Land Use Plan 1991 Update-1992

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ChowanCounty
CA
DCM COPY 'i/ ` DCM COPY
lease do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management Copy
Ian
p
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The preparation of this document and/or maps, was financed In part through a
'
grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through
funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended
which is administered by the Office Of Ocean And Coastal Resource
Management National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration.
' Local Adoption: July 6, 1992
CRC Certification: July 24, 1992
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�jTWA Ken Weeden &Associates
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CHOWAN COUNTY p NORTH CAROLINA
LAND USE PLAN: 1991 UPDATE
PREPARED FOR
' CHOWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
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CHOWAN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
R. Wayne Goodwin, Chairman
James C. "Pete" Dail, Vice Chairman
George E. Jones
Frank W. White, Jr.
James E. Taylor
Emmett Winborne
A.F. "Jerry" Downum
PREPARED BY CHOWAN COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
Jack Evans, Chairman
Percy White
Anthony Hathaway, Jr.
Linda White
Emily Amburn
Derrick Wadsworth
Carolyn Spruill
Lynda Hendricks, Clerk to Planning Board
AND
CHOWAN COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Luther C. Copeland, County Manager
Nancy B. Morgan, Administrative Assistant
PLANNING ASSISTANCE PROVIDED
BY
Kenneth Weeden, AICP Planner -In -Charge
Ken Weeden & Assoc., Inc.
CRC Certification: July 24, 1992
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CHOWAN COUNTY
VIRGINIA
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SOUTH
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Scale In Miles
0 25 50 75 100
ALBEMARLE
SOUND
MAP 1
Location Map

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CHOWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
LAND USE PLAN: 1991 UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
SECTION I: Analysis of Existing Conditions
A.
Establishment of Information Base
1
B.
Present Conditions
2
1. Population
2
2. Economic Analysis
5
a. General
5
b. Agricultural and Forestry
5
C. Commercial Fishing
7
d. Manufacturing and Commercial Activity
8
e. Tourism
9
f. Employment and Income
9
g. Local Government Revenue Summary
12
h. Economic Summary
13
3. Housing
14
C.
Existing Land Use Analysis
15
1. General Patterns
15
2. Significant Land and Water Compatibility Problems
18
3. Major Problems from Unplanned Development
20
4. Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes
20
5. Identification of Areas of Environmental Concern
21
D.
Review of Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
23
E.
Constraints: Land Suitability
26
1. Physical Limitations
26
2. Fragile Areas
32
3. Areas with Resource Potential
37
F.
Constraints: Capacity of Community Facilities
40
1. Water
40
2. Sewer
41
3. Solid Waste
42
4. Public School Enrollments
42
5. Transportation
44
6. Medical Services
46
7. Emergency and Protective Services
46
8. Recreation
46
9. Other Facilities
47
G.
Estimated Demand
47
1. Population and Economy
47
2. Future Land Need
48
3. Community Facilities Need
48
SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS
A. Resource Protection 50
1. Area of Environmental Concern 50
2. Development in Areas with Constraints 53
3. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs 55
4. Other Resource Protection Policy Areas 55
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B.
Resource Production and Management Policies
58
1. Commercial & Recreational Fisheries
58
2. Recreational Lands
59
3. Residential & Commercial Land Development
59
4. Agriculture
59
5. Commercial Forestry
60
6. Other Resource Production & Management Issues
60
7. Resource Production & Management:
Implementation Strategy
60
C.
Economic and Community Development Policies
61
1. Community Attitude Toward Growth
61
2. Types and Locations of Desired Industry
62
3. Local Commitment to Service Provisions
63
4. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
63
5. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
64
6. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
65
7. Assistance to Channel Maintenance
65
8. Energy Facility Siting
65
9. Tourism and Beach and Waterfront Access
66
10. Establishment of a Recycling Program
66
11. Density of Development
66
12. Land Use Trends
67
D.
Continuing Publi.c_Participation Policies
67
E.
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery,
and Evacuation Plans
68
1. Effects of a Coastal Storm
68
a. High Winds
68
b. Flooding
69
c. Wave Action
69
d. Erosion
69
2. Composite Hazards
70
3. Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies
70
4. Policy to Discourage Development in Most
Hazardous Areas
71
5. Policy on Public Acquisition of land in the most
hazardous areas
72
6. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
72
7. Hurricane Evacuation Plan
76
8. Re -Entry
76
SECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
A.
General
77
B.
Limited Transition
78
C.
Community
79
D.
Rural, WIth Services
79
E.
Conservation
79
F.
Other Classifications
81
G.
Land Classification Summary
81
SECTION
IV: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
SECTION V: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
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LIST OF TABLES, CHARTS, MAPS
Table No.
Title
Page
1
Chowan County Population 1950-2000
2
2
Racial Composition of Chowan County
3
2-A
Gender and Age, 1990
3
3
Public School Enrollment, 1980-1988
4
4
Township Population: 1950-1990
4
5
Agricultural Income: 1986-1990
7
6
Commercial Fishery Income
8
7
Payroll and Establishments,1980-1988
8
8
Tourism Income: 1981-1988
9
9
Civilian Labor Force Characteristics,
and Unemployment rates
10
10
Industry Employment by Place of Work
10
11
State Sales and Use Tax For Chowan
County, FY 1985-1989
11
12
Gross Retail Sales by Major Business
Groups; FY 1985-86: and 1989-90
11
13
Chowan County Families and Persons with
Below Poverty Income
12
14
Per Capita Personal Income
12
15
Real Property Assessed Tax Values,
1985-1990
13
16
Building Permit Data, 1985-1990
13
17
1980-1990 Census Housing Data
15
18
Major Land Uses: 1978, 1987
16
18-A
Approved Subdivision Plats by Township;
1985-1991
17
19
Soil Types Suitable for Various Uses
28
20
Classifications of Water Systems
31
21
Characteristics of Significant Natural
Areas
33-A
22
Soil Types Identified for Important
Farmland
38
23
Chowan County Water System Customers:
1975-1991
40
24
County Water System Capacity
41
25
Edenton - Chowan County Schools
First -Month Daily Membership
43
26
Edenton - Chowan School District School
Membership and Classroom
Utilization, 1990-91
44
27
Chowan County Highway Mileage,
1982, 1987, and 1990
45
28
Average Daily Traffic Courts for Key
Intersections in Chowan County,
1987 and 1989
45.
29
State Recreation Plan:
County Needs Assessment
47-a
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MAPS
1.
Location Map
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2.
Chowan County Township Map
4a
3.
Existing Land Use Map
(Attached)
4.
High Hazard Flood Areas
(Attached)
5.
Estuarine Erosion Areas
27a
6.
General Soils Limitations for Septic Tanks
(Attached)
7.
Water Classifications
(Attached)
8.
Significant Natural Areas
33a
9.
National Register of Historic Properties/Study List
(Attached)
10.
Major Traffic Intersections; ADT, 1987, 1989
(Attached)
11.
Composite Hazards
(Attached)
12.
Land Classification, 1991
(Attached)
CHART
I.
Estuarine Erosion Areas
27b
91

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CHOWAN COUNTY LAND USE PLAN UPDATE, 1991
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
This 1991 Land Use Plan Update for Chowan County has been prepared in accordance
with requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (LAMA).
Specifically, this document complies with Subchapter 7B, "Land Use Planning
Guidelines," of the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended.
The initial LAMA Land Use Plan was prepared jointly for Chowan County and the
Town of Edenton in 1976. The first update of the County's plan was prepared in
1981 and the second update in 1986. The 1981 and 1986 Updates did not include
the Town of Edenton. During those periods, Edenton prepared its own separate
plan. 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. The update process also allows the
County to incorporate new elements required by the amended guidelines.
The guidelines give the following additional objectives a Plan Update should
meet:
to further define and refine local policies and issues;
to examine and refine the land classification system and the land
classification map;
to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use plan, policies, and its
implementation;
to explore the existing implementation procedures, and;
to promote citizen participation and thereby a better understanding of the
land use planning process.
The initial 1976 Land Use Plan and both the 1981 and 1986 Updates provided some
of the needed information base for this 1991 update. However, in many cases, new
information had to be researched and refined. A number of data sources were
utilized 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 representatives of various
state and federal agencies and/or previously published documents or reports.
Also, "windshield" surveys were conducted in certain areas of the county to
obtain data on existing land use patterns. Interviews were conducted with
various County officials. Efforts were made to obtain data that was as up to
date and accurate as possible.
The 1991 data analysis showed that there have been some notable changes since the
1986 Plan Update. Some new trends in the population, land economy and land use
appear definitely to be emerging. Some major conclusions of the updated land use
plan are:
Chowan County's population grew between 1970 and 1990, reversing a
twenty-year old trend of population losses. Population growth is projected
to continue through 2000, with notable shifts in age ratios, i.e., decline
in school -age population, increase in the elderly population. The Edenton
and Middle Townships are projected to receive most of the growth.
The economic importance of agriculture is firmly established and will remain
so in the County throughout the next 10 years. However, manufacturing,
service, and tourism are all increasing in economic importance.

1 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, 1990 (Preliminary Figures)
U.S. Census of Population and Housing, 1980, U.S. Department of Commerce.
N.C. Office of State Budget and Management, Demographic Section. (For
' estimated breakdowns of 1990 Census, and Projections).
1986 Chowan County Land Use Plan.
Before the Storm• Managing Development to Reduce Hurricane Damages, McElyea,
Brower, & Godschalk, 1982.
B. PRESENT CONDITIONS —
1. Population
1 Chowan County, located in predominantly rural Northeast North Carolina on the
north side of the Albemarle Sound, is one of the smallest counties in North
Carolina with 181.55 square miles and consequently has one of the smaller
county populations of the State's 100 counties. Notice Table 1, below, which
shows the decencies population of Chowan County from 1950 to 1990 and
projections for 1995 and 2000.
TABLE 1: Chowan County Population:
1950-1990,
With Projections
to 2000
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
1990
13,506
+ 948
+ 7.4
*1995
14,502
+ 996
+ 7.3
*2000
14,999
+ 497
+ 3.4
Source:
1980 and 1990 U.S. Census (Preliminary)
*Projections by the
North Carolina Office of State Budget and
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
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1,776 persons or 14.2% over the 20-year period,
with the strongest decrease
occurring
between 1960 and 1970. However, the
1980 Census, showed that the
County
experienced significant
growth during the 19701s, gaining more people
within
that one decade than it
lost during the previous two.

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Moderate
growth continued in the 1980's as shown by a net population increase
of 948 persons or 7.5 percent between 1980 and
1990. Growth is projected to
continue
through the 1990's.
Composition
a.
TABLE
2: Racial Composition
of
Chowan County,
1970-1990
1
-White
Year
White
Non
u
1970
6,227
(58%)
4,537
(42%)
1980
7,294
(58%)
5,264
(42%)
1990
8,349
(62%)
5,157
(38%)
'
Source: U.S. Census
(N.C. State
estimates of
racial composition for 1990)
The racial composition of Chowan County's population remained fairly constant
in 1970 and 1980 with whites comprising 58 percent of the population and
non -whites comprising 42 percent. However, the 1990 census reveals that the
white proportion slightly increased to 62 percent whereas the non -white
proportion decreased to 38 percent. This change in racial composition is
' probably more attributed to the influx of white retires settling in this
coastal community rather than the out migration of non -whites. This trend can
be better analyzed as more detailed racial and age data is released from the
1990 U.S. Census data. In 1990, there were 3,536 residents or 26.2 percent of
the County's population were under 18. The gender composition, i.e., more
females than males, is typical. Table 2-A below shows both an increase in the
- elderly -population -and -the -school -age -population. ----
TABLE 2-A: Chowan County (lender and Age, 1990
Sex
Male-
6,275
46.5
Female
7,231
53.5
Age
Under 5 years
933
6.9
5 to 17 years
2,603
19.3
18 to 20 years
491
3.6
21 to 24 years
547
4.0
25 to 44 years
3,790
28.1
45 to 54 years
1,348
9.9
55 to 59 years
664
4.9
60 to 64 years
750
5.6
65 to 74 years
1,391
10.3
75 to 84 years
738
5.5
85 years and over
251
1.9
Median age
36.4
Under 18 years
3,536
26.2
65 years and over
2,380
17.6
'
Source: US Census, 1990, Summary Tape 1-A
Another indicator of the school -age population
is public
school enrollment as
shown in Table 3. Public school enrollment
began to
decline in the early
1980's but has gradually increased since 1985.
By 1988,
the school enrollment
of 2,627 was only 27 students less than the enrollment in 1980.
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ITABLE 3: Chowan County Public School Enrollment, 1980 - 1988
Year
Number of Students Enrolled
Number Changed
'
1980
2,654
-
1981
2,588
-66
1982
2,563
-25
1983
2,515
-48
1984
2,482
-33
1985
2,502
+20
1986
1987
2,551
2,580
+49
+29
1988
2,627
+47
' Source: North Carolina Data Center - Link System
b. Dispersal
There are four (4) Townships in Chowan County, as Map 2, page 4-A shows.
The County's population is dispersed throughout the Townships, with the
largest concentrations being in the Edenton and Middle Townships. The
1990 Census data points to some very interesting trends among the
Townships, this will be discussed below. The Town of Edenton is located
in the Edenton Township, and two large subdivisions, Arrowhead and Chowan
Beaches, are 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 4 below, shows
the population within each township from 1950 to 1990.
TABLE 4: Chowan County
Township Population:
1950-90
Percent/Numerical/
Change
Township
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
1980/1990
Edenton
7,508
7,294
6,814
7,790
7,447
-323 - 4.4%
Edenton
(town)
(4,468)
(4,458)
4,766
(5,357)
(5,268)
- 89 - 1.7%
Middle
2,232
2,244
1,840
2,557
3,017
+460 +18.0%
Upper
1,499
1,449
1,278
1,294
1,336
+ 42 + 3.2%
Yeopim
1,301
762
832
917
1,706
+789 +86.0%
Sources:
U.S. Census:
1986 Plan
Particular note is the reversal of the growth trend of the 1970's for the
Edenton Township. This Township, which includes the Town of Edenton,
actually decreased by 343 persons from 1980 to 1990. Middle and Yeopim
Townships showed the greatest percentage of population increase. Middle
Township gained 460 persons for an 18.0 % increase whereas Yeopim Township
had a net gain of 789 persons for an 86.0% percent increase. The population
in Upper Township remained relatively stable during the 1980's with a net
gain of 42 persons for a 3.2% increase.
The Yeopim Township includes several sizeable subdivisions, including Cape
Colony and Country Club. One large new residential golf -course community
has also began developing in the Yeopim Township (Mulberry Hill, which has
34 lots approved, plans to have a total 112 residences when completed.), as
well as several new homes on individual private lots. Newer homes have also
' -4-

