CAMA Land Use Plan 1986 Update-1987

If
COUNTY OF CHOWAN, N.C.
CAMA LAND USE PLAN
1986 UPDATE
DCM COPY DCM COPY
lease do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management Copy
PREPARED BY
TALBERT,COX & ASSOCIATES, INC.
LOCAL ADOPTION : JANUARY 5, 1987
CRC CERTIFICATION : JANUARY 23, 1987
The preparation of this document
was financed in part through a
grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Manaaement
Program, through funds provided by
the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, as amended, which is
administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.

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CHOWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
LAND USE PLAN: 1986 UPDATE
PREPARED FOR
CHOWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
CHOWAN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Alton G. Elmore, Chairman
Clara Boswell
C. A. Phillips
Joe Hollowell
Wayne Goodwin
PREPARED BY CHOWAN COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
Tony Webb
Percy White
Anthony Hathaway, Jr.
James D. Ward
Richard Bunch
Barbara Burroughs
Jack Evans
AND
CHOWAN COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Luther C. Copeland, County Manager
Nancy B. Morgan, Administrative Assistant
PLANNING ASSISTANCE PROVIDED
BY
Kenneth Weeden, AICP
Talbert, Cox & Associates, Inc.
Project Manager

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r•
P%lJAU/A\9 . 0%0%11\1'TV
Scale In Mites
0 25 50 75 100
LBEMARLE
SOUND
MAP 1
Location Map

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CHOWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
LAND USE PLAN: 1986 UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE: Analysis of 1986 Policy Statement/
Implementation Actions v-x
SECTION I: Analysis of Existing Conditions
A.
Establishment of Information Base
1
B.
Present Conditions
3
1. Population
3
2. Economic Analysis
11
a. General
11
b. Agricultural
12
c. Commercial Forestry
14
d. Commercial Fishing
14
e. Manufacturing and Commercial Activity
15
f. Tourism
15
g. Employment and Income
16
h. Local Government Revenue Summary
18
i. Economic Summary
18
3. Housing
18
C.
Existing Land Use Analysis
20
1. General Patterns
20
2. Significant Land Compatibility Problems
24
3. Major Problems from Unplanned Development
27
4. Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience
Major Land Use Changes
27
5. Identification of Areas of Environmental Concern
27
D.
Review of Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
31
E.
Constraints: Land Suitability
34
1. Physical Limitations
34
2. Fragile Areas
41
3. Areas with Resource Potential
43
F.
Constraints: Capacity of Community Facilities
45
1. Water
45
2. Sewer
46
3. Solid Waste
46
4. School Enrollments
46
5. Transportation
47
6. Medical Services
48
7. Emergency and Protective Services
48
8. Other Facilities
49
G.
Estimated Demand
49
1. Population and Economy
49
2. Future Land Need
50
3. Community Facilities Need
50
SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS 52
A. Resource Protection 52
1. Areas of Environmental Concern: Development Policies 52
2. Development in Areas with Constraints 55
ii

PAGE
3. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs
57
4. Other Resource Protection Policy Areas
57
B.
Resource Production and Management Policies
59
1. Agriculture
59
2. Commercial Forestry
60
3. Mining Resource Areas
61
4. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
62
5. Off -Road Vehicles
63
6. Residential and Commercial Land Development
63
C.
Economic and Community Development Policies
64
1. Types and Locations of Desired Industry
64
2. Local Commitment to Service Provisions
66
3. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
67
'
4. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
69
5. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
70
6. Assistance to Channel Maintenance
70
'
7. Energy Facilities Siting
70
8. Tourism and Beach and Waterfront Access
71
9. Density of Development
72
10. Land Use Trends
73
D.
Continuing Public Participation Policies
73
E.
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Plans
74
,
1. Storm Hazard Mitigation: Discussion
75
a. High Winds
b. Flooding
75
75
c. Wave Action
78
d. Erosion
78
e. Summary: Storm Hazard Mitigation Considerations
.78
'
f. Policy Statements: Storm Hazard Mitigation
79
g. Implementation: Storm Hazard Mitigation
80
h. Other Mitigation Policy Areas
80
2. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
81
,
3. Hurricane Evacuation Plan
85
4. Re -Entry
86
SECTION
III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
87
A.
Developed
88
B.
Transition
88
C.
Community
90
D.
Rural
91
E.
Conservation
91
F.
Land Classification Summary
93
,
SECTION
IV: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND
CLASSIFICATIONS
94
'
A.
Developed and Transition Classes
94
B.
Community Class
94
C.
Rural Class
94
D.
Conservation Class
95
'
SECTION V: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION 96
111

TABLE NUMBERS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
MAPS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
CHOWAN COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN: 1986 UPDATE
LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
Chowan County Population 1950-1980, 1995
PAGE
with Projections to 1995
3
Historical and Projected Racial Composition
of Chowan County
4
Population Projection, Age, Race and Sex, 1985
5
Population Projection, Age, Race and Sex, 1990
6
Population Projection, Age, Race and Sex, 1995
7
Selected Age Group Summary
8
Chowan County Township Population, 1950-1980
8
Chowan County Agricultural Income: 1982-84
13
Chowan County Forestry Income: 1982-84
14
Chowan County Commercial Fishery Income
14
Chowan County: Establishments and Payroll: 1980-83
15
Chowan County Tourism Income: 1981-84
15
Chowan County Unemployment Rate: 1979-1983
16
Families Below Poverty Level: 1969-79
17
Persons with Incomes Below Poverty Level: 1969-79
17
Per Capita Personal Income: 1979-83
17
Property Tax Values, Chowan County, 1981-1984
18
Chowan County Housing Summary
19
Major Land Use Categories in Chowan County
20
Chowan County Water System Capacity
45
Chowan County School Enrollments, 1981-1986
47
Chowan County Highway Mileage - 1982
47
Average Daily Traffic, S.R. 1114, N.C. 32,
1981, 1983, 1985
48
Percent of Structures Subject to Storm Damage Factors
79
Location Map
Chowan County Township Map
Existing Land Use Map
Existing Land Use: Arrowhead-Chowan Beach
Existing Land Use: Cape Colony -Country Club
General Flood Hazard Areas
Estuarine Erosion Areas
Areas with Septic Tank Limitations
Composite Hazards
Land Classification System
FIGURES
1. Flooding in the Albemarle Sound from Hurricanes
Hazel, Connie, Diane, and Ione (1954-55)
iv
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9
(Attached)
22
23
(Attached)
36
(Attached)
(Attached)
(Attached)
77

PREFACE
CHOWAN COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN UPDATE, 1986
Analysis of 1981 Policy Statements/Implementation Actions
The CAMA Land Use Plan for coastal communities is essentially a
policy document aimed at guiding localities toward sound growth
management. Because circumstances, conditions, and issues change
over time, the Coastal Resources Commission, under State law,
requires the local land use plans to be updated every five years in
order to "take a second look" at old policies for their relevance as
well as examine newly emerging trends and concerns. The Commission
is also requiring in all 1986 updates an assessment of the previous
policy statements and implementation steps taken to effectuate them.
This summary analysis of the 1981 policies is being presented here as
a "Preface" to the 1986 Plan Update of Chowan County's Plan. Note
that in the 1981 Plan, Chowan County's Policy Statements were
presented as "Development Issues."
DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Policy/Implementation
1. POLICY STATEMENT - It shall be the
policy of Chowan County to encourage
the State of North Carolina to widen
U.S. 17 from 2 to 4 lanes, from
Virginia to South Carolina, but does
not consider it a high priority issue.
The County will, as part of this poli-
cy, support adequate local planning in
order to guide and control the types
and locations of future development
which will result from this project.
IMPLEMENTATION - Close coordination
will be maintained between the County
Manager's office and the NCDOT to
ensure prior knowledge of any decision
to 4-lane U.S. 17 through Chowan
County. In the interim, the County
Planning Board will seek CAMA planning
grant funds within the next 2 years to
study each intersection which may be
impacted by such a project and deter-
mine the optimum land use types and
locations most desirable. Within the
next five years, the County will study
the possibility of preparing a County-
wide zoning ordinance which would
include zoning recommendations for the
subject intersections.
Status/Relevancy
Actions
1. Ongoing concern.
Partly implemented.
According to the State
Transportation Improvement
Program, 2 new inter-
sections with the U.S. 17
Bypass around Edenton will
be constructed, i.e., one
each at Albemarle Street
and Paradise Road. Also,
the feasibility of a
County -wide zoning ordi-
nance was explored, but
such an ordinance was
determined to be unneces-
sary at the time.
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Policy/Implementation
2. POLICY STATEMENT - It shall be the
policy of Chowan County, along the
waterfronts, to informally acknowledge
second home and other types of resid-
ential developments, as long as they
meet all the requirements of the
County's subdivision regulations and
other ordinances and policies in effect
at the time of their development.
IMPLEMENTATION•- The County will
continue to enforce its subdivision
regulations, and will, in the next 2-4
years, investigate the need for a
County -wide zoning ordinance.
3. POLICY STATEMENT - It has been and
shall continue to be a policy of Chowan
County to participate with all con-
cerned units of local governments and
state and federal agencies to seek a
resolution of the problems of pollution
of the Chowan River in order to
increase its value to Chowan County as
a natural recreational and commercial
fishing resource. Chowan County con-
siders the pollution of the Chowan
River a top priority.
IMPLEMENTATION - The County Manager
or his representative will attend
intergovernmental and/or interagency
meetings in which progress on the prob-
lem is to be discussed.
4. Natural Hazard Areas - Excessive
Erosion Areas - Estuarine and River
Erodible Areas - To ensure that devel-
opment occurring within these areas is
compatible with the dynamic nature of
the erodible lands, thus minimizing the
likelihood of significant loss of prop-
erty.
IMPLEMENTATION - Chowan County
will, as it has in the past, ensure
that future developments will not nega-
tively affect the County's fragile
Status/Relevancy
Actions
2. Second -home develop-
ment is no longer consid-
ered to be a problem. In
1985, the County adopted a
partial zoning ordinance
covering only the Cape
Colony -Country Club area
near the Edenton Municipal
Airport; however, broader
zoning is still an issue
as other parts of the
County develop.
3. Ongoing concern, con-
tinuing implementation.
4. Partially implemented,
although public access to
waterways is still an
ongoing concern.
vi

Policy/Implementation
cultural and natural resources.
Through locally adopted plans, regula-
tions, and ordinances, the County will
ensure compatibility with state and
federal statutes applicable to these
areas, thus preserving and protecting
them, and access to them for all the
citizens of Chowan County. Land uses
permitted within these areas are listed
in the definition of the "conservation"
land classification in Chapter VI of
this plan update (1981).
5. POLICY STATEMENT - It is considered
to be in the best interest of Chowan
County to encourage cluster types of
residential development in areas
already being developed for that pur-
pose. It shall, therefore, be the
policy of Chowan County to encourage
cluster residential development and the
development of service -oriented commer-
cial establishments in these same areas
in locations such that they do not
become incompatible with the residen-
tial developments.
IMPLEMENTATION - Encouragement of
these types of development will be made
through locally adopted plans, regula-
tions, and ordinances in effect at the
present time and through those which
may be enacted in the future. The Tax
Supervisor has and will have the
responsibility of enforcing the subdiv-
ision regulations. As other ordinances
are adopted, responsibility of enforce-
ment will be assigned as appropriate.
6. POLICY STATEMENT - The County shall
evaluate in 1981-82 the recreational
needs of Chowan County on a periodic
basis, and shall include in those eval-
uations a determination of actual need
for more public access points and
facilities. As such access points and
facilities are shown to be needed, the
County will seek technical assistance
and funding to see that said facilities
Status/Relevancy
Actions
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5. This policy was not
implemented through ordi-
nances. Since 1981, how-
ever, a partial zoning
ordinance and a mobile ,
home ordinance has been
adopted by the County.
Both ordinances are geared
toward relatively low -
density development.
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6. Not implemented.
Public access is still an
issue in Chowan County. '
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Status/Relevancy
Policy/Implementation
Actions
are made available to the citizens of
Chowan County. Water access in new
shoreline developments is covered in
the subdivision regulations.
7. POLICY STATEMENT - It shall be the
7. Active, ongoing con -
policy of Chowan County to cooperate
cern. The County did
with the Town of Edenton and the local
correspond with the Eden -
Chamber of Commerce in seeking new
ton Chamber of Commerce.
industries, which substantially meet
the industry type of "light manufactur-
ing and assembly operations," and/or
which do not require large amounts of
water for their processing, to locate
in either the Edenton Industrial Park
or on land near the Airport, which is
considered suitable for industrial
purposes. Further, it shall be the
policy of Chowan County not to exclude
other types of industries locating in
Chowan County, except that any new
industry must not require large amounts
of public water, nor will it be of an
industrial type which inherently has
the potential of disturbing the envi-
ronment of Chowan County.
IMPLEMENTATION - The County Board
of Commissioners, through its regular
contacts with and participation in the
local Chamber of Commerce, will make
known the above -stated policy. As
evidence of this policy, the County
Manager will write a letter to that
organization stating this and other
policies contained in this plan which
relate either directly or indirectly to
industrial development within Chowan
County.
8. POLICY STATEMENT - Because of 8. Presently being imple-
existing sanitary problems in the Cape mented. Funds from the
Colony area, and because of the poten- State, the Town of Eden-
tial of new industrial development on ton, and Chowan County,
land near the airport, it shall be the combined, will finance
policy of Chowan County to investigate this feasibility study (to
means of organizing a sanitary sewer be completed in 1987).
district in the area generally in the
vicinity of the airport.
viii

Policy/Implementation
IMPLEMENTATION - The County will
apply to the appropriate state/federal
agency for funds to be used to prepare
a preliminary study of the feasibility
of installing sewer lines in existing
developed areas in the vicinity of the
airport. Further, this study will
address the feasibility of installing
lines of sufficient size to accommodate
industries as described in the "Edenton
Industrial Park Feasibility Study" as
noted in this plan. Either as part of
this study or as a separate study, the
County shall investigate state statutes
applicable to the formation of an
independent sanitary sewer district in
this area to determine if all statutes
could be met. These studies will be
prepared within the next two years.
9. POLICY STATEMENT - It shall be the
policy of Chowan County to attempt to
identify any concentrations of substan-
dard housing conditions within the
County. Further, it shall be the poli-
cy of the County to seek assistance
from state and federal agencies to
determine the most appropriate course
of action toward improving such condi-
tions.
IMPLEMENTATION - Upon publication
of the 1980 Census, the County will
apply to appropriate state and/or fed-
eral agencies for a planning grant for
the preparation of a County -wide
housing study which should identify
specific areas which may meet funding
criteria of the appropriate state
and/or federal agencies for the
redevelopment of those areas.
10. POLICY STATEMENT - It shall be the
poli-c-y--oY Chowan County to continue its
commitment to state and federal pro-
grams (i.e., highway improvements,
dredge and fill operations, erosion
control, etc.) where and when appli-
cable to Chowan County.
Status/Relevancy
Actions
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9. Not implemented, but ,
still an ongoing concern.
10. Implemented. Ongoing
concern.
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Status/Relevancy
Policy/Implementation Actions
11. POLICY STATEMENT - It shall be the 11. Ongoing concern. The
policy of Chowan County to actively newspaper notice concept
solicit input from the citizens of was not implemented.
Chowan County into the planning process
on a regular basis.
' IMPLEMENTATION - The County Mana-
ger's office will place a notice in a
newspaper with local distribution
stating the time, place, and subjects
to be discussed of each County Planning
Board meeting. Such notice shall be so
made one week prior to each Planning
Board meeting date.

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SECTION I
Analysis of Existing Conditions
and
Projected Demand

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CHOWAN COUNTY LAND USE PLAN
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
This 1986 Land Use Plan Update for Chowan County has been
prepared in accordance with requirements of the North Carolina
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Specifically, this document
complies with Subchapter 7B, "Land Use Planning Guidelines," of
the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended, June 1985.
The initial CAMA Land Use Plan was prepared jointly for Chowan
County and the Town of Edenton in 1976, and the first update in
1981. The 1981 Update did not include the Town of Edenton, but
was a separate plan for Chowan County. According to the Land Use
Planning Guidelines, the major purpose of periodic updating of
local land use plans is to identify and analyze newly emerging
community issues and problems. An additional element which was
not required in either the 1976 Plan or the 1981 Update is a
"Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Hurricane
Evacuation Plan," and is required to be included in the 1986
Update. This element is designed to help local governments coor-
dinate effective policies and actions relating to the impact of
hurricanes or other severe storms.
The guidelines further give the following objectives the
update should meet:
° to further define and refine local policies and issues;
° to further examine and refine the land classification
system and the land classification map;
° to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use
plan and its implementation;
• to further explore implementation procedures, and;
° to promote a better understanding of the land use plan-
ning process.
Both the 1976 Land Use Plan and the 1981 Update provided some
of the needed information base for this most recent update.
However, in many cases, new information had to be developed. A
number of data sources were tapped during the preparation of this
plan in order to prepare updated analyses of population, housing,
economics, (including agriculture, fisheries, and forestry), and
existing land uses. Most of the data came from primary and
secondary sources in the form of direct contacts with represen-
tatives of various state and federal agencies and/or previously
published documents or reports. Also, "windshield" surveys were
conducted to obtain data on existing land use patterns. Inter-
views were conducted with various County officials. Efforts were
made to obtain data that was as up to date and accurate as pos-
sible.
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The data analysis showed that in most cases, the changes since
1981 (the last update year) have not been dramatic, while in other
cases, some trends appear to be emerging. Some major conclusions
of the updated land use plan are:
Chowan County's population grew between 1970 and 1980,
reversing a twenty -year -old trend of population losses.
Population growth is projected to continue through 1995,
with some notable shifts in age ratios, i.e., decline in
school -age population, increase in the elderly popula-
tion. The Edenton and Middle Townships are projected to
receive most of the growth.
° The economic importance of agriculture is firmly esta-
blished and will remain so in the County throughout the
next 10 years. However, manufacturing, service, and
tourism are all increasing in economic importance.
° The overall land development pattern, being one with a
predominantly rural, scattered character, will likely
continue in most parts of the County. Areas with the
greatest potential for urbanization are those areas
currently urbanizing, i.e., Arrowhead, Chowan Beach, and
the Cape Colony Country Club areas.
Some of the data sources utilized in preparing this document
include:
° U. S. Census of Population and Housing, 1980, U. S.
Department of Commerce.
° N. C. Office of State Budget and Management, Demographic
Section.
° 1981 Chowan County Land Use Plan.
° Before the Storm: Managing Development To Reduce
Hurricane Damages, McElyea, Brower, & Godschalk, 1982.
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B. PRESENT CONDITIONS
1. Population
Chowan County, located in predominantly rural Northeast North
Carolina on the north side of the Albemarle Sound, has one of the
smaller county populations of the State's 100 counties. Notice
Table 1, below, which shows the decennial population of Chowan
County from 1950 to 1980, with 1985 estimates and projections to
1990 and 1995.
TABLE 1: Chowan County Population:
1950-1980, With Projections to 1995
Num.
Pct.
Year
Population
Change
Change
1950
12,540
--
--
1960
11,729
-811
- 6.5
1970
10,764
-965
- 8.2
1980
12,558
+1,794
+16.7
*1985
12,960
+ 402
+ 3.2
*1990
13,497
+ 537
+ 4.1
*1995
13,808
+ 311
+ 2.3
Source: U. S. Census (Provided by Albemarle Commission)
* Projections by the N. C. Office of State Budget & Management
The population trends in Chowan County showed a strong, steady
decline from 1950 to 1970, as Table 1 shows. From 1950 to 1970,
the County lost a total of 1,776 persons or 14.2% over the 20-year
period, with the strongest decrease occurring between 1960 and
1970. However, beginning with the 1980 Census, the County appears
to be in a significant growth pattern, gaining more people within
that one decade than it lost during the previous two. This pat-
tern of increasing population within Chowan County is supported by
recent projections made by the North Carolina Office of State
Budget and Management. Growth, though moderating, continued from
1980 to 1985, and is projected to continue through 1995.
3

m it' a. Composition I
TABLE 2: Historical & Projected Racial Composition I
Chowan County
White
Total
M
Non -White
Total
M
Year
M
F
M
F
1970
3,035
3,192
6,227
(58%)
2,227
2,310
4,537
(42%)
1980
3,501
3,793
7,294
(58%)
2,408
2,856
5,264
(42%)
*1985
3,550
3,908
7,458
(57.5%)
2,464
3,038
5,502
(42.5%)
*1990
3,675
4,055
7,730
(57%)
2,528
3,239
5,767
(43%)
*1995
3,714
4,173
7,887
(57%)
2,526
3,395
5,921
(43%)
Sources:
U.
S. Census;
N. C.
Office
of State
Budget
& Management;
State Data Center; Albemarle Commission
*Projections by Office of State Budget & Management I
The racial composition of Chowan County's population has
remained fairly constant since 1970. Both whites and non -whites
in Chowan are projected to experience steady, but moderate popula-
tion increases through 1995. The proportion of whites to non-
whites is also projected to remain about the same throughout the
period. This trend may indicate that more younger people in the
County are choosing to remain in Chowan County, narrowing the
previous flow of out migration.
The following Tables 3, 4, and 5, which depict the projected
population of Chowan County for 1985, 1990, and 1995 by age, race
and sex, show that females will continue to outnumber males in the ,
County at a gradually increasing rate through the planning period
(i.e., through 1995). The percent of females will grow from about
51% in 1970 to nearly 55% by 1995. This is partially due to the
somewhat longer average lifespan for females than males, resulting
in more widows.
These tables show also that the relationship between the over-
all age groups in Chowan County are not projected to change sig-
nificantly. In general, the trend appears that Chowan County's
older population (60 and over) is gradually increasing as a per-
cent of the total population, while the middle and perhaps more
productive age groups of from 20 to 59, will remain about the
same, percentage -wise. I
1

AGE
TOTAL
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30 -34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70 -74
75-79
' 80-84
85EUP
CHOWAN
ESTIMATED
POPULATION, JULY
is 19859
BY AGE,
RACE, AND
SEX
WHITE
OTHER
TOTAL
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
12960
7458
3550
3908
5502
2464
3038
909
413
202
211
496
244
252
989
450
221
229
539
257
282
950
496
259
237
454
211
243
873
426
223
203
447
174
273
996
497
261
236
499
228
271
984
518
259
259
466
187
279
960 -,
483
241
242
477
221
256
891
534
268
266
357
163
194
670
437
198
239
233
- 104
129
614
422
200
222
192
89
103
653
440
207
233
213
94
119
708
484
226
258
224
99
125
767
529
251
278
238
109
129
620
418
191
227
202
88
114
536
348
159
189
188
82
106
380
256
96
.160
124
52
72
253
179
52
127
74
30
44
207
128
36
92
79
32
47
PERCENT
OF COLUMN
TOTAL
0-4
7.01
5.54
5.69
5.40
9.01
9.90 - 8
5-9
7.63
6.03
6.23
5.86
9.80
10.43 9
10-14
7.33
6.65
7.30
6.06
8.25
8.56 8
15-19
6.74
5.71
6.28
5.19
8.12
7.06 8
20-24
7.69
6.66
7.35
6.04
9.07
9.25 8
7.59
6.95
7.30
6.63
8.47
7.59 9
t25-29
30-34
.7.41
6.48
6.79
6,19
8.67
8.97 8
35-39
6.87
7.16
7.55
6.81
6.49
6.62 6
40-44
5.17
5.86
5.58
6.12
4.23
4.22 4
45-49
4.74
5.66
5.63
5.68
3.49
3.61 3
50-54
5.04
5.90
5.83
5.96
3.87
3.81 3
'�55-59
5.46
6.49
6.37
6.60
4.07
4.02 4
60-64
5.92
7.09
7.07
7.11
4.33
4.42 4
65-69
4.78
5.60
5.38
5.81-
3.67
3.57 3
70-74
4.14
4.67
4.48
4.84
3.42
3.33 3
2.93
3.43
2.70
4.09
2.25
2.11 2
�75-79
. 80-84
1.95
2.40
1.46
3.25
1.34
1.22 1
85EUP
1.60
1.72
1.01
2.35
1.44
1.30 1
L�i
SOURCE - NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF
STATE BUDGET S MANAGEMENT
5
.29
.28
.00
.99
.92
.18
.43
.39
.25
.39
.92
.11
.25
.75
.49
.37
.45
.55
BASED ON 70-80'CENSUS DATA
PREPARED MAY 99 1985

CHOWAN
PROJECTED
POPULATION, APRIL
1, 19909
BY AGE,
RACE, AND
SEX
WHITE
OTHER
AGE
TOTAL
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
,
TOTAL
13497
7730
3675
4055
5767
2528
3239
0-4
916
412
203
209
504
249
255
5-9
663
420
226
194
443
209
234
10-14
1088
484
235
249
604
280
324
15-19
970
507
258
249
463
212
251
20-24
749
365
192
173
384
124
260
25-29
30-34
894
1037
466
557
242
282
224
275
428
480
184
183
244
297
35-39
975
482
231
251
493
230
263
40-44
921
570
289
281
351
159
192
45-49
681
455
206
249
226
97
129
50-54
636
443
209
234
193
90
103
55-59
704
485
226
259
219
96
123
60-64
716
507
234
273
209
93
116
65-69
785
538
253
285
247
111
136
70-74
581
388
172
216
193
82
111
75-79
452
296
122
174
156
65
91
80-84
283
196
56
140
87
32
55
85EUP
246
159
39
120
87
32
55
PERCENT
OF COLUMN
TOTAL
0-4
6.79
5.33
5.52 1
5.15
8.74
9.85
7.87
5-9
6.39
5.43
6.15
4.78
7.68
8.27
7.22
10-14
8.06
6.26
6.39
6.14
10.47
11.08
10.00
15-19
7.19
6.56
7.02
6.14
8.03
8.39
7.75
20-24
5.55
4.72
5.22
4.27
6.66
4.91
8.03
25-29
6.62
6.03
6.59
5.52
7.42
7.28
7.53
30-34
7.68
7.21
7.67
6..78
8.32
7.24
9.17
35-39
7.22
6.24
6.29
6.19
8.55
9.10
8.12
40-44
6.82
7.37
7.86
6.93
6.09
6.29
5.93
45-49
5.05
5.89
5.61
6.14
3.92
3.84
3.98
,
;50-54
4. l
5.73
5.69
5.77
3.35
3.56
3.18
55-59
60-64
5.22
5.30
6.27
6.56
6.15
6.37
6.39
6.73
3.80
3.62
3.80
3.68
3.80
3.58
65-69
5.82
6.96
6.88
7.03*
4.28
4.39
4.20
70-74
4.30
5.02
4.68
5.33
3.35
3.24
3.43
75-79
3.35
3.83
3.32
4.29
2.71
2.57
2.81
80-84
2.10
2.54
1.52
3.45
1.51
1.27
1.70
85CUP
1.82
2.06
1.06
2.96
1.51
1.27
1.70
SOURCE
- NORTH CAROLINA
OFFICE
OF
STATE BUDGET
C MANAGEMENT
PREPARED MAY
9, 1985
s 1 1
!I

