed and diffracted, mainly by the proximity to forested areas.
Erosion
The final major consideration in storm hazard mitigation is severe erosion, caused by
high winds, high water and heavy wave action. Again, in Chowan County, the area
most susceptible to storm -related erosion is the estuarine shoreline AEC along the
Albemarle Sound from Queen Anne Creek south to Hornblower Point, and from the
Yeopim River southwest to the NC Route 32 Bridge, and from Pembroke Creek south
of Edenton to the Chowan River up to the US Route 17 Bridge. North of the US Route
17 Bridge, along the banks of the Chowan River, erosion has historically not been as
severe. This is essentially the same area potentially affected by the action of damaging
waves and described above. Shoreline erosion could lead to loss of property through
portions of waterfront lots being washed into the Sound or even actual structural
damage to buildings. Erosion potential is an important factor to consider in developing
storm hazard mitigation policies.
D2. Composite Hazards
Several "Composite -Hazards' must be taken under consideration for the entire
County. (The Division of Coastal Management has a map available upon request
identifying these areas). As noted in the previous discussion, the entire area would be
subject to high winds. Flooding, on the other hand, would have a more intense affect
on those low-lying areas identified as being located in the 100-year flood plain and
other areas under extreme conditions. The 100-year flood plain is shown on the
composite hazards map. Also shown is an area which might be susceptible to minor
erosion.
D3. Land Use Inventory
A comparison of the existing land use map with the composite hazards map indicates
that there are a number of lots or parcels located within the 100-year flood plain
outside of the Town limits. Some of these lots are developed with residential uses,
while a few contain commercial establishments. Most, especially in the southwest and
northwest areas of the County, consist of large wooded vacant parcels with only a
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portion of the area located within the flood plain. The area subject to potential minor
erosion problems consists mostly of undeveloped property along the Albemarle Sound
and Chowan River shoreline.
In terms of risk, agairi more areas are subject to potential flooding than problems from
erosion.
D4. Policies for Storm Hazard Mitigation
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the effects of a hurricane or
other major storm, Edenton, as part of Chowan County, is subject to all plans, policies
and procedures related to storm hazard mitigation discussed below.
High Winds
Chowan County will continue to support and enforce the N.C. State Building Code,
particularly requirements of construction standards to meet wind -resistive factors such as
design wind velocity. The County also supports provisions in the state Building Code requiring
tie -downs for mobile home, which help resist wind damage. EC
Flooding
Chowan County is supportive of the hazard mitigation elements of the National Flood Insurance
Program as contained in the County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Chowan County
has participated in the regular phase of the insurance program since 1985. The County also
supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 Wetlands development permit processes
in areas potentially susceptible to flooding. There are also special provisions in the subdivision
ordinance relative to development densities and setbacks for water front development. EC
Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion
Chowan County supports the CAMA development permit process for estuarine shoreline areas
and the requisite development standards which encourage both shoreline stabilization and
facilitation of proper drainage. EC
D5. Policies related to discouraging development in Most Hazardous Areas
In order to discourage development in the planning jurisdiction's most hazardous
areas, the following policies are set forth:
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a. The community will continue to discourage development, especially high density or large
structures, in its most hazardous areas. EC
b. The community remains supportive of CAMA permitting processes for development
standards for shoreline stabilization and drainage along the community's estuarine
shoreline areas. EC
C. The community utilizes existing Land Use regulations supportive of and complementary
to State and Federal policies related to Most Hazardous Areas. EC
d. The community utilizes the existing Land Use Ordinance which requires location of new
development in accordance with the requirements and limitations set forth in local, State
and federal regulations as they apply to natural hazard areas. E
D6. Policies related to land acquisition in Most Hazardous areas
Neither the County or the Town, at this time, intends to commit local funds to
implement any widespread public acquisition of land in the Most Hazardous Areas.
Certain areas may be deemed appropriate for purchase where specific circumstances
dictate.
D7. Policies related to citizen evacuation (EC)
a. The Town and County continue to follow the Hurricane Evacuation Plan which outlines
extensive procedures for efficient and safe evacuation of residents.
b. Both jurisdictions support limited development density in Most Hazardous Areas so as to
decrease the number of people needing to be evacuated.
C. The location and form of new development must fit within the framework of the existing
subdivision and zoning documents in each jurisdiction.
d. The evacuation plan encourages the adequate planning, development and use of motels,
schools and other large-scale structures for adequate and sufficient emergency shelter for
residents.
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D8. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
Both Edenton and Chowan County recognize that in the event of a major storm it will
be very important to have, at a minimum, a general recovery and reconstruction plan.
However, it should be noted that Edenton provides a number of emergency services,
including disaster management in coordination with the County. These services are
coordinated by a full-time Emergency Services Coordinator. The County has a
comprehensive "Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan," with a number of very well
detailed sub plans, or "Annexes." For example, "Annex F" provides a detailed
Damage Assessment Plan, whereas "Annex G" details the Disaster Assistance Center
Plan. All of the sub plans detail clearly the actions and steps to be taken in the event of
an emergency, the officials and responsible personnel involved, as well as the lines of
responsibility. All of the actions are coordinated between the Town and the County.
Although many elements of "Post -Disaster Recovery" are already addressed in existing
plans, some useful issues are not addressed. This edition of the Land Use Pan Update
will address these issues.
Appointment of a "Post -Disaster Recovery Team"
Prior to a major storm having landfall in the vicinity of Edenton and Chowan County,
when evacuation orders are issued, the evacuation "Control Group," as identified in
the Evacuation Plan, shall appoint a "Post -Disaster Recovery Team." This team shall
consist of all those listed below:
1). Chowan County Manager - Group Chief
2). Town of Edenton City Manager - Assistant Group Chief
3). Sheriff
4). Director of Social Services
5). Superintendent of Schools
6). County Health Director
7). County Finance Director
8). Chief Warning Service
9). County Fire Marshall
10). County Public Information Officer
11). Chief of Rescue Service
12). State Highway Patrol Liaison Officer
13). Red Cross Liaison Officer
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The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator will serve as the Team Leader and will be
responsible to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. The base of operation will
be the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) identified in the County Evacuation Plan.
In addition to immediate Clean -Up and Debris Removal Coordination, the Disaster
Recovery Team will be responsible for the following:
1). Establishing an overall restoration schedule.
2). Setting restoration priorities.
3). Determining requirements for outside assistance and requesting such assistance
when beyond local capabilities.
4). Keeping the appropriate County and State officials informed.
5). Keeping the public informed.
6). Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken and expenditures and
obligations incurred.
7). Recommending to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to activate the
local "state of emergency" ordinance if warranted.
8). Commencing and coordinating cleanups, debris removal and utility restoration
which would include coordination of restoration activities undertaken by private
utility companies.
9). Coordinating repair and restoration of essential public facilities and services in
accordance with determined priorities.
10). Assisting private businesses and individual property owners in obtaining
information on the various types of assistance that might be available to them from
federal and State agencies.
D9. Long Term Recovery/Restoration
The Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for overseeing the orderly
implementation of the reconstruction process after a major storm or hurricane in
accordance with the County's policies.
Damage Assessment
Damage assessments will be necessary to determine as quickly as possible a realistic
estimate of the amount of damage cause by a hurricane or major storm. Information
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such as the number of structures damaged, the magnitude of damage, and the
estimated total dollar loss will need to be developed.
As stated previously, Chowan County and Edenton already have a detailed "Damage
Assessment Plan" which was prepared in accordance with guidelines provided by the
N.C. Division of Emergency Management. In the Plan, certain personnel are assigned
to the Damage Assessment Sections (DAS), broken down further into two Damage
Assessment Teams (one for private property and one for public property). The damage
assessment activities are to be coordinated by the Chowan County Tax Supervisor, who
serves as the Damage Assessment Officer.
As soon as safety conditions permit, the DAS personnel are to be notified to report to
the County Emergency Operations Center, where they will receive their assignments
and necessary supplies, (i.e. standard forms, maps, etc). Written reports are to be
provided to the EOC. The damage assessments will continue until all suspect areas are
covered, even after the arrival of federal and State assistance.
Also, the Plan includes a Damage Assessment Guide, which provides a rule -of -thumb
for estimating damages to real property and placing the damage in one of the four
categories below:
Minor Damage Habitable,10% Damage
Impact damage, mostly exterior surface, broken glass, minor roof damage, some shingle loss or
flood water mark not much above floor line.
Minor Damage Uninhabitable, 30% Damage
Impact damage to exterior wall or walls creating openings, portion of roof open to attic, some
interior damage or flood water mark up to 3 feet above floor line.
Major Damage Uninhabitable, 70% Damage
Impact damage is extensive to exterior and interior walls, portions of roof and/or walls destroyed
or flood water mark 3 to 6 feet above floor line.
Destroyed Uninhabitable,100% Damage
Impact damage has destroyed most of structure, roof gone, most walls destroyed or flood water
mark 8 feet above floor line.
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The total estimated dollar value of damages will be summarized and reported to the
Disaster Recovery Team Leader for transmittal to appropriate Sate and/or federal
officials.
Reconstruction Development Standards
Generally, reconstruction shall be held at least to the same standards as were in place
before the storm. However, developed structures which were destroyed and which did
not conform to the County's storm hazard mitigation policies, (i.e., with basic measures
to reduce damage by high winds, flooding, wave action or erosion), must be
redeveloped according to those policies. Non -conforming uses in area subject to the
Town Zoning Ordinance will comply with provisions of the Ordinance. In the event
the loss of property containing shoreline structures is substantial enough to prohibit the
reissuing of a septic tank permit, the County will support the relocation of construction,
or no reconstruction at all. To the extent feasible, when relocation is required, such
relocation will be placed in less hazardous areas.
Building permits to restore destroyed or damaged structures, which were built in
conformance with the State Building Code and County storm hazard mitigation
policies (including the Subdivision Regulations and, where applicable, the Town
Zoning Ordinance), shall be issued automatically. All structures suffering major
damage will be repaired according to the State Building Code. All structures suffering
minor damage, regardless of location, will be allowed to be rebuilt to the original
condition prior to the storm.
Development Moratoria
Residents shall be allowed to proceed with redevelopment and reconstruction as soon
as practical and in accordance with the various levels of State an federal disaster relief
provided to them. Damage to the properties in some areas of Edenton indicate that
they have a higher susceptibility to storm damage than others. If Edenton determines
that some areas are more vulnerable to storm damage than others, then a development
moratorium, prohibiting all redevelopment for a specified period of time may be put in
place. This will allow time to asses previous damage mitigation policies for the
effectiveness and possible modification.
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Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
The following schedule of activities and time frame are proposed with the realistic idea
that may factors of a hurricane may render the schedule infeasible.
Activity Time Frame
Complete and report damage
Begin repairs to critical utilities
and facilities.
Permitting or reconstruction
activities for all damaged
structures
2 weeks after storm assessments.
As soon as possible after storm
Two weeks after damage
assessments are complete
("minor" to pre -storm original status, "major" to State building code and hazard mitigation
standards.
Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities
If water lines or any components of the water system are damaged and it is determined
that the facilities can be relocated to a less hazardous location, then they will be
relocated during reconstruction. Damage to other utilities, such as electric lines or
telephone lines, will be the responsibility of the appropriate private utility company.
D10. Hurricane Evacuation Plan
Edenton and Chowan County, as stated previously, have an official "Hurricane
Evacuation Plan" which was adopted in June,1978 and has been updated periodically.
A review of this plan indicates that it is generally adequate for the Town's and
County's needs. The plan indicates a projected evacuation time of from 6 to 8 hours,
which is adequate within the National Weather Service warning system guidelines.
The Hurricane Evacuation Plan involves a number of County and Town of Edenton
personnel and local agencies, with varying specific duties and responsibilities. There
are eight shelter locations throughout the county, mostly in school facilities. During
past storm threats, people did come to the shelter, although there were no required
evacuations. However, since there are no "stocked shelters," residents are encouraged
to bring food to the shelter site.
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D11. Re -Entry
Factors regarding reentry are also included in the Hurricane Evacuation Plan. Because
of the possibility of fallen power lines or telephone lines, reentry will be closely
coordinated with the appropriate private utility companies. The Edenton and Chowan
County Plan has been reviewed by the North Carolina Division of Emergency
management and meets the agency's approval.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Public participation has provided the cornerstone for the 1998 Plan Update. The
Planning Boards of both Chowan County and the Town of Edenton believe that the
greatest value of citizen participation in the planning process is that it allows each
member of the community the opportunity to influence governmental decision -making.
In order for the 1998 Land Use Plan Update to be an effective policy document, it must
accurately represent the ideas, attitudes and concerns of the residents. By preparing a
Land Use Plan Update which is integrally tied to its precedent goals, objectives and
policies, the old adage that "a locality can be no better than it aspires to be" is
underscored.
In this regard, an intelligent and comprehensive land use plan cannot be structured
without the direction of the locality's vision for its future. Both Planning Boards have
recognized that this vision must come from the residents of Edenton and. Chowan. To
achieve this end, at the outset of the planning process, the Planning Boards agreed to a
general public participation strategy designed to help the community achieve this
essential representation of its citizens. The specific elements of this strategy are
outlined in detail in Chapter IX.
F. Inapplicable CAMA Policy Issues
Fl. Industrial Impact on Fragile Areas
Due to the location of existing industrial sites away from fragile environmental areas,
there are no concerns regarding their safety at this time.
F2. Mineral production areas.
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There are no existing or potential mineral production areas within the Town or County;
therefore, no policy is needed.
F3. Off -road vehicles
The use of off -road vehicles and their impact on the environment is normally applicable
within CAMA regulations to beach locations, and therefore, is not an issue in the
planning jurisdiction.
F4. Peat and Phosphate Mining
There are no known peat or phosphate mining sites inside the planning jurisdiction;
therefore, no policy is needed.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
As was first introduced in Chapter II: Goals and Objectives, the Land Use Plan is
fundamentally tied to its precedent goals, objectives and planning policies. However,
the true measure of success of a land use plan is best reflected in the ability of a locality
to implement the policies outlined in the plan in order to make the community "vision'
a reality. The real challenge for both Edenton and Chowan County lies in confronting
budgetary, staffing, political and time constraints with regard to implementing the
established planning policies. Many communities find that when the "rubber meets the
road," the loftiest planning goals, policies and objectives are often left on the shelf. The
1998 Land Use Plan attempts to overcome this common problem by avoiding "pie -in -
the -sky" goals and objectives, and establishing a logical step-by-step progression in
which "goals begat objectives which begat policies which begat actions." In developing
the Land Use Plan, the Consultant, the Town and County Staffs and the Joint Planning
Board took great care to ensure that the planning process proceeded along this rational
line and that all adopted future land use recommendations were founded on a firm
social, economic, moral and legal underpinning.
The adoption of the Land Use Plan serves as only one element of a continuous growth
management process for the Town of Edenton and Chowan County. In pursuit of a
"growth by design" policy, land use implementation responsibilities must be
intelligently shouldered by both the public and private sectors alike. This process must
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be carefully orchestrated over an extended timeframe inasmuch as development occurs
incrementally. The Land Use Plan serves as the urban design framework upon which
relevant future land use decisions are based. It provides a vision for the future
development of the Town and protection of the rural nature of the County. Its
implementation must be directed by growth management tools —zoning and
subdivision ordinances, design guidelines, etc.— which are fully integrated into this
vision. The concept of linkage between the Plan and those tools has been a dominant
theme in this Plan.
In many cases, the recommended planning policies listed in the sections above are
action specific and therefore, require no additional planning action to guide future
implementation. However, several policies imply an additional recommended action
that is not specifically spelled out above. In order to address these policy issues, the
following section provides specific implementation measures recommended to set the
adopted policy into action.
GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
After developing the preceding set of policies, the Joint Planning Board outlined a
recommended implementation schedule. Since the implementation of some of these
policies involve the approval, and allocation of public funding, continued policy and
scheduling refinements will be required. This may include the elimination of some
implementation objectives. Further, certain implementation tasks and strategies
include continued actions for which no specific timeframe for execution is required for
adoption. The following list takes both of these conditions into account and is intended
to serve as a genera "to do' list in the spirit of implementing policy directives.
• Develop an Urban Design Manual for the Town of Edenton. E
• Place areas designated by the Land Use Classification Map for Conservation
in the Resource Zone. E
• Enforce more stringent design and drainage requirements for development
proposals. EC
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• Publicize and enforce marina and dock requirements. EC
• Assist channel maintenance by providing dredge spoil disposal sites,
applying for necessary permits, and pursuing financial assistance. EC
• Require Federal 404 wetlands permits before issuing Town building permits.
E
• With CAMA's help, set up citizen work shops designed_ to interact with
residents to: EC
• open lines of communication
• establish dialogue concerning history and past experiences
• share research about both the local area and research in other areas
• Create a comprehensive strategy for raising the funds necessary to
implement dredging, channel maintenance, etc. EC
• Develop a detailed plan for procuring CAMA and other State funding, as
well as Federal grants. EC
• Adopt an annexation ordinance which spells out strategies for voluntary and
involuntary annexation. E
• Identify the historic district in the Downtown area and adopt an historic
district ordinance to regulate development, redevelopment and demolition in
the area. E
• Adopt a formal street improvement plan which includes a survey of problem
areas, a rank future projects based on need, and which identifies available
funds. E
• Support public education workshop on motorist safety, neighborhood safety
EC
• Identify landmarks with plaques or other markers. EC
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• Update the Towns 100-year flood plain map. E
• Educate the community on the value and significance of natural resources.
EC
EDENTON UDO RECOMMENDATIONS
The Edenton Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was initially adopted in
November 1989, and was amended only a few times thereafter. While a revision of the
scope of the UDO is not required in order to implement the provisions of the 1998 Land
Use Plan within the Town, there are several changes that are necessary to accomplish
the goals and strategies set forth in the Plan. This section highlights the specific
recommendations which should be incorporated into an update of the UDO. Following
the adoption of the Plan, the Town Planning Board and the Town Manager shall
establish detailed priorities and schedules for the preparation and adoption of these
recommendations. E
• Require all development proposals to include a map and design for drainage
• When a rezoning occurs, the newly adopted zoning classification should be
appropriate and consistent with the Land Use Plan regarding the allowable
uses and development standards for the area in question.
• Adopt two new zoning districts to govern the development of shopping
centers and "strip" commercial development.
• Adopt upgraded application requirements and design review guidelines for
Conditional Use District rezonings applications.
• Adopt updated landscape and screening standards for commercial
development.
• Adopt requirements and guidelines for traffic impact assessments, fiscal
impact assessments and environmental performance standards for large scale
or "big box" commercial development proposals.
• Adopt updated application requirements and standards for major site plans.
While revision to the UDO will effectuate the implementation of the Land Use Plans
objectives within Edenton, true influence over future development cannot be realized
without changes to the subdivision ordinances in both Edenton and Chowan County.
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SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
In' Edenton, the subdivision ordinance is an integral component of the Town's UDO
(Article IV, sec. II). To fully realized the goals set forth by the Town staff, elected
officials and community at large during the course of the planning process, it is
recommended that Article IV, sec. II of the Town's UDO be amended to address the
policies related to subdivision of land set forth in the 1998 Land Use Plan.
Unlike Edenton, Chowan County has not developed a zoning ordinance to direct future
growth inside its boundaries. The County's only land use control is the Subdivision
Ordinance which was adopted in September, 1989. New visions for future growth in
Edenton and Chowan County have been articulated as a result of the process utilized to
develop the 1998 Land Use Plan Update. As a result, it is felt that while a rewriting of
the Chowan County Subdivision Ordinance is not necessary, it is highly recommended
that the County strengthen its provisions for the subdivision of land.
The following recommendations shall apply to both the Town and the County as the
jurisdictions set out to make the necessary changes to their respective subdivision
ordinances which will implement the goals and objectives set forth in the 1998 Land
Use Plan Update.
• Incorporate greater detail on design standards for both public and private
streets as well as conditions relating to when other public improvements
(such as sidewalks and curb and gutter) would be required. EC
• Incorporate language to protect environmentally sensitive areas identified in
the Plan (those being susceptible to flooding and other hazards and fires,
areas of special biological and resource significance, areas of special cultural
significance and the like). EC
Ideally, revisions to both Town and County subdivision ordinances would be
undertaken cooperatively between both jurisdictions. Growth pressures will bear
down on both jurisdictions in the future as demands for land and public services
increase. It would be to the benefit of the entire community if consensus could be
reached and a unified effort undertaken to channel growth in a positive manner
through solid guidance set forth in complementary subdivision ordinances for Edenton
and Chowan County.
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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Capital Improvements are new or expanded physical facilities for the community that
are typically large size, are relatively expensive and are permanent in nature.
Examples relating to the Land Use Plan recommendations are street and sidewalk
improvements, public buildings and park improvements. The Town should
incorporate these implementation strategies into the CIP review process, and when the
appropriate funds become available, these initiatives should be included in the formal
consideration of future projects by the County Board of Commissioners.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
The development of the 1998 Land Use Plan is evidence that the concept of
"regionalism" in planning is supported by Edenton and Chowan County. Regional
approaches to schools, libraries, parks and recreation programs, transportation
improvements, storm hazard mitigation, emergency management and other public
services have been successfully orchestrated and implemented by and between the
Town and the County. To effectively implement the policies set forth in this plan,
continued cooperation between the two jurisdictions is essential. In the coming years
inter -jurisdictional cooperation will need to focus intensively on environmental,
transportation and growth management issues. It is with this cooperation that the
community vision will come to be realized.
Throughout the development of this Plan, continuous efforts were made to make the
adopted policies and regulations consistent with the regulations of nearby planning
jurisdictions and the requirements of State and Federal governing agencies. A number
of State, County and Federal agencies were contacted during the Plan Development
program, including NCDOT, the Coastal Resources Commission, the North Carolina
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Office
of State Planning and the N. C. State Data Center. The implementation of this plan will
also consider compatibility and consistency with these governmental bodies. The
Public Participation Plan in Chapter IX. Appendix provides a detailed account of
coordinating activities with local and State officials in the making of this land use plan
update.
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It is hoped that these local, State and Federal regulatory agencies will find the adopted
Land Use Plan useful for providing the following information:
1. Consistency and coordination between local land use policies and those of the
State of North Carolina;
2. A guide for public investment, by assisting local and State government to know
in advance the need for parks, schools, highways, etc.;
3. A general framework for budgeting and planning for the expansion and
construction of community facilities, including schools, roads and sewers; and
4. Enabling the Town and the County to effectively "guide' growth and
development to areas best suited to service their needs.
SCHEDULE FOR POLICY IMPLEMENTATION BY LOCAL OFFICIALS
The citizens, community Staffs, and appointed and elected officials of Edenton and
Chowan County shall be responsible for outlining a detailed schedule for the
implementation of the policies contained in the 1998 Land Use Plan Update. This
scheduling effort shall be completed within the same timeframe as the adoption of the
upcoming fiscal budget. It is suggested that the staff and officials adopt a phasing
strategy when developing the implementation schedule which will assist them in
prioritizing initiatives and focus on the long-range goals of the community.
Phase I: Six months - two years after Plan adoption
• Update the Towns Unified Development Ordinance.
• Develop the Town's new urban design manual.
• Hold citizen workshops to educate community on a variety of issues. EC
• Update the County subdivision ordinance. C
• Undertake plans and feasibility studies for mid- to long-range goals. EC
• Prepare and adopt a Comprehensive Plan for Edenton and its ETJ.
• Prepare and adopt Corridor Design Guidelines for Edenton and its ETJ.
• Prepare a Market and Economic Impact Study for future commercial and
economic development in Edenton and the surrounding region.
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Chapter VIII.
LAND CLAsSIFICATioN SYSTEM
Ile Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter VIII:
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The Land Classification Map (LCM) is based upon the Land Classification System
(LCS) outlined by the DCM. In its simplest form, this map attempts to visually portray
the community's "vision for the future." The LCM is developed via an extensive study
process during which the physical, social, economic and environmental realities of the
two jurisdictions are carefully examined. The LCM graphically outlines and assigns
recommended land use classifications to individual geographical areas throughout the
Town and the County. Given their disparate land use planning needs, separate Land
Classification Maps have been developed for the Town and the County (The Land
Classification Maps are included in Appendix V). There is, however, a visible interface
where the Towri s boundaries meet the County. The land located at the perimeter of
the Town's limits is largely residential by nature. Within the Towri s extra territorial
jurisdiction, the land is mainly rural with services and some residential development.
As indicated by the 1998 LCM, there is a plan for limited transition and rural with
services in the undeveloped areas within the Towri s limits and extra territorial
jurisdiction that links with similar identified areas in the surrounding County lands. A
narrative summary of the Iand classification boundaries for each jurisdiction has been
included at the conclusion of this chapter.
Both maps are intended to serve as general guidelines to assist the Planning Boards in
implementing the adopted Land Use Plan's policies and strategies. In theory, the LCS
is one which:
1. Best accommodates the community's land use goals, objectives and policies;
2. Is capable of implementation within the context of satisfying both (a) the demands of
the marketplace and (b) the ability of the locality to responsibly supply municipal
service and infrastructure,
3. Provides positive community benefits with the least negative impact on the existing
physical, social, political and economic environment,
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
4. Satisfies the regulatory requirements of the State's Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA); and
5. Resolves the input of local citizens via the adoption of the LCS map by the respective
Planning Boards.
By graphically delineating specific land use classifications, each Planning Board is able
to apply the most appropriate planning policies to specific geographical areas within
the Town and County, respectively. Thus, the map is to be employed by the Joint
Planning Boards to provide thoughtful guidance to future land use activities and
development based on its commonly held "vision," as defined by this Land Use Plan.
Put simply, it allows citizens to see where specific policies (local, state and federal) will
apply. The North Carolina CAMA regulations state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local governments to
identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes allows the local
government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to what density they
want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources by
guiding growth." (7B.0213)(e).
The LCS is intended to be supported, complemented and implemented by growth
management "tools" which are potentially available to both localities via State enabling
legislation. These "tools" include zoning, subdivision, environmental controls and
other locally -adopted growth management mechanisms which serve to implement
local, State and Federal laws. However, in the strict sense of the term, the LCS is not a
regulatory mechanism, nor is it to be construed as a zoning map. To further clarify its
intent, the local government should describe how land classification is linked to policy.
Under the CAMA enabling statutes, the Land Classification System may include seven
separate land use classes:
1. Developed
2. Urban Transition
3. Limited Transition
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
4. Community
5. Rural
6. Rural with Services
7. Conservation
At the locality's option, the Planning Board may further subdivide these land use
classes into more specific subclasses. If this is done, the subclass must closely relate to
the precepts of the original major class. Although not all of the seven major land use
classes currently apply to both Edenton or Chowan County, each class is represented in
one or the other of the two localities. This classification system —commonly referred to
as the 7-Tiered System —provides a clear, uniform process by which the local officials
and citizens can best make decisions concerning future land development and
environmental issues.
In assessing the optimal organization of the Land Classification System, the planning
process sought to focus on the statutory requirements of the Coastal Area Management
Act, which states that the classification should "give particular attention to how, where
and when development of certain types and intensity will be encouraged or
discouraged." (7B.0213)(c) For example, CAMA recommends that:
"Local governments may make some distinction between Urban Transition areas, which
are intended to reflect intensely developing areas with the full range of urban services to
be supplied, and Limited Transition areas that are less intensely developed, may have
private services and are frequently located in a rural landscape." (7B.0213)(d)
"Urban land uses and higher intensity uses which presently require the traditional urban
services should be directed to lands classified as Developed. Areas developing or
anticipated to develop at urban densities which will eventually require urban services
should be directed to lands classified as Transition. Low density development in
settlements which will not require sewer services should be directed to areas classified as
Community. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other similar low intensity
uses and very low density residential uses should be directed to lands classified Rural.
Generally, public or private water or sewer systems will not be provided in areas
classified rural as an incentive for intense development." ((7B.0213)(e)
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
With respect to the Land Classification Maps for Edenton and Chowan, the seven land
use categories are defined, as follows:
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
1. DEVELOPED
A. Purpose:
As defined by CAMA, 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 of the Town and County 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. Land designated as urban in character includes mixed land uses such as
residential, commercial, industrial and other uses at high to moderate densities. Public
services include water, sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire
protection. In some instances a Developed area may not have all the traditional urban
services in place, but if it otherwise has a "developed" character and is scheduled for
the timely provision of these services, it still meets the intent of the Developed
classification. Areas developed for predominantly residential purposes meet the intent
of this classification if they exhibit:
• a density of 3 or more dwellings per acre; or
• a majority of lots of 15,000 square feet or less, which are provided or scheduled to
be provided with the traditional urban services; or
• permanent population densities which are high and seasonal populations that may
swell significantly.
C. Discussion:
Either the Town or the County, at its option, may subdivide the Developed class into
subclasses. Developed/Multifamily residential, Developed/Single family residential,
Developed/Commercial and Developed/Industrial are examples of some
subclassifications that have been incorporated into Land Use Plans in other localities
within the region. This further refinement of the Developed class could be helpful in
future years when Edenton and Chowan elect to impose controls over the location of
certain,uses which may not be fully compatible with each other. For example, future
policies may stipulate that heavy industry and low -density residential housing should
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
not be located on adjacent parcels. In such case, then a distinction on the Land
Classification Map between Developed/industrial and Developed/single-family
residential would provide the Planning Boards with a means of more responsibly
guiding the location of these potentially incompatible land uses. Thus, in future Plans,
Town and County officials may wish to consider incorporating these classes into their
land classification system.
In separating the Developed class into future subclasses, both the Town and County
should discuss how, when and where, it will provide the services necessary to support
the unique needs of the urban area. In summary, the Developed class is designed to
illustrate urban intensity development and the public facilities and services necessary
to support it. This class should be applied to existing urban areas within Edenton and
other forms of intense development within the Extra -territorial Planning Jurisdiction
areas containing intense development requiring urban services.
2. URBAN TRANSITION
A. Purpose:
The purpose of the Urban Transition classification is to provide for future intensive
urban development on lands that are suitable and that will be provided with the
necessary urban services to support intense urban development.
B. Description and Characteristics:
City geographical areas meeting the intent of the Urban Transition classification can be
categorized as either (a) presently being developed for urban purposes or (b) planned
for development within the next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated
population and urban growth. These Urban Transition areas are in, or will be in an
evolving, or "transitional," state of development going from lower intensity uses to
higher intensity uses and, as such, will eventually require urban services to be supplied
by the Town. Examples of areas defined by CAMA as meeting the intent of this class
are lands included within municipal extra -territorial planning boundaries and areas
adjacent to Edenton being considered for annexation by the Town.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Urban Transition areas in Edenton will provide lands for intensive urban growth when
lands in the Developed class are no longer available. Urban Transition lands must be
able to support urban development by being generally free of physical limitations and
be served, or readily served, by urban services. Urban development includes mixed
land uses such as residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and other uses at or
approaching high to moderate densities. Urban services include water, sewer, streets
and roads, police and fire protection that will be made available at the time
development occurs or soon thereafter.
In choosing land for the Urban Transition class, CAMA regulations indicate that such
land should not include the following:
"Areas with severe physical limitations which would make the provision of urban services
difficult or impossible, lands which meet the definition of conservation, lands of special
value (unless no other alternative exists), such 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." (7B.0213)(2)(B)(1)
Further, CAMA stipulates 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."
Areas that are predominantly residential meet the intent of the Urban Transition class
if:
• they are approaching three dwelling units per acre, or
• a majority of the lots are 15,000 square feet or less and will be provided with
essential urban services to support this high density development, or
• are contiguous to existing developed municipal areas.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
3. LIMITED TRANSITION:
A. Purpose:
As defined by LAMA, the purpose of the Limited Transition class is to provide for
development in areas of the locality that will have some services available. These areas
are more suitable for lower densities than those associated with the Urban Transition
class, and/or are more geographically remote from existing towns and municipalities.
B. Description and Characteristics:
County areas meeting the intent of this class will experience increased development
during the current 5-year planning period. The Limited Transition areas will be in a
state of development necessitating some municipal infrastructure, facilities and/or
services. These areas typically are of modest densities and are often suitable for the
provision of closed water systems rather than individual wells.
Within the County, land areas which are as classified Limited Transition will provide
"controlled development" with services, but may not be applied on lands that are
suitable for traditional high intensity urban development normally associated with
sewers or other services. The Limited Transition lands may possess physical
limitations or be applied to environmentally sensitive areas 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 are available nearby, because the lands
are unsuitable for septic tanks or the cumulative effect of septic tanks may negatively
impact natural resources.
The Limited Transition class is intended predominantly for residential development
with densities of three units per acre or less, or in a development in which the majority
of lots encompassing at least 15,000 square feet. In many areas, lower densities may be
necessary and should be considered in this class. Clustering or development associated
with Planned Unit Development may be appropriate in the Limited Transition class.
Currently, some areas exist under this classification which contain mixed uses
including commercial, light industrial and small business. The County feels this is
appropriate within the Limited Transition areas, provided that the development meets
all other density and zoning requirements. Areas which meet the definition of the
Conservation class should not be classified Limited Transition.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
CAMA guidelines recognize that due to its very nature, the Limited Transition land
classification may be controversial because it forces the locality to "pick" between
potentially incompatible land development and conservation priorities. As such,
CAMA requires that if a local government chooses to implement this class, it shall
describe the circumstances making this classification necessary and shall also describe
how this class will help the local government achieve both its economic development
and natural resources protection policies. This discussion shall include statements as
to why lands included in this classification are appropriate for development which
necessitates the provision of services.
C. Discussion:
As sewer and other services become more available throughout Edenton and the Extra-
territorial Jurisdiction and its adjacent lands, they could potentially be extended into
service areas that are not suitable or conducive for high density urban development.
The use of such services generally increases environmental protection requirements in
these areas if the density of development remains relatively low. The Limited
Transition class is intended to provide for appropriately moderate densities of
development with the benefits of both urban services and sound environmental
protection guidelines. However, the reliability of services, such as sewage treatment
systems, is critical to the appropriate development of these areas. If the Town and its
Extra -territorial Jurisdiction intends to allow the private provision of urban services,
such as sewage systems and garbage collection, then the Town should require special
assurances that these private services will reliably protect the public resources and
avoid unnecessary public expenses.
Both the Urban Transition and Limited Transition classes are designed to illustrate
emerging and developing areas where some appropriate level of services are required.
4. COMMUNITY
A. Purpose:
The purpose of the Community Areas classification is to provide for clustered, mixed
land uses at low densities to help meet the housing, shopping, employment and other
needs in the rural areas of a locality.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
B. Description and Characteristics:
The Community 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." These communities are generally small and some are
not incorporated. 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 possible, but only to correct an existing or projected public health hazard. The
intent of this Community Areas classification would be to encourage the development
of appropriate segments of the County in a low density fashion and/or in dispersed
clusters within a larger rural landscape with very limited water and sewer services. In
some instances, this could be allowed without water and sewer service extension.
C. Discussion:
The Coastal Area Management Act stresses that the Community class applies to
clustered low intensity development in a rural landscape. This development is usually
associated with "crossroads" and "country store neighborhoods within the County."
Some Community areas may have or may require municipal -type services to avert an
existing or anticipated health problem. Even though limited services may be available,
these Community areas should not be shown in the higher intensity land classes, as the
major characteristic which distinguishes Community Areas with limited services from
the Developed and Transition classes is that services are not provided to stimulate
intense development in a rural setting, but rather to neutralize or avert health
problems. Due to the potentially small size of most community Areas, they will, if
identified, appear as small areas in a dispersed pattern on the County's Land
Classification Map. This Community classification illustrates small, dispersed
groupings of housing and commercial land uses forming "crossroad" communities in a
rural landscape.
5. RURAL
A. Purpose:
The Rural class is used to provide for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction, and
other allied uses traditionally associated with an agrarian region. Other land uses, due
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
to their noxious or hazardous nature and negative impacts on adjacent uses may also
be appropriate here if sited in a manner that minimizes their negative effect on
surrounding land uses or natural resources. Examples of such uses include energy
generating plants, refining plants, airports, landfills, sewage treatment facilities, fuel
storage tanks, and other industrial type uses. Very low density dispersed residential
uses on large lots with private on -site water and sewer are consistent with the intent of
the Rural class. Development in this class should be as compatible with resource
production as possible.
B. Description and Characteristics:
Area lands that meet the intent of the Rural classification are those presently used or
are appropriate for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction or other uses and should be
located in a relatively isolated and undeveloped area, due to the hazardous or noxious
nature of these activities. Very low density dispersed, single family residential uses are
also appropriate within rural areas where lot sizes are large and where densities do not
require the provision of urban type services. Private septic tanks and wells are the
primary on - site services available to support residential development, but fire, rescue
squad and sheriff protection may also be available. Population densities will be very
low.
C. Discussion:
The Rural class is the broadest of the seven classes and is the dominant land
classification on most county land classification maps. In the future, the Town and the
County may wish to further subdivide the Rural class into subclasses such as
Rural/Agricultural, Rural/Forestry, etc. in order to illustrate where these basic rural
activities should be maintained within the area.
6. RURAL WITH SERVICES
A. Purpose:
The Rural with Services category is designed to complement the Rural Areas category
by recognizing that limited residential development may occur without threatening the
agricultural environment with potential suburban expansion. Thus, the Rural with
Services classification is intended to provide for very low density land uses including
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
residential use where limited water services are provided in order to avert an existing
or projected health problem. It is emphasized that any and all land development
within this class should be governed to insure low intensity in order to maintain a rural
character. Rural water systems, such as those funded by the Farmers Home
Administration, are or may be appropriate in these areas due to the need to avert poor
water quality problems. However, CAMA stipulates that these systems should be
designed to serve a limited number of customers and should not serve as a catalyst for
future higher intensity development or threaten the agricultural character of the area.
B. Description and Characteristics:
Areas meeting the intent of this class would be appropriate for very low intensity
residential uses, where lot sizes are large, and where the provision of services will not
disrupt the primary rural character of the landscape. Private wells and septic tank
services may exist, but most development is supported by a closed water system.
Other services such as sheriff protection and rural or volunteer fire protection and
emergency rescue etc. may also be available.
C. Discussion:
This class is intended to be applied where the local government has provided, or
intends to provide, very limited water services to avert a known or anticipated health
problem in a predominantly larger agrarian region.
7. CONSERVATION
A. Purpose:
The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for the effective long-term
management and protection of the environmentally and agriculturally significant,
limited, and/or irreplaceable areas of Edenton and Chowan County. Land
management is needed in these areas due to the natural, cultural, agrarian, recreational,
scenic, and/or natural productive values of both local and regional concern.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
B. Description and Characteristics:
Land areas in Edenton and Chowan County meeting the intent of the Conservation
land classification include the following:
• Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's), including but not limited to public trust
waters, estuarine waters, coastal wetlands etc., as identified in 15A NCAC 7H;
• Other similar lands, environmentally significant because of their natural role in the
integrity of the coastal region, including but are not limited to wetlands identified
on Division of Coastal Management wetland maps, other wetlands, 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. Discussion:
The Conservation class is designed to illustrate the natural, productive, scenic, cultural
and recreational features of the area which make it a desirable place in which to live,
work, and visit. As such, the Conservation class should be applied to areas that
because of their unique, productive, limited, cultural or natural features should be
either not be developed at all (preserved), or if developed, done so in a extremely
limited and cautious fashion. At a minimum, all AEC's, as defined in 15A NCAC 7H,
should be included in this class and the Land Use Plan should so state their inclusion.
The local government is strongly urged to include similar areas protected by either
other state or federal agencies. such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' designation
of "404 wetlands."
As AEC's should be included in the conservation class, the local government should
acknowledge the distinctions among the various uses the Coastal Management
Program permits within each AEC group. Edenton and Chowan County fully supports
existing State and Federal legislation which regulates growth and development within
specified conservation areas. It should be understood, however, that the local
government may develop its own more restrictive standards beyond the state's
minimum standards.
CAMA stipulates that, at a minimum, each plan should include language such as:
The Cox Company Land Classification System • VIII-13

