Land Use Plan-

PREPARED FOR
CHOWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
C. A. Phillips, Chairman
David T. Bateman
Alton G. Elmore
N. J. George
J. D. Peele
Dallas Jethro, County Coordinator
Prepared by the
CHOWAN COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
George Lewis, Chairman
T. D. Berryman, Jr.
Carroll Evans
A. C. Hudson
Charles Overman
Wilbur J. Privott
Van Small
J. A. Webb, Jr.
Pete Thompson, Ex-Officio

PREPARED FOR THE TOWN OF EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA
TOWN COUNCIL
Roy L. Harrell, Mayor
Jesse L. Harrell James C. Dail
Harry Spruill, Jr. Errol Flynn
Allen Hornthal W. H. Hollowell, Jr.
W. B. Gardner, Town Administrator
Prepared by the
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Joe Lee, Chairman
C. B. Smith Novella Wilson
Jimmie M. Parrish Robert L. Bunch, Jr.
Ruth Vaughan Robert Weintraub
Henry A. Powell Asa Griffin
Worth Hare
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES
George Little, Secretary
DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
Billy Ray Hall, Chief
NORTHEASTERN FIELD OFFICE
Thomas B. Richter, Chief Planner
Justin Little, Community Development Planner
Debbie Branch, Typist
Peggy Sawyer, Typist
Wilber J. Walker, Draftsman

CHOWAN COUNTY - EDENTON LAND USE PLAN
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
I. LAND USE POLICY
A.
TOWN AND COUNTY CHARACTERISTICS:
the context of the plan ...........................
3'
B.
MAJOR LAND USE ISSUES: what
people are concerned about ........................
8
C.
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND
REGULATIONS: what is currently
beingdone ........................................
18
D.
LAND USE OBJECTIVES: direction
for the future ....................................
24
E.
ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES:
implementation....................................
26
Z. Policies and standards ......................•.26
2. Land Classification map .......................
29.
3. Protection of fragile areas ...................
33
II. FACTORS.AFFECTING FUTURE LAND USE:
Detailed Reports
A. NATURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING
DEVELOPMENT: land use constraints................49
Z. PhysicaZ limitations .......................... 50
a. Climate..... ...........................51
b. Flood hazard areas.........................54
C. Soil limitation areas .. ..................55
1) Septic tank limitations...............56
2) Drainage limitations..................58
3) Foundation limitations
welling suitability ................60
d. Estuarine erosive areas...... ...........62
2. Fragile areas.................................64
a. Surface waters ............................65
1) Estuarine waters......................69
2) Public trust waters . .................71
b. Water supply sources......................72
C. Complex natural areas.....................74
d. Areas sustaining remnant
species.. 76
e. Coastal wetlands ..........................77

0
f.
Areas containing unique
geological formations ....................
79
3.
Areas of resource otentiaZ..................
80
a.
Publicly owned an •••••••••••••••••••••
81
b.
Productive agricultural soils••••••••••••
82
c.
Potentially valuable mineral
sites....................................
85
MAN-MADE FACTORS INFLUENCING DEVELOPMENT•••••••••
86
Z.
His ......................................
88
2.
Exzstzn Zand use ............................
95
a.
C owan County
1) Summar description-
2) Signs icant land use
compatibility problems•••••••••••••••
96
3) Problems from unp anned
96
development .• .....:••••••......••
4) an -ma e azard areas•••••••••••••••
98
5) reas experiencing or
likely to experience major
99
an use c ange......•••............•
b.
Edenton
1) Summary description ..................
99
2) Significant landuse
compa i i i y pro ems ...............
100.
3) Problems trom unp anned
development .........................
101
4) Man -ma a azard areas •••••••••••.....
101
5) reas experiencing or likely
o experience major Iana
use change ....... ......•.•...
102
3.
Po
ulation and economy••. •
••••••
104
a.
Population
1) Characteristics and brief
104
analysis.............................
2) Population projection ................
110
b.
Economy
1) Existing economy .....................
114
......•
2) conomic projection ..................
27
138
4.
Community fact ities•. .......................
1
a.
Water ....................................
139
b.
Sewer ....................................
141
C.
Solid waste disposal ....
143
d.
Thoroughfares........... •••••••••••••••.
144
e.
Schools ..................................
147.
f.
Fire protection ..................••••••..
148
g.
Rescue squad/ambulance service ••••••••...
150
h.
Law enforcement........... o..............
151
i.
Health services ..................••••••••
1S4
j.
Housing— ................................
156
k.
Recreation ..............................•
158
1.
Financial capability .....................
160

APPENDICES
A. DATA SUMMARY AND RELATIONSHIP TO
PLAN
1. Major conclusions ............................165
2. information used in the plan ................. 165
B. PUBLIC —PARTICIPATION
1. History of LAMA planning effort .............. 170
2. Process used to determine
objectives, po icies an standards
and alternatives considered ..... s•........... 171
3. Survey rest . ...........................174
INDEX TO STANDARD FORMAT ........................••....... .19U.

INTRODUCTION
In 1974, the General Assembly passed the Coastal Area Man-
agement Act into law. The provisions of the act are many, but
the underlying reason for its passage is as stated in the law:
The General Assembly therefore finds that
an immediate and pressing need exists to
establish a comprehensive plan for the
protection, preservation, orderly develop-
ment and management of the coastal area of
North Carolina.
The law requires, as the basis for this comprehensive plan,
each coastal county to prepare its own land -use plan. All the
coastal counties are submitting their plans to the Coastal Re-
sources Commission, a group.,created to administer the provisions
of the legislation.
This document is the land use plan for Chowan County and
Edenton, the major municipality in Chowan County. The town and
county have separate. jurisdictions. The town has adopted an
extraterritorial limit and controls development within that,
area. The county government has jurisdiction over all develop-
ment in the rest of the county. Although the county and town
have separate jurisdictions, obviously developments in one
affect the other. For this reason and because the county and
town have worked well together previously, the land use plan
was prepared jointly by the town and county.
The plan consists of two major parts. The first section
discusses land use policy. After a summary of the existing
conditions, the major land issues in the county and town are
1

noted. The current land development policies and regulations are
summarized and objectives are set for the future. Areas in the
county and town suitable for future development have been mapped.
Areas that need to be closely protected from adverse development
have also been identified.
The second major section brings together information on the
many factors influencing future development in the county and
town. The opportunities and limitations of the natural resources
are examined. Analyses are also made of the local population,
economy, community facilities and existing land use. Much of
the information was provided by people in the county and town.
Also since Edenton and Chowan County had considered land -use
issues before, there was information available from several pre-
vious reports.
This plan will need to be updated and revised in the future.
The Coastal Area Management Act requires that the plan be updated
every five years at least. As time passes and conditions change,
much of the information gathered here will be outdated. New
priorities will:demand attention; new situations may require new
policies.
Because of the many topics considered, the Edenton and Chowan
County Land Use Plan is a lengthy document. A summary or
synopsis has been prepared for those who want an overview of the
plan. A great deal of work by the planning boards went into the
preparation of this land use plan, but it is just a start. The
citizens of Edenton and Chowan County still have to make the
decisions and live with the results.
2

A. TOWN AND COUNTY CHARACTERISTICS: the context ob the ptan
No one knows what Chowan County and Edenton will look
like in 25 or even 10 years. However, by closely looking
at the county's natural and man-made environments we can
determine what would be most likely to happen in the future.
Detailed information about the natural and man-made environ-
ments has been assembled in the second section of the plan..
The most important facts are summarized below.
Natural Environment
The natural resources of the county set limits on and
also provide opportunities for development. Chowan County
still is influenced by the fact that, ages ago, it was at
the bottom of the ocean. As a result, the topography is
quite flat and drainage is quite poor in large areas of the
county. The county's topography and location on a coastal
sound and river result in extensive floor -hazard areas.
The sediments deposited in that extensive, ancient ocean
are now the soils of Chowan County. Many of these fine
marine sediments are unsuitable for wastewater disposal or
foundations. The extensive high water table areas in the
county limit the land that can be used for productive agri-
cultural land or residential development unless efforts are
made to drain these areas.
Yet, undrained, certain of the county's wetlands provide
protection against erosion and flooding, a sink for sediments

and cleansing action for polluted waters. These wetlands
are also wildlife habitat and fish spawning areas. Both
commercial and sport fishing have been important in Chowan
County for many years. Like the county's wetlands, most of
Chowan County's other resources offer opportunities and pose
restrictions. The soils of Chowan County not only set limi-
tations, but also provide the base for the county's thriving
agriculture and forestry activities. In addition, some soils
are quite well suited for residential development. The Chowan
River and Albemarle Sound offer more than flood hazards and
erosion; besides the fishing and recreation opportunities, the
river and sound provide a beautiful physical setting for the
town and county that is highly valued by county and town
residents.
Man-made Environment
While the natural environment sets the context of limi-
tations and opportunities for land use, the activities of the
residents are the determining factor in how land is developed
in the county and town. How the land has already been developed
to date is certainly important. Edenton and Chowan County are
fortunate in that much of the past land use has not been poor,
but, in fact, has been carefully done and well preserved. The
town and county are famous for their historic sites. A large
part of the town has been placed on the National Register of
Historic Places in recognition of the town's many fine buildings
of previous years that are remarkably well conserved and pleas-
ing in appearance.
4

Nevertheless, not all of the past and existing land use
in the county and town is of good Quality. Subdivisions of
land unsuitable for development have been made, platted and
lots have been sold. Wastewater disposal and water supply
have been problems. Certain roads have been poorly designed
and maintained. Substandard dwellings have been constructed
and are still occupied. Others have been abandoned, but are
still a health hazard.
The rate of land development in the county and town is
controlled by the local'population and economy. Edenton,
after its colonial days of prominence,became a local center
for an agricultural area. The county is still rural and
predominantly agricultural. Changes in farming practices
have had impacts on the county's population. As farms became
more mechanized, less jobs were available and, as a result,
many people left Chowan County to find employment elsewhere.
Of the people that have stayed in the county many have below
poverty -level incomes and can only afford inadequate housing.
The trend of declining population and job opportunities
may be reversed by recent changes in the county's economy.
Several industries have located in and around Edenton in
recent years, diversifying the county's economic base.
Recent economic studies project that the county will not
continue to decline in population but in fact will grow in
the next 25 years.
The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis
5

made the following projections as a result of its OBERS "E"
series of population projections.
1980
10,900
1990
11,400
2000
11,800
Town officials feel that these projections are low; they
expect the town to grow by 1000-1500 residents in the next ten
years. Assuming the rest of the county grows moderately or stays
stable, the following projections are closer to local estimations.
1980
12,000
1990
13,500
2000
14,500
Population projections for an area as small as Chowan Coun-
ty are'difficult to do and risky to make. It would be best to
say that local officials are expecting a moderate amount of
growth in the county and town. Local officials have considered
it foolish to speculate on actual population levels 50 years from
now, as required by the guidelines for the Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act, but they have repeatedly stated their commitment to
orderly development.
Edenton has had a substantial percentage of the county's
population and this percentage has been increasing. Neverthe-
less, recent developments in the county have blurred the old
distinction between the densely settled town and the rural,
farming county. Industry has located out in the county. New
subdivisions have been developed outside of the city limits.
Although farmworkers have migrated out of the county, other peo-
ple have moved in that commute to industrial or retail and ser-
G

vice jobs. Increasing numbers of people have been coming
into Chowan County to visit the historic sites or enjoy
water recreation on the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River.
Some have weekend homes in the county. Others have come
to settle permanently and retire. To date, however, the
seasonal and retired population increase has not been large,
especially in comparison to other coastal counties of the
state.
This section merely provides an overview of the data
that has been gathered about the characteristics and trends
of the county and town to put the following land use policy
discussion into perspective. Much more detail on all the
characteristics and trends of the town and county make up
the entire second section of the plan.
7

B. MAJOR LAND USE ISSUES: what people are concerned about
One of the goals of the Coastal Area Management Act
sums up many of the concerns in the coastal area. The goal
is:
To insure that the development or preservation of the
land and water resources of the coastal area proceeds
in a manner consistent with the capability of the land
and water for development, use or preservation....
In other words, development or use should take place only to
the extent that the land is capable of supporting development
or use. This idea implies that there is a limit beyond which
any development would be extremely expensive, damaging or
impossible. Unfortunately these limits are hard to define.
The scientific knowledge is not complete. Also changes in
technology, economics or values held by the residents can
change limits to development.
Probably the major controversy about the capability of
land in Chowan County centers on the issue of septic tanks.
The fact that septic tanks do not function properly in many
coastal soils has caused considerable arguments. The current
rules and regulations of the state Division of Health Services
have been criticized by some as being too strict and by others
as being too lenient. The Sanitary Engineering Section of
the division itself has stated that existing rules and regu-
lations regarding septic tanks are not adequate to control

possible problems,.particularly where development is adjacent
to bodies of water. Researchers from North Carolina State
University say that septic systems in these areas may function
in the sense that the effluent does not always appear on the
ground surface; however in many cases the effluent is merely
passing into shallow groundwater and moving laterally into
the surface waters. At this time little information exists
as to whether this type of pollution has taken place on a
broad scale in Chowan County. The Cape Colony area is one
of the highest density areas that uses septic tanks and alsois
an area that has some soils unsuitable for septic tanks.
Surface water analyses done in the adjacent waters show the
water clean enough for swimming, so evidently pollution has
not been significant. It also should be noted that while
certain officials and scientists have been criticizing Health
Department regulations, homebuilders and lot owners have
complained that the regulations are too stringent. If the
Cape Colony area is sewered as the 201 study for Edenton has
proposed, the septic tank problem would no longer exist --an
example of how technology can change environmental limits.
Also important is the fact that much of the county including
Cape Colony is served by deep water well community water
systems, so that shallow groundwater.pollution is not as
serious as a problem as it is in areas that use shallow
groundwater.for_water supply.
While arguments are being made as to whether the limits

of groundwater pollution have been reached, few argue that the
limit for surface water pollution has been reached and, in fact,
has been exceeded at certain times in the recent past. Here
the problem is determining the cause of pollution. Runoff of
chemicals and manure from farms has been blamed along with
septic tank pollution and industrial discharges. Data as to
how much each source is contributing, if any, is lacking.
Several years ago, an incident of algal blooms and water degrad-
ation was solved when an agricultural chemical firm in Hertford
Countyuas forced to shut down. The fact that a source outside
of the county was responsible points out the limited ability of
the county and town to control pollution of the sound and river.
Nevertheless, the concern expressed by Chowan County residents
was important in action being taken.
The importance of other limits to development has been
stressed by the Coastal Area Management Act; namely, the ability
of community facilities to support further development and the
impact that development has on the life styles of the town and
county. However, the figures on the cost of providing services to
the residential growth that officials expect are hard to determine.
For various reasons, the costs of additional residential
development are different for the county and town. Costs to the
town will.be determined first.
Once the town's sewer plant is upgraded, certain capacity for
growth will exist. In addition, if the infiltration problem
10

can be solved, as is planned in the 201 study, much more of
the existing capacity could be utilized. Since the subdivi-
sion regulations require installed improvements and sewer
rates cover the cost of operation and maintenance, the town
can provide additional service for little net cost up to the
capacity of the plant. The capacity of the sewer system cannot
really be determined until the results of the 201 study and
construction are known, including the treatment plant upgrading
and the infiltration correction.
The water system of the'town currently has a higher rate
of capacity than it does use. Determining the added costs
imposed on fire, police, and solid waste collection of addi-
tional residential development depends to a great extent on
the type of development that takes place. The face that the
town enforces the North Carolina Building Code and utilizes
zoning and subdivision regulations keeps poor development to a
minimum.
Several other considerations must be made about costs of
new development for Edenton. Edenton does not have the resort
residential growth like certain other coastal North Carolina
communities. If Edenton's residential growth is the result of
industrial location, and the industry is a well -sited, pollution
free industry, the overall result will probably be a rise in
revenues for the community. Also, it should be noted that the
town does not make expenditures for welfare or schools, facilities
that can be very sensitive to population growth. The town is in
11

the electricity business and raises close to a third
of its revenue from the sale of power. Like most utilities,
electricity revenues would rise from additional customers.
Tn addition, the property tax is sufficiently high
Ehat the costs of development are somewhat offset by
revenues provided, particularly with high value developments.
All things considered, because of the services it does not
provide, the utility sales, the subdivision regulations and
the existing facilities, Edenton is in an excellent position
to undergo a moderate rate of residential development without
straining the community facilities and finances.
The county is in an altogether different position regard-
ing new residential development. The county currently does not
operate any facilities that provide net. revenue, although
the county water system is predicted to be able to pay for
itself. The county does provide certain social and welfare
services that could be sensitive to increased population, but
this would depend on the characteristics of the in -migrating
population.
Chowan County operates the school facilities under a
complicated arrangement that also involves Federal and state
funds. Per pupil costs are currently about $1200 of which the -
county pays about 20%. However the county's outlays are not
as sensitive to school population changes as first might be
assumed. Under North Carolina law, the county is only re-
sponsible for the facilities. Thus increases in the number
of pupils would theoretically not greatly increase the coun-
12

ty's outlays until the capacity of the schools was reached.
In actual practice, the county does pay for certain per pupil
expenditures, salary supplements and supplies, but the large
percentage is fixed cost.
In addition to schools and social service, the county
also provides for fire protection in the county, law en-
forcement outside of Edenton, solid waste collection (by
means of dispersed dumpsters that are emptied periodically)
and recently, county water. Also the county contributes
toward library expenses, recreation activities, health
department expenses and the ambulance service. The effect
of increased residential growth on these expenditures can-
not be determined with any degree of precision. Too much
depends on when the growth takes place, where, how and who
moves in. However as has been pointed out repeatedly, the low
density sprawl that has occurred and is occurring in much of
the county is the most expensive type of development to
provide services for.
Certain costs result for the county regardless of whether
the development occurs inside or outside of Edenton. However,
since the county duplicates certain services that the town
also provides, residential development in Edenton probably
costs the county less money than residential developments out-
side of Edenton.
There has been some weekend and retirement home develop-
ment in the subdivisions along the Sound and river. (Details
13

on these subdivisions are included elsewhere in the plan.) Fur-
ther development of both seasonal, retirement and permanent family
homes is likely; but, to date, the few seasonal residents have not
posed major problems for the county's services. Also, retired
residents have had no major impacts on the county services. The
numbers involved are much fewer than in other areas of the coastal
region.
Several points should be made in summary about the costs of
growth to the county. The county, to date, has not provided exten-
sive services to new developments. The rate of new development
outside of Edenton has been slow,and currently there is little
evidence that the rate will increase substantially. The main
problem is that the development that is taking place is a very
low density, -unplanned sprawl that is costly to provide services for
Although the Coastal Area Management Act is concerned with
facility problems from growth, Chowan County may be facing the
reverse problem --community facility problems caused by decrease.
The elementary school population has decreased considerably. If
no new students enter, Chowan High School in eight years will have
150 students, a size that the superintendent feels will be insuffi-
cient to operate a high school curriculum. Elementary school
population has declined, not just in the county, but in the town,
too --a fact that runs somewhat contrary to town officials' con-
tentions of continuing growth. The problems of the school sys-
tem will be solved by the commissioners, but growth control
14

measures are hardly the most relevant.
While the limits to growth are hard to define for communi-
ty facilities and natural resources, definitions are close to
impossible when considering the impact on people's attitudes
and life styles. The community survey revealed that many citi-
zens value the small town atmosphere and rural character of
the county. Contrarily, the majority of respondents favored
a moderate rate of growth. Trying to determine at what point
small town and rural values are destroyed is extremely diffi-
cult because it would vary from person to person.
It should be mentioned that while environmental issues
and preserving small town and rural character are issues, the
lack of job opportunities, commercial facilities, cultural
facilities, and extensive public services has also been brought
up in the survey and in public meetings. Par from discussing
limits, much evidence can be presented that the town and coun-
ty have considerable agricultural, industrial, tourist, and
commercial potential that can be developed. Poverty, lack of
job opportunities, and outmigration of the young are all prob-
lems that could be at least partially solved by further devel-
opment. As is evidenced by the current policies, the objec-
tives and the implementation section, the people of the town
and county want to guide growth, but they do not want to cap
it.
Not everyone in the town and county are concerned with
broad Questions of growth and development, but, in fact, have
15

specific concerns that are equally important.
Outside of the Edenton city limits, county citizens have
expressed concern about developments that may conflict. The
Cape Colony section southeast of Edenton is being developed
for industrial and residential use. Residents want to insure
that future industrial development does not interfere with the
residential areas. Also farmers have expressed concern about
the non -farm residential growth in the county; they are
worried about possible rising taxes for frontage and conflicts
between farming and residential activities.
Conflicts between land uses are not the only development
issues that concern county residents. Drainage and mosquito
control are an issue of importance to many rural residents.
Several subdivisions were made before proper subdivision reg-
ulations were in effect. Currently these areas have many
problems street maintenance, right-of-way and easement diffi-
culties, lots unsuitable for development and building code
violations. Throughout the county, poverty is probably the
primary cause of the widespread substandard housing, but
unplanned development and the lack of code enforcement are
contributing factors..
Within the city limits of Edenton many of the land use
issues are similar to the issues out in the county. Conflicts
between residential, commercial, and industrial land uses are
a concern to those affected. Substandard housing and code
16

violations are prevalent problems in certain areas. Storm
water drainage is a problem both in the county and town but
the adverse effects are more pronounced in the town because
of its higher density. Preservation of the town's many fine
historic buildings has been a concern for some time and,in
fact, is an issue that has been dealt with successfully,
though more could be done.
17

C. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS: what is
currently being done
The town, county, state and Federal governments all are
influencing land use in the county and town. Each level of
government has prepared studies of the area to guide its
authority, and, in certain cases, has enacted regulations to
control development.
Many members of the community became concerned about the
town's development when the Marine Corps Air Base closed in
1959. A development corporation was formed and industrial
prospects were sought. The town initiated a population and
economy study (1967) and prepared a land development plan
(1968). Studies and recommendations were made about the
town's housing and neighborhoods (1970 & 1972). The town
has looked closely at its community facilities and has pre-
pared a schedule of public improvements (1970 & 1976).
In addition to analyzing its operations and preparing
plans for improvements, Edenton has adopted regulations to
guide development. Based on the land development plan, the
town established a zoning ordinance in 1969 and subdivision
regulations in 1972. These regulations have been revised
since their inception. The zoning ordinance has the usual
provisions about matters such as district divisions, allowed
uses, and non -conforming uses, but, in addition, has regula-
tions concerning floodplain developments, mobile homes and
18

historic district developments.. The subdivision regulations
set design and improvement standards for new developments.
Special provisions are included about waterfront developments,
open space acquisitions, and community facility sites.
REGULATIONS IN EFFECT
Current
Edenton
Chowan
Other
Regulations
County
Authority
Zoning ordinances
X
Subdivision regulations
X
X
Floodway ordinances
X
X
Building codes
X
Septic tank regulations
Chowan County
Board of Health
Historic district
X
regulations
Nuisance regulations
U.S. EPA, N.C.
Division of
Environmental
Management
Sedimentation codes
N.C. Division
of Environmental
Management
Dredge -and -fill
U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers,
N.C. Division
of Marine Fish-
eries
19

The subdivision regulations also require that the devel-
oper install, at his expense, streets and utilities. The
town will extend its sewer and water to the development, if
the area is already within the city limits or is annexed by the
town. The town wants to insure that these areas receiving town
services are under the town's jurisdiction.
The zoning administrator of the town also acts as a
building inspector. The town enforces the North Carolina
Building Code sections relating to construction, electrical
work, and plumbing. In addition to insuring that new con-
struction is done properly, the inspection department works
to remove or upgrade substandard housing.
The county has also been involved in assessing its
situation and guiding development. Subdivision regulations
were established in 1971 and revised recently. The regula-
tions set design standards and require certain installed
improvements. The planning board also prepared a sketch
development plan in 1973.
The county health department enforces the State Ground
Absorption Sewage Disposal Systems Act (1973). Before any
residence can install a septic tank, the site and the tank
have to be approved as suitable. Since the county health
department can approve or not approve a building site for
septic tanks, the health department has a great deal of land
use control in the county.
A complete report on Federal and State land use controls
20

in the coastal area is being prepared by the Coastal Resources
Commission, but some of the more significant legislation will
be discussed below.
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission
administers several state laws that have an impact on land
use in the county and town. The commission has approval
authority over all septic tanks over 3000 gallons and any
point discharge into surface waters. Another section of the
commission supervises sedimentation control. Any one under-
taking a land disturbing activity must file a plan for
erosion and sedimentation control with the commission 30
days before the activity is started. Dredge -and -fill and
certain shoreline projects require a permit from the state
Division of Marine Fisheries. Any public road that is to
be constructed must have its design and paving approved by
the state Department of Transportation. Many other state
activities in areas such as grant administration, historic
preservation, industrial development and road construction
have direct and indirect impacts on land use in the county
and town.
The Federal government had its most direct influence
on land use in Chowan County when it operated the Marine
Air Base. Since that time, Federal influence has been felt
mainly through grants and regulations. The Army Corps of
Engineers has permit approval over dredge -and -fill projects
and certain shoreline developments. Environmental impact
21

statements are required for many projects involving federal
funds. The Federal Insurance Administration requires local
government control over floodplain developments that involve
Federal funds. The Soil Conservation Service has been involved
in local water management, erosion control, and drainage pro-
jects. Federal grants and loans have made possible a variety
of land uses --transportation, housing, water and sewer facili-
ties, and recreation areas to name a few.
Other public and private organizations are having a definite
impact on the county's land use. The Farmers Home Administra-
tion is using Federal funds to provide loans for housing, particu-
larly for low and moderate income families. The Federal Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Development has provided financing
for low-income housing units in Edenton. The industrial develop-
ment of the town.and county has been guided by the industrial
committee of the local Chamber of Commerce which provides infor-
mation to possible industries and handles contact between the
potential industry and the local government.
W