` o u ~ T . CHOWAN COUNTY
}
NORTH CAROLINA
CCYMTt M �- � • AP Z
TOWNSHIPS
UPPER TWP.
o
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MIDDLE TWP.
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' been developed in the Middle Township. (More information on subdivisions is
contained in Section C.1).
C. Seasonal Population
The trend of "second homes" being developed or mobile homes being placed
' along Albemarle Sound and Chowan River, contributing to some seasonal
population changes has continued since the 1980 update. Also, "Historic
Edenton," one of the earliest settlements in colonial North Carolina,
continues to grow as a tourist attraction in Chowan county also
contributing to seasonal population growth. Unlike some other coastal
areas, however, currently there are no major seasonal fluctuations which
would exert undue pressures on the provision of public facilities or
services.
' d. Population Summary
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 2000. The
racial composition of the County has slightly changed with the
percentage of white population slightly increasing and conversely the
non -white populations slightly decreasing to 38 percent.
' (2) The moderate population growth from 1980 to 1990 occurred primarily in
Middle and Yeopim Townships, with some increase also noted in the
Upper Township. Edenton Township as well as the Town of Edenton
' showed slight decreases in population for this period. This may
indicate more development in the outlying areas away from the Town of
Edenton -- especially since the County water system now serves the
entire county.
(3) Analysis of the age composition of the population for 1990 indicates a
simultaneous trend of growth both in the retiree -age and school -age
populations.
2. Economic Analysis
a. General
The economic picture for Chowan County showed good improvement in the 1986
Plan and has steadily been improving. The County's economic base
continues to be primarily agricultural, but with increasing
diversification. Other significant elements of Chowan County's economy
include manufacturing, commercial forestry, and commercial fishing.
' Existing economic conditions are discussed in more detail, beginning below
through p.14:
b. Agricultural and Forestry
Agricultural and forestry activities continue to play a major role in
Chowan County's economy. In 1990, the estimated agricultural income was
over $30 million dollars, according to data provided by the Chowan County
Agricultural Extension Office, and the State Extension Service report:
"Annual Estimates of Cash Farm Income." (see Table 5, p.7). This income
has a significant impact on the local economy. It is interesting to note
-5-
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that, perhaps consistent with national trends, the number of farms and
total farm acreage is steadily declining. According to the 1982 and 1987
U.S. Census of Aariculture, between 1978 through 1987 the total number of
farms in the County declined from 302 in 1978 to 259 in 1982 and 220 farms
in 1987. This decrease of 82 farms represents a total decrease of 27
percent, or about eight farms per year. However, it appears that some
smaller farms became part of larger farms, since the average size of each
' farm rose from 184 acres in 1978 to 211 acres in 1982 to 229 acres in
1987. This trend of fewer, but larger farms in Chowan County is
significant. Overall though, the total acreage of land committed to
' farming declined from 54, 749 acres in 1982 to 50, 446 acres in 1987. A
loss of 4,303 acres representing about 43.9 percent of the total county's
land acreage (excluding water acres.)
Total farm income fluctuated between 1986 through 1990 as show on Table S.
These fluctuations are largely due to changes in the weather conditions,
type of crops grown, and crop prices. For example, 1987 was a very dry
year thus affecting field crop production, whereas 1990 was an excellent
year for cotton and peanuts.
Field crops and vegetables, most notably peanuts, cotton, soybeans,
tobacco, and corn, produce the most farm income. Livestock production,
mostly hogs, is also a major factor.
Forestry also plays a major role in the agricultural sector. Private
' farms account for 33 percent of forestry production whereas commercial
producers such as Weyerhauser, Union Camp, and Champion International
account for the balance of 67 percent. Forestry income increased
significantly from $2.7 million in 1986 to nearly $6 million in 1990.
However, this more than doubling of income may not necessarily indicate a
long-term trend. According to local forestry officials, the increases in
forestry income resulted from a combination of factors, i.e., expansion in
the acreage harvested and simultaneous rise in prices. They are quick to
point out, however, that both the amount of acres harvested, and prices
can fluctuate from year to year.
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TABLE 5:
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Field Crops
Tobacco
Cotton Lint
Peanuts
Corn
Wheat
Rye
Grain - Sorghum
Soybeans
Sweet Potatoes
Cabbage
Cantaloupes
Sweet Corn
Leafy Greens
Chowan i
Agr:
---1986 .
.773
1.341
5.931
1.225
.097
.005
.007
1.440
.330
.041
.770
.522
.059
'Aunty J
Lculturi
1987
.787
.536
5.360
.784
.129
.010
1.695
.554
.120
.688
.303
.217
►griculi
Ll Inco:
1988
.946
1.550
5.479
1.610
.415
.027
.007
2.220
.577
.120
.750
.056
.366
rural I:
le
1989
1.086
1.707
4.846
1.401
.489
.040
.022
1.110
1.371
.231
.650
.525
.062.
LCOme:
100)
1990
1.134
4.509
7.375
1.769
.352
.023
.035
1.142
.674
.160
.630
.420
.047
L986-1990
------------------
% Change 1986-90
146.7
236.2
24.3
44.4
262.9
360.0
400.0
-20.6
104.2
290.2
-18.1
-19.5
-20.3
Peppers
.062
.035
.036
.077
--
--
Snap Beans
.070
.026
.039
.048
.031
-55.7
Squash
.122
.174
.080
.064
.033
-73.0
1
Watermelons
.720
1.181
2.100
1.125
.928
28.9
Sub
-----------+-------+------+------+------+-------+----------
Total 113.515 112.599116.378114.858119.262 I 42.5
-----------------------+---------------------------------------
Livestock & Poultry I I I I I
Hogs 3.720 3.984 4.158 3.401 4.224 135.5
Cattle .187 .221 .237 .266 .288 54.9
Poultry .231 .231 1.280 .280 .316 36.8
----- -----+-------+-----+------+-------+-----------------
Sub Total 4.138 14.436 14.6751 3.9471 4.8281 16.8
-------------- ------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Forestry I I I I I
Soft -Pulpwood
.097
.339
.451
.451
.514
430.0
Lumber
2.570
3.700
3.478
3.478
4.121
60.4
Hard -Pulpwood
.038
.236
1.016
1.016
1.291
3,297.4
Lumber
0
.031
.025
.025
.030
-3.3
---------------------
--------
Sub-Total
2.705 I
4.3061
4.971
4.97 I
5.9561
120.2
(Total 20.358 I 21.341126.023123.771130.046 I 47.6
--------------------- -------------------
Source: North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service -Annual Estimates
Income
c. Commercial Fishing
of Cash Farm
Nearly a third of the area within Chowan County's jurisdiction 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. However, for many years, serious pollution
of the Chowan River has adversely affected fish landings in the County.
-7-

I
According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, commercial
catches in Chowan County have steadily declined since the exceptional year
of 1985. As shown in Table 6. From 1982 to 1990, the poundage of total
catch has declined by 66.2 percent while the monetary value decreased by
32.4 percent during the period. Deterioration of the coastal waters has
hindered the spawning of the river herring and white perch as well as
other species.
Table
6: Chowan
County Commercial
Fishery
Income,
1982 -1990
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wholesale
Rank Among 21
Total Catch-
Monetary
Coastal Counties
Year
Pounds
Value
---------------------------
Total Catch-lbs.l $ Value
-------------+---------------+-----------+---------
-------+----------
1982
7,089,979
$727,144
5
---
1983
4,911,080
$519,941
5
---
1984
5,282,063
$666,679
---
---
1985
9,622,835
$991,933
4
---
1986
6,999,375
$872,745
4
9
1987
4,862,409
$895,859
5
10
1988
5,155,562
$873,512
5
10
1989
3,012,743
$686,692
7
13
1990
1
2,396,190
$491,418
---
I ---
-------------+-----------------+-----------+----------------+----------
Change-
1982 1990
I
-66.2%
I
-32.4%---
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
' Source: N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
1
d. Manufacturing and Commercial Activity
Other major income sources for Chowan County include income from
manufacturing as well as from wholesale and retail trade and services.
According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census' County Business Patterns, the
annual business payroll increased steadily from 1980 through 1988. Notice
Table 7 below:
Table 7:
Payroll and Establishments 1980-1988
---------------------------------------------
Year
INo. Establishments
�$1000) ----
I Annual Payroll
----------+-----------------------
-------------------------------------
1980
252
$31,354
1981
245
$34,767
1982
250
$35,427
1983
288
$38,148
1984
310
$42,125
1985
331
$45,944
1986
311
$53,349
1987
348
$59,313
1988
1 324
$61,337
----------+----------------------+-------------------------------------
Percent
change
1
1980-1988
+28.6$
+95.6%
Source: County Business Patterns, 1980-1988, U.S. Bureau of the Census.
-8-

As Table 7 shows, income from businesses, including manufacturing,
wholesale -retail trade, and services, steadily increased in Chowan County
' from 1980 through 1988. Overall, within this eight year period 72
additional establishments were noted for a 28.6 percent increase.
Significantly, the annual payroll nearly doubled between 1980 through 1988
' with a $28,983,000 increase (not accounting for inflation).
e. Tourism
' Income from tourism has risen dramatically in Chowan County and has a
substantial impact upon the County's economy as shown in Table 8. Travel
expenditures in Chowan County increased by 276.0 percent between 1981 and
1988. Historic Edenton is an appealing waterfront community, stocked with
colonial legend and lore and beautiful historic homes. The friendly shops
and stores, pleasant restaurants, and exceptional "bed -and -breakfast inns"
accommodations are attracting more and more people each year.
Table 8:Chowan County Tourism Income - 1981 -
-------
1988
--------------------------------------------
I Travel Expenditures Percent of
% Change
Year ($1,000) State Total
I I
---------- ----+-------_.---------- ---+--------------+----------
by Year
1981 $1,680 ----
----
1982 $2,030 ----
20.9
1983 $2,590
27.6
'
____
1984 $3,740
44.4
1985 $3,985 .09
6.6
1986 $4,204 .08
5.5
1987 $4,591 .08
9.2
1988 $6,316 .10
37.6
Percent Change
1981 - 1988
276.0
Source: N.C. Travel
and Tourism Division, Department of
Commerce.
'
f. Employment and Income
(1) Employment. Overall employment in Chowan County
has been expanding
since 1980. Table 9 shows that between 1980
through 1989 the civilian
labor force expanded by 618 persons while the
number of those employed
'
Oincreased by 736 persons. Chowan County's
average annual employment
rate from 1980 through 1988 has been favorable when compared to the
unemployment rate for North Carolina. Only
in 1989 was the County's
rate, of 3.7 percent, slightly higher than the
State's unemployment rate
of 3.6 percent.
11
-9-

Table 9: Chowan County Civilian Labor Force Characteristics and
Unemployment
Rates, 1980 - 1989
----------------------------------------------------------------
Civilian
County
N.C.
Labor
Number
Number
Unemployment
Unemployment
Year
Force
Employed
Unemployed
Rate
Rate
US
----+--------+-------------------+-------------------------+----
1980
5,070
4,740
330
6.5
6.5
7.0
1981
5,060
4,770
290
5.7
6.4
7.5
1982
4,960
4,540
420
8.5
9.0
9.5
1983
5,050
4,640
380
7.6
8.9
9.5
1984
5,229
4,920
300
5.7
6.8
7.4
1985
5,300
5,050
250
4.7
5.4
7.1
1986
5,320
5,100
220
4.1
5.3
6.9
1987
5,360
5,120
240
4.5
4.5
6.1
1988
5,460
5,260
200
3.7
3.6
5.4
1989
5,688
5,476
212
1 3.7
3.6 1
5.2
----+--------+--------+----------+------------+------------+----
Cange
+618
+736
-118
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1980h19891
(
�
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Source:
North
Carolina
Employment
Security Commission,
North
Carolina
Data Center
Link System
Analysis of the 1988 civilian labor force estimates reveals the employment
' characteristics of Chowan County, as shown on Table 10. According to the
North Carolina Employment Security Commission estimates, 1,510 or 27.8 percent
of the county's residents were employed in manufacturing positions; 3,690
residents or 67 percent were employed in non -manufacturing positions; and 250
' or 5.2 percent were employed in agricultural. The major employment categories
were trade positions (1,200 or 22.0%); textile manufacturing workers (940 or
17.2%); service workers (950 or 17.3%); and government workers (620 or 11.3%).
7I
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The growth in the employment sector is likewise confirmed by analysis of
the state sales and use tax for Chowan County. Notice Table 11 and 12.
Between fiscal years 1985-86 and 1989-90, gross collections increased by 23.3%
and gross retail sales expanded by 16.1%.
Table 10: Chowan County Industry Employment by Place of Work,
1988
Nonag. Wage & Salary
Manufacturing
Textiles
Lumber and Wood
Other Manufacturing
Non -manufacturing
' Construction
Trans., Comm., & Public Util.
Trade
Finance, Insurance, & Real Estate
' Service
Government
Other Nonmanufacturing
4,820
1,510
940
210
360
3,310
220
210
1,200
100
950
620
10
All Other Nonagricultural 380
Agriculture 250
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
-10-

Table 11: State
Sales and Use Tax for Chowan County Fiscal
Years 1985 - 1989
---------- -------------------
Fiscal
----------------
Gross
----------------
Gross
--
% Change
Year
Collections
Retail Sales
by Year
1985-86
$1,666,122
$74,163,080
--
1986-87
$1,809,489
$72,842,678
-1.8
1987-88
$1,819,669
$74,664,601
2.5
1988-89
$1,995,923
$81,650,815
9.4
1989-90
$2,054,180
$86,089,092
5.4
Percent Change
- to
------ ------- -----23_3------------------
Source: North Carolina Department
of Revenue
State Sales and Use Tax
Statistical
Reports for Fiscal Years 1985-86 thru 1989-90
*Retail Sales
Table 12: Chowan
County Gross Retail Sales by Major Business
Groups for Fiscal years
----------------------------------------------------------------
1985-86 and 1989-90
Percent
Business Group
1985-86
1989-90
Change
'
1% Retail Sales
$ 5,820,224
$ 5,681,084
- 2.4%
2% Retail Sales
$ 6,851,379
$ 3,281,806
- 52.1%
Apparel
$ 1,540,995
$ 1,822,862
+ 18.3%
Automotive
$ 5,813,162
$ 8,602,412
+ 48.0%
'
Food
$19,156,698
$27,436,258
+ 43.2%
Furniture
$ 2,575,420
$ 5,152,599
+100.1%
'
General Merchandise
Lumber and Bldg. Mat.
$15,735,270
$ 4,918,407
$17,952,870
$ 4,046,705
+ 14.1%
- 17.7%
Unclassified
$11,751,535
$12,112,496
+ 3.1%
Total
$74,163,090
$86,089,092
+ 16.1%
----------------------------------------------------------------
Source: North Carolina
Department
of Revenue
State Sales and Use Tax
Statistical
Reports for Fiscal
Years 1985-86 and 1989-90
Income: Although the
income picture
in Chowan
County has been improving,
there are still a number of families
and individuals below the poverty income
level. The 1980 U.S. Census data showed
that 685
(or 19.8%) of the County's
3,466 families (enumerated in 1979)
had below poverty incomes. There were
2,972 individuals (or 23.7%) with
incomes below poverty levels in Chowan
County in 1979. As
shown in Table
13, Chowan
County has a significantly
higher percentage of
families and individuals
living
below the poverty level
than the state's percentage.

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Table 13: Chowan County, Families and Persons with Income Below the Poverty
Level
----------------------------------------------------------------
Chowan County
Number Percent N.C. Percent
Families 685 19.8 11.6
Individuals 2,972 23.7 14.8
----------------------------------------------------------------
Source: U.S. Census, 1980
Another measure of local income posture is growth in per capita personal
income. Notice Table 14 below:
Table 14: Chowan County: Per Capita Personal Income, 1979-1988
----------------------------------------------------------------
Chowan North Chowan's
Year County Carolina % of N.C.
1979 $ 6,177 $ 7,297 .84
1980 $ 6,827 $ 7,999 .85
1981 $ 7,724 $ 8,879 .87
1982 $ 7,689 $ 9,283 .83
1983 $ 8,297 $ 9,988 .83
1984 $ 9,216 $10,999 .84
1985 $ 9,744 $11,658 .84
1986 $10,708 $12,457 .86
1987 $11,170 $13,333 .84
1988 $12 047 $14 297 --_84
----------------------------------------------------------
Source: North Carolina Data Center - Link System
Although per capita income nearly doubled in Chowan County between 1979 and
1988, the county's per capita income has consistently been below the per
capita income of the state as a whole.
g. Local Government Revenue Summary
Local government revenues, most notably from real property taxes, can also
be indicative of local government trends. Notice Table 15 below. Between
Fiscal Years 1984-85 and 1989-90, real property assessed values rose by
$29,451,909 or 12.8 percent, which was a substantial increase for the six
year period. However, FY 190-91 was the year of re -valuation, and the
difference from 1989-90 was over $137 million, or 60.0%.
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Table 15: Real Property Assessed Tax Values, Chowan County
1985-1990
Fiscal
Real Property
General County
Year
Assessed Value
Tax Rate/$100
----------------------------------------------------------------
84-85
$201,676,535
$0.605
85-86
$205,260,680
$0.67
86-87
$210,611,991
$0.79
87-88
$215,082,878
$0.79
88-89
$224,609,330
$0.79
89-90
$231,128,434
$0.84
90-91
----------------------------------------------------------------
$368,422,914
$0.62
Source: Chowan County Manager's Office
* Year of
re -valuation
** Does not
include fire tax
There has been a notable amount of construction in Chowan County since July
1985 when the County's building inspection office was created and began to
issue permits. These figures as noted in Table 16 below, indicate that new
construction has totaled over 25 million dollars for 1,609 building permits
since mid-1985.
Table 16: Building Permit Data, Chowan County: 1985-1990*
Calendar Commercial
Residential
All Other
Total
Year
Number Value
Number Value
Number Value
Number Value
1985*
(July- 5 $43,000
44 $930,509
28 $133,225
77
$1,106,734
Dec.)
1986
9 $272,784
132 $3,631,727
73 $427,835
214
$4,332,346
1987
8 $880,750
156 $4,845,315
75 $735,455
239
$6,461,520
1988
10 $522,905
110 $3,609,181
85 $743,449
205
$4,875,535
1989
6 $395,685
98 $3,493,285
79 $554,291
183
$4,443,261
1990**
3 $151,347
80 $3,999,778
68 $638,818
151
$4,151,133
TOTAL
41 $2,266,471
620 $20,509,795
408 $3,233,073
1,609
$25,370,529
* Data for July -December
only for 1985.
** Does not include construction of White
Oak Chowan Middle
Schools totaling
$3,820,000.
h. Economic Summary
1. The overall economic trends in Chowan County appear to be positive.
Although agriculture, forestry and commercial. fisheries still play a
major role in Chowan County's economic base, the dominant source of
income is increasingly from commercial and manufacturing
establishments.
2. Commercial fish landings have been declining perhaps because of the
declining water quality of the Chowan River and Albermale Sound.
-13-