CHOWAN
PROJECTED
POPULATION,
JULY
1, 19959
BY AGE,
RACE, AND SEX
WHITE
OTHER
AGE
TOTAL
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
MALE FEMALE
TOTAL
13808
7887
3714
4173
5921
2526 .3395
0-4
862
383
189
194
479
237
242
5-9
987
436
214
222
551
263
288
10-14
877
431
224
207
446
207
239
15-19
932
425
207
218
507
211
296
20-24
863
465
233
232
398
171
227
25-29
792
401
213
188
391
121
270
30-34
900
468
234
234
432
181
251
35-39
1052
584
296
288
468
175
293
40-44
988
514
247
267
474
210
264
45-49
925
582
291
291
343
150
193
50-54
731
501
227
274
230
96
134
55-59
648
470
217
253
178
81
97
60-64
65-69
718
684
497
482
230
216
267
266
221
202
94
87
127
115
70-74
684
473
208
265
211
91
120
75-79
485
327
127
200
158
63
95
80-84
353
239
80
159
114
44
70
85SUP
327
209
61
148
118
44
74
PERCENT
OF COLUMN
TOTAL
0-4
6.24
4.86
5.09 ''
4.65
8.09
9.38
7.13
5-9
10-14
7.15
6.35
5.53
5.46
5.76
6.03
5.32
4.96
9.31
7.53
10.41
8.19
8.48
7.04
15-19
6.75
5.39
5.57
5.22
8.56
8.35
8.72
20-24
6.25
5.90
6.27
5.56
6.72
6.77
6.69
25-29
5.74
5.08
5.74
4.51
6.60
4.79
7.95
30-34
6.52
5.93
6.30
5.61
7.30
7.17
7.39
35-39
7.62
7.40
7.97
6.90
7.90
6.93
.8.63
7.16
6.52
6.65
6.40
8.01
8.31
7.78
140-44
6.70
7.38
7.84
6.97
5.79
5.94
5.68
1.45-49
50-54
5.29
6.35
6.11
6.57
3.88
3.80
3.95
55-59
4.69
5.96
5.84
6.06
3.01
3.21
2.86
60-64
5.20
6.30
6.19
6.40
3.73
3.72
3.74
65-69
4.95
6.11
5.82
6.37*
3.41
3.44
3.39
70-74
4.95
6.00
5.60
6.35
3.56
3.6Q
3.53
75-79
3.51
4.15
3.42
4.79
2.67
2.49
2.80
80-84
2.56
3.03
2.15
3.81
1.93
1.74
2.06
85SUP
2.37
2.65
1.64
3.55
1.99
1.74
2.18
SOURCE
- NORTH CAROLINA
CFFICE
OF
BASED ON
70-80 CENSUS
DATA
STATE BUDGET
S MANAGEMENT
PREPARED
.MAY 91
1985
7

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1
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1
However, it is quite interesting to note that from 1985 to
1990, the school -age population in the County (from 5-19) is proj-
ected to increase by 109 persons, but decline by 125 between 1990
and 1995, yielding a net 10-year loss of 16 potential students.
Chowan County has a declining school -age population (see Table 6,
below).
TABLE 6: Selected Age Group Summary: 1985-1995
%
Num.
Num.
Total
Selected
Total
Change
Change
Change
Age Group
1985
Pop.
1990
(85-90)
1995
(90-95)
85-95
5-19
2,812
21.7
2,921
109
2,796
-125
- 16
20-59
6,476
49.9
6,597
121
6,899
302
423
60+
2,763
21.3
3,063
300
3,251
188
488
Source: N.C. State Data Center, Office of State Budget and
Management
b. Dispersal
There are four (4) Townships in Chowan County, as Map 2, page
9 shows. The County's population is dispersed throughout the
Townships, with the largest concentrations being in the Edenton
and Middle Townships. The Town of Edenton is included in the
Edenton Township, and two large subdivisions, Arrowhead and Chowan
Beaches, are located in the Middle Township. Most of the rest of
the population is located in rural communities at crossroads
intersections with major highways or paved secondary routes in
areas such as Rockyhock, Valhalla, Smalls Crossroads, Welch, and
Center Hill. Table 7, below, shows the population within each
township from 1950 to 1980.
TABLE 7: Chowan County Township Population:
1950-80
Pct./Num.
Change
Township
1950
1960
1970
1980
70/80
Edenton
7,508
7,294
6,814
7,790
+976
(+14.3)
Edenton
(4,468)
(4,458)
4,766
(5,357)
+591
(+12.4)
Middle
2,232
2,244
1,840
2,557
+717
(+39.0)
Upper
1,499
1,449
1,278
1,294
+ 16
(+ 1.3)
Yeopim
1,301
762
832
917
+ 85
(+10.2)
Sources: U. S. Census; Albemarle Commission
Edenton Township, which includes the Town of Edenton, gained
976 persons between 1970 and 1.980, with the Town gaining 591 of
those persons during the period. This is perhaps indicative of
new residences being developed, both inside and outside, but near
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the Town limits of Edenton. It appears that the growth trend of
the Edenton Township will likely continue. While all four Town-
ships experienced population gains from 1970-80, the Middle Town-
ship grew at the fastest rate--39.0%. In the northwest section of
this Township, soils are more suitable for placement of septic
tanks, which is important because of the absence of a centralized
sewer system in the County. Additional significant growth is
forecast for the Middle Township throughout this planning period.
c. Seasonal Population
There appears to be a growing number of "second homes" being
developed or mobile homes being placed along the Albemarle Sound
and Chowan River, contributing to some seasonal population
changes. Also, "Historic Edenton," one of the earliest settle-
ments in colonial North Carolina, continues to be a tourist
attraction in Chowan County and contributes to some seasonal pop-
ulation increases. Unlike some other coastal areas, however,
currently there are no major fluctuations in the population which
would exert undue pressures on the provision of public facilities
or services.
10

d. Population Summary I
The analysis of existing and projected population in Chowan
County suggests the following trends:
(1) A three -decade -old trend of population losses
ended in 1980 and has been replaced by a gradual
growth trend, projected through 1995. The racial
composition of the County has remained stable and
is projected to continue, with non -whites com-
posing about 43% of the population. Also, females
will continue to outnumber males and increase in
overall percentages throughout the planning
period.
(2) Overall, the older segment of the population (60
and over), is projected to increase as a percent
of the total population, while the percent of the
middle age -ranges (from 20-59) will increase in
numbers, but remain fairly stable as a percentof
the total population through 1995. Since the
older population is projected to increase some-
what, there is suggested a need for more elderly
care facilities.
(3) There should be no "major" shifts in the school -
age population throughout the planning period,
except for a slight decrease in the number of
potential pupils. Therefore, it is suggested that
there will be no need for expanded educational
facilities on the basis of increased population.
(4) The increased population growth from 1985 to 1995
will likely concentrate in the Edenton and Middle
Townships, with some increase also in the Yeopim
Township (Cape Colony - Country Club area). A
total of 848 additional persons are projected for
Chowan during the period. At an average household
size of 2.5 persons (which is slightly smaller
than the 1980 Census average of 2.85, but consis-
tent with national trends), this would translate
into 339 additional households.
2. Economic Analysis
a. General
The economic picture for Chowan County has steadily been
improving. The County's economic base continues to be primarily
agricultural, but with increasing diversification. Other signifi-
cant elements of Chowan County's economy include manufacturing,
commercial forestry, and commercial fishing. Existing economic
conditions are discussed in more detail, below.
i
11

Ib. Agricultural
Total farm income has fluctuated since the 1981 Land Use Plan
Update, as Table 8, page 12 shows. Between 1983 and 1984, regular
farm income actually decreased by nearly 3 million dollars in
1983. Even when government payments, particularly the Payment -
in -Kind (PIK) program, which was a one-year program in 1983, are
taken into account, total farm income in 1983 was still 5% less
than that for 1982. However, there was some slight overall gain
in 1983. Field crops and vegetables, most notably peanuts, soy-
beans, corn, cotton, tobacco, sweet potatoes, and watermelons,
produce the most farm income. Livestock production, mostly hogs,
accounts for the majority of the rest of farm income. Income from
hog production and from beef production declined during the period
1982-1984.
It is interesting to note that, perhaps consistent with
national trends, the number of farms and total farm acreage in
Chowan County is declining. According to the 1982 U.S. Census of
Agriculture: Preliminary Report, between 1978 and 1982, the total
number of farms declined from 302 to 259 during the period. This
decrease by 53 farms represents a total decrease of 17%, or about
four.farms per year. However, it appears that some smaller farms
became part of larger ones, since although the number of farms
declined, the average size of each farm rose from 184 acres in
1978 to 211 acres in 1982. This trend of fewer, but larger farms
in Chowan County is significant.
1
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1
12

TABLE 8: Chowan County Agricultural Income: 1982-84
Agricultural Income (0001s)
Field Crops
1982
1983
1984
1.
Peanuts
4.724
4.566
5.764
2.
Soybeans
3.163
2.895
2.731
3.
Corn (for grain)
3.217
2.156
2.795
4.
Cotton (lint)
1.974
1.007
2.208
5.
Tobacco, Flue -cured
1.371
.943
1.126
6.
Cotton seed
.184
.239
.652
7.
Wheat
.300
.189
.242
8.
Other (rye, grain,
.169
.289
.103
sorghum, oats, etc.)
Subtotal
15.102
12.284
15.621
*Vegetables and berries
2.910
3.364
3.960
Nursery & Greenhouse
.360
.550
.550
Livestock
Hogs
4.578
3.347
3.347
Beef
.384
.379
.378
Poultry
1.855
2.490
1.818
Honey
.117
.063
.063
Subtotal
10.204
10.193
10.116
Total Regular Income
25.306
22.477
25.737
*Government Payments
-0-
-1.481
.188
TOTAL
25.306
23.958
25.925
Source: N.C. Agricultural Extension Service - Annual Estimate
of Cash Farm Income
* Includes Payment -in -Kind (PIK) Program Income
13

rl�c. Commercial Forestry
TABLE 9: Chowan County Forestry Income, 1982 - 1984
1982 1983 1984
Pulpwood $ 29,790 $ 570,200 $ 16,000
Lumber 42,255 2,280,800 534,432
'z Total $ 72,045 $2,851,000 $ 550,432
Source: N. C. Agricultural Extension Service, Annual Estimates
of Cash Farm Income
s
Overall forestry income in the County was low in 1982, in-
creased substantially in 1983, and again fell sharply in 1984.
Forestry income has been quite irregular. Of the County's 114,800
land acreage (excluding water acres), approximately 64,700 acres
are in forestlands. This is nearly 60% of the total land acreage.
Most of the commercial forestlands in the County are owned by
large, corporate landholders. The most significant among these
are Weyerhauser, Union Camp, and Champion International, Inc.
d. Commercial Fishing
Nearly a third of the area within Chowan County's jurisdiction
ii
consists of water, i.e., portions of the Chowan River and
■
Albemarle Sound. A substantial amount of commercial fishing
occurs both in the Albemarle Sound and in the Chowan River. How-
ever, for many years, serious pollution of the Chowan River has
adversely affected fish landings in the County. Recent state and
local efforts to improve water quality, however, may be contrib-
uting to increasing landings and income. According to the North
Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, the commercial catches
steadily increased from 1981 through 1985, with 1982 and 1985
being exceptional years. Notice Table 10, below:
TABLE 10: Chowan County Ccmuercial Fishery Income, 1982-1985 1985
% Pound
$
Change
1982 1983 1984 nds Value
82 - 85
Pounds Value Pounds Value Pounds Value Pou
,835 991,933
+35.7%
I�
Cattclh 17,089, 791727,14414,911,080119,941I ,282,0 31666,67919,622
Source: N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
For the years 1982 and 1983, Chowan catches ranked fifth
among the State's 21 coastal counties, and fourth for 1985.
14
i

I I
TABLE 14:Chowan County: Families Below Poverty Level,
1969-79
1969
No. Percent
1979
No. Percent
Chowan County - - 685 19:8
N. C. - 16.3 - 11.6
Source: U. S. Census, 1970, 1980
According to the 1980 Census, Chowan County's percentage of
families with below poverty incomes is significantly higher than
the state's percentage. Likewise, this was true for individuals
with incomes below the poverty level, as noted in Table 15,
below:
TABLE 15: Chowan County: Persons With Incomes Below
Poverty Level, 1969-79
1969 1979
No. Percent No. Percent
Chowan County - - 2,972 23.7
N. C. - 20.3 - 14.8
Source: U. S. Census, 1970, 1980
Percentage -wise, the improvement in Chowan County was greater
than for the state as a whole. Another measure of local income
posture is growth in per capita personal income. Notice Table 16,
below:
TABLE 16:
Chowan
County:
Per Capita Personal Income,
1979-83
Chowan
Chowan's
Chowan's
Year
County
N.C.
U.S.
Pct. of N.C.
Pct. of U.S.
1979
5,825
7,104
8,651
82%
67%
1980
6,276
7,774
9,494
81%
66%
1981
7,522
8,655
10,544
87%
71%
1982
7,663
9,148
11,113
84%
70%
1983
8,049
9,805
11,687
82%
69%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
17

Per capita income has been increasing in Chowan County. The
County's per capita personal income is significantly below that of
the state as a whole and substantially less than the U.S. per
1 capita income.
h. Local Government Revenue Summary
fLocal
government revenues, most notably from
property taxes,
also can be indicative of local economic trends.
Notice Table 17,
below. From 1981 to 1982, prior to revaluation,
assessed values
rose by nearly $10 million in one year, which is
quite substan-
tial.
TABLE 17: Property Tax Values Chowan County 1981-1984
Year Assessed Value (Millions)
Tax Rate/100
1981 $149,856
1.04
1982 159,554
1.10
1983* 278,283*
.58*
1984 284,087
.605
Source: Chowan County Manager's Office
i
*Year of Revaluation
i. Economic Summary
The analysis of current economic conditions indicates the
following trends:
(1) Agriculture is and will remain a dominate force in
the County's economic base. However, other income
sources, notably manufacturing, commercial fish-
ing, forestry, and tourism, are increasing in
importance.
(2) Overall, income increased in Chowan between 1970
and 1980. Nevertheless, it appears that addition-
al economic activity will be needed during the
next 10 years if previous income gains are to be
1 maintained.
3. Housing
The provision of adequate housing to shelter a population is
always an important consideration for any jurisdiction. The issue
of housing and residential trends was briefly mentioned in the
1981 Plan Update. However, final 1980 Census information on
housing was not then available. Notice the summary below in Table
18:
�
18

Cape Colony -Country Club. (See Maps 4-5, pages 22-23.) Addition-
al unincorporated "crossroads" communities, usually consisting of
a cluster of houses, one or two stores, a church, etc., are found
along several of the major highways and secondary routes in the
County. The most notable include Valhalla, Rockyhock, Smalls
Crossroads, Welch, Riverton, and Tyner.
As noted in the 1981 Update, residential lots in the Cape
Colony, Arrowhead Beach, and Chowan Beach Subdivisions were sold
prior to the County's adoption of subdivision regulations and many
are relatively small with 50-foot-wide lots. The Country Club
area, however, was developed under the County's subdivision reg-
ulations and generally consists of larger, more spacious lots.
Prior to August 1985, Chowan County did not enforce zoning con-
trols anywhere in the County. However, effective August 1, 1985,
a partial zoning ordinance covering the Cape Colony -Country Club
area was enacted. This ordinance, which includes regulations on
the placement of mobile homes and single-family homes, will have
some impact on future single-family development in these areas.
It should be noted that for the years 1982 through 1984, a total
of 133 permits were granted for the construction of new conven-
tional single-family dwellings, and 175 permits for mobile homes.
This is a three-year combined total of 308 residential units. The
annual average for conventional "stick -built" units during the
period was 44 units, and 58 mobile home units per year, for a
combined average of 102 units per year. There appears to be a
trend of continuing residential development in the County.
b. Commercial Land Uses
The majority of commerical land uses is concentrated within
the Town of Edenton, in the Central Business District, shopping
centers, or the immediate environs around the Town. Out in the
County, however, commercial land uses are mostly scattered, with
few concentrations. However, there is a concentration of commer-
cial activity near Edenton Municipal Airport, along S.R 1114,
between the Cape Colony and Country Club Subdivisions. Included
within this area are two trucking companies and a community store
and gasoline station. In other areas of the County, especially at
crossroads communities, it is common to find small grocery stores
with gasoline service pumps along major thoroughfares, such as
U.S. Highway 17 and N.C. Highways 32 and.37.
c. Industrial Land Use
Outside of Edenton and its immediate environs, industrial land
uses are located near the Airport and south of the Chowan Beach
area near the Chowan River. Industrial tracts range in size from
4 acres to 54 acres. Below is a list of the significant indus-
tries located out in the County, along with approximate acreages.
(See Existing Land Use Map, attached.)
21

r i
MAP--A--
EXISTING LAND USE 1986
ARROWHEAD -CHOWAN BEACH
AREA
S.R.1128
ARROWH
S. R.
1226
S.R. 232
RESIDENTIAL
CHOWAN
'<
BEACH
COMMERCIAL
INDUSTRIAL
INSTITUTIONAL
f
❑ VACANT
r L!
-
S.R.1235
The prep" this map was
prep"
_
ei
fin in part through " grant
provided by the North Carolina
zi
,.
Coastal Mana9ement Program,
throuah funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Manaqement Act of
1972, as .emended, which is
,administered by the Office of
Coastal Manaqement, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Admini-
stration.
2500 1250 0' \ 2500
/ SCALE:I"--250d \
22

l
S.R .1102
MAP 5
EXISTING LAND USE 1986
CAPE COLONY —COUNTRY CLUB
RESIDENTAL AREA
Sn�
COMMERCIAL
tic
INDUSTRIAL
INSTITUTIO AL
VACANT
2c3�9
CAPE
COLONY
r.
COUNTRY CLUB DR.
The preparation of this map was
financed in part through a grant
provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program,
through funds provided by the
2500 1250 0
2500_
Coastal Zone Manaqement Act of
1972, as amended, which is
administered by the Office_ of
Coastal Manaqement, National
SCALE: I'= 2500
Oceanic and Atmospheric, Admini-
stration.
a

J
° Fiberform (boats, luxury cruisers) 54 ac.
° United Piece Dye Works 49 ac.
° Atlantic Forest Products 37 ac.
° Tee -Luck Concrete 9 ac.
° Union Camp - Wood Storage 5 ac.
° Murray Nixon Seafood Processing 4 ac.
d. Institutional Land Uses
Institutional land uses generally consist of government uses,
such as schools, or churches, cemeteries, or public recreational
areas. The most significant tract of government -owned land beyond
the immediate environs of Edenton is the Municipal Airport, which
consists of 717 acres. Another significant tract is the Edenton
Sewage Treatment Plant, consisting of 27 acres and located north-
west of the Cape Colony Subdivision near the Albemarle Sound.
e. Land Use Summary
The land use changes in Chowan County since the 1981 Land Use
Plan Update have not been dramatic, but are moving along previous-
ly identified trends, i.e., increasing residential development in
the Chowan Beach -Arrowhead Beach areas, as well as the Cape
Colony -Country Club area. However, informal proposals have been
discussed concerning the development of a sizeable residential
subdivision in the Macedonia area, which is also in the Edenton
Township. Plans have also been presented concerning a substantial
expansion of both the golf course and residential areas of Country
Club. Also, it appears that the most likely areas for significant
industrial development outside of Edenton is in the environs
around the Airport. Mobile home placement has become a signifi-
cant factor over the past few years in the County. This is partly
an economic factor, i.e., mobile homes represent a less expensive
alternative for viable, adequate housing for many of the County's
rural residents. Although there has been some conversion of farm-
land into non -farm uses, the amount of lands involved are not
overwhelmingly substantial and do not appear to indicate a major
trend. Generally, existing land use patterns, as discussed above,
are projected to continue throughout the period covered by this
1986 Plan Update, i.e., 5-10 years. However, other factors
affecting land use, such as the absence of centralized sewer and
septic tank limitations, introduction of -zoning and other control
-devices, and continuing water quality concerns, will be addressed
in other parts of this plan.
2. Significant Land Compatibility Problems
In the conventional application of the concept, there are few
significant land compatibility problems in Chowan County. A land
compatibility problem is generally identified when two or more
land use types are adjacent to each other and one is somehow
24

restricted from expansion because of adverse conditions caused by
the other, thus discouraging additional investment. In the 1981
Plan Update, there were four issues addressed as "land compatibil-
ity" problems, which were: (a) conversion of rural land to urban
uses; (b) encroachment or drainage of wildlife habitat; (c) Air-
port Land Use compatibility, and (d) residential neighborhood
encroachment of non-residential uses. Each of these issues is
briefly presented below and their status updated for this 1986
Plan.
a. Conversion of Rural Land to Urban Uses I
As pointed out in the 1981 Plan Update, this activity has not
been a significant problem in Chowan County. Outside of Edenton,
the majority of new dwelling units have been locating in previous-
ly settled and developing areas, such as the Arrowhead Beach-
Chowan Beach and Cape Colony -Country Club areas. Also, the pat-
tern of single-family dwellings, whether conventional or mobile
homes, being scattered along major thoroughfares on from one-half
to one -acre lots, has continued. Except for a possible rural,
low -density subdivision, it is unlikely that significant amounts
of productive forestry or farming areas have undergone rural to
urban conversion in Chowan County.
b. Encroachment or Drainage of Wildlife Habitat 11
There was concern expressed in the previous plans for Chowan
County over the impact of drainage for commerical forestry or
agricultural operations upon the habitat for wildlife such as
ducks, rabbit, or raccoon. However, contacts with the N.C. Wild-
life Commission has provided no indications that significant
habitat destruction resulting from drainage has been a consider-
able problem in Chowan County.
c. Airport Land Use Compatibility
Of the other issues discussed, this is the one more closely
fitting the definition of incompatible land uses. As stated in
the 1981 Update, the Edenton Municipal Airport is a "General Avia-
tion" facility located southeast of the Town of Edenton and within
one-half mile of the Cape Colony and Country Club Subdivisions.
Runways 1-19 and 6-24 are oriented such that incoming or departing
flights pass directly over homes in those two areas, and these
operations do produce some noise, mostly from single -engine air-
craft. With the existing commercial and light industrial activity
already occurring in the vicinity, it is quite possible that simi-
lar developments will be attracted to the area. Both the Town of
Edenton and Chowan County have taken steps to protect airspace*(in
compliance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines) and to
encourage utilization of land conducive to the overall location.
In July of 1985, the Chowan County Board of Commissioners adopted
the first zoning ordinance for the County, which was limited to
the Cape Colony -Country Club area, including the Airport. The
ordinance, which became effective August 1985, classifies most of
25

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the land near the Airport as "industrial," and includes supple-
mentary regulations in the ordinance on "Airport Height Restric-
tive Areas" (Article XII, Chowan County Zoning Ordinance). Also,
the undeveloped area within and immediately adjacent to Cape
Colony and Country Club subdivisions are classified as either of
two residential districts, thus limiting their use to predominant-
ly residential purposes. These actions should be quite effective
in dealing with Airport area compatibility problems.
d. Residential Neighborhood Encroachment of Non -
Residential Uses
In previous Plans, concern was expressed about the proximity
of residential uses to farming or timbering operations, and the
potential adverse impacts of noise or odors. Also, residents of
the Cape Colony area expressed in 1976 (but not in 1981) concern
over increased traffic along S.R. 1114 (shown as N.C. 32-A on some
maps) because of the commercial and industrial potential near the
Airport. However, neither of these two concerns have developed
into problems of unmanageable proportions. Traffic volumes along
S.R. 1114, also known as "Old Base Road," will likely increase as
development increases. Adequate provision of funds for main-
tenance and improvements of this road is an issue which will need
to be addressed.
The aforementioned introduction of "zoning" as a land use
control device in the Airport vicinity will also address this
potential problem. Also, recent traffic counts along N.C. 32-A
provided by the N.C. Department of Transportation indicate that
traffic volumes are significantly under the road's current capac-
ity. This means that it is theoretically capable of handling more
traffic than it has been to date.
26