Planning studies and regulations (that have been prepared
up to June, 19761
Edenton
Population and Economy 5/67
Land Development Plan 5/68
Zoning Ordinance 5/69
Updated 8/75
Neighborhood Analysis 1/70
Community Facilities Plan
Public Improvements Program 5/70
Capital Improvements Budget 8/70
Subdivision Regulations 3/72
Housing Element Update 4/72
Environmental Improvement Program 5/73
Industrial Park Feasibility Study 12/75
Community Facilities Report 6/76
Chowan County
Subdivision Regulations 4/71
Updated 5/76
Land Potential Study and Sketch
Development Plan 5/73
Zoning Ordinance (not in effect) 4/74
Mobile Home and Travel Trailer
Park Ordinance (not in effect) 4/74
Recreation Potential Study Not Dated
Community Facilities Report 6/76
23

D. LAND USE OBJECTIVES: direction for the future
In preparing the land use plan as required for the Coastal
Area Management Act, the county and town planning boards with
their citizen advisory groups held public meetings and distrib-
uted a questionnaire throughout the county and town. Many of
the previously mentioned land use issues were brought out.
As a result of this information and their own experience, the
planning boards and citizen advisory groups set the following
objectives that were approved by the town council and the
county commissioners.
Chowan County
1. Obtain a detailed soils map of the county to use as a basis
for planning.
2. Develop a county -wide drainage plan.
3. Protect shorelines and waterfront of the county from poor
development and increased erosion.
4. Improve the quality of the Chowan River.
S. Obtain a waterfront recreation site.
6. Plan for and obtain the needed facility sites.
7. Protect agricultural land.
8. Develop and protect local fishing industry.
9. Attract sound and small industry with increased attention to
proper industrial siting.
10. Develop tourist potential.
11. Improve code enforcement in the county.
12. Improve the existing subdivisions in the county.
24

13. Plan county and town development together through
coordinated planning and ordinances.
Edenton
1.
Plan economic
growth through industrial; fishing and
agricultural
sectors.
2.
Concentrate
industry around existing industrial zones.
3.
Harmonize
industry with existing life patterns.
4.
Protect
the environment (water, air and land) espe-
cially
from poor industrial development.
S.
Promote
tourism; provide better information and
facilities
to tourists.
6.
Improve
historic preservation.
7.
Improve
shopping facilities.
8.
Provide
waterfront recreation.
9.
Provide
more and better recreation for the young
people
of the town and county.
10.
Provide
better drainage in the town.
11.
Improve
the appearance of the town and county.
12.
Improve
code enforcement in the town.
13.
Plan town
and county development together.
25

E. ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES: implementation
Z. Policies and standards
Many of these objectives can be achieved by continued work
with existing policies and standards. The Edenton zoning ordi-
nance provides for industrial siting, and the town has been
active in promoting further industrial growth in the designated
area. The town has an existing policy of reviewing industrial
prospects to'insure that they will fit in with the natural and
social environments of the town. All further development will
continue to be guided by the subdivision regulations and zoning
ordinance.
The county in the Sketch Development Plan (1973) adopted
the following general standards for future growth. For specific
developments, other factors may be taken into consideration.
Residential areas should --
--have minimum lot sizes; where community water
and sewer facilities are unavailable - 20,000
square feet; either water or sewer facilities
are available but not both - 15,000 square feet,
--be bound but not crossed by major thoroughfares,
--construct utilities including electric wires
underground,
--not locate in flood prone areas,
--not be adjacent to airports,
--provide locations for churches, schools, recrea-
tion, and neighborhood -serving stores near their
center, and
--be buffered from other land uses.
26

Commercial areas should --
--locate near intersections of major thorough-
fares to better serve trade areas,
--provide adequate off-street parking with
designated entrances and exits,
--not be allowed to develop in strips but,
rather in compact, grouped and consoli-
dated into functional units, and
--have adequate space; neighborhood shopping
centers should range from 3 to 6 acres in
size while for community shopping centers -
10 to 30 acres in size.
Office and Institutional Areas should --
--serve as buffers between residential areas
and commercial or industrial uses,
--locate in planned office and institutional
parks, and
--have adequate off-street parking facilities.
Industrial Areas should --
--locate on nearly level ground,
--be well drained and on good load -bearing
soils,
--locate near railroads, major thoroughfares,
airports, navigable waterways, and major
utility and transmission lines, and
--provide sites large enough for expansion.
In addition to utilizing current policies, the town and
county have taken further steps toward achieving these objec-
tives. The county planning board is studying the costs in-
volved in a detailed soils survey and drainage management
study. The planning board feels that a detailed soils survey
27

will provide much better information on the suitability of vari-
ous areas for development including septic tank installation. If
the necessary arrangements can be made, the county will soon start
a building inspection program. County zoning and mobile home
ordinances are being considered as possible guides for future
development. The county subdivision regulations were recently
updated. The concerned observation and reporting of county citi-
zens have been important in maintaining local environmental qual-
ity and this concern will continue.
The county recently completed a county -wide water system.
The next priority for facilities is a new courthouse; the coun-
ty has already considered several sites and possible funding
sources. Depending on decisions about class size and the curric-
ulum to be taught, new school facilities may be needed within
the next ten years. The county is becoming involved in the Fed-
eral flood insurance program, and as a result certain adverse
shoreline developments will be controlled.
The town has been equally active in undertaking programs
that would achieve these objectives. The town has already com-
pleted a downtown project that improves the historic district's
commercial area and makes it attractive to visitors. A conven-
tion center for conferences is a development town officials are
working hard to bring about. Landscaping and building renova-
tion studies may be prepared for suggestions to further improve
the town's appearance. Building codes are being strictly en-
forced and substandard vacant housing is being upgraded or re-
28

moved. The town has completed a waterfront park and is studying
ways to expand its recently established recreation department.
If funds are available, the town will have an engineering study
prepared for solutions to its drainage problems. Once mapping
is completed, floodplain development will be controlled. The
town has recently finished a feasibility study to guide the dev-
elopment of its industrial park.
The town and county have cooperated in a number of ways
that meet the objectives set by the planning boards. The rec-
reation department is supported by both town and county funds
and provides services available to all the residents in Edenton
and Chowan County. Both the town and county support the activ-
ities of Historic Edenton, Inc.; this organization promotes the
tourist potential the town and county are most interested in --
tourists who come to view the historic sites and utilize commer-
cial facilities in the town and county. The town and county are
also cooperating in many other areas such as fire protection,
water supply and law enforcement.
Certain objectives may be reached fairly soon; others are
long range goals. More important than any specific policy is
the fact that Chowan County and Edenton citizens have shown a
continued interest in their local affairs.
2. Land Classification map*
As a further development guide and in keeping with the re -
*See land classification map in pocket inside back cover.
29

Quirements of the Coastal Area Management Act, the county com-
missioners and the town council, with their planning boards,
have prepared a land classification map that summarizes existing
land use and suggests areas where future growth should occur.
The town council and planning board have prepared the map for
the area of its jurisdiction, up to the extraterritorial limits
of Edenton. The county commissioners and planning board, having
jurisdiction over the rest of the county, have prepared the
county map. Major development affecting both areas will be
coordinated.
The classification maps were based on previous maps that
the town and county prepared suggesting commercial, industrial,
residential, agricultural and conservation areas.' However
these classification maps deal with future development densities.
The classification used is as follows:
a. Developed -- lands where existing population density
is moderate to high and where there are
a variety of land uses which have the
necessary public services. The land in
this category is completely within the
corporate limits of Edenton.
b. Transition -- Lands where local government plans to
accommodate moderate to high density
development during the following ten
year Period and where necessary public
services will be provided to accommodate
that growth. Transition lands have been
designated adjacent to the corporate
limits of Edenton where, in keeping with
the town's utility extension policies,
services could be provided if the need
1 Land Development Plan, Edenton, North Carolina (1968)
Sketch Development Plan, Chowan County (1973)
W

arises. The county has not designated
any transition because, at this time,
it does not plan to provide sewer to
county residents. If a suitable
arrangement can be made, areas of the
county adjacent to Edenton and in the
Cape Colony section may receive sewer
during the Edenton 201 wastewater ser-
vices construction program.
c. Community -- Lands where low density development is
grouped in existing settlements or will
occur in such settlements during the
following ten year period and which
will not require extensive public ser-
vices now or in the future. This cat-
egory is not applicable to Edenton;
within Chowan County there are several
such communities -- Valhalla, Tyner,
Cape Colony and others shown on the
map.
d. Rural -- Lands whose highest use is for agri-
culture, forestry, mining, water supply,
etc. based on their natural resources
potential. The majority of land in
Chowan County falls into this category.
Certain areas within Edenton's extra-
territorial limits not likely to develop
also have been categorized as rural.
e. Conservation-- Fragile, hazard or other lands neces-
sary to maintain a healthy natural
environment and necessary to provide.
for the public health, safety and wel-
fare. The areas within Chowan County
that are considered sensitive to devel-
opment are certain shoreline areas and
the millponds -in the northern part of
the county. Within the extraterritorial
limits of Edenton, the conservation
lands are the wooded swamp areas south-
west of town.
Future residential, industrial and commercial uses should be
concentrated in transition and community areas. The combined
growth for the town and county for the next ten years probably
has an upper limit of 1500 people or approximately 430 house-
31

holds.
The county has allocated approximately 11,000 acres of com-
munity land. The allocation of future growth cannot be done pre-
cisely on a one household to one parcel basis. The county's
allocation of community land basically delineates existing rural
communities and suggests that further growth should take place in
these areas, since none are fully developed. If development is
limited to these areas, the standards set in the sketch develop-
ment plan would be met. Also the objective of protecting agri-
cultural land would be furthered. However,'where growth in the
county does,in fact,take place in community areas depends to a
large extent on the land use controls the county decides to im-
plement. The final decisions have not been made to date.
The town has allocated 900 acres of transition land. The
preliminary 201 wastewater planning report indicates that the
transition lands that are not already sewered will be. Like the
county, the population growth expected cannot be allocated
exactly on a household to acre basis; but in considering the
land development plan of the town, the transition areas along 17
North will probably be developed for industrial purposes with
commercial and residential growth occurring in the other transi-
tion areas. This would meet the objectives of concentrating in-
dustry around existing industrial zones and would harmonize in-
dustry with the rest of the community.
32

3. Protection of fragile areas
Another method of achieving the land -use objectives is the
protection of valuable or fragile areas. The Coastal Area
Management Act requires that this be done. The Coastal Re-
sources Commission, the administrators of the act, have pre-
pared a list of the areas that should be considered in coastal
North Carolina. These areas are:
1.0 Coastal Wetlands
1.1 Low Tidal Marshlands
1.2 Other Coastal Marshlands
2.0 Estuarine Waters
3.0 Resource Areas -Watersheds or Aquifers
3.1 Small'Surface Water Supplies
3.2 Special Aquifers Areas - Outer Banks
and Barrier Islands
4.0 Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas
4.1 Existing National or State Parks
4.2 Complex Natural Areas
4.3 Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
4.4 Areas Containing Unique Geologic
Formations
4.5 Iistoric Places
4.6 Registered Natural Landmarks
5.0 Areas Subject to Public Rights
5.1 Certain Public Trust Areas
6.0 Natural Hazard Areas
6.1 Sand Dunes Along the Outer Banks
6.2 Ocean Beaches and Shorelines (on the
Outer Banks)
6.3 Excessive Erosion Areas
6.3.1 Coastal Inlet Lands
6.3.2 Ocean Erodible Areas
6.3.3 Estuarine, Sound and River
Erodible Areas
Not all of these areas are found in Chowan County and
Edenton. I[owever a preliminary identification of the areas in
33

the town and county that might be designated as areas of environ-
mental concern has been made. These areas are:
1.0 Coastal wetlands
2.0 Estuarine waters
4.2 Complex natural areas
4.3 Remnant species areas
4.4 Areas containing unique geologic formations
4.5 Historic places
5.0 Areas subject to public rights
6.3.3 Estuarine, sound and river erodible areas
These areas are defined, their significance is explained,
and appropriate land uses are discussed below. Since these areas
may be delineated legally, the information is quoted directly
from the Coastal Area Management Act guidelines or relevant
revisions:
1.0 Coastal Wetlands - General
Coastal wetlands are defined as "any salt marsh or other
marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, in-
cluding 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. Salt marshland or other marsh shall be those areas upon
which grow some, but not necessarily all, of the following salt
marsh and marsh plant species: Smooth or salt water Cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus);
Glasswort (Salicornia spp.); Salt Grass (Distichlis Spicata);
Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.); Bulrush (Scirpus spp.); Saw Grass
(Cladium Jamaicense); Cat -Tail (Typha spp.); Salt -Meadow Grass
34

(Spartina Patens); and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides)."
Included in this statutory definition of wetlands is "such con-
tiguous land as the Secretary of NER reasonably deems necessary
to affect by any such order in carrying out the purposes of
this Section." (G.S. 113-230 (a))
For policy purposes, coastal wetlands may be considered
in two categories: (1) low tidal marsh; (2) other coastal
marshlands which have different significance and policy impli-
cations.
1.1 Coastal Wetlands - Low Tidal Marshland
a. Description. Defined as marshland consisting primarily
of Spartina alterniflora and usually subject to inundation by
the normal rise and fall of lunar tides.
b. Significance. Low tidal marshland serves as a critical
component in the coastal ecosystem. The marsh is the basis for
the high net yield system of the estuary through the production
of organic detritus (partially decomposed plant material) which
is the primary input source for the food chain of the entire
estuarine system. Estuarine dependent species of fish and
shellfish such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs
currently make up over 90 percent of the total value of North
Carolina's commercial catch.
In addition, the roots and rhizomes of the Spartina alter-
niflora serve as waterfowl food and the stems as wildlife nest-
ing material. Low tidal marsh also serves as the first line
35

of defense in retarding shoreline erosion. The plant stems and
leaves tend to dissipate wave action while the vast network of
roots resists soil erosion. Marshes or this type operate addi-
tionally as traps for sediment originating from upland runoff
thus reducing siltation of the estuarine bottoms and consequent
detriment to marine organisms.
C. Policy Objective. To give the highest priority to
the preservation of low tidal marshland.
d. Appropriate Land Uses.
Appropriate land uses shall be
those consistent with the above policy objective. These marshes
should be considered unsuitable for all development which will
alter their natural functions. Inappropriate land uses include,
but are not limited to the following examples: restaurants and
businesses; residences, apartments, motels, hotels, and trailer
parks; parking lots and offices; spoil and dump sites; wastewater
lagoons; public and private roads and highways; and factories.
Examples of acceptable land uses may include utility easements,
fishing piers, docks, certain agricultural uses except when ex-
cavation or filling affecting estuarine or navigable waters is
involved, and such other uses which do not significantly alter
the natural functions of the marsh.
1.2 Coastal Wetlands - Other Coastal Marshland
a. Description. All other marshland which is not low
tidal marshland and which contains the species of vegetation as
listed in the first paragraph under Section 1.0.
36

b. Significance. This marshland type also contributes
to the detritus supply necessary to the highly productive estu-
arine system essential to North Carolina's economically valuable
commercial and sports fisheries.
The higher marsh types offer quality wildlife and water-
fowl Habitat depending on the biological and physical conditions
of the marsh. The vegetative diversity in the higher marshes
usually supports a greater diversity of wildlife types than the
limited habitat of the low tidal marsh.. This marshland type
also serves as an important deterrent to shoreline erosion
especially in those marshes containing heavily rooted species.
The dense system of rhizomes and roots of Juncus roemerianus
are highly resistant to erosion. In addition, the higher
marshes are effective sediment traps.
C. Policy Objective. To give a high priority to the
preservation and management of the marsh so as to safeguard and
perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic values.
d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be
those consistent with the above policy objective. highest
priority shall be allocated to the conservation of existing
marshlands. Second priority for land uses allocation of this
type shall be given to development which requires water access
and cannot function anywhere else, such as ports, docks and
marinas, provided that the actual location of such facilities
within the marsh consider coastal, physical and biological sys-
tems and further provided that feasible alternatives regarding
37

location and design have been adequately considered and need for
such development can be demonstrated. Such allocation may only
be justified by the projected land use demands and by community
development objectives, but in no case shall the allocation ex-
ceed the capacity of the marshland system to sustain losses with-
out harm to the estuarine ecosystem unless the losses would be
offset by a clear and substantial benefit to the public.
2.0 Estuarine Waters
a. Description. Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113-
229 (n) (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 Conservation and Development filed with the
Secretary of State entitled 'Boundary Lines, North Carolina
Commercial Fishing -Inland Fishing Waters, revised March 1, 1965,11'
or as it may be subsequently revised by the Legislature.
b. Significance. Estuaries are among the most productive
natural environments of North Carolina. They not only support
valuable commercial and sports fisheries, but are also utilized
for commercial navigation, recreation, and aesthetic purposes.
Species dependent upon estuaries such as menhaden, shrimp,
flounder, oysters and crabs make up over 90 percent of the total
value of North Carolina's commercial catch. These species must
38

spend all or some part of their life cycle in the estuary. The
high level of commercial and sports fisheries and the aesthetic
appeal of coastal North Carolina is dependent upon the protec-
tion and sustained quality of our estuarine areas.
c. Policy Objective. To preserve and manage estuarine
waters so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, eco-
nomic and aesthetic values.
d. Appropriate Uses. Appropriate uses shall be those
consistent with the above policy objective. Highest priority
shall be allocated to the conservation of estuarine waters. The
development of navigational channels, the use of bulkheads to
prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs where no
other feasible alternative exists are examples of land uses
appropriate within estuarine waters, provided that such land
uses will not be detrimental to the biological and physical
estuarine functions and public trust rights. Projects which
would directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigation
channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean
high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate
water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish
waters are generally considered incompatible with the management
of estuarine waters.
4.2 Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas - Complex
Natural Areas
a. Description. Complex natural areas are defined as
lands that support native plant and animal communities and pro-
39

vide habitat conditions or characteristics that have remained
essentially unchanged by human activity. Such areas are surrounded
by landscapes that have been modified but that do not drastically
alter the conditions within the natural areas or their scientific
or educational. value. Such areas will be determined by the Com-
mission, after consideration of written reports or testimony of
competent experts, to be rare within a county or to be of particu-
lar scientific or educational value.
b. Significance. Complex natural areas provide the few re-
maining examples of conditions that existed within the coastal
areas prior to settlement by Western man. Often these natural
areas provide habitat conditions suitable for rare or endangered
species or they support plant and animal communities representative
of presettlement conditions. These areas help provide a historical
perspective to changing natural conditions in the coastal areas
and together are important and irreplaceable scientific and educa-
tional resources.
C. Policy Objective. To preserve the natural conditions of
the site so as to safeguard its existence as an example of naturally
occurring, relatively undisturbed plant and animal communities of
major scientific or educational value.
d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be
those consistent with the above policy objective. Lands within
the AEC shall not be planned for uses or kinds of development that
will unnecessarily jeopardize the natural or primitive character of
40

the natural area directly or indirectly through increased acces-
sibility. Additionally, lands adjacent to the complex natural
area should not be planned for additional development that would
unnecessarily endanger the recognized value of the AEC. The
variability between kinds of complex natural areas and between
land uses adjacent to those natural areas means that the range
of permissible uses and intensity of use must be carefully
tailored to the individual area.
4.3 Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas - Areas that
Sustain Remnant Species
a. Description. Areas that sustain remnant species are
those places that support native plants or animals, rare or en-
dangered, within the coastal area. Such places provide habitat
conditions necessary for the survival of existing populations or
communities of rare or endangered species within the county.
Determination will be by the Commission based upon accepted
lists published by the State or Federal Government and written
reports or testimony of competent experts indicating that a
species is rare or endangered within the coastal area.
b. Significance. The continued survival of certain
native plants -and animals in the coastal area that are now
rare or endangered cannot be assured unless the relatively
few well defined areas providing necessary habitat conditions
are protected from development or land uses that might alter
these conditions. These habitats and the species they support
provide a valuable educational and scientific resource.
41

c. Policy Objective. To preserve habitat conditions nec-
essary to the continued survival of rare or endangered native
plants and animals and minimize development or land uses that
might jeopardize known areas that support remnant species.
d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be
those consistent with the above policy objective. Lands within
the AEC shall not be planned for uses or kinds of development
that will unnecessarily jeopardize the habitat conditions re-
sponsible for the continued survival of the respective plants or
animals.
4.4 Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas - Areas Contain-
ing Unique Geological Formations
a. Description. Areas containing unique geological forma-
tions will be identified by the State Geologist. These places
contain surface or near surface formations that are either them-
selves unique or are especially unusual or notable examples of
geologic formations or processes in the coastal area.
b. Significance. Unique geological areas provide surface
or near surface exposures of unique geologic formations or pro-
cesses of the coastal area. They are important educational,
scientific, or scenic resources that would be jeopardized by un-
controlled or incompatible development.
c.
Policy
Objectives.
To preserve the
scientific,
educa-
tional
or scenic
values of
unique geological
formations
so that
they may be available for future study and enjoyment
d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be
42

those
consistent
with the above policy objective.
Uses
within
areas
containing
unique geological formations shall
be
tailored
to the particular unique qualities of the individual area.
4.5 Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas - Historic
Places
a. Description. Historic places are those historical,
archaelogical and other properties owned, managed, or assisted
by the State of North Carolina pursuant to G.S. 121 and those
properties or areas that are designated by the Secretary of
the Interior as National Historic Landmarks.
b. Significance. Historic resources are both non-renew-
able and fragile. They owe their significance to their associa-
tion with American history, architecture, archaeology, and cul-
ture. Properties on or approved for the National Register of
Historic Places may be of national, state, or local signifi-
cance.
c. Policy Objective. To protect and/or preserve the
integrity of districts, sites, buildings, and objects in the
above categories.
d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be
those consistent with the above stated policy objective. Land
use which will result in substantial irreversible damage to the
historic value of the area is inappropriate.
5.0 Areas Subject to Public Rights - General
Areas such as waterways and lands under or flowed by
43

tidal waters or navigable waters, to which the public may have
rights of access or public trust rights and areas which the State
of North Carolina may be authorized to preserve, conserve, or
protect under Article XIV, Section 5, of the North Carolina Con-
stitution.
5.1 Areas Subject to Public Rights - Certain Public Trust Areas
a. Description. All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the
lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward
limit of State jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject
to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high
water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands
there under to the mean high water mark or ordinary high water
mark as the case may be, except privately owned lakes to which
the public has no right of access; all waters in artificially
created bodies of water in which exists significant public fish-
ing resources or other public resources, which are accessible to
the public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public
has rights of navigation; all waters in artificially created
bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by pre-
scription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means. In
determining whether the public has acquired rights in artifi
cially.created bodies of water, the following factors shall be
considered: (i) the use of the body of water by the public;
(ii) the length of time the public has used the area; (iii)
the value of public resources in the body of water; (iv) wheth-
44

er the public resources in the body of water are mobile to the
extent that they can move into natural bodies of water; (v)
whether the creation of the artificial body of water required
permission from the State; and from one public area to another
public area.
For purposes of the description in 5.0 and 5.1 the follow-
ing definitions shall apply:
(1) Mean High Water Mark means the line on the -shore
established by the average of all high tides. It
is established by survey based on available tidal
datum. In the absence of such datum, the mean high
water mark shall be determined by physical_ markings
or comparison of the area in question with an area
having similar physical characteristics for which
tidal datum is readily available.
(2) Navigablemeans navigable -in -fact.
(3) Navigable -in -fact means capable of being navigated in
its natural condition by the ordinary modes of navi-
gation including modes of navigation used for recre-
ational purposes. The natural condition of a body of
water for purposes of determining navigability shall
be the condition of the body of water at mean high
water or ordinary high water as the case may be, and
the condition of the body of water without man-made
obstructions and without temporary natural obstruc-
tions. Temporary natural conditions such as water
level fluctuation and temporary natural obstructions
which do not permanently or totally prevent navigation
do not make an otherwise navigable stream non -naviga-
ble.
(4) Ordinary High Water Mark means the natural or clear
line impressed on the land adjacent to the waterbody.
It may be established by erosion or other easily
recognized characteristics such as shelving, change
in the character of the soil, destruction.of terres-
trial vegetation or its inability to grow, the pres-
ence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means
which consider the characteristics of the surrounding
area. The ordinary high water mark does not extend
beyond the-wel-1 defined -banks of a r-iver---where such
banks exist.
45

b. Significance. The public has rights in these waters
including navigation and recreation. In addition, these waters
support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic
value, and are important potential resources for economic devel-
opment.
c. Policy Objective. To protect public rights for naviga-
tion and recreation and to preserve and manage the public trust
waters so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, eco-
nomic and aesthetic value.
d. Appropriate Uses. Appropriate uses shall be those con-
sistent with the above policy objective. Any land use which
interferes with the public right of navigation, or other public
trust rights, which the public may be found to have in these
waters, shall not be allowed. The development of navigational
channels, drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to.prevent
erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs are examples of
land uses appropriate within public trust waters provided that
such land uses will not be detrimental to the biological and
physical functions and public trust rights. Projects which would
directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigation chan-
ne.ls, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean
high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate
water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish
waters are generally considered incompatible with the management
of public trust waters.
46