1998 Land Use Plan Update
Edenton and Chowan County
1. Coastal Wetlands:
These areas are the most restrictive of all AEC's and very few uses are permitted therein;
the highest priority is for their preservation as they are well documented in their
contribution to the natural productivity of the coastal area.
2. Ocean Hazard AEC's
These areas include V zones and ocean erodible areas and are known for their
vulnerability to storms. Some limited areas permitted within, even though subject to
storm risks. Some development is permitted in these areas if it is well managed and
carefully sited to minimize risks to life and property.
3. Estuarine Shoreline AEC's
These areas are located adjacent to estuarine waters AEC's and are known for their
contribution to the natural productivity of the waters close by. Many uses may be
permitted as long as the 30 percent impervious rule is met and development is well
managed on individual sites to insure minimal degradation.
4. Similar Lands:
Other similar lands that are afforded some protection by another agency, such as "404
wetlands" where use and performance standards of that agency will apply.
5. Unique Lands:
Other unique lands known for their natural, scenic, historical, cultural or hazardous
nature. These areas might include areas identified by the Natural Heritage Program,
Pakistanis, savannas, tracts of native forests, undeveloped shorelines, etc. When these
areas are included in the conservation class the local government should describe the
types of uses it deems appropriate, if any, within each area and under what circumstances
those uses might be appropriate.
Urban services, either public or private, should not be provided in the Conservation
areas due to their potential nature as a catalyst to stimulate intense development. In
most cases, limited on -site services will adequately support any limited development
within the Conservation class and will also protect the very features which justify the
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
area's inclusion in the Conservation classification. Edenton and Chowan County
support CAMA AEC standards for properties located in the Conservation
classification.
CAMA emphasizes that even though AEC standards occasionally permit urban type
development on a lot -by -lot basis within the various 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 included therein.
Mapping of AEC's in the Conservation class on the local government's land
classification map should be accomplished with the understanding the AEC's are
intensively defined by their characteristics in 15A NCAC 7H, and therefore maps only
indicate approximate locations and are not definitive enough for site specific regulation
purposes. Policies outlined in Chapter VII of this Plan have been carefully and
comprehensively designed to acknowledge the intent of this classification. Policies are
consistent with the function of areas shown in the Conservation class.
Land Classification Map Boundaries
As mentioned earlier in this chapter, separate Land Classification Maps have been
developed for the Town and the County. Each of these maps was developed according
to CAMA regulations, and they both serve as valuable means of assisting in the
implementation of the local policies adopted in this Plan. CAMA regulations require
that the Plan describe the boundaries of each land classification in as much detail as
possible. (7B.0213)(a) Therefore, the following section summarizes the boundaries
designated on each locality's map.
Edenton Land Classification Map
As part of working together with the County in the formulation of this Land Use Plan,
the Joint Planning Board attempted to work together to find a common designation for
lands within the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) area. In past years, the Town
designation for property within the ETJ did not always jibe with County designations.
However, for the 1998 Plan, the Town's land use classification for these lands largely
mirrors that of the County.
1. Developed
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
The Developed classification land areas within Edenton incorporate the vast majority of
the Town and include the Central Business District and adjacent residential and
commercial areas north of Edenton Bay, east of Filberts Creek, west and east of Old
Hertford Road and north of the intersection of Oakum Street and Broad Street.
Outlying developed land includes the residential and commercial development
adjacent to N.C. 32 and west of Pembroke Creek. Also included are the existing
residential areas north and south of Albemarle Street and the industrial and
commercial area north of both sides of U.S. 17 Business. All of these areas are presently
served by water and sewer and all are within the Edenton corporate limits.
2. Urban Transition
The Urban Transition Classification for Edenton includes those areas that are suitable
for urban type development and are currently adjacent to existing water and sewer
lines or are close enough to existing utilities to make extension of utilities to designated
Urban Transition areas relatively inexpensive. Land areas included in the Urban
Transition classification include:
• All undeveloped land between Old Hertford Road and the railroad line and
along Old Hertford Road to the U.S. Route 17 North Business intersection;
• The land west of Pembroke Creek between approximately Robin Lane and the
Town limits;
• The area south of U.S. Route 17 Bypass between W. Albemarle Street and the
Conservation area, between the hospital and the offramp and north of U.S. Route
17 Business and east of Paradise Road;
• The area northwest of Paradise Road and just south of the U.S. Route 17 Bypass,
extending to the Town limits; and
• Along N.C. Highway 32 southeast of Town to the County line.
3. Limited Transition:
The Cox Company Land Classification System • VIII-16