I
3. Major Problems From Unplanned Development
Since the adoption of the 1981 Plan Update, no new major prob-
lems from unplanned development have emerged. However, one prob-
lem noted in the 1981 Plan, i.e., the fact that Chowan Beach,
Arrowhead Beach, and Cape Colony subdivisions were all designed
prior to the enforcement of subdivision regulations by the County,
is still somewhat relevant. Many relatively small, 50' wide lots
are included within these developments and some are not suitable
for placement of septic tanks. Although the internal street pat-
terns have all been laid out, all of the streets have not been
developed, and some of the ones which have been developed are not
paved. An "incompatibility" problem exists in the sense that the
lots which have been developed (most notably in the Arrowhead
Beach-Chowan Beach areas) contain a mixture of cottages, permanent
conventional single-family dwellings, and mobile homes. In the
Cape Colony subdivision, however, conventional single-family units
are separated from mobile home units by deed restrictions. Future
incompatibilities for the undeveloped portions of the Cape Colony
subdivision will be somewhat ameliorated by the adoption of the
Zoning Ordinance, effective August 1, 1985. However, zoning reg-
ulations currently do not cover the Arrowhead Beach-Chowan Beach
areas.
On the other hand, the Country Club Subdivision, located along
the shore of the Albemarle Sound, was developed under the sub-
division regulations, consists of generally, larger lots, and has
a consistent residential development pattern, i.e., large single-
family units.
4. Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Major Land Use
Changes
No major deviation from previously established patterns are
anticipated over the next 5-10 years. The presence of the County-
wide water system may encourage the development of rural, low -
density subdivisions away from currently developing areas. The
unlikelihood of centralized sewer outside of Edenton will virtu-
ally assure that all development will be low -density. It should
be noted that the Town of Edenton is developing a new "Land
Application" sewage treatment plant to be located in the vicinity
of S. R. 1200 where it intersects Pollock Swamp (see existing Land
Use Map, attached). The land required for this type of system is
relatively large. The Edenton sewage treatment system, expected
to begin construction by the Spring of 1986 and be complete by
late 1988, will cover nearly 670 acres of land in Chowan County
(this area was classified as "community" in the 1981 Plan
Update).
5. Identification of Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs)
Of the two broad categories of statutorily defined Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECs) for Coastal North Carolina, i.e.,
27

Estuarine System AECs and Ocean Hazards AECs, only the Estuarine
System is applicable to Chowan County. Although these AECs have
not changed, it may be useful to define these important areas
prior to listing them again in this Update.
a. Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands or marshlands are defined as any salt marsh
or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides,
including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the
marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), pro-
vided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides.
Coastal marshlands also contain some, but not necessarily all,
of specific marsh plant species. There are no coastal wetlands or
salt marshes in Chowan County of any significance. Although the
majority of the County border is water (the Chowan River and
Albemarle Sound) the occurrence of statutorily defined CAMA "wet-
lands" is insignificant. However, the general term "wetlands" can
be used to describe some of the low-lying "wooded swamp" areas in
the County. The area south of the U. S. 17 bridge can be charact-
erized as a wooded swamp, for example.
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine waters are defined in G. S. 113A-113(b)(2) as "all
the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Caro-
lina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tribu-
taries thereto seaward of the dividing line between coastal fish-
ing waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth in an agreement
adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of
Natural Resources and Community Development filed with the Secre-
tary of State, entitled "Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial
Fishing -- Inland Fishing Waters," revised to March 1, 1965."
Estuarine shorelines are those non ocean shorelines which are
especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse
effects of wind and water and are intimately connected to the
estuary. These shorelines can be wetlands as well as dry land.
This area extends from the mean high water level or normal water
level along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish waters, for
a distance of 75 feet landward. It should be noted, however, that
estuarine shorelines are only located adjacent to coastal or joint
waters, and not inland waters.
As an AEC, Estuarine shorelines, although characterized as dry
land, are considered a component of the estuarine system because
of the close association with the adjacent estuarine waters.
Estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines make up the
I
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most significant components of the estuarine system in Chowan
County. The significance of the estuarine system is that it is
one of the most productive natural environments of North Carolina.
It not only supports valuable commercial and sports fisheries, but
is also utilized for commercial navigation, recreation and aes-
thetic purposes. Species dependent upon estuaries include
menhaden shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs. These species make
up over 90 percent of the total value of North Carolina's commer-
cial catch. These species must spend all or part of their life
cycle in the estuary. The preservation and protection of these
areas are vitally important. The estuarine waters and adjacent
estuarine shorelines are substantial in Chowan County, and
includes the following:
° The Albemarle Sound and all man-made tributaries.
° The Yeopim River (below Norcum Point; waters beyond
Norcum Point are inland waters)
° Chowan River (joint waters from the north to 300 yards
south of the U. S. 17 bridge
c. Public Trust Areas
Public trust areas are partially defined as all waters of the
Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water
mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural
bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands there-
under to the mean high mark; all navigable natural bodies of water
and lands thereunder to the mean high water level or mean water
level, as the case may be. In other words, public trust areas are
waters and lands thereunder, the use of which, benefits and
belongs to the public.
° In Chowan County, all of the waters listed as
Estuarine Waters and inland waters are considered
Public Trust Areas. Other Public Trust Areas
include:
Pollock's Swamp
° Rockyhock Creek
° Dillard or Indian Creek
° Stumpy Creek
° Catherine, or Warwick Creek
Currently, all development and development -related activities
within the designated AECs in Chowan County are regulated by the
CAMA permit process and are guided by local policy (Regulations
allow a local government to develop its own use standards for AECs
29

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if they are more restrictive than the State's). At this time,
however, Chowan County's regulations are not more restrictive than
the States. It is important to understand the distinction
between Estuarine Waters and Public Trust Waters because of the
different CAMA enforcement jurisdictions. For all Estuarine
Waters, the area of CAMA permit jurisdiction includes the water
and the 75-foot inland Estuarine Shoreline area. However, the
permit jurisdiction for the Public Trust Waters includes only the
water itself. Also, if an undesignated creek empties into either
Estuarine Waters or Public Trust Waters, for permit purposes, it
receives the same designation as the water into which it empties.
30

D. REVIEW OF CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, REGULATIONS
1. Local Plans, Studies and Regulations
Since completion of the 1981 Plan Update, several important
changes regarding regulatory ordinances and enforcement procedures
have taken place in Chowan County. In the Summer of 1985, the
County adopted a Zoning Ordinance for the Cape Colony - Country
Club area and lands adjacent to the Edenton Municipal Airport;
initiated enforcement of the State Building Code and hired a full-
time Building Inspector for the first time; and adopted a "regular
phase" Flood Insurance Ordinance, putting the County into the full
phase of the National Flood Insurance Program. Additional infor-
mation or local plans, studies, and regulations are listed and
summarized below:
a. Edenton-Chowan County Land Use Plan, 1976
Prepared by DNRCD, jointly with Edenton under CAMA, this ini-
tial Plan provides a description of present condition of popula-
tion, economy, and land use constraints to development. It dis-
cusses fragile and hazard areas, areas of environmental concern,
areas with resource potential, and community facilities. It
estimates future needs and sets out policies and objectives
related to implementing those needs.
b. Chowan County Land Use Plan Update, 1981
This was the first 5-year update of the initial CAMA Plan
(1976) and contains a re -assessment of existing conditions and
projections of population, land use and economic conditions.
Updated policy statements on various development issues and imple-
mentation strategies are also in the Plan Update. This update was
not prepared jointly with the Town of Edenton.
c. Water System Rules & Regulations
Adopted in December, 1976, these regulations specify how the
County -wide water system will be operated and maintained. It
specifies the size line required for varying sized developments
and restricts industrial usage according to location and system-
wide needs. These regulations are linked directly to the subdivi-
sion regulations.
d. 201 Wastewater Facilities Study, 1976
A "201" Wastewater Facilities Plan was prepared for Edenton in
1976. A major recommendation of that plan was, "...that a
Sanitary District be created to own, administer, manage, con-
struct, operate and maintain wastewater collection and transporta-
tion facilities..." (sic) outside the corporate limits of the Town
of Edenton. The "201" area of study included a slightly larger
1
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geographic area than the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Edenton.
Therefore, any lines outside the Town would be operated and built
by such a "sanitary district."
e. Chowan County Subdivision Regulations, 1978
The Chowan County Planning Board, with technical assistance
from N. C. DNRCD, prepared subdivision regulations which were
adopted in 1978. These regulations govern the transition of raw
land into new residential subdivisions and set out criteria for
required facility improvements and general design standards. The
subdivision ordinance is administered by the Board which reviews
development proposals against the standards set out therein. For
example, there is a stipulation that developers must provide water
service at their own expense to County water system standards and
they must pave interior streets to N.C.D.O.T. standards.
f. Federal Flood Insurance Program
The Federal Flood Insurance Program in Chowan County offi-
cially moved from the Emergency Phase to the Regular Phase in 1985
and is in effect throughout the County.
g. State Building Code
In 1985, the County adopted the State Building Code and em-
ployed a part-time Building Inspector.
h. Septic Tank Regulations
Septic tank regulations are administered by the Regional
Health Department, which covers five counties. However, a San-
itarian is based in Chowan County.
2. State Agency Plans
a. Transportation Improvement Program, 1986-1995
This plan, prepared by the N. C. Department of Transportation
and updated annually, is a statewide schedule of highway and
bridge improvements to be undertaken during a 10-year period.
Major projects proposed for completion in Chowan County include
the replacement of the Albemarle Sound Bridge (N.C. 37), and two
new access ramps on the Edenton Bypass (U.S. 17), i.e., inter-
sections with Albemarle Street and Paradise Road. Additional
minor improvements are proposed for several secondary routes in
the County.
b. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan,
SCORP
The purpose of the SCORP is to compile and analyze the
existing supply of and demand for recreation facilities in the
32

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State. The SCORP analysis is by regions and has no specific
analysis for each County. Chowan County is in Region R.
3. Local Regulations
In addition to the regulations listed under Local Plans, i.e.,
zoning, subdivision regulations, State Building Code, flood
insurance, and septic tank regulations, the CAIMA major and minor
permit process are also enforced in the County. However, Chowan
County does not have and does not enforce other ordinances such as
historic districts, nuisance, sedimentation and erosion control,
or on local environmental impacts. The County also currently does
not enforce a local mobile home park ordinance, although a draft
ordinance was prepared in 1984. There is one additional policy of
the Town of Edenton, as noted in the 1981 Update, which may affect
potential land uses in the County and should be mentioned. The
Town of Edenton, historically, has not provided sewer service
outside of its corporate limits. Notice the following excerpt
from the 1981 Plan Update.
"Should an industry wish to locate near the airport, for
example, and it required sewer service, the Town would
not provide that service. However, if the County or an
organized independent sewer utility district wished to
serve that industry ... or any portion of the County, the
Town would permit such sewer lines to be connected to the
Town's system and the Town would treat the resulting
wastewater at its sewage treatment plant." (p. 27)
It should be noted, however, that as increasing urbanization
occurs near Edenton, this policy could change.
4. Federal and State Regulations
In addition to the local ordinances and regulations discussed
above, there are also various State regulations which could also
affect land development in Chowan County.
33
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E. CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY
This section of the Chowan County Land Use Plan proposes to
identify features of the land or landscape of the County which
are or could pose serious constraints to development. Under land
suitability, these constraints are generally considered under the
broad categories of 1) physical limitations, i.e. hazardous (man-
made or natural) areas, areas with soil limitations, hazardous
slopes, etc., 2) fragile areas, i.e. AECs, complex natural areas,
or areas with cultural (architectural or archaeological) signifi-
cance, and 3) areas with resource potential, i.e. productive or
prime agricultural or forest lands, or potentially valuable miner-
al sites (peat, for example). These elements were not discussed
in the 1981 Land Use Plan Update. However, because of the impli-
cations for updating certain policies, they are discussed and
presented below.
1. Physical Limitations
a. Man -Made Hazards
The most significant man-made hazard in Chowan County is the
Edenton Municipal Airport, located south of Edenton near the Cape
Colony and Country Club Subdivisions. In 1976, however, an "Air-
port Noise Impact and Land Use Control" (ANILUC) Map was prepared
for the Edenton/Chowan County Airport Commission. The map was
accepted as a guide for ensuring compatibility of surrounding land
uses with the Airport. Also, the Zoning Ordinance, adopted by
Chowan County in 1985, includes land adjacent to the Airport area
and also contains a complete section titled "Airport Height
Restrictive Areas." These rules are supplementary to the Zoning
classifications, and serve as "overlay" restrictions. Both the
ANILUC and the height restrictions in the Zoning Ordinance will
help facilitate compatible land uses and also minimize adverse
impacts in the Airport area.
b. Natural Hazard Area
(1) Flood Hazard Area: When the 1981 Land Use Plan
Update was developed, a detailed Flood Insurance Study showing
elevations and flood hazard areas, had not been prepared for
Chowan County. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) initiated a detailed study in 1982, with the final maps
being effective on July 3, 1985. The study, which consists of a
report and a series of maps of all of the unincorporated area of
the County (the Town of Edenton has a separate study) shows the
areas which are subject to inundation by the 100-year flood (zone
"A"s) along with elevations, as distinguished from areas subject
to minimal flooding dangers (Zone "C"). Not surprisingly, the
detailed study shows that substantial sections of Chowan County
34

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are subject to the 100-year flood. However, the majority of the
land area is included in the "Zone C" classification, i.e., in the
500-year flood area and subject to minimal flooding. Most of the
flood -prone areas, i.e., "Zone A" areas subject to a 1 percent
change of flooding during any given year, are located in the west-
ern sections of the County, adjacent either to portions of the
Chowan River or a major creek, such as Dillard's Creek or Rocky -
hock Creek. Some flood -prone areas include: the Cannon's Ferry
area, Harris Landing, and land south of the U.S. 17 bridge from
Bertie County and south of Riverton, around to Reedy Point. Other
significant Zone A areas are located in the Yeopim River area
(Drummond Point, for example), and land in the Middle Creek area.
(See Map 6, High Hazard Flood Areas, attached.)
The "minimal" flood -prone areas include most of the lands in
the major residential subdivisions of Arrowhead Beach-Chowan
Beach, Cape Colony, and Country Club. According to the July 3,
1985, Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the elevation in Chowan County
goes up to 18.73 feet above mean sea level (in the southeast sec-
tor near the Perquimans County border).
(2) Estuarine Erosion Area: Eroding shorelines along the
coastal sounds and rivers in North Carolina has long been a major
concern of soil and water conservationists. In October 1975, the
results of a study involving 15 counties, and which was conducted,
by the USDA Soil Conservation Service, were published in a report
titled "Shoreline Erosion Inventory, North Carolina." This is
still the most recent "official" data available. Estuarine ero-
sion rates were determined for several points or "reaches" along
the Chowan County coastline, using aerial photographs covering 31
years. The erosion rate for Chowan County was determined to be
0.94 feet per year, which was next to the lowest rate among all 15
counties in the Study (Bertie County's rate was 0.92 feet per
year, compared to 4.5 feet for Washington County, which had the
highest rate). The Chowan County study covered 42.1 miles and
showed 25.0 miles were eroding (see Map 7, page 36), for a total
loss of nearly 148 acres over the 31-year period. The average
width of the eroded area was 29 feet.
Although the
above -cited
study is somewhat dated, potential
estuarine erosion
is still a
concern in Chowan County.
c. Areas
with Soils
Limitations
Detailed mapping of various soil types and survey interpre-
tations were not available for Chowan County during the develop-
ment of the 1981 Land Use Plan Update. However, the "Chowan and
Perguimans Counties N.C. Soil Survey and Map Interpretations Soil
Survey, November 1979," was completed and published in preliminary
form. The report was prepared by the USDA Soil Conservation
Service in cooperation with the Chowan and Perguimans Counties r
35 1

on ow an .ow No, " \IMP Im ," me an on m mo � so M M
W
LEGEND*41
REACH \ `��•" ,N �' �' ' . f \Pt
MAP 7
ESTUARINE EROSION AREAS
CHOWAN COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA

*Estuarine Erosion Areas:
REACH NO. 1
ruART T-
Chowan County, North Carolina
Av. width lost to erosion 50.4 feet
Av. height of bank 7.6 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 9.1 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 9.5 miles
REACH NO. 2
Av. width lost to erosion 35.5 feet
Av. height of bank 9.4 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 2.7.miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0.5 miles
Total of length of shoreline 3.9 miles
REACH NO. 3
Av. width lost to erosion 51.1 feet
Av. height of bank 5.6 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 3.2 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 3.5 miles
REACH NO. 4
Av. width lost to erosion 42.7 feet
Av. height of bank 0.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 3.6 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 4.6 miles
REACH NO. 5
Av. width lost to erosion 22.2 feet
Av. height of bank 0.8 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 3.2 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 7.7 miles
REACH NO. 6
Av. width lost to erosion 6.1 feet
Av. height of bank 8.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 3.2 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 12.9 miles
*Source: Shoreline Erosion Inventory, North Carolina,
U. S. DA. Soil Conservation Service, Raleigh, NC
October, 1975.
37

1
Boards of Commissioners. The report includes detailed descrip-
tions of the soil types and properties for Chowan County with
discussion of the suitability for various uses, such as croplands,
urban development, septic tank placement, and recreation. The
most important feature or property of soils to consider in nearly
any location is the drainage capability, since well -drained,
stable soils can be used for a variety of "development" purposes,
i.e. croplands or residential (septic tank suitability).
Generally, most of the soils in Chowan County have limitations
for many uses because of wetness, too rapid permeability, too slow
permeability, or low strength. Of the 37 mapped soils classifica-
tions contained in the Soil Survey Report, 21 were characterized
as being "poorly drained" with limitations for urban development
uses; 10 were described as "well -drained" to "excessively" well
drained; and 6 were characterized as "moderately -well drained."
Most of the soil types, however, are suitable for various agri-
cultural uses if the proper drainage is. provided. Although sever-
al soil types in Chowan County consists of highly decomposed
organic matter, there are no substantial deposits of peat in
Chowan County.
With the recently established trend of population growth, as
well as the absence of centralized sewer facilities, a very impor-
tant consideration is the extent of soils suitable for urban
development, i.e., septic tank placement. Map 8, attached, shows
the general area in the County with septic tank and building
development limitations. This representation, however, is gen-
eral, and specific determinations must be based on individual
on -site analysis and testing.
d. Sources and Estimated Quantity of Water Supply
(1) Groundwater: The Chowan County water system is -
based on a system of deep wells which tap underlying groundwater.
The principal source of groundwater in Chowan County is precipita-
tion which falls on the County and some of which falls on the
recharge areas farther west in the Coastal Plain Province. Other
groundwater that may be encountered in the County is that which
was trapped in the sedimentary deposits at the time of their
deposition or during subsequent inundations by the sea.
Underlying Chowan County are five distinct aquifers from which
freshwater can be obtained at some location within the County.
These aquifers were mapped by 0. B. Lloyd, Jr., of the
U.S. Geological Survey and are described in detail in the pre-
viously cited "Ground Water Bulletin No. 14."
(a) Aquifer A - Aquifer A includes all the sand
strata from land surface down to the first semi -confining layer at
depths ranging from 10 to 35 feet in the County. This aquifer is
38

used for some water supplies to driven wells and dug wells. Its
water usually is acidic, corrosive, and contains objectional
concentrations of dissolved iron. It is not considered as an
important source of water in the area.
(b) Aquifer B - This aquifer occurs in the upper
part of the Yorktown Formation. The top of this aquifer is at
depths of about 15 feet in the northwestern part of the County and
at about 40 feet in the central part. Its thickness ranges from
35 feet along the Chowan River to 90 feet northeast of Valhalla,
but where its average thickness is about 50 feet or more, this
aquifer can yield approximately 100 gpm (gallons per minute) to
large diameter gravel -packed wells. In most parts of the County,
Aquifer B is a significant source of water.
(c) Aquifer C - Aquifer C includes permeable
strata in the upper part of the Beaufort Formation, the Castle
Hayne Limestone, and the Pungo River Formation. The water in this
aquifer is under artesian conditions throughout the County. The
top of Aquifer C lies at depths of approximately 130 feet west of
Smalls Crossroads to almost 300 feet in the extreme southeastern
part of the County. It has an average thickness of about 50 feet,
but may be about 75 feet thick in the extreme southeastern part
and approximately 110 feet near Valhalla. It is a significant
aquifer in the Valhalla -Edenton part of the County even though its
water requires treatment for excessive concentrations of dissolved
iron.
Although this aquifer contains freshwater only in the central part
of the County, from the vicinity of Burnett's Mill Pond to
Edenton, it is the principal aquifer in the County for public and
industrial water supplies. Gravel -packed wells in Aquifer C can
yield 500 gpm or more.
(d) Aquifer D - Aquifer D occurs near the middle
part of the Beaufort Formation. It is overlain by about 40 feet
of glauconitic silt and clay, and its contained water is under
artesian conditions. The top of this aquifer lies at depths
ranging from 200 feet near Smalls Crossroads to about 420 feet in
the southeastern tip of the County, with an average 50-foot thick-
ness. The water in Aquifer D is too brackish for use in most of
the County.
Aquifer D is capable of furnishing several hundred gallons per
minute of water to large gravel -packed wells. Because of the
proximity of brackish water and the concentrations of fluoride, it
probably is not desirable to pump large quantities of water from a
single well in this aquifer.
This aquifer may be considered as significant in only about 30
percent of the County.
39

l(e) Aquifer E - Aquifer E occurs in the uppermost
part of the Black Creek Formation. It is separated from the over-
lying aquifer by a silt and clay aquiclude ranging from 30 feet
thick in the northern part of the County to 170 feet thick in the
southern part. 'The aquifer has an average thickness of about 100
feet throughout the County. The top of Aquifer E lies at depths
ranging from 285 feet in the northwestern part of the County to
690 feet in the southeastern part.
Freshwater occurs in this aquifer only in a small part of the
County west of Small's Crossroads and north of Rockyhock.
Aquifer E is not a significant aquifer in Chowan County because of
its limited area of freshwater.
Recovery of Water
Large quantities of groundwater can be obtained from wells in
all parts of Chowan County. However, its usefulness is limited by
the chemical quality of the water. The general quality of ground-
water in the County is such that some degree of treatment is
necessary to make it meet the U.S. Public Health Service standards
for public water supplies.
In summary, most of Chowan County's water supply comes from
below the "unconfined" aquifers, i.e., the general water table.
Because of the depth of this water supply, it is unlikely that
above -ground activities will produce adverse impacts.
(2) Surface Water Quality: The quality of the surface
water in the Chowan County area, especially the Chowan River, has
been of special concern to North Carolina environmental officials
for many years. State agencies in both North Carolina and
Virginia have been involved in discussions and projects to locate
and identify sources of the serious algae bloom problem in their
attempts to develop solutions. The Chowan River has been offi-
cially declared as "Nutrient -Sensitive Waters" by the North
Carolina Environmental Management Commission. This special desig-
nation (one of only two in the State as of 1985) requires certain
actions to help minimize point and non -point sources of pollution.
Requiring upgrading of wastewater treatment systems, such as
Edenton's proposed Land Application Sewerage System, is an action
aimed at reducing point sources of pollution.
The North Carolina Agricultural Non -Point Cost -Share Program, for
nutrient -sensitive waters, begun in 1984, is designed to assist
farmers to develop management practices which will reduce
40

L
non -point pollution and sedimentation in sensitive waters --mainly
from phosphorus and nitrogen. Technical assistance is provided to
aid farmers in terracing, developing filter strips, and cultiva-
tion in tillage and non -tillage. Chowan County has been active in
the program since its beginning. These practices, undertaken as a
result of the water quality concerns and the Nutrient -Sensitive
Waters designation, should, over a period of time, contribute to
the Chowan River's and Albemarle Sound's potential for improved
recreational and commercial fishing utility.
e. Slopes in Excess of 12%
The elevations in all of Chowan County are all very low and
there are no steep slopes in excess of 12% anywhere in the
County.
2. Fragile Areas
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by
inappropriate or poorly planned development. There are not many
fragile areas in Chowan County, which include those areas pre-
viously identified and discussed as Areas of Environmental Concern
(AECs). These included estuarine waters, public trust areas, and
estuarine shorelines (see pages 27-30, this section). However,
there are other fragile areas in the County which are not classi-
fied as Areas of Environmental Concern, but nevertheless, due to
either natural or cultural significance, are environmentally sen-
sitive. These areas will be identified and discussed below as
either "Natural Resource Fragile Areas, or "Cultural Resource
Fragile Areas."
a. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
Natural resource fragile areas are generally recognized to be
of educational, scientific, or cultural value because of the
natural features of the particular site. Features in these areas
serve to distinguish them from the vast majority of the landscape.
These areas include: complex natural areas, areas that sustain
remnant species, unique geologic formations, pocosins, wooded
swamps, prime wildlife habitats, or registered natural landmarks.
With the exception of wooded swamps, none of the above -listed
natural resource fragile areas have been -identified in Chowan
County. It is unlikely that any substantial area in Chown County
would be classified as a "complex natural area." These 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." These areas
are to be determined to be rare within the County or to be of
particular scientific or educational value. Complex natural areas
are often surrounded by landscapes that have been modified but
still do not drastically alter the conditions within the natural
areas or their scientific or educational value.
41

b. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Fragile areas may be particularly important to a locale either
in an aesthetic or cultural sense. Fragile coastal cultural
resource areas are generally recognized to be of educational,
associative, scientific, aesthetic, or cultural value because of
their special importance to our understanding of past human set-
tlement of and interaction with the coastal zone. Their impor-
tance serves to distinguish the designated areas as significant
among the historic architectural or archaelogical remains in the
coastal zone, and therein establish their value.
Although no comprehensive archaeological or architectural
investigation of Chowan County had been completed, the State
Division of Archives and History has recorded several sites in the
County. Also, it should be noted here that a comprehensive
architectural survey was begun in late 1985 for Chowan County,
including Edenton. When this study is complete, additional
structures with historic/architectural significance will be
identified. There are already several sites in the Town of
Edenton which have been placed on the National Register of
Historic Places, including the Chowan County Courthouse.
Significant historic and/or architectural resources outside of
Edenton include:
(1) National Register Properties (19)
Edenton Historic District (+175)
Albania, Edenton
(a) Athol, Edenton vicinity
Barker House, Edenton
Chowan County Courthouse, Edenton
(b) Cullins-Baker House, Tyner
Cupola House, Edenton
(c) Greenfield Plantation, Somer vicinity
Hayes Plantation, Edenton vicinity
James Iredell House, Edenton
Mulberry Hill, Edenton vicinity
Peanut Factory (Edenton Peanut Company),
Edenton
Pembroke Hall, Edenton
St. Pauls Episcopal Church and Churchyard,
Edenton
(d) Sandy Point, Edenton vicinity
(e) Shelton Plantation House, Edenton vicinity
Speight House and Cotton Gin, Edenton
(f) Strawberry Hill, Edenton vicinity
Wessington House, Edenton
(2) Study List Properties (6)
(a) Bennett's Mill Pond
(b) Briols, Hancock vicinity
42