6.0 Natural Hazard Areas General
Natural hazard areas are areas where uncontrolled or
incompatible,development could undeasonably endanger life or
property, and other areas especially vulnerable to erosion,
flooding, or other adverse effects of sand, wind and water.
6.3.3 Natural Hazard Areas - Excessive Erosion Areas - Estua-
rine and River ro i e reas
a. Description. Defined as the area above ordinary high
water where excessive erosion has a high probability of occur-
ring. In delineating the landward extent of this area a
reasonable 25-year recession line shall be determined using -the
best available information. The information necessary to iden-
tify these areas will be supplied by the State Geologist.
b. Significance. The estuarine and sound and river
erodible areas are natural hazard areas especially vulnerable
to erosion. Development within this type AEC is subjected to
the damaging process of erosion unless special development
standards and preventive measures are employed.
c. Policy Objective. To insure that development occurring
within these areas is compatible with the dynamic nature of the
erodible lands thus minimizing the likelihood of significant
loss of property.
d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be
those consistent with the above policy objective. Permanent or
substantial residential, commercial, institutional or industrial
47

structures are not appropriate uses in estuarine and sound and
river erodible areas unless stabilization has been achieved along
the affected reach. Recreational, rural and conservation activi-
ties represent appropriate land uses in those erodible areas
where shoreline protective construction has not been completed.
7.0 Development Standards Applicable to All AEC's
a. No development should be allowed in any AEC which would
result in a contravention or violation of any rules, regulations,
or laws of the State of North Carolina or of local government
in which the development takes place.
b. No development should be allowed in any AEC which would
have a substantial likelihood of causing pollution of the waters
of the State to the extent that such waters would be closed to
the taking of shellfish under standards set by the Commission
for IIealth Services pursuant to G.S. 130-169.01.
The final designation of areas of environmental concern and
the determination of appropriate uses will be made by the Coastal
Resources Commission.
48

II. FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE LAND USE
Detailed Reports

A. NATURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING DEVELOPMENT: Zand use constraints
Z. PhusicaZ Zimitations
a.
Climate
27
b.
Flood hazard areas
29
c.
Soil limitation areas
29
1) Septic tank limitations
30
2) Dradnage limitations
31
3) Foundation' imitations (dwelling suitability)
32
d.
Estuarine erosive areas
33
2. Fragile
areas
a.
Surface waters
34
1) Estuarine waters
36
2) Public trust waters
37.
b.
Water supply sources
38
c.
Complex natural areas
39
d.
Areas sustaining remnant species
40
e.
Coastal wetlands
40
f.
Areas containing unique geological formations
41
3. Areas of resource potential
a. Publicly owned land 42
b. Productive agricultural soils 43
c. Potentially valuable mineral sites 44
49

1. PhysicaZ limitations
Certain areas have characteristics that make the area un-
developable or developable only at high cost. If develop-
ment does not take these limiting characteristics into
account, subsequent problems will arise, often quite serious.
Within Chowan County the following factors pose limitations
for development.
a. Climate
b. Flood hazard areas
C. Soil limitation areas
1) Septic tank limitations
2) Drainage limitations
3) Foundation imitations
d. Estuarine erosive areas
(dwelling suitability)
50

a. Climate
(from the March 1973 Land' Potential' Stud and Sketch Dev-
elopment Plan for Chowan County
The State Climatologist for the U. S. Environmental
Science Services Administration reports that the Elizabeth City
station serves as a good approximation for Chowan County.l
Thus, weather in Chowan County is generally similar to that of
Elizabeth City some 30 miles northeast of Edenton.
The Edenton area enjoys a moderate climate, with mild
winters and warm summers. The nearness of the ocean and the
large water areas of the Albemarle Sound has a moderating
effect on temperatures, both winter and summer. This is pro-
nounced when winds are blowing from northeast through south-
east, but is of little consequence when offshore winds pre-
vail. In the warm season, the cooling effect of the sea breeze
is -greatest in late spring and early summer, when coastal
waters are still cool, but it still brings some moderation of
high temperatures in July and August.
Temperatures drop below freezing in this area on a little
less than half of the days in December, January, and February,
but daytime temperatures almost invariably rise above 32 de-
grees. There is,on the average, only one or two days per
1 Albert V. Hardy, "Climatological Summary" Elizabeth
City, N. C. Station, U. S. Environmental Science Services Ad-
ministration and N.C.S.U. Raleigh, N. C., 1965.
51

year on which the mercury remains below the freezing point
throughout an entire day. Readings as high as 80 degrees can
occur at any time of year, but are very rare in winter. Tem-
peratures as low as zero very rarely occur.
Intermittent cool spells of several days duration occur
through June, but the weather is usually quite warm during
July and August. Although the average daily maximum temperature
is nearly 90 degrees in July, extremes of heat are comparatively
rare; on the average a reading of 100 degrees is reached on only
one day per year and sometimes two or three years pass without
any such occurrence.
The proximity of large bodies of water results in a longer
growing season than is the case over inland areas of North Caro-
lina. The average length of the freeze -free growing season in
the Edenton area is over 225 days. The average date of last
occurrence in spring of a temperature as low as 32 degrees is
March 27; of 28 degrees, March 12; of 20 degrees, February 12.
The average date of first occurrence in fall of a temperature
as low as 32 degrees is November 9; of 28 degrees, November
19; of 20 degrees, December 17.
Rainfall is usually ample and well -distributed throughout
the year. Average rainfall is greatest during the summer
months when the need for water to support crops and industry is
greatest. The driest weather usually comes in the fall, at the
harvest season. Winter rainfall comes from the effects of
moving low pressure storm systems, resulting in intermittent
52

rainy periods of from one to occasionally two or three days in
length. Summer rains come principally in the form of brief
showers and thunderstorms, which are seldom of more than a few
hours duration. While there are occasional dry spells of several
weeks in syring or summer, prolonged or severe drought during
the growing season is very rare. A series of closely -spaced
thundershowers or a storm moving northward in the coastal area
will occasionally cause a period of excessive rainfall.
While there is an occasional snowfall in the Edenton area,
it is usually very light, often melting as it falls. Some snow
falls during most winters, but no month receives an average of
as much as two inches. Heavy snowstorms have occurred, but they
are a rarity. Only very infrequently does any appreciable amount
of snow remain on the ground more than a few days.
Winds blow more frequently from the southwest than any other
direction during most of the year, but prevailing winds are from
the northeast in autumn. The average speed of the wind is about
eight or nine miles per hour. While the relative humidity varies
considerably with the time of day; on an average it raises to 80
percent or a little higher in the early morning hours, dropping
off steadily after sunrise and reaching 60 percent or lower at
mid -afternoon. More than half the daylight hours are sunny at
all seasons, and in summer the sun shines, on the average, about
two-thirds of the daytime period.
In summary, although development must take climate into
account, Edenton and Chowan County's warm temperate climate
53

poses few limitations on most types of development.
b. Flood hazard areas
Due to its flat topography and the large adjacent water
bodies Chowan County has extensive areas that are prone to
flooding. The areas mapped are those prone to flooding with
an annual probability of one percent (100 year storm). However,
this mapping is not accurate and is only preliminary.) Detail-
ed maps of the flood prone area in the county and town will be
completed for the Federal flood insurance program.
Because these areas have a certain probability of flooding,
inappropriate development within the flood plain can unreason-
ably endanger life and property. Buildings within the flood
plain should be properly designed and built to withstand the
100 year storm. Buildings should be prohibited from the flood -
way, that area immediately adjacent to the water. These devel-
opment policies will be undertaken when the county and town
become involved in the second phase of the Federal Flood Insur-
ance Administration's program.
1 Prepared by United States Geological Survey for Chowan
County. Prepared by the Flood Insurance Administration for
Edenton.
54

IOWA►N COUNTY C O U N T Y
NORTH CAROLINA.
wua
�,w,e u,ni i I ,wt_t 4 � � '•'
of
scut rt�, n+unwE.u«,s {A� •/. '� � 2
V
M E Q f F O A D\
FLOOD PRONE AREAS
COuN I
�� •,rr � a, . _ J �,W � � � I / "rpm y
Legend
Flood Prone Areas
e' r.it
_ _ h„�•' Source: United States Geological Survey in cooperation
With the Federal Insurance Administration.
Ile
I PEgO`
\ � �, • ��� ' ,!'..fit'`, J\) `� � `= /C1 � ^,\ R IAt�Ns
•� r~ 1a
,4.
i 1 t `-
\\ I r ror \\ �\ I 4 - II t .,•!a.•x., +,�.•.wM•\i.A } .P � �' r
Fou
�I N, / A AR 1. %''--�-�•
i

��-I.INI•/ 7••/. Jvrl.Ifs/1
_ Legend
Flood -Prone Areas Within
Town Limit
Source: Map prepared by the Federal Insurance
Administration,Dept.of Housing and = —
Urban Development
i
i
♦ I
�. Route IT by -Pas_
. /w[ mw a morra�lanw uwou .
YN W 'v
��_ �111111111/•I/1/
�_ Z••I•I J•r /•„�/1..��� FLOOD -PRONE ,AREAS
EDENTON,NORTH CAROLINA

C. Soil limitation areas
Soils are among the most important factors in determining
the appropriate land use for a site. Characteristics of soil
such as its porosity, permeability, depth to water table, drain-
age, and shrink -swell potential affect development and suitabil-
ity. Soils throughout Chowan County pose moderate to severe
limitations on development that can be overcome by higher expen-
ditures and special construction measures; in certain county soils,
the limitations are so severe that development is almost impos-
sible.
The Soil Conservation Service's generalized soils map for
Chowan County is reproduced on the following page. Soils infor-
mation is available only at this broad scale, thus this map can-
not be used for site information. Nevertheless the generalized
information available can be used to consider the overall soil
characteristics of the county and how these characteristics will
affect future development.
Note: Much of the soils information in this report is based on
a regional soils report, Soil Associations of the Coastal
Area Management Region prepared by N.C. State University
and the Soil Conservation Service. Since the time the
land use plan's information was gathered, a revised Chowan
County soils report has been published. This county report
should be utilized for more specific and complete infor-
mation.
55

HO d AN COUNTY STY c o u N T r
i
NORTH CAROLINA - j
y
QQ t,
SCuf iOt 9r fiutwwl 2
2 t o
N E R T f O R D \ t� 1 6 1, 4±o., //
COUNTY GENERAL SOIL ASSOCIATION MAP
• ' �-
Legend
/ \ Conatoo-Wando-Drogston
3•.1 j� 13�/ „'� 2 Bladen-Lenoir-Crovan
3 8laden- Bay boro7Portsmouth
4 Bartle Tomotlay-AltovIota
�� • ? / a "f 5 Wickhom-Altavista-Walla
I
``
3 6 Dorovan- Johnston
k. My
1; T Dan-Ponser-Wanda
IrV
lee
'� r.., , \ , ';, .. , / � � Ivy •., i li ,
z"Y / 2 °r�'! „„ . `\ ., ,� \ = . .- _ .ros•
j` -1 • I /, . / i a tl Imo.
` 2;liu...,e-
W
62.
/
•\ �I �kO.wu «w«M V,yun w ik ,. �•ki'. r-„
t
10-
si �\• � s ��
\ I t i-

1) Septic tank limitations
A septic tank discharges water containing solids and bac-
teria into the soil. The soil acts as a filter and, as the
water passes through, the soil particles remove the bacteria
and waste material. Iiowever,not all soils perform this filter
function well. Water passes too quickly through certain sands
and not at all or too slowly through certain clays. If the
wastewater is discharged into soils with a high water table,
the wastewater is not filtered sufficiently before it enters
the groundwater.
According to information from N. C. State, many of the
soils found in Chowan are not suitable for septic tanks in
their natural state. The septic tank limitations are presented
on the following chart.' Only the Conetoe-Wando-Dragston asso-
ciation has greater than 500 of a suitable soil type in the
association. Certain soils in the county can be modified to
make a site provisionally suitable depending on the density of
the development in the area.
The District Health Department requires on -site inspections
to obtain more specific information. The sanitarian takes into
account the filtering ability of the soil, surface drainage, the
size of the lot and other factors. Since only the area within
the corporate limits of Edenton is sewered, the suitability of
a site for septic tank installation is important for any pro-
posed development.
1 Source: Soil Associations of the Coastal Area Manage-
ment Region N. C. State University, SCS June 1975
56

Assoc.'s %
of Cty. Soil
30
43
12
Fj
1
SEPTIC LIMITATIONS
Association
Soil Types
o of Soil
Type Suitability
Suitability of
in Assoc.
in Association of Soil Type
Soil Association
for Septic Tanks
for Septic Tanks
Conetoe-Wando-Dragston
_
Suitable
Conetoe
50
Suitable
Wando
25
Provisionally suitable
Dragston
15
Unsuitable*
,
Other soils
10
Bladen-Lenoir-Craven
Unsuitable
Bladen
50
Unsuitable
Lenoir
20
Unsuitable
Craven
20
Unsuitable
Other soils
10
Bladen-Bayboro-Portsmouth
Unsuitable
Bladen
40
Unsuitable
Bayboro
20
Unsuitable
Portsmouth
15
Unsuitable
Other soils
25
Bertie-Tomotley-Altavista
Unsuitable
Bertie
30
Unsuitable*
Tomotley
30
Unsuitable
Altavista
20
Unsuitable
Other soils
20
Wickham-Altavista-Wahee
Unsuitable
Wickham
30
Suitable
Altavista
30
Unsuitable*
Wahee
20
Unsuitable
Other soils
20
Dorovan-Johnston
Unsuitable
Dorovan
70
Unsuitable
Johnston
10
Unsuitable
Other soils
20
Dare--Ponzer-Wasda
Unsuitable
Dare
0
Unsuitable
Ponzer
5
Unsuitable
Wasda
85
Unsuitable
Other soils
10

o � N t
HOWAN COUNTY �
NORTH CAROLINA _ �!
SL.uE ••1
.W
'I a•IJ IIi•11 1 � rai)� i �— 4� / • F.
p V)
y�y( FOR tN4K+tMEN1) Z
\�,. I ••y4. wr •••
H E et IF O R o ; f4 ••,;��,,; •;;;$�" �'�...W. SEPTIC LIMITATIONS
COUNTY \ ,. •• :�%I.r i,:"
/ter«.�_. au •• � >.;•••'� �.
' .. `.e ! .: i„ : •' - (,l/.` i' y] Suitable Salts
Unsuilobls Soils
_ — • • •� ''• Source: USDA Soil Conservation Service
r ;Y.� ,� ' ' • • < Soil Associations o/ the Coastal Ana
• ,•t; :'� Management Region N.C. State Univ.
x / I
� � w � ;, , 'IE:�; •? yy•:::•;•.�" �p it W
( '+• • '• ww w•. � •, r' emu•• •• `+ ,r a
� � \� A.•r r..• • d b Aar. ,� r ..
ai � ,-

2) Drainage limitations
Drainage is controlled by topography, rainfall duration
and the soil characteristics. A soil that is poorly drained
and prone to flooding poses limitations for many uses --roads,
buildings and even agriculture. However artificial measures
can be taken in certain cases to improve the drainage of a
soil and overcome its limitations for development. Poor drain-
age is a problem in many areas of the county as the accompanying
chart and map show.
The drainage characteristics of 50% of the soil types in
the association are used to determine the drainage character-
istics of the association.
Ex. W.D. Extremely Well Drained
W.D. Well Drained
M.W.D. Moderately Well Drained
S.P.D. Somewhat Poorly Drained
P.D. Poorly Drained
V.P.D. Very Poorly Drained
58

DRAINAGL LIMITATIONS
Assoc.'s t
Association
Soil Types
t of Soil Type
Drainage
Drainage
of Cty. Soils
in Assoc.
in Association
Characteristics
Characteristics
of Soil Type
of Association
30
Conetoe-Wando-Dragston
Well Drained
Conetoe
50
Well Drained
Wando
2S
Ex. W. D.
Dragston
15
S.P.D.
Other soils
10
43
Bladen-Lenoir-Craven
Poorly Drained
Bladen
S0
P.D.
Lenoir
20
S.P.D.
Craven
20
M.W.D.
Other soils
10
12
Bladen-Bayboro-Portsmouth
Poorly Drained
Bladen
40
P.D.
-
Bayboro
20
V.P.D.
Portsmouth
15
V.P.D.
Other soils
2S
5
Bertie-Tomotley-Altavista
Somewhat Poorly
Bertie
30
S.P.D.
Drained
Tomotley
30
P.D.
Altavista
20
M.W.D.
Other soils
20
2
Wickham-Altavista-Waheo
Well Drained
Wickham
30
W.A.
Altavista
30
M.W.D.
Wahee
20
S.P.D.
Other soils
20
7
Dorovan-Johnston
Very
Poorly Drained
Dorovan
70
V.P.D.
Johnston
10
V.P.D.
Other soils
20
1
Dare-Ponzer-Wasda
Very
Poorly Drained
Dare
0
V.P.D.
Ponzer
5
V.P.D.
Wasda
85
V.P.D.
Other soils
10
59

ROWAN COUNTY C ° U N. , Y
NORTH CAROLINA -I
xut ^I w,
1 Al
..■s t ..
scut ro■ te■n■cauN,s ' v Z
lK
H E R f f O i D \ tt '�•%f2C��'• �•1 '.,�,;r•� ,..1''.�1'.^"'a''+u- _
Legend
Well Drained
Q Poorly Drained
F' fit`','•] Somewhat Poorly Drained
�I � _ • .n N. `mow '... • �,
% Very Poorly Drained
J
k , I ° DRAINAGE LIMITATIONS
I.�.,,, :.,N • 7 .p it W
Ii 1Z• � ' u„��' c ,:I
Y •77 9
1I � F
lee
�y •�: ..""• � Jt �-' � � DNS
y :j _ -✓ _\
r
M
A
, ��

3) Foundation limitations (dwelling suitability)
Building construction can be limited by several soil char-
acteristics. Certain types of clay may shrink and swell putting
stress on foundations. Certain clays also do not bear a load
well. Soils that have a seasonally high water table and are
subject to flooding also pose limitations for dwellings. Or-
ganic soils probably have the most severe limitations for dwell-
ings, because these soils will subside markedly under loads.
Soils that have limitations for foundations or dwellings
are not impossible to develop. Lowering the site's water table,
the construction of special footings, and the use of special
materials can modify the site's limitations. Certain limita-
tions can be overcome easily; for others the costs necessary
would be so high. that the site is completely unsuitable.
Only the Conetoe-Wando-Dragston association has greater
than 50% of the soils in the association suitable for founda-
tions. Special measures to modify the site are necessary in
the other soils. For certain soils these special measures are
minimal; for other soils, particularly the organic soils, the
special measures would have to be quite extensive.
M

CHOWAN COUNTY C 0 U N i Y
NORTH CAROLINA t ;;
SCAIf
�Iffflll, ;
F 1 ya Iw o ;
/ I.
SCYf k01 kN,AH:fMt N15
ti r \L\• : f : Z
'FOUNDATION LIMITATIONS
fl E R I f 0 R` \ ,� ••� •• `• i u
C O U N 1 Y •.�-� : L""'�•'r;•.:: Ste'`^•,] No Limitations
1 � �, •. ,,,, ,.,� ( '• • ••„• Ja �• • Moderate to Seven Limitations
• •,^i: ?'"" ..a n: •: ` /r_ Source: USDA,Soil Conservation Service
y w•.a y �! ,� .� • • • 3 f}_ , _''may: _ _._ .._.i.'1+ __ z
�_� —•� • '1':` 'ova. -J �:�•i•` •�•: � ;° <
lL!Y - I Ir"1 •• `'`�•:•J'kV•a. y. '�� ••�� y� ,"�' I' o.
r _ I •,1, �+,. ��RC`/; +•e / �dl`'J`!'•,h,� _\ ,r. �"' _. _ 1 ` _ ---f'w _ Cti,�M!
J\ IM7' ,„yw • ..•f���'If.J�' � l4••�� `� i \ / ; JFP°' i.w ins `
+P
•1 INN
u / few
•\ ���'�'/I''/I

Assoc.'s %
of Cty. Soils
30
43
12
5
2
7
1
Association
Conetoe-Wando-Dragston
Soil Types % of Soil Type Suitability Limitations
in Assoc. in Association
Conetoe
Wando
Dragston
Other soils
Bladen-Lenoir-Craven
Bladen
Lenoir
Craven
Other soils
Bladen-Bayboro-Portsmouth
Bladen
Bayboro
Portsmouth
Other soils
Bertie-Tomotley-Altavista
Bea -tie
Tomotley
Altavista
Other soils
Wickham-Altavista-1Vahee
Wickham
Altavista
Wahee
Other soils
Dorovan-Johnston
Dorovan
Johnston
Other soils
Belhaven-Ponzer-Wasda
Belhaven
Ponzer
Wasda
*SHWT-Seasonally High Water Table Other soils
50
Suitable
25
Suitable
15
Unsuitable
SHWT
10
50
Unsuitable
Floods SHWT
20
Unsuitable
Shrink -swell
SHWT
20
Unsuitable
Shrink swell
10
40
Unsuitable
Floods SHWT
20
Unsuitable
Shrink -swell
SHWT
15
Unsuitable
SHWT
25
30
Suitable
30
Unsuitable
Flooding SHWT
20
Unsuitable
Flooding SHWT
20
25
Suitable
20
Suitable
20
Unsuitable
SHWT
30
75
Unsuitable
Organic soils
SHWT
20
Unsuitable
Organic soils
SHWT
5
10%
Unsuitable
Organic soils
SHWT
Unsuitable
Organic soils
SIIWT
60%
Unsuitable
Organic soils
SHWT
30%

d. Estuarine erosive areas
The Guidelines for the Coastal Area Management Act describe
these sites as the area.above ordinary high water where exces-
sive erosion has a high probability of occurring.
The land in Chowan County bordering the Albemarle Sound and
the Chowan River is eroding. In a recent study completed by the
Soil Conservation Service,' it was determined that over 149
acres of land has been lost to the sound and river since 1938.
Although the study is continuing, certain conclusions have been
reached
1) Soil type does not seem to be as important
a factor as the exposure and fetch of the
shoreline.
2) The long term cause of the erosion is the
rising sea level. In the short term, storms
are the primary cause.
3) Land use along the shoreline is important.
All other things being equal, open crop land
has lost more than forest covered shorelines.
The rate of erosion varies along the shorelines of the
county. In Chowan County the most severe erosion has taken
place in the Yeopim area near Drummond's Point and Nixon's
Beach. Making certain assumptions, the rate of erosion and the
width of shoreline lost can be projected for the next 25 years.
' Shore Erosion Inventory USDA, Soil Conservation Service
62

Reach Annual Average Width
(refer to map) of Shoreline Eroded
(1938-1969)
(1)
1.62 ft. (per
year)
(2)
1.14 ft. (per
year)
(3)
1.64 ft. (per
year)
(4)
1.38 ft. (per
year)
(5) .77 ft. (per year)
(6) .20 ft. (per year)
Projected Erosion
(Annual average x
25 yrs.)
40.50 ft.
28.50 ft.
41.00 ft.
34.50 ft.
19.25 ft.
5.00 ft.
Construction along an eroding shoreline is in danger of
being lost and can, in fact, increase the rate of erosion. The
added expense of bulkheading can protect the property but ero-
sion will increase on either side of the bulkhead. Thus one
individual can affect the property of another. A unified
approach is needed but can be considerably expensive. Leaving
the shoreline in wooded cover, particularly cypress groves, is
perhaps the most effective, least cost method of deterring
erosion.
Note: Estuarine erosive areas may be designated as an Area of
Environmental Concern. The Coastal Resources Commission's
definition and policies in the implementation section of
this report should be referred to.
63

CHOWAN COUNTY C o U N T r
NORTH CAROLINA
��ulntttrl i i
SLNE FOR E/MAK:EMENIS « /
a
M E R 1 f OR D „ `•ilo
C O U N I Y 1 _ •new S
ESTUARINE EROSIVE AREAS
1
—'� C. :.4 - -
I �7 ... • C a✓wr I _
1 I �• `c,.. • Y a
Legend
Low Erosion Reaches
I i Medium Erosion Reaches
High Erosion Reaches
NYi rJ
J kip •4 ,d „I , ,n E" _. _ ».of_ �FOU
+\ m a" S te' I •y .."C• I ' .; \•* .I 2r'I• .E:.i 7+Y .µ1plo
4 .. a.
a\. 2
•� q I. H E M A R
i