3. The number of commercial establishments fluctuated during the mid
'80's, and even declined slightly during the late 19801s.
Nevertheless, the total annual payroll steadily increased, nearly
idoubling between 1980 and 1988.
4. Perhaps one of the most important economic trends is the tripling of
1 tourism and travel expenditures in Chowan County from 1981 to 1988.
Several new establishments have developed in the Town of Edenton
since the 1986 Land Use Plan which caters to and attracts tourists.
These establishments include: two new Bed and Breakfast Inns, ie.
1 Granville Queen, and Governor Eden Inns, and the Travel Host motel.
Also, the Lord's Proprietor Inn has undergone a major expansion since
the last Land Use Plan. Out in the County, in the Yeopim Township,
another Bed and Breakfast Inn, The Mulberry Hill Inn is also a new
establishment.
Capturing more of the growing
travel and tourism
'
expenditures by
capitalizing prudently on their
Natural and Historic
assets is a major mutual economic issue for both
Chowan County and the
Town of Edenton.
In 1989, the County received
legislative authority
to establish the Chowan County Travel and Tourism Authority and
initiated a 3%
occupancy tax for hotels and Bed and Breakfast
establishments.
The revenue is used to help
promote travel and
tourism in the County.
5. Both employment and income in Chowan County remained fairly stable
relative to other eastern North Carolina Counties and the State as a
L whole during the 1980's. However, in 1990 the annual unemployment
rate in the County exceeded those of the State and the nearby counties
of Perquimans and Pasquotank. One industrial concern, a boat
manufacturer, closed in 1989. Also, the local cotton mill experienced
significant layoffs. The picture is expected to improve during this
planning period, however, as the Town and County intensify their joint
economic development efforts.
6. Finally, the real property values, ie. the County's tax base has
continued to expand, since the last Land Use Plan. From 1985 through
1990, according to the County Building Inspections Office, the total
value of approved building permits was $25.4 million. Most of this
value was for new residential units in several developing
subdivisions. (See Existing Land Use Analysis, Part C, this Section.)
3. Housing
The provision of adequate housing is an important land use consideration for
any jurisdiction. The issue of housing and residential trends was briefly
mentioned in the 1981 Plan Update, and discussed in more detail in the 1986
Update. While 1980 historic census data is available, 1990 census information
on housing has not been finalized. Table 17 is intended to show the 1980-1990
Icomparative trends.
P,
-14-

1 Table 17: 1980-90 Census Chowan County Housing Summa
Item 1980 1990*
Total Units 5,265 5,910
Vacant, Seasonal, Migratory 466 346
Year -Round Units 4,799 5,564
Vacant Year -Round Units 449 797
Occupied Year -Round Units 4,350 5,113
Persons in Occupied Units 12,413 13,506
Average Household Size 2.85 2.64
Source: US Census, 1980, 1990
NC State Data Center
' * Preliminary
The average household size has been steadily declining in Chowan County from
3.3 persons in 1970 to 2.85 in 1980 to 2.64 in 1990. Chowan County had a
significant vacancy rate, ie., 9.3% of all year-round units in 1980.
However,, 1990 Census data shows an even higher vacancy rate, i.e., 13.5%, or
797. However, a number of the 1980 units may have been "substandard" since
only 181 were reported to be either "for sale" or "for rent" or "held for
occasional use", and 268 listed as "other vacant". In 1990, only 184 were
listed as "other vacant", while 610 were listed as being for sale, rent, or
held for occasional use. Although the Census does not have specific measures
for "substandard" or "standard", the number of units lacking complete indoor
plumbing for exclusive use provides some indication. The 1980 Census reported
complete indoor plumbing for exclusive use, with 301 of the units being
occupied and 187 vacant. Of the 301 occupied units in this category,
1 two-thirds (202) were reported renter -occupied.
There were 3,611 owner occupied housing units in Chowan County in 1990 (86.5%)
with an overall average value of $75,236. of these 2,683 were owned by white
I persons with an average value of $84,960. Blacks owned 917 units with an
average value of $46,324. Persons of other races owned eleven units with an
average value of $97,000. There were also 1502 renter occupied housing units
in Chowan County in 1990. Of these units, 235 (16.8%) had no cash rent and
1,167 rental units had an overall average rent of $185. Blacks rented 782 of
these units with an average rent of $153, while whites rented 715 units had an
average rent of $218. Persons of other races rented five units with an
average rent of about $253.
The 1986 Land Use Plan Update reported that, based on windshield surveys,
there appeared to be significant numbers of substandard dwellings in various
' parts of the County. This issue has subsequently been addressed to a small
degree by Chowan County. In 1990, the County applied for a Community
Development Block Grant to help identify and correct housing and related
deficiencies in four areas of the county. The primary target area was the
Green Road Community. The County received $591,764 to carry out this project,
which includes rehabilitation of 25 units, and acquisition, demolition and
clearance of two units in the area. The County hopes to be able to address
other areas with similar program activities in the future.
C. Existing Land Use Analysis
1 1. General Patterns
The general land use patterns in Chowan County has been changing gradually
-15-

1
since the late
19701s. Notice Table
18 below, which was from data contained
in the previous
Land Use Plan and information
from
the State Data Center.
1
Table 18: Major Land Uses in Chowan
County 1978-1987
Category
1978
1982
1987
Land (Acres)
114,800
114,800
114,800
- Farms
(57,502)
(54,749)
(50,446)
- Urban & Built-up
( 4,400)
N/A
- Forestland
---
(55,651)
N/A
Water
37,100
37,100
37,100
Total
151,900
151,900
151,900
Source: State
Data Center, Linc System; Profile
of N.C. Counties, and U.S.
Census
of Agriculture, 1982,
1987
1 From 1978 through 1987, a total of 7,056 acres of land previously used for
farming was taken out of farmland. It is not clear what all of this land was
converted to, but a substantial amount was converted into residential
subdivisions. From 1980 to 1990, the total number if dwelling units increased
by 645 units. However, as will be discussed below in this section, since
1985, 16 subdivision plats containing 180 building lots have been approved by
the County.
As previous plans have noted, the primary "urban and built-up area" in Chowan
County is the Town of Edenton. Edenton, with centralized water and sewer, is
the only incorporated municipality in the County. Two other "built-up" areas
1 in the County, ie., the Arrowhead-Chowan Beach and the Cape Colony -Country
Club areas have continued to experience modest residential development.
1
A major shift in the land development pattern appears to be taking place
because of more and more subdivisions occurring in outlying areas of the
County. As the population analysis reported, between 1980 and 1990, the
Yeopim and Middle Townships. The Edenton Township, which had experienced
faster growth rates during the 19701s, actually lost population.
Perhaps due to the presence of County -wide water, and the desire to take
advantage of the County's abundant waterfront aesthetics, the increased rate
of land conversions in the outlying Townships will continue.
a. Residential Land Use
The primary concentration of residential land uses outside of Edenton,
as noted in the previous land use plan, is still located along the
shorelines and banks of the Chowan River and the Albermarle Sound.
Two areas of concentration, i.e., Chowan Beach -Arrowhead Beach, and
L
Cape Colony -Country Club contain several residential developments.
Additional unincorporated "crossroads" communities, usually consisting
of a cluster of houses, one or two stores, a church, etc., are found
along several major highways and secondary routes in the County. The
I
most notable include Valhalla, Rockyhock, Smalls Crossroads, Yeopim,
Welch, Riverton, and Tyner.
As noted in the previous Updates, residentials 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
-16-

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relatively small with 50-foot-wide lots. The Country Club area,
however, was developed under the County's subdivision regulations and
generally consists of larger, more spacious lots. Prior to August
1985, Chowan County did not enforce zoning controls anywhere in the
County. However, since 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, has had and will continue to have a
significant impact on future single-family development in these areas.
From July, 1985 through December, 1990, a total of 620 residential
building permits were issued by the County Building Inspector, which
is an annual average of 112 permits over the five and one-half year
period (It is not clear how many were for mobile homes as opposed to
"conventional', units). The average annual permit requests indicate
continued strong residential growth in Chowan County. As stated
previously, since 1985, 16 subdivision plats containing a total of 180
building lots have been approved by the County. These subdivision
plats are listed below by the Township in Table 18-A.
Table 18-A: Approved Subdivision Plats Since
1985 by Township
Name No. Lots
Township
1.
Sandridge
17
Edenton
2.
Hickory Fork
9
Edenton
3.
Rockyhock Safe Harbor
28
Upper
4.
Quail Run
12
Yeopim
5.
Mulberry Hill
34*
Yeopim
6.
Hidden Oaks
6
Middle
7.
Charles/James Ward
5
Yeopim
8.
Shannon C. Bradley
3
Middle
9.
Stanley Blan Land
3
Middle
10.
Winslow Cooper
8
Upper
11.
Tildon Whitehurst
14
Yeopim
12.
Tim White
7
Middle
13.
Murray Goodwin
5
Middle
14.
Crossroads
16
Upper
15.
Airrie Perry (heirs)
8
Edenton
16.
Fleetwood Bros.
15
Yeopim
Total
180
Source: Chowan County Tax Office
*
Total of 112 lots proposed
The largest proposed subdivision is Mulberry Hill, located in the
Yeopim Township, adjacent to Country
Club, along
the Albermarle Sound.
Eventually, this development hopes
to have
112 residential units.
This development, again, is reflective of the
projected growth of the
Yeopim Township.
Outside of the crossroads communities
and residential subdivisions,
residential dwellings and mobile
homes are literally scattered
throughout the County, along every major road.
b.
Commercial Land Uses
The majority of commercial land uses
is still
concentrated within the
-17-

fl
Town of Edenton, in the Central Business District, shopping centers,
or the immediate environs around the Town. Since the last Land Use
Plan, a new Shopping Center opened in Edenton at the intersection of
U.S. 17 and N.C. 32. Out in the County, however, commercial land uses
are mostly scattered, with few concentrations. However, there is a
concentration of commercial 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 ro 54
acres. One substantial industrial concern, i.e., the Bayliner Boat
Company, ceased operation in 1989.
d. Institutional Land Uses
Institutional land uses generally consist of government uses, such as
schools, or churches, cemeteries, or public recreational areas. A new
Middle School opened in the Middle Township in the Fall of 1991. 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 northwest of the Cape Colony
Subdivision near the Albermarle Sound.
e. Land Use Summary
The land use changes in Chowan County during the last half of the
1980's have shifted from previous projections. More concentrated
growth is shifting away from the Edenton Township and Chowan
Beach/Arrowhead Beach, to the Yeopim Township. Mobile home placement
is still a significant factor in the County representing a less
expensive alternative for viable, adequate housing for many of the
County's rural residents. Although there is still conversion of
farmland into non -farm uses, the amount of lands involved do not
appear to indicate a threat to farming. Generally, existing land use
patterns, as discussed above, are projected to continue throughout the
period covered by this 1991 Plan Update, i.e., 5-10 years. However,
other factors affecting land use, such as the absence of centralized
sewer and septic tank limitations, possible zoning and other control
devices, and continuing water quality concerns, could alter any land
use projections.
2. Significant Land and Water Compatibility Problems
a. Land Compatibility
In the conventional application of the concept, there are a few
significant 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 restricted from expansion because of
' -18-

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fl
I
1
1
b.
P
adverse conditions caused by the other, thus discouraging additional
investment. In both the 1981 and 1986 Plan Updates, four issues
addressed were "land compatibility" problems, i.e., (a) conversion or
rural land to urban uses; (b) encroachment or drainage of wildlife
habitat; (c) Airport Land Use compatibility, and (d) residential
neighborhood encroachment of non-residential uses. Of those four,
only Airport Land Use is still a relevant issue. Other issues are
also addressed below:
1) Airport Land Use Compatibility
The Edenton Municipal Airport is a "General Aviation" 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 aircraft. With the
existing commercial and light industrial activity already
occurring in the vicinity, (the Yeopim Township) it is quite
possible that similar commercial/industrial developments will be
attracted to the area. Both the Town of Edenton and Chowan County
have taken steps to protect airspace (in compliance with the
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
the land near the Airport as "industrial," and includes
supplementary regulations in the ordinance on "Airport Height
Restrictive 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
predominantly residential purposes. These actions should be quite
effective in dealing with Airport area compatibility problems.
2) Suitable Location for an Industrial Park
Both Chowan County and Edenton have desired to develop an
industrial park outside of Edenton. However, because of both land
and water compatibility problems,i.e. right combination of acreage
compatible with surrounding land uses, and located so as not to
threaten surface water quality, along with facility constraints,
this has been difficult. (See item b below.)
Water Compatibility Problems
Water quality issues and concerns are still very important in Chowan
County. The County's perception is that large industries, i.e.,
Weyerhauser, Union Camp, etc., outside of the County contribute to the
detriment of the water quality of the Chowan River. Steadily
declining amounts of fish catches are perceived as being directly
connected to declining water quality. Certain kinds of industries,
including the dye -making plant located in the County, which have heavy
water discharges, are viewed as being environmentally incompatible.
Another water compatibility problem is the limited public access
-19-
t

' opportunities to the County's extensive waterway, although there is
increasing interest in the waterfront residential developments. There
' are only two North Carolina Wildlife Access Ramps in the County.
However, in 1989, the County amended its subdivision ordinance to
require developers of waterfront subdivisions to provide land for
public access. All such subdivisions approved since 1989 will comply
' with those provisions.
3. Maior Problems From Unplanned Development
Some problems noted in both the 1981 and 1986 Plans, i.e., the fact that
I
Chowan Beach, Arrowhead Beach, and Cape Colony subdivisions were all
designed prior to the enforcement of subdivision regulations by the
County, are still relevant. Many small, 50' wide lots are included within
'
these developments and some are not suitable for placement of septic
tanks. Although the internal street patterns have all been laid out, all
of these streets have not been developed, and some of the ones which have
been developed have not been 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 enforcement of the Zoning
'
Ordinance, since August, 1985. However, zoning regulations currently do
not cover the Arrowhead Beach-Chowan Beach areas.
'
On the other hand, the Country Club Subdivision, located along the shore
of the Albermarle Sound, and all of the proposed/or developing
subdivisions listed in Table 18-A are or will be developed under the
subdivision regulations. These consist of generally, larger lots, with
uniform residential development patterns. Other problems from unplanned
development include unregulated junkyards, and buildings located too close
to roadways. The latter problem was addressed in 1989 through the
adoption of a county -wide "setback" ordinance.
'
4. Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes
The presence of the Countywide water system may encourage the development
of rural, low -density subdivisions away from currently developing areas.
However, current trends point to continuing development in the Yeopim and
Middle Townships. The absence of a centralized sewer outside of Edenton,
(except for the Chowan Middle School) will help to assure that all
development will be low -density.
I
D
1 -20-
'J

' S. Identification of Areas of Environmental Concern
One of the most significant aspects of the legislation which created CAMA,
' was the designation of special "Areas of Environmental Concern" (AECs).
These areas, which are defined in the North Carolina Statues, require special
protective consideration as far as land use planning is concerned. AECs are
' further designated under two major categories, the Estuarine System, and
Ocean Hazards AECs. Only the Estuarine System is applicable for Chowan
County. The Estuarine System AECs includes Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine
Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, Public Trust Waters, and most recently,
' Outstanding Resource Waters. These areas and their general occurrence in
Chowan County are discussed below:
a. Coastal Wetlands
1 These areas 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 water courses), but not including 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's borders are water courses (the Chowan River and Albemarle
I
Sound), the occurrence of statutory defined CAMA "wetlands" is
insignificant.
1
b. Estuarine Waters
This AEC is defined as all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the bays,
sound, rivers, and tributaries thereto, seaward of the dividing line
between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters. The estuarine
waters and adjacent includes the following:
(1) The Albemarle sound and all man-made tributaries,
(2) The Yeopim River (below Norcum Point; waters beyond Norcum Point are
inland waters), and
(3) Chowan River (joint waters from the north to 300 yards south of the
U.S. 17 bridge and then coastal waters to its mouth).
The primary significance of estuarine waters is that they are a dominant
component of the entire estuarine system, mixing aquatic influences from
both the land and the sea. Coastal estuaries are among the most
productive natural environments in North Carolina. They support the
valuable commercial and sports fisheries of the coastal area consisting
of such estuarine dependent species as menhaden, flounder, shrimp, crabs
and oysters. These species must spend all or some part of their life
cycles within the estuarine waters in order to mature and eventually
reproduce. Of the ten leading species in the commercial catch, all but
one are dependent on the estuary.
The high productivity associated with the estuary results from its unique
circulation patterns caused by tidal energy, fresh water flow, and
shallow depth; nutrient trapping mechanisms; and protection to the many
organisms. The circulation pattern of estuarine waters performs a number
of important functions, including transporting nutrients, propelling the
plankton, spreading seed stages of fish and shellfish, flushing wastes
-21-

11
I
from animal and plant life, cleaning the system of pollutants,
controlling salinity, shifting sediments, and mixing the water to create
a multitude of habitats.
Secondary benefits include commercial and sports fisheries, waterfowl
hunting, processing operations, and tourist -related industries. In
addition, there is considerable non -monetary value associated with
aesthetics, recreation and education. Again, there is an extensive
amount of estuarine waters in Chowan County's jurisdiction.
c. Estuarine Shorelines
As AECs, estuarine shorelines, although characterized as dry land, are
considered a significant component of the estuarine system because of the
close association with the adjacent estuarine waters. Estuarine
shorelines are those non -ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable
to erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water and are
intimately connected to the estuary. All of the dry land area adjacent
to the estuarine waters of Chowan County up to 75 feet are designated as
estuarine shorelines.
1 The extent of the estuarine shoreline 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 (see b, for definition
of estuarine waters).
' Any development that occurs within the estuarine shoreline can influence
the quality of the estuarine life. Such development is also subject to
the damaging processes of shore front erosion and flooding.
' d. Public Trust Waters
1
C]
I
These are described as (1) all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the
lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of
state jurisdiction; (2) all natural bodies of water subject to
measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark;
(3) all navigable natural bodies of water and land thereunder to the mean
high water level or mean water level as the case may be, except
privately -owned lakes to which the public has no right of access; (4) all
water in artificially created bodies of water containing significant
public fishing resources or other public resources which are accessible
to the public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public has
rights of navigation; and (5) all waters in artificially created bodies
of water in which the public has acquired rights by prescription, custom,
usage, dedication, or any other means. In determining whether the public
has acquired rights in artificially created bodies of water, the
following factors shall be considered:
(1) the use of the body of water by the public,
(2) the length of time the public has used the area,
(3) the value of public resources in the body of water,
(4) whether the public resources in the body of water are mobile to the
extent that they can move into natural bodies of water,
(5) whether the creation of the artificial body of water required
permission from the state, and
(6) the value of the body of water to the public for navigation from one
public area to another public area.
In Chowan County, all of the waters listed as Estuarine Waters and inland
01*M