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(c) Coke House, Edenton vicinity
(d) Haughton-Leary House, Edenton vicinity
(e) Martinique, Smalls Crossroads vicinity
(f) Jubilee Farm, St. John's community
The most notable location of archaeological significance is,
perhaps, the Arrowhead Beach Subdivision, where Indian artifacts
have been found.
3. Areas With Resource Potential
a. Agricultural and Forest Lands
The primary areas with resource potential to be considered in
this 1985 update of the Chowan County Land Use Plan are agricul-
tural and forest lands. As discussed under existing economic
conditions (pages 12 through 14), agriculture and commercial for-
estry are substantial income producers for Chowan County and
therefore cannot be under -estimated in value. In August, 1983,
the Governor of North Carolina issued a formal policy declaration
(Executive Order 96) concerning the State's desire to promote the
"Conservation of Prime Agricultural and Forest Lands" in support
of and to assist with compliance of the Federal Farmland Protec-
tion Policy Act of 1980. The declaration of Executive Order 96
recognized the fact that in many areas of the State, prime agri-
cultural and forest lands are being converted to other uses at
such a significant rate that these irreversible uses may ultimate-
ly reduce the capacity of food and fiber production. Prime agri-
cultural and forest lands were defined as those lands "...which
possess the best combination of physical and chemical characteris-
tics for producing food, feed, fiber (including forest products),
forage, oilseed, and other agricultural products (including live-
stock), without intolerable soil erosion."
The Governor directed the Secretary of the State Department of
Natural Resources and Community Development to assume the respon-
sibility of carrying out the Order. The program proposed in the
Executive Order involved the identification of and mapping of
prime agricultural and forest lands by the Soil and Water Conser-
vation Commission through the assistance of local Soil and Water
Conservation Districts. Also, by means of the existing State
Clearinghouse review process, the impact.of any development pro-
posed on prime agricultural or forest lands would have to be
assessed beginning January 1, 1984.
However, as of the writing of this report, prime agricultural
or forest lands have not been identified or mapped in accordance
with Executive Order 96, in Chowan County. The 1981 Plan Update
stated that the most productive farmland and commercial forests
were located in the eastern part of the County. With appropriate
drainage facilities, most of the soil types in Chowan County yield
very productive farmland. Productive farmland is located in vari-
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,3

ous portions of the County, intermingled with forestlands scat-
tered across most of the County's landscape. (See Existing Land
Use Map, attached.)
■ b. Productive Water Bodies
' Because of the significance of commercial and recreational
fishing in Chowan County, the primary fishing areas should also
be considered as an area with resource potential. Chowan County
has ranked 5th among the State's coastal counties for several
years in terms of overall fish catches, and fourth in 1985. This
indicates that in spite of previously cited water quality prob-
lems, substantial landings are still being drawn from both the
Chowan River and the Albemarle Sound. These areas are vital pro-
ductive resources. Also, there are two fishery processing
businesses in the County, providing employment and income to some
of the County's residents.
T c. Mining Lands
Chowan County does not have a substantial peat reserve capable
of being mined for commercial or industrial purposes like several
other coastal counties. However, review of detailed soils classi-
fications maps prepared by the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service,
indicates that soil types with highly decomposed organic matter as
surface layers and underlayed by decayed logs, etc. may signify
the presence of peat. These types of soils can be found in var-
ious pockets in the County, usually coinciding with very poorly
drained soils. Also in Chowan County, there are several sand
mining operations. There are no other known areas in the County
which contain marketable mineral resources, such as phosphate.
d. Outdoor Recreation Lands
Lands used for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and
other outdoor recreational uses are also important resources to
consider in the development of land use policies. In Chowan
County, because of two major productive water bodies, and expan-
sive woodlands, recreational fishing and hunting opportunities,
within the appropriate seasons, abound.
44

F. CONSTRAINTS: CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
1. Water
The Chowan County water system has been growing steadily since
its beginning in the mid-1970s. The initial water service study
for the first phase of the system projected that the entire system
would have 2,000 customers by the year 2000. However, from a
beginning of 1,200 customers with the opening of Phase I in 1975,
the service load had more than doubled by the time of the 1981
Plan Update to 2,226 customers. As of January 1986, with Phases I
and II being complete and Phase III under construction, the Chowan
County water system served 2,796 customers, including six indus-
tries and 16 commercial establishments. This represents an
increased growth between 1981 and 1986 of 114 additional customers
per year. The distribution lines cover the entire County, and
virtually all of the population outside of Edenton has access to
the water system.
The water system actually consists of two separate systems
(the "northern" and "southern" systems) of 238 miles of lines
ranging in size from 2" to 10", and three elevated storage tanks,
each with a capacity of 200,000 gallons, for a combined storage
capacity of 600,000 gallons. The two water systems, separated by
the Town of Edenton, are not interconnected and have their own
separate treatment and distribution systems. The northern system
has two plant sites, one at Valhalla and one at Brahall, and is
the larger of the two. The treatment plant for the southern sys-
tem is located near Yeopim. Phase III improvements will expand
the capacity at the Valhalla facility
The current total system, i.e., prior to the completion of
Phase III improvements, operates with a total of five wells with
current and projected capacities after improvements summarized in
Table 20, below:
TABLE 20: Chowan County Water System Capacity
20-Hour
1985
Projected
Daily
1985
% Use
1988 Daily
Plant Site
No. Wells
Capacity
Peak Day
@ Peak
Capacity (20 Hrs)
Valhalla
2 @ 200 gpm
480,000
203 gpd
42%
960,000
Brahall
2 @ 300 gpm
720,000
432 gpd
60%
720,000
Yeopim
1 @ 200 gpm
240,000
268 gpd
112%
480,000
TOTAL
1.44 MGD
1*903 gpd
2.16 MGD
*Average of peaks
Source: Chowan County Water Department: Projections by Talbert,
Cox & Associates, Inc.
ri
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45 1

After completion of planned Phase III improvements (October,
1986), the County also plans to upgrade the treatment capacity at
the Yeopim plant to double its current capacity. After all
improvements are completed (by 1988), the County will have excess,
at average peak consumption, of about 720,000 gpd.
The peak excess capacity projected to be available because of
the Phase III and Yeopim improvements should support 2,155 addi-
tional customers at 1985 average daily use rates by 2,700 custom-
ers 9,334.gpd. Peak demands come usually during two seasons:
May, because of fish processing, and general high summer demand
during July -August. During peak periods, there is currently no
excess capacity. On several occasions during periods of high
demand, Chowan County purchased additional water through its buy -
sell agreement with the Town of Edenton, Perquimans County, and
Gates County. However, the increased well capacity is projected
to be sufficient to meet demands.
2. Sewer
1 The only centralized sewer system in the County is still the
one which serves the Town of Edenton. Edenton, as reported
earlier, has a policy of not extending sewerlines beyond its cor-
porate limits --even with the improved capacity made feasible by
the new land application treatment system. If the Town ever
changes this policy, development in the County outside of Edenton
would be affected. Chowan County residents outside of Edenton
utilize septic tanks for sewage disposal. However, the majority
of the soil types in the County are not conducive for septic tank
placement (see Map 8). The County, however, has not put forth any
discussions concerning a County sewer system.
3. Solid Waste
It was reported in the 1981 Plan Update that the joint land-
fill used by Chowan and Perquimans Counties had a useful life of
about three years. However, a new landfill has been developed and
has been in use several years. The landfill is located in
Perquimans County and has a projected utility of from 10 to 12
years. The County still operates its "greenbox" collection sys-
tem, utilizing the services of a private contractor. From 75 to
100 "green boxes" are located throughout.the County.
4. School Enrollments
In recent years, the Edenton-Chowan County school system has
been faced with steady declines in enrollments. Notice Table 21,
below:
1 46

TABLE 21: Chowan County _School Enrollments 1981-1986
School Year Enrollments Change
1981-82
2,510
--
T
1982-83
1983-84
2,478
2,429
- 32
- 49
1984-85
2,425
4
1985-86
*2,570
+145
Source: Edenton-Chowan
County Schools
*Based on first
month's report
The first month's report for the 1985-86 school year indicates ,
a substantial turnaround in enrollment levels. If current levels
hold, the 1985-86 enrollment will exceed that for 1981-82. In -
migration is the most likely cause of the increased enrollment
levels. Nevertheless, since the 1981 Land Use Plan Update, the
County is operating two less schools. Instead of two junior high
schools and three elementary schools, the system now operates only
one junior high and two elementary schools. Even with some unex-
pected growth, however, the existing school facilities do not pose
a serious constraint to population increases. r
5. Transportation !
There are several major thoroughfares in Chowan County. U.S.
Highway 17 bisects the County from west to east in the southern
section and includes a bypass around the Town of Edenton. N.C.
Highway 37 enters the southern portion of the County via the
Albemarle Sound Bridge, then cuts across into Perquimans County,
then curves back into Chowan, near the northeastern tip of the
County. Also, there are many State -maintained secondary roads --
paved and unpaved. Table 22, below, summarizes the highway mile-
age as of 1982.
TABLE 22:
Chowan County
Highway Mileage - 1982
PRIMARY -
Total
53.63
Rural
48.17
Municipal
5.46
SECONDARY
- Total
186.91
Rural
183.81
Municipal
3.10
TOTAL
240.54
Paved
Unpaved
204.98
35.56
Source: North Carolina Local Government Statistical Abstract
47 1
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' A little more than 85% of the County's secondary roads are
paved. As discussed previously, there is some concern about
traffic volumes in the Old Base Road area (S.R. 1114). Recent
traffic counts by N.C. DOT indicate some growth in average daily
traffic (ADT) in the area, but still less than the estimated road
capacities. Notice Table 23, below.
TABLE 23: Average Daily Traffic, S.R. 1114, N.C. 32, 1981,
83, 85
ADT-YEAR
Size 1981 1983 1985
S.R. 1114 (west of 200 400 n/a
N.C. 32 )
N.C. 32 (north of 2,200 1,700 1,900
S.R. 1114)
Source: N.C. DOT, Planning and Research
6. Medical Services
Generally, medical services are adequate in Chowan County.
The County maintains a 65-bed primary care facility, Chowan Hos-
pital, Inc., which is managed by a private management firm. The
hospital has a local Board of Directors, which is appointed by the
County Board of Commissioners. The hospital serves Chowan County
and several surrounding counties. There are also 15 physicians in
private practice in the Town of Edenton (three have initiated
practices since the 1981 Plan Update). A public health clinic is
operated by the Chowan County Health Department, which is part of
the five -county Regional Health Service. Additional specialized
medical services are available in Greenville (60 miles away) and
in Norfolk (80 miles away). In the Town of Edenton, there are
several dentists and three pharmacy stores, one of which started
operation since the 1981 Plan Update.
7. Emergency and Protective Services
As in the case with medical services, emergency and protective
services for Chowan County are also based in the Town of Edenton.
Law enforcement in the County is primarily the responsibility of
the County Sheriff and a staff of five deputies and one dispatch-
er. The County is served by two Fire Departments. The Town of
Edenton has a full-time Fire Department, while the County has one
volunteer Fire Department based in the northern portion of the
County at Smalls Crossroads. Emergency medical rescue is provided
for the County by the Edenton-Chowan Rescue Squad, which consists
of three full-time personnel and volunteers. All three full-time
personnel and several volunteers are certified Emergency Medical
Technicians. The rescue squad building is located behind the
Chowan Hospital in Edenton. There are also two rescue squad units
outside of Edenton, one each in Gliden and in Rockyhock. The
48

services are coordinated by a full-time Emergency Services
,
Coordinator. The rescue squad maintains its own number and
dispatch system, as do both the Sheriff's Department and Fire
Departments. There is no single emergency number currently
designated in Chowan County. The County has discussed adopting
the 911 emergency number.
8. Other Facilities
Other public facilities in Chowan County include the County
Library, which is part of a regional library system based in
Plymouth. The library also operates a bookmobile to a high school
and a junior high school. Most County offices are currently
housed in the County Administration Building, including the Board
of Education. Because of the age of the structure, discussions
have been conducted concerning eventually providing new admini-
strative office facilities for the County departments. However,
no definite plans have been made.
G. ESTIMATED DEMAND
1.
'
Population and Economy
According to projections in Table 1, Chowan County's popula-
tion in 1995 will be 13,808, an increase of 848 persons over the
1985 estimate of 12,960. (Both estimates were provided by the
North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management). This
growth rate (6.54%) does not imply a "rapid growth" situation
and should not impose severe stresses upon existing facilities and
services. If current trends continue, the Town of Edenton can
expect to gain about 42%, or 356 of the 848 additional persons,
leaving 492 residing in the County. (This is based on Edenton's
proportion of the County's 1980 population and the most recent--
1984--State estimate for municipalities, assuming the proportion
holds steady and the Town does not annex. Edenton's most recent
population estimate is projected at 5,497, representing a modest
increase since the 1980 Census). Again, on the basis of current
trends, most of the 492 additional persons in the County will
reside in the Edenton and Middle Townships. Also, there appears
to be a trend toward smaller households (e.g., the average house-
hold size in 1970 was 3.3 persons, but only 2.85 in 1980), the
average household size in Chowan County by 1995 could be 2.5 per-
sons. Thus, assuming an average of 2.5 persons per household in
1995, the increased population by that time could result in 142
additional households for the Town of Edenton and 197 more house-
holds in the unincorporated portions of the County, mostly in the
Edenton and Middle Townships.
The 339 projected total additional households will place
certain demands upon goods, services, and facilities. However,
as stated above, only 197 households are forecast to locate in the
County. It should also be noted here that there is no appreciable
seasonal population in Chowan County.
i
49
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1
1
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Based on recent trends, it is likely that the impact of the
population increase upon the local economy will be felt more in
the Town of Edenton than in the rest of Chowan County. Edenton is
a small, but growing commercial and service center. Therefore, it
is more likely that increased commercial activities and other
services, as well as employment, will likely occur in Edenton.
2. Future Land Need
Most of the land required to accommodate additional resi-
dential growth in Chowan County consists of vacant, undeveloped
lots in previously platted subdivisions, such as Arrowhead, Cape
Colony, and Windsor Woods. Nearly all of the lots in the Country
Club Subdivision are already developed. However, preliminary
proposals for a significant expansion of Country Club have been
discussed with County officials. In the 1981 Plan Update, it was
stated that approximately 70% of the new residential growth would
occur in previously platted subdivisions, with 30% being developed
in one-half to one -acre lots along major roads. Even if the pro-
jected 848 total additional persons by 1995 (approximately 339
households at the assumed average household size of 2.5 persons)
resided on one -acre tracts, only about 339 acres of additional
developable land would be needed. This would include the projec-
ted growth both within and outside of the Town of Edenton. How-
ever, with the expansion of the County -wide water system, in near-
ly all cases, less than one -acre per unit will be needed.
With more than 110,000 acres of forests and farmlands, an
additional 339 acres of residential acreage is not significant.
Land availability should pose no problems.
3. Community Facilities Need
The additional population increase by 1995 outside of Edenton
of 492 persons, or 197 households, will require more water from
the Chowan County water system. However, as discussed under
"Community Facilities Constraints," the expanded water system, at
peak operation, should be able to handle approximately 2,155 addi-
tional customers at 1985 average daily use rates. Therefore, even
with the addition of moderate industrial consumption, the County
water system should be adequate to serve the projected increase.
Outside of Edenton, additional residents will have to continue
to rely on septic tanks for disposal of sewage. With the avail-
ability of suitable, well -drained soils and/or the installation of
modified septic systems in certain soil types, and as approved by
the County Health Department, septic tank placement should not
pose major problems.
The County's solid waste disposal system, having recently
begun use of a new landfil with Perquimans County, should be
adequate throughout the planning period.
50

If development continues in the Cape Colony -Country Club- '
Airport area, it is likely that the condition of S.R. 1114, i.e.,
"Old Base Road," will continue to deteriorate. Presently, because
of the State designation as a "secondary" route, funding alloca-
tions for maintenance and improvements are considered inadequate
by County officials. The County has discussed requesting that the
State designate the route a "primary" thoroughfare so that ade-
quate funds could be provided for the road's long-term improve-
ments and maintenance needs.
Currently, there are still six boat ramps located in the '
County providing recreational and commercial water access to the
public. Only two are publicly owned, while four are private,
charging minimal fees. This appears to be inadequate for a County
with such a large number of miles of shoreline. There are still
no public swimming facilities in the County. As the population
increases, there will likely be a need for additional points of
public water access for both boating and swimming.
Other facilities and services, such as schools, medical,
protective and emergency services, are projected to be adequate
throughout the planning period.
51
1

SECTION 11 :
Policy Statements
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1

r
SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS
The formulation of specific policies regarding growth and
management objectives is perhaps the most important part of this
updated Land Use Plan. Those policies must, in some cases, strike
a delicate balance between objectives of the Coastal Resources
Commission and the desires and objectives of the citizens of
Chowan County. Most of the trends identified in the 1981 Plan are
still continuing, so in many instances, policies set forth in the
1981 Plan will not require significant modification. As the
analysis of existing conditions showed, these ongoing trends
include: a moderately growing population, increased waterfront
development, and the continuing potential for the mining of peat.
The Coastal Resources Commission, recognizing the diversities
which exist among the Coastal counties and communities, required
the County to specify particular development policies under four
rather broad topics in 1981. For the 1986 Update, however, the
CRC has added a fifth issue, i.e., "Storm Hazard Mitigation." In
most cases, policies developed under these topics will cover most
of the local development issues, but in some cases, they do not.
In the latter case, the locality has the flexibility to address
its own locally defined issues. The five required broad topics
are:
° Resource Protection
° Resource Production and Management
° Economic and Community Development
° Continuing Public Participation
° Storm Hazard Mitigation
After an analysis of the existing conditions and trends and
input from the County's citizens, the foregoing policies were
developed to provide an overall framework for guiding growth and
development in Chowan County throughout the current planning
period, i.e., through 1995.
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
1. Areas of Environmental Concern: Development Policies
Chowan County recognizes the primary -concern of the Coastal
Resources Commission, in terms of protecting resources, as man-
aging Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). The County also
shares this concern for the protection and sound management of
these environmentally sensitive land and waters. The AECs which
occur in Chowan County were identified in Section I of this Plan
on pages 27 through 30. All of these areas are within the Estu-
arine System. In terms of developing policies, the Estuarine
System AECs, which include Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters,
Estuarine Shorelines, and Public Trust Areas, will be treated as
one uniform grouping since they are so closely interrelated.
Another reason for grouping these AECs together is the fact that
52

the effective use of maps to detail exact on -ground location of a
'
particular area, poses serious limitations.
Chowan County's overall policy and management objective for
'
the estuarine system is "to give the highest priority to the pro-
tection and coordinated management of these areas, so as to safe-
guard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aes-
thetic values and to ensure that development occurring within
these AECs is compatible with natural characteristics so as to
minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property
and public resources." (15 NCAC 7H. 0203) In accordance with this
'
overall objective, Chowan County will permit those land uses which
conform to the general use standards of the North Carolina Admini-
strative Code (15 NCAC 7H) for development within the Estuarine
System. Generally, only those uses which are water dependent will
be permitted. Specifically, each of the AECs within the Estuarine
System is discussed below according to definitions derived from
15 NCAC 7H. It should be noted, however, that occasionally por-
'
tions of the Administrative Code change, which may affect defini-
tions and use standards.
'
a. Coastal Wetlands
By technical definition, there are no "coastal wetlands",
,
i.e., regularly flooded salt marsh areas containing certain plant
species, of any significance in Chowan County. Most of what could
be termed "wetlands" in the County consist of "wooded swamp" areas
in the lowlands near the river. The more sensitive areas are
'
those closest to the water. The wooded swamps in Chowan County
could also possibly contain areas that sustain remnant species,
and wildlife habitats, all of which are important to Chowan
County. However, the County does not believe that all land uses
in these areas should be prohibited. The first priority of uses
of land in these areas should be the allowance of uses which pro-
mote "conservation" of the sensitive areas, with conservation
meaning the lack of imposition of irreversible damage to the wet-
lands. Generally, uses which require water access and uses such
as utility easements, fishing piers and docks, will be allowed,
'
but must adhere to use standards of the Coastal Area Management
Act (LAMA: 15 NCAC 7H).
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
The importance of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine '
shorelines in Chowan County was discussed in Section I of this
document on pages 28-29 and under "Estuarine Erosion Area," pages
35-36. Chowan County is very much aware that protection of the '
estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines -- both vital
components of the estuarine system -- is of paramount importance
to fishing, both commercially and for recreation.
Chowan County recognizes that actions within the estuarine ,
shoreline, which is defined as the area extending 75 feet landward
1
53 ,

L
of the mean high waterline of the estuarine waters, could have a
substantial effect upon the quality of these waters. This area is
subject to erosion and occasional flooding, which could not only
affect the quality of the adjacent estuarine life, but also
threaten the security of personal property from developments
located therein. The estuarine erosion rates cited in Section I
of this report indicate that certain land areas in the County have
historically lost land to erosion at an average rate of 0.94 feet
per year. If a waterfront lot were to be located in such an area
without stabilization measures, 9.4 feet of the lot could possibly
be lost to erosion over 10 years.
In order to promote the quality of the estuarine waters as
well as minimize the likelihood of significant property loss due
to erosion or flooding, Chowan County will permit only those uses
which are compatible with both the dynamic nature of the estuarine
' shorelines and the values of the estuarine system. Residential,
recreational, and commercial uses may be permitted within the
estuarine shoreline, provided that:
° a substantial chance of pollution occurring from the
development does not exist;
° natural barriers to erosion are preserved and not sub-
stantially weakened or eliminated;
° the construction of impervious surfaces and areas not
allowing natural drainage is limited only to that neces-
sary for developments;
° standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution
Control Act 1973 are met;
' ° development does not have a significant adverse impact on
estuarine resources;
° development does not significantly interfere with existing
public rights or access to, or use of, navigable waters or
' public resouces;
c. Public Trust Areas
' Chowan County recognizes that the public has certain esta-
blished rights to certain land and water areas. (For definitions
I and geographic locations of public trust areas, see page 29,
Section I). These public areas also support valuable commercial
and recreational fisheries, waterfowl hunting, and also contain
significant aesthetic value. Chowan County will promote the con-
servation and management of public trust areas. Appropriate uses
include those which protect public rights for navigation and
recreation. Projects which would directly or indirectly block or
' impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion,
deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circula-
tion patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degrada-
tion of shellfish waters, shall generally not be allowed. Allow-
able uses shall be those which do not cause detriment to the
physical or biological functions of public trust areas. Such uses
54

1�
as navigational channels, drainage ditches, bulkheads to prevent ,
erosion, piers, docks, or marinas, shall be permitted.
d. Policy Alternatives: Development in AECs '
Sections a, b, and c of this Part have presented details of
Chowan County's position on land uses in the statutorily defined ,
Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). Policy alternatives
include:
(1) Revising and strengthening the existing Subdivi-
sion Regulations, to impose stricter design stan-
dards, particularly in waterfront areas, or areas
with water accessibility.
(2) Adopt either a County -wide Zoning Ordinance, to
establish certain "zones," or districts with '
specified uses and restrictions, or expand the
current ordinance which covers the Cape Colony.
Country club areas to include other developing '
areas of the County, e.g., Arrowhead-Chowan
Beach.
(3) Continue to utilize current management tools and ,
enforcement system, i.e., existing Subdivision
Regulations (with no modifications), along with
Federal and State permit and review processes,
i.e., 404, and CAMA.
e. Policy Choices I
Chowan County will continue.to utilize existing regulatory
system, i.e., existing Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Ordinance,
(with no modifications), along with Federal and State permit and I
review processes, i.e., 404, and CAMA.
2. Development in Areas with Constraints ,
The constraints to development in Chowan County were discussed
in Section I (pages 45-49) and relate to both physical constraints
and limitations of community facilities. The physical constraints ,
include man-made hazards such as the Edenton Airport area, and
natural hazards such as high hazard flood areas, estuarine erosion
areas, soils limitations, and natural and cultural resource I
fragile areas.
The high hazard flood areas, i.e., areas susceptible to the '
100-year flood, is not as extensive in Chowan County as it is in
some other coastal counties. As the attached Map indicates,
although substantial portions of the County are considered to be
in the "Zone A" category, according to maps prepared by the ,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, the majority of the County is
classified as "Zone C", i.e., minimally flooded areas susceptible
to a 500-year flood. The areas with the highest risk appear to be ,
55 '