2. FragiZe areas
Fragile areas are areas that are important in an ecosystem,
or valuable for other reasons, that can be destroyed by poor or
inappropriate development. Fragile areas do not necessarily pose
the problems or threats to development that physical limitations
do, but inappropriate development within a fragile area can
cause destructive effects that are felt beyond that particular
site. Among the fragile areas in Chowan County are:
a. Surface waters .
1) Estuarine waters
2) Public trust waters
b. Water supply sources
c. Complex natural areas
d. Areas sustaining remnant species
e. Coastal wetlands
f. Areas containing unique geologic formations
64

a. Surface waters
The pollution and degradation that have occurred in the
nation's surface waters definitely points the fragility of thes
important resources. Surface water is prevalent throughout and
around the county, the major bodies being the Albemarle Sound
and Chowan River; the smaller creeks are tributaries of the
sound and river.
The Chowan River has been the subject of considerable
study. The N. C, Division of Environmental Management, EPA,
USGS and the Virginia Water Control Board have joined with uni-
versity researchers to study the pollution of the river. In
recent years the river has had algal blooms and fish kills
that have caused considerable concern among area residents.
One of the results of the study will be recommendations for
preventing further pollution of the river.
As part of environmental protection policy, the surface
waters of the state have been classified. The intent of the
classification system is to set minimum acceptable quality
requirements for streams in order for them to be maintained
for their present intended and best uses. Major surface waters
are monitored for degradation below their classification. Dis-
charges should not degrade a stream below its classification.
Briefly the classification system is:
65

CLASS DESIGNATIONS FOR WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
FRESH WATERS:
Class A-1 Suitable as source of water supply for drinking,
culinary, or food processing purposes after treat-
ment by approved disinfection only, and any other
usage requiring waters of lower quality.
Class A-11 Suitable as a source of water supply for drinking,
culinary or food processing purposes after approved
treatment equal coagulation, sedimentation, fil-
tration, and disinfection, etc. and any other usage
requiring waters of lower quality.
Class B Suitable for outdoor bathing and any other usage
requiring waters of lower quality.
Class C Suitable for fishing and fish propagation, and any
other usage requiring waters of lower quality.
Class D Suitable for agriculture and for industrial cooling
and process water after treatment by the user as may
be required under each particular circumstance.
SW Swamp waters that have pH and dissolved oxygen
standards different from the standards for other
streams.
TIDAL SALT WATERS:
Class SA
Suitable
for shellfishing for market purposes and
any other
usage requiring water of lower quality.
Class SB
Suitable
for bathing and any other usage except
shellfishing for market purposes.
Class SC
Suitable
for fishing and any other usage except
bathing
and shellfishing for market purposes.
Class SD
Suitable
for navigation and any other usage except
fishing,
bathing, and shellfishing for market pur-
noses .
Data Source:
NCDNER, Environmental Management Division
Wei

Currently the Albemarle Sound and Chowan Raver have been
separated into different sections for monitoring. In the Chowan
County area the Division of Environmental Management estimates
that between 6% and 130 of the segments are degraded below the
standards. The Division of Environmental Management has sup-
plied the following information about the surface waters in
Chowan County:
Name
Catherine Creek
Description Class
From source to Chowan River C
Catherine Creek drains principally agricultural lands. There
are no point sources tributary to the stream. While no data is
available, it can be assumed that the quality of water in Cath-
erine Creek is that of a natural stream in the area.
Warwick Creek From source to Catherine Creek C
Same as above.
Stumpy Creek From source to Chowan River B
This is tributary to Chowan River, which is classified "B" for
recreation. Stumpy Creek, like numerous other streams in the
area tributary to Chowan River, are for the most part backwaters
of Chowan River. Therefore, the quality of water in Stumpy
Creek, which receives no pollution other than that from woodlands
and agricultural lands, is not subject to man-made pollution and
is, therefore, considered to be of natural water quality.
Dillard Creek
From source to Chowan River
Same as Stumpy Creel: above.
Indian Creek From source to Dillard Creek
Same as Stumpy Creek above.
67
IC

Rocky Hock Creek From source to Chowan River B
Same as Stumpy Creek above.
Albemarle Sound Section at mouth of Chowan River B
Monitored water quality data available.
Edenton Bay Entire Bay C
Monitored water quality data available.
Pembroke Creek From source to Edenton Bay B
No water quality data available.
Pollock Swamp From source to Edenton Bay C
No water quality data available.
Queen Ann Creek From source to Edenton Bay C
No water quality data available.
Yeopim River From source to Albemarle Sound SC,
No water quality data available.
Burnt Mill Creek From source to Albemarle Sound C Sw
No water quality data available.
Middleton Creek From.source to Yeopim River C SW
No water quality data available.
Except for Chowan River at Eden House and Chowan River (Edenton
Bay) at Edenton, no water quality data is available. These
streams that are not routinely sampled are protected for their
hest usage, as indicated by the assigned classification. 'There
are no plans to initiate. routine sampling of these streams at the
present time.

1) lstuarine waters
Although there are several technical definitions of an
estuary, in general,estuarine waters are the waters in the
coastal zone that meet the ocean. In North Carolina the bound-
aries of the estuarine waters have been delineated legally.
Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113-229 (n) (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 Conservation and Development filed with the Secre-
tary of State entitled 'Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial
Fishing -Inland Fishing Waters, revised March 1, 1965,11' or as
it may be subsequently revised by the Legislature. In Chowan
County, the Albemarle Sound, the creeks that flow into the
sound, the Chowan River and part of the Yeopim River are defined
as estuarine waters.
Estuaries are among the most productive natural environ-
ments in North Carolina and the North Carolina estuaries are
among the most productive in the world. The estuarine waters
support valuable commercial and sports fisheries and are im-
portant in navigation and recreation.
Estuarine waters are a sensitive, fragile environment.
Man's activities can greatly harm the estuarine ecosystem by
pollution, sedimentation and nutrient overload. Recently sev-
eral agencies at the state and Federal level have taken steps

to control the effect of man's activities in and by the estua-
rine waters. Dredging and filling of the shallow areas has
caused serious problems and now is subject to review as are
channelization projects, bulkheading and pier construction.
While these activities can be done properly in certain areas
with few adverse effects, it is necessary to ensure that these
valuable waters are not further destroyed. Chowan-County and
Edenton residents have expressed considerable concern about their
estuarine waters.
Note: Estuarine waters may be designated as an Area of Environ-
mental Concern. The Coastal Resources Commission's defi-
nition and policies in the implementation section of this
report should be referred to.
70

2) Public trust waters
Public trust waters are more specifically called "areas
subject to public rights, certain public trust areas", in the
guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act. Since these
waters may be designated as areas of environmental concern, the
Coastal Resources Commission's definition and policies concern-
ing these waters are quoted in the land use policy section.
The definition of public trust waters is among the most
complicated in natural resource law. Although generally speak-
ing, public trust waters are navigable waters and other waters
used by the public, drawing boundary lines as to where they occur
is extremely difficult. For the purposes of this report, waters
that have been identified and classified by the Environmental
Management Commission are assumed to be public trust waters.
In spite of the fact that boundary lines are hard to define,
the public's right to use surface waters is an important right
that has been recognized since ancient times. Any development
within or along these waters should not significantly alter the
waters or deny the public's right for continued use. As a spe-
cific example, water that is navigable and used for recreation
and commercial purposes should not be made impassable by an in-
dividua('s or corporation's activity unless the Project is
judged to be in the public interest.
71

b. Water supply sources
The importance of water supply sources is obvious and this
importance is increasing as more surface waters and ground-
water becomes polluted. Inadequately operating waste disposal
systems have caused shallow groundwater pollution in certain
regions of the coastal area according to N. C. State researchers.
However, problems with local contamination of water supply are
limited to shallow wells of 30 feet or less. The wells for the
Edenton and Chowan County water systems draw water from strata
about 100-300 feet below the surface (the wells are multi -
screen). Although the water has to be treated for iron content and
hardness, the systems do not have problems with groundwater pollution.
Aquifer recharge areas of the county are extensive and shown on the
accompanying maps.
1
Although the community systems of the town and county utilize
deep wells, shallow groundwater pollution still should be avoided.
Properly designed and located septic tanks should be the only septic
tanks allowed. There are still many households in the county that
use shallow water wells.
Deep injection of wastes is a problem in certain areas of the
country but not in Chowan County.
threat to the water supply.
Such injections would be a definite
Aquifer recharge can be limited when development is so dense
that a large percentage of impervious surfaces prevents
1 Geology and Groundwater Report for Chowan County N. C.
Department of Water Resources.
7'

recharge. This is not likely to be a problem .in Chowan County
within the foreseeable future.
Certain water supply sources may be designated as areas of
environmental concern for the Coastal Area Management Act but
these areas are either special aquifers along the coast or
surface water supplies. Neither applies to Chowan County.
73

CHOWAN COUNTY C O U N T Y
+ NORTH CAROLINA
f
seas roe
1
Aj
Io
.,y4• 1,,` u � S •
i
Mk R I fOA D 1 _�Y`
' .w9'• is •f-. :,.�.� +�.
Itz WATER SUPPLY AREAS
I a ! �I, W Area of Seepage Discharge
,. a �..\� �'K�a Recharge Areas
u; f
' ;J +�•�. c7"{f, ' Well Sites
Sources: Rivers and Associates, inc. Greenville
ter Resources of ChowanCount
N.C. Dept. of Natural and Economic Res
ouftes
fit
^I' A go
„
\• �Eer� uu,aPd `Yd, ,f
_ _ _t `\� ... ,r.ep„ r..• •_._r�'9•t•e"1 �'RV`P-y„��r� _.
5 U / aw
K
\ A I it M I J��.-

C. Complex natural areas
The guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act provide
the following definition of complex natural areas:
Complex natural areas are defined as lands that
support native plant and animal communities and
provide habitat conditions or characteristics
that have remained essentially unchanged by
human activity. Such areas are surrounded by
landscapes that have been modified but that do
not drastically alter the conditions within the
natural areas or their scientific or educational
value.
Since man has developed and altered so much of the coastal
area, the few remaining natural areas are quite valuable. Nat-
ural areas are important for monitoring the changing natural
conditions in the coastal area. Certain natural areas can
provide a sink for run-off, protect against erosion and provide
habitat for wildlife including endangered species. Recreation
and scientific study are often compatible uses; but,for the
most part, there are few activities that man can undertake in
a natural area without destroying its value.
A report by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commis
sionl has identified the following important natural areas in
Chowan County: wooded swamps, bogs and pocosins, and fish spawn-
ing areas. Another important natural area that has been iden-
tified for the Coastal Area Management Act are certain coastal
wetlands (defined in a following section).
1 Wildlife and Land Use Planning, Barick and Critcher
N. C. Wildlife Resources ommission April 1975.
74

Complex natural areas are a constraint on development that
may be designated as an area of environmental concern. The
Coastal Resources Commission's definitions and policies are
• presented in the land use policy section.
75

CHOWAN COUNTY C o u N T r
NORTH CAROLINA
P
IUltltll hl - I i i j`Y4)
SCNt ftM t1WA•GEMENIS -
p.
H E R 1 i O R D , •• i%% 1 1
3t
COUN
w
`k / •' 'ems pp �S `,.i "
k ;COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS
Legend r
• ((]] ° + I at I4 8096 and _—!
Wooded Swamps
"I ♦ Coastal Wetlands
......
\\ "''• .` � •� ,, .>.. I T Fleh Spawning Areas
Source: WlldRfe andLondUeePlonnina,
.. Bo►lek N.C. Wildlife Resources
Commission N.C. Dept. of Natural
\ •~ r' » �� 7 "" ; and Economic Rescur as
I
3� i
u» 1
Lot I • }F' ', �, .1'`' . .h;.:, ' 1 '�_�.
Fou
W \ a•^ l� • .'.'.Kf1;,J. ».l»lice, ',�fw �'. ��,a' )' . .• • `\
ran
A MI6 ��-�� •
\ K
A 1, It G M � �•�.

d. Areas sustaining remnant species
The guidelines for the Coastal Area Management Act have
defined areas that sustain remnant species as "those places that.
support native plants or animals, rare or endangered, within
the coastal area".
There has not been definite identification of any remnant
species areas within Chowan County, but any that do occur would
probably be within the complex natural areas previously noted.
The sensitivity to development noted in the discussion of
complex natural areas applies to remnant species areas. In
fact, remnant species areas may be even more sensitive because
if the rare or endangered species is lost or destroyed, it is
usually irretrievable.
Areas sustaining remnant species may be designated as areas
of environmental concern; the Coastal Resources Commission's
definitions and policies are stated in the land use policy
section.
76

e. Coastal wetlands
The guidelines for the Coastal Area Management Act define
coastal wetlands 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. Salt marsh-
land or other marsh shall be those areas upon which
grow some, but not necessairly all, of the follow-
ing salt marsh and marsh plant species: Smooth
or salt water Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora);
Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus); �laC'- sswort
(Salicornia sppl); Salt Grass Distichlis Spicata);
Sea Laven er (Limonium spp.); Bulrush rpus
spp.) ; Saw Grass lac ium Jamaicense) ; i✓d 'fail
(TV ha spp.) ; Salt -Meadow grass _�artti�na Patens) ;
and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides).
Included in this statutory definition of wetlands is "such con-
tiguous land as the Secretary of NER reasonably deems necessary
to affect by any such order in carrying out the purposes of this
Section." (G.S. 11.3-230 (a))
For policy purposes, coastal wetlands may be considered in
two categories: (1) low tidal marsh; (2) other coastal marsh-
lands which have different significance and policy implications.
Using aerial photography, these areas have been identified
in Chowan County and occur along Dillard Creek, Queen Anne's
Creek and Pembroke Creek.
The value of these areas for fish and other aquatic wild-
liFe has been well established. This marshland also serves as
an important sediment trap and deterrent to erosion. Few uses can
be made of these areas that do not destroy their value. In
77

certain few instances piers, docks and marinas can be construct-
ed that are not overly destructive of the area. Additional in-
formation about these areas is included in the section on areas
of environmental concern.
78

F. Areas containing unique geologic formations
These places contain surface or near surface formations
that are either themselves unique or are especially unusual or
notable examples of geologic formations or processes in the
coastal area. Chowan County has several distinctive geologic
features --the beach ridge that runs through Tyner and the bogs
or pocosins near S. R. 1218 and 1.213. The most outstanding
geologic formation is probably the marine molluscan fossil
site of Miocene Age at 36005' N. Lat. 76040' W. Long.
Outstanding geologic formations are important for scientif-
ic study. Although the value must be preserved, often develop-
ment can take place in a geologic formation that allows contin-
ued scientific study. The development must be carefully plan-
ned to preserve the characteristics of the site.
Development within unique geologic formations may require
a permit, if these areas are designated as areas of environ-
mental concern. Definitions and policies are included in the
previous land use policy section.
79

3. Areas of t�esource votentiaZ
Areas of resource potential. are clearly valuable. Certain
resource areas, like publicly owned parks and fish and game
lands, can be utilized with few effects on the resource. Other
resource areas, like prime agricultural soils, can be continu-
ally productive. Certain resource areas, such as mineral sites,
can only be used once and then the resource is irretrievable.
The areas of resource potential with Chowan County are:
a. Publicly owned land
b. Productive agricultural soils
c. Potentially valuable mineral sites
IS

a. Publicly owned land
The publicly owned lands with the greatest resource poten-
tial are publicly owned forests, parks, fish and gamelands
and other non -intensive outdoor recreation lands. Chowan Coun-
ty has few such areas; the county government owns none; the
town of Edenton has several sites.
Edenton has just finished a waterfront park that, although
only an acre, provides recreation and access to the water in a
centrally located place. The town also owns 700+ acres outside
the city limits on the sound that has great resource potential
for recreation. The town has plans to develop a park at the
site some time in the future.
Edenton also has several neighborhood mini -parks that are
used primarily for active recreation. The Chowan High School
facilities are used by county residents for recreation.
Parks are a constraint only in that they usually should
not be developed for any purpose other than for the recreation
and enjoyment of the citizens. Sometimes peripheral develop-
ment can adversely affect a park,. but this does not seem likely
to be a problem in Chowan County and lidenton.
81

b. Productive agricultural lands
Productive farmland is generally defined as land suited
and available for''producing food, forage, fiber, and oilseed
crops. Examples of productive farmland are cropland, pasture-
land, rangeland, farm forest lots and other land. Productive
farmland has the soil quality, growing season and moisture
supply needed to economically produce significant and sustained
crop.yields when treated and managed according to modern farming
methods, including water management.
Unique farmland, in addition to other productive farmland,
is land that is suited and available for the production of
Specific high -value food and fiber crops. ]ixamples of such
crops are citrus fruits, olives, cranberries, fruit and vege-
tables.
Productive farmland areas call be identified and located by
interpreting modern detailed soil maps published by agencies such
as the USDA Soil Conservation Service.
However, a detailed soils survey has not been prepared for
Chowan County. The best information available is a generalized
soils report of soil associations. Although none of the soil
associations in Chowan County are in tile group that has been
identified by N.C. State as the best in the coastal area, sev-
eral of the county's associations are good agricultural lands:
the Conetoe-Dragston-Wando, the Wickham-Altavista-Wahee, and the
liertie-Tomotley-Altavista.

Also some of the soils that are not suitable in their
natural state for agriculture can be quite productive if proper-
ly m:tn:tl;c�d.
Throughout the nation as more farmland becomes urbanized,
there is increasing concern over protecting valuable agricultur-
al land. Prime agriculture land is a resource that is contin-
ually productive. However, many of the same soil characteristics
that are important for agriculture are also important for devel-
opment with the result that these productive agricultural lands
are subject to development pressure. One of the objectives set
for platmi_ng in the county is protecting agricultural land.
83

Assoc. Is o Association
of Cty.'s Soils
30 Conetoe-Itiando-Dragston
AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL
Soil Tynes o of Soil Types Bu/acre (corn) Bu/acre (corn)
in Assoc. in Association Undrained Drained
Conetoe
50
70
-
Wando
25
55
-
Dragston
15
100
125
Other soils
10
43
Bladen-Lenoir-Craven
Bladen
50
Not Suitable
80
Lenoir
20
90
-
Craven
20
115
-
Other soils
10
12
Bladen-Bayboro-Portsmouth
Bladen
40
NS
80
BaN-bore
20
NS
95
Portsmouth
15
NS
105
Other soils
25
5
Bertie-Tomotley-Altavista
Bertie
30
NS
90
Tomotley
30
NS
115
Altavista
20
110-120
Other soils
20
2
Wickham-Altavista-Wahee
Wickham
30
95-130
Altavista
30
110-120
Wahee
20
90
Other soils
20
7
Dorovan-Johnston
Dorovan
70
NS
NS
Johnston
10
NS
80
Other soils
20
1
Dare-Ponzer-lVasda _
Dare
0
NS
120
Ponzer
5
NS
90
Wasda
85
NS
130
Other soils
10

ROWAN COUNTY C O U N T Y
NORTH CAROLINA
SUIE fOt ENuIGFMtNIf J ,i !
N E R i F O R D
C O U N i Y
1 •l
`.1'.��•! ^ "f AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL
'n
fAoriri"cultural Potential (drained solls)
�'�' ,.+� s,l• .,;' <;i:' =i� t : �'] Not Suitable
., y �;` �L I, r •,r �, f«•.� �� "' '� 55-80 Bushels A / cre (corn)
•t t„a '0i �" t ,. 'cam ,9,Q" �. 80-100Bushels/Acre (corn)
i
q n rl I^� C:.• :.•+ 100-up Bushels/Acre (corn)
� � if• `t 1, i r(t .I : �, :• i y
Source: USDA,Soil Conservation Service
Soils Associations of the Coastal
t., �``i ;.a 1 J • '•r� I i- Area M__anoyement Region. N.C.
�'i, (!" ';•";1: I State University
' v.. • ` 0 1 1 IJ' •,��i([`• /•,R''�': 7n � .I. � r ��• • Yu 4._--�Ighi
� !/ul �1 '(h1 .�1111I 11i WM .al

c. Potentially valuable mineral sites
A mineral resource is a concentration of an element, a
chemical compound, or a rock such that a usable mineral commodi-
ty can be extracted and marketed at a profit. Mineral resources
include undiscovered deposits as well as identified deposits
that cannot be recovered now. The mineral resources with recog-
nized economic value that occur in the coastal area are lime-
stone, phosphate, and sand.
Sand is the only one of the resources that has been identi-
fied as occurring in Chowan County. The beach ridge that runs
through Tyner and is classified as the Conetoe-Wando-Dragston
Association has retrievable deposits of sand. To date only a
few small borrow pits, in the vicinity of Macedonia and Emperor's
Landing, have used these deposits. Tf the demand for building
materials increases, more borrow pits will undoubtedly use this
resource.
ER

B. MAN-MADE FACTORS INFLUENCING DEVELOPMENT
Z. His torn
4
2. Existing land use
a. Chowan County
1) Summary description
4
2) Signi scant land use compatibility problems
5
3) Problems from unplanned eve opmen
5
4) man --made hazariT areas
5_
5) Areas experiencing or likely to experience
5
major an use change
b. Edenton
1) Summary description
5
2) Signilicant landuse compatibility problems
5
3) Problems from unplanned development
.5
4) an -ma e Bazar areas
5
5) Areas experiencing or likely to experience
5.
niajor an d use c ranges
3. Population and economy/
a. Population
1) Characteristics and brief analysis
54
' 2) Popu ation Projections
5
b. Economy
1) Existing economy
59
2) Economic projec ion
6
4. Community facilities
a. Water 71
b. Sewer 72
C. Solid waste disposal 73
d. Thoroughfares 74
e. Schools 75
f. Fire protection 76
g. Rescue squad/ambulance service 77
86

h. Law enforcement 77
i_. Health services 79
j. Housing 80
k. Recreation 81
1. Financial capability 82
87

Z. .History
Chowan County was considered a favorable place to live long
before white settlers arrived from Europe. One of the earliest
expeditions of Sir Walter Raleigh in 1586 reported a substan-
tial settlement of Chowanoke Tndians numbering over 800. Sev-
eral sites along the Chowan River provide extensive archeologi-
cal evidence of these first inhabitants of Chowan County.
Many settlers from the Virginia colony moved southward
into the Chowan area but by 1700 no towns had developed. In
the years 1712-1722 "the, town on Queen's Creek," or Edenton as
it was named, was laid out and settled. The original street
pattern is still in effect through much of the town. Located
on a fine natural harbor, the town became a focal point for the
area and was named the capital of the colony. Although the
colonial capital subsequently was relocated, Edenton was, at
the time of Revolution, one of the most prosperous settlements
in the colony. Many fine homes were built at this time and
still exist today. Edenton was the home of citizens important
in post Revolution national and state affairs. Among these
early prominent citizens were:
James Iredell - U. S. Supreme Court Justice appointed
by George Washington
James Iredell, Jr. and Samuel Jolinston- early gover-
- nors of the State of North Carolina
At the time of the Revolution, Edenton was an active port.
The West Indies trade was brisk; corn, beans, oats and tobacco
ffl

were exchanged for sugar, rum, hats and silks. However in the
early years of. the 19th century several developments occurred
that caused Edenton's trade to decline. The construction of
the Dismal Swamp Canal resulted in much of the area's produce
being shipped to Norfolk. In addition the increasing size of
ships and the closing of certain inlets on the Outer Banks
forced shipping elsewhere. The shift on the Outer Banks was
considered a crisis in the Albemarle area. A delegation head-
ed by President James Monroe inspected the Outer Banks and con-
sidered opening an inlet to the ocean, but the project was
never undertaken.
Because of the decline in trade, Edenton did not regain
:its colonial prominence. However the economic pinch was eased
by the growth of the fishing industry in the county. The
largest fisheries were also plantations and some of the fine
houses in the county are the product of the fishing/farming
economy which developed in the area in the period prior to the
Civil War. An example is the Greenfield Plantation House,
which though built in the late 18th century, was expanded as
the economic fortunes of the owners increased. The town of
Edenton also has several fine examples of architecture from the
pre -Civil War period including Beverly Mall and the Wessington
House.
Although Edenton and Chowan County were basically untouch-
ed by the direct ravages of the Civil War, the fortunes of the
county and town took a decided down swing at that time. Not

the least of :its problems was the continued isolation of the
county from major transportation routes. The agriculturally
based economy suffered because the farm land had been contin-
uously planted in cotton, and as a result, the land was starved
for nitrogen. Once again the productivity of the local waters
softened the economic hardship of Chowan County residents. The
introduction of the pound net, which could be worked by rela-
tively few men, increased fishing activity, and in 1880 local
fishermen were netting a billion herring a season.
Complete economic resurgence required a solution to the
transportation problem and began, in 1881, with the extension
of the Norfolk and Southern Railway to Edenton. Shortly after
the railroad was extended, the Branning Manufacturing Company
located in Edenton and subsequently employed almost half the
town population. The industry utilized the resources of the
surrounding area and operated saw mills, planing mills, grist
mills, shingle mills and cotton gins. Conservation and sustain-
ed yield were unheard of and within ten years all the best
stands of timber in the county had been cut.
Late 19th century tastes are still evident in many of
the houses in Edenton and in the county. Lath turned and scroll -
sawn ornaments were ordered by the foot from mail-order houses
to modernize homes. Late 19th century and early 20th century
architecture has several fine examples in Edenton's commercial
district. A fire destroyed a collection of 18th century com-
mercial structures in the "Cheapside" district; the recon-
90

struction provided the town with several notable 19th century
structures such as the Leary Building, which now houses the
local newspaper.
Farming, forestry and fishing continued to be the dominant
activities into the twentieth century. After the Second World
War, the Marines operated an air base southeast of Edenton.
The base was closed in,1959. The runways themselves are still
in use as a municipal airport. The town acquired a large
tract of land at the base and still holds it. When the base
closed, the citizens in the town actively sought indudustrial
development and several manufacturing firms have located at
the base and within the city limits.
As the twentieth century progressed, Edenton continued
to grow without sacrificing its priceless links with the past.
The downtown area is still the commercial center and parking is
accommodated in an off-street hidden section. Trees have not
been cut for power lines. Streets have not been sidened and
the town retains its intimate scale with the Cupola House and
St. Paul's Church still the tallest structures.
In addition to avoiding much of the more destructive
aspects of modern development, the citizens of Edenton and
the county have made constructive efforts to preserve the his-
toric heritage of the town and county. Using private and pub-
lic funds, much restoration work has been successfully accom-
plished. Development in the town's historic: district is re-
91

viewed to avoid development that would destroy the quality of
that area. The results of these efforts are an outstandingly
handsome town that is attractive to visitors and residents -
alike. The town's appearance is of inestimable value in attract-
ing industry and tourism., Edenton may be, as a writer in a re-
cent issue of Travel & Leisure Magazine put it, "the south's
prettiest town."
92

Historic Sites
Outstanding buildings have been constructed in Chowan Coun-
ty and Edenton from colonial times to the present. Many have
been listed or nominated for listing in the National Register
of Historic Places. These sites are:
Chowan County
1. Martinique
2. Rriols
3. Shelton Plantation
4. Wood Hall
5. Athol Plantation
6. Mulberry Hill
7. Greenfield Plantation
Edenton
1. Albania Plantation
2. Edenton Historic District
3. Peanut Factory
4. Strawberry Hill
S. Speight House
6. Hayes Plantation
The designation as a National Historic Landmark is given to
sites of exceptional duality. Hayes Plantation and two
buildings within the Edenton Historic District, the Cupola
House and the Chowan County Courthouse, have been designated
as Na t i ona 1 Historic Landmarks.
Historic sites provide an invaluable link with the past
and are quite important for education and historic research.
In addition, the craftmanship and tastes of past periods pro-
vide aesthetic benefits that are highly valued and can seldom
93

ROWAN COUNTY C o U N I Y
NORTH CAROLINA �.• _
"I log tH kc wws
O
MER iFORD
HISTORIC SITES
Historic Sites
/ o I Martinique
2 Briols
3 Shelton Plantation
4 Wood Hall
5 Athol Plantation
6 Mulberry Hill
7 Greenfield Plantation
1 " y,.i +NI �,\Ill °r,• --._ I .
?! I Source: Historic Edenton Inc.
l t :X".