1
'
waters are considered Public Trust Waters. Other Public Trust Waters
include:
(a) Pollock's Swamp,
(b) Rockyhock Creek,
(c) Dillard or Indian Creek,
(d) Stumpy Creek, and
(e) Catherine, or Warwick Creek.
The significance of the public trust waters is that the public has rights
to them, including navigation and recreation. In addition, these public
waters support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic
value, and are important resources for economic development.
e. Outstanding Resource Waters
In 1989, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission
designated certain waters within North Carolina as Outstanding Resource
Waters. These areas were designated because they were considered to be
of significant value as recreational and natural resource areas. Special
development controls may be imposed in each area. These controls
include, but are not necessarily limited to, expanding the estuarine
shoreline width to 575 feet. There are no designated outstanding
resource waters in Chowan County.
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 which allow a local government
to develop its own use standards for AECs if they are more restrictive
than the States. At this time, however, Chowan County's regulations are
'
not more restrictive than the State's. It is -important to understand the
distinction between Estuarine Waters and Public Trust Waters because of
the different LAMA 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 Water or Public Trust
Waters, for permit purposes, it receives the same designation as the
'
water into which it empties.
D. REVIEW OF CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES REGULATIONS
1. Local Plans, Studies and Regulations
Since completion of the 1986 Plan Update, several important changes
' regarding regulatory ordinances and enforcement procedures have taken place
in Chowan County. Mobile home regulations, building setback ordinances, and
revised subdivision regulations have been enacted. Additional information
' concerning 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 LAMA, this initial Plan
provides a description of present condition of population, economy, and
land use constraints to development. It discusses fragile and hazard
' areas, areas of environmental concern, areas with resource potential, and
community facilities. It estimates future needs and sets out policies
and objectives related to implementing those needs.
-23-

' b. Chowan County Land Use Plan Update, 1981
This was the first 5-year update of the initial LAMA 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 implementation strategies are also in
the Plan Update. This update was not prepared jointly with the Town of
Edenton.
C. Chowan County Land Use Plan Update, 1986
This was the second 5-year update of the initial CAMA Plan and contains a
re -assessment of existing conditions and projections of populations, land
use, and economic conditions. Revised policy statements and
implementation strategies are included. As with the 1981 update, this
'
1986 update focuses upon the unincorporated areas of Chowan County and
was not prepared jointly with the Town of Edenton.
'
d. 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 subdivision regulations.
e. 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, construct, operate and maintain
wastewater collection and transportation facilities..." (sic) outside the
corporate limits of the Town of Edenton. The "201" area of study
'
included a slightly larger geographic area than the extraterritorial
jurisdiction of Edenton. Therefore, any lines outside the Town would be
operated and built by such a "sanitary district."
f. Chowan County Subdivision Regulations, 19781 amended 1989
The Chowan County Planning Board, with technical assistance from N.C.
DNRCD, prepared subdivision regulations which were adopted in 1978.
These regulations govern the transition of raw land into new residential
subdivisions and set out criteria for required facility improvements and
general design standards. The subdivision ordinance is administered by
the Board which reviews development proposals against the standards set
out therein. For example, there is a stipulation that developers must
provide water service at their own expense to County water system
standards and they must pave interior streets to N.C.D.O.T. standards.
'
The subdivision ordinance was revised in 1989 to include provisions for
public access in waterfront subdivisions.
' g. Federal Flood Insurance Program
The Federal Flood Insurance Program in Chowan County officially moved
from the Emergency Phase to the Regular Phase in 1985 and is in effect
' throughout the County.
-24-

Ih. State Building Code
In 1985, the County adopted the State Building Code and
since July, 1985
employs a full-time Building Inspector.
i.
Septic Tank Regulations
Septic tank regulations are administered by the
Regional Health
Department, which covers five counties. However, a Sanitarian is based
in Chowan County.
J.
Mobile Home Regulations
The mobile home regulations were adopted in March, 1986
and regulates the
placement of mobile homes throughout the County and
contains siting
criteria for mobile home parks.
'
k.
Building Setback Ordinance, June 1989
Enacted in June, 1989, the building setback ordinance is
effective county
wide and regulates the minimal required distance from road right-of-way
which structures may be constructed.
1.
Zoning Ordinance, Adopted 1985, Revised 1989
The County has adopted a zoning ordinance for the Cape Colony -Country
Club area and lands adjacent to the Edenton municipal Airport.
2, State Agency Plans
a. Transportation Improvement Program, 1991
' Two major projects for U.S. 17 are included in the 1991 Transportation
Improvement Program which was adopted in December, 1990. The first
project is to widen 11.3 miles of U.S. 17 to four lanes for the road
between Edenton and Windfall. Construction in one section will begin in
July, 1991 with the right-of-way acquisition for the second section
beginning in the summer of 1992. The second project is to improve U.S.
17 to a multi -lane facility for the 7.6 miles of the road between the
Chowan River to east of Edenton. Right-of-way acquisition for this
' segment is scheduled for fiscal year 1996. 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 State. In 1989,
the SCORP
analysis contained a profile of Chowan County which is discussed in the
capacity section of this report. Chowan County is in Region R.
3. Local Regulations
'
In addition to the regulations listed under Local Plans, the CARA
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. There is one additional policy of the
Town of
Edenton, as noted in the 1986 Update, which may affect potential land uses in
-25-

the County and should be mentioned. The Town of Edenton, historically, has
not provided sewer service outside of its corporate limits except to two
county schools. 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. These may include U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 404
wetlands regulations, Federal Emergency Management (FEMA), Flood Plain
regulations, or permits issued by the State Divisions of Environmental
Management, Marine Fisheries, and Land Resources.
' 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, such as, physical limitations, fragile areas, and areas with
resource potential.
' 1. Physical Limitations for Development
Certain areas of Chowan County have conditions which make development costly
or would cause undesirable consequences if developed. This section focuses
upon hazard areas including man-made hazards such as the Edenton Municipal
Airport and natural hazards such as flood hazard areas, estuarine erosion
areas, areas with soil limitations, areas which serve as source of water
' supply, and areas with excessive slope.
a. Nan -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 "Airport 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.
Several open dumps and/or junkyards are also considered man-made hazards
' in Chowan County.
b. Natural Hazard Area
1. Flood Hazard Area:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
initiated a
detailed study of flood hazard areas in 1982, with the
final' maps
being
effective on July 3, 1985. The study, which
consists of
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

C.
1
LJI
minimal flooding dangers (Zone "C"). Not surprisingly, the detailed
study shows that substantial sections of Chowan County are subject to
the 100-year flood. However, the majority in the land area is
included in the "Zone C" classification, ie. in the 500-year flood
area and subject to minimal flooding. Most of the flood -prone areas,
is., "Zone All areas subject to a 1 percent change of flooding during
any given year, are located in the western sections of the County,
adjacent either to portions of the Chowan River or a major creek,
such as Dillard's Creek or Rockyhock Creek. Some flood -prone areas
include: the Cannon's Ferry area; Harris Landing; and land south of
the US 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 4, High Hazard Flood Areas, attached.)
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 erosion 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
5, page 27a, and the accompanying chart I), for a total loss of
nearly 148 acres over the 31-year period.
Although the above cited study is somewhat dated, estuarine erosion
is still a concern in Chowan County.
Areas With Soils Limitations
The Soil Survey of Chowan County and Perauimans' Counties North Carolina
was published in September 1986 by the US Department of Agriculture Soil
Conservation Service. The report includes detailed descriptions of the
soil types and properties for Chowan County with discussions 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, ie. 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 classifications contained in the
Soil Survey Report, only 15 were classified as suitable for dwellings
without basements, only 9 classifications are suitable for dwellings with
basements; only 5 are classified as suitable for septic tank absorption
fields; and only 3 are described as suitable for sanitary landfills. The
acreage and characteristics of the soils deemed suitable for the above
purposes are shown on Table 19 based on the detailed soil survey sheets.
The "general soils" map from the same Publication, however, groups
-27-

E S
o U N i Y CHOWAN COUNTY
ir
yi A 5 M 1 N G
27_8
4

I:
CHART
*Estuarine Erosion Areas: Chowan County, North Carolina
REACH NO. 1
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
PEACH 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
Er sion Inventorv, North Carolina,
U. S. DA.
Soil Conservation
Service, Raleigh, NC
October,
1975.
I 27-b

t
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
several soil associations together and indicates there may be larger
areas suitable for septic tank placement, with moderate to slight
limitations. (See Map 6 which is very generalized because of the
necessity for on -site investigations). The 22 soil classifications not
listed have severe constraints for these types of development.
Most of the soil types, however, are suitable for various agriculture
uses if the proper drainage is provided. Although several soil types in
Chowan County consist of highly decomposed organic matter, there are no
substantial deposits of peat in Chowan County.
Table 19: Soil Types in Chowan County Suitable for Residential Use and
Sanitary Landfill, Based on Limitations
Chowan Suitable Area
Soil County dwell w/o Dwell. w/ Septic Tank Sanitary
Type Acreage basements basements Absorb. Fields Landfill
Altavista 3,860 moderate, severe severe severe
wetness
Bojac
285
slight
moderate,
moderate,
severe
wetness
wetness
Cainhoy
1,545
slight
slight
severe
severe
Conetoe
4,565
slight
slight
slight
severe
Doque
5,590
moderate,
severe
severe
severe
(DgA)
wetness,
shrink -swell
Doque
2,620
moderate,
severe
severe
severe
(DgB)
wetness,
shrink -swell
Echaw
3,515
slight
moderate,
severe
severe
wetness
Munden
560
moderate,
severe
severe
severe
wetness
Seabrook
1,665
moderate,
severe
severe
severe
wetness
State
2,245
slight
moderate,
moderate,
moderate,
(StA)
wetness
wetness
wetness
State
1,750
slight
moderate,
moderate,
moderate,
(StB)
wetness
wetness
wetness
State
295
slight
moderate,
moderate,
moderate,
(SuA)
wetness
wetness
wetness
Tomahawk
4,320
moderate,
severe
severe
severe
wetness
Vahalla
1,950
slight
moderate,
severe
severe
wetness
-28-

'
Wando 5,060 sliaht sliaht severe severe
Total Acreage
Suitable 39,825 21,210 9,140 4,290
Percent of County's
Land Area 34.6% 18.4% 7.9% 3 7%
Source: US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Services. Soil
Survey of Chowan and Perauimans Counties North Carolina. September 1986.
With the recently established trend of population growth, as well as the
absence of centralized sewer facilities, a very important consideration
is the extent of soils suitable for urban development, ie., septic tank
placement. The combined acreage of the five soil types more suitable for
septic tanks, according to the detailed survey sheets, is 9,140 acres or
only 7.9 percent of the 115,200 acres located in Chowan County. Map 6,
attached, shows the general areas with septic tank and building
development limitations according to the "General" soils map, which
groups several associations together. This representation, however, is
general, and specific determinations must be based on individual on -site
analysis and testing. A total of 4,290 acres or 3.7 percent of the
County is considered suitable for sanitary landfills.
1
d. Sources and Estimated ouantitV of Water Suppiv
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 precipitation which falls on the
County and some of which falls on the recharge areas farther west on
the Coastal Plain Province. Other groundwater that may be
encountered in the County is that which was trapped in the
1
sedimentary deposits at the time of their deposition or during
subsequent inundations by the sea.
1
Underlying Chowan County are five distinct aquifers from which
freshwater can be obtained at some location within the County. These
aquifers were mapped by the US Geological Survey and are described in
detail in a report titled, "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 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
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L�
1
I
I
I
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 100 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. Acxuifer 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 at the southeastern tip of
the County, with an average 50-foot thickness. 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.
e. Acxuifer E: Aquifer E occurs in the uppermost part of the Black
Creek Formation. It is separated from the overlying 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 groundwater in
the County is such that some degree of treatment is necessary to make
it meet the U.S. Public Health Service standard for public water
supplies.
I
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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 Ouality: 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.
In November 1990, the North Carolina Department of Envirnnmc"t�
Health and Natural Resources issued reports classifying water quality
standards for the Waters of the Chowan River Basin and the Pasquotank
River Basins. Table 20 details these classifications for water of
Chowan County and Map 7 shows their locations.
Table 20: classification of Water Systems in Chowan County
Classification Classification Definition Water Systems
Class SB Tidal Salt Waters used for primary Albemarle sound from
recreation and aquatic life propagation Horny Blow Point to
and survival, fishing, wildlife and Yeopim River
secondary recreation
Class BNSW Primary recreation, aquatic life
Albemarle Sound near
propagation and survival, fishing,
Chowan River, Chowan
wildlife, secondary recreation, and
River, Stumpy Creek,
agriculture. Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Dillard Creek (Dillard
which require limitations on nutrient
Millpond), Indian
inputs.
Creek, Rockyhock Creek
(Bennett Millpond),
Pembroke Creek
Class CNSW Aquatic life
propagation and survival,
Catherine Creek,
fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation,
Warwick Creek, Edenton
and agriculture. Nutrient Sensitive
Bay, Pollock Swamp,
Waters which require limitations on
Queen Anne Creek
nutrient inputs.
Class SC Tidal Salt Waters used for aquatic life
Yeopim River
propagation and survival, fishing,
wildlife and secondary recreation.
Class CSW Swamp waters which have low velocities
Middleton Creek
and other natural characteristics which
are different from adjacent streams and
used for aquatic life propagation and
survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary
recreation and agriculture.
Source: "Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to the Waters of the
Pasquotank River Basin and Chowan River Basin," North
Carolina Department of
Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, November,
1990.
All of the Chowan River and its tributaries,
as well as the section
of the Albemarle Sound located at the mouth of
the Chowan River, have
been classified as Nutrient Sensitive Waters. This special
-31-

designation (one of only two in the State as of 1985) requires
certain actions to help minimize point and non -point sources of
pollution. Examples include: requiring the upgrade of wastewater
treatment systems to eliminate point source discharge, such as
Edenton's Land Application Sewage System, or imposing agricultural
Best Management Practices (BMPs).
' 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 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 cultivation 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% in the County.
1 2. Fragile Areas
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate
or poorly planned development. These include those areas previously
identified and discussed as Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). These
included estuarine waters, public trust waters, and estuarine shorelines (see
pages this section). However, there are other fragile areas in the County
which are not classified as Areas of Environmental Concern, but nevertheless,
due to either natural or cultural significance, are environmentally
sensitive. These areas will be identified and discussed below as either
"Natural Resource Fragile Areas", or "Cultural Resource Fragile Areas".
ta. 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. Nine significant natural
areas in Chowan County were identified in a regional survey of the
Albermarle-Pamlico Estuarine Regions commissioned by the NC Natural
Heritage Program. The findings of this survey was published in January,
1990 in a report entitled Regional Inventory for Critical Natural
Areas, Wetland Ecosystem and Endangered Species Habitats of the
Albermarle-Pamlico Estuarine Region: Phase 1.
-32-