' some of the estuarine shoreline areas along the northern Chowan
River shore and several interior lowland areas. Although most of
the County is not flood prone, it is still not realistic that all
' development should be prohibited from these areas.
Estuarine erosion areas, as a physical constraint to develop-
ment, often correlate to the high hazard flood areas. Soils
limitations for development also usually relate to flood -prone
areas. Some of the soil types have limited permeability or too
' rapid permeability, making septic tank placement a problem. Also,
pockets of muck or silt -type soils cannot support septic tanks nor
bear the construction of heavy foundations.
There are no extensive natural resource fragile areas in
Chowan County, and those which do exist are closely linked with
the previously identified AECs. The cultural resource fragile
i areas were discussed on page 49). Existing community facilities,
i.e., water, solid waste collection, etc., do not pose a serious
constraint to development.
' a. Policy Alternatives
Possible policy alternatives regarding managing growth and
' development in areas with identified constraints include:
(1) Amend subdivision regulations to include stricter
' design standards.
(2) Develop and adopt additional regulations, or modi-
fy existing ones, such as a Zoning Ordinance or
' Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to regulate or
prohibit all development in areas with identified
physical constraints.
' (3) Permit development in those areas, utilizing cur-
rent state, federal and local regulatory process-
es, i.e., zoning, CAMA, flood ordinance, current
subdivision regulations, and Corps of Engineers
404 permits, and where adequate protective mea-
sures have been taken.
b. Policy Choices
Chowan County adopts the following policies regarding deve-
lopment in areas with constraints.
' (1) Development will be permitted in some areas
subject to erosion, provided proposals comply with
provisions outlined for development within the
estuarine shorelines (see page 55).
56

n
(2) Chowan County realizes the inevitability of some '
development occurring in high hazard flood areas.
Therefore, the County will continue to participate ,
in the National Flood Insurance Program and
enforce its "regular" Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance enforcement through the County Building '
Inspection Program. Proposed developments which
are not otherwise damaging to AECs may be
permitted, provided protective measures which
comply with flood insurance requirements are '
imposed.
(3) Development in areas where soil types have limited
bearing capacity will not be encouraged.
(4) In areas with possible septic tank limitations, '
Chowan County will remain committed to decisions
rendered by the Regional Health Department's
Sanitarian for the County.
C. Implementation Schedule '
Chowan County will continue to support enforcement of existing '
regulatory controls.
3. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans ,
An entire section within the Policy Statement discussions is
included separately for hurricane and flood evacuation, as well as
storm mitigation of post -storm redevelopment policies, beginning '
on page 74.
4. Other Resource Protection Policy Areas '
There are some additional resource protection issues which are
required to be addressed by the CAMA planning guidelines and which '
have lesser definition in Chowan County than in some other coastal
areas. These areas, along with relevant policy discussion and
statements are included below:
a. Protection of Potable Water Supply '
As discussed in Section 1, pages 45 and 46, Chowan County's
water distribution system is based on the groundwater drawn
through a total of three wells as the supply source. Land uses
near groundwater sources are regulated by the North Carolina
Division of Environmental Management through N.C.A.C. Subchapter '
57

2L and Subchapter 2C. Chowan County recognizes the importance of
protecting potable water supplies and therefore supports the
enforcement of these regulations.
b. Use of Package Treatment Plants
Since, as reported on page 46, the only centralized sewer
service in the County is in the Town of Edenton, it may become
necessary to develop small package treatment systems in order to
accommodate certain types of development in outlying areas of the
' County. This development may be residential, commercial, or
industrial. It shall be the policy of Chowan County to allow such
package plants if they can be constructed within the overall
intent of this plan and meet other federal and state environmental
regulations.
' c. Stormwater Runoff Associated with Agriculture,
Residential Development, Phosphate or Peat Mining, and
Its Impact on Coastal Wetlands, Surface Waters, or
Other Fragile Areas
' Stormwater runoff is basically the same issue as surface
drainage in Chowan County. Policies on surface drainage are
' addressed in other areas of this Plan. (See Part B, this section,
"Resource Production and Management Policies", for policies relat-
ing to agriculture, [B.11, residential development [B.6], and peat
mining [B.3], and discussion of related impacts. Phosphate mining
is not an issue in Chowan County.
d. Marina and Floating Home Development
' The development of marinas has significant commercial and
recreational potential in Chowan County. Therefore, the County
supports the development of marinas, in compliance with existing
environmental regulations. The County believes that additional
studies of the County's needs are required in order to indicate
' possible sizes or locations of marinas. (Also, see Part C A ,
"Redevelopment of Developed Areas", Section II). So-called
"floating homes" are not an issue or problem in Chowan County.
e. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
Part C.1, "Types and Locations of Desired Industry", contains
specific policy statements on industry. (See pages 64-65).
f. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
' There is one estuarine system island in Chowan County's juris-
diction, i.e., Holiday Island. This island can be characterized
as a wooded swamp and is, therefore, a natural fragile area. It
' is the County's policy that this area should be protected from any
environmentally adverse development. This area will be classified
as "Conservation" on the Chowan County Land Classification Map.
' (See Map 10, attached.)
58

B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Appropriate management
tant to any locality. In
counties, the productive r
predominant economic secto
sity of balanced managemen
major productive resources
commercial forestry, comme
recreational land uses.
1. Agriculture
of productive resources is very impor-
Chowan County, as with many coastal
esources are intricately tied to the
rs of the County which makes the neces-
t policies of paramount importance. The
to be considered relate to agriculture,
rcial and recreation fisheries, and
Agriculture, as discussed under analysis of existing economic
conditions, is the second most important income source in Chowan
County. More of the County's income comes from this sector than
from any other sectors except manufacturing. The importance of
farming and its supportive activities cannot be overestimated in
Chowan County. Executive Order 96, "Conservation of Prime Agri-
cultural and Forest Lands", was supposed to have led to the iden-
tification of "prime areas," in both agriculture and forestry, by
the soil and water conservation districts. However, this identi-
fication has not occurred in Chowan County. Nevertheless, accord-
ing to the County Agricultural Extension Agent, the most produc-
tive farmlands are located in the northern section of the County
from Edenton, mostly east of N.C. 132, and to a lesser extent,
west of N.C. 132.
a. Policy Alternatives
(1) Do not impose any additional land use controls or
restrictions on agricultural practices.
(2) Expand the existing partial zoning ordinance and
zone certain lands as "agricultural," with use
restrictions and limitations.
(3) Continue to support and encourage use of the U.S.
Soil Conservation Service's "Best Management
Practices" program and the Non -Point Pollution
Agricultural Cost -Share Program.
b. Policy Choice
(1) Chowan County, in recognition of the importance of
agriculture to the County's economy, believes that
existing federal and state permitting procedures
(CAMA and Corps of Engineers) pose enough limita-
tions to the use of farmland in the County.
Because of the soil types and topography, the
County recognizes that proper drainage is essen-
59
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1
1

'
tial and must be allowed to continue as needed,
and as it does not result in irreversible damage
to environmentally sensitive areas. Therefore, no
'
additional limitation or policies will be adopted.
However, the County will support and encourage the
identification of "prime" farmland in Chowan
County and participation in the Non -Point Pollu-
tion Agricultural Cost -Share Program, including
the S.C.S., use of the "Best Management Prac-
tices". These programs are designed to balance
proper agricultural management with protection of
nutrient -sensitive waters from agricultural run-
off.
c. Implementation Schedule
' (1) Leave the existing process as is.
(2) Encourage the Regional Soil and Water Conservation
' District to identify prime agricultural lands by
FY 88, so that these areas can be mapped.
(3) Continue to support State Clearinghouse review of
' impact of development on prime agricultural
lands.
' 2. Commercial Forestry
Woodlands and forests cover most of Chowan County's landscape.
Substantial amounts of income are generated annually from forest
products, mainly from saw timber. "Prime" forest lands, as
defined in Executive Order 96, have not as yet been identified for
mapping in Chowan County. "Productive" forest lands, however, are
' found in many sections of the County.
a. Policy Alternatives
' (1) The County could, through the adoption and en-
forcement of local ordinances, impose restrictions
on timbering practices and require commercial
loggers to replant and reclaim timbered areas.
(2) The County could leave current practices as they
are without imposing additional restrictions.
b. Policy Choice
' (1) The County believes that imposing additional
restrictions are not necessary at this time nor
should be throughout the planning period. How-
ever, Chowan County will encourage reforestation
whenever feasible, as a sound timber management
practice.
' 60

C. Implementation Schedule I
(1) Leave the existing process as is.
,
(2)-Encourage the Regional Soil and Water Conservation
District to identify prime forestlands by FY 88,
so that these areas can be mapped.
(3) Continue to support State clearinghouse review of
the impact of development projects on prime
forestlands.
,
3. Mining Resource Areas
Unlike some other coastal counties, Chowan County does not
have vast reserves of some mineable resources, i.e., peat or phos-
phate. However, there are some sand mining areas in the County
and there may be potential for others. As a policy, Chowan County
,
believes the existing sand pits, and possibly others, should oper-
ate as long as they are in compliance with federal, state, and
local environmental regulations.
,
17,
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1
[I
u
4. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
The productive water bodies in and around Chowan County have
been steady and valuable contributors to the local economy as well
as provided many opportunities for recreational fishing. With the
overall water quality of the Chowan River steadily improving, and.
with increasing annual catches over the last several years, it
appears that commercial fishing has the potential to expand in
Chowan County. It is, therefore, very important to continue those
actions and programs which enhance and protect the water quality
of productive fishing areas, i.e., the Chowan River and the Albe-
marle Sound. In recent years, concern has been raised by commer-
cial fishermen along North Carolina's Coast and the State Division
of Marine Fisheries, that freshwater run-off (particularly from
agricultural drainage) has been detrimental to estuarine waters by
altering the salinity content. Concern also has been raised
because of incidences of fecal coliform, coming from septic tank
seepage, showing up in primary shell -fishing waters and forcing
the "closing" of such waters. Although shell fish harvesting is
not as significant locally, as in some other areas, Chowan County
would like to see water quality in all of the productive water
bodies maintained.
As discussed previously, water quality has long been of con-
cern in Chowan County. Fishing can be detrimentally affected by
poor water quality. Although significant strides have been made
in recent years, the Chowan River has been experiencing serious
problems associated with "cultural entrophication," i.e., algae
blooms, since about 1970. Studies by State Environmental and
Marine Fisheries officials indicated a suspicious link between the
algal blossoms and fish kills, decline in commercial fish catches,
and an epidemic of red sore disease (from: Chowan River Water
Quality Management Plan, 1982). However, since the State ini-
tiated "CHORE," i.e., the Chowan River Restoration Project, and
declared the river to be "Nutrient Sensitive Waters," a number of
positive actions have been taken to reduce both point and non -
point sources of pollution into the waters. Chowan County has
been and remains supportive of these actions. It should be noted
that in 1985, fish landings were higher than in many previous
years, reaching near record levels.
a. Policy Alternatives
(1) Not impose additional local restrictions on land
clearing, but continue to support existing State
and local efforts to improve and maintain water
quality, including the 404 permit process, en-
forcement of septic tank placement regulations,
particularly in areas with unsuitable soils and
high erosion areas, and the Agricultural Non -Point
Cost Share Program.
62
11

b. Policy Choices
,
(1) The County will support enforcement of current
State, federal and local regulations as well as
'
support those activities undertaken as a result of
the Chowan River Water Quality Management Plan,
1982.
(2) Continue to enforce the County's subdivision regu-
lations, requiring larger lot sizes for residences
in areas where soils are not as well suited for
septic tank placement in accord with rules en-
forced by the Regional Health Department.
c. Implementation Schedule
(1) Continue to support enforcement of existing regu-
latory provisions as outlined in b. above.
5. Off -Road Vehicles
The mention of "off -road" vehicles in coastal North Carolina
usually conjures ideas of four-wheel drive type vehicles running
up and down sandy beaches. However, there are no ocean beaches in
'
Chowan County. Nevertheless, off -road vehicles are important in
some sections of the County because of the necessity for landown-
ers or hunters to travel in swampy areas. As this property is
private and not available to the public as public beaches are, the
,
use of these vehicles is acceptable in these cases. No other
policy discussion on this issue is deemed necessary.
'
6. Residential and Commercial Land Development
Chowan County, as discussed under sections of this report
analyzing existing population and economic trends, has few concen-
trations of population outside of Edenton. Also, just- between the
census years of 1970 and 1980 did the County end a two -decade old ,
trend of population losses. Although the growth trend is pro-
jected to continue through the planning period, Chowan County is
not in a "rapid growth" situation and is not suffering the pres-
sures resulting from increased residential, commercial, or indus-
trial uses of land. Without ignoring the limitations presented in
other policy discussions in this report Chowan County views itself
as being in a position to accommodate additional growth and devel-
opment.
Additional development particularly commercial and industrial '
development, is regarded as desirable because of the important
local revenue and employment generating impacts. The other policy
statements regarding resource protection adequately voice the
63 1

I
11
11
County's concerns regarding these resources. However, land deve-
lopment, whether for residential, commercial or industrial uses,
and in conformance with existing regulatory controls will be
encouraged in Chowan County.
A more detailed discussion of the specific types of develop-
ment along with relevant policy statements are included in the
following section, "Economic and Community Development Policies"
C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
The analysis of overall existing conditions and trends for
this 1986 Update of the Chowan County Land Use Plan did not show
any alarming trends which would drastically alter general economic
and community development policies contained in the 1981 Plan.
However, some relevant trends which have been identified include:
° Population growth in the County, especially in the
Edenton and middle Townships
• Growth in the County's labor force indicating a need for
expanded job opportunities
• Growth and stability of the County's three basic resource
extraction economic activities, i.e., farming, fishing,
and forestry, and of increasing importance, manufac-
turing
° Continuing improvement of the Chowan River's water qual-
ity
Chowan County is very much concerned about the future growth
in economic and community development. As the population gradual-
ly increases, the economic base will need to expand, more housing
will be needed and increased, although relatively minor, pressures
will be placed on community facilities. Sound public investment
decisions will also have to be made. All of these issues and
others are important in the formulation of land use policies.
Particular issue areas and policy statements are discussed below.
1. Types and Locations of Desired Industry
Although there are several industries located in the County
outside of Edenton, Chowan County has a need for increased job
opportunities for many of its unemployed and underemployed citi-
zens. Industrial development could provide these opportunities as
well as expand the County's tax base.
Chowan County would like to see industry developed which could
take advantage of existing natural resources and/or expand upon
the current major industries in the County. Industries such as
seafood processing, food canneries, paper and wood manufacture,
and marine -related industries would all be considered desirable as
64

long as the integrity of environmentally sensitive areas could be
assured of maintenance and stability. Also, other low -pollution,
light manufacturing and/or assembly industries would be
desirable.
a. Locations and Standards
The County would like to see industry locate, if feasible, in
i
industrial parks which could be developed in suitable locations in
the County. All industrial prospects will be required to comply
with general development standards which are designed to protect
environmentally sensitive areas, including:
(1) Providing an assessment of the impact of the
development of the industry and be required to use
the best available technology to avoid pollution
of air or water during construction or operation.
,
(2) Be located on land having stable, well -drained
soils. The sites should be located in areas
adequately protected from flooding and be
accessible to existing public utilities and trans-
portation routes.
Some industries such as boat or ship maintenance and repair,
may need to be close to water areas, or have adequate water
access.
b. Policy Alternatives
Possible policy alternatives concerning industrial development
,
in Chowan County include:
(1) The development of an active industrial recruiting ,
program conducted jointly by the County and the
Town of Edenton
(2) Conducting studies to see which industry types may
want to locate in the County, and assessing pos-
sible environmental impacts
(3) Seeking funding and technical assistance to
develop and additional industrial park or parks
within the County '
65

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c. Policy Choices
As Chowan County recognizes the need for economic expansion
and the fact that industrial development can greatly enhance this
expansion, the County hereby adopts the following position.
(1) The County, in cooperation with the Town of
Edenton, will seek to develop an active industrial
recruitment program, seeking low -pollution, light
manufacturing industries.
(2) Chowan County will seek technical assistance and
financial help to develop at least one industrial
park, to be located outside of Edenton.
(3) The County believes that all industrial prospects
should be given a fair, case -by -case assessment in
order to carefully compare possible economic bene-
fits with possibly negative environmental effects.
Such reviews will be coordinated by Chowan
County.
(4) The County will provide water through the County
water system, and with the Town of Edenton (if the
Town's current policies change), provide, as much
as is locationally and economically feasible,
sewer, to newly locating industries.
d. Implementation Schedule
The County will establish more active contact with the State's
industrial development representative for the region. The County
will actively explore funding assistance to develop an industrial
park, outside of, but near the Town of Edenton.
2. Local Commitment to Service Provisions
Currently, the major service to development provided by the
County is water, through the County -wide water system. The County
water system, independent of the Town of Edenton's system, serves
nearly all residential areas in the County. The excess capacity
of the County water system is more than adequate to meet projected
demand based on population growth trends throughout the planning
period (through 1995). A county -wide sewer system has been shown
to be economically infeasible.
Both Chowan County and the Town of Edenton are committed to
providing basic services such as water and, where feasible, sewer

to serve increased development in the County. However, it has
been the policy of the Town of Edenton to not extend sewer ser-
vices outside of the Town, and even the proposed new land applica-
tion treatment system will have little if any excess capacity. '
Other support facilities and services provided by or within
the County such as police and fire protection, health services,
social services, solid waste collection, and library services,
appear to be adequate throughout the planning period. As develop-
ment occurs and the local tax base expands accordingly, slightly
higher levels of county -provided services can be provided.
a. Policy Alternatives
(1) Do not encourage the provision of services for new ,
development in an attempt to keep things as they
are. '
(2) Encourage extension and expansion of needed ser-
vices as much as feasible, to accommodate new
residential, commercial, or industrial develop-
ment.
b. Policy Choice
(1) Chowan County will remain committed to providing
needed services, as economically feasible, to
accommodate new residential, commercial, and
,
industrial development in the County.
C. Implementation Schedule
(1) The County will work with the Town of Edenton
throughout the period to encourage the provision
of services where needed, and as feasible, for new
'
development.
3. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
The most significant "urban" area in Chowan County is the Town
of Edenton. Most of the rest of the residential development in
the County has a pronounced rural pattern, except for two major
subdivision areas near the Chowan River and the Albemarle Sound,
i.e., Arrowhead-Chowan Beach and Cape Colony Country Club. How-
ever, with the expansion of the County water system, subdivisions
may develop in other parts of the County.
Future subdivisions will all have to meet formal orderly ,
development design standards in accord with the County Subdivision
Regulations. The rural cluster community pattern, evident in the
Valhalla, Rockyhock, and Tyner communities, for example, is usu-
ally built around a church or churches and a community store.
67

r�
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U
Most of the developed areas appear to be located in areas where
the soils are more suited for development, i.e., capable of sup-
porting septic tanks.
Another trend in the County possibly affecting urban growth
patterns is the increasing number of mobile homes. Although most-
ly scattered on individual lots, mobile homes have established
themselves as a viable housing alternative for many residents and
the County may wish to plan for the eventuality of mobile home
parks.
a. Policy Alternatives
(1) Chowan County could encourage the continuation of
existing rural cluster community patterns.
(2) The County could discourage a duplication and con-
tinuation of the existing development patterns by
expanding the current zoning Ordinance which could
prohibit areas with identified limitations (soils,
or presence of AECs, for example) from develop-
ing.
(3) Develop and adopt a Mobile Home Park Ordinance to
establish design standards for mobile home parks
and mobile home placement in the County.
b. Policy Choices
(1) The existing rural cluster communities are a long
established residential pattern in Chowan County,
and will not be discouraged by the County. How-
ever, the County will not encourage "new" develop-
ments in areas with identified limitations such as
soils, flood hazards, or proximity to AECs. How-
ever, redevelopment, or rehabilitation activities
are viewed as being acceptable. All newly devel-
oping subdivisions will have to adhere to the
standards of the County subdivision regulations.
(2) Because of the increasing potential for additional
residential growth in the County, it may become
necessary to expand the current ordinance to cover
additional land areas. The County will also con-
sider the adoption of a draft Mobile Home Park
Ordinance to establish design standards for mobile
home parks.
c. Implementation Schedule
(1) Adopt a Mobile Home Park Ordinance in FY 86.
(2) In FY 87, examine growth patterns and consider
expansion of currently zoned areas.
M]

d
4. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
,
"Redevelopment" usually implies the refurbishing or rehabili-
tation of deteriorating areas already concentrated with develop-
ment. Although there are a number of substandard structures
located throughout Chowan County, there are no substantial concen-
trations or "neighborhoods," as might be found in more urbanized
areas. However, detailed surveys in the future may reveal resi-
dential areas with sufficient concentrations of substandard condi-
tions, requiring redevelopment activities such as funded through a
community development block grant. In such cases, it shall be the
County's general policy to support applications for needed federal
or state financial assistance. Also, some redevelopment activi-
ties in the Town of Edenton, such as along the waterfront, for
'
example, may be of mutual benefit and/or interest of the County.
Again, it shall be the County's position to support such activ-
ities.
a. Policy Alternatives
(1) Seeking funding through the State -administered
Small Cities Community Development Block Grant
Program to establish a housing improvements pro-
gram when needed areas are identified.
(2) Continue to work with the Town of Edenton in
redevelopment projects of mutual concern and
benefit, such as along the Town's waterfront.
b. Policy Choices
(1) Chowan County would like to see redevel-
opment/rehabilitation activities occur in such
communities as may be identified in the future,
where there are concentrations of substandard
housing conditions.
(2) The County will continue to work with the Town of
Edenton in encouraging redevelopment activities of
the waterfront area and other projects of mutual
interest and concern.
C. Implementation Schedule
(1) In FY 87, apply for a Community Development ,
Planning Grant in order to identify possible areas
of concentrated substandard housing.
69 1

5. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
Chowan County is generally receptive to State and Federal
programs, particularly those which provide improvements to the
County. The County will continue to fully support such programs.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation road and bridge
improvement programs are very important to Chowan County.
Examples of other State and Federal programs which are impor-
tant to and supported by Chowan County include: drainage planning
and erosion control activities carried out by the U.S.D.A. Soil
Conservation Service and the Agricultural Non -Point Pollution
Control Cost Share Program, which is valuable to farmers; dredg-
ing and channel maintenance by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
and Federal and State projects which provide efficient and safe
1 boat access for sports fishing.
All of these programs and others are important to Chowan
County, and the County is committed to their continued support.
6. Assistance to Channel Maintenance
Proper maintenance of channels, including periodic dredging,
is very important in Chowan County, mainly because of the substan-
tial economic impact of commercial fisheries. If 1985 is taken as
1 an indication, then water quality in the Chowan River is improving
and commercial fishing is also increasing in the County. If silt
or other deposits fill in the channels, this could impede effi-
cient mobility and docking of commercial and recreational vessels.
With adequate channel maintenance, Chowan County can make better
utilization of its waterways for water transportation purposes.
7. Energy Facilities Siting
In some coastal counties, the siting or location of energy
facilities relates to either peat mining or phosphate mining, or
1 off -shore oil exploration. However, in the absence of significant
peat reserves, phosphate, or oil resources, no specific, detailed
policies in this area can be formulated at this time. Neverthe-
less, should the siting of an energy facility become a realistic
possibility for Chowan County, it shall be the policy of the
County to carefully review each such project and require strict
adherence to federal, state, and any local environmental
regulations.
70

1
8. Tourism and Beach and Waterfront Access 1
As discussed under the economic analysis section, tourism
income more than doubled from 1981 to 1984 and will likely have a
significant impact upon Chowan County's economy in the future.
Although most of the tourist economy revolves around "Historic"
Edenton, Chowan County does support tourism and is aware of the
potential economic benefit of such activity.
Although there are several public access points to the public
waters of Chowan County, i.e., two State-owned boat ramps and
five under private ownership, but still open to the public, and
one private beach, there is a real need for more public access.
71
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71 1

a. Policy Alternatives
(1) The County could establish no policies nor take
any additional action, and assume that existing
boating access points are sufficient for public
access.
(2) The County could take additional steps, including
amending its Subdivision Ordinance, to assure
better opportunity for general public waterfront
access, even with developing waterfront access.
(3) The County could seek funding assistance through
the Division of Coastal Management's Beach Access
Program to plan for and eventually acquire and
develop specific public access sites.
(4) The County could seek "donation" of sites by
private landowners for public access development.
b. Policy Choice
(1) Chowan County wants to see improved waterfront
access opportunities for the general public and
will take additional measures to better assure
those opportunities.
C. Implementation Schedule
(1) In FY 87, Chowan County will apply for funds
through the Division of Coastal Management to
develop a sound, practical public access Plan
which will analyze the County's public access
needs and designate potential access sites.
(2) Also, in FY 87, Chowan County will review its
existing Subdivision Regulations to see if and how
additional steps can be taken to improve public
access in new waterfront subdivisions.
9. Density of Development
Overly dense development is not a problem in Chowan County,
nor is anticipated to become a problem during the -period covered
by this plan update. With an anticipated population growth of 848
persons between 1985 and 1995, (an increase of 6.5% over the 1985
estimate), the rate of growth will not push developed densities to
unacceptable levels. As presented in other discussions in this
report, there are soils for suitable residential development in
most of the County. Also, most of the County is classified as
"Zone C", i.e., minimally flooded areas according to the Flood
Insurance Maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA). (See Maps 6, 8, and 9, attached).
72