J/ Jvrllflell
Historic Sites
Albania Plantation �.
2 Edenton Historic District r
3 Peanut Factory
4 Strawberry Hi I I
5 Speight House --
6 Hayes Plantation
Source: Historic Edenton,lnc.
Route IT Sy
4
9
Cs lrslsr-1 `�•, r•.,
. , rvNylsfl�= M=z
nt m.r v mc,r•vK.on„ e.w.i
I
HISTORIC SITES
EDENTON,NORTH CAROLINA

be reproduced.
Edenton recognizes the value of its historic sites and has
done much to preserve and enhance them. As has been mentioned,
development within the historic district must meet the special
provisions set up in the town's zoning ordinance. Citizen
groups have been quite active in historic preservation.
The Coastal Area Management Act may provide additional pro-
tection for certain historic sites --those state supported,
assisted or maintained and the National historic Landmarks. In
Edenton and Chowan County, the Iredell house, the Barker house,
the Cupola house, the Chowan County Courthouse and Mayes Planta-
tion all fall within this category. Definitions and policies
for these sites are discussed in the section on areas of envi-
ronmental concern.
94

2. F.xis-tirza Zand use
a. Chowan County
1) Summary description
Chowan County is still a predominantly rural county with
the large majority of land being used for agriculture and for-
estry. Farming is done in all sections of the county; a great
deal of the commercial forest land is in the eastern section
bordering Perquimans County. A considerable amount of land has
been left in natural cover along the shorelines of the creeks
and river.
Commercial development is located primarily along the two
primary roads, U.S. 17 and N.C. 32. Commercial fishing opera-
tions are located along the Chowan River at several different
landings. Industrial development has taken place at the air
base southeast of Edenton. A textile plant, United Piece Dye,
operates at a site near the Arrowhead subdivision along the
Chowan River.
Residential development has occurred at low densities
throughout the county. In certain areas development occurs at
somewhat higher densities in communities like Tyner or in the
subdivisions along the Sound and River. The larger subdivisions
are Chowan Beach, Arrowhead and Cape Colony. Substandard
housing is prevalent throughout the county.l Many older houses
1 See section on housing
95

have been abandoned; mobile homes have replaced small frame
structures as low and moderate income housing.
2) Significant land use compatibility problems
Compatibility problems exist wherever residents feel that
their ownership and use of the land is being affected by another
person's or firm's use of land.
The area near the Cape Colony subdivision has undergone
both industrial and residential development. Residents in the
area have urged that additional development be regulated to
avoid conflicts between residential and industrial activities.
In other areas of the county that have undergone residential
development, farmers have expressed concern about possible con-
flicts between residential and agricultur�il uses of the land.
3) Problems from unplanned development
Several of the issues mentioned above will continue to be
problems until an adequate solution is found. Other existing
developments in the county have problems that may affect future
land use.
The subdivisions of Cape Colony, Chowan Beach and Arrow-
head Beach were made before subdivision regulations were in
effect. A minimum of improvements were installed by the devel-
oper. Since that time the residents have had to work through

property owners associations to insure that certain roads and
utilities are maintained and other improvements are made.
Chowan Beach lacks the necessary right-of-way for state main-
tenance of its roads and the easements necessary for utilities.
Cape Colony has had lots that were platted and sold that do not
meet the county's health department septic tank regulations.
Not all of the property owners in these subdivisions have
built structures. If these lots are developed, existing prob-
lems of unpaved roads, and isolation from police and fire ser-
vices might be exacerbated. The potential for further growth
in these subdivisions is summarized below.
Arrowhead
Cape Colony
Chowan Beach
Lots
1698
1352
469
Property. owners
957
72S
U
Structures
300+
200+
30-50
Year round
105
over SOa
over 500
households
Seasonal households
200+
U
U
Property owners
Yes
Yes
No
association
U = Unknown
Assuming all property owners developed and 3.5 persons per
household, over 6000 people would move into the county. While
these subdivisions will probably undergo further development,
there is no evidence to suggest that these areas will be com-
pletely developed soon. Each of these subdivisions has been in
existence since the early 19601s.
WA

Substandard housing is a problem prevalent throughout the
county. County incomes have been low ►vith the result that
adequate housing has been too expensive for many. Code enforce-
ment might have prevented certain problems, but poverty is un-
doubtedly the major cause.
4)
Man-made hazard areas
The guidelines for the Coastal Area Management Act have
required the identification of man-made hazard areas. No major
man-made hazard areas like nuclear power plants exist i.n the
county. However there are certain land uses in the county that
have a potential for accidents that could affect nearby land
uses. These man-made hazard areas are bulk plants, railroads,
airports, and major highways.
These areas have been identified as hazard areas for sev-
eral reasons. Bulk plants store certain materials that are
flammable and explosive. Railroads transfer materials that are
flammable or potentially dangerous in other ways, like chemical
toxins. Airports and airstrips have a certai.n probability of
crashes or other accidents that could affect nearby land uses.
Due to the volume of traffic and its use as a major route for
transferring materials, U.S. Highway 17 also has a higher
potential for accidents that may have an impact on other land
uses.
98

S) Areas experiencing or likely to experience major land use
c Hange
The entire area around Edenton is the area most likely to
undergo continued development --including residential, industrial
and commercial development. Not only is this area closest to
the major population center in the county, but also the major
transportation routes are in this area.
Although soils and public utilities are a constraint, the
Cape Colony area probably will continue to develop. Sewer ser-
vice is being considered for this area and other areas east and
north of the city limits. Sewer service would be a great impe-
tus to growth in all these areas.
The coastline areas of the Chowan River and Albemarle Sound
will continue to be attractive to residential development.
Large tracts of the county's shoreline are held by relatively
few land owners. Whether this land is developed will depend on
the decisions of the individual landowners.
b. Edenton
1) Summary description
Most of the area within the city limits of Edenton is
already developed, however, there are several large undeveloped
tracts and scattered small ones. Industrial development has oc-
curred along 17 North in an industrial park and at various other
sites in the town. Commercial development is concentrated in a
we

central business district and also occurs along the major
thoroughfare, U.S. Highway 17.
Residential land use is the highest percentage of develop-
ed land and total land. Densities vary; the highest are in the
older sections of town; the lowest are on the outskirts. Few
multi -family structures have been built. The ones that have
been are low and moderate income government supported housing
units. Edenton has a fairly high percentage of substandard
housing (see section on housing).
Government and institutional land use occurs in several
different areas of the town. The hospital operates on a site
on N.C. 32 near the 17 Bypass. The town's office building is
located in the central business district. The town also owns
buildings for the fire department, street department, and elec-
tric and water department. Recreation opportunities are avail-
able at the school sites in town, the national guard armory,
the neighborhood parks and at the town's recently completed
waterfront park.
2) Significant land use compatibility problems
Bel -ore the town instituted zoning;, industrial develol)ment
occurred near existing residential areas. Zoning did establish
districts for future growth but could not remove past lroblems.
There are industrial -residential land use conflicts associated
to a greater or lesser degree with all the older industrial
100

development in Edenton.
Complaints often arise about commercial -residential land
use conflicts particularly in the commercial areas outside of
the central business district.
Although the conflicts noted above are real concerns to the
residents involved, Edenton's land use conflicts are not unusu-
al or markedly different from any other towns.
3) Problems from unplanned development
The conflicts that are noted in the preceding section may
have impact on future land uses. As an example, a deterrent
to solutions to the substandard housing problem is that the
areas are located near existing industrial sites, making the
housing less attractive for renovation or rehabilitation.
Subdivisions of land were made in the town before the town
had subdivision regulations. Potential problems could arise
from these subdivisions. The Eden Heights subdivision has ex-
tremely small (2S foot) lots, but currently the land is held in
large blocks of many lots by a few owners.
Edenton has had problems with flooding in the past and
development still exists within the floodplain that is not con-
structed adequately to withstand flooding.
4) Man-made hazard areas
Edenton has the same hazard areas noted in the county dis-
101

cussion of man-made hazard areas with the exception of the
municipal airport which is located outside the extraterritorial
jurisdiction of the town. The importance of identifying these
areas is discussed in the county section, but, as noted in that
discussion, neither Edenton nor Chowan County have man-made
hazards that require elaborate land -use planning efforts. The
completion of the U.S. 17 By -Pass will ease the problems that
existed when that highway ran thrOugh the center of the town.
5) Areas experiencing or likely to experience major land
use changes
The completion of the U.S 17 By -Pass will have an effect
on areas on the outskirts of town particularly on the access
roads --existing U.S. 17, and N.C. 32. Rezoning for commercial
development along N.C. 32 has been contested in the
town.
Tile area to the west of Edenton along U.S. 17 South will
probably continue to be developed for residential purposes.
Residential development north of the bypass will be hindered by
the difficulty and cost of getting sewer lines beyond the bypass.
To the east of the town, industrial development will probably
continue along U.S. 17 North in the town's industrial park.
`I'lie area north of Queen Anne's Creek and south of U.S. 17 has
potential for industrial, residential and commercial development.
102

1 /II IIIIIIIr111
_ � �� Z1111 Jrr1111t 11 '
fi
'00�/
x /
//
f/ Legend 1
i
Q • • • • Railroads
Route IT BY-Pase--- Major Highways
J Q Bulk Storage
i 00 �� L
� �P-1
tw.n1 r t—
- (SI
I
hblgnl4rl
..—1/ SIIII� Jvrlyltlyl e!/y`=
tvs mtr a EDE.-k— uocv .
MAN-MADE HAZARDS
EDENTON,NORTH CAROLINA

The construction of interceptor sewers as part of Edenton's
20:1 program will have a great impact on future land use in the
areas that will receive service. At this time it appears likely
that the areas to the west and east of town will be most
affected.
103

3. Poputa ion and economy
a. Population
1) Characteristics and brief analysis
The last official U.S. Census (1970) count of the popula-
tion in Chowan County set the number of residents at 10,764
persons. The population in the county has declined since 1950,
due to outmigration. Although the factors involved are complex,
certainly a large part of the outmigration was caused by the
decline in agricultural employment and the increasing employ-
ment opportunities elsewhere. These factors are reflected in
the high population losses in the Second Township. According
to the census, the Town of Edenton gained slightly in population.
For the entire county, outmigration was particularly high among
the younger residents and the black residents. The black popu-
lation has declined in the county overall and risen slightly in
Edenton. The black population in both the town and county is
about 400 of the total.
The 1970 Census figures for the town of Edenton are a
subject of some dispute. Although the census adjusted its
original figure of 4,766 to 4,956, town officials still do not
feel that the count was accurate. The 1970 Census relied much
more on mail responses than previous censuses and did not do
as much door-to-door survey work. The accuracy of the figures
may have suffered.
The shift toward larger farms and less agricultural em-
ployment is shown in the accompanying tables. The farm popu-
104

lation dropped in 1970 to less than half its 1960 figure. Al-
though urban population also increased, the greatest increase
was in the number of rural non -farm residents. Chowan County is
not becoming urbanized, but suburbanized.
Like many rural areas of tlae country, the income levels are
low in Chowan County, particularly among the black population.
Chowan County's median family income is lower than the median
incomes of the state and nation. The median income of Chowan
County's black population is even lower. At the last census,
2S% of all the families in Chowan County were under the 1970
poverty level.
The age of residents in the townships is important infor-
mation for the delivery of public services. Of particular in-
terest is the number of.residents under 21 years of age and the
number of elderly --the total population aged 65 and over.
Chowan County's percentage of people under 21 is similar to the
figures for the state as a whole. Chowan County has a somewhat
higher proportion of elderly population that seems to be in-
creasing.
The Coastal Area Management Act guidelines call for con-
sideration of the seasonal population. Unfortunately the Cen-
sus does not gather information on seasonal population so
accurate figures are not available. It is certain that Chowan
County and Edenton do not have the influx of seasonal residents
that certain other North Carolina coastal counties do. The seasonal
residents that do come to the county live chiefly in the sliorellne
10S

subdivisions. Judging by information from property owners'
associations, there are about 300 seasonal residences in the
county. Assuming 3.5 perople per household, the county has a
seasonal population of about 1000 people. Not all of these
people live for extended periods in the county, many use their
residences only on summer weekends and during vacations.
106

Table 1
1950 1960 1970
Chowan County Total 12,540 111729 10,764
Table 2
1960 - 1970 Change in Population
1960
1970
% Change
Chowan
County
11,729
10,764
- 8.2
First
Township
7,294
63814
- 6.6
Second
Township
Middle
2,224
11,840
-17.3
Third
Township
Upper
1,449
1,278
-11.8
Fourth
Township
Yeopim
762
832
9.2
Edenton
(within
city limits)
4,458
4,956
11.1
Table 3
Racial Characteristics of Chowan County and Edenton
1960
Total Pop. black Pop. %
Chowan County 113%729 5,464 46
Edenton 4,458 13,698 38
1970
Total Pop. Black Pop. %
Chowan County 10,764 4,499 42
Edenton 4,9561 21063 42
1 Corrected figure, Bureau of Census
Source: U . S . Bureau 'o'- the Gensus
107

Table 4
Chowan County Farm, Rural Non-farm,Urban Population
1960 1970
Rural Farm Population 3635 1294
Rural Non -farm Population 3636 4704
Urban 4458 4766
Table 5
Median Family Income (All Families)
1970
North Carolina $7,774
Chowan County 6,397
Edenton 7,250
Table 6
Age of Population by Township
Total
First
Edenton
Second
Third .
Fourth
under
5
787
SO4
112
86
85
357
S-14 years
2,319
1,511
372
253
183
1010
1S-24
years
1,927
1,164
376
226
161
801
25-34
years
1,061
693
1S4
141
73
478
3S-44
years
1,206
768
211
134
93
514
45-S4
years
12284
798
228
169
89
582
55-64
years
1,063
649
204
134
76
467
65 and
over
1,117
727
183
135
72
S57
Source: U. S'. Bureau of the Census
108

CHOVIAN COUNTY
POPULATION FORECAST
��Q
�G
O,
13,000
121540
Q�
C,
O`
G
'12,100
�0
.Q
11,729
••
I,$
O,
G�
•,,.••
1,300
,,-'
,
11,40
764-----
10,90
`
10,175
2�
'Po
9,556
.
0,2
,460
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
SOURCE:
A
13,000
12,000
10,000 •
1950-1970
- U.S.
Census of Population .1
1970-2000
(Economic Projection)
- U.S.
Dept. of Commerce, Office of
Business
Economics
1970-1980
(Trend Projection)
- N.C.
Dept, of. Adm., Office of
StHLN
Planning
1980-1990
(Trend Project) -
N. C.
Dupt. of NE'R, DCS
109

2) Population projection
Determining the future population of an area is difficult
despite the sophicated techniques often used. The reliability
of the projection decreases greatly the longer the time span
and the smaller the area. For instance, the state population
projection made in 1962 estimated the actual 1970 state popula-
tion within 20. However, for individual counties the estimate
was off as much as 73%.
The state population projections are based on what is
known as a modified cohort -survival method. The population in
each age group is projected to the next age group after sub-
tracting out the number of deaths probable for that age. Women
of child bearing age are projected to have children according
to the determined birth rate. Finally using past information
about migration rates, the population of each age group is ad-
justed upward or downward according to the in -migration or out -
migration rates.
While this method is far superior to merely extending
lines on a graph, it has several drawbacks. Birth rates have
undergone a drastic change recently and future rates seem un-
certain. Migration rates are most significant for smaller
areas but difficult to predict because they are subject to
local economy fluctuations.
Nevertheless, it is interesting to note the projections of
1960-1970 trends for Chowan County. The overall population
would decline to 9556 in 1980 and 8,470 in 1990. Net outmi-
110

gration among young whites would be close to one out of every
three and among young blacks, two out of every three. The only
age group with significant net in -migration is the 60 years and
older group. Persons 60 years and older would make up about
20% of the population, according to this projection of past trends.l
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Anal-
ysis has made population projections based on its predictions of
future economic growth. First the economic growth of various
regions was projected using industrial sector trends, and then
by using birth rate and work force information, population pro-
jections were,derived. As a final step, the economic area pro-
jections were disaggregated into smaller political jurisdictions.
Two projections have been made, OBERS "C" assuming 2777
births per 1000 women and OBERS "E" assuming 2100 births per
1000 women. The higher birth rate assumption results in a higher
population prediction for the county.
Although the trend projects decreasing population and the
Bureau of Economic Analysis predicts very slight gains, town
officials feel that the population in Edenton will grow 1,000 to
1,500 people per decade. If this is true the town's population
would grow according to the following series
1970 1980 1985 1990 2000 2025
4956 6000 6500 7000 8000 10500
1 N.C. Department of Administration, Office of State Plan-
ning
ill

County officials concur that Edenton is the major growth
area in the county and also feel that outmigration has slowed
considerably, with the result that outside of Edenton the
county's population may be fairly stable with possible moderate
increases in the future. The following table shows possible
population growth for the county including the town of Edenton.
1970
1980
1985
1990
2000
2025
10764
11800
12400
13000
14000
16S00
These are not meant to be exact figures but indicative of
the growth that is expected. Most citizens involved in the
Coastal Area Management Act planning felt that the county and
town had potential for growth and that a moderate amount was
desirable.l
Seasonal population may grow somewhat in the future, as
more of the shoreline subdivision lots are developed. However
there is no evidence that seasonal population will be a major
factor in the county's population. Beach resorts catering more
closely to a seasonal population are close by; also there are
many environments similar to Chowan County's elsewhere in the
region. Unless there is a great increase in the seasonal popu-
lation of the region,including all the inland coastal counties,
Chowan County's seasonal population will probably be small.
Due to increasing attention by the press, Edenton's historic
1 See community survey results Appendix A
112

sites will probably draw more visitors. However, these people
are most likely to be day visitors,•not seasonal residents.
Edenton and Chowan County have the capability and potential
for further development. As explained in a previous section on
the natural environment, much land in the county is suitable for
development or has limitations that can fairly easily be over-
come by certain measures. Surface water Quality is at a criti-
cal point but if the development is done properly, water quali-
ty will not be degraded.- The fiscal capability of the county
and town and possible impacts on community facilities will be
discussed in a following section.
113

b. Economy
1) Existing economy
Before Chowan County was settled, much of its land was in
forests. Although many acres have been cleared and settled,
forest resources are still important in Chowan County. Har-
vested amounts vary from year to year depending on markets and
county lot maturities. The exact economic importance is diffi-
cult to determine. The stumpage price for sawtimber varied
from $80-$100 per mbf. (thousand board feet). The finished
product was worth over 10 times as much. Similarly the stumpage
value of the pulpwood averaged about $4.SO per cord and the
finished product had a much higher value. Chowan County forest
products provide income not only to companies like Weyerhauser
and Union Camp but also to individual landowners who have farm
woodlots.
Fisheries are another natural resource that has continued
to be important in Chowan County's economy. Herring and Striped
Bass (Rock fish) have been of particular significance. Both
the quantity landed and the value of the catch has varied from
year to year, but in recent years the quantity landed has tend-
ed to decrease although its value has increased. This decrease
in landings due to a decrease in fish populations may be a nat-
ural cycle that will reverse itself. The factors that determine
the size of fish populations are complex. In studying the fig-
ures, it must be remembered that these figures do not include
the value of sport fishing to the county.
The predominant economic activity in Chowan County is
114

agriculture. Although farm population and agricultural employ-
ment has declined in recent years, the value of agricultural
output has increased. The amount of land in farmland has also
increased since 1960.
The soils and climate of Chowan County make possible a wide
variety of agricultural activities. Field crops such as corn,
peanuts, soybeans, and tobacco have the highest sales totals.
Livestock (especially hog farming) and vegetable farming are
also important income producers. The markets for vegetable (or
truck) farming have increased in recent years. Poultry, nursery
stock, and farm woodlots supplement the local farm income.
Chowan County's productive agricultural sector probably was
instrumental in the locationa7. decision of several county indus-
tries. Jimbos Jumbos, Fisher Nut Company, and Seabrook Blanching
are all involved in processing the area's peanut crop. The
area's forestry resources are utilized by several industries,
Chowan Veneer and Towson Lumber.
The largest employers in the county are the textile indus-
tries, Edenton Cotton Mills, United Piece Dye Works and George
C. Moore Company, together employing close to 700 workers.
Chowan County's diversified economic base also includes boat
builders, Grampian Marine and Fiberform, and a carbon paper and
ribbon manufacturer, Carter's Ink.
The agriculture, forestry and industrial activities form
the base of Chowan County and Edenton's economy. The wholesale,
retail and service industries provide goods- and services to
115

these basic employers and their employees. Retail sales have
grown continuously in Chowan County, primarily in Edenton, which
has become a commercial center for several counties. Only limi-
ted statistics were available on banking, wholesale, and ser-
vice industries but those available indicate continued growth.2
The local construction industry is an important source of
local income and employment. Building permit applications are
an indication of activities in this sector. Most of the con-
struction activity takes place in and around Edenton. The
figures in the following table represent not only new construc-
tion starts but also major alterations. The local construction
industry is sensitive to fluctuations in mortgage and interest
rates, and also may be affected by the recent increase in modu-
lar and mobile home sales.
Chowan County and Edenton also have much potential for
tourism because of the extensive waterfronts and historic sites.
It is hard to determine to what extent this potential is being
realized, but travelers expenditures have increased through the
years. The number of visitors tzik:int; the Iidenton tour has been
recorded informally. Last year the number was estimated at
10,000 and each year the number of visitors has been increasing
at about 5 per cent. As noted previously, statistics are not
available on seasonal population, thus their expenditures in
the local economy are not known.
2 Edenton Chamber of Commerce
116

The present labor force is a good economic indicator because
it reflects the current employment opportunities. This labor
force is also the pool of potential employees for future industry.
The occupational breakdown of Chowan County and Edenton is changing.
The numbers of farmers, farm managers, farm laborers, and private
household workers is declining. The number of professional
workers, craftsmen and.clerical workers is increasing. The wages
received by the various occupations in Chowan County are lower
than those in the state and nation. Lower wages are typical for
rural areas and to some extent this reflects differences in the
cost of living.
In judging the area's labor force and economy, other coun-
ties besides Chowan County are important. More workers commute
into Chowan County than commute out. Chowan County is fairly
close to the Norfolk metropolitan area but few residents commute
there to work. Given rising gasoline costs, the number of com-
muters to the Norfolk area may not increase a great deal.
Unemployment statistics can vary greatly over time. While
they are a crude indication of the strength of the local economy,
fluctuations can be a result of changes in seasonal employment.
Also local unemployment figures are sensitive to changes in the
nation's economy.
. In addition, unemployment statistics do not measure those
underemployed or who have given up looking for work. For these
117

reasons, unemployment statistics should be interpreted with care.
In Chowan County, as in the nation, unemployment is most serious
among the black population.
Note: The dollar figures in the following tables have not been
adjusted for inflation. Some of the increase over time
i s Clue to changing values of the dollar.
Table 9 Forest Products 1973
Sawtimber
Pine 17,874 mbf
Hardwood 3,097 mbf
Veneer
Pine 4,892 mbf
Hardwood 31,214 mbf
Pulpwood
Pine 6,S32 cords
Hardwood 10,444 cords
mbf = thousand board feet
Source: North Carolina Department of Natural 6 E conom-ic Re-
sources, Division of Forest Resources
118