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
The Limited Transition land classification area includes all the area adjacent to the
Town of Edenton within the ETJ along U.S. Route 17 extending towards N.C. Route
1101, along Route 32 north towards Pollock Swamp and along Route 32 south towards
the Edenton Municipal Airport. This classification also includes the Airport property
itself.
4. Conservation
The Conservation land classification area includes all estuarine waters, estuarine
shorelines and public trust waters and the Reedy Point Swamp. The 100-year flood
zone and undeveloped hydric soils along Pembroke Creek, Filberts Creek and Queen
Anne Creek are also included in the Conservation zone. For purposes of any State or
federal review of future projects in Edenton, any Conservation classification that
crosses an existing public road right-of-way is considered to start 50 feet from the
public road right-of-way as measured along any creek or waterbody. The purpose of
this consideration is to allow extension of public utilities such as water and sewer
across a Conservation classification area. All other land uses currently allowed by the
Edenton Zoning ordinance, CAMA regulations, 404 wetland regulations and Flood
Insurance Program shall be allowed in the Conservation classification.
5. Rural with Services
The Rural with Services classification includes the balance of the land within the
Town's corporate limits. This land is undeveloped and primarily rural in nature.
Chowan County Land Use Classification Map
1. Limited Transition:
The Limited Transition land classification area includes all the area adjacent to the
Town of Edenton within the ETJ along U.S. Route 17 extending to N.C. Route 1101,
along Route 32 north to Pollock Swamp and along Route 32 south to the Edenton
Municipal Airport.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Because of the potentially controversial nature of this land use category, CAMA
regulations require localities incorporating the Limited Transition land classification
into their LCM to provide a brief explanation as to why it was selected. This
classification was deemed necessary by the County Planning Board because of the
uncertainty regarding the future provision of sewer service to these areas. Although
the reliability of future services is critical to the appropriate development of these areas,
it is unlikely that sewer service will be extended by the Town to them in the current
planning period. The County will extend water service to the Edenton Municipal
Airport area, but this area will not be included in an enclosed water system. The Town
of Edenton, which owns the Airport and a sizable portion of the surrounding land, has
received a grant to put in a force water main on the site to connect to the County line in
order to facilitate the development of the planned Air Transpark. Thus, in
consideration of these factors, the County Planning Board has designated these areas as
Limited Transition as opposed to Urban Transition.
The Limited Transition classification will help Chowan County achieve both its
economic development and natural resources protection policies. As mentioned in the
Policies section of the Plan (see Chapter VII), the identification and allocation of lands
suitable for economic development uses are vitally important to the future of the
community. The areas designated as Limited Transition on the LCM represent such
suitable lands, and their future development will be critical to the successful
implementation of the economic development policies outlined in Chapter VH. Most
importantly, these sites are planned for commercial and industrial uses that will be
reliant upon the provision of services to enable the appropriate development of the
sites. The Limited Transition classification is necessary to accurately describe the level
of services planned for these areas. As stated in the CAMA regulations, the use of such
services generally increases environmental protection requirements in these areas if the
density of development remains relatively low. The Limited Transition class is
intended to provide for appropriate moderate densities of development with the
benefits of both urban services and sound environmental protection guidelines. It will
be critically important to balance the County's policy priorities for economic
development and environmental protection in the future development of these areas.
The Limited Transition classification will help the County to appropriately balance
these policy goals and objectives in the implementation of the Land Use Plan.
The Cox Company Land Classification System • VIII-18