Chowan County would like to see development continue in areas
which are considered as most feasible to accommodate growth and
where support services, such as water and sewer (including septic
tank placement), are feasible and practical to provide. Also, the
County will continue to enforce its Subdivision Regulations, and
Zoning Ordinance for the Cape Colony Country Club areas, which
have established minimum lot sizes in coordination with sanitary
requirements of the County Health Department which will affect
development densities. The minimum square footage for lots with-
out access to public sewer ranges from 15,000 S.F. to 25,000 S.F.
The average density of development in these areas will range from
2.9 to 1.7 units per acre.
10. Land Use Trends
The overall land use trends, as have been discussed in other
sections of this report, include continuing, although at a slower
rate, land clearing activities; continued emphasis on agricultural
uses of land, and increasing, although not dramatic, waterfront
residential development. With County water available to the
entire County, subdivisions may develop outside of currently
developed areas, such as the Macedonia area, for example. The
projected land use changes are not anticipated to be causes for
alarm in Chowan County. Continued enforcement and coordination,
of existing local, state, and federal land use regulations, i.e.,
through CAMA, Corps of Engineers, 404 process, sanitary regula-
tions, and the County's Subdivision Regulations, and Zoning Ordi-
nance, and building inspections program, are adequate to help
assure orderly growth and development in the County.
D. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES
Chowan County recognizes that an important element in deve-
loping and implementing any local policies or plans regarding the
use of land in the County, is involvement of the County's citi-
zenry. From the initial stages of development of this 1986 update
of the County's CAMA Land Use Plan, Chowan County has sought to
provide open opportunities for citizen input. A "Public Partici-
pation Plan" was developed for the plan updating process, outlin-
ing the methodology for citizen involvement. (See Appendix I.)
The plan stated that public involvement was to be generated
primarily through the County Planning Board and through "public
information" meetings, advertised in local newspapers and open to
the general public. The Planning Board meetings also are open to
the general public.
Specifically, during the beginning stages of the update
process, on November 12, 1985, the Planning Board met with the
planning consultant to review and discuss preliminary development
issues; afterwards, a public information meeting was announced in
the Chowan Herald newspaper, and public notices of the meeting
were poste in pu lic places. This meeting was held January 29,
1986, with the Planning Board, the planning consultant, and a CAMA
representative attending. Citizens had the opportunity to provide
input and voice their concerns about land use trends and policies.
Throughout the plan development process, the Planning Board was
actively involved. A series of meetings, or "working sessions,"
were held. All of these meetings were open to the public.
Specifically, work sessions and/or meetings were held on the
following dates: November 12, 1985; January 14, January 29,
February 18, March 18, April 15, May 5, and a joint -session with
both the Planning Board and Commissioners was held on June 21
1986.
73

E. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY, AND
EVACUATION PLANS
The entire North Carolina Coastal region, including Chowan
County, faces strong threats of damage each year from hurricanes,
Northeasters, or other major storms. For nearly 20 years, there
was a marked "slowdown", or "lull", in hurricane activity along
the State's coast. Predictions were that a major storm could
strike the State at any time during the hurricane season, since
such a storm was "long overdue". And then, in September, 1984,
the "waiting" ended. Hurricane Diana, with some of the strongest
sustained winds ever recorded, rammed into the Southeast coast
near Wilmington. Although damage was extensive, the potential
destruction was much greater and the damage would have been great-
ly escalated had the storm hit land at a slightly different loca-
tion. Again, a little over a year later in late September, 1985,
coastal North Carolina faced another serious threat from Hurricane
Gloria. Fortunately, this storm veered off the coast, took a
northerly turn, and left no more than a good drenching for some
areas. For two consecutive years, the State and the coastal areas
were relatively fortunate. But what about next time?
Notice the excerpt below from, Before the Storm: Managing
Development to Reduce Hurricane Damages, McElyea, Brower, &
Godschalk, 1982, concerning development in coastal communities:
"At the same time, development along the coast has
grown by leaps and bounds. Unless this development is
wisely located and built to withstand hurricane forces,
North Carolina's coastal communities will face massive
destruction. Local governments, as the primary protect-
ors of the public health, safety, and general welfare,
have a responsibility to reduce the risk of property
damages and loss of life attending coastal development.
They also have a responsibility to ensure that recon-
struction following a major storm can occur quickly and
leave the community safer from disaster in the future.
These are the goals of hazard mitigation and reconstruc-
tion planning." (p.iii)
' The purpose of this section of the 1986 CAMA Land Use Plan
Update, is to assist Chowan County in managing development in
potentially hazardous areas through establishing hazard mitigation
policies and to reduce the risks associated with future hurricanes
by developing post -disaster reconstruction/recovery policies, and
reviewing the adequacy of current evacuation plans. The overrid-
ing concept of this exercise is simply "planning ahead of time."
"Hazard mitigation includes any activity which
reduces the probability that a disaster will occur or
minimizes the damage caused by a disaster. Hazard miti-
gation includes not only managing devlopment, but also
1 74

1
evacuation planning and other measures to reduce losses
of life and property. Reconstruction involves the full
range of repair activities in the wake of a disaster
which seek to return the community to a "normal" level
of operations." (McElyea, Brower, & Godschalk, p. iii).
With this introduction, the following pages will present the
storm hazard mitigation and post -disaster recovery policies, and
review of the existing evacuation plan along with appropriate
discussions.
1. Storm Hazard Mitigation: Discussion
Hazard mitigation, or actions taken to reduce the probability
or impact of a disaster could involve a number of activities or
policy decisions. The starting point, however, is to identify the
types of hazards (including the relative severity and magnitude of
risks), and the extent of development (including residential,
commercial, etc.) located in storm hazard areas.
Hurricanes are extremely powerful, often unpredictable forces
of nature. The two most severe effects are fatalities and pro-
perty damage, which are usually the result of four causes: high
winds, flooding, wave action, and erosion, each of which are dis-
cussed briefly below:
a. High Winds
High winds are the major determinants of a hurricane, by
definition, i.e., a tropical disturbance with sustained winds of
at least 73 miles per hour. Extreme hurricanes can have winds of
up to 165 miles per hour, with gusts up to 200 miles per hour.
These winds circulate around the center or "eye" of the storm.
Although the friction or impact of the winds hitting land from the
water causes some dissipation of the full force, there is still a
,
tremendous amount of energy left to cause damage to buildings,
overturn mobile homes, fell trees and powerlines, and destroy
crops. Also, tornadoes can often be spawned by hurricane wind
patterns. Wind stress is an important consideration in storm
hazard mitigation planning. Because of a hurricane's size and
power, it is likely that all of Chowan County would be subject to
the same wind velocity in the event of a -storm.
b. Flooding
Flooding, on the other hand, may not affect all areas with
equal intensity. The excessive amounts of rainfall and the "storm
surge" which often accompany hurricanes can cause massive coastal
and riverine flooding causing excessive property damage and deaths
by drownings. (More deaths are caused by drowning than any other
cause in hurricanes.) Flooding is particularly a problem in ocean
coastal areas because of the storm surge and low-lying areas.
75

n
G
However, flooding can cause extensive damage in inland areas also,
since many coastal areas have low elevations and are located in
high hazard or "Zone A" flood areas according to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency Maps. Based on recent flood insurance
maps prepared for Chowan County, the majority of the County is
not classified as being in the 100-year "high hazard" flood zone,
or Zone "A." Substantial portions of the County are classed as
Zone "C," i.e., minimally flooded. (See Map 6.) However, because
of low elevation, the majority of the County could be subject to
flooding during a severe hurricane. Although there are areas
classified as "Zone C", i.e., in the 500-year "minimally flooded"
area, in severe storms, Zone "C" areas would also likely be
flooded. The risks, however, are not as severe as for Zone "A"
areas. (See Map 9, "Composite Hazards Map," attached.)
As Map 6 shows, most of the "development" in Chowan County is
in the minimally flooded Zone "C" areas, with the highest con-
centration of residential development in Zone "A" areas being in
the northwest areas along the Chowan River and its creeks and
tributaries.
Flooding cannot only cause damage to buildings, but saltwater
flooding can cause serious damage to croplands, which is what took
place in the southern Albemarle region in 1954 and 1955 from
Hurricanes Hazel, Connie, Dianne, and Ione (McElyea, Brower, &
Godschalk, pp. 2-8, 9). Notice Figure 1 on the following page.
Chowan County was located sufficiently inland to have avoided the
major flooding problems indicated in Figure 1, i.e., saltwater and
freshwater flooding. Consideration of potential flood damage is,
nevertheless, important in Chowan County's efforts to develop
storm mitigation policies.
76

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Ic. Wave Action
Damage from wave action is connected very closely to the storm
surge, i.e., wind -driven water with high waves moving to vulner-
able shoreline areas. Areas most likely to be affected are ocean
erodible areas and estuarine shoreline areas. There are no ocean
erodible areas in Chowan County, but there are extensive estuarine
shoreline areas (75 feet inland from the mean high water mark of
estuarine waters) in the County. However, wave action damage
would have the most significant impact along the Albemarle Sound
shoreline. As the existing land use map (Map 3, attached), and
the composite hazards map (Map 9, attached) show, there is a sig-
nificant amount of residential development in or near the estu-
arine shoreline area. Wave action can cause erosion as well as
push possible flood waters to areas not reached by the storm surge
itself. The estuarine shoreline along Chowan's riverine shores,
i.e., the Chowan and a portion of the Yeopim, are generally suf-
ficiently inland from an open coast so that the wave energy is
dispersed and diffracted, mainly by the proximity to forested
areas.
d. Erosion
The final major consideration in storm hazard mitigation is
severe erosion, caused by high winds, high water, and heavy wave
action. Again, in Chowan County, the area most susceptible to
storm -related erosion is the estuarine shoreline AEC along the
Albemarle Sound from Queen Anne Creek south to Hornblower Point,
and from the Yeopim River southwest to the N.C. 32 Bridge, and
from Pembroke Creek south of Edenton to the Chowan River up to the
U.S. 17 Bridge. North of the U.S. 17 Bridge, along the banks of
the Chowan River, erosion has historically not been as severe.
(See Map 7 and Chart 1, pages 36-37.) This is essentially the
same area potentially affected by the action of damaging waves and
described in part c, above. Shoreline erosion could lead to loss
of property through portions of waterfront lots being washed into
the Sound or even actual structural damage to buildings. Erosion
potential is an important factor to consider in developing storm
hazard mitigation policies.
e. Summary: Storm Hazard Mitigation Considerations
In summary, all four of the major damaging forces of a hurri-
cane, i.e., high winds, flooding, wave action, and shoreline ero-
sion could have a potential impact upon Chowan County in the event
of a major storm. The degree of susceptibility to losses and/or
damages was generally alluded to in the previous discussions.
However, Table 24, below, provides a better projection of the
percent of the County's building structures (residential and com-
mercial, etc.), subject to the potentially devastating effects of
a major storm:
1 78
11

TABLE 24: *Percent of Structures Subject to Storm Damage
Factors, Chowan County
Storm Impact Percent Structures Possibly Affected
1984 Tax Value (Millions)
1. High winds 100% 284,087
2. Flooding 10% 28,407
3. Wave Action 5% 14,204
4. Shoreline Erosion 5% 14,204
*Based on preliminary projections derived from examination of
Existing Land Use Map. Map prepared by Talbert, Cox &
Associates. Tax value provided by County Finance Office.
The information in the Table above is preliminary and is not
intended to convey the impression that every single structure
possibly affected by damaging factors would be affected, only that
the potential is there. Knowing that the potential is there forms
the basis for setting forth storm hazard mitigation policies,
keeping in mind that "mitigate" means actions which may reduce the
probability of disaster, or minimize the damage caused by a
disaster (McElyea, Brower, & Godschalk, p. iii).
f. Policy Statements: Storm Hazard Mitigation
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused -by the
effects of a hurricane or other major storm, Chowan County pro-
poses the following policies.
(1) High Winds: Chowan County supports enforcement of
the N. C. State Building Code, particularly requirements of con-
struction standards to meet wind -resistive factors, i.e., "design
wind velocity". The County will also support provisions in the
State Building Code requiring tie -downs for mobile homes, which
help resist wind damage.
(2) Flooding: Chowan County -is supportive of the
hazard mitigation elements of the National Flood Insurance Pro-
gram. Currently, Chowan County is actively participating in the
regular phase of the insurance program and has adopted and
enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Chowan County also
supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 Wetlands devel-
opment permit processes in areas potentially susceptible to flood-
ing.
79

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11
3. Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion: Chowan County
is supportive of the CAMA development permit process for estuarine
shoreline areas and the requisite development standards which
encourage both shoreline stabilization and facilitation of proper
drainage.
g. Implementation: Storm Hazard Mitigation
(1) In FY 85, Chowan County established a County -wide
building inspection program, including the employ-
ment of a building inspector to enforce provisions
of the N. C. State Building Code for new con-
struction. These provisions include design
requirements for wind resistance and mobile home
tie -downs for newly placed mobile homes.
(2) Chowan County has adopted and enforces, through
its building inspection program, a Flood Damage
Prevention Ordinance for the Regular Phase of the
National Flood Insurance Program. This ordinance
which requires basic floodproofing for all new
construction, including all first floor elevations
being at or above the base flood elevations, will
continue to be enforced as part of the County's
new building inspection program. The base flood
elevation, as shown on the flood insurance maps,
is the elevation of the 100-year flood.
(3) The County will continue to support enforcement of
State and Federal programs which aid in mitigation
of hurricane hazards, including CAMA and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit process.
h. Other Mitigation Policy Areas
According to the CAMA Planning Guidelines, policy statements
should also address the following three areas:
(1) Means of dealing with structures and uses which do
not conform to the hazard mitigation policies.
(2) Means of encouraging hotels, restaurants, and
similar large commercial structures to locate
outside of erosion -prone areas.
(3) Policies which deal with the acquisition of
parcels located in hazard areas or rendered
unbuildable, for the purpose of public access.
All existing structures which do not conform to the County's
mitigation policies can only be subject to the existing regula-
tions. No additional requirements will be imposed. The latter
two policy areas, above, cannot be effectively addressed by Chowan
County, since they appear to be more applicable to oceanfront
areas. There is no oceanfront in Chowan County.
DR

11
2. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
Chowan County recognizes that in the event of a major storm,
it will be very important to have, at a minimum, a general recov-
ery and reconstruction plan. However, it should be noted that
Chowan County provides a number of emergency services, including
disaster management. These services are coordinated by a full-
time Emergency Services Coordinator. All of the County's emergen-
cy and disaster plans, including those dealing with the effects of
a hurricane, are maintained by the Emergency Services Coordinator.
The County has a comprehensive "Disaster Relief and Assistance
Plan," with a number of very well -detailed subplans, or "Annexes."
For example, "Annex F" provides a detailed Damage Assessment Plan,
whereas "Annex G" details the Disaster Assistance Center Plan.
All of the subplans detail clearly the actions and steps to be
taken in the event of an emergency, the officials and responsible
personnel involved, as well as the lines of responsibility. All
of the actions are coordinated with the Town of Edenton.
Although many elements of "Post -Disaster Recovery" are already
addressed in existing plans, some useful issues are not addressed.
This section of the Land Use Plan Update will address these
issues.
a. Appointment of a "Post Disaster Recovery Team"
Prior to a
major storm having landfall in the vicinity of
Chowan County,
when evacuation orders are issued, the evacuation
"Control Group,"
as identified in the Evacuation Plan, shall
appoint a "Post -Disaster Recovery Team". This team shall consist
of all of the members of the Evacuation Plan Support Group, also
,
as identified in the Chowan County Evacuation Plan and listed
below.
(1)
Chowan County Manager - Group Chief
(2)
Town of Edenton City Manager - Assistant Group
Chief
(3)
Sheriff
(4)
Director of Social Services
(5)
Superintendent of Schools
(6)
County Health Director
(7)
County Finance Director
(8)
Chief Warning Service
(9)
County Fire Marshall
(10)
County Public Information Officer
(11)
Chief Rescue Service
(12)
State Highway Patrol Liaison Officer
(13)
Red Cross Liaison Officer
The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator will serve as the Team
Leader and will be responsible to the Chairman of the Board of
Commissioners. The base of operations will be the Emergency Oper-
ations Center (EOC) identified in the County Evacuation Plan. The
Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for the following:
81

(1) Establishing an overall restoration schedule.
(2) Setting restoration priorities.
(3) Determining requirements for outside assistance
and requesting such assistance when beyond local
capabilities.
(4) Keeping the appropriate County and State officials
informed.
(5) Keeping the public informed.
(6) Assembling and maintaining records of actions
taken and expenditures and obligations incurred.
(7) Recommending to the Chairman of the Board of
Commissioners to activate the local "state of
emergency" ordinance if warranted.
(8) Commencing and coordinating cleanup, debris
removal and utility restoration which would
include coordination of restoration activities
undertaken by private utility companies.
(9) Coordinating repair and restoration of essential
public facilities and services in accordance with
determined priorities.
(10) Assisting private businesses and individual prop-
erty owners in obtaining information on the var-
ious types of assistance that might be available
to them from federal and state agencies.
b. Immediate Clean -Up and Debris Removal
Coordination of this activity will be the responsibility of
the Disaster Recovery Team.
c. Long Term Recovery/Restoration
The Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for overseeing
the orderly implementation of the reconstruction process after a
major storm or hurricane in accord with the County's policies.
(1) Damage Assessments: Damage assessments will be
necessary to determine as quickly as possible a realistic estimate
of the amount of damage caused by a hurricane or major storm.
Information such as the number. of structures damaged, the magni-
tude of damage, and the estimated total dollar loss will need to
be developed.
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As stated previously, Chowan County already has a detailed "Damage '
Assessment Plan," which was prepared in accordance to guidelines
provided by the N.C. Division of Emergency Management. In the
Plan, certain personnel are assigned to the Damage Assessment
Section (DAS), broken down further into two Damage Assessment
Teams (one for private property and one for public property). The
damage assessment activities are to be coordinated by the Chowan
County Tax Supervisor, who serves as the Damage Assessment
Officer.
As soon as safety conditions permit, the DAS personnel are to be
notified to report to the County Emergency Operations Center,
where they will receive their assignments and necessary supplies,
i.e., standard forms, maps, etc. Written reports are to be pro-
vided to the EOC. The damage assessments will continue until all
suspect areas are covered, even after the arrival of Federal and
State assistance. i
Also, the Plan includes a Damage Assessment Guide, which provides
a rule -of -thumb for estimating damages to real property and
placing the damage in one of the four categories below:
1) MINOR
DAMAGE - HABITABLE
10% damage
Impact
damage, mostly exterior
surface, broken
glass,
minor roof damage, some
shingle loss, or
flood
water mark not much above
floor line.
2) MINOR
DAMAGE - UNINHABITABLE
30% damage
Impact damage to exterior wall or walls create
openings, portion of roof open to attic, some
interior damage, or flood water mark up to 3 feet
above floor line.
3) MAJOR DAMAGE - UNINHABITABLE 70% damage
Impact damage is extensive to exterior and inter-
ior walls, portions of roof and/or walls
destroyed, or flood water mark 3 to 6 feet above
floor line.
4) DESTROYED - UNINHABITABLE 100% damage
Impact damage has destroyed most of structure,
roof gone, most walls destroyed, or flood water
mark 8 feet above floor line.
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The total estimated dollar value of damages will be
summarized and reported to the Disaster Recovery Team
Leader for transmittal to appropriate State and/or
Federal officials.
(2) Reconstruction Development Standards: Generally,
reconstruction shall be held at least.to the same standards as
before the storm. However, developed structures which were
destroyed and which did not conform to the County's storm hazard
mitigation policies, i.e., with basic measures to reduce damage by
high winds, flooding, wave action or erosion, must be redeveloped
according to those policies. Non -conforming uses in areas subject
to the zoning ordinance will comply with provisions of the
ordinance if destroyed. In the event the loss of property con-
taining shoreline structures is substantial enough to prohibit the
reissuing of a septic tank permit, the County will support the
decision of the Sanitarian. In some instances, this may mean
relocation of construction, or no reconstruction at all. To the
extent feasible, when relocation is required, such relocation will
be placed in less hazardous areas. Building permits to restore
destroyed or damaged structures, which were built in conformance
with the State Building Code and County storm hazard mitigation
policies (including the subdivision regulations and, where appli-
cable, the zoning ordinance), shall be issued automatically. All
structures suffering major damage will be repaired according to
the State Building Code. All structures suffering minor damage,
regardless of location, will be allowed to be rebuilt to the orig-
inal condition prior to the storm.
(3) Development Moratoria: Chowan County, because of
a lack of densely populated areas, does not foresee the need to
prohibit any and all development for any specified period of time.
Residents shall be allowed to proceed with redevelopment and
reconstruction as soon as practical and in accord with the various
levels of State and federal disaster relief provided to them.
Damage to the properties in some areas of the County may indicate
a higher susceptibility to storm damage than other areas. If the
County determines that some areas are more vulnerable to storm
damage than others, then the Board of Commissioners may declare a
development moratorium, prohibiting all redevelopment for a
specified period of time. This will allow the County time to
assess previous damage mitigation policies for their effectiveness
and possible modification.
(4) Repair/Reconstruction Schedule: The following
schedule of activities and time frame are proposed with the
realistic idea that many factors of a hurricane may render the
Schedule infeasible.
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Activity Time Frame
(a) Complete and Report Damage Two weeks after storm
Assessments
(b) Begin Repairs to Critical As soon as possible
Utilities and Facilities after storm
(c) Permitting of Reconstruction Two weeks after damage
activities for all damaged assessments are
structures ("minor" to pre -storm complete
original status, "major" to State
building code and hazard
mitigation standards
(5) Agency Responsible for Implementation: The
Chairman of the Chowan County Board of Commissioners, as chief
elected official of the County, will be the chief responsible
authority in implementing these policies. The Board Chairman will
delegate the oversight of the reconstruction and recovery effort
and implementation of the plan.
(6) Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities: If
water lines or any component of the water system are damaged and
it is determined that the facilities can be relocated to a less
hazardous location, then they will be relocated during reconstruc-
tion. Damage to other utilities, such as electric lines or tele-
phone lines, will be the responsibility of the appropriate private
utility company.
3. Hurricane Evacuation Plan
Chowan County, as stated previously, has an official "Hurri-
cane Evacuation Plan" which was adopted in June, 1978 and has been
updated periodically. A review of'this plan indicates that it is
generally adequate for the County's needs. The plan indicated a
projected evacuation time of from 6-8 hours, which is adequate
within the National Weather Service warning system guidelines.
The Hurricane Evacuation Plan involves a number of County and Town
of Edenton personnel and local agencies, with varying specific
duties and responsibilities. There are eight shelter locations
throughout the County, mostly in school facilities. During both
the storm threats of 1984 and 1985, people did come to the shel-
ters, although there were no required evacuations. However, since
there are no "stocked shelters," residents are encouraged to bring
food to the shelter site. (See Appendix II.)
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4. Re -Entry
Factors regarding re-entry are also included in the Hurricane
Evacuation Plan. Because of the possibility of fallen power
lines, or telephone lines, re-entry will be closely coordinated
with the appropriate private utility companies.
The Chowan County Plan has been reviewed by the North Carolina
Division of Emergency Management and meets the agency's approval.
The evacuation plan will be incorporated into the Land Use
Plan by reference.
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SECTION III
Land Classification System
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ISECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The land classification system provides a uniform way of
looking at how the planned use of land interacts with environmen-
tally sensitive -areas and with the development of a County or
Town. It is not a strict regulatory device in the sense of a
zoning ordinance or zoning map. It represents more of a tool to
understand relationships between various land use categories and
how these relationships help shape local policy. Particular
attention is focused on how intensely land is utilized and the
level of services required to support that intensity. Land
classification is also useful in the staging of services necessary
to support development. The regulations for the Coastal Area
Management Act state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be
used by local governments to identify the future use of all
lands. The designation of land classes allows the local
government to illustrate their policy statements as to where
and to what density they want growth to occur, and where they
want to conserve natural and cultural resources by guiding
growth." (7B.0204) (b)
There are five general land use classifications under CAMA:
Developed; Transition; Community; Rural; and Conservation. In
applying the land classification system, each local government
should give careful consideration to how, where and when certain
types of, and intensity of "development," will be either encourag-
ed or discouraged. A brief summary of the five broad classifica-
tions, as contained in the CAMA rules, might illustrate this. For
example:
"Urban land uses and higher intensity uses which presently
require the traditional urban services should be directed to
lands classified developed. Areas developing or anticipated
to develop at urban densities which will eventually require
urban services should be directed to lands classified transi-
tion. Low density development in settlements which will not
require sewer services should be directed to areas classified
as community. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and
other similar low intensity uses and very low density, dis-
persed residential uses should be directed to lands classi-
fied rural. Generally, public or private water or sewer
systems will not be provided in areas classified rural as an
incentive for intense development." (7B.0204)_(c)
The purpose of the conservation class is to "provide for the
effective long-term management and protection of significant,
limited, or irreplaceable areas." Consequently, urban services
(whether public or private) should not be provided to those areas
as an incentive to "stimulate" more intense development. Each of
these classes must be represented on a Land Classification Map.
87

The five land classifications and Land Classification Map are
therefore intended to serve as a visual reflection of the policies
previously stated in Section II. Ideally, the map which depicts
these classifications should be as flexible as the policies that
guide them. (See Map 10, attached, Land Classification Map)
The five land use classifications, as they will be applied in
Chowan County, are identified and defined below.
A. DEVELOPED
The developed class of land use provides for continued inten-
sive development and redevelopment of existing cities or munici-
palities. Areas to be classified as "developed" include lands
currently developed for urban purposes or approaching a density of
500 dwellings per square mile that are provided with usual munici-
pal or public services, police and fire protection. In other
words, such areas must currently be "urban" in character, i.e.
have mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial
and institutional, or other uses at high to medium densities.
In Chowan County, the major area meeting this criteria is the
Town of Edenton. Edenton provides all of the usual municipal
services as well as water and sewer. In fact, the only municipal
sewer service in the County is located in Edenton. However, the
Chowan County water system serves most of the County, including
several areas outside of Edenton which are at, or approaching,
"urban" densities, but still not yet "developed."
B. TRANSITION
Transition land is classified as those lands providing for
future intensive urban development within the ensuing ten years on
lands that are most suitable and that will be scheduled for provi-
sion of necessary urban utilities and services (whether from pub-
lic or private sources). They may also provide for additional
growth when additional lands in the developed class are not avail-
able or when they are severely limited for development.
Lands classified "transition" may include:
° lands currently having urban services;
° lands necessary to accommodate the population and econo-
mic growth anticipated within the planning jurisdiction
over the next five to ten years;
° areas which are in, or will be in, a "transition" state
of development, i.e. going from a lower intensity to a