Table 21 briefly describes the location, significance, characteristics,
ownership, protection status, and natural resource features of these nine
sites and their general location is shown on Map 8.
L(1) Coastal Complex Natural Areas
I Coastal complex natural areas are defined as lands that support
native plant and animal communities and provide habitat qualities
which have remained essentially unchanged by human activity. Such
areas may be either significant component of coastal systems or
especially notable habitat areas of scientific, educational, or
aesthetic value. They may be surrounded by landscape that has been
modified but does not drastically alter conditions within the
natural areas. Coastal complex areas are significant in that they
function as a key biological component of natural systems and
provide habitat suitable for threatened or endangered species or
support plant or animal communities representative of
pre -settlement conditions. Coastal Complex Natural Areas may be
designated as an Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) by the Coastal
Resource Commission.
All nine sites listed on Table 21 are considered by the N.C. Natural
Heritage Program to be coastal complex natural areas. In fact, Snow
Hill Bay, Drummond Point Woods, and the Catherine Creek Marsh and
Swamp are considered to be of state significance while Warwick Creek
Oak Flats and Slopes, Holiday Island, the Lower Indian Creek Swamp
and Ravine, the Gallberry Swamp and Pocosin, the Reedy Point Swamp,
and Cherry Point Woods are of regional significance.
(2) Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
Coastal areas that sustain remnant species are those areas that
support native plants or animals which are determined to be rare or
endangered (synonymous with threatened and endangered), within the
coastal area. Such areas provide habitats necessary for the
survival of existing populations of rare endangered species within
the coastal area, preserve our natural heritage, and protect natural
diversity which is related to biological stability.
Four of the nine areas in Chowan County are classified as areas that
sustain remnant species. The Warwick Creek oak Flats and Swamp,
Holiday Island, and Catherine Creek Marsh and Swamp are black bear
habitats which is a wildlife species of special concern. Moreover,
the Catherine Creek Marsh and Swamp and the Lower Indian Creek and
Swamp are perhaps one of a few sites for an unusual form of
turk's-cap lily (Lilium Superbum).
(3) Unique Geological Formations
Unique coastal geological formations are defined as sites that
contain geological formations that are unique or otherwise
significant components of coastal systems, or that are especially
notable examples of geological formations or processes in the
coastal area.
The presence of two Carolina bays with natural vegetation still
remaining north of the Neuse River is rather surprising.
Consequently, both the Snow Hill Bay and Gallberry Swamp which are
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r M M M M M M� r M M M M M M M r M sir
Table 21 : Characterisctics of Significant Natural Areas in Chowan County
1 \CI�LLiCLLl\VJ�JYiwi
Ka�YiW
Site
size
Location
Significance
Description
Ownership
P
Compi-
",;�
Sustain
�,�`
Unique
a
Resiaered
�
Prime
H
"°°°"°
Warwick
Along Warwick Creek, on
Small black water stream; floodplain
r
Creek Oak
ns Acres
County Line,
Regional
Regional
and gently rolling upland slopes with
mesic mixed hardwood forest. Black
Private
None
x
x
x
x
Flats and
from NC 32 down nearly to SR
Y
bean habitat. Beaver ponds may carry
Slopes
1232
rare plant species.
About 2 miles northwest of
Carolina Bay with Maple. Dominated
Swamp Forest. Honey cup, a pocosin
z
Snow Hill
zosA�r«
Snow Hill, rest west of
State
species seldom found this far north,
Private
None
x
x
x
x
Bay
intersection of NC 37 and SR
occurs in bay. The presence of the
1002
Carolina Bay itself in this part of the
state is also unusual.
In middle of Chowan River,
Low-lying island in & around Chowan
3
Holiday
168 A-m
Northwest of Cannon Ferry,
Regional
g
River, with cypress gum swamp. Black
Private
None
x
x
x
x
Island
bear use the island, and ospreys nest on
Access by boat
it.
Lower
Along lower Indian creek, from
Small creek bottom and adjacent upland
Indian
SR 1226 down to Chowan
slopes and ravines. Small acreage of old
4
Creek
Swamp
250Acres
River, just north of the
Regional
growth hardwood forest. Tidal
freshwater marsh is one of several in
Private
None
x
x
x
and
Arrowhead Beach
county. One of perhaps 6 or six known
Development.
sites for unused form of Turk's Cap lily.
Ravine
Gallberry
SwamP
0.5 mile west of ROckyhock,
Carolina Bay contains good examples of
�lr ownd by
Stan: oft DD
a
x
x
x
s
zmAcre,
North of SR 1217, West of SR
Regional
mature forested westland vegetation, an
ofndmini.tou
None
x
1222, & East of SR 1218
uncommon natural community type.
bay are
��
Pocosin
Reedy
Along East and North Shore of
Six miles of extensive swampy forest,
Private,
c
Point
rason�
Chowan River from the mouth
Regional
dominated by pond pine and red maple.
Feral
None
x
x
x
x
Swamp
of Pembroke Creek at Edenton,
Cypress and tupelo on fringe. Valuable
�'Pr Pe g
wildlife habitat
owners
NW to vicinity of SR 1205
Cherry
()a Northeast side of Albemarle
Rolling mesic uplands and swampy
7
Point
290 A,=
Sound, Northwest of Cape Colony,
Regional
drainage, with mesic mixed hardwood in
Private
None
x
x
x
Woods
South of Edenton
good condition.
On southside of Yeopim River
Natural area features diversity of
Private; most
Drummond
,cons«
at its mouth; bordered by
State
acquatic and wetland habitats ranging
owned by
None
x
x
x
a
Point Woods
Albermarle Sound to the east
from swamps to a variety of isolated
single
and SR 1105 to the south
pooh Diverse flora
individual
One of the most extensive swamp forest
Catherine
Along Northwest shore of
g
in NC. Tidal freshwater marshes
located at mouttu of creeks. Rare plant
Portions private
owned. Part
Creek
Chowan River, from mouth of
State
species include Turk's cap fily, prairie
owned by NC
Forestry
None
x
x
x
x
v
Marsh &
the Meherrin River
cordgrass, wild rice, arrow arum,
g
Foundation and
Swamp
Downstream to Cannon Ferry
Atlantic white cedar. Important wildlife
habitat for black bear, bobcat, river
NCSU School of
Forestry
otter, and red -shouldered hawks.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
MAP 8: SIGNIFICANT NATURAL AREAS
l
�
KEY
f.i .
11 ` "�
1. Warwick Creek Oak
Rats and Slopes
�.
0
2 to
2 . Snow Hill Bay
a Holiday Island
4. Lower Indian Creek
"felt •9
Swamp and Ravine
:we , ♦
-
S. Gallberry Swamp
r
& Reedy Pant Swamp
7. Cherry Pant Woods
Drummond Point Woods
Y
-
9 Catherine Creek Marsh and
Swamp
. .•. / +
-
Source: NC Natural Heritage Pro-
_ / , �:I
gram: Regional Inventory for
Critical Natural Areas, Wet-
land Ecosystems, and En-
dangered Species Habitats
oftheAlbermarie-Pamlico Es-
t
-
�
tuarine Region, Phase 1.,
I
January 19W
1
•
33-b

Carolina bays are considered to be significant physiographic sites.
(4) Registered Landmark
None of the nine sites in Chowan County are registered natural
landmarks. Moreover, these sites have no protection status to
prevent the disruption of their natural ecosystems. Although not
presently protected, Chowan County considers all of the "Significant
Natural Areas" to be locally significant. The County will explore
procedures for obtaining designation as Registered Landmarks.
' (5) Wooded Swamp
Wooded swamps are simply forested wetlands. All nine sites are
classified entirely or to some extent as wetlands on the National
Wetlands Inventory. All nine sites, likewise, have vegetation
suitable to classify them as wooded swamps.
(6) Prime Wildlife
Habitats
Prime wildlife
habitats
are areas supporting large
or unusually
diverse populations of
considered to be rare,
wildlife or are habitats
endangered, or of special
for species
concern. The
Warwick Creek
Oak Flats
and Slopes, Holiday Island,
Reedy Point
Swamp, Cherry
Point Woods, Drummond Points Woods,
and Catherine
Creek Marsh and
Swamp are
prime wildlife habitats.
(7) Pocosins
I
C�
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1
A Pocosin is a wetland with vegetation consisting of scrub swamp
dominated by evergreen heath and hollies with pond pine in the
canopy. Generally, pocosins occur on acid, peats, or sandy plat
soils.
Three areas in Chowan County are classified as pocosins. Carolina
Bays are generally pocosins and Snow Hill Bay and Gallberry Swamp
are classified as such. The Reedy Point Swamp likewise has
vegetation in some areas that qualify as pocosin.
(8) Scenic and Prominent High Points
The elevations in all of Chowan County are very low, thereby, there
are no prominent high points. However, Drummond's Point, an area of
land located near the confluence of the Yeopim River and the
Albermarle Sound, is considered by many local residents and the
Planning Board, to be a significant local scenic point which may
need protection from improper development.
(9) Maritime Forests: There are no maritime forests within Chowan
County.
(10) 404 Wetlands: Some "404" wetlands have been identified in Chowan
County. Further identification of "404" wetlands requires specific
site analysis by the Army Corp of Engineers.
(11) U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Wetlands Inventory: In 1974, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mandated that an inventory of the
nation's wetlands be conducted. The National Wetlands Inventory
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(NWI) became operational in 1977.
Wetland maps for Chowan County were finalized in 1990 and were
' produced by stereoscopically interpreting high altitude photographs
of Chowan County which were taken in 1982. The information was then
transferred to U.S. Geological Survey maps. Wetlands were
identified on the photography by vegetation, visible hydrology, and
geography. Collateral information also included U.S. Geological
Survey topographic maps and Soil conservation Service soil surveys.
1
1
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The intent of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was to provide
information concerning wetlands to local, state, and federal
officials. The NWI maps do not define wetlands for regulatory
purposes, especially since the wetland boundaries may not be exact.
The NWI maps are to serve only as a "red flag" showing that an area
may contain wetlands. Those considering land use changes in these
areas should obtain a site -specific wetlands determination from a
private consultant or an appropriate government agency such as the
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, or the U.S. Soil Conservation Service.
It is not surprising that Chowan County has extensive wetlands given
the amount of land which borders the Chowan River, the Albemarle
Sound, and the Yeopim River, as well as the extensive stream network
and marsh and wooded swamp areas. The predominant wetlands
classification in Chowan County is Palustrine Forested Areas (PFO)
which simply means wooded swamps which border freshwater. The more
detailed designation after the PFO prefix describes the type of
vegetation in the wetlands area. For example, PFO 6F is the most
common designation found in Chowan County which is an area that
predominantly has bald cypress and black gum, or tupelo gum and
Carolina ash in the wettest sites and is frequently found along
coastal plain rivers and large creeks.
(12) Chowan County does not contain the fragile areas of coastal
wetlands, sand dunes along the Outer Banks, and ocean beaches and
shorelines which are mandated by the CAMA guidelines to be
identified.
b. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Fragile areas may be particularly important to a local 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 settlement of and
interaction with the coastal zone. Their importance serves to
distinguish the designated areas as significant amount the historic
architectural or archaeological remains in the coastal zone, and
therein establish their value.
The State Division of Archives and History conducted a comprehensive
architectural survey of Chowan County between 1985 and 1987. Over 200
properties were identified. However, this survey is still in its draft
stages and its final release is not anticipated until the Fall of 1992.
The property files from the 1985-1987 survey are now in the Raleigh
collection.
-35-
1

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There are already several sites in the town of Edenton and Chowan County
which have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Moreover, an additional five properties are designated as "study list
properties" in Chowan County, meaning that the property has been reviewed
and determined eligible for National Register designation. The National
Register of Historic Places properties and study list properties are
listed below by their locality and those properties in Chowan County are
shown on Map 9.
Town of Edenton
a. National Register of Historic Places
Albania, south side of U.S. 17, 1 mile west
of junction with NC32
Barker House, south terminus of Broad Street
Chowan County Courthouse, East King Street
Cupola House, 408 Broad Street
Edenton Historic District
Hayes Plantation, east side Edenton Bay on
south side of Queen Anne
Court
James Iredell House, 107 East Church Street
Pembroke Hall, West King Street
Peanut Factory, East Church Street
St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Churchyard,
West Church Street at Broad Street
Speight House and Cotton Gin, north side
of East Church Street,
extension (NC 32) at SR 1105
Strawberry Hill, south side of junction of
NC 34 and US 17 east of
Church Street extension
Wessington House, 120 West King Street
Chowan County
a. National Register of Historic Places
1. Athol, south side of SR 1114
2. Cullins-Baker House, west side NC 32 at junction with SR 1304,
Tyner vicinity
3. Greenfield Plantation, southeast side of SR 1109, 0.9 miles east
of junction with SR 1100, Somer vicinity
4. Mulberry Hill, south side of SR 1114, 0.3 miles east of junction
of SR 1118, Edenton vicinity
5. Sandy Point, east side of SR 1118, 0.8 miles south of SR 1114,
Edenton vicinity
6. Shelton (Clement) Hall, on lane off west side of NC 32, 0.9 miles
north of SR 1200, Edenton vicinity
b. Study List Properties
1. Bennett's Mill Pond, north side SR 1222, 0.5 mile west of
junction with NC 32, Valhalla vicinity
2. Briols, southwest side NC 32, 0.3 mile northwest of Pollock Swamp
Bride, Hancock vicinity
3. Coke House (Beech Grove), on 1.2 mile lane, northeast side SR
100, 0.7 mile east of SR 1108, Somer vicinity
4. Haughton-Leary House, NC 37, Edenton vicinity
5. Martinique, down 0.3 mile lane, north side SR 1222, 1.3 mile west
of SR 1226, Small Crossroads vicinity
The most notable location of archaeological significance is, perhaps, the
Arrowhead Beach Subdivision, where Indian artifacts have been found.
-36-
1i

n
' According to the State Division of Archives and History, there are 78
recorded archaeological sites in Chowan County. However, very few have
been evaluated for National Register significance and there have been no
' extensive professional surveys in the County. Areas near the water
courses may well contain additional historic and prehistoric sites,
according to the State.
3. Areas With Resource Potential
a. Agricultural and Forest Lands
' The primary areas with resource potential to be considered in this 1991
update of the Chowan County Land Use Plan are agricultural and forest
lands. As discussed under existing economic conditions (pages 6-7),
agriculture and commercial forestry 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 Protection Policy
Act of 1980. The declaration of Executive Order 96 recognized the fact
that in many areas of the State, prime agricultural and forest lands are
being converted to other uses at such a significant rate that these
1
irreversible uses may ultimately reduce the capacity of food and fiber
production. Prime agricultural and forest lands were defined as those
lands "...which possess the best combination of physical and chemical
'
characteristics for producing food, feed, fiber (including forest
products), forage, oilseed, and other agricultural products (including
livestock), without intolerable soil erosion."
'
The Governor directed the Secretary of the State Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development to assume the responsibility 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 Conservation 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 proposed on prime agricultural or forest lands would have
to be assessed beginning January 1, 1984.
Table 22 shows the soil types identified as "Important Farmland" soils by
the Soil Conservation Service in May 1991. The definition of the codes
are as follows: P1 All areas are prime farmland; P2 - Only drained
areas are prime farmland; S1 - All areas are farmland of statewide
importance; S2 - Only drained areas are farmland of statewide importance;
U1 - All areas are unique farmland. The acreage figures represent only
the total occurrence of that particular soil type in Chowan County and
does not indicate whether that land is now in agriculture use or has been
' drained and thereby suitable for farmland.
fl
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I
Table 22: Soil Types Identified as Important Farmland May 1991
Important
Farmland
Soil Type Acreage
---------------------------------------------
Code
Altavista 3,860
P1
Arapahoe 2,440
P2
Augusta 3,175
P2
Bojac* 1,545
Sl
Cape Fear 1,775
S2
'
Chapanoke 1,260
P2
Conetoe* 4,565
S1
Doque (Dq A) 5,590
P1
Doque (Dq B) 2,620
P1
'
Dragston 1,680
P2
Icaria 5,000
P2
Lynn Haven 2,550
U1
Munden 560
P1
'
Nimmo 820
P2
Perquimans 2,450
P2
Roanoke 18,300
S2
1
State (St A)* 2,245
P1
State (St B)* 1,750
P1
Tomahawk 4,320
S1
Tomotley 7,205
P2
'
Valhalla 1,950
S1
Wahee 2,240
S2
Yeopim (Ye A) 1,845
P1
'
Yeopim (Ye B) 425P1
-
-----
Total Acreage 80,170
--
----------------------------------------------
*Suitable for septic tank absorption fields
Source: Soils Identified as "Important Farmland" for Chowan and
Perquimans County by Horace Smith, State Soil Scientist, Soil
Conservation Service, May 1991.
Overall, Chowan County has 80,170
acres of soil types classified as
potential important farmland. This
represent 69.6 percent of the 115,200
acres in the County. Significantly, four out of the five soil types
identified as suitable for septic
tanks are also considered important
farmland soils thereby increasing the conflict between agricultural use
and development.
Use -value taxation is a method
used to preserve farmland from
development. With use -value taxation, lands used for farmland,
timberland, or horticulture purposes may qualify to be taxed at their
lower "use -value" rather than at their real property or market value.
Interest in the use -value taxation
program increased significantly after
property was re -valued in 1990. As
of 1990, 202 landowners who own 1,320
parcels had their property assessed
at use -value.
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 experienced a decline in
-38-

' commercial fishing during the 1980's as stated on page 8 of this report.
Serious pollution of the Chowan River as evidenced by its designation as
a Nutrient Sensitive Waters has affected fish landings in the County.
The deterioration of commercial fishing has significant economic impact
because there are two fishery processing businesses in the County
providing employment and income to some of the County's residents.
' According to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and
Natural Resources, there are no designated primary or secondary nursery
areas in Chowan County. However, this agency is in the process of
developing anadromous spawning and nursery areas and artificial habitat
designations. The Albemarle Sound, Chowan River, Yoepim River and their
tributaries function as spawning and nursery areas for the blueback
herring and alewife. Other anadromous species (American shad, hickory
shad, and striped bass) also utilize these waters as a nursery. These
species are included in the "Threatened and Endangered" species profiles
under Category 3 (Vulnerable). Moreover, white perch, yellow perch,
catfish, spot, croaker, blue crabs, and other commercially and
recreationally important species also utilize these waters as nursery
areas. The extensive prevalence of submerged and floating vegetation,
wetlands, and swamps enhance the spawning and nursery capabilities of
Chowan County waters. Consequently, these waters are considered to be
important spawning and nursery areas which will meet the proposed
criteria for anadromous spawning and nursery areas and critical habitat
designations.
'
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 classifications 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 various pockets in the County, usually
coinciding with very poorly drained soils. Also in Chowan County, there
are 6 sand mining operations. There are
no other known
areas in the
1
County which contain marketable mineral resources, such as
phosphate.
d. Publicly Owned Forests and Fish and Gamelands
rThere
are no publicly owned forests in
Chowan County.
There is one
publicly owned gameland in Chowan County
managed by the
N.C. Wildlife
Resources Commission. The Chowan County
Game Land is approximately 30
acres of mostly swamp, located at Highway
17 Business and
Pembroke Creek
near the Edenton city limits.
e. Privately -Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries
There is one privately owned wildlife refuge in Chowan County. The John
Crisanti Wildlife Refuge is a 40-acre refuge located on Airport Road.
There is a lake on the property.
f. Non -Intensive 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
-39-