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
2. Community
Although Edenton is the only incorporated municipality in Chowan, the County is
home to several small communities located along primary roads and at major crossroad
areas. Areas classified as "Community" in the Plan include: Macedonia, Valhalla,
Rockyhock, Smalls Crossroads, Mavaton, Hutson Corner and Byrum Crossroads. The
developing waterfront areas of Arrowhead Beach and Chowan Beach are also be
classified as "Communities." These communities are significant because within their
cluster developments, they house the vast majority of the County population residing
outside of the Town of Edenton and those areas classified as Limited Transition.
3. Conservation:
In Chowan County, those areas classified as - "Conservation' include the
environmentally sensitive areas identified as Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's).
These include the estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines and public trust waters
identified in the Policy section of the Land Use Plan in (see Chapter VII). No significant
coastal wetlands, "salt marshes" or ORW's have been identified in the County. Besides
the AEC's, the Conservation classification extends to include the areas along the
County's estuarine waterways, certain wooded swamp areas (including the area on
either side of the U.S. 17 Bridge in the southwest portion of the County and the
Significant Natural Areas whose generalized locations are shown on the map. The
primary designations of these areas are delineated for the purpose of sustaining
shoreline stability and protecting water quality and certain swamp areas from the
impending encroachment of new development.
4. Rural with Services:
The Rural with Services classification has been added to the LCM for the 1998 Land
Use Plan. This classification is used liberally in the updated map to describe areas
surrounding most "Communities", as well as along substantial portions of N.C.
Highway 32 North (between Pollock Swamp and Valhalla) and U.S. Business Route 17
west of Town. The Rural with Services designation was not added to the areas
surrounding Byrum Crossroads and Macedonia because they are located off the Route
32 corridor where public water service is most likely to become available to support
low density residential development, and therefore, the Board of Commissioners did
not want to encourage development outside of the identified Community area.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
5. Rural:
The Rural classification includes the balance of the land within in the County border.
The majority of these lands are prime agricultural or forestal lands. The County has no
plans to provide public services to these areas in the near future.
The Cox Company Land Classification System • VIII-20