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higher intensity, of uses and will eventually require
urban services.
Transition lands must further:
be served or be readily served by water, sewer, and other
urban services including streets, and
be generally free of severe physical limitations for
urban development.
The "transition" class should not include:
° lands of high potential for agriculture, forestry, or
mineral extraction, or land falling within extensive
rural areas being managed commercially for these uses,
when other lands are available;
° lands where urban development might result in major or
irreversible damage to important environmental, scienti-
fic, or scenic values, or;
° land where urban development might result in damage to
natural systems or processes of more than local concern;
and
° lands where development will result in undue risk to life
or property from natural hazards or existing land uses.
The areas to be classified as "transition" in Chowan County
include some areas immediately adjacent to the Town of Edenton
which currently receive County water and have the best possibility
of being served by the Town of Edenton's sewer service. This area
extends along US 17 Business, both to the south of the Town, i.e.,
Riverton, and to the north, to the Pine Grove Terrace area. How-
ever, another substantial area which is not immediately adjacent
to Edenton, but which has been developing and will likely con-
tinue, and should also come under this classification, is the Cape
Colony -Country Club area. This should also include the general
vicinity around the Edenton Municipal Airport, excluding the
Airport property itself, since it is owned by the Town of Edenton,
and outside of the County's jurisdiction. Currently, this area
has central water from the County water system. If Edenton ever
changes its policy on sewer extensions beyond the Town limits, and
funds become available and it is economically feasible, the County
would like to see sewer service provided -to this area. The land
use analysis showed that there were "generally" suitable soils for
development in this area, as well as being outside of the high -
hazard flood areas.
The relationship between the "developed and transition" clas-
sification is important in predominantly rural counties like
Chowan. The first class is meant to define the already developed
areas and/or those areas where public investment decisions will be
required to provide the necessary urban services. These become
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important areas to closely monitor. The Coastal Resources Commis-
sion has further clarified this relationship as described below:
The Developed and Transition classes should be the only lands
under active consideration by the County or municipality for
intensive urban development requiring urban services. The area
within these classes is where detailed local land use and public
investment planning will occur. State and Federal expenditures on
projects associated with urban development (water, sewer, urban
street systems, etc.) will be guided to these areas. Large
amounts of vacant land suitable for urban development within the
Developed class should be taken into account when calculating the
amount of additional lands needed to accommodate projected
growth.
C. COMMUNITY
The purpose of the community class is to provide for
clustered, mixed land uses at low densities to help meet the
housing, shopping, employment, and other needs in rural areas.
Areas meeting the intent of the community class are presently
developed at low densities which are suitable for private septic
tank use. These areas are clustered residential and/or commercial
land uses which provide both low intensity shopping and housing
opportunities, and provide a local social sense of "community."
Very limited municipal -type services, such as fire protection and
community water, may be available, but municipal -type sewer sys-
tems are not to be provided as a catalyst for future development.
In some unusual cases, sewer systems may be possible, but only to
correct an existing or projected public health hazard. Areas
developed at low density in a cluster meet the intent of the com-
munity class if they exhibit characteristics, such as:
° densities of less than 500 dwellings per square mile, or
° few residential development densities which meet or exceed
three dwellings per acre, or
° residential lot sizes of 15,000 square feet or greater,
and/or
° low population densities such as 640 persons per square
mile (one person per acre)
This is an important classification in Chowan County, since
most of the County's population not residing in the areas classi-
fied previously as either "Developed" or "Transition," live in
such clusters. There are no other incorporated municipalities in
Chowan County, other than Edenton, but many small communities are
located along the primary roads in the County. Areas classified
as "Community" include: Macedonia, Valhalla, Rockyhock, Smalls
Crossroads, the Center Hill area, and the area west of Gliden
along 132 north to the Gates County line. Also, the waterfront
developing areas of Arrowhead Beach and the Chowan Beach area
should also be considered "Community." All of these areas cur-
rently are serviced by the County water system.
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ID. RURAL
The purpose of the rural class is to provide for agriculture,
forestry, mineral extraction, and various other low intensity uses
on large sites, -including low density dispersed residential uses
where urban services are not and will not be required. Any devel-
opment in this class should be compatible with resource production
and should not significantly impair or permanently alter natural
resources. Areas meeting the intent of this classification are
appropriate for or presently used for agriculture, forestry, min-
eral extraction, and similar allied uses. Very low density dis-
persed, single-family residential uses are also appropriate within
rural areas where lot sizes are large and where densities do not
require the provision of urban -type services. Private septic
tanks and wells are the primary on -site services available to
support residential development, but fire, rescue squad, and sher-
iff protection may also be available. Population densities may be
very low, possibly less than one person per acre.
The majority of land within Chowan County falls within the
"Rural" classification. This classification is very important in
Chowan County, because of the economic importance of agriculture
and forestry activities.
E. CONSERVATION
The final land use category, according to CAMA guidelines, is
the "Conservation" class, which provides for effective long-term
management of significant, limited, or irreplaceable resources,
specifically, and at minimum, all of the statutorily defined AECs.
However, beyond the presence of AECs, other areas within the
County, because of natural, cultural, recreational, productive, or
scenic value, may also require similar "effective long-term man-
agement." Examples could include major wetlands (other -than sta-
tutorily defined coastal wetlands); essentially undeveloped shore-
lines that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for development;
lands that provide necessary habitat conditions (especially for
remnant species); pocosins; or publicly owned water supply water-
sheds and acquifers.
The designation "Conservation" should not be misconstrued to
imply "non-use," but does imply a need for careful and cautious
management of any allowable use. For example, within a "conserva-
tion" area, there may be high ground areas which are suitable for
"development," in which case development should be allowed to take
place under carefully managed conditions. The term "preserva-
tion," on the other hand, implies total restriction on all uses.
Within lands designated Conservation, each proposal, or applica-
tion for any "developed" use should be reviewed on a case by case
basis.
Other than the statutorily -defined Areas of Environmental
Concern, there are not many additional areas of Chowan County that
have special features conducive to being placed in the Conserva-
91

tion classification. The overall premise for the designation
"Conservation" in Chowan County will be to strike the delicate
balance between careful long-term management of sensitive or valu-
able resources and the freedom of landowners to utilize their
properties.
Therefore, in Chowan County, the environmentally sensitive
areas identified as Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs), i.e.,
Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, and Public Trust Areas are
classified as "Conservation." There are no significant coastal
wetlands, or "salt marshes" in Chowan County. However, outside of
these Areas of Environmental Concern, the primary designation of
"Conservation" areas in Chowan County will be for the purpose of
sustaining shoreline stability, protecting water quality, along
the County's estuarine waterways, and protecting certain wooded
swamp areas from the encroachment of improper development, such as
the area on either side of the U.S. 17 Bridge in the southwest
portion of the County. (See attached Land Classification Map,
Map 10.)
Since, as stated previously, "Conservation" does not imply
"Preservation," specific allowable uses in the Conservation class
shall include:
Drainage: Adequate drainage is essential to the economic
vitality of Chowan County; therefore, drainage facilities
over and through these areas, but not with the intent of
draining the Conservation areas for "developed" purposes,
will be allowed. Such facilities may include diking,
tiling, and piping systems.
Low density residential development if and as allowed by
the County Health Department and not opposed by the U. S.
Soil Conservation Service. However, water and/or sewer
services will not be extended to such a residential area
merely to stimulate additional growth and development.
On -site sewer services will be required and must be
feasible.
Water -oriented uses such as piers, docks, and marinas, if
they are shown not to cause detriment to the estuarine
waters or the Conservation lands.
Necessary utility service lines, such as water, sewer,
electrical, natural gas, etc., when it is demonstrated
that the ecological system of the Conservation estuarine
area will not be significantly altered. (As noted in
Item 2 above, development of and/or extension of neces-
sary utilities and services will not be done merely as a
stimulus for additional growth and development, only to
the extent needed). r
92 1

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° Roadways, when construction of roadways can be conducted
without significantly altering the ecological system, and
in compliance with existing federal, state, and local
regulations.
° Timber harvesting with approved management practices.
° Barge landings.
° Marinas (upon careful determination that substantial
pollution will not occur).
In conjunction with the Policy Statements section of this
Plan, each application for a "developed" use in the Conservation
classification, shall be brought before the County Planning Board
and reviewed on a case -by -case basis, with possible technical
advice from the County Health Department, Building Inspector, CAMA
Permit Officer, U.S. Soil Conservation Service, and possibly other
specialists, prior to approval. The County Planning Board may
recommend modification of the Proposal.
F. LAND CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
The proposed classification of land for varying levels of
intensity and provision of public services in Chowan County were
presented in parts A through E, above. These classifications
relate directly to the "policy statements" contained in Section II
of this Plan. Additional information on the relationship between
the land classification system and policies will be presented in
the following Section IV.
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SECTION IV:
Relationship Of Policies And
Land Classification System

ISECTION IV: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
As required by the Coastal Area Management Act, the land use
plan must relate the policies section to the land classification
map and provide some indication as to which land uses are appro-
priate in each class.
A. DEVELOPED AND TRANSITION CLASSES
As mentioned in the discussion of existing conditions, most of
the County's growth will occur in and around currently developed
and developing areas. These are areas where basic services such
as water and community support services are available or might be
feasible within the planning period. The developed and transition
classes were specifically designated to accommodate these more
intensively developed areas and land uses, including residential,
commercial, industrial parks and open space, community facilities
and transportation. Hazardous or offensive uses such as land
application systems, power plants, and bulk chemical storage
facilities will be located away from these classes.
B. COMMUNITY CLASS
Intensive development will not be encouraged in this class due
to the lack of urban services and/or physical limitations. The
general range of acceptable uses are limited to residences,
isolated general and convenience stores and churches, and other
public facilities. These areas are usually found at crossroads
within the "rural" classification. Most of these areas are cur-
rently served by the County water system, and because of the low -
density development, do not require centralized sewage collection
and disposal.
C. RURAL CLASS
The rural class is the broadest of the land classes and is
designated to provide for agriculture, forest management, mineral
�i extraction and other low intensity uses. Residences may be locat-
ed within the rural class where urban services, other than the
County water system, are not required and where natural resources
will not be permanently impaired. Some large developments may be
encouraged in the rural class when there -is an absence of other-
wise suitable land within the development and transition classes
and/or when there is a possible threat to the urban populace.
Such large developments or uses include airports, land application
sewer systems, and power plants. The County also reserves the
privilege of allowing specific types of industrial development in
the rural areas if in the opinion of the government there will be
no harmful or adverse effects from such a location.
1 94

D. CONSERVATION CLASS
1
The conservation class is designated to provide for effective
long-term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas
which include Areas of Environmental Concern (undeveloped shore-
lines that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for development), and
publicly owned gamelands and parks and cultural and historical
sites. Development in the estuarine system should be restricted
to such uses as piers, bulkheads, marinas, and other water -depen-
dent uses. Policy Statements under Resource Protection, and
Resource Production and Management in Section II of this plan
address the County's intentions under this class. Also, a more
detailed discussion of the Conservation classification, along with
permissible uses, is included in the preceding Section III.
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SECTION V;
IM7ERGOVERNMENTAL.
COOAUINAi'IOPf:

ISECTION V: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
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Throughout the development of this Plan, effort was made to
make the policies consistent and compatible with other local,
State, and Federal requirements. At various stages during the
Plan's development process, contact was made with the Town of
Edenton in order to coordinate certain policy issues. Implementa-
tion of the Plan will likewise follow the same intergovernmental
concern.
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APPENDIX A
CHOWAN COUNTY PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
FOR THE 1985-86 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
I. Introduction
Chowan County, in compliance with requirements of the North
Carolina Coastal Area Management Act, is preparing an update to
its Land Development Plan. The purpose of this updated plan is to
generally re -assess growth and development trends of the County in
relation to the capacity of community facilities and development
constraints. Issues affecting the County's policies on growth and
development will also be closely reviewed during this plan updat-
ing process.
A significant aspect of the plan updating process is the
involvement of the County's citizenry. This Public Participation
Plan will outline the means by which the County will foster and
encourage such participation throughout the planning process.
■ II. Public Participation Plan
Public involvement in the 1985-86 Land Use Plan Update will
be generated primarily through meetings with the Chowan County
Planning Board. This Board is composed of seven (7) local resi-
dents. Also, general "public Information" meetings will be held
to present and discuss issues before the general public. All such
meetings will be publicized through advertisements in local news-
papers and posting of public notices. Presentations will also be
made before the Chowan County Board of Commissioners and some
"joint" work sessions with both boards may be conducted. It
should be noted that both the Planning Board and the Board of
Commissioners meetings are open to the public.
III. Preliminary Meeting Schedule e g e e
The initial preliminary schedule of meetings is as follows:
A. Meeting with the Planning Board to review preliminary
development issues, November 12, 1985.
B. Public information meeting with citizens, November 20,
1985.
C. Meeting with the County Board of Commissioners to review
preliminary issues, November 5, 1985.
Other meetings/work sessions will be scheduled and appropri-
ately publicized throughout the land use plan update process. The
above schedule is presented as being preliminary.

APPENDIX A, cont'd I
I
} t ; ; O PUBLIC INFORMATION
MEETING
_1986 CAMA LAID USE PLAN! UPDATE
.-THE CHOWAN_COUNTY.BOARD.OF COMMISSIONERS WILL. CONDUCT A PUBLIC_.
INFORMATION MEETING .ON _WEDNESDAY JAN A Y 29, 1986, AT 7•00 P.
M. .
AT _THE COMMISSIONERS'_ MEETING ROOM,COUNTY COURTHOUSE, EDENTON,.... _
N.C.,. TO DISCUSS .THE UPDATE OF..THE CHOWAN COUNTY 1986 CAMA LAND
USE PLAN, THE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND PLANNING CONSULTANT WILL._
BE. IN. ATTENDANCE AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND POLICIES CONCERNING___..__
-
THIS UPDATE WILL BE DISCUSSED..._
_.ALL.INTERESTED.CITIZENS ARE URGED TO ATTEND. THIS. MEETING
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE IN
EDENTON........ _.
MR. ALTON ELMORE
CHAIRMAN
CHOWAM COUNTY BOARD
Of COMMISSIONERS_

APPEND II
SUPPLEMENT TO
CHOWAN COUNTY HURRICANE EVACUATION PLAN
Developed by the Chowan County Civil Freparedntae Adeney in Conjunction with the
North Carolina Division of Civil Preparedness
Hurricane Safety Rules
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;
.
W.W. Ym to, hurr[rw emergem, _1,l ..... .dram[ d M• l •r[e of w,iMef andd
0 WMn your Ill covwedbr+lsrrrw•mw•rM, mullet[ mrmal Ktnnw,. butnwtumd mango'
e.n " "1 N.mn" e xrNe WS.drrnrrf. Rememelr, • m m wrbl,
d,mer wnnd 24 lan:dlh..aogw mnwrban,. nunp+m wwm,gwIt t mW. Mo he,, kxp
•�. 19mraruumpe
a, WbnYmlrel lw.nx•Mrrr[.m rwr,irq:
R,. Your I.M belp IM f x •rd wad ,h, Inlmrror N,,v which might level v
form w.r m
oemd, « xNrxd.
[rap calm vma ,n. eme,wmr nx w,eea.
levee Iow I ,N, wen tna, may b 111y, by high beet «norm won well M leb—1 of I" huMeam.
p
t,
10ho—, to, - welt vul to MpJ
levee modN hemrf tar m wbft,nbd MdIN, TMy M
.
1."_. `H., e, ancnorae
eunrq ,lrorg w.mL O—., can b by ,emnng mmde wrM heavy
-
o.,. f.I
r Imnn. Nowxer, wen d nee &oven roar mobile home does rot worse t,fe,Mnp dosing
do.'
•Wr�lirr•.
Mop Ymr bee, securely Mlwe lN, n«rrl +r M m xamate it to • dxign•led If, we•. Wlwn yeti
'
hell d mined. levee O —1 don't ¢ruin once the wind ale warn are u
Bowd up mnduwf or MOIe[t Inem with norm ,hasten or tam. D.n to wn.11 wirgows a mwnry
f—.N din n d 1, L11«r wiMowf mw b broken by wind p.wun.
Secure poem ohlren Mat ­gnl b blown •war «uormted. G,rb•ge elm, garden tool, tov,, vgnf.
mM tnrnitwe. •N a comber of ether hermlw neml become mmdn of dswc,im in mrnc+ne
»icon And,p Mem d More 1— m,de bawd IN, florin 1,
St.. d, w•tx N clean WMtub. loot. betnn, n. and ceokirg unaf: ymr towns wlmr wept
mar b em —INJ by Ilemmq « damaged by hurncane floods.
HIT Deweree eoNpnerrl Your may b your only Ii1nk wish end wdld
Mf
1d0 N.—
n •ro wmrwnp coelrrq rxnnRL lrglrq sin nxnlrpn w n b nsmbd n u, t n
�eE+,
Kwn v w Meted. Serace frpom m.Y be inoperable f« wrer11 del,+In, the 11--ikes. due to
-
floeo�ng w,n,enuptee et,ctncd power.
' lrenre d 0 n nurdY aril on hqh g,oum: it it is rot, mwa m . dmgmwtl ,Mhw, veil 11•Y
me.e umn npm
IN. n ww.
Remen .meth du,.g the nupR•m. T,•rd is x 1w,r11 d+rg.roul wiry, winds me ten a• wMmim
IMoogh roof r,a.
Mmrt« 1M storm f milt qn lhm h Natq 1 W,wnw Sewiel advisories
• BEWARE THE EYE OF THE HURRICANE ' 77
N tM Wm srorm eRew tw.w dinc'fr dnrM,d, d,.r. Ma Ito Sea N the Wkid Wbnf nowt s Iw
— m "I .. haw Re 1„or S., N • .1. oi•e. 1wl.r •r. n.'m mat. art [bolo Wy'HoRRHY.
this —OtSH. w ,h, .,M tide.1 d,• ara, tb .d. a,w I.pldh ba hw— f—rd &vein I1etR or
epm.r a.r.cne..
V
5. wMn the rwn[.m ran Dewed. .
Se k mge,lwY coed p,l fare a, pM Cross d1W 11 nalgm or noprtah.
$lN out of Ural," anL Un w you «e mddwd ro Mlp, You, Prx•rca might hwnow filled ova
repo• rdk
0�gl,l all a 4 m•r b um«mrmd as mry minpr umw ,M
of hex. SIOeA, a N _1111, a hL.
A— Imr or d+rg rq wxx, alto report Mem xn~-RWIr m you, mover eomo•ny w tM mwxt
Iwr mlorcw,rrr, oOcw
.�r
Relmn b.elm.ew« or w.Iw max" m tM wow dmnmmL
Prw•nt tr Loww.d wale, ­M may mA, fin IghONd Ilimn.
_
Cb•e, rtlrgwatd lend for _.1,p a power hot bwn oN d.,.N IM npm.
R_ inn nunrcam. Mrvq arlW tan ewrw w.•r• f_m . SW aw.y f— hive bMf •m
nrwnl .ra krow pNrr wxa,ron.
T«vmx TO— by h,,,, , w. rrom Me norm,' word kid", WMn • hurrelm —I'— hum
.. a,mdo walchx W wwmms. A tornado ».,cn me+m lorn•m•, r• txo,[lee to."woo A torme0
MInM rmmenrn"rI www+b,v baw ermrro lw. w a tO—* t,tcK« w while rm a w+•r Isom u
pwnn•.gut rgie. it tn«•nrotnv ro,s I.* tiltrn IMm— dWp 0,W,hw.dxcnwrwrm
,
Safe BOatind Precaution/
t, weed wq hove •xp.e, b N.hp,d we.Mx sps• w•mr,y. Bern ale .mne•.w nP blp. upm
ud wrweL
7. 7,r belt, knit& b rwnored I— M rnw.m nw.e
3. Outol we• bean dart uqurr. am prm onx•oN .m mr»•nxm, loutgn I« Yt,.mmrq• p
mlmw qc•I m.n rO a al. wcmreq• rx.
a. S,le rsmr 1rmN, Myra mmnl el r,er «pod Ir mp1 vertu .... twgtn rq .11ew 0 .14 wb-
,wive ism^ Iw m.�n
au
5 II pulpy m n Monw,cmr rn amp inn bew 1 m, ,mwauMv ,red nqn to pel « pury on
w«w w aew ma Ip .nrg we..rya lM .l«ro »• 1 •rsr,pa Io noo.f eo+n N IN, group
Noma • N M tN mr w mwf .ra 11 m u,rrg pro,"ore Wmp«, of I.roer, ellreen. Jul
.
irmwpl
1plenlrmomt rry,dp .hcootl.
p�mdl.wr,
...
g
,wfro•mw
In.nrrwn,wrg
M grove .geomervm n,oNsmetitx«•
prroralwrnt
waOert [inmn
mwr.eworo,rMdu.Mbcmr.b
lua,e
bn tmn to 1.11 11.
fi. oom; twmor.lr to bww,lw.drrq Idxon..b.wh of c•puP W.. rn thm11..r,clor.p.
Br W • tha, . NN... ons.p «own of exu,ed inns w m.d w.dwr for rt• arw,ry men
ww,ro veld wcmr•p b•vom tin Ixp bon,.rcmrb,
f. Set, w,eNq bellMuloel trd hqh, ulrm a hall hrlch krol lgopkron dPl. Rood HNtb ti vW
el sulltrM ,. Iw. c«• el xcwN. hqh
(BP
CHOWAN COUNTY
CIVIL PREPAREDNESS AGENCY
w0 ,• r00 NOT[L em.cre. cr [p[wrON. NORTHH C^R CAROLiNAINA
TO ALL RESIDENTS DF cHONAN COUNTY
In Carolinacoreof a ChowanhCountane approaching the toast your of North
know what to do and where �t0 go you a nd o survivetheyhigh Mneed ds to
water and disastrous effects thy severe
could be caused b
weather condittons in our area.
The advice contained 1n this newsp part of the official Hurricane Evacuation aper Supplement is a
Plan for Chowan
County. This Plan has been prepared at the request of, and
approved by, the Chowan County Board of Commissioners, and
the Mayor of Edenton. Participating in the preparation of
andstheallorthwereCarolinathe wDepartmean ntcof CivilPreparedness
ControlzanCePuD-
tic Safety - Division of Civil Preparedness.
This newspaper supplement will give tll residents of
cane n County their best chance of survival should a hurri-
cane strike. we urge all citizens to carefully study the
contents of this Plan and keep it 1n a safe place where 1t
can be readily fnund,
Addi Lion&' in'
ormatf on can be seturcd from the ehowen
County Civil Preparedness Agency, County Office Building,
East King Street, Edenton, North Carolina - Telephone Number
482-3171.
C. A. Phillips, Chairman
Chowan County Boord of Commissioners
Hurricane Pacts
Tht .rein. hie of a RlRrwwq b 9 d+ys Tb. [ew.p a lm 1. d huleawr. 4"OR" In [Yaw Y 1— and d. rNRH, -
mn,bar hot bin 11. - t-
,Yx,6 d 190 MM haw 41p flbwlr.d N I.1rNear,a. Itrwtd. N 10a91: _ • � . .
S,e,w rids w. dr Ikam ions krw, not tN, iNL Cemaar: a bba.1 wW ere IRua, k% 121w, dap veil a,a
eNM w,d n • brtwn. cot rr.Ip,b,a ma. Nan 20 Rtlil s
w.rt bdd,r w nil pal d tM rdw IN- al .,s.1 .d. «kb"n T.rp,Jew—
aoo0 pop'. fps, frw n..1 Ml.t1 a Ixwrwar N, MT[.w rem N
W.kg Im wo..f smm+ m C-�W. In 1960. old, 256 0—
1loerevw, move shin t00.rw«4 A RR., a hplrr lewd. I, has W,
sdlrurlr ..bn,.,.d dial wfn,.,wg wNea 60,000 It.- _
T.-.6-w.. pn d 9. W. lent by d k—d. '
Or. ,kw eawlYg .Mt, bf . Mrwrrs a.+d a ab.K .w.Rdt N sp.stY
.t .Ind, in M. Nm,L RN.*q f fA pr.ww..weal by the be.*- ...ir.•
M Nov mow, mtv 1p.000 pow WaPt,n febL - .
/A.riwr dr,1.p Y .Met N M Iserdl.w[ yabaM d M amlR -.
.• wa+dna a,.w ova IR b M u9ora.� ,.veep: TM &wisp .rls whys to_." i•ldld 21 be— M a*- Y:.•r
M milt rdr Is. Fs . 1?Rd.a 1•rd,il p.dttNl M pw.61 I.ew w N iw. WrrdM Il.w.wlrM eww •�•IR -
200fWwd0waaw
9fi w a-" r.w d. NOR, inlPRW-dwl nor I. N.rwalr,.aamt •> T- ,'- -
1. Ktmw tit deawlwl d rrw a.t WW .bp. Ryan RR — kS
1 Nov.. It..r...R1 — pl r
' � 1 l..ww N.www awp hwsr bT.+r rsl►, y i ,. � T �...
• Tpw d+wdd YM ..ps.l la,!e•W a ht hit Rpf . hw.w,w - .•. , ; • c
4-"
L ►.AIIYd a..r, t,lpald .o.wsmimew% tm #S c tY, w,ori. baked W veil a.wfoRwit „el•th'a
. I,11del.,.t.a ,M. alerwl to 11,pNA, � .
�. pwOd pretlw.l _ 1
r. /
WJRRKAM MAMKS SIVA A NIJRRICARE MAT TIMEATM AR AREA 111THM 34 MOt— • j
f iRR101WAIM WA11111611110E MEAN A HURRICANE It RJPWM TO ELRIK9M—A-1111!10U11R•;
.w