' productive water bodies, and expansive woodlands, recreational fishing
and hunting opportunities, within the appropriate seasons, abound.
F. Constraints: Capacity of Community Facilities
1. Water
The Chowan County water system has been growing steadily since its
beginning in the mid-1970's. 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 2,000. However, from a beginning of
1,200 customers in 1975, the system now serves 3,356 customers,
including 36 industries and commercial customers, as of March 31,
1991.
The growth of the water system
is depicted in Table 23.
Table 23:
Chowan County Water
System, Customers Served 1975-1991
Year
Customers Served
Change
1975
1,200
---
1981
2,226
+1,026
1
1986
2,796
+ 570
1991
3,356
+ 560
----------------------------------------------
Sources:
1986 Chowan• County
Land Use Plan, Chowan County Water
Department
This represents an increased growth between 1981 and 1991 of 113
' additional customers per year. The distribution lines cover the
entire County, and virtually all of the population outside Edenton
has access to the water system.
In 1987 the Phase III improvements discussed in the previous land use
plan update were completed. The water system is now a combined
system rather than two separate "northern" and "southern" systems.
The water system consists of 242 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.
Daily water treatment and distribution are provided by the Valhalla
' and Brahall water treatment plants. The Yeopim plant is available
for standby use only. The current total system operates with a total
of 8 wells. The current capacity of the system is shown on Table 24
below.
�I
1
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11
-40-

Table 24: Chowan-County Water System Capacity
24-Hour
Wells
Daily
1991 24-Hour
Plant
Combined
Capacity
Water Plant
% Use
Site
No.
GPM
of Wells
Capacity
at Peak
---------+----+---------+-------------+--------------+--------
Valhalla
4
800gpm
2.304MGD
1.152MGD
61%
Brayhall
2
600gpm
.864MGD
.576MGD
22%
Yeopim*
2
400gpm
(.576MGD)
(.288MGD)
(NA)
TOTAL** 18 I 3.164MGD** I 1.728MGD
*The Yeopim plant operates on a standby basis only.
**Total Figures represent 24-hour capacity of Valhalla and Brayhall
'
plants only.
Source: Chowan County Water Department
The 1987 improvements have greatly enhanced the capacity of the
Chowan County water system. Prior to the improvements, the County
did not have excess capacity during peak periods and had to purchase
additional water from the Town of Edenton, Perquimans County, and
Gates County. Although water purchase agreements still exist with
these jurisdictions, Chowan County would only need to purchase water
as an option to solve a short-term emergency distribution problem.
' Currently, the 3,356 water customers use an average of 311 gallons
per day, for a total daily consumption of 1,044,163 gallons. The
Valhalla and Brayhall water plants have the capacity to produce 1.728
MGD. The Chowan County water system now has an excess capacity of
683,837 gallons which is sufficient to serve an additional 2,199
customers. The total system is now operating at 60 percent capacity.
It should be noted that peak demands come usually during two seasons:
I
May, because of fish processing, and generally high summer demand
during July -August.
Projected improvements at the Valhalla Water Plant will further
increase the capacity of the Chowan County Water System. over the
next five years, the County plans to upgrade its capacity to one
million gallons. The State of North Carolina currently uses a
' guideline that water plants should operate at 50 percent capacity in
order to compensate for emergencies, peak periods, and temporary
repairs. The Valhalla Water Plant is now operating at a 61 percent
capacity. Within two years, the pumping capacity of the Valhalla
plant will be will be doubled, thereby bringing the plant up to the
State guidelines.
Overall though, the Chowan County Water System has sufficient
' capacity to accommodate growth because the Brayhall plant only
operates at a 22 percent capacity and the Yeopim Plant is used only
on a standby basis. There are no private water systems located in
' Chowan County.
2. Sewer
The only centralized sewer system in the County is still the one
which serves the Town of Edenton. Edenton has a policy of not
extending sewer lines beyond its corporate limits with one important
-41-

�I
11
exception. Edenton has extended sewer lines to the Chowan Middle
School and the White Oak Elementary School; however, no other taps
are permitted. 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 may
not be conducive for septic tank placement (See Map 6). There has
been some general discussion among county officials about the
utilization of package sewage treatment plants, but no policies have
been adopted.
There are no private sewage treatment facilities operating in Chowan
County.
3. Solid Waste
Chowan County has solid waste agreements with Perquimans and Gates
County. These three counties jointly operate a 90 acre landfill site
in Perquimans County. Approximately 20 acres of the landfill site
has been used as of 1991, leaving 70 acres remaining or about 77%.
However, some, or most of this acreage is set aside for buildings.
' The State of North Carolina issues landfill permits for a maximum of
5 years and the Perquimans landfill has 4 to 5 years remaining on its
current permit. Based on current State criteria, the landfill may
' not have sufficient capacity to accommodate future growth. Current
state rules require all landfills not having liners and leachate
collection systems to close by 1998 unless certain conditions are
demonstrated.
1
New federal regulations will also affect future landfill development.
Subtitle D of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act,
adopted in October, 1991 requires all new landfills developed after
October, 1993 to use a liner/leach collection system or other high
technology methods. The Perquimans, Chowan and Gates Counties
landfill does not currently meet these standards. It should be
mentioned that only two counties within North Carolina, New Hanover
County and Rowan County, currently operate landfills which meet the
proposed federal guidelines and it is conceivable that solid waste
disposal will become a crisis situation for most of the State.
Furthermore, the type of landfills proposed in the federal
regulations are very expensive to build and operate and may become an
economic burden for small rural counties like Chowan County.
Chowan County is planning to convert its current "greenbox"
collection system to a "convenience/recycling" system. From 80 to 90
"green boxes" are now located throughout the County and the services
of a private contractor are used to collect the solid waste. Chowan
County intends to convert to "convenience/recycling" sites whereby
the collection site will have a trash compactor and recycling bins
for aluminium cans, glass, plastic, and waste oil. It is anticipated
that three convenience sites will be operational in Chowan County by
1992.
4. Public School System
The Edenton-Chowan County School System faced steady decline in the
early 1980's. With a steady increase in membership during the latter
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I
1
I
part of the decade, however, the trend reversed. Notice Table 25.
Table 25: Edenton-Chowan County School First Month Daily Membership,
1980-1990
School Year
First Month Membership
Chancre
1980-81
2,554
---
1981-82
2,510
-44
1982-83
2,462
-48
1983-84
2,438
-24
1984-85
2,407
-31
1985-86
2,413
+ 6
1986-87
2,490
+77
1987-88
2,490
0
1988-89
2,504
+14
1989-90
2,513
+ 9
1990-91
-----------------------------------------------
2,556
+43
Source: North Carolina Data Link System (1980-81 thru 1988-89,
Edenton-Chowan County School System (1989-90 and 1990-91)
Between school years 1980-81 and 1984-85, total school membership
dropped from 2,554 in 1980-81 to 2,407 in 1984-85, a decrease of 147
students or a 5.7 percent decline. However, school membership
started to increase in the 1985-86 school year with a membership of
2,413. The growth trend continued and school membership in 1990-91
was 2,556. Consequently, school membership increased by 149 students
or by 6.2 percent between school years 1984-85 and 1990-91, thereby
reversing the previous declining trend. School membership in 1990-91
was just slightly higher than the membership in 1980-81. Chowan
County's population growth was the major factor causing the
increasing school membership. The 1990 census figures also show an
increase in the general school -age population.
The Edenton-Chowan County School District now operates two elementary
schools, the White Oak Elementary School and the D.F. Walker
Elementary School, as well as the Chowan Middle School and the John
A. Holmes High School. Table 26 shows school membership, grades
currently being served, and type of classrooms being utilized. It
should be noted that currently a new Chowan Middle School is being
constructed, and will open in the Fall of 1991.
-43-

Table 26•
Edenton-Chowan School District School Membership and Classroom
Utilization, 1990-91
September
1990 Grades Grades to
School Served be served Classroom Utilization
School
Membership 1990-91 1991-92 Permanent I Improvised I Mobile I
Total
------- --------+----------+-------+--------.... +-----------+------------+--------+------
White Oak
Elementary
382 K-5 K-5 14 --- 4
18
D.F. Walker
Elementary
937 K-6 K-6 49, --- ---
49
Chowan
Middle School
495 6-8 --- 25 4 ---
29
(New Chowan
Middle School)
--- --- 6-8 (35) --- ---
(35)
John A. Holmes
High School
706 9-12 9-12 39 --- ---
39
---------------+----------+-------+---------+-----------+------------+--------+------
Total 1990-91
I 2520 I--- I --- I 127 I 4 I 4 I
135
Total 1991-92
---------------------------
I 2533 I--- I --- I 137 I --- I 4 i
-----------
141
Source: Edenton-Chowan County School District
The construction of the new Chowan Middle School will enhance the
capacity of the Edenton-Chowan School District. Starting in the Fall
of 1991 all sixth graders will attend the new middle school.
Approximately 150 sixth graders who previously attended the D.F.
Walker Elementary School will be served at the Chowan Middle School.
This will increase the capacity of the D.F. Walker Elementary School.
Moreover, the new middle school will correct the current overcrowded
conditions at the existing Chowan Middle School as evidenced by the
use of improvised classroom space. However, the rapid growth in the
northern part of Chowan County has resulted in the use of four mobile
classrooms at the White Oak Elementary School. Given the tight
educational budget, it is not anticipated that permanent additions at
the White Oak Elementary School will occur within the next five
years. Kindergarten enrollments, however, on a Countywide basis,
appears to be declining. Overall though, the Edenton-Chowan County
School District has the capacity to absorb growth and does not pose a
constraint to population increases.
It should be noted also that there are two private schools operating
in the Chowan County vicinity. The Emmanuel Christian School is
located in Edenton and Lawrence Academy is located in Bertie County.
It is estimated that only about 50 Chowan County residents attend
private schools, thereby private school enrollment does not
significantly impact public school enrollment.
S. 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 32 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
S
-44-

many State -maintained secondary roads --paved
and unpaved. Table 27
below, summarizes the highway mileage for years
1982, 1987, and 1990.
Table 27: Chowan County Highway Mileage, 1982,
1987, and 1990
1982 1987
1990
1
--------------------------------------------------------------
Primary - Total miles 53.63 53_63
53.63
Rural 48.17
48.12
Municipal 5.46 ---
5.51
Secondary - Total miles 186.91 194�38
196.41
Rural 183.81
192.97
Municipal 3.10
3.44
Total Miles - All roads 240.54 248.01
250.02
Paved 204.98 212.40
215.72
Unpaved 35.56 35.61
34.30
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation
Since 1982 the amount of primary roads has remained constant at 53.63
miles, whereas secondary roads has expanded from
186.91 miles in 1982
to 196.41 miles in 1990. The additional 9.5 miles of secondary roads
is directly related to the development of new
subdivisions throughout
the County. Little progress has been made in
the pavement of unpaved
roads. Only 1.31 miles of unpaved roads has
been paved since 1987.
Unpaved secondary roads constitute 17.5 percent of all secondary
roads in 1990.
Traffic volume in Chowan County has risen steadily as the population
in the County has grown. Notice Table 28 which shows the average
daily traffic counts (ADT) for key intersections
in Chowan County.
The location of these 14 sites is shown on Map
10.
'
Table 28: Average Daily Traffic Counts for Key
Intersections in
Chowan County, 1987 and 1989
Percent
Intersection 1987
1989 Change Change
1. NC 32 at NC37 1800
2500 +700 +39.9%
2. NC 37 at NC32 700
800 +100 +14.3%
3. NC 32 at Ballards Creek Bridge 1700
2200 +500 +294%
4. SR 1222 at Small Crossroads 1000
1200 +200 +20.0%
5. US 17 near Chowan River Bridge 4400
NA
6. US 17 Bypass near NC32 3300
5100 +1800 +54.5%
7. NC 32 near US17 7600
8400 +800 +10.5%
8. US 17 Bypass near SR 1319 3200
4500 +1300 +40.6%
9. Bus. 17 near US 17 Bypass 2000
2800 +800 +40.0%
10. NC 32 near SR 1114 and SR 1103 4300
4700 +500 +11.9%
11. SR 1114 near NC 32 and SR 1103 2600
2800 +200 +7.7%
12. NC 32 near Albemarle Sound Bridge 2300
2300 -0- -0-
13. NC 32 near NC 37 1300
1800 +500 +38.5%
'
14. NC 37 near NC 32 1200
1200 -0- -0-
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation Annual Average
Daily Traffic Maps, 1987 and 1989
Despite the increasing traffic volume, the North Carolina Department
of Transportation considers the general road system as adequate with
-45-

sufficient capacity to
handle future growth. The primary road system
in Chowan County is in
good shape and improvements to US 17 Bypass
included in the 1991
Transportation Improvement Program will ease
traffic congestion along that route. NC 32 is not currently being
used to its capacity.
Secondary roads in Chowan County in some areas
may need to be widened
to handle increased traffic volumes caused by
the construction of new subdivisions in outlying areas. The paving
of unpaved secondary
roads will continue. The Albermarle Sound
Bridge was replaced in
1988 and is in excellent shape. The Chowan
River Bridge has also
been discussed for replacements, but is not
included in the 1991 Transportation Improvement Program.
6. Medical Services
Generally, medical services are adequate in Chowan County. The
County maintains a 111 bed facility, Chowan Hospital, Inc., which is
managed by a private management firm. The hospital provides acute,
skilled, and psychiatric services and now offers a full dialysis
center and a weekly Oncology clinic which administers chemotherapy
supervised by a visiting Oncologist. 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 20 physicians and five dentists
in private practice in the Town of Edenton. 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 also
three pharmacy stores.
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 six deputies and one dispatcher. 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 and have
recently been certified as EMT-D which is an advanced life support
procedure. 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 Edenton-Chowan
Rescue Squad also maintains two water rescue boats which supplements
U.S. Coast Guard Services. In 1989 a 911 system was initiated in
Chowan County and now all emergency calls are handled by this system.
8. Recreation
The Town of Edenton and Chowan County have a joint recreation
department. The Recreation Department manages 4 passive park areas,
5 playgrounds, and 2 ballfields, all of which are located in the Town
of Edenton. The Recreation Department also manages 3 tennis courts,
-46-
1

basketball courts, and softball fields at the Chowan Middle School
which is located in the County. This site is currently undergoing
renovation and will reopen in the Fall of 1991. The Recreation
Department is scheduled to do a Master Plan for Recreation beginning
in July, 1991. A major objective of this plan is to determine the
feasibility of acquiring more swimming and boat access areas in
Chowan County.
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.
The need for additional recreational facilities in Chowan County is
evident in the County Needs Assessment conducted by the North
Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation and included in the 1989
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Notice
Table 29 which profiles the Chowan County Needs Assessment. The
County has sufficient baseball fields, basketball courts, golf
course, softball fields, and tennis courts. However, the County has
insufficient lands devoted to neighborhood and community parks, as
well as, camping areas, football fields, playgrounds, soccer fields,
nature trails, and volleyball courts.
9. Other Facilities
iOther
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 the high school and middle school.
Most County offices are currently housed in the County Administration
Building, including the Board of Education. Because of the age and
space limitations in the structure, discussions have been conducted
concerning eventually providing new administrative office facilities
for some County departments. However, no definite plans have been
made. The County Manager's Office was recently located to a former
structure near the County Administration Building.
G. Estimated Demand
1. Population and Economy
According to the projections in Table 1, Chowan County's population
in 1995 will be 14,502, an increase of 996 persons, or a 7.3 percent
increase, over the 1990 U.S. Census count of 13,506. Population
growth is expected to continue during the 1990's as shown by the
projection of 15,000 persons in Chowan County by the year 2000.
overall, during the next decade, Chowan County's population will
increase by 1,494 persons or by 11 percent. Both the 1995 and 2000
projections were provided by the North Carolina Office of State
Budget and Management. This moderate growth rate of 11 percent
during the 199O's does not imply a "rapid growth" situation and
should not impose sever stresses upon existing facilities and
services.
11
MIWM
I