Table,10 Chowan County Commercial Fisheries
Quantitya
Receiptsb
(Pounds)
(Dollars)
1968
10,65031400
3S4,592
1969
16.9226191.00
4S81564
1970
10,575,000
393,562
1971
10,321,600
381,084
1972
9,821,500
411,212
1973
73155S,700
473,071
1974
6,98S,200
491,881
Source: U. S. Department o. ommerce, National Marine Fisheries
Service
a Does not include sport fishing
b Receipts represent those to the fishermen
Table 11 Agriculture
Acres of Harvested
Estimated Farm Income
Idle Cropland
1963
36,209
$ 6,189,053
1964
35,647
5,630,775
1965
35,973
7,361,584
1966
36,349
7,028,049
1967
36,821
6,473,505
1968
37,091
81058,298
1969
361961
91666,6S9
1970
37,175
10,062,109
1971
38,280
91S5931843
Source: North Carolina Cooperative'Extension Service
119

Table 12
Farm Income for 1974
Field Crops 6,897,415
Peanuts 3,173,745
Soybeans 1,425,000
Corn (for grain) 1 , 224 , 000
Tobacco (flue -cured) 792,880
Livestock 3,075,180
Hogs 2,900,000
Vegetables 2,806,218
Poultry 983,750
Nursery 175,000
Forestry 132,000
Source: North- Caarol.iiia Co'operative' Extension Service
120

Table 13
Major Industrial Employers by Standard Industrial Code
Employment*'
20 Food and Kindred Products
Fisher Nut Company 100-150
Seabrook Blanching 100
Jimbos .Jumbos 35-50
22 Textile Mill Products
United Piece Dye Works 250-300
George C. Moore 200-250
Edenton Cotton Mills 200
24 Lumber and Wood Products
Chowan Veneer Company 100
Towson Lumber Company 25-50
MacMillan Bloedell 150
37 Transportation Equipment
Fiberform, Inc. 150
Grampian Marine 50-100
39 Miscellaneous Manufacturing
Carter's Ink 100-150
Source: Edenton Chamber bf Commerce*
Table 14 Gross Retail Sales
Fiscal Retail Stiles
1963-64
$14,5631594
1964-65
15,191,282
1965-66
17,000,976
1966-67
17,503,101
1967-68
18,407,278
1968-69
201206,725
1969-70
21,395,130
1970-71
22,880,835
1971-72
24,7589626
1972-73
2611841847
1973-74
29,028,868
1974-75
349822,639
Source: Noiffi--Carolina County usiness Patterns
121

Table 15 Building Permits
Chowan County
Edenton
1970
53
79
1971
68
98
1972
/6
109
1973
S8
246
1974
32
86
1975
oource: Town oF Edenton Building Tnspector
Chowan County Tax Office
Table 16
Total. Travelers' Expenditures
(in 0001s)
1969
1,036
1969
1,128
1970
1,290
1971
1,350
1972
1,470
1973
1,318*
1974
1,463
* In 1973 the methodology for determining these figures
changed.
Source: Nort Carolina Department oi` Natural an Lconomic
Resources
Division of Travel and Promotion
122

Table 17
Total Employed
1960
1970
Professional, Technical, and Kindred
2S4
375
workers
Farmers and Farm Managers
SO4
187
Managers, Officials, and Proprietors
306
316
(exc. farm)
Craftsmen, Foremen, and Kindred
378
606
Workers
Operatives and Kindred
701
790
Private Household
287
165
Service workers except private
234
339
household
Farm laborers and farm foremen
440
173
Laborers except farm and mine
329
396
Clerical. and kindred workers
225
470
Sales workers
272
202
TOTAL
3,930
4,019
Occupation not reported 120
TOTAL 4,OSO 4,019
Source U. S.13-urcau of the Census
123

Table 18
Median_Tiarnings of Selected Occupation Croups
State
County
State
County
(1960)
(1960)
(1970)
(1970)
Male Total with Earnings
2972
1925
5627
4663
Professional, Managerial
5374
5279
8831
7724
and Kindred workers
Farmers and farm Managers
1249
1465
6128
5492
Craftsmen, foremen and
3587
3083
4937
4366
kindred workers
Operatives and kindred
2888
2034
3406
3253
workers '
Farm laborers exc. un-
616
484.
31.10
3786
paid and farm foremen
Laborers, exc. farm and
1740
1.157
1828
1568
swine
Female, total with earn-
1807
792
3413
2394
ings
Clerical and kindred
3894
3480
workers
Operatives and kindred
2179
539
3524
3641
workers
Source U. Bureau o the Cens� us -'
124

Hertford 29
Berti a 249 (
oBertie 12
Yq 04n I
COMMUTING PATTERN 1970
CHOWAN COUNTY
Isle of WightjT
Gates 74 "
Gates30 Nansemond 13
t Tidewater 60
41 \\
Tyrrel145
Washington73
Perquimans1186
Perquimans 71
Pasquotank 56
PasquotankJ155
Total in commuting 782
Total out commuting 617
Live a work in county 3409*
Camden5
0
125

Table 20
Chowan County Unemployment.Rates
Prel i_minary
Chowan Count 1974
Unemployment Rate
5.5
White Unemployment Rate
2.5
Black Unemployment.Rate
10.5
Female Unemployment Rate
8.6
Male Unemployment Rate
3.7
1973 1972 1971 1970
3.2 5.3
1.5 2.4
6.4 10.1
C. 8.3
2.2 3.6
.... ......
Source: _N__C. P.mP1-oyinent Secur_i ty Commission
5.0 4.6
2.3 2.0
4.5 8.9
7.8 7.2
3.3 3.1
126

M,
2) Economic Projection
Economic projections are difficult to make for any area.
Projections for a relatively small. area like Chowan County and
Edenton are even harder. Chowan County's economic growth will
undoubtedly be affected by trends and developments in the region-
al, state and national economies that cannot be definitely be
foreseen now. The U. S. Department of Commerce's Bureau or Eco-
nomic Analysis, which has better data than any local source on
national and regional trends, has predicted that Chowan County
and Edenton's economy will grow. The prospects of each of the
important sectors of Chowan County's economy will be discussed
below.
Agriculture
Undoubtedly one of the most important factors in Chowan
County's future is the future of its agriculture. National
demand for food is increasing, and the overall prospects are
good. However, yearly market fluctuations have important effects,
but these are unforeseeable at this time. If the Washington and
Norfolk metropolitan areas continue to grow, the profits received
from local produce (truck) farming will increase. In addition,
if food processing plants locate in or close to the county, pro-
duce farming will be even more profitable. A possible constraint
for continued agricultural development is competition from resi-
dential land development. Even if the income derived per acre
127

increases considerably, agriculture most likely will not be able
to compete with residential development for land. If the popu-
lation projections discussed elsewhere are not exceeded, this
conflict will be limited.
Forestry
The economic outlook for the county's forestry is quite
similar. Like Chowan County's agriculture, new technology and
improved methods of management are increasing the yields derived.
However, because of the extended times between regeneration and
harvest, woodland is less able than agriculture to compete with
residential development for land.
Fishing
The increasing demand for food will also affect the fishing
industry. The value of fish landed will most likely continue to
increase. To date, little investment has been made in fish
processing (i.e. freezing and dressing) in North Carolina, al-
though there has been increased interest. Expanded investment
in fish processing would probably increase commercial fishing
in Chowan County. Although the prospects for fishing seem good,
a constraining factor is the pollution of the Chowan River and
Albemarle Sound. Currently the Chowan River has as much nu-
trients as it can hold without a recurreiuX of the algal blooms
of several. years ago. Future land and water users may have
128

a
severe impacts on the commercial fishing industry.
Fishing and continued utilization of the area's forestry and
agriculture lands will have only slight impacts on other land use
in the county. Obviously, this is not true for future industrial
growth. Indiistrial growth will stimulate further growth in con-
struction, retail and service sectors by bringing new residents
to the county; thus future industrial growth is a subject of
much concern because the impacts, good and bad, are felt by
many.
Manufacturing
Tndustria.l growth..like any economic activity is dependent
on both supply and demand. Information is lacking about the
levels of demand. However the county can analyze the supply
factors it has. Important supply factors are:
1) Access to raw materials
2) Access to markets
3) Site costs
4) Local facilities and local tax structure
5) Labor force
6) Climate and environment
Each of these factors will be considered as they relate to Eden-
ton's and Chowan's industrial future.
1) Access to raw materials
Chowan County and Edenton are producers of and close to
129

other sources of agricultural and forestry raw materials. More
specifically, the agriculture of Chowan County and the surround-
ing region could supply frozen and dehydrated vegetable
processing, ham, sausage and other prepared pork production,
soybean processing, and candy and snack type manufacturing
epsecially those using peanuts or flaked sweet potatoes. The
forestry and associated mills of the region could supply many
wood products industries -- such as furniture, box and crate,
plywood and wood chemical manufacturers. Typically, those
plants that locate near raw materials are those that the
shipping cost of the raw material exceeds that of the finished
product.
Related to the decision to locate near raw materials is
the decision to locate near another manufacturer to utilize
their product. For instance, Fisher Nut in Edenton recently
expanded to utilize the blanching processing of Seabrook.
Other industries in Edenton and the region may serve as
attractions for new industrial plant location.
2) Access to markets
Chowan County is located just south of one of the most
exten-ive and affluent metropolitan concentrations in the
world (Washington to Boston). The Norfolk -Portsmouth Metropoli-
tan area is less than two hours away. The following map shows
Chowan County in relation to major metropolitan centers.
Straight-line mileage to metropolitan areas gives only a
130

WITHIN A 500-NIII-L RADIUS OF
C1IOWAN COUNTY
f,1OR 1-I CAR01-INA
Toronto _ ----
`' i-- o Syracuse
Buffalo N. Y.
MICH. �--�
1 PA.
U
1 �1/E ,
VT.
1 �-Roston e
MASS.
�PfOVIdcliGe •
CONN.?H
New Iuven
New York
Cleveland Philadelphia
1 oltio Pittsburgh
_ Roltirnore; '
IND. Columbusr ND . �
M,,hington
I'M
I I 1 1Y. VA. J�
Indianapolis ,; Cincinnati' f I
' Churlustun ;
Rich►uand 'Norfolk
,— LouicviIle ,J o
1 _ Rounoke i
KY.�.CIIOI':AN CUUN1'Y
- N. C. ° Raleigh, J\)
Charlotte
Nashville •tel:N. . v -
Wilmingfon
Chatt1nooga
— — --- i _ S. C.
o
r ' Colurnuia
o Atlanta •`� '
t ` .��• Aso wl.
0 0A. �.\ u
' Birmingham Charleston
IColumbus ,° •Savannah_• '
ALA.
� r
Jacksonville ,
o4A FLA. 500 "1.
/. ..
1YO00 9 HASSELL
131

rough indication of market access. The existing transportation
system is quite important. Chowan County has a daily freight
service on the Norfolk Southern Railway. The town is located
on U. S. Highway 17 and on North Carolina State Highway
32. Seven major truck carriers service the town. The nearest
major commercial airport is Norfolk (75 miles away). However,
the Edenton Municipal Airport, previously a government air base,
has better facilities than many municipal airports.
The fact that Chowan County is not located on the inter-
state highway system does limit its transportation links some-
what, but quality of access to markets is relative. Given its
location on the eastern seaboard quite near major populatinn
centers, Chowan County's access to markets is superior to that
of most rural areas in the nation.
3) Site costs
The rural character of the Chowan County mentioned above
makes it far easier for industries to assemble a suitably sized
site in Chowan County than in most metropolitan areas. Changes
in industrial technology have made most manufacturing processes
more horizontally oriented and land consumptive. In addition,
since most people commute by car, parking requirements make a
larger site necessary. The growth of the trucking industry has
freed many industries from locating on railroads and in highly
urbanized areas.
An additional factor in site costs is the cost of obtain-
132

ing information and the cost of site preparation. Edenton has a
clear advantage over much of the region and many other communi-
ties by having an active Chamber of Commerce and a planned in-
dustrial park. The Chamber of Commerce has information on all
available sites; the industrial park has sites available with
most of the necessary utilities.
4) Local facilities/utilities/tax structure
The cost of the cleared land is not the only consideration
in industrial site selection. Utilities such as sewer, water,
electricity are important and available in Chowan County near
Edenton for most light industries that do not have unusual re-
quirements. Other local facilities such as schools, housing,
and hospitals are also important. These facilities in Chowan
County and Edenton are di_sCussed in detail elsewhere in this re-
port. Tt is not possible to determine whether future industries
will find the necessary facilities in Chowan County without
knowing the scale of these future industries and the phasing of
development. Much would depend on careful planning in the com-
munity.
Neither Chowan County nor Edenton provide special tax
breaks or bonding programs as enticement to industrial location.
The current local tax rate could hardly be considered burdensome
to industry.
133

5) Labor Force
Obviously any industry is interested in whether an area
can supply the necessary labor force with the proper skills.
The availability of labor in and around Chowan County and Eden-
ton depends greatly on the type of industry and the scale of the
industry. The North Carolina Employment Security Commission
maintains detailed characteristics about the available labor
force in the area. Industrial workers experienced in textiles,
apparel, food, chemicals and pulp and paper manufacture are
available. Industries employing 100-200 workers have had little
trouble obtaining the necessary labor force in the area. At
the moment industries employing highly -skilled labor in various
occupations would have to import much of the labor force. The
College of The Albemarle and Elizabeth City State University
are training area students in various technical and business
skills.
It is not certain what effect labor unions have on the
locational decisions of industries, although some economists
have proposed that this is an important reason for industries
locating in the South and overseas. Labor unions are not
active in Chowan County.
6) Climate, environment, town and county character
Detailed information about the climate of Chowan County
is presented elsewhere in this report. Until recently, except
for climatic extremes, most modern industries have been able to
134

ignore climatic variations because of technology. Rising costs
in energy and building materials -may well reverse this trend.
The South has an advantage in climate over many parts of the coun-
try.
In addition to providing excellent raw materials for indus-
trial use, Chowan County's location on the Albemarle Sound and
Chowan River and near the Outer Banks provides an attractive en-
vironment. The importance of Chowan County's environment is hard
to estimate, but if two sites were equal in other respects, an
industry might well choose an area with a superior environment.
Recreation opportunities are excellent for boating and fishing
as is the opportunity for a rural and small town lifestyle. Eden
ton, because of its historic character and small town atmosphere
is quite attractive. The friendliness of the people and the re-
laxed pace is hard to produce statistics on, but has been re-
marked by many. If. an :index could be developed on the "liveabil-
ity" of a community, Edenton and Chowan County would rank quite
high.
Another difficult to define factor may be important. An
industry will seldom locate in an area that is hostile to its
interests; citizens in Chowan County and Edenton have actively
sought industry that meet local criteria for favorable develop-
ment. Although it might be hard to verify, Edenton's relative
success in the region may be in part due to its having shown that
the town is interested in particular kinds of development and is
willing to work to make them Happen. Also, the town has developed
135

regulations to prevent development it does not want. Because
of these policies, Edenton may appear to industrial prospects
to be a better organized and administered municipality than
many.
Tourism and Second Home Development
Besides agriculture, forestry, and industry, an important
factor in Chowan County's economic future is its potential for
tourism, recreation, and even second home developments. To a
certain extent, these activities have already been developed
in Edenton and Chowan County and there is no reason to believe
that this trend will not continue. The national demand for
leisure activities and travel has increased despite recessions
and rising fuel costs. The entire coastal region of
North Carolina is a favored area, and Edenton and Chowan County
have attractive qualities. Fishing and.boating in the Chowan
River and Albemarle Sound will undoubtedly continue and most
likely increase. The historical tour of Edenton will undoubted-
ly continue to be popular; the distinctive architecture of past
periods if of interest to many. Second home and retirement home
developments have potential because of the climate, rivers, and
sound.
Whether these developments are an economic asset to the
community or a cost depends greatly on Chowan County's planning.
Tourists interested in the historic sites have had few adverse
impacts on the community. If these tourists greatly increased in
136

number, they could have adverse impact on the town's traffic pat-
terns. This amount of tourism is not foreseeable at this time.
When the 17 By-pass is completed, traffic in the town will de-
crease considerably; it will probably be several years after the
completion before traffic numbers rise again to -current levels.
Second home development may have adverse financial effects
on the community that out weigh its benefits. However, both
Edenton and Chowan County require that many services like streets
and utilities be provided by the subdivider. Other services are
paid for by user charges. Properly developed second home communi-
ties may be beneficial to the retail and service sectors of the
community.
137

4. Community facilities
The services and facilities provided by the town of Edenton
and Chowan County are essential to the residents. The Quality
of these services and facilities are an important factor in the
overall Quality of life in the town and county. Because these
services are paid for by local tax revenues and transfers of
funds from other levels of government, budget constraints exist
on the amount of services that can be provided.
The impact of future population growth on the services and
facilities depends on many factors. The capacity of the exist-
ing facilities for future growth is important. The number of
future residents and their socioeconomic characteristics also
determine the impact on community services and facilities. In
addition, the timing and spatial location of future development
is important.
The Federal population projections for the county predict an
increase that would have little impact. Town officials feel
that the projections may be underestimates; they predict that
the town itself will grow by more than the entire amount that
has been projected for the county. Growth.has different fiscal
effects on the county and town. Financial considerations will
be discussed after the services and facilities.
The following discussion of community services and facili-
ties briefly describes the existing situation and also consid-
ers possible future impacts. These future impacts are much
more easily determined for services like water and sewer than
138

for services such as police, fire, recreation, and schools.
Planning for all community services and facilities require de�
tailed study; this discussion is not intended to be complete but
merely serves to raise the issues involved. Detailed community
facility plans are being prepared for both town and county.
a. Water
Edenton
The town of Edenton has one of the better water supply sys-
tems in the region. Each of the wells in the town have produced
up to 500 gallons per minute. Although the water is somewhat
hard, the water does not require extensive treatment. The town
water system provides service throughout the city up to the city
limits. Water service has been extended only to areas that are
annexed by the town. This policy will change somewhat with the
completion of the Chowan County water system; when an area is
annexed the town probably will take over the county lines, not
lay new ones.
The maximum daily capacity of the water system is 1,725,000
GPD and the peak load to date has been 835,000 GPD. Thus over
890,000
GPD are available
for future demands.
Additional
capac-
ity is
available from the
metered hook-ups into
the county
water
system which make buy -sell transactions possible. The town water
system certainly has capacity for growth. User charges cover
the cost of operating the system.
139

Chowan County
Although there are 'fever problems with the quantity of water
available from subsurface supplies in Chowan County, the quality
of water from individual wells in the county is often inferior.
High iron content, pollution from privies or septic tanks, and
high water tables are common problems. To overcome these
problems, Chowan County has planned for and is completing a coun-
ty -wide water system.
The Chowan County water system will serve most of the coun-
ty. The system has been financed in part by a Farmers Home
Administration loan and grant and also by a grant from the
North Carolina State Board of health. User charges will retire
the debt over time.
The wells, treatment plants, and elevated tanks will supply
over 5,000 people in the county with high quality water. In
addition, the wells and tanks have capacity for future growth.
The exact capacity of the Chowan County water system is
difficult to determine. The water system is flexible because
of the technology involved and the quantity of subsurface water.
In fact, this flexibility is an asset to the county. Additional
elevated tanks can be added for storage and additional wells
could be dug. The pipe sizes may be the most constraining fac-
tor but even these are the polyvinyl choride type that are rel-
atively easy to lay.
Also institutional arrangements will make the capacity of
the Chowan County water system flexible. The system will tie
140

into the 'Town of Edenton's system and buy and sell relationships
could be established. If the Chowan County system is hooked in-
to the similar proposed system of Perquimans County, additional
flexibility will be obtained.
Ignoring for the moment future'structural changes or insti-
tutional arrangements, one can make a rough estimate of the ca-
pacity of the current system.
The four wells operating a 12 hour
day, producing 220 GPM as designed, will supply the county with
over 600,000 gallons of water. Assuming that 5,000 people will
be served currently and that each will use 100 gallons a day
(a liberal assumption) over 1,000 additional people could be
accommodated on the county water system. This is probably a
minimum figure.
The adequacy of the water system for .future industrial dev-
elopment depends to a great extent on what the industry's water
requirements are. If an industry had special water requirements,
an elevated storage tank could be constructed at the site and
hooked into the county.water system.
In conclusion, water supply most likely will not be a prob='
lem in the county for some time. Currently the more important
problem is the proper disposal of water once it is used for do-
mestic or industrial purposes.
b. Sewer
Currently the Town of Edenton is sewered over most of the
area within the city limits. Because of residential, commercial,
141

and industrial useand also infiltration problems, the current
treatment plant is operating at its one million gallons per day
capacity.
J. N. Pease Associates of Charlotte, N. C. is currently
studying wastewater disposal over a larger area beyond the
town in planning for new interceptor sewers and an upgraded
treatment plant. The'study is in its initial phases and the
construction of new facilities is most likely several years
away. The firm is using the OBERS "E" projections cited earlier
(see Population Projections) to determine the most likely future
growth in the area.
The wastewater construction program will not be linr_ited to
new interceptors and plant, but will also attempt to correct
severe infiltration and inflow problems. If these problems can
be solved, additional capacity would be available at the plant.
The new interceptors are proposed for areas outside the
city limits. Until now sewer service has only been extended to
areas that are annexed by the town. The institutional and fi-
nancial arrangements for new sewer service outside the city
limits have not been made. The county at present is not inter-
ested in providing sewer to county residents. A sewer district,
large annexations, or some alternative arrangement may be
necessary.
The plant itself needs improvements to meet wastewater
standards set by the State and Federal Governments. The Federal
construction grants program (1120111) will not fund large. amounts
142

of excess capacity. The Edenton plant may be allowed to build
a 10% growth factor into the capacity of the plant, but this would
be the limit. However, as mentioned previously, the town may get
additional capacity at the plant if its infiltration and inflow
problems are solved.
The total project costs have been estimated at$4.0 million
(including infiltration rehabilitation) with the Federal govern-
ment paying 750, the State government 12,% and the local govern-
ment 1211%. The planning for this project is only in its initial
stages. Sewer facilities' may solve some of the problems in the
county regarding wastewater disposal, but sewer facilities will
also make areas more attractive for development. Since future
development will respond to the location of sewer interceptors,
sewer facilities can be an excellent tool for guiding growth in
the county.
c. Solid Waste Disposal
Chowan County and Perquimans County operate -a joint landfill
on land leased from Union Camp near Cisco. The fifteen acres of
land will probably be used up sometime this year long before the
lease runs out in three years. Negotiations are currently under
way for additional land in the county.
The investment in equipment was shared by the two counties
and funded in part by grants from the Farmers' Home Administration.
There are no doorstep collections in the county, but about 60
four -yard containers or dumpsters are dispersed throughout the coun-
143

ROWAN COUNTY r O U N T Y
NORTH CAROLINA ... _
'•M1111,1.1 I y
scue ro• r.11.•cKuler.rs �
O
H F R 1 f 0 R D
C O U N I Y
„• r
Jcpr., „., z ,a; w - PRELIMINARY SEWER SYSTEM DESIGN
,( Legend
O Existing Lift Station
o Existing Lift Station (to be upgraded)
i 0 Existing Plant (to be upgraded)
I """" - • Proposed Lift Station
--•— Existing Outfoll Sewer
Proposed Outfoll Sewer
Proposed Force Main
I lv> 1
f ..,,.,. Source: Edenton Complex 201 Facilities Plan
J.N. Peas• May 19T6
IIvw • L �.,, e � ' � �^ Mm.,a �y" Iliiii
_. ..1 _-.1 .:�Z " -', - , M,\�. lA. Jam• ' �� • _.__ � 1� • _S
I • u., el ro.,o� hI
�+✓ p 1
.\% 1 w^•,...«..a.. I. •,`may `"/! A PFQOu� •
i•II! I �..R � a 1. � •_ Jf ? d �i-�`I'ni Ni ,\1 -\��`
� -�: �f7��' •,1 • 1 • � COS
. >,
•\"',,,,,', ' Mom,,,,,_ IG.. � . ,y..� � , .,_. , ., ,`
IM
,\,\ I • 4 � I1 ,//! ' of /.y...qW ..yv, � x �I.. •� � -
A
/ •------------- \

ty. The collection system has ameliorated the problem of the
open dumps in the county.
Edenton also uses the Perquimans-Chowan Landfill and,be-
cause of the town's population density, provides more complete
collection. The four compactor trucks collect at commercial
areas once a day and at residences twice a week. An open truck
is used to collect limbs and other large objects.
The District Health Department supervises the operation of
the landfill. Statistics relating the number of acres used
per year to the population serviced were unavailable, so future
needs are hard to determine, however approximately five acres
per year are currently being used. Local officials hope to
locate a site of 25-30 acres that will last four to five years.
As a municipality, Edenton does not pay for the use of land-
fill, the revenues used come solely from the county taxes.
d. Thoroughfares
The three primary roads serving Edenton and Chowan County
are U. S. 17, N. C. 32 and N. C. 37. U. S. Highway 17 serves
a major connector for Edenton with Elizabeth City, Norfolk and
points north and with Washington and Williamston to the south.
State Highway 32 connects Chowan County to Gates and Washington
County. State Highway 37 runs through Chowan from Perquimans
County to Gates County, to the north and connects with N.C. 32S.
U. S. Highway 17's route right through the center of
Edenton has caused many problems. A limited access bypass that
144

is currently being constructed around Edenton should solve many
current traffic problems by easing congestion and reducing acci-
dents. Outside of Edenton, U. S. Highway 17's average daily
traffic is exceeding the Department of Transportation's design
capacity for a road of that width (22-24 feet). Long range plans
have been made to make U. S. Highway 17 four lanes from Edenton
to Norfolk, but this change is not definite.
The other primary roads, N. C. 32 and 37, at the last traf-
fic counts are not exceeding capacity; however, land use trends
in the county may cause -problems that are not reflected in the
average daily traffic figures. Residential development in recent
years has often located in strips along the primary and major coun-
ty roads. The on -turning and off -turning traffic from these resi-
dences can cause traffic problems that will increase as the strip
development increases. A road cannot function both as a local
road for residents and as a major arterial for through traffic.
A road that has to serve both purposes functions poorly in all
respects.
Although the primary roads of the county are probably the
most important transportation routes in the county, there is a
great deal of concern over the secondary roads and local streets
in the county. Many roads in the county are unpaved, narrow and
poorly drained. Several subdivisions in the county were laid out
and built before the county had adequate subdivision regulations.
The state has the primary responsibility for maintaining
secondary roads, but does not accept all roads for maintenance.
145