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter IX:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
The Cox Company

1997 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chapter IX:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
CAMA regulations require that each Land Use Plan Update include a concise Citizen
Participation Plan, to be adopted at the beginning of the planning process. This plan
outlines the strategy each locality has employed in order to assure that all segments of
the communityhave a full and adequate opportunity to participate in all stages of plan
development The greatest value of citizen participation in the planning process is that
it allows interested members of the community the opportunity to participate in and
influence governmental decision making. In order for the 1997 Land Use Plan Update
to be fully effective, it must accurately represent the ideas, attitudes, and concerns of
the residents.
The following Public Participation Plan outlines the methodology to be used by the
Town of Edenton and the County of Chowan in their joint effort to achieve this
essential representation of its leadership and its citizens:
1. Designation of the joint Planning Board:
The respective Planning Boards of the Town and the County have been officially
designated by the Edenton Town Council, the Chowan Board of Commissioners and
the Staffs of the respective jurisdictions as the lead representatives for guiding the
development of the Land Use Plan Update. Included in this responsibility is the role of
obtaining citizen input to the planning program and integrating that information into
the land use planning process.
In this effort, the combined Planning Boards are responsible for investigating land use
issues, analyzing past community planning policies, conducting work sessions to
discuss policy options, presenting alternative goals and objectives to the citizens,
reviewing the community response to a citizens' survey and synthesizing the
community input into a consolidated set of goals, objectives and policies for adoption
into this document
The Cox Company Public Participation • IX-1

1997Land Use Plan Update
2. Policy Critique:
Edenton and Chowan County
The joint Planning Boards willbe asked to complete a "Policy Critique Questionnaire."
This document, prepared by the community's Consultant, provides a format for the
examination of and revision to the policies and implementation recommendations
made for each locality in their most recent Land Use Plans (both were adopted in 1991).
A public work session was devoted to reviewing these past. policies and making
recommendations regarding future land use policy alternatives. A copy of the policy
critique questionnaire is included in Appendix III.
3. PubIc Information Meeting;
An initial Public information meeting will be held for the purposes of reviewing and
critiquing the statements of local policy found in the Land Use Plan and the effect of
those policies on the community. During this meeting the joint Planning Board
participated in a "Visioning" session led by the Consultant. During this process, the
community leaders discussed various local, regional, State and Federal issues
impacting local resources and land uses. They also established a specific vision for
how they want their community to develop in the upcoming planning period. A
summary of this visioning process is included in Appendix H.
4. Citizen Survey:
Citizen involvement in the planning process was solicited via a "Citizen Survey"
conducted by the Town. This document allowed the residents to register their concerns
pertaining to the character, degree and pattern of population growth as well as a
variety of future land use issues within the City. The survey incorporated questions
from a questionnaire designed by the community's Consultant (a copy of which is
included in Appendix I) and was thoroughly reviewed by the Planning Boards and
community Staff prior to its distribution.
S. Work Session Public Participation Opportunities:
In most cases, the joint Planning Board reserved time on its agenda at each regular
work session to obtain citizen comments. To further insure opportunities for public
input, the joint Planning Board allocated a segment of each meeting for citizens to
provide comment on the Plan and to review working papers which may be in progress.
One such public hearing was videotaped by the Town, and a copy of the tape is
available for viewing in the Town Manager's office. The joint Planning Board feels that
The Cox Company Public Participation • ix-2

1997 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
a representative profile of the community's constituency has aided in formulating a
clear and attairible vision for the future of Edenton and Chowan County.
In an effort to reach the greatest audience, a representative from various local interest
groups was asked to regularly attend Joint Planning Board work sessions and report
back to their members. These representatives were given both the "Policy Critique
Questionnaire" and the "Citizen Survey" to distribute and/or review with their group
members.
6. Notification Methods:
During the adoption stages of the Land Use Update process, all Edenton and Chowan
County residents was provided periodic official notices that the planning process is
underway. Local news media was used to inform the public of the time and location
of the Planning Board work sessions. Official notice was also be given through
advertisements in the Chowan Herald. These notices were also be used to encourage
citizen attendance and participation in the planning process in order to provide an
avenue for the expression of their attitudes and feelings regarding land use issues in
the community. The public will be informed of when and where they may voice these
concerns.
7. Ongoing Informational Updates:
As the Land Use Plan process matured, periodic updates outlining completed and
pending tasks and policy -related decisions were made available to the citizenry for
ongoing review. Town and County Staff kept the local media posted on the progress of
the Plan and will encouraged ongoing reporting of the process. This strategy aimed at
not only informing the public on the nature of the ongoing policy implications of and
need for the Plan, but also to solicit further public response.
County and Town officials understand the great value and necessity of comprehensive
public participation in the planning process. Citizen participation was viewed as an
opportunity which continues throughout every phase of the Land Use Plan Update.
Accurate representation of the area's constituency will result in a dear and attainable
vision for the future of Edenton and Chowan County. In summary, the primary
purpose of this Public Participation component of the Plan is to inform, educate and
involve the citizens as fully as possible in matters related to land use planning in
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1997Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Edenton and Chowan County. In pursuit of this purpose, this participation process
was intended to remain flexible in format and execution, while giving every citizen the
opportunity to take part in this democratic process.
The Cox Company Public Participation 9 IX-4

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
APPENDIX I:
CITIZENS' S URVEY
The Cox Company

Land Use Plan Update Citizens' Survey Draft • July 9,1997
Citizens' Survey
1997 Land Use Plan Update
The Town of Edenton and the County of Chowan
The Edenton Town Planning Board and the Chowan County Planning Board are currently undertaking
a joint update of their Land Use Plans. The purpose of the Land Use Plan is to decide how to best
chart the character and location of future growth and land use for both the Town and the County.
This questionnaire is designed to allow you to voice your opinion about key issues. Please circle just
one number that reflects your attitude for each statement; for example, circle #5 if you strongly agree,
circle #3 if your attitude is neutral or if you are non -committed, and circle #1 'rf you strongly disagree.
The Land Use Plan must balance what is best forthe community's resources, the environment and the
maintenance of a healthy economy. An understanding of citizen needs and desires is vital to the
process of establishing goals and policies for both jurisdictions. Your input will help decide the
community's vision for the future.
You can complete this questionnaire in about ten minutes. Your answers will be held in confidence.
Your response to these questions is extremely important for the community's future. Please complete
these questions and return the survey immediately.
I. Population
1. According to the latest Census figures (released in 1990), the population of Edenton is 5,268,
while the population of Chowan County is 13,506. Population growth in the County has
increased by 25% over the past twenty years. Continued population growth should be
encouraged.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
2. There are currently adequate employment opportunities in Edenton and Chowan County for its
residents.
3
4.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
Without more local industry and job opportunities, young people in Edenton and Chowan
County will be forced to seek employment and residences elsewhere.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
Together, Edenton and Chowan County provide a good location for retirement communities to
serve the elderly, and growth in this segment of the housing market should be encouraged.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
Edenton and Chowan County Appendix I. 1