r
it
WON
man
m m m
m r.
m�
Table 29,
NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
06/20/89
DIVISION OF
PARKS AND RECREATION
-
STATEHIDE COMPREHENSIVE
OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN
COUNTY
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
COUNTY : CHORAN
REGION a R
PRESENT
1990
1995
1990
PERCENT
------1995
--
PERCENT
AREA
GROSS NEED
SUPPLY
NET NEED NET NEED
SUFFICIENCY
SUFFICIENCY
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK ACRES
27
b
19
21
29
7
27
%
COMMUNITY PARK ACRES
111
4
107
112
3
X
3
DISTRICT PARK ACRES
139
0
139
145
0
REGIONAL PARK ACRES
278
0
278
290
0
y
0
x
DISPERSED USE ACRES
1,807
0
1,807
1,885
p
0
y
FACILITY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
BASEBALL FIELDS
2
3
-1
-1
150
x
150
r
V
BASKETBALL COURTS
2
10
-8
-8
500
500
%
CAMPSITES, PRIMITVE
13
0
13
I4
0
%
0
X
CAMPSITES, TENT 8 TRAILER
69
0
69
72
0
Y.
0
:c
FOOTBALL FIELDS
2
1
1
1
50
i
5U
7
GOLF COURSES (18 BOLE)
0
6
0
0
100
z
100
%
PICNIC TABLES
27
17
10
12
62
:c
58
%
PLAYGROUNDS/TOTLOTS
13
7
6
7
53
r.
50
:G
SOCCER FIELDS
1
0
1
1
0
'r.
O
i
SOFTBALL FIELDS
2
5
-3
-3
250
i
250
%
SHIMMING POOLS
0
0
0
0
100
i
100
TENNIS COURTS
6
9
-3
-2
150
-r.
128
i
TRAIL MILES (ALL TYPES)
13
0
13
14
0
X
0
i
VOLLEYBALL COURTS
2
0
2
2
0
i
0
y

i�
P
I
I
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1
1
1
2.
3.
There appears to be a trend towards smaller households (e.g. the
average household size in 1970 was 3.3 person, 2.85 persons in 1980,
and 2.64 persons in 1990.) The average household size could be 2.5
persons by 2000. Thus assuming an average of 2.5 persons per
household in 2000, the increased population could result in an
additional 597 households in Chowan County. These additional
households will place certain demands upon goods, services, and
facilities. It should be noted here that there is no appreciable
seasonal population in Chowan County.
Future Land Need
Chowan County has ample amounts of vacant, undeveloped, but
developable land. If the projected 597 additional dwelling units
each needed a half -acre lot only an additional 298.5 acres would be
required. This requirement will not be a problem in Chowan County.
Community Facilities Need
The additional population increase in the unincorporated areas of
Chowan County of 1,494 persons or 597 households will require more
water from the Chowan County Water System. However, as discussed
under the "Community Facilities Constraints" section, the expanded
water system should be able to accommodate 2,199 additional
customers, especially after the pumping capacity of the Valhalla
plant is improved in 1993. 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 limited
availability of suitable, well -drained soils, septic tank placement
may pose problems. Septic tank placement may require additional
design criteria.
The capacity of the County's solid waste disposal system depends upon
the pending implementation of Subtitle D of the Federal Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act. Under existing state and federal
regulations, the tri-county landfill in Perguimans County has
sufficient capacity to accommodate the projected growth in Chowan
County. However, if new federal regulations are implemented, the
Perquimans, Chowan, and Gates County Landfill Commission will only
have 18 months to construct a new landfill operation at considerable
expense.
The primary road network in Chowan County is considered to be
functioning at below capacity by the North Carolina Department of
Transportation. Widening and . paving of secondary roads will
continue.
Recreational services may need to be expanded to meet the needs of
County residents. A recreation master plan study is currently being
developed jointly for the Town of Edenton and the County.
Other facilities and services, such as schools, medical, protective
and emergency services, are projected by the County to be adequate
throughout the planning period.
at3M

I
SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS
Preface
The formulation of specific policies regarding growth, development, and management
objectives is perhaps the most important part of any land use plan -- especially
those prepared under the State's Coastal Area Management Act. Because of regulatory
requirements and local peculiarities, the policies often attempt to strike a delicate
balance between desires and objectives of local citizens, the local government, and
the objectives of CAMA itself. Land development policies, which should be based on
analyses of existing conditions (including consideration given to natural and
man-made constraints) and projected trends, are to serve as general guides for future
desired development. Under CAMA, the overriding issue is that of growth management
while protecting coastal resources. The many special resources within Chowan County
were identified in Section I of this plan. The policy statements contained in this
section addresses both growth management as well as protection, and maintenance of
these resources.
It is both interesting and important for the citizens of Chowan County to understand
the significance of local CAMA policy statements and how they interact with the
day-to-day activities of a local government. Three areas are affected to aid in that
understanding, an explanation of these three areas, as excerpted from the 1990 Chowan
County Land Use Plan Update, as presented below, might be helpful:
1. CAMA minor and major permitting as required by N.C.G.S. - 113A-118
prior to undertaking any development in any area of environmental
concern.
i2. Establishment of local planning policy.
3. Review of proposed projects requiring state or federal assistance or
approval to determine consistency with local policies.
"For the issuance of CAMA permits within areas of environmental concern,
the state defines minimum acceptable use standards which are defined by 15
NCAC 7H. A local unit of government must adopt policies which are, at a
minimum, equal to and consistent with the state's minimum use standards. A
local unit of government may adopt policies which are more stringent than
the minimum use standards. For example, the state standards allow marinas
to be located within primary nursery areas if some minimum conditions are
met. A local government may adopt a policy stating that marinas will not
be permitted within primary nursery areas. If this were to occur, a CAMA
permit for marina construction in a primary nursery area would not be
issued. IT IS CRUCIAL THAT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF ITS
POLICIES WITHIN AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN."
"The second area of land use plan application is that of establishing
policies to guide the jurisdiction's local planning. This may apply both
within areas of environmental concern where CAMA regulations apply and in
non-CAMA regulated areas of the Town. Under North Carolina legislation,
land use plans are not regulatory controls. Non-CAMA-related
recommendations must be implemented with local land use ordinances such as
zoning or subdivision ordinances. If a land use plan recommends that the
average residential density should be three dwelling units per acre within
a particular area, then that density must be achieved through a local
zoning ordinance or other regulatory control. (This should not be confused
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I

�1
with the interaction of the land use plan with the CAMA regulations and 15
NCAC 7H use standards).
The final area of application if that of "Consistency
Review". Proposals
and applications for state and federal
assistance or
requests for agency
approval of projects are normally reviewed against a
jurisdiction's land
local
use plan to determine if the project
is consistent with policies.
Inconsistencies of a project with local
policies could
serve as grounds for
I
I
denial or revision of a project. For example, an individual or agency may
request state or federal funding to construct a 30-unit low -to -moderate
income housing project. If the proposed location of the project is within
an area in which the land use plan states that the residential density
should not exceed two dwelling units per acre, the project may be judged to
be inconsistent with the local land use plan." (Taken from Section IV-2-2,
of Carteret County Land Use Plan, 1991).
For this 1991 update of the Land Use Plan, Chowan County employed several means of
soliciting meaningful citizen participation in developing policies. The first step
was the appointment of the Planning Board as the primary Citizen Liaison group. The
next step was the development, adoption, and implementation of a citizen's
participation plan. The participation plan included the development of a "Land Use
Plan Information Packet", copies of which were mailed to all civic groups and clubs
in the County at the beginning of the Planning Process. Also, several advertised
"public information" meetings were held in different parts of the County to provide
citizens opportunities for meaningful input. Finally, the Planning Board held
monthly meetings with the Consultant, all of which were open to the public. (For
additional details, see p. 67, item D).
The Coastal Resources Commission, recognizing the diversities which exist among the
coastal communities, requires each locality to delineate specific development
policies under five broad categories, each with its own subset of policy areas.
Although policies developed under these topics cover most of the local development
issues, in some cases they do not. In the latter case, the locality, i.e. Chowan
County, has flexibility to address its own locally defined issues. During the
planning process, several local issues specific to Chowan County were identified and
are addressed in this section. These included waterfront development, water front
access, solid waste and recycling, and siting of marinas. The five required topics,
addressed in order in this section, are:
-- Resource Protection
-- Resource Production and Management
-- Economic and Community Development
-- Continuing Public Participation
-- Storm Hazard Mitigation
Prior to proposing updated policies for the 1991
all of the previous policies contained in the
presented in Appendix I) The foregoing policies
framework for guiding growth and development in
years, i.e., 1991-1996.
A. Resource Protection
1. Areas of Environmental Concern
update, the Planning Board reviewed
1986 update. (This assessment is
were developed to provide a general
Chowan County over the next five
Chowan County being nearly surrounded by water, recognizes the primary
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concern of the Coastal Resources Commission, in terms of protecting
1 resources, as managing Areas of Environmental Concerns (AECs). The County
also shares this concern for the protection and sound management of these
environmentally sensitive lands and waters. The AECs which do occur in
Chowan County's jurisdiction were identified in Section I of this Plan on
1 pages 21 through 23, all of which consist of Estuarine System AEC's. In
respect to developing policies, the Estuarine system AECs, which include
Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine shorelines, Public Trust Areas,
and Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW's), will be addressed together since
they are so closely interrelated. Note, however, that there are no ORW's
within Chowan County's jurisdiction. Another reason for grouping these AECs
together is the fact that the effective use of maps to detail exact on -ground
location of a particular area, as opposed to actual on -site analysis, poses
serious limitations.
As noted in Section I, the Estuarine System AECs in Chowan County relate
primarily to the Chowan River, Albermarle Sound, Yeopim River, and adjacent
'
land and shoreline areas. Prior to setting forth policy statements, a brief
review of those areas might be helpful.
The location of Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines consist of the
Albemarle Sound and all man-made tributaries; the Yeopim River, Norcum Point,
and the Chowan River (although joint waters from 300 yards south of the U.S.
17 bridge, Northward), and the adjacent shoreline up to 75 feet inland.
'
There are no technical coastal wetlands in Chowan County. Finally, virtually
all of the Estuarine Waters to their "navigable" limits are Public Trust
waters (more descriptions are in Section I, items b and c, page 21-22).
Chowan County's overall policy and management objective for the Estuarine
System, consistent with the State "7-H" Standards, is "to give the highest
priority to the protection and perpetuate their biological, social, economic,
and aesthetic 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 Administrative code (15 NCAC 7H), with the noted exceptions,
for development within the Estuarine System. Generally, those uses which are
water dependent will be emphasized. Specifically, each of the AECs within
the Estuarine System is discussed below.
a. Coastal Wetlands: Policies
'
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",
although not coastal wetlands, in the County consists of "wooded swamp"
areas in the lowlands near the river. The more sensitive areas are those
closest to the water. Some of the wooded swamps in Chowan County are
designated significant natural areas and could also contain areas that
sustain remnant species, and wildlife habitats. All of these are
important resources to Chowan County. However, the County does not
believe that all land uses in these areas should be prohibited.
I - 51 -

(1) Policy Choices:
(a) The first priority of uses of land in these areas should be the
allowance of uses which promote "conservation" of the sensitive
areas, with conservation meaning the lack of imposition of
irreversible damage to the wetlands.
(b) 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 (CAMA: 15 NCAC 7H). Shoreline access facilities such as
boat ramps may also be permitted.
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines: Policies
The importance of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines
in Chowan County was discussed in Section I of this document on pages
21-22. Although solid, recent, information on the existence of estuarine
erosion in Chowan County is not available, there exists the possibility
of such erosion along sections of the shorelines of the Chowan River and
the Albemarle Sound. Chowan County is very much aware that protection of
estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines is of paramount
importance to maintaining the delicate balance necessary for the healthy
proliferation of marine life and waterfowl. The County recognizes that
certain actions within the estuarine shoreline, again which is defined as
the areas extending 75 feet landward of the mean high waterline of the
estuarine waters, could have a detrimental effect upon the quality of the
waters. Of added significance, is the continual designation of most of
'
the estuarine and public trust waters in Chowan Countyy's jurisdiction as
"Nutrient Sensitive Waters". This designation indicates a need for
additional efforts to protect the quality of these waters and shorelines.
(1) Policy Choices:
I
[I
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 substantially
weakened or eliminated;
The construction of impervious surfaces and areas not allowing
natural drainage is limited to that necessary for development;
Standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control
Act of 1978, and as amended in 1990, are met;
Development does not have a significant adverse impact on
estuarine resources;
(f) Development does not significantly interfere with existing
public rights or access to, use of, navigable waters or public
resources; Chowan County recognizes that both the Chowan River
and Albemarle Sound systems are affected by a rather large
' - 52 -
ii

watershed basin. Storm
water runoff, from various
types of
development, whether urban or rural in nature, can affect the
water's quality. The
County believes that a
detailed,
comprehensive storm water
management plan needs to be
developed
with water quality concerns in mind.
c. Public Trust Waters: Policies
Chowan County has long recognized that the public has certain established
rights to certain land and water areas. (For definitions and geographic
22-23, Section I). These
locations of public trust waters, see pages
public areas also support valuable commercial and recreational fisheries,
waterfowl hunting, tourism, and also are of significant aesthetic value.
'
In many ways, the presence of Chowan County's Public Trust waters remain
a valuable untapped asset in helping to provide additional recreation
resources.
(i) Policy Choices
Chowan County will promote the conservation and management of its
public trust waters. Appropriate uses generally include those
allowed in estuarine waters, i.e., 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 circulation patterns, violate water quality standards,
or cause degradation of shellfish waters, shall not be allowed.
Allowable uses shall be those which do not cause detriment to the
physical or biological functions of public trust areas. Such uses as
navigational channels, drainage ditches, bulkheads to prevent
erosion, marinas, piers or docks, shall be permitted.
d. Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW)
This is a new classification of area of environmental concern (AEC).
' ORW's are defined as being unique and special surface waters that are of
exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance
with exceptional water quality. There are no ORW's within Chowan
County's jurisdiction.
2. Development in Areas with Constraints
The constraints to development in Chowan County were discussed in Section I
and relate to both physical constraints and limitations of community
facilities. The physical constraints include man-made hazards, high hazard
flood areas, estuarine erosion areas, soils limitations, natural resource
fragile areas, and cultural resource fragile areas. Each of these are
addressed again, below:
a. Flood Hazard Areas
The high hazard flood areas in Chowan County are areas that are
susceptible to the 100-year flood. This includes a substantial amount of
land area, located primarily adjacent to the Chowan River, Albermarle
Sound, Dillard's Creek, Rockyhock Creek, the Yeopim River, and related
branches. According to maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management
' - 53 -
I

1
1
Administration the majority of the County is in the Zone C category,
i.e., minimally flooded areas that are susceptible to a 500-year flood.
The areas with the highest risk appear to be the areas generally
described above and interior lowland areas. It is not likely that all
development should be prohibited from these areas. Significant
residential, and in some cases, commercial, development already exists in
as a constraint
some of these areas. Estuarine erosion areas, physical
to development was discussed on page 27, and is also closely related to
the high hazard flood areas.
b. Areas with Soil Limitations
The majority of the county's land area consists of soil types not
1
conducive for urban development. As was noted in Section I, p. 27-28, a
significant amount of soils are not suitable for dwelling foundations or
septic tank placement. Also, it should be noted, many soil associations
considered as "prime" or important farmlands occur within Chowan County.
These soils make up 70% of all soils in the County.
c. Natural Resource Fragile Area
The Natural Resource Fragile Areas in Chowan County are extensive and
includes coastal complex natural areas, significant natural areas,
potential 404 wetlands, and areas which sustain remnant species.
Although the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps indicated significant
amounts of wetlands in Chowan County the identification of such areas are
not "official" 404 designations without on -site verification. The
designation of portions of the Chowan River and Albermarle Sound as "NSW"
(Nutrient Sensitive Waters) also makes these water bodies natural
resource fragile areas.
1
d. Cultural Resource Areas
The cultural resource fragile areas in Chowan County and areas listed in
the National Register of Historic Places were presented on p. 35-37. As
a result of a recently completed county -wide survey, other properties
the "Study" list.
will likely be recommended for designation on
e. Policy Choices: Areas with Constraints
The following policies, regarding development in areas with constraints,
are adopted by Chowan County:
(1) The County will permit development to take place in noted flood
hazard areas, consistent with the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision, and
the County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, adopted in 1985
consistent with the Federal Flood Insurance Program and State
Building Code.
(2) Residential and Commercial development, consistent with the County's
Zoning ordinance, as applicable, shall be permitted in the estuarine
erosion areas in accordance with policies on development for the
Estuarine Shorelines.
(3) Nearly all of the County currently utilizes septic tanks. Chowan
County will not encourage development in areas with septic tank
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limitations, but will support decisions made by the Chowan County
Health Department. Also, when and where feasible, the County would
'
prefer to see centralized sewer service provided for development
located in or adjacent to natural fragile areas. (See policy on
package treatment plants).
(4) Consistent with policies regarding development within the Estuarine
Systems, Chowan County also wants to see the currently identified
significant natural areas protected from undue encroachment, damage,
or pollution. In the undeveloped areas adjacent to these areas,
allowable development densities and lot coverage will be kept low,
e.g. 1 - acre minimum, and 30% maximum lot coverage. Certain
non -water dependent uses may also be determined to be inappropriate
in some of these areas.
(5) Chowan County recognizes the importance of maintaining its cultural
' resources. Therefore the County will coordinate with The Edenton
Historic Commission and State Division of Archives and History, as
part of the review process for approving new developments which may
affect significant cultural resources.
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
and post -storm redevelopment policies (see Part F. Storm Hazard Mitigation,
Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans).
4. Other Resource Protection Policy Areas:
There are some additional resource protection issues which are required to be
I addressed by the CAMA planning guidelines and which perhaps have lesser
relevancy 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 I, (p.26-40-41) Chowan County's water
' distribution system is based on groundwater taken from several deep wells
as the source of the system. Land uses near groundwater sources are
regulated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management
through N.C.A.C. Subchapter 2L and Subchapter 2C. Chowan recognizes the
' importance of protecting its potable water supplies and therefore
supports the enforcement of these regulations.
b. Use of Package Treatment Plants
' The only centralized sewer service currently in Chowan County's planning
jurisdiction comes from the Town of Edenton to serve the new elementary
school. 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 i.e., other Resource Protection Policies, and meet other
federal and state environmental regulations. However, the preferred
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1