Requirements for population density and design standards have to
be met. Recently the state passed legislation stating that all
subdivision streets must be paved before they will be accepted
into the state system.
Many roads in Chowan County do not have sufficient density
along them to be accepted into the state system. Several roads
and streets do not have the required right-of-way width. The
county subdivision regulations were recently amended to require
that all future subdivision streets be paved and designed to
state standards.
Recently additional options have been made available for
the county to improve its roads. Roads that are on the state
system, but not improved, can be improved by the county through
the use of special assessments. On roads that are not Dart of
the state system, the county can improve the street or road if
it has a petition signed by the majority of the property owners
who agree to be assessed for the purpose of improving the road.
The Town of Edenton has had similar powers of assessment
for streets for some time. The town street department maintains
those streets not on the state highway system. Because of the
density of population within the town, curbing and sidewalks are
needed in several areas. As in the county, drainage of the
streets is not adequate in many places.
Public meetings, the questionnaire results, and the town
and county planning boards have stressed the importance of im-
proving the existing street and road system.
146

e. Schools
Chowan County operates a county -wide school system. The county
Board of Education and the superintendent set the policies for the
school system. Currently several of the Chowan County schools are
operating close to capacity.
Table 21
Holmes High School
Swain School
Walker School
White Oak School
Chowan IIigh School
1975-76
Chowan County School Population
Enrollment
689
405
836
237
S09
Regardless of future growth in the county, new school facili-
ties will probably be considered in the near future. Not only is
Swain School quite old (1916); but also there has been continuing
discussion over the high school facilities. Due to decreased
enrollment in the elementary schools, if no new students enter the
schools outside of Edenton, enrollment at Chowan High School will
drop to 150 students in 1983, an insufficient size for a high school
curriculum, according to the superintendent of schools.
A consolidated high school for the town and county has been
debated for years and may be a solution to the decrease at Chowan
High School. However, no final decisions have been made.
147

Because of the current county concern over decreases in
the school system, discussion of the impacts of growth seem
irrelevant. However, if there were a considerable in -migra-
tion of households with children in the next few years, the
county would have to consider the costs to the school system.
Because of North Carolina law, schools are not administered
as they are in many parts of the country. In principle the
State of North Carolina pays salaries and operating expenses,
and the county pays for the physical -plant. As a municipality,
Edenton pays nothing and has no jurisdiction. Thus growth
would not cost the county more money until new facilities were
needed. In actual practice, the county does contribute some
toward the operating expenses and salaries, but is not as sen-
sitive to pupil increases as many communities in other states.
f. Fire protection
Edenton's Fire Department is responsible for fire pro-
tection within the city limits and for much of the county. The
county receives this coverage by paying a certain percentage of
the department's operating expenses and by providing a truck.
The department employs 5 full-time men and has at least
2 men on duty24 hours a day. The department also equips and
utilizes 20 volunteers who are alerted by the town sirens and
dispatched to the fire by the radios in their automobiles. The
town has three pumpers, one water tanker, a service pick-up, and
an equipment panel truck. An additional pumper is on order and
148

will soon be in service.
The activities of the fire department have earned the town a
fire insurance rating of 6 for the area within the city limits, a
rating considered good for a town of Edenton's size.
At present, the Edenton fire department officials do not
anticipate any problems caused by future developments within the
city limits.
Fire protection in the section of the county that is not
served by the Edenton Fire Department is served by the volunteer
fire company that operates out of Center Hill Crossroads. The
Center Hill Department has a force of 28 men and three trucks --
two pumpers and one water tanker. Fire calls go into the Edenton
Department which then turns on the Center Hill siren and rings the
phones in all the volunteer's homes simultaneously. The area with-
in a few miles of the department has a fire insurance rating of 9A
and the rest of the Center Hill Department's area has a rating of
10--meaning no protection at all.
All county residents outside of the city limits pay a special
assessment for fire protection that is added onto their ad valorem
tax rate. in 1975 their rate was $.03/$100.
The county water system should help fire protection in the
county. Over 90 hydrants will be installed throughout the system.
Another aid to fire protection in the county has been the self
reliance of the local industries. Many of the plants have in-
stalled sprinkler systems. Some have their own fire departments.
Obviously further development in the county outside of the
149

city limits of Edenton will increase fire protection problems.
The Cape Colony --Municipal Airport area in particular may need
additional fire protection if the population and industry in
that area increases.
g. Rescue squad/ambulance service
The Chowan-Edenton Rescue Squad answers emergency calls
and also provides transportation for convalescents. The squad
does receive some money from the county, but primarily it de-
pends on volunteers to do the work and on donations to pay for
the operating expenses. Edenton currently does not provide
revenues for the squad's operation.
The squad operates S radio equipped ambulances and also
owns a jeep, 18 foot boat and 5 kw generator. The squad operates
buildings in Rockyhock and Edenton and has use of a building
in Gliden.
Most calls are received by the hospital on a special emer-
gency line and the personnel are dispatched by the hospital,
although the transmitter can also be operated by the police,
sheriff or Civil Preparedness Office. The Edenton-Chowan Rescue
Squad is separated into three units and each serves a different
area. The squad serves not only Chowan County but also parts
of Perquimans, Washington, and Bertie if the Chowan squad can
reach the point faster. The squad usually services about 4S0
calls a year. The majority of these are emergency calls but
a sizable number are convalescent services, that is, moving a
150

patient from one hospital to another.
The squad is administered by the Civil Preparedness Office.
This office estimates that paid personnel may be needed in the
future. The state has increased its training requirements for
rescue workers considerably. The Chowan-Edenton volunteers have
to take time off from work, pay their own transportation, and
make a considerable sacrifice to attend the required number of
training sessions. Volunteers have limited time. Paid person-
nel may be a necessity; both the Chowan County and Edenton Plan-
ning Boards have noted that providing for a paid rescue squad
operation may be necessary soon.
h. Law enforcement
The Edenton Police Department is responsible for law en-
forcement within the city limits of Edenton. Of the 16 employ-
ees, 13 are uniformed officers, and 3 are dispatchers. Two of
the dispatchers.are also qualified to serve as officers and, in
addition, one of these officer -dispatchers serves as a secretary.
The department also trains reserve officers that can be used in
emergency situations. The police force operates on three shifts
providing 24-hour patrols of the town. The police force has
offices in the Edenton Municipal Building equipped with radio
facilities and also has five radio -equipped cars.
The offices in the Municipal Building are equipped with
temporary lock -up facilities. The force also uses the Chowan
County Jail for any long-term detention. In addition to coop-
151

eration with jail facilities, the Edenton police cooperate with
county law enforcement on pursuits, emergencies, and in other
activities where necessary. The cooperation between the town
and county law enforcement is quite good. The Edenton Police
Force has the primary responsibility in town, but if necessary
can also utilize the county sheriff's force.
The town currently has plans to construct new police head-
quarters within the next two years. A new communication system
should be installed this year. The department is planning to
increase its crime prevention, community and youth relations
activities in the future.
Residential growth in the town could affect the police
force in a variety of ways. A rising population does not nec-
essarily mean a rising crime rate, but a more urbanized popula-
tion has more contact with each other, with perhaps a higher
probability For criminal activities. Edenton is already fairly
densely settled; criminal activities will be determined by the
characteristics of the future population.
Law enforcement services are much more flexible in meeting
changing situations than many other community service expendi-
tures like utilities or schools. The personnel and equipment
can be changed and added to fairly easily if the need arises.
The Chowan County Sheriff's Department has changed consid-
erably in recent years. The personnel has grown to five full-
time officers, and two part-time deputies. The sheriff's de-
partment now has three autos and a pickup, all radio equipped.
152

0
The sheriff's office is located next to the county courthouse and
near the county jail.
The most pressing need for the sheriff's department is new
detention facilities. Several possibilities are being considered.
With the 95% Federal funding available, the sheriff's department and
town police should have a new communications system soon. Also on t}
near future the sheriff's department may require another man and
vehicle and dispatchers/jailers to fill a 24 hour shift. A full tim
matron may be needed. Detention facilities for juveniles and women
are'not now adequate.
Growth in the county has already affected the sheriff's depart-
ment. The subdivisions in the county have changed the sheriff's
duties beyond that of a rural law enforcement officer. Complaints
from the subdivisions are much more frequent than complaints from
the rural areas of the county. The week -end and seasonal residents
are sometimes a problem because they feel the private roads in the
subdivisions are not subject to the same laws as other roads in the
county. Minibikes especially have caused many nuisance complaints.
Future growth in the county could have considerable effect
on the sheriff's department. Since future development is most
likely to be more suburban than rural, at the very least, nui-
sance complaints will increase because of the closer proximity
of residents. If future residential development is scattered
throughout the county, the sheriff's departments problems will
be even more complicated due to the extent of the county's
153

area. However, similar to the town's police force, the sher-
iff's department is a flexible community service and it can in-
crease its personnel and equipment as the need arises.
i. IIealth services
A variety of organizations and facilities offer health ser-
vices to the citizens of Chowan County and Edenton. The county
is fortunate to have the Chowan Hospital, a private, non-profit
medical institution located on Route 32 on the outskirts of Eden-
ton. The three buildings at the hospital complex house a com-
plete general hospital facility with obstetrics, pediatrics, sur-
gery, physical therapy, laboratory x-ray and emergency room fa-
cilities. The hospital has cooperated with the District Mental
Health Department in a detoxification program for alcoholics.
The hospital serves a much broader area than Chowan County,
Residents of Perquimans, Tyrrell, Gates, Hyde and other counties
use the Chowan Hospital. The occupancy rate has been averaging
about 78%, but utilization of the hospital has recently been
increasing. Additions are being considered. The hospital
currently does not receive any funds from the county, although
the county is retiring a hospital bond.
The Chowan County Health Department located on King Street
provides a variety of services primarily in periodic clinics --
among them are orthopedic, eye, child health, pre -natal, family
planning and immunization clinics. The Chowan County Health
Department is part of a four county district health department
154

that is administered out of the main offices in Elizabeth City.
The four counties contribute funds to the district office which
administers the programs.
In addition to medical programs, the health department per-
forms a variety of sanitation activities. As has been mentioned
previously, the health department has approval authority over
septic tanks. Soil percolation, drainage and other site factors
are taken into account. Among the other sanitation services per-
formed are:
Institution inspection
hospitals
schools
nursing homes
Commercial facility inspection
restaurants
motels/hotels
food services
slaughterhouses/poultry processing
milk sampling
markets
Residential inspections
camps
migrant labor housing
mobile home parks
wells
Other functions
landt'ill oi)eration supervision
rabies control
complaint investigation
Health services are also offered through the district mental
health agency that serves six counties. An extensive program of
mental health services is available including mental retardation,
ls5

alcoholism and drug programs.
The agency operates indivi-
dual and group therapy programs, marital advisory services and
care for those released from mental institutions. The agency
maintains residential homes for emotionally disturbed children.
In Chowan County the mental health agency operates a day care
adult activity center and a group home for mentally retarded
adults. Edenton also has a satellite mental health center
with a psychologist, nurse and social worker with back-up staff
if necessary from Elizabeth City.
j. Housing
Housing has become a service that is provided to those too
poor to afford the rising cost of living quarters. In today's
housing market, many cannot afford the $33,000 national median
price of a new house. Every $2500 increment in housing costs
eliminates another one-half million families from the national
housing market.l
Most of the funding for housing has been supplied by the
federal government. The government offers mortgage assistance
through the Veterans Administration and the Federal Housing
Administration, and through the years has operated a variety
of programs to provide for low-income households. Currently
the Farmer's Home Administration and the Department of Housing
and Urban Development are operating programs that have been and
1Statistics supplied by National Association of Regional
Cuuncils.
156

could be of assistance for housing problems in the county and town.
The town and county do have severe housing problems. Over
25% of the families were below the 1970 poverty level. There is
a high percentage of overcrowded units and units lacking adequate
plumbing facilities.
% of overcrowded units
(of all occupied units)
% lacking complete plumbing
facilities
(of all occupied units)
Source: U. S. Census
Edenton (township)
11.36
21.17
Chowan County
11.67
The Edenton Ilousing.Authority has used MUD funding to con-
struct 100 housing units at four sites. Plans are being prepared
to construct 80 more units. Tn addition to the activities of the
housing authority, the town is attempting to upgrade its housing
stock through code enforcement and intends to apply for community
development funds.
Housing programs are harder to initiate in the county because
of the lack of funds for rural housing problems. The Farmer's
Home Administration has worked directly with individuals providing
preferred interest loans for rehabilitation and new construction.
The county is also hoping to initiate code enforcement soon.
Increased residential growth in the county and town probably
will have little negative impact on the existing housing stock.
157

The new low-income housing units planned can only improve a
serious problem.
k. Recreation
Recreation facilities and programs were a frequently men-
tioned issue in the land use questionnaire and at the public
meetings.
The Edenton Recreation Department administrates the recre-
ation program for the town and county. The department has use
of the National Guard Armory with a multipurpose gymnasium and of -
Tice. The adjacent six tennis courts are maintained by the depart-
ment. The courts are lit, in good shape, and heavily used. The
department has aggreements with the school department for the
use of their facilities, particularly the lit outdoor space at
the D. F. Walker and Holmes schools. Thegymnasium at Chowan
High School is used for recreation programs outside the city
limits.
In addition to the armory, tennis courts and school facili-
ties, the Recreation Department has six mini -parks dispersed
throughout the town. These small parks have basketball courts
and playground equipment. Although accurate statistics are not
available, these neighborhood recreation areas seem to be heavi-
ly used.
Through a grant from the Economic Development Administra-
tion arranged by the Coastal Plains Regional Commission, the
town has constructed a municipal park on the waterfront by the
158

' municipal building. The playground, pier, and picnic tables have
been heavily used in the short time since the park opened.
The Recreation Department supervises programs for various
ages of both sexes. The program is greatly expanded during the
summer. The department is considering activities that will serve
a broader range of the population than the current athletic pro-
grams. Additi.onal activities for girls and women are a priority
as are programs for special populations like the elderly and men-
tally retarded.
In addition to expanding its programs, the Edenton Recre-
ation Department has plans for more extensive facilities. The
town and county do have use of the Armory, but do not own the
facility. Acquisition and renovation is being planned for. The
town also is considering preparing a public beach on the land
it owns near the municipal airport.
While the town supervises the programs, the county has par-
ticipated by contributing one third of the funds for the operation
of the department. The state has several boat access areas in
the county. The state has also prepared a State Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) that presents ideas for addition-
al recreation areas in the region.
Recreation in the county is also provided by private in-
terests. The Chowan Golf and Country Club provides opportunities
to those that join the club. A commercial swimming beach and
marina are available. Several youth -oriented businesses operate in
Edenton offering pinball, pool and similar activities.
159

Because a great deal of interest in recreation was express-
ed in both the survey responses and in the public meetings, the
town and county planning boards set objectives relating to rec-
reation.
1. Financial capability
The ability of the town and county to provide for increased
growth is summarized by the accompanying charts that show the
current status and policies of the town's and county's facili-
ties and services and also show the financial condition of each.
Additional points need to be made. The town is in excel-
lent financial shape because it operates an electric utility.
Like any utility, the town's has a decreasing marginal cost so
that any new customers provide additional profits. The town's
subdivision regulations place much of the cost of new residences
on the developer. The zoning regulations ensure good commercial
and industrial development. User charges for various services
relieve the property tax burden. Because of the town's regula-
tions and operation of an electric utility, town officials es-
timate that the predicted growth in Edenton will provide net
revenues. In other words, new growth will make money for the
town.
The county is not in as favorable a position since it does
not operate a revenue producing utility. Nevertheless, the
county appears to be in sound financial shape. The tax valu-
160

ation has grown considerably in recent years. The county has pro-
vided services to county residents at one of the lowest tax rates
in the region. If, as has occurred in the past, moderate rates
of residential growth are associated with economic growth in the
county,there will not be a particular strain on the tax rate.
Neither the town or county officials have expressed concern
about the ability of their government to pay for necessary ser-
vices for the predicted growth. Both governments have stressed
their desire for orderly development and are working to ensure it.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY (1976 figures)
Edenton Chowan County
Assessed valuation $41,00031000 $105,000,000
Tax rate $.64/100 $.70/100
Special districts None Fire $.03/100
Debt $660,000 $ 2,784,000
Debt limit 3,280,000 8,400,000
(8%)
Bond Rating BB BAA
161

Existing
User
Developers
Plans for
Capacity
Charges
Subdivision
community
for growth
expense
investment
Edenton
Water
890,000
Yes
Yes
No system
gallons
local
expansion
per day
service
at this
lines
time
Sewer
None
Yes
Yes
201
local
Planning
service
system
lines
improvement
. and
expansion
Solid
Close to
No
No
New location
waste
present
being sought
disposal
capacity
by county
Roads and
U. S. 17
No
Yes
Complete 17
streets
exceeds capacity
By Pass
all others
(state
below
funds)
(2) Exten-
sions for
better flow.
Routine up
keep
Fire
Undetermined
No
No
No major
protection
ones at
this time
Police
Undetermined
No
No
New police
protection
headquarters
Recreation
Undetermined
No
No
Recreation
center
162

Existing User Developers Plans for
Capacity Charges Subdivision community
for growth expense investment
Chowan County
Water
200,000+
Yes
gallons
per day
Solid waste
Close to
No
disposal
existing
capacity
Roads and
All below
No
streets
capacity
Fire
Undetermined
Yes
protection
special
taxes
Police
Undetermined
No
protection
Recreation
Undetermined
No
Schools At existing No
capacity
Yes None
System
recently
completed
No New location
being sought
Yes None (not a
county
service)
No None at
present
No New
courthouse
No None at
present
No None at
present
163

f
Legend
_
®
Medical Facilities
/
®
Schools
Fire Station
0
Police Station
♦
Recreation Areas
---
Primary Roads
•
Well Site$
©
\LJ
......•..
Sewer and Water
Service Area _
>.
4
I
,e
Route IT Sy -Pass _
lot
Cnr. hrrh.rlyf Z..l. 1•ri.Uelt ,
i
y
zz D. —�
nK TDM OF m[Nfdl.o.iN CAftU A
COMMUNITY FACILITIES

APPENDICES
A. DATA SUMMARY AND RELATIONSHIP TO PLAN
Zo Major conclusions
2. Information used in the plan
B. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Z. History of LAMA planning effort
2. Process used to determine objectives, policies
and standards and aZternatives considered
3. Survey resuZts
164

A. DATA SUMMARY AND RELATIONSHIP TO THE PLAN
Z. Major Conclusions (outline form)
A. NATURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING DEVELOPMENT
Z. PhysicaZ limitations
a. Climate is"not a severe constraint on develop-
ment in the county.
b. Due to its flat topography and location adja-
cent to large bodies of surface water, the coun-
ty has extensive flood hazard areas.
c. Only certain associations :in the county soils
are suitable for septic tanks. There are large
poorly drained areas. Certain measures must be
taken in order to construct a dwelling due to
characteristics of the county's soils.
d. Although not at rates as high as neighboring
counties, Chowan County is losing land along its
shoreline to sound and river erosion.
2. Fragile areas
a. The surface waters of the county are extensive;
the primary ones are the Chowan River and Albe-
marle Sound. Water is of generally acceptable
quality although pollution incidents have oc-
curred in the past.
b. The county has an extensive recharge area.
Municipal systems tap the aquifer at 100-300
feet below the surface.
c. Certain areas of the county have been relative-
ly untouched by development. These primarily
wetland natural areas support a variety of wild-
life and vegetation.
d. Although there are the above natural areas, no
positive identification of: an area sustaining
remnant species has been made.
e. A Miocene fossil site has been identified
northwest of 1:denton.
3. Areas with resource potentiaZ
a. Chowan County has a great deal of productive
agricultural land that produces soybeans, corn,
peanuts, and other crops.
b. No outstanding mineral resources have been
identified in the county but one soil associa-
tion could be utilized for borrow pit opera-
tions.
c. There are no state or Federal parks in the coun-
ty, but the town has developed several small
parks.
d. Although the natural. areas are in private owner-
165

ship, there are no designated wildlife sanctu-
aries privately or publicly owned.
B. MAN-MADE FACTORS INFLUENCING DEVELOPMENT
1. Histor;�
Pdenton was one of the first settlements in colo-
nial North Carolina and was an influential com-
munity throughout the Revolutionary era. In the
19th century a decline in its trade and isolation
from the transportation network resulted in the
town's becoming a local center for predominantly
rural, agricultural area.
2. Existing Land Use
a. The county is still rural and the town is still
small. Agriculture and forest land are the pre-
dominant land uses. Residential, commercial,
and industrial land use occur mainly in the vi-
cinity of Edenton.
b. Residents in certain areas have expressed concern
about adjacent industrial development. Some
farmers feel that continued residential growth
in certain areas may impede agricultural activi-
ties.
c. Poorly designed subdivisions of land have been
made without improvements. Substandard housing
is a problem in both the county and the town.
d. The entire area around Edenton is the area most
likely to undergo continued development --includ-
ing residential, industrial and commercial dev-
elopment. Not only is this area closest to the
major population center in the county, but also
the major transportation routes are in this area.
3. Population and Economy
a. opg ulation
1) Poverty and low education levels are charac-
teristics of a substantial percentage of
Chowan County's population. Tn both the
town and county, the black population makes
up close to 40% of the total. The age dis-
tribution is not strikingly different from
most other communities. The number of
farmers is declining, while the rural non -
['arm population has risen. Although precise
data is lacking, the seasonal population
appears to be insignificant.
2) In the last ten years, the town's population
increased slightly while overall the coun-
ty's population decreased. Loth outside
population projections and local officials
feel that this trend has reversed. Moderate
166

growth is both projected and desired for
S, 10, 2S and SO years in the future.
3) As the natural resource section explains
in detail, Chowan County does have the
natural resource capability for moderate
growth. Soil limitations are a constraint
in certain areas.
b. Economy
1) Chowan County has a diversified economic
base that includes agriculture, forestry,
fishing and industrial activities.
2) All the above sectors appear to be stable
or growing. The county, in comparison to
the rest of the region, has had particular
success in attracting small industry and
probably will continue to grow in this
sector.
4. Community facilities
a. T Te town is planning for several community
facilities. Its sewer system is going to be
extended and upgraded. The town has plans for
a new police headquarters and recreation center.
New streets will be laid out in conformance
with the town's thoroughfare plan.
b. The top priority for the county is a new court-
house and jail. The county recently completed
a county -wide water system. Officials are
looking for a new landfill site.
c. The town is in excellent financial shape to
provide for additional growth. The subdivision
regulations place the financial burden on the
developer. The zoning ordinance guides where
development takes place. Most important, the
town operates a revenue -producing electric
utility with the result that additional growth
provides added revenue for the town.
d. Chowan County does not have a revenue -producing
utility, but does seem to be in sound financial
shape. Its tax base has grown considerably
while its tax rate is among the lowest in the
region. The county is in a good position to
provide for the moderate growth that is expected
and desired.
2. Information Used In The Plan: discussion of the
application of the data to the plan's formulation
The existing facts summarized above are so well known by
167

local officials and planning boards that the information is taken
for granted. Local decision makers in Chowan County and Edenton
understand the context they are working in. Many of the ideas,
policies and proposals stated in this plan do not address the
data directly, but do show an implicit awareness of the existing
situation.
For instance, the county's designation of conservation land
is based on the location of remaining natural areas in the coun-
ty. The large allocation to rural lands reflects knowledge about
existing land use and the value of the county's agricultural
lands. Land that is already more densely settled is designated
as community. Because future high density development is most
likely and most desirable adjacent to Edenton, the commissioners
did not designate transition land outside the extraterritorial
limits of the town.
The town officials also show an awareness of the facts of
the town's situation. The wooded swamp southwest of Edenton is
not only a natural area but also poses extreme limitations on
development. Thus the land has been designated as conservation.
The areas classified as transition are areas that are being
planned for interceptor sewers in the 201 study. Land that is
not likely to be developed at higher densities has been classi-
fied as rural.
The relationship between the characteristics of the town
and county and the land use plan is best seen in the objectives
that have been set. Both the town's and county's objectives are

based on an awareness of existing problems and opportunities.
A. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
I. Physical limitations
a. Obtain a detailed soils map of the county
to use as a basis for planning.
b. Develop a county -wide drainage plan.
C. Provide better drainage in the town.
d. Protect shorelines and waterfront of the
county from poor development and increased
erosion.
2. Fragile areas
a. Improve the quality of the Chowan River.
b. Protect the environment (water, air and
land) especially from poor industrial
development.
3. Areas with resource Potential
a. Protect agricultural lan .
b. Obtain a waterfront recreation site.
B. MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT
Z. Ilia tor
Improve historic preservation.
2. Existing land use
a. Improve cote enforcement in the county.
b. Improve the existing subdivisions in the
county.
C. Improve code enforcement in the town.
d. Improve the appearance of the town and
county.
e. Concentrate industry around existing indus-
trial zones.
f. Harmonize industry with existing life
patterns.
g. Plan town and county development together.
3. Population and economy
a. Develop and protect local fishing industry.
b. Attract sound and small industry with in-
creased attention to proper industrial
siting.
c. Plan economic growth through industrial,
fishing and agricultural sectors.
d. Improve shopping facilities.
e. Promote tourism; provide better information
and facilities to tourists.
4. Community facilities
a. Plan or and__o'Efain the needed facility
sites.
169

b. Provide waterfront recreation.
C. Provide more and better recreation for the young
people of the town and county.
B. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
1. History of CAMA planning effort -- a detailed statement
outlining the methodu employed in securing public partic-
ipation achieved and the results obtained.
After studying the requirements of the Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act, the Chowan County Commissioners and the Edenton 'Town
Council decided to delegate the responsibility for directing the
public participation program to a joint Citizens Advisory Com-
mittee. Citizens from Edenton and the other areas of the county
were chosen so that the town and county could work together on .
the planning effort. The group -nominated included farmers, mer-
chants, blacks, housewives and other members of the community to
ensure representation of and involvement with all groups in the
county.
The group met and, at the start, did not have a planner to
provide a:i.d. Moving ahead on its own, the Citizen Advisory Com-
mittee decided on two basic approaches to inform and involve the
citizens: a series of public meetings and a survey that would
be distributed throughout the county.
The public meetings were held over a several month period.
Several of the meetings were scheduled with civic groups; others
were open meetings for anyone to attend. Although concern was
170

expressed about reaching everyone including those not in civic
groups; the meetings that were held in conjunction with regu-
larly scheduled organization meetings were by far better
attended. A Citizen Advisory Committee member would first
inform the group about the Coastal Area Management Act, often
with the use of the Extension Service slide show. A presenta-
tion of the law's relevance to Chowan County usually followed
with a discussion and question -and -answer period. Many specif-
ic problems were brought out in these meetings. Over a dozen
such meetings were held. Reports on the progress of the
plan were made at County Commissioners Meetings and Town Coun-
cil Meetings and further citizen input was obtained at these
meetings.
A questionnaire concerning land use and the future of
Chowan County was mailed to everyone listed on the tax rolls of
Chowan County including non-residents. The 14 percent that
responded represented a diversity of ages, and of communities
throughout the county. Many of the issues that were raised in
the public meetings also were noted in the questionnaire re-
sponses. The results of the questionnaire are summarized at
the end of this section.
2. A brief description of the process used to determine
objectives, policies, and standards, emphasizing pubZic
participation. A discussion of aZternatives considered
in the deveZopment of the objectives, poZicies and
standards.
Using the results of the questionnaire and the public
171