Land Use Plan Update Citizens' SurveyDraft ra ft • juty 9,1997
11. General Attitudes on Growth and Land Use
5. The °quality of life" in the Edenton/Chowan County area is very good.
Strongly 1 2 3
4 5 Strongly
Disagree -- Agree
6. Growth in industry and commerce is a high priority in the community and should be Promoted in
the Land Use Plan.
Strongly 2 3 4
5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
7. The preservation of agricultural and forestry lands and support of the farming industry are high
priorities for the future and should be promoted in the Land Use Plan.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree
8. Growth in industry and commerce is a high priority for the future and should be Promoted in the
Land Use Plan, even if it comes at the expense of diminishing the amount of agricultural and
forestry lands.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree
9. The preservation of agricultural and forestry lands is the highest priority in the area and in the
Land Use Plan, even if it comes at the expense of limiting future economic development and
residential growth.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
10. Increased emphasis on tourism and recreation should be a major goal, with emphasis on
providing increased water -based recreational opportunities.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
11. Economic growth in Edenton and Chowan has progressed at an acceptable pace.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
12. The preservation of historic sites and buildings is an important goal for the area.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
Edenton and Chowan County Appendix j • 2

Land Use Plan Update Citizens' Survey Draft • July 9,1997
13. Maintaining the charm of historic Edenton is a higher priority than promoting future commercial
development in the Downtown area.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree -
14. Traffic congestion and circulation problems are increasingly becoming major concerns in
Downtown Edenton.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
III. Land Use Concerns
15. Existing land use controls are adequate to protect the quality of the environment.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
16. The community should have a balanced approach to serving industrial, agricultural and
residential growth. Land areas should be set aside for each use in order to insure good growth
patterns.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree . Agree
17. The current regulations concerning the commercial use of forest lands are sufficient.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
18. The location of new industry and residential development should be left to the "marketplace"
and not to local government growth controls.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
19. The Town and the County should set standards to guarantee that new subdivisions have
properly designed and constructed streets, utilities and site improvements.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Aciree
20. There needs to be an increased County -wide effort towards recycling goods and conserving
landfill space.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
Edenton and Chowan County
Appendix I.3

Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Draft • July 9,1997
21. Together, the Town and the County should guide the location of industry and commerce to
protect existing residential and agricultural areas.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree A ^___
22. The County and the Town should actively promote the development of aviation -related
industrial, commercial and economic development uses near the Edenton Municipal Airport.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
23. New residential and commercial development along both the Town's and the County's
waterfront areas should be controlled by their respective local governing bodies.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
24. A green belt/greenway should be established along the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Planning
Boundary (located one mile outside the Town boundary) to manage land use sprawl and to
provide more recreational opportunities.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
25. The Town should create and maintain a system of shoreline parks and bikepaths based on a
long-range plan and vision for the protection of waterfront areas.
Strongly 1 2 3 .4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
26. Commercial and recreational marinas should be prohibited along the shorelines of Public Trust
Waters and should only be located on excavated upland water boat basins.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
27. All estuarine islands in the area should be protected from future development
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
28. Holiday Island is an important ecological and environmental resource in the community, and it
should retain its "conservation" designation.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
Edenton and Chowan County Appendix I.4

Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Draft • July 9,1997
IV. Housing
29. More affordable housing is needed in the Town of Edenton and in Chowan County to serve the
needs of low and moderate income residents.
Strongly 1 2 3
4 5 Strongly
Disagree
Agree
30. Existing housing is sufficient to meet the needs of the citizens of Edenton and the County.
Strongly 1 2 3
4 5 Strongly
Disagree
Agree
31. Mobile homes should be located in mobile home parks
and not along County roads.
Strongly 1 2 3
4 5 Strongly
Disagree
Agree
V. Local Governmental Services
32. Local government does a good job in managing the Town and County with my real estate tax
dollars.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
33. Governmental leadership in the Town and in the County has improved over the past decade.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
34. Construction of County -wide water and sewer services should be a high priority for long-range
planning.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
35. Together, the County and the Town should work together to establish County -wide sewage
treatment to improve and protect the water quality of the Chowan River.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
36. Overhead utility lines in the area should be removed and placed underground in the Town.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
Edenton and Choman.County Appendix I. 5

Land Use Plan Update Citizens' Survey Draft -July 9,1997
37. Streets and roads in the area are well -maintained, and the existing road network adequately
serves the needs of both Town and County residents.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree -
38. The Town and the County are adequately prepared for aweather-related emergency, including
evacuation.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Agree
39. Please indicate your feelings as they relate to the following public services and resources in and
around the Town:
Good Fair Poor Don't Know
A. Water Supply
B. Libraries
C. General Community Appearance
D. Garbage/Trash Disposal
E. Fire Protection
F. Police Protection
G. Friendliness of merchants
H. Variety of stores
1. Quality of goods and services
J. Costs of goods and services
K. Attractiveness of stores
L. Attractiveness of signs
M. Attractiveness of street lighting
N. Adequacy of street lighting
O. Retirement facilities
P. Day care facilities
Q. Availability of medical facilities
R. Recreational activities/facilities
S. Public School education/facilities
40. Other Comments:
Edenton and Chowan County Appendix I - 6

Land Use Plan Update Citizens' Survey Draft • July 9,1997
41. In your opinion, what are the two most important issues now facing the Town of Edenton and
Chowan County?
1).
2).
42.
1 currently live in the Town of Edenton.
YES
NO
43.
1 currently live in the County of Chowan.
YES
NO
44.
1 live in the Edenton/Chowan area year-round.
YES
NO
45.
1 own my place of residence within the Edenton/Chowan area
YES
NO
46. 1 live in a single family home (), duplex (), mobile home (), rental apartment () or condominium ().
47. The area's future growth and land development should be based on: (select all that apply)
1). the availability of "high and dry" developable land
2). the capacity of the environment and the protection of fragile areas
3). the availability of adequate, safe support services, i.e. water, sewer, and road access
4). the protection of existing residential areas from incompatible uses
Please mail or return this survey to either the Edenton Town Hall orthe Chowan County Office Building
by
Edenton Town Hall Chowan County Administration Building
P.O. Box 300 P.O. Box
Edenton, NC 27932 Edenton, NC 27932
Thank you for your time and assistance. Your participation is critical to the successful development of a
future Land Use Plan that will respond to your needs and desires and serve as a guide for future
growth and development.
Anne -Marie Knighton, Edenton Town Manager
Luther C. Copeland, Chowan County Manager
?denton and Chowan County Appendix I. 7

1998 Land Use Plan Update
Edenton and Chowan County
APPENDIX IT:
VISIONING FORUM SUMMARY
The Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
VISIONING FORUM
WORK SESSION #2
1997 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
The Town of Edenton and The County of Chowan
This working paper is designed as a brief summary of the "visioning " issues discussed by
the Edenton and Chowan County Planning Boards during our second Land Use Plan Update
Work Session. The major issues discussed have been organized below into four major
categories:
1. "Goal and Role" Categories for the Community's Future
2. Identified Issues and Concerns Impacting the Community's Future
3. The Boards' Vision for the Future for Edenton and Chowan County
4. The Boards' Fears for the Future for Edenton and Chowan County
GOALS & ROLES FOR THE COMMUNITY'S FUTURE
The following "Goals and Roles" categories were introduced to the Planning Boards by the
consultant as topics that the Board members are encouraged to consider and reflect upon
throughout not only the "visioning process," but during the entire Land Use Plan Update
process. These major "goals and roles" categories can serve as the basic building blocks on
which the vision for Edenton and Chowan's future should be based. They will also serve as
a valuable reference point that both Planning Boards can circle back to throughout the
process and make sure that future land use decisions and recommendations being made are
consistent with these original goals for the future.
POPULATION -GROWTH
1. How large do we want the area to get?
2. What are the growth pressures that are currently facing the area?
3. Where are these pressures coming from, and where are they being aimed most
intensely?
4. Where is the Edenton/Chowan area on the traditional "growth curve" model today?
5. How should these pressures be managed?
ECONOMY -INDUSTRY
1. What are the major trends driving the local economy?
2. What are the existing strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in the local
economy?
3. How should the future economy be shaped in terms of form and function?
4. Where should the focus of future economic development policy for the area be aimed?
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
TOURISM -RECREATION
1. What kinds of new tourism should the area seek to attract?
2. How much tourism is appropriate for the area?
3. How should the area's historical resources be interpreted in future attempts at
attracting tourists?
4. How can the area maximize linkages between the area's historic- resources, access to
water, recreational opportunities and tourism?
HISTORIC RESOURCES
I. Which resources do the local citizens treasure most as being historically significant
and worth preserving?
2. To what extent should these be incorporated into attracting additional tourists?
3. What is the best approach for incorporating these resources into a tourism
marketing strategy without compromising their historic integrity and value to the
community?
NATURAL AREAS
1. What are the most significant natural areas in Edenton and Chowan?
2. Are sufficient resources and measures in place to adequately protect these areas
from future development?
ENVIRONMENT
1. What are the biggest concerns facing the local environment?
2. What is the future of the area's drinking water supply and quality?
3. To what extent should future development demands be balanced versus
environmental concerns?
4. What are the major environmental constraints placed on the future land use
decision -making process?
TRANSPORTATION
1. Does the existing regional transportation network function effectively?
2. If not, where are the breakdowns or "choke points"?
3. In what areas should future transportation improvements be focused?
4. What are the potential transportation linkages between roads, water, air and rail?
5. What role will the Air Transpark play in the area's future transportation plan?
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
UTIIMES & FACILITIES
1. Are the existing utility systems and public facilities sufficient to adequately serve
local demand?
2. What will the proposed deregulation of public utilities mean to local utility service
and costs?
3. What public facility expansion or construction will be necessary in the next 10-25
years?
HOUSING
1. What trends are shaping the local housing market?
2. Is housing affordability a major concern?
3. If so, who is not being adequately served in the existing marketplace, and what are
the existing niche opportunities?
4. What role should mobile homes play in the future housing market?
SCHOOLS
1. Does the existing school system adequately prepare local children for educational
and professional advancement?
2. Are the necessary resources in place in Edenton and Chowan to provide local young
people with the job skills required by area employers?
3. Is there an opportunity for an increased community college presence or expansion in
the area?
GOVERNMENT
1. Does local government have the appropriate resources needed to effectively serve the
local demand for public services?
QUALITY OF LIFE
1. Is the quality of life in the area satisfactory?
2. Should Edenton and Chowan County aim to maintain the existing quality of life in
the area or should the impetus be to strive for significant improvement?
SPIRITUAL
1. To what extent should spiritual and moral values drive the vision for the
community's future and the rationale for making future land use decisions?
WORK SESSION #3 • July 9, 1997 Appendix H • 3