Huzricaae Shelters
sWlzltu
Bvl[alac Ahm
Wn/a®E■
L/ TION
461
National Guerd 11-17
Wr. Broad street
zdsoteo, Wrth Cero1Le 27932
®2
John A. Wlma N19h School
Iloodaid 6treet
Edenton. Wt. Carolina 27932
03
D. P. Waller School
North Oatua Street
- rdantoor North CarolLla 27932
04
zrnest A. Sw J A Elemeotuy School
Court Street
Edspton. North Car U- 27932
®S
CLoean.Nigh School
N.C. htigbway W. 32 - North
Type[. Wrth Carolina 27980
®6
- White Oak Elas—taty School
County Road No. 1226 (1/2 pile west
Of Tyner: North Carolina - NC High-
-7 32 - Wrth( 27980
®7
Jaycaa Bui14la9
County Poed 1119 (Sde tea Nuolclpal
ALyoct)zdanboo, North Caralim 27932.
®0
Arrit•-^ la9Lm Dulidlpy (zd Bond
Poet P t0) O.S. NSghlrap 17 -Sou.
Edsntoo, With Carolina 27932
Instructions for Evacuees
w n.e roar I«r ,«..wrr.e, r.rrr....wrron, A«, c.lm, qa tone.. nn.r. n«,d«x p.omxw:
W. lnr.l elt m,m a.f..+. ,nd w,n ma.n tower lwncn pelor, rc.rro npm,.
7. dNa m x o•.,trcd D
E.o n P r ,. u,ry m r. co a• o
Urr.e ur l2, mNrucl, II on Iqw, Dr«eN ,enrre,rxl
bet�ro na bn'jrvl eo«d oufrwuNe l,•, w II G cn� ged.ro
3. TN, only cloln,p to meJbrn In„ n rwcxtxY. de rol Wry t0 brrq Mufebld qu•p
mmr. E.+cualq n.n wnr De w cb to p e.mt Ipol•ry
. Follow rmnr«eom of Melrcr perfoeeel, and vdunleer to n,lp wrM ,nY Inkf n,eded 1« ,Il,c•q,
Mrlrcr eper,pon.
S 8emam ,t Me 1nr11.1 unnl IM-d 11.1 You a Pool, wrll not b elow,d tack mho
«N —d N„f ema .d.rud [r on,dr wmc,now«em.nt
Q—tio,e sbould be dlr,eted to the Ch— County Civil. Pr,per,dn,ea
Coo[dinator, Poop 100, Wtal Joseph Nev,e. Edenton. or. —li— 77932
(Phone, 919/482-3111)
a

1- RNING AND ALERTING - FLOW CHART
1�0a
(ORGII,ATES)
\ 1'/L'!i'1'I1L'I\iY ltti,
71LUBSCRIBERS
PMUCIPAL
CIVIL PREPAPM-DIMSS
STATE
41ARIT IlIG
COORDINATOR
`
4lAFtilIllG
Poi"T
POIIIT
( POLICE
\ hiUdICIPAL
(Slip)
DEPT .)
WARNING
NOTE 1
'.
SYSTEH
ALERTS
ROTE 2
- Chm. , County Board of
STATE
Commissioners
LOC
AREA
- Sheriff
P U B L I C
(RALEIGH)
COORDIl-ATORS
- Supt. of Schools
- Director of Social
Service
ALERTS
ALERTS
ALERTS
- Director of County
Health Department
ATTMUTION:
- State
- Local CP Co-
- CP Coordi-
- County Fire Marshall
Officals
ordinators in
nator
- County Rescue Sqd.
Each Primary Momber
& D^pt.
all affected
- Chief of
Representative
of Control and
- American
& adjacent
Police
- County Red Cross
Support Groups will
I'lational
counties'
- Mavor
Representative
alert their o,•m
Red Cross
- Other Department
first and second
- Federal
Heads or Necessary
alternates.
Agencies
Personnel.
(I'd. C.
Agencies)
NOTES: 1. Warnings relayed by PIN. Where no terminal, passed on by phone/radio from
nearest terminal by agrQenment,
2. County & municipal warning systems disseminate warnings* to public by radio/tv
bulletins, newspaper extras, hard bills, signs, loud speaker or other aural
systems, and door to door. La„ enforcement, a,escue squad -and volunteer
organizations used to spread warnings iahen activiated by the Control Group.
l ATTACIN�MNT `-J

t
1
INCREASED READINESS ACTION CHECK LIST
Agency Responsibilities
CIVIL PREPAREDNESS COORDINATOR
INCREASED
-
Coordination of plans for all agencies.
READINSSS
-
Overall coordination of operations.
ACTION
-
Submitting reports and operations of EOC.
-
Conducting tests and exercises.
CONDITION 5
1.
Update Hurricane Evacuation Plan.
2.
Check warning systems and ensure notifica-
Beginning of
cation rosters are current.
Hurricane
3.
Release general information to public.
Season
4.
Conduct exercise to test entire blan.-
CONDITION 4
1.
Review plans and procedures and alert
personnel.
72 Hours Alert
2.
Coordinate preparation as necessary.
CONDITION 3
1.
Partial activation of EOC.
2.
Check that key personnel are available and
48 Hours OR
advised of situation.
3.
Release hurricane proparedness informat -ion.
Hurricane Watch
4.
Check all communications system. J
CONDITION 2
1.
Place EOC on 21L hour schedule.
2.
Liaison with EOC from all operating
24 Hours OR
agencies.
3.
All communications operational.
Hurricane Warning
1�.
Continuous evaluation of information w-f ; !-: j
Control Group.
5.
Implementation of decisions.
CONDITION 1
1.
l
Gathering a -rid dissemination of information
to all agencies.
12 Hours OR LESS
2.
Coordination of all operations.
EVACUATION
3.
Implementation of decisions.
CONDITION 0
1.
Gathering and dissemination of information.
2.
Reports to Area Civil Preparedness Agency.
('LANDFALL"
3.
Request for -assistance as required.
1.
i
Coordination of damage assessment and
RE-ENTRY
reports.
2.
Clean up and recovery.
3.
Coordination of re-entry.
1
ATTAMMENT 3
1

C
INCREASED READINESS ACTION CHECK LIST
Agency Responsibilities
SHERIFF
1
1
INCREASED
-
Direction and control of evacuation and re-
entry operations.
READINESS
-
Serves as liaison officer for all law en-
forcement agencies within county.
ACTION.
-
Ensure communication between Control. and
Support Groups, shelter and traffic%control
points.
CONDITION 5
1.
Check evacuation plan and update personnel
roster.
Beginning of
2.
Check warning and alerting procedures.
Hurricane Season
CONDITION 1�
1.
Provide all weather advisories to.County
EOC.
72 Hours Alert
2.
Review plans and procedures.
CONDITION 3
1.
Warning Center notify Control and Support
Group members that Hurricane ,latch issued.
48 Hours OR
Hurricane Watch
CONDITION 2
1.
Notify Control and Support Groups that
Hurricane Warning issued.
24 Hours OR
2.
I•Zobilize personnel.
3.
Finalize plans to direct evacuation if
HURRICANE WARNING
ordered.
4.
Assist motorist presently evacuating
voluntarily.
5.
Representative man EOC.
COi,1DITION 1
1.
Dispatch vehicles with loudspeaI;ers to
areas in which evacuation ordered.
12 Hours OR LESS
2.
Patrol evacuated area.
3.
Coordinate communications between shelters,
EVACUATION
checkuoints'and EOC.
CONDITION 0
1.
Secure evacuated areas as conditions
permit.
i1LANDFALL11
2.
Move stragglers and stay -behinds to best
available shelters.
1.
Prevent looting.
RE-ENTRY
2.
Request needed assistance.
3.
Control access to evacuated areas.
4.
Maintain liaison with other law enforcement
agencies.
2 ATTACHI�IC- NT 3

INCREASED READINESS ACTION CHECK LIST
r
1
f]
1
Agency Responsibilities
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES
RTCREASED
-
Overall shelter operations.
READINESS
-
Provide personnel to assist in operation of
ACTION
shelters and registration of evacuees.
CONDITION 5
1.
Update plans and personnel rosters.
2.
Conduct refresher training.
Beginning of
Hurricane Season
'CONDITION 4
1.
Review plans and procedures and alert
personnel.
72 Hours Alert
2.
Coordinate preparations as necessary.
CONDITION 3
1.
Coordinate with Red Cross to ensure ±;hat
shelter requirements will be satisfied.
48 Hours OR
Hurricane Watch
CONDITIOIT 2
1.
Assign personnel to shelters.
2.
Coordinate with and assist Red Cross
24 flours OR
representative.
HURRICANE I1ARNING
COITDITION 1
1.
Provide personnel to assist with shelter
registration.
12 Hours OR LESS
2.
Coordinate support of shelter operations.
EVACUATION
3.
Implementation of decisions.
CONDITIOIT 0
1.
Continue support of shelter operations.
+1LANDFALL f t
1.
Continue to assist Red Cross.
RE-EITTRY
2.
Provide necessary support to disaster
victims.
3
ATTACEMENT 3

INCREASED READIIESS ACTION CHECK LIST
Agency Responsibilities
SUPERII=TDEIIT OF SCHOOLS
INCREASED
-
Provide facilities to be used as shelters.
-
Provide -personnel to assist in operation
READINESS
of shelters.
-
Provide school bus transportation when
ACTION
requested.
.CONDITION 5
1.
Ensure that Red Cross Agreements and•plans
to operate shelters are current.
Beginning Of
2.
Update personnel list.
Hurricane Season
CONDITION 4
1.
Review plans and procedures and alert
personnel.
72 Hours Alert
2.•
Coordinate preparations as necessary.
CONDITION 3
1.
Male contact with Red Cross on using
schools as shelters.
48 Hours OR
Hurricane Watch
COITDITION 2
1.
Close schools, send pupils home if school
in session.
24 Hour OR
2.
Mobilize personnel and assign_ them to
designated shelters with Red Cross.
Hurricane Z•Tatch
3.
Conduct joint inspection of designated
shelters with Red Cross.
4.
Re resontative man EOC.
CONDITION 1
1.
As Red Cross volunteers, assist in
operation of shelters.
12 Hours OR LASS
EVACUATION
COi•IDITION 0
1.
Continue shelter operation
I'LANDFALLIt
RE-EITTRY
1.
Operate shelters as required.
2.
Phase out shelter operations.
4 ATTACH1,1EIIT 3
i

k
I
1
11TCREASED READINESS ACTION C=CK LIST
Agency Responsibilities
COUNTY HEALTH DIR—ECTOR
INCREASED
-
Ensure that health and medical needs are
READINESS
provided during evacuation, shelter and
ACTION
re-entry.
COITDITIOh 5
1.
Inventory shelter emergency supplies.
2.
Update personnel list.
Beginning of
Hurricane
Season
I
CONDITION
1.
Review plans and procedures and alert
personnel.
72'Hours Alert
2.
Coordinate preparations as necessary.
CONDITION 3
1.
Maintain liaison with EOC.
48 Hours OR
Hurricane Watch
CONDITION 2
1.
Mobilize personnel.
2.
Representative man EOC.
24 Hours OR
3.
Ensure adequate health personnel in
shelters.
Hurricane .latch
4.
Ensure shelters are maintained in a
sanitary condition.
5.
Report pertinent health information to
officials.
CONDITIOId 1
1.
Provide health and medical requirements
in shelters.
12 hours OR LESS
EV GMA ION
CONDITION 0
1.
Continue shelter operation.
11 LANDFALL 11
.RE-EITTRY
1.
Determine any health problems affecting
re-entr3T into danaged areas .
5 ATTACHT--ENT 3

f
M
INCREASED READINESS ACTION CHECK LIST
Agency Responsibilities
COUNTY FINANCE DIRECTOR
INCREASED
-
Maintain financial data.
READII-ESS
-
Adapt accounting system to provide
ACTION
emergency expenditure information upon
reauest.
CONDITION 5
1.
Review emergency accounting procedures.
Beginning of
Hurricane
Season
CONDITION 4
1.
Review plans and procedures.
72 Hours Alert
CONDITION 3
1.
Contact and remind all Agency Heads to
maintain separate hurricane expenditure
48 Hours OR
records.
Hurricane Watch
CONDITION 2
1.
Record all expenditures relating to
hurricane in separate account.
24 Hours OR
HURRICAi-TE Z-TARITING
CONDITION 1
12 Hours OR LESS
EVACUATION
COITDITIO:T 0
1'LAITDFALL1'
1.
Provide financial data on emergency
RE-ENTRY
expenditures to Control Group.
6 ATTACHI•IENT 3

0
u
3
I
F1
i
INCREASED READINESS ACTION CHLCK LIST
Agency Responsibilities
COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR
INCREASED
-
Conduct damage assessments.
READINESS
ACTION
CONDITION 5
1.
Review and update damage assessment
procedures.
Beginning of
2.
ChecI;/update roster of damage assessment
Hurricane Season
personnel.
CONDITION L�
1.
Maintain liaison with County EOC.
72 Hours Alert
CONDITION 3
1.
Maintain liaison with County EOC. �
1} 8 Hours OR
Hurricane Match
CONDITION 2
1.
Representative man ECC.
24 Hours OR
HURRICAITE JARNINiG
_
CONDITION 1
12 Hours OR LESS
EVACUATION
CONDITION 0
I'LANDFALL"
1.
Assemble personnel.
RE-ENTRY
2.
Conduct damage assessment.
3.
Furnish damage assessment data to EOC.
4.
Revise property records.
ATTA CTMENT

10
INCREASED READIiTESS ACTION CHUCK LIST
Agency Responsibilities
CODUTY FIRE MRSHALL
INCREASED
- Coordinate fire fighting support throughout
the county.
READIITESS
- Assist Law Enforcement and Rescue upon
request.
ACTION
CONDITION 5
1. Review and update emergency operational
procedures.
Beginning of
Hurricane Season
CONDITION 4
1. Review plans and procedures and alert
personnel.
72 Hours Alert
2. Coordinate preparations as necessarxr.
CONDITION 3
1. Gas up a]_1 vehicles.
2. Chock all equipment.
48 Hours OR
Hurricane I -latch
CONDITIOiv 2
1. Representative to EOC.
2. Mobilize personnel.
24 Hours OR
3. Render assistance as requested.
Hurricane Warning
4. Coordinate fire fighting; activities.
CONDITION 1
1. Provide assistance to other agencies as
required.
12 Hours OR LESS
2. Dispatch personnel to assigned shelters.
EVACUATION
CONDITION 0
«LANDRALLrr
RE-EIITRY
1. Render assistance as requested.
'
1
8 ATTACHI•=NT 3

0
11
1
1
It
I
I
INCREASED READIIESS ACTION CHECI. LIST
Agency Responsibilities
CHIEF OF COUNTY RESCUL SQUAD
(Other Rescue Officials)
INCREASED
-
Coordinate county rescue/ambulance
READINESS
operations.
ACTION
-
Provide ambulance service to transport non -
ambulatory persons.
COITDITIOIT 5
1.
Review and update emergency operational
procedures
Beginning of
Hurricane Season
CONDITION .4
1.
Review plans and procedures and alert
personnel.
72 hours Alert
2.
Coordinate preparations as necessary.•
COIIDITION 3
1.
Gas up all vehicles.
2.
Check all equipment.
1}8 Hours OR
Hurricane Match
COITDITION 2
1.
Representative to EOC.
2.
I•Iobilize personnel.
24 Hours OR
3.
Ilove non -ambulatory persons and provide
other assistance as recuested.
HURRICANE WA.RIdING
CONDITION 1
1.
Provide assistance to other agencies as
reauired.
12 Hours OR LESS
2.
Dispatch personnel to assigned shelters.
EVACUATION
CONDITION 0
n LA1\1DFALL"
RE-EITTRY
1.
Conduct rescue operations.
2.
Inform Control Group of personnel and
equipment needs.
9
ATTACII•TE�

f
T
INCREASED READIIESS ACTION Cl rCK LIST
Agency Responsibilities
AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS
CHOI-IAN COUNTY CHAPTER
INCREASED
- Operate designated Red Cross shelters.
READINESS
- Provide other Red Cross assistance.
ACTION
CONDITION 5
1. Ensure shelter agreements and plans.to
operate shelters are current.
Beginning of
2. Conduct training for shelter management
Hurricane
personnel.
Season
CONDITION 4
1. Review plans and procedures. Alert
personnel..
72 Hours Alert
2. Coordinato preparations as necessary._
COI•TDITION 3
1. Mobilizo personnel.
2. Designate and assign personnel to specific
48 Hours OR
_shelters.
Hurricane Watch
CONDITION 2
1. Brief shelter managers.
2. Conduct joint inventory of shelters with
24 Hours OR
school and other personnel.
3. Representative man EOC.
HURRICAITE WARNING
4- Upon EOC direction, open and operate.
shelters.
5. Keen EOC informed of shelter situation.
COI3DITIOIT 1
1. Maintain liaison with EOC.
2. Keep EOC informed of shelter situation.
12 Hours OR LESS
EVACUATION
CONDITION 0
1. Keep EOC informed of shelter situation.
fILANDFALL11
RE-EITTRY
1. Operate shelters as long as necessary.
2. Render assistance to needy persons.
10 ATTA CHI,TEITT� �,

C C V N T r
■ 1 •oo,000'
s
t
E
NOTE MA► WQUDES ONLY STATE MAReTARNID ROADS G r
OR 1M►ORTANT NON -SYSTEM ROADS.
MR.EAGE NOT SHOWN ON FROWAGE ROADS,
ROADS SHOWN AS Of IAN. 1, Iris. 9
Amppe
• �i: • • • .•::• • • , ,
• �� .:i • • it •
•
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o Coder HIS
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• �• •. 4Lo IL 0
..
i 00
CHOWAN COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
IMn•MC •t M
= NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT Of TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION Of HIGHWAYS—►IANNWG AND USEARCH KANCH
•• COONR••ON WON M
U.S. DWARTMEW Of TRANS/OR'WON
KMAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
O
U
MAP 3
EXISTING LAND USES
RESIDENTAL
COMMERCIAL
INSTITUTIONAL
` • •'
AGRICULTURAL 84 FORESTS
1� •, •... •• • • • ^
• ••••�• �, • •• •• �.• M'. M • ion • • `���
•, I • • • • • • • • • _ • • • •tso 0 •• • • • ••
• • • • ! • • • • �sI••••• ` • ••• ,V�
YEOPI
• r; • • • • • •• �•
00
• . • • y • • . • ,•
•• •. . c. •..' • . , • • , •••
C .•i .• •
Rover •••• • • •• • ••. • t `•. f • • •• • • '
.10
' \Smdv time� so
/ A
L •�
,ram
'IYi+ pra0iration of this map wag /I/
Lin•need ,n port throuen a %rant
providro t+v the north Carolina
C�ype=tlq Nanaaemo,Mt ProOram,
tnrouge t Una, provided by the --vim, - — - •.
coastal 2oar Mansoomment Act of _ -� _ g I U
1972. ws aaendee, which is O
'� - P
Administereo o? tnr Office of �� \ _ J ! L -
Ocean Ann Coastal Resource
H- - - �
anno.nent, sitiocai oceanic and r N
A Un•senerie Aamt nl at[;iron. /1\ o
KAM � W A
G t
t • -1 S i. • NSA
R u I MRR
� U

. V.—I
r
C
V N T y
E
'
CHOWAN COUNTY
More, aw evauoes Dear sTAs wwrAeveD ROAOA G
�
I
� ,,,)
MA wrIF NOT Na+•srsTtM FRONTAGE
MNiAGE NOT SHOWN ON FaOMAG! •GADS.
I
~
NORTH CAROLINA
ROADS SHOWN AS Or AK 1, IM/.
4
Z
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT Of TRANSPIWATI(M — �`—
' •ny r
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS —PLANNING AND RESEARCH SRANCM
4 '
US. DEPARTMENT OF iWiN$PORIATKk1
♦ -Z. isc
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
I�
• `i
•
r
1,
r
fr -
4•
-
.0
f ,i
rj
/.
�
�
S
e
/w
o?
o
0
/•
-01 /
i.T
/
The o[doa[ation o[ thl5 mao vas
fine ncea in part tnrvuon a arant
10000,
provided nv the Barth i.Arolina
/
CoaStai Manaabment Pr oc ram.
through tunas orov)dad by the
Coastal 'onq Manaae'n•nc Act of
19;2, ss amenden, which at
adls inistereo Dy the Office of
I
Ocean and Cc&S t]: 40sour Ce
M•naaement, %)t)onal Oceanic and
;
Atmosoner)c Aam)nistration.
ICA►I
1 a 1 >
> .tree
a as
I Ile
eCALI POS IPSASOWINTi
MAP 6
EXISTING GENERAL LAND USES
HIGH
FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
®
HIGH FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
�••....
RESIDENTAL
COMMERCIAL
INSTITUTIONAL i
USES
W
COU
is 05
Nrr
1
N-1
S•�w« ) I
!r
-1--ee".
N
2 A
I
I � N
v
R' F C 0
I 0 N
W A : N I N G
I
I
i
I / -

1
a
HOT- MO Ir CLLIM ONLY STAT/ MAINTAMrY ROAD6
OR WPOETANr NOF►SYSTRM ROADS.
MILEAGE NOT SHOWN ON FRONTAGE ROADS.
ROADS SHOWN AS OF AN. 1• 19•4.
0
• l,• II
It
CHOWAN COUNTY
.. NORTH CAROLINA
rairueo sr "a
2 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS —PLANING AND RESEARCH BRANCH
N COOMAIgl Wml Ile
U S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMIF•STRATION
O
U
MAP 8
EXISTING GENERAL LAND USES
GENERAL SOILS -LIMITATIONS FOR SEPTIC
TANKS
I*11NI•• •,)I• • ••
i• •' '• . ! `tlf ' :: • • • • • RESIDENTAI ® SEVERE LIMITATIONS
• •f. • • COMMERCIAL MODERATE LIMITATIONS
•... • � � ` �. ' • • •
• "•'^ •'.• . ••••• •` • • • • INSTITUTIONAL
•
• a • •Q•�y5 :,�� • •
• • %40'
•
•
v \ • ••' • ••••• • •I It
• • • •
\♦ i ♦ • • Ilex: .},• .•• • • •••• ••• • � • •
Poe
.00
•� ::i •.
.\ A
T �
.001, 1
1 The preparation of this mao ras %
fa need In part thr000n a a14.1. r
provided by the North Carolina
i coastal As"Gemeat aroaram, N
tnrouch funds 'pro vioad the
1� 2 as0 aendedmanae, MO
which : is R�
a"Inistered by the Office of '
Man and Coastal Resource ;
H ana•enen C. 83ti Onal Oceanic and O
A LeospRe[iC Administration.
EGW A
� s H I N G
I • I • aRRR
S •s I MU
Esau
KAU POE BRABOVA NU
E® ■
11

t.. • %�i �. ��i
'01
;•'%ooO
�. '••ppe', it /���. I � .
�! •sir •��. , `�'`."'\ .
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WA
WA LA�
i•�°Q � y •'�� ' moo. �'�•�
Oil
0 i°i i•• ��; �&�ssi°a
*010
r s•°.•.•'i'ir�. ° . ••.O's•Oi'i�ss i
Hof
NIS
Rom
Wo
long
wo
mall
AOP
1
•
r

A
s
E
Np1A MAP R•IILMS ONLY STATE MAWBAOM ROAM r
OR WPOWAHr NOWSYSTEM ROADS, G
MILEAGE NOT SHOWN ON RKINTAos ROADI
ROADS SHOWN AS Of SAX I, 1•14. Q
'�•�•eeeeeee�
•saes•
H E R T F O R 0 ` • ._„� •. •` • to
j"+.
• w.
COUNTY ; "0 •
�ICan,•w fr.y � •..; ,cf � � �
• uo•
N.n .
'o
I
•
�
uA • ° ti � •
1• �f y
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Y>4 •yh ken• • •
!
•• • Inlla. es •
i
•11!• WJ • '
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S •••
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•
• • 3 • iiii•.. •'i::
1
•
,.
•, tt
O `
'
•3
C,.o
:. ° .:u ` • '' • : )J: 4 !' � • Ill /
I
..�• •
>~r; ``'' :' : '": 'r, poi. •�, s
46
Irk
yw •
'1•• •
s%
• • • eery
• • r f • •1 •
• • •','
•
• • J►�
_CHOWAN COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
z NORTH CAROUNA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DMSIOH Of HIGHWAYS—PW*ANC AND RESEARCH MANCN
� r u3o/�.Aw war se
U.S. DHARTMENT OF U04POWMION
HDERAI HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
O
V
MAP 10
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
® TRANSITION
COMMUNITY
•.' RURAL
CONSERVATION
` 1
y
i•
�
ter•
�•�♦�•♦•♦•
F
Jim,
4
�: .I
TheFtaaaratton of CRSs' MSlP
financed ,n pArt thrDY•h a gc
prov:a a t*1 the North CA1 11"
Crass.! *e•naae••At Dre!•zaflla.
thV010n funds orowid•el dY' -tAe.
- Coastal toew Man4
4e•a11t ut of
1912.- as aaend•a, vhcch is
adm3nrstered by the Office of
ocean and CoastalRes•ur L".•
Hshaaement, National oceanta 4a"
A tmO•pRlriC Ad,44At•triC100. •�"�
NOTE: By definition, all Areas
of Environmental Concern
!ABCs) are classified
"Conservation," and aft
CAMA
CRMA investigation by
is
permit officers is I
necessary to determine ;
exact locat-ions of ABCs.
K"m
3 • E S ram
Imu
• / • • • • ip1 • {'ram • •
ewer ►••+ • , • ft !•,•r • •
ohm 00"
1 J��o.1 a • •.0 r � -
• • 1
r3
IIw••,•.w M+ of
•�
� .y a i''00 3•M
` r
RI ., p O
Af C
N
W A 3 H I N G
t O