0
meetings, the Citizen Advisory Committee met with the town and
county planning boards and discussed the major land use and dev-
elopment issues in the county. Recognizing the requirements of
the Coastal Area Management Act, objectives for the plan were
then set.
One alternative for setting objectives would have been to
set the objectives at the public meetings. However, a serious
obstacle was the difficulty of getting different groups repre-
sented and all issues considered in a public meeting forum. It
was felt that the commissioners and town council should approve
the final set but not make the objectives. Since town and coun-
ty policy is to have planning -related matters referred first to
the planning boards and then to the council and commissioners,
this was the method that was decided upon for the development of
the objectives, policies and standards.
After these meetings, the planning board of Edenton met
with the town council to consider the objectives, the land
,classification map and areas of environmental concern. The
Chowan County Planning Board held a similar meeting with the
county commissioners. With minor revisions, the objectives and
policies suggested by the planning boards were accepted by the
governing bodies. Land classification maps were established and
areas of environmental concern were discussed. As a result, the
first draft of the Cliowan-Edenton Land Use Plan was prepared and
submitted to the Coastal Resources Commission in November, 1975.
After studying the Commission's comments on the draft sub-
172

mission, changes were made in the plan. More public meetings
were held and the public provided further comment on the plan.
After a public hearing on May 11, 1976, the town council and
county commissioners approved the plan for its final submission
to the Coastal Resources Commission.
173

2 _
Sent 4010
3.
SURVEY
RESULTS
Raturnod S38
13.4%
I.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
(You may omit any questions on this page if
you prefer)
98. 9% 1
1.
Are you presently a resident of Chowan
County or Edenton?
Yes 523 No
1.
57
11.276
2.
In which community do you live? (Circle
One)
6.
2.
51
10. 0%
?. 1
.
3.
31
6.1%
1• Yeopim 2. Rocky Hock
3. Center Hill g,
4.576
4• Small X Roads 5. Ryland
6. Gliden
9. 29
4.
23
7. Valhalla 8. Green Hall
9, Edenton
5 •
19
3. 7%
10. Advance
3.
Age (Circle One)
•
5 - 1.076 47 - 9. 0% 109 - 20. 9% 140 - 26. 8%
29 - 5. 6%
1. 15-18 2. 19-25 3. 26-35
4. 46-55
age 36-45
5. 56-65 6. 66 and over
98 - 18. 816 94-18. 0%
4.
Occupation r e.�s.ultg attached
5.
Sex Male 382 Female 149 .
71. 9% 28. 10/0
6.
Race (Circle One)
1. B1 kk 2. Ca, Iasi n 3. Other 7 - 1. 3%
119 - 22.70f0 3y�-.7�i.0%
7. Number of years you have. resided in county or town over _IQ__years - 57
8. Which of the following applies to you? (Circle One)
402 - 77.076 .97 - 18. 6% 23 - 4.4%
1. Own Home 2. Rent Home 3. Own other property iii county
9. Marital Status (Circle One)
43-8.10/o 417-78.5% 58-10.976 13-2.4%
1. Single 2. Married 3. Widow or Widower 4. Divorced
10. Where is most or all of your income derived? (Circle One)
193-37.576 33-6.4% 11-2.1%
1. Chowan County 2. Adjacent County 3. Tidewater Virginia
4. Edenton 5. Other 125 - 24.3%
152 - 29. 6%
11. How do you obtain most of your information about activities in the
county or town? (Circle One)
308 - 58.176 79 - 14. 9% 13 - 2.5%
1. Newspaper 2. Through radio 3. Through TV
4. By word of mouth E. Other 15 - 2.8016
115 - 21.716
12. How long do you anticipate living in Chowan County or Edenton?
Signature (If you so desire)
174

- 3 -
COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
1. What do you like most about Chowan County or Edenton?
results attached
2. What do you like least about Chowan County or Edenton?
results attached
.3. What are the three most serious problems in the county or town?
1.
2. results attached
3.
4. In your opinion, which of the following should the county adopt as
its policy for county population growth during the next 10 years?
(Circle One)
1.
Remain the same size
63
- 13.5%
2.
Small increase
236
- 50.80/o
3.
Substantial increase
153
- 32.97o
4.
Reduce population
13
- 2. 8%
5. Would
you like to see more
tourists
come to Chowan County and Edenton?
Yes 370 - 79. 1%
No 98 - 20. 910
6. What, if any, type of tourist facilities do you think should be
developed in this area?
results attached
7. What, if any, additional recreational facilities would you like to
see in Chowan County and Edenton? results attached
8. In your opinion, do you think that the county or town has any
environmental problems? Yes 206 No 173 If so, what? results attached
54 4% 45 607o
9. In your opinion, is there a problem of insufficient or inadequate .
shopping facilities in the county and town? Yes 305 No 143 If so*
what is needed? 68. 176 31. 9%
results attached
10. In your opinion, do the citizens of Chowan County and Edenton have
adequate opportunity to participate in local government and community
affairs? Yes 314 No 142
68. 9% 31. 1%
— 17S

- 4 -
A % D%
29. 5 50. 0
94.5 2.0
94. 3 0.6
86. 8
5.2
76. 6
8.0
74.4
11.0
57. 9
12.8
75.3 6.5
79.4 8.6
III.;'COUNTY GOAL FORMULATION
1. What is your attitude toward the following statements:
(a) Economic development
is more important than
environmental protec %
0
tion.
(b) The county and town s
future development
must be planned. 70
(c) Our natural resources
and wildlife should
be protected. %
0
(d) Our historic assets
should be preserved.
(e) The appearance of
our county and town
needs to be
improved. 10
(f) More industry is
needed to supplement
existing agricultu-
ral base. 0/0
(g) Emphasis on future
growth should be con-
centrated in existing
communities (ex.
Yeopim, Rocky Bock,
Center Hill, etc.) %
(h) The area needs more
r'
agricultural related
industries. 0/
0
(i) The county•s agri-.
cultural lands are
very important and
must be protected
or maintained from /0
uncontrolled or
unrestrained resi-
dential, commercial,
or industrial develop-
ment.
Agree Disa
Strongly Agree Neutral Disag. Stro
51
87
96
134
106
10.9
18.6
20.5
28.6
21.
259
221
18
6
4
51.0
43.5
3.5
1.2
0.
288
192
26
0
_
56.6
37.7
5. 1
0.
224
212
40
12
14
44.6
4 2. 2
8. 0
2.4
2.
142
245
78
25
28. 1
48.5
15.4
5.0 .
162
211
73
42
]
32.3
42. 1
14.6
8.4'
95
180
139
42
20.0
37.9
29.3
8.8
4.
117
253
89
24
23.8
51.5
18.1
4.9
1
205
191
60
30
1
41. 1
38.3
12.0
6. 0
2.
4
1
3
3
1.76

- 5 -
D %
24.5 (j) Chowan County is primarily
rural/agricultural oriented,
It should remain this way.
(k) Since the agricultural
15. 8 lands of the county are of
primary importance and
drainage is essential, the
county should strongly %
push for a federally sup-
ported comprehensive
drainage program.
D%
30. 2
37.0
32. 3
14.4
10. 1
14.4
35. 6
Agree Disagree
Strongly Agree Neutral Disafi. Stroneiv
113
23. 1
179
36.6
77
15. 7
91
18. 6
20
5. 9
131
181
94
51
21
27.2
37.6
19.5
10. 6
5.2
2. Do you feel the following are adequate in Chowan County and Edenton?
Agree Disagree
Strongly Agree Neutral Disag. Strongly
(a)
Road maintenance and up-
grading.
10
(b)
Water facilities.
%
(c)
Sewer facilities.
70
(d)
Fire protection.
0/0
(e)
Historic preservation.
70
(f)
Electrical utilities.
70
(g)
Storm water drainage
and flooding control.
31.1
(h)
Community appearance.
%
21.3
(1)
Protection of the natural
environment and wildlifee�
%
37.1
(j)
Proper housing.
29.6
(k)
Planning and community
development.
0/
0
28.7
(1)
Zoning and land use
controls.
%
28.8
(m)
Relationship between the
county and towns.
0
%
21.2
(n)
Code enforcement and
inspection.
(o)
Refuse collection or
23.0
disposal.
59
234
47
96
51
12. 1
48.0
9.7
19.7
10.5
59
189
55
130
-48
12 3
3 .3
11.4
27.0
10.0
5
1
37 8
18. 2
24.4
7.9
83
287
49
57
13
58 7
10.0
11.7
2.7
$
2 6 5
74
33
1
65
281
60
51
17
13.7
59.3
12.7
10.8
3.6
44
165
100
125
46
9.2
34.4
20.8
26.0
9.6
55
213
63
119
31
11.4
44.' 3
13. 1
24.7
6.4
65
240
77
78
26
13.4
49.4
15. 8
16.0
5. 3
54
169
11. 1
34. 8
16. 9
24. 7
12.4
56
164
113
103
37
11.8
34.7
23.9
21.8
7.8
53
140
141
99
35
11. 3
29. 9
30. 1
21.2
7.5
51
177
113
100
:38
10.6
37.0
23.6
20.9
7.9
45
166
151
65
32
9.8
36 2 1
32.9
1.1.2
7.0
61
227
74
72
36
13.0
48. 3
15.7
15.3
7.7
177

-6-
%
D%
8.8
39.3
9.6
33.3
� 1. 9
10.-0
70 D%
1.7 2.4
7.2 43.8
9.0
9.8
6. 0
13. 1
4.6
16. 9
9.4
65.3
3. 3 47.1
6.8 12.3
1.7 33. 9
1.9 8.2
Agree Disagr
Strongly Agree Neutral Disag. Strong;
(p) Educational facilities. %
0
(q) Cultural facilities.
%
(r) Rescue & ambulance service.
75
164
57
124
70
15. 3
33. 5
11. 6
25. 3
14.
50
139
130
10
5:
5
7.9, 1
27 2
22.2
11.
128 1
279
1 40
1 33
17
3. Re: Chowan County Waterfront
% 25.8 56.1 8.0 6.6
What is your attitude toward the following statements?
Agree Disag
Strongly Aeree Neutral Disag. Stron
(a) The growth and development
of Chowan County waterfront
should be carefully planned,
(b) More waterfront sites shoul�
be made available for
industry. %
0
-(c) Public beaches should be
made available.
%
(d) More public boat ramps -are
needed.
(e) Public fishing piers should
be built
%
(f) Chowan County has adequate
waterfront recreational
facilities at the present%
0
(g) Chowan County waters are
clean and safe for fishing,
skiing, swimming, and %
boating.
(h) Waterfront residential
sites should have a
minimum of 100' on the %
water. °
(i) Chowan County should
encourage waterfront
Land Developers to 0/0
build "retirement and
week -end communities."
(j) Chowan County should
actively seek government
assistance to prevent
further shorelines /0
erosion.
249
216
30
7
5
49. 1
42.6
5.9
1.4
1.
68
117
95
119
9
13.7
23. 5
19. 1
23. 9
19
196
196
57
28
21
39.4
39.4
11.4
5.6
4. i
137
186
102
37
27
20, 9
7.6
5.5
140
173
90
54
28
28.9
35.7
18. 6
11: 1
.5. f
31
63
70
197
122
6.4
13.0
14.5
40.8
25.
35
129
96
167
65
7. 1
26.2
19. 5
33.9
13,
92
180
148
43
1
19.2
37.6
30.9
9.0
3
57
146
119
94
71
11.7
30. 0
24.4
19.3
14.
195
212
49
22
39.2
42.7
9.9
4.4
3.
178

'D%
6.4
M.
10. 7
6. 6
13. 0
11.4
-7-
4. Re: County And Town As A Place To Work
Indicate the degree of encouragement or discouragement you believe
should be given the following:
Encourage Encourage No Discourage
Strongly Moderately Change Moderatelv Strongly
(a) Agriculture &
Related %
0
(b) Fishing Indus-
try & Related 70
(c) Tourism &
Related %
0
(d) Forestry &
Related %
0
(e) Construction
& Related
%
(f) Research/Dev-
elopment Ind-
ustry 70
(g) Light Industry
(warehousing,
assembly, etc.)/
0
24.3 (h) Heavy Industry
(conversion of
raw materials) %
0
249
155
47
28
3
51-7
32.2
9.8
5.8
0.6
208
172
70
28
5
43. 1
35. 6
14.5
5. 8
1.0
190
147
89
34
17
39.8
30.8
18.7
7.1
3.6
199
159
82
26
5
42. 3
33. 8
17.4
5.5
1. 1
148
190
68
51
10
31.7
40.7
14. 6
10. 9
2. 1
190
194
40
33
13
40.4
41.3
8.5.
7.0
2. 8
151
213
57
45
9
31.8
44.8
12.0
9.5
1. 9
140
151
64
52
62
29. 9 132.2
13. 6
11. 1
13.2
5. In general, are there any other comments or concerns you have about
this county and town which were not covered by this questionnaire?
rCsillts attached
1.79

1. 4. Occupation
Unemployed
2
Student
2
Military/Government
22
Housewife
40
Service
26
Professional
74
Craft
34
Operative
49
Clerical
21
Administrative
24
Sales
33
General Labor
17
Driver/Delivery
6
Farm labor
3
Farm owner/manager
51
Retired
83
180

II. 1. What do you like most about Chowan County or Edenton?
Friendliness/people 141
Environment/a nice place to live 126
On the water/near Sound and Chowan River 58
Size/small town/not crowded 46
Appearance 43
Historic aspects 38
Rural/good agricultural land 28
It's home 19
Police protection/fire protection 12
School system 11
Community pride 10
Good government 9
Progressive/constructive growth 9
Climate 9
Churches 9
Fishes/Hunting 6
Medical facilities 4
Taxes 4
Freedom - 3
181

II. 2. What do you like least about Chowan County or Edenton?
Lack of youth activities 44
General recreation activities/entertainment 25
Leisure activities 19
Shopping facilities 65
Not enough jobs 37
Education quality/schools 34
Government 32
Class structure/people relationships 21
Housing 20
Racial problems 18
Poor development practices 15
Trash collection/litter 14
Historic preservation 14
Growing too slowly/not enough industry 11
County water system 5
Too much growth 5
Traffic congestion 4
Mosquitoes 4
182

II. 3. What are the three most serious problems in the county or town?
No jobs/low wages 83
Schools 75
General recreation facilities/no parks/no entertainment 68
Poor development practices (especially water front/zoning 60
enforcement)
Needs supervised youth center
46
Parking in Edenton
45
Shopping facilities
36
Race relations
36
Local Government
35
Road/street conditions
34
Crime/law enforcement activities
30
Sewer/septic tanks
19
Utility rates
19
Drugs
18
Medical services/facilities
18
Taxes
17
Drainage
16
Alcohol
15
Conflict of county/city government
14
Litter/trash collection
13
Housing
12
Water pollution
12
Food prices
11
Welfare misuse
11
Drinking water
10
Dogs
10
183

IT. 3 Also mentioned
Edenton downtown project 9
"Small minded" or "backward" people 9
Public transportation 9
Historic preservation needed 8
Poor communications/people relations 8
Overpopulation 6
Pollution 6
Economy 6
Restaurants 5
Labor not available 5
Social services 5
Citizen apathy 5
Needs growth 4
Courthouse 4
184

IT. 6. What, if any, type of tourist faciliti@s do you think should bp -
developed in this area?
Motels/hotels 83
Restaurants 81
Waterfront recreation 68
Parks/picnic areas/camping 64
More historic preservation/tours 26
Rest areas 16
Information center/advertising/promotion 9
Souvenir shops/craft shops 7
Other recreation 6
Many other suggestions made, among them:
Fairs, pageant, carriage tour, museum, black history, public
transportation, zoo, Bicentennial flower garden
185

II. 7. What, if any, additional recreational facilities would you like
to see in Chowan County and Edenton?
Recreation center 93
Bowling 92
Parks & Playgrounds (need for li.};hts often mentioned) 79
Swimming Pool 69
Boating/beaches/fishing 59
Skating rink 43
.Tennis courts 23
Boys club/Girls club 19
Nightclub/dance hall/coffeehouse 14
Movie/drive-in 13
Bike/walking trails 12
Recreation activities for elderly 9
Trailer parks 7
Softball fields 7
Car tracks 5
Concerts/entertainment 4
Theater group 4
Many othe-r suggestions, among them: dance studio, miniature golf,
bingo, handball, rest areas
186

II. 8„ In your opinion, do you think that the county or town has any
environmental problems? If so, what
Water pollution
Roadside trash
Air pollution
Drainage
Septic "tanks/sewer
Industry
Waterfront
Needs zoning
Shoreline erosion
68
16
12
11
9..
5
4
4
4
Many other mentioned among them: noise, weeds/brush, mosquito control,
fish stakes; in river, roads
187

II. 9. In your opinion, is there a problem of insufficient or inadequate
shopping facilities in the county and town? Tf so, what is needed?
Shopping center 124
Department store 55
Parking 20
Clothing 19
Shoe store/shoe repair 18
Discount stores 12
Young people's shop 8
Discount drug store 8
Dress shop 7
Discount grocery 6
Restaurant 5
Among many other suggestions: need for more variety and competition,
sporting goods, book store, construction and electrical supplies,
hobby shop, music store
188

III. 5. In general, are there any other comments or concerns you have about
this county and town which were not covered by this questionnaire?
Comments about need for careful planning 24
Local government comments/need for more responsiveness 17
and communication
Waterfront/public beaches/fishing/boating 15
Streets -roads (paving, mowing) 10
Shopping
10
Health care
9
Parks/playgrounds/recreation
8
City/county conflicts
8
Schools
8
Questionnaire comments
8
Edenton downtown project complaints
7
Low wages/jobs
7
Law enforcement/police
7
Housing
6
Dilapidated building removal
5
Cultural activities
5
More industry
5
Pro-growth/substantial population increase
5
Among many other issues mentioned were: Bulkhead erosion, the
courthouse, pollution, parking, sidewalks, race relatloiis, utility
rates, water system opposition
189

INDEX TO STANDARD FORMAT
(a) The Land Use Plan must comply with the following
standards as to form:
Table of Contents with page numbers.
I. Introduction 1
Purpose of the plan, history of CAMA planning effort,
etc.
II. Description of Present Conditions
A. Population and Economy . . . . . . . . . . 104
(brief analysis)
B. Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
1. Legible map of existing land uses
2. Analysis
.a. significant compatibility problems
b. problems from unplanned development with
implications for future land use
C. areas experiencing or likely to experience
major land use change
C. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations . . . . . 18
1. Plans and Policies
a. transportation plans
b. community facilities plans
c. utilities extension policies
d. open space policies
e. recreation policies
f. prior land use plans
g. prior land use policies
2. Local Regulations
a. zoning ordinances
b. subdivision regulations
C. floodway ordinances
d. building codes
e. septic tank regulations
f. historic districts regulations
g. nuisance regulations
h. dune protection ordinances
i. sedimentation codes
j. environn►ental impact statement ordinances
3. Federal and State Regulations
190

III. Public Participation Activities
A.
Identification and analysis of major land use issues . . . .
. 8
also
1. The impact pf population and economic trends . .
. 104
2. The provision of adequate housing and other services . .
. 156
3. The conservation of productive natural resources . .
. 34
4. The protection of important natural environments •
39
5. The protection of cultural and historic resources•
43
B.
Alternatives considered in the development of the objec-
tives, policies and standards. . , .
, 172
C.
Land use objectives, policies and standards for dealing
.
with each identified major issue . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
D.
A brief description of the process used to determine
objectives, policies and standards, emphasizing public
participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 171
E.
A detailed statement outlining the methods employed in
securing public participation, and the degree of
participation achieved and the results obtained. : . . . . .
. 170
IV. Constraints
A. Land Potential
I. Physical Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
a. hazard areas
b. soil limitations
c. water supply areas
d. steep slopes
2, fragile Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
a. coastal wetlands
b. outer banks sand dunes
C. ocean beaches and shorelines
d. estuarine waters
e. public trust waters
f. complex natural areas
g. areas sustaining remnant species
h. areas containing unique geologic formations
i. registered natural landmarks
j. archeologic and historic sites
3. Areas with Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
a. productive agricultural lands
b. potentially valuable mineral sites
c. publicly -owned lands and other non -intensive
outdoor recreation lands
d. privately -owned wildlife sanctuaries
191

V. Estimated Demand
A. Population and Economy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , 104
1. Population
a, ten-year population projection
b, considerations taken into account in
preparing ten-year projection (seasonal
populations, local objectives, social
and economic change)
C. 5,10,25 and 50 year projections
d. relationship of long-term projections to
desires of the people
e. relationship of the capabilities of the
land and water to sustain them
f. examination of seasonal population and
economic impacts
2. Economy , 114
Identification of major trends and factors
in economy
B. Future Land Needs . . . . . . . 31
Use of the ten-year population projection to
determine land demand for land classification
C. Community Facilities Demand . . . . . . . . . . . 138
1. Teri -year population projection used to deter-
mine facilities demand
2. Consideration of the type and cost of services
needed to accommodate projected population
3. Consideration of the ability of the local
economy to finance service expansion
VI. Plan Description
A. Description of the Land Classification System . . 29
B. Projected population growth allocation to Transi-
tion, Community and Rural land classes, based
upon local objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
C. Gross population densities used to allocate
Transition and Community classifications, , , . , 31
D. A legible Land Classification Map which is consis-
tent with local objectives, policies and standards 29
192

VII. Summary
A. Discussion of the manner of data assembly, analysis,
and a statement of major conclusions . . . . . . . . . .
B. Discussion of the.application of the data to the plan's
formulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VITT. City -County Plan Relationship Defined . . . . . . . . . .
also
TX. Appendices (if any) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0
165
167
18
31
165
193