1998 Land Use Plan Update
WORSSESSION QUESTIONS
Edenton and Chowan County
In an attempt to encourage the Board members to reflect and expand upon these major
categories, the consultant asked both boards to answer the following questions in terms of
each of the contexts listed below:
1. Identify the major issues and concerns that will impact the area's future at each of the
following
levels:
• national • state . local
2. What is your "vision" for Chowan and Edenton?
What would you like it to be?
What would you like it to look like?
(For each of the following time periods.)
• 5 Years • 20 Years • 50 Years
3. What obstacles are in the way of your "vision"?
What are your major fears for the future of the community?
ISSUES E"ACTING THE FUTURE OF EDENTON & CHOWAN COUNTY
The following is a summary of the responses generated by the Planning Boards during the
discussion of each of the major worksession questions listed above:
National/State Issues
1. The decline in the commercial fishing industry has had severe and lasting effects on
the local economy.
2. Ongoing and planned NCDOT improvement projects (specifically new road and
bridge construction) should favorably impact the local economy.
3. Federal funding cutbacks could lead to large increases in demand for local services
and aid, especially to local farmers, small businesses and low -and moderate income
families reliant upon federal aid.
4. The proposed deregulation of public utilities could have a tremendous impact
locally, especially the deregulation of electric utilities. The required financing
strategy involved with such a transformation could put localities in a "Catch 22"
situation where service and cost issues will become magnified.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
5. Edenton and Chowan County will experience increased residential growth pressures
as more and more retirees will be drawn to the area's climate, high quality of living
and relatively lower cost of living. The increasing numbers of retirees looking to
settle in the area will only continue as the "baby boomer" generation continues to
reach retirement age. The prevailing trend of thousands of retirees migrating from
the Northeast "Rust Belt" to the Southeast will continue to greatly impact the
community. The demand for retirement community developments is expected to
dramatically increase in the coming years.
6. Existing environmental laws and regulations place constraints on area localities
without providing the funding necessary to implement them in many cases.
Local Issues
1. Recent economic trends have delivered no new industry, but several new
subdivisions have been approved and are under construction. As a result, few new
job opportunities or non-residential tax revenue sources have been introduced into
the local economy, while both localities have incurred an increase in the demand for
local services.
2. A major problem facing the community is the exodus of the area's educated young
people to other areas in the State and the region in search of higher education and
professional careers.
3. A major goal is to develop the local school system and economy so that the area will
be able to provide educational and career opportunities for the next generation of
residents.
4. A serious commitment to education and culture is needed in order to lay the
foundation to provide these opportunities. These factors are important
considerations in attracting new industry and in enabling the area's skilled young
people to settle professionally in Edenton and Chowan County.
5. Edenton and Chowan should aim for a diversified future economy driven by several
small -to -medium-sized industries. Several small -to -medium-sized employers
would be preferable to a one or two large employer set-up that has traditionally
dominated the local job market. Such a strategy would help to diversify the local
economy and decrease the risk associated with a locality relying solely upon one or
two industries for jobs and tax revenue. The area has been negatively impacted
several times in the past by the closing of one large industry upon which the local
economy had become extremely reliant. A diversification strategy would enable the
area to avoid a repeat of past errors.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
6. The Air Transpark offers the area a unique opportunity for attracting new industry
and future economic development. It will be important to provide the necessary
infrastructure, especially much needed transportation improvements, to make the
park commercially viable to new businesses. Great potential exists to link the
airport with other transportation alternatives (water, new and -existing roads, etc.)
in order to develop a true commercial transportation center.
7. With its numerous environmental and historical resources, the area has a vast and
unfulfilled potential to expand tourism. Edenton and Chowan County should make
a serious commitment to take full advantage of the opportunities available in this
market. However, future attempts to successfully cultivate tourism should be based
on a "real" or "living" history interpretation in Downtown Edenton, as opposed to a
recreated interpretation as is seen in Williamsburg, Virginia. A better model for the
area would be Georgetown, South Carolina where such a "living" interpretation has
been effectively used to spur tourism.
8. The area should target tourism marketing and public relations campaigns that focus
on finding and maximizing appropriate market niche opportunities in economic
development and tourism.
9. A major resource and asset that has gone largely untapped in the area is the
waterfront.
*The Town of Edenton should investigate the feasibility of constructing a
public harbor along its Downtown waterfront area. This public harbor would
provide much needed public access to Edenton Bay and could include a marina,
slips and a Town waterfront plaza. This development could attract transient
boaters seeking safe harbor during a storm or a stop -over on a trip up the
Intercoastal Waterwa . The Town could potentially incorporate the Leary Oil
facility into this public harbor concept.
*The County should investigate the viability of ecotourism development along
its waterfront areas. Ecotourism is a thriving "clean" industry that takes
advantage of existing environmental characteristics such as creeks, lakes and
rivers to promote recreational activities and attract visitors. Such an industry
would be ideal for the County given its existing environmental resources. The
County could explore the development of several creek trails, for example, that
could be used for recreational purposes.
10. Edenton and Chowar. County face stiff competition in taking advantage of these
types of resources from several surrounding localities. New Bern is the most notable
due to its similar access to water. It has already incorporated waterfront
development and numerous water -related activities into its economy.
WORK SESSION #3 9 July 9, 1997 Appendix II • 6

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
11. Agribusiness has been the bellwether of the local economy through the various
downturns in the business cycle that have plagued the local economy over the past
several decades. This industry has cushioned the blow for the community during
past hardships such as when the cotton mill closed Because it serves as such an
important staple of the local economy, Edenton and Chowan County should make a
strong commitment to insure that future growth pressures do not overwhelm the
needs of the agricultural community.
12. A growing land use concern is the increasing demand for agriculturally productive
land for new residential development An important consideration for the Land Use
Plan will be determining the proper trade-off between protecting existing
agricultural land (and the local agricultural economy) and providing suitable land
for future residential development (largely retirement communities).
13. The Board expressed interest in investigating the feasibility establishing a greenbelt
around the Town as a means of managing growth in the area. The greenbelt would
serve as a physical and symbolic boundary, or continuous buffer zone designed to
interrupt the flow of constant growth. Ideally, this greenbelt would connect a point
on the Albemarle Sound to a point on the Chowan River.
14. Another major goal is to provide more affordable, quality housing opportunities for
the area's young professionals. It is believed that the community has a real need for
more housing in the $60,000-$80,000 range to provide first-time home buyers with a
broader range of housing opportunities. An increased supply of quality housing in
this end of the market is needed to help the community in its effort to retain the best
and the brightest of its young people in the Edenton/Chowan area. The Town in
particular should investigate possible incentives to developers for providing
housing in this price range.
15. The future of mobile homes in the area represent a major housing issue,
particularly in the County. The County currently issues 7 mobile home building
permits for every stick home. The 2020 Edenton Plan projects that in twenty-five
years, more area residents will live in mobile homes than stick structures. The
County is currently investigating the possibility of limiting the entrance of older
mobile homes into the community. An important consideration for the Land Use
Plan will be how to plan for future mobile home growth. Should future mobile
homes be limited to mobile home parks or should the lot -by -lot development be
allowed to continue?
16. The area shows great potential for implementing cluster residential development.
The Village Creek subdivision is an excellent example of a cluster development that
has been successfully implemented in the area. This type of design strategy allows a
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chow= County
developer to achieve a suitable density without carving up as much land. It also
prevents the sprawling lot -by -lot corridor development that is seen in so many fast-
growing rural communities in the region.
17. The growing demand for retirement living opportunities in the area will drive the
housing market for the next decade. Market niche opportunities exist in the
retirement/assisted living care facility segment of the housing market. The success
of the Swain building in Downtown Edenton is an excellent example of how this type
of housing product has been successfully implemented in the community. Based on
experience, the Board agreed that the critical issue involved in making such a project
feasible is providing a location that is within walking distance to Downtown
Edenton.
18. Progressive local government was mentioned as a major strength of the community.
19. Stormwater management is another area of major concern in the area. Stormwater
runoff is a problem in several neighborhoods, especially in and around golf courses.
Without significant stormwater management improvements, the area's water
quality will be jeopardized because much of the runoff empties into the Chowan
River, the major raw water source for the region. Both boards will want to
investigate possible regional stormwater management solutions and establishing
and implementing stringent Best Management Practices for stormwater
management at local golf course facilities, both existing and planned.
COMMUNITY VISION
Both boards were asked to provide their vision for the community over the course of the
next fifty years. The following is a description of how the Board members picture life in
Edenton and the County in the year 2050:
DOWNTOWN EDENTON AT 2050•
1. Maintaining its pedestrian scale
2. Small town, neighborhood "feel"
3. Ongoing restoration of the Downtown area
4. "Hold on to What We've Got"
5. Conversions of businesses to residences
6. The restored cotton mill & surrounding village will be linked to Downtown area
7. Use of the mill campus as a regional cultural center
8. A new convention center will be located Downtown (at an appropriate scale)
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
CHOWAN COUNTY AT 2050
1. Continued high quality of life
2. Increasing developmental growth pressure on outlying County areas
3. Increasing developmental growth pressure on Chowan River frontage -
4. Increasing developmental growth pressure on major corridor road frontage
5. Increased value for river lots
6. Land for community use
7. Preserved agribusiness economy
8. Farm consolidation
9. Active farmers' market
FEARS FOR THE EDENTON/CHOWAN AREA
The Board members were also asked to provide their greatest fears for the future of their
community. The following is a summary of their responses:
1. Unchecked rate of growth
2. "Unbalanced" future population growth (top heavy with retirees & older residents)
3. Increased tourist traffic including a proliferation of tour buses. The Board members
do not want to see Williamsburg -type traffic in the area
4. The community may attempt to sacrifice long range "plan" for short-term gain
(especially when times get hard economically)
5. Growth spillover from the Outer Banks in the form of tourism, residential
development, retirement and second (summer) home development. The Outer Banks
area is close to being fully -developed, and with the demand for residential
opportunities expected to remain strong in the eastern Carolinas, unprecedented
growth is coming to Edenton/Chov.an.
6. The impact of new growth on the area's moral values. What outside influences will
newcomers bring to the community? Will crime and drug usage increase?
7. Future water quality in the region. The Board members are concerned about the
impacts on water quality caused by unchecked stormwater runoff flowing into
Albemarle Sound.
8. The impact of future golf course development on the area's water quality.
Stormwater from golf courses already causes serious problems for the area's water
quality. The anticipated future growth of golf course -based residential communities
could only intensify this problem without appropriate stormwater management
regulations being implemented.
9. The future supply of open space and recreational opportunities in the community.
The board members want to plan for it; but, who is going to pay for its
implementation?
WORK SESSION #3 • July 9. 1997 Appendix II • 9

1998 Land Use Plan Update . Edenton and Chowan County
APPENDIX III:
POLICY REVIEW Q uESTIONNAim
The Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Policy Critique Questionnaire
The Town of Edenton, North Carolina and
the County of Chowan, North Carolina
1997 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
In developing the updated planning policies for the 1997 Land Use Plan, we believe
that it is a CAMA mandate that you review the previously adopted goals and
objectives from the previous plan. By doing so, the Town and the County can assess
the suitability of past planning strategies in the context of what is appropriate during
the coming decade. We believe that by thoughtfully updating these policies and
implementations/actions you can better respect and reflect the evolving nature of your
community while at the same time achieving the primary objectives of the Coastal
Area Management Act.
In reviewing each of the previously adopted planning goals and policy statements you
should evaluate the following questions:
1. What is your evaluation of the outcome (either positive or negative) of
the communities efforts to implement this goal?
2. Has this goal/objective caused any conflicts with any other community
planning goal or strategy?
I What have been the economic, social, and political impacts of the
subject goal/policy.
4. Should the goal/policy continue to be a viable pursuit with respect to
current CAMA policy statement requirements?
In addition to these questions and in the interests of thoroughly representing the
intentions and positions of the Planning Board, we have drafted the following "policy
critique questionnaire." Beginning with the 1991 Land Use Plan, we have summarized
in this document the various categories of adopted planning goals, policies and
implementation strategies.
Please respond to the questions as prompted by the columns to the right of each policy
and implementation. If you believe the goal or policy statement is in need of a
"redraft", do not hesitate to rewrite it in your own words. Further, you will note that
many of the 1991 policy statements are not specific policies but loosely knit
observational statements and/or ideological thoughts. Policies to be included in the
1997 Update should be crisp, clear and focused statements relating to specific
perceived planning goals and objectives.
In closing, keep in mind that if goals and policy statements are to be fruitful, they must
be founded within a "local mindset and philosophy" and not inspired by consultants.
Thus, you should view this task as the most important facet of this Plan Update.
The Cox Company Appendix III • V-1

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
APPENDIX IV.
Looal Plans, Studies and Regulations
The Cox Company

1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Appendix IV: =-
LOCAL PLANS, STUDIES AND REGULATIONS
LAND USE PLANS
Edenton - Chowan County Land Use Plan,1976
Prepared jointly by Edenton and Chowan County under CAMA guidelines, this initial
Plan provides a description of present conditions of population, economy and land use
constraints to development. It discusses fragile and hazard areas, areas of
environmental concern, areas with resource potential and community facilities. It
estimates future needs and sets out policies and objectives related to implementing
those needs
Chowan County Land Use Plan Update, 1981
This was the first 5-year update of the initial CAMA Plan (1976) and contains an
assessment of existing conditions and projections of population, land use and economic
conditions. Updated policy statements on various development issues and
implementation strategies are also included in the Plan Update. This update was not
prepared jointly with the Town of Edenton, however.
Edenton Land Use Plan Update, 1981
Edenton's Land Use Plan was updated in 1981 and addressed topics of major concem to
the Town during that time including development along the U.S. Route 17 bypass,
waterfront and downtown, the airport and vacation homes. Other issues addressed in
the 1981 update included resource protection, resource production and management
and economic and community development.
Chowan County Land Use Plan Update,1986
This was the second 5-year update of the initial CAMA Plan and contains a
reassessment of existing conditions and projections of populations, land use and
economic conditions. Revised policy statements and implementation strategies are
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
included. As with the 1981 update, this 1986 update focuses upon the unincorporated
areas of Chowan County and was not prepared jointly with the Town of Edenton.
Edenton Land Use Plan Update, 1986
The 1986 Land Use Plan Update reviewed the status of implementation of the four
special issues addressed in the 1981 Plan. It also addressed implementation of policy
on other issues such as resource protection, resource production and economic and
community development.
Chowan County Land Use Plan Update,1991
The 1991 Land Use Plan Update for the County focused on notable changes with
regard to population, land economy and land use which had emerged since the
adoption of the 1986 plan. A population growth was experienced during the planning
period reversing a 20-year trend of population decline. Such a trend necessitated an
examination of community facilities and their capacities, and brought about the need
to develop policies related to land use and the protection of agricultural areas.
Edenton Land Use Plan Update,1991
Edenton's 1991 Land Use Plan Update was geared toward assembling an accurate and
detailed information base to be utilized as a foundation for future planning efforts.
Of particular concern was an assessment of the Town's natural features such as water
resources, topography, soils, vegetative and wildlife habitats, and other
physiographic elements. Policies related to the protection and enhancement of these
resources were a key focus of the document.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Chowan County Water Supply Plan,1995
The Board of Commissioners adopted a Water Supply Plan in 1994 which addresses
the current levels of water use, comments on the existing capacities of water service
facilities and discusses the future projections related to water usage and supply for
the County. The Plan highlights potential sources of future water supplies, mentions
the need for an active water conservation plan, and outlines goals which the Board
and the County Water Department feel will guide them until the year 2000.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Edenton Water Supply Plan, 1995
The Edenton Town Council adopted a Water Supply Plan in 1995 which addresses
both current conditions and future issues regarding water use in the Tom of Edenton
As noted in the Plan, Edenton constructed a new well which was online in July 1995
and has an average withdrawal of 0.23 mgd. The Plan suggests due to increased
pressures from agriculture and tourism, Edenton will need a new source of water in the
near future. The Town is interested in developing a water loss and leak detection
program as well as a water conservation education program.
Edenton Utility Extension Policy,1989
Article XV of the Edenton Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) adopted
November 14, 1989, addresses both the water and sewer extension policy for the
Town. Section 236 requires that water, sewer, electrical power, telephone or cable
television lines installed and to be maintained by a public utility shall provide a
dedicated easement which is sufficient to extend utilities to serve adjacent or nearby
developments. It also requires that utility easement rights transferred to the Town of
Edenton shall include provisions for the optional use of hiking, bicycling, and
pedestrian activities within the easement. Sections 237 and 278 require that
property within 200 feet of an existing Town water and sewer line must connect to that
line if topography will permit and it is legally possible. When a subdivision is
within the Town limits, the subdivider is required to connect to the Edenton sewer
system.
Chowan County Water System Rules and Regulations,1976
These regulations specify how the County -wide water system will be operated and
maintained. It specifies the size line required for varying sized developments and
restricts industrial usage according to location and system -wide needs. These
regulations are linked directly to the subdivision regulations.
Edenton 201 Wastewater Facilities Study,1976
A "201" Wastewater Facilities Plan was prepared for Edenton. A major
recommendation of that plan was "...that a Sanitary District be created to own,
administer, manage, construct, operate and maintain wastewater collection and
transportation facilities..." outside the corporate limits of the Townof Edenton. The
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
"201" area of study included a slightly larger geographic area * than the extra
territorial jurisdiction of Edenton. Therefore, any lines outside the Town would be
operated and built by such a "sanitary district." _
Edenton Community Facilities Plan,1976
The Community Facilities Plan for Edenton identified needs such as upgrading
electric lines and substation capacity, a new recreation center, public beach, new
tennis courts, and athletic field. The recreation center, athletic field, tennis courts
and Queen Anne Park were all completed as a result of this plan. This plan is in need
of updating to reflect current needs for Edenton with related cost estimates and
priority goals for implementation.
Chowan County Subdivision Regulations,1978 (amended 1989)
The Chowan County Planning Board, with technical assistance from N.C. DNRCD,
prepared subdivision regulations which were adopted in 1978. These regulations
govern the transition of raw land into new residential subdivisions and set out
criteria for required facility improvements and general design standards. The
subdivision ordinance is administered by the Board which reviews development
proposals against the standards set out therein. For example, there is a stipulation
that developers must provide water service at their own expense to County water
system standards and they must pave interior streets to N.C.D.O.T. standards. The
subdivision ordinance was revised in 1989 to include a provision for public access in
waterfront subdivisions.
Edenton Subdivision Regulations, 1989
The Edenton Subdivision Regulations were incorporated into the Unified
Development Ordinance adopted in 1989. All major subdivision of land are
authorized by a condition use permit.
Federal Flood Insurance Program
Both the Townand the County are covered by the Federal Flood Insurance Program
The Federal Flood Insurance Program in Chowan County officially moved from the
Emergency Phase to the Regular Phase in 1985 and is in effect throughout the County.
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1998 Land Use Plan update Edenton and Chowan County
State Building Code
Both the Town and the County utilize and enforce the North Carolina State Building
Code. - --
Chowan County Septic Tank Regulations
Septic tank regulations are administered by the Regional Health Department,
which covers five counties. However, a Sanitarian is based in Chowan County.
Edenton Septic Tank Regulations
Article XV of the Edenton UDO (1989) requires that all subdivisions inside the town
limits connect to the Edenton sewer system. Section 238 indicates that every
principal use and every lot within a subdivision mustbe served by a sewage disposal
system that is adequate to accommodate the reasonable needs of such use or
subdivision lot and that complies with all applicable health regulations. Septic
tanks and package treatment plants are not allowed inside the Town limits unless
grandfathered.
Edenton Sedimentation Ordinance,1989
Article XVI, Part II of the UDO addresses drainage and erosion control requiring a 11
developments maintain a 25 foot vegetated buffer along each side of a stream or
natural drainageway. The vegetated buffer is to remain undisturbed except to
accommodate roads, utilities, pedestrian paths and their easements and approved
water -dependent uses such as marinas, docks, piers, boat ramps and bridges and as
allowed by the CAMA or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Chowan County Mobile Home Regulations
The mobile home regulations were adopted in March, 1986 and regulate the
placement of mobile homes throughout the County and contains siting criteria for
mobile home parks.
Chowan County Building Setback Ordinance,1989
The building setback ordinance is effective countywide and regulates the minimum
required distance between the road right-of-ways and the area in which structures
may be erected.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Chowan County Zoning Ordinance,1985 (revised 1989)
The County adopted a zoning ordinance for the Cape Colofty County Club area and
lands adjacent to the Edenton Municipal Airport.
Edenton Zoning Ordinance, 1989
The Edenton Zoning Ordinance was incorporated into the Unified Development
Ordinance adopted in 1989.
Edenton Nuisance Ordinance,1990
The Edenton Town Council adopted an ordinance providing for the removal and
disposition of abandoned, nuisance and junked motor vehicles. A noise ordinance was
adopted as part of the Town Code which makes it unlawful to create or assist in
creating any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise in the Town. Also
addressed in the TownCode is the need for removal of weeds from property located in
Edenton.
Transportation Plan,1980 (updated 1992)
The Edenton Thoroughfare Plan was prepared in 1980 and was updated by the
Department of Transport ion in 1992. The plan addresses existing land use,
population and traffic. The plan also reviews existing street deficiencies and traffic
operation problems and makes recommendations on thoroughfare improvements.
Edenton Open Space and Recreation Policy, 1989
Article XHI of the Edenton Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) addresses
Recreational Facilities and Open Space. Section 196 of the ordinance requires the
provision of mini parks in new subdivisions based onthe numberof persons expected to
reside in the development. Mini park size shall range from a minimum of 2,000
square feet to notmore than 30,000 square feet. Section 198 provides that subdivisions
of less than 25 dwelling units are exempt from the provisions of the ordinance.
Section 200 requires the dedication of open space if any portion of any lot proposed
for residential development lies within an area designated on the officially adopted
Recreation Master Plan as a neighborhood park or a part of a greenway system or
bikeway system.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, SCORP
The purpose of the SCORP was to compile and analyze the existing supply of and
demand for recreational facilities in the State. In 1989, the SCORP analysis
contained a profile of Chowan County which is located in Region R.
Edenton Historic District Regulations
The Edenton Historic District is located in the Central Business District and also
includes some of the adjacent residential areas as depicted in the Town's official
zoningmap. The Edenton Historic District Coma- ssionis comprised of six members
appointed by the Edenton Town Council and serve four year terms. Powers and duties
of the HDC include reviewing applications for Certificates of Appropriateness,
construction, and altering or demolishing buildings or structures within the
designated Historic District.
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)
The CAMA major and minor permit process is enforced in both the Town of Edenton
and Chowan County.
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1998 Land Use Plan Update Edenton and Chowan County
APPENDIX V.
Maps
The.Cox Company

0..90000000009000•00990000•**•*••000000000•
Has policy been
implemented?
Y=yes N=no
P=Partially
Date,
if applicable
Is policy still relevant?
Y=yes N=no
P=partially
Have actions been
successful?
Y=yes N=no
P=partially
Ongoing
Implementation
actions required. List.
Other Comments:
Body responsible for
Implementation?
L=local S=state
F=federal

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n
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Has policy been
implemented?
Y=yes N=no
P=Partially
Date,
if applicable
Is policy still relevant?
Y=yes N=no
P=partially
Have actions been
successful?
Y=yes N=no
P=partially
Ongoing
implementation
actions required. List.
Other Comments:
Body responsible for
Implementation?
L=local S=state
F=federal

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' LAND USE PLAN
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1998
H E R T F O R D\ - •y -� ry ro
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N T Y 1 �N U �UENTON
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LAND USE PLAN
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TOWN OF EDENTON
*COUNTY OF CHOWAN
• LAND USE PLAN
•
1998
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Existing Land Use
■
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THE COX COMPANY
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