1�
method of discharge would be by land application/spray irrigation. Any
permitted system, however, must be of the highest level of suitable
technology, e.g. tertiary treatment. It is the County's overall intent
to protect and enhance the quality of its waters.
C. Stormwater Runoff Associated with Agriculture, Residential Development,
Phosphate or Peat Mining and Its Impact on Coastal Wetlands, Surface
Waters, or Other Fragile Areas
As stated previously, significant portions of the major watercourses in
Chowan County's jurisdiction are "Nutrient Sensitive Waters". This
'
designation and its causes has been an ongoing concern for the County for
quite some time. Stormwater runoff from both urban development and
agricultural activities, could adversely affect the quality of these
waters. For several years now, the County has been involved in the
'
Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Program, aimed at reducing
the amount of agricultured run-off into these waters. Also, special
studies have been conducted under the Albermarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study
(APES) on aspects of improving overall water quality. (See Implementation
strategies, item g).
i
The County will continue to support strict enforcement of existing
sedimentation and pollution control measures including the BMP program,
and APES studies.
' d. Marina and Floating Home Development
The development of marinas may have significant commercial and
recreational potential in Chowan County. There is still substantial
amounts of vacant, undeveloped
and/or redevelopable lands along its
many
I
water courses. Therefore, the
County generally supports the development
of marinas, in compliance with
existing environmental regulations.
At
the same time, as discussed
above, the County does not wish to
see
unnecessary degradation of it's
waters nor interference with public
use
of all parts of the river.
Therefore, the County will encourage
the
development of upland excavated marinas where as a preference
over
waterfront marinas. All marinas, regardless of location, must comply
with applicable local, State and Federal regulations. Floating homes, or
any long-term occupancy, is not visualized as being a desirable use of
any future marinas in Chowan County. Even for temporary occupancy, the
County will require strict adherence to Health Department regulations for
pump -out facilities and proper trash disposal. Long term occupancy is
defined as occupancy for more than 30 days.
e. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
Currently, no industrial uses appear to have direct impact on noted
' fragile areas. The section of this report entitled "Types and Locations
of Desired Industry", contains specific policy statements on industry for
Chowan County as well as locational and environmental standards.
1 f. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
There is one estuarine system island in Chowan County's jurisdiction,
' -56-
1

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.
Man-made Hazards
g.
Any proposed new development posing the potential of serious detriment to
the environment, shall provide assurance of compliance with all
applicable State and Federal environmental protection regulations and any
other restrictions which may be imposed by the County at that time. The
County deems this to be necessary in order to prevent possible
'
irreversible damage from either air, water, or ground pollution and to
help safeguard the health of its citizens. Such hazards could possibly
result from certain industries or certain construction practices. The
County will insist on adherence to local, state, and federal
requirements. Although the Edenton Municipal Airport may be considered a
man-made hazard, existing zoning -- both for height restrictions, and
ground level are adequate controls for this area.
h.
Drvstacking Facilities
Drystacking facilities, like marinas, are viewed by Chowan County as
1
potential important support resources for recreational boating and
possible urban economic development. The County supports the development
of such facilities, provided they can be located in compliance with
existing state, federal, and local siting regulations. Also, such
'
facilities must be associated with a marina and be self-contained.
i.
Restrictions Within Areas That Might Be Susceptible to Sea Level Rise and
'
Wetland Loss
Chowan County believes that this issue is not "solid" enough to propose
realistic policy statements at this time, since it is one still being
debated in scientific circles. However, the County is supportive of on-
going research on this issue and supports related provisions of the
Federal Flood Insurance.
j.
Upland Excavation for Marina Basins
Chowan County recognizes the potential environmental benefits of
developing marinas and boat basins in upland excavated locations as
opposed to waterfront locations and the County will give preference to
such development. All proposals for marina development must be carefully
reviewed on a case by case basis.
Resource Protection Policies: Implementation strategies
' a. The County will continue to regulate the density and type of development
within the allowable areas of the Estuarine System through existing land
use controls, i.e. zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, flood damage
prevention ordinance, and building inspections program. In FY 92-93, the
C�
zoning ordinance will be carefully reviewed to see if currently allowed
densities are appropriate for land uses adjacent to fragile areas.
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1
b. Chowan County will continue to support development permit decisions within
the AEC's rendered by the appropriate LAMA permit officer.
c. The County will continue discussions with the Town of Edenton concerning
the feasibility of providing centralized sewage services in certain parts
of the County, especially near fragile areas. This service, if developed,
could contribute to enhancing waters currently classified as "Nutrient
Sensitive" by reducing to some extent runoff from failing septic tanks.
d. In order to help ensure the long-term enhancement and protection of its
special historic resources, the County does not want to see development
take place which will threaten presentation of those resources. The County
' will support the efforts of the Commission of Edenton Historic Commission
in helping to maintain mutual historic and cultural resources. The county
also supports acquisition or a possible preservation tool.
f. Chowan County will continue to cooperate with the Town of Edenton
concerning environmental and land use issues of mutual impact and
interest.
g. In Fy 192-93 the county will request that the NC Division of Environmental
Management prepare a storm water management plan for the county.
' B. Resource Production and Management Policies
Care and appropriate management of productive resources is vitally important to
any of North Carolina's coastal communities. In Chowan County, as is true in
' most localities, the productive resources are intricately connected to its
economic base. Activities such as agriculture, commercial and recreational
fisheries, commercial forestry, and recreational uses of land are among the
resources to consider. Specific policy statements in these areas are:
1. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
As discussed in Section I, even though most of the estuarine waters in Chowan
County's jurisdiction are considered to be "nutrient sensitive", portions of
these waters are also important spawning and nursery areas. This makes these
areas important for the propagation of fish and shellfish, which
contributes both to recreational and commercial fishing in Chowan County. As
noted under the economic analysis, fish and shellfish landings have been
steadily declining in Chowan County's waters. Declining water quality could
be a major factor in this circumstance.
a. Policies
(1) Chowan County would like to see continual declines in the amount of
urban and agricultural run-off into the productive water bodies
within its jurisdiction.
(2) The County also supports the regulation of development in coastal
wetlands and 404 wetlands as administered by CAMA and the US Army
Corps of Engineers, respectively.
' (3) Because of the sensitivity of certain soils near the productive
water bodies, Chowan County believes that density of development and
' -58-
it

I
placement of septic tanks in these areas should be carefully and
strictly regulated.
2. Recreational Lands
' As a growing county, Chowan recognizes the need for provision of parks and
open space to serve an expanding population.
a. Policies
(1) Chowan County will continue to encourage and support the
development, and/or expansion of parks and recreational facilities
in appropriately -sited locations, consistent with the County's other
development policies and the subdivision regulations.
(2) The County recognizes that certain lands along creek and stream beds
and other water courses offer, in many cases, an untapped resource
as passive recreational land. Therefore the County will
explore the feasibility of the development of a Greenways and Trails
system, in concert with the Town of Edenton.
3. Residential and Commercial Land Development
Chowan, as the population and economic analysis showed, is still growing --
especially in the Yeopim Township and in other areas outside of Edenton. The
County is certainly conscious of the need for consistent and compatible
planning for land use, provision of services, and even aesthetics.
' a. Policies
(1) The County recognizes that in order to accommodate additional
growth, additional land for residential, commercial, institutional,
industrial, and other purposes will need to be developed. As a
general policy, however, the County believes that all new
development and/or redevelopment must be consistent with existing
policies on Resource Protection, Resource Production and Management,
and Economic and Community Development.
I Additional and more detailed policies on types, densities, and
locations of development are contained in Part C of this section,
"Economic and Community Development".
(2) Generally, the County believes that development should only take
place when and where adequate services, including water, sewage
disposal, road access, are available to support that development.
' 4. Agriculture
on the basis of soil types, and the reality of the local economic base, there
' are substantial amounts of soils that are considered "prime" or "important"
for farming within Chowan County. The County acknowledges that these
agricultural soil types and lands are vitally important.
a. Policies
Chowan County, in recognition of the importance of agriculture to the
' - 59 -

L7
County's economy, believes that existing federal and state permitting
procedures (e.g., Corps of Engineers) pose enough limitations to the use
of farmland in the County. Because of the soil types and topography, the
County recognizes that proper drainage is essential and must be allowed
to continue as needed, and as it does not result in irreversible damage
to environmentally sensitive areas and is consistent with other resource
protection policies. The County will continue to support participation
in the Non -Point Pollution Agricultural Cost -Share Program, and the "Best
Management Practices". These programs are designed to balance proper
agricultural management with protection of nutrient -sensitive waters
from agricultural run-off.
5. 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. Policies:
The County believes that imposing additional restrictions are not
necessary at this time nor should be throughout the planning period.
However, Chowan County will encourage reforestation whenever feasible, as
a sound timber management practice.
6. Other Resource Production and Management Issues
There are several other Resource Production and Management policy areas which
are contained in the Land Use Planning guidelines but which have little or no
relevancy in Chowan County. These include: existing and potential mineral
production areas; off -road vehicles; and peat or phosphate mining's impact on
any resource. These areas are not included in the County's policy
discussion.
7. Resource Production and Management: Implementation strategies
' a. Chowan County will continue to enforce its existing land use controls and
regulations, especially regarding location and density of development,
(see Implementation strategies under Resource Protection, p.57-58) and
' support permit decisions of related state and federal agencies.
b. The County will continually seek to expand passive park and recreational
lands in cooperation with the Town of Edenton and the State.
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C. Economic and Community Development Policies
1. Community Attitude Toward Growth
Chowan County has been steadily growing and is expected to
experience moderate population growth during the next 10 years.
Recent trends indicate that the County, with its quiet extensive
waterfront areas and historic appeal has attracted many retirees and
other immigrants from various parts of the Country. This is a trend
likely to continue, a fact which Chowan County recognizes.
At the same time, however, Chowan County recognizes that improperly
managed growth can actually harm or destroy the very "appeal" which
attracts new residents here in the first place. Therefore, the
County's overall attitude toward growth is expressed in the
following comments:
a. Generally, Chowan County believes in managing and directing the
County's growth and development in balance with the availability
of adequate support services.
b. The County believes that population and growth guidance should
be based on: 1) the suitability of land to accommodate the use;
2) the capacity of the environment; 3) the compatibility with
goals and objectives of the County; 4) density in sensitive
areas; and 5) the availability adequate of support facilities
and services.
c. The County wants to be prepared for moderate population growth,
projected to reach 15,000 permanent residents by 2000 a gain of
1,494. Further, it is the County's intent to protect the
community from adverse developments by taking the following
actions:
1. To institute continuous land use planning and growth
direction by enforcing the relevant ordinances.(Zoning,
Subdivision, Setback, Flood Damage, etc.)
2. To guide new development so as not to encroach or destroy
Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) and other special and
sensitive areas, as reflected in policies for Resource
Protection and Resource Production and Management.
3. To direct new development in accordance with soil capacity
to accommodate water and sewer needs.
4. To guide new development away from hazardous areas where
there is a tendency toward septic tank problems, flooding,
and excessive erosion.
5. To approve new development only when and where adequate
public facilities and services to support it are available.
The above statements reflect the Chowan County's general
attitude toward growth. Additional policy issues required by
the CAMA Guidelines along with locally recognized issues, are
addressed beginning below:
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'
2. 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 under -employed citizens. 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. Among existing industries
are forest products, peanut processing, and cotton processing.
a. Locations and Standards
'
The County would like to see industry locate, if feasible, in
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 must be located in areas adequately protected from
flooding and be accessible to existing public utilities and
transportation 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 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 and/or Research
and Development industries. Industries such as hazardous
'
waste incinerators or toxic waste storage facilities will
not be permitted.
2. Chowan county will continue to seek technical assistance and
financial help to enhance the growth of the industrial park,
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 benefits with possibly negative
environmental effects. Such reviews will be coordinated by
Chowan County.
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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.
C. Implementation Strategy
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.
3. 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 throughout the planning
period (through the year 2000). A county -wide sewer system is still
economically unfeasible.
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. This is especially
true for areas which are already developing at high densities, e.g.
Yeopim. However, it has been the policy of the Town of Edenton to
not extend sewer services outside of the Town, and even the Town's
land application treatment system has 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 development occurs and
the local tax base expands accordingly, slightly higher levels of
county -funded services can be provided.
a. Policy Choice
Chowan County will remain committed to providing needed
services, as economically feasible, to accommodate new
residential, commercial, and industrial development in the
County.
b. Implementation
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.
4. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
The most significant "urban" area in Chowan County is the Town of
Edenton. 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. However, with
the expansion of the County water system, subdivisions have begun to
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1
develop in other parts of the County. An example is the rapid
development which has been occurring in the Yeopim and Middle
Townships.
Future subdivisions will all have to meet formal orderly development
design standards in accordance with the County Subdivision
Regulations. The rural cluster community pattern, evident in the
Valhalla, Rockyhock, and Tyner communities, for example, is usually
built around a church or churches and a community store.
Most of the developed areas appear to be located in areas where the
soils are more suited for development, i.e., capable of supporting
septic tanks.
Another trend in the County, possibly affecting urban growth
patterns, is the increasing number of mobile homes. Although mostly
scattered on individual lots, mobile homes have residents and the
County may wish to plan for the eventuality of mobile home parks.
a. 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. However, the County will
not encourage "new" developments in areas with identified
limitations such as soils, flood hazards, or proximity to
AECs. However, redevelopment, or rehabilitation activities
are viewed as being acceptable. All newly developing
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.
b. Implementation Schedule
In FY 193, examine growth patterns and consider expansion of
currently zoned areas. Will expand zoning to areas when it is
deemed necessary and appropriate based on development pressures.
S. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
"Redevelopment" usually implies the refurbishing or rehabilitation
of deteriorating areas already concentrated with development.
Although there are a number of substandard structures located
throughout Chowan County, there are no substantial concentrations or
"neighborhoods", as might be found in more urbanized areas.
However, detailed surveys in the future may reveal residential areas
with sufficient concentrations of substandard conditions, 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 activities in the
Town of Edenton, such as along the waterfront, for example, may be
of mutual benefit and/or interest to the County. Again, it shall be
the County's position to support such activities.
L�

a. Policy Choices
1. Chowan County would like to see redevelopment/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.
b. Implementation Schedule
In FY 193, apply for Community Development Block Grant Funds in
order to address additional areas of concentrated substandard
housing.
6. 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 important to
and supported by Chowan County include: social programs, 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; dredging
1
and channel maintenance by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and
Federal and State projects which provide efficient and safe 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.
7. Assistance to Channel Maintenance
Proper maintenance of channels, including periodic dredging, is very
important in Chowan County, mainly because of the substantial
economic impact of commercial fisheries. If silt or other deposits
fill in the channels, this could impede efficient mobility and
docking of commercial and recreational vessels. With adequate
channel maintenance, Chowan County can make better utilization of
its waterways for water transportation purposes.
8. Energy Facilities Siting
In some coastal counties, the siting or location of energy
facilities relates to either peat mining or phosphate mining, or
off -shore oil exploration. However, in the absence of significant
peat reserves, phosphate, or oil resources, no specified, detailed
policies in this area can be formulated at this time. Nevertheless,
should the siting of an energy facility become a realistic
possibility for Chowan County, including the possibility of
electrical energy facilities, it shall be the policy of the County
to carefully review each such project and require strict adherence
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ito
federal, state, and any local environmental regulations.
9. Tourism, Beach, and Waterfront Access
iAs
discussed under the economic analysis section, tourism income
nearly tripled from 1981 to 1988 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. Both the Town and the County jointly
participate, actively, in the Chowan County Tourism Development
Authority (TDA). Monthly meetings are conducted with both the
County Manager and Town Administrator usually in attendance.
Several promotional projects have been jointly planned and
completed, including selecting a logo design and developing a
brochure. The TDA's activities, along with efforts by the Chamber
of Commerce will continue.
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. The County
supports access program's sponsored by CAMA and Wildlife Resources.
a. Policy Choice
Chowan County wants to see improved waterfront access
opportunities for the general public and will take additional
measures to better assure those opportunities.
tb.
Implementation Schedule
1. In FY 193, 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 193, 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.
10. Establishment of a Recycling Program
One of the negative aspects of development is an increase in the
volume of solid waste which the County could produce annually. In
light of this fact, and in compliance with new state and federal
requirements to reduce solid waste by 25% and redesign landfills.
The county supports the establishment of a recycling program as an
alternative to unnecessary landfill expansion.
11. Density of Development
Overly dense development is not a problem in Chowan County, nor is
it anticipated to become a problem during the period covered by this
plan update. With an anticipated population growth of 1,494 persons
between 1990 and 2000, (an increase of 11.06% over the 1990
estimate), the rate of growth will not push developed densities to
unacceptable levels. As presented in other discussions in this
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11
report, there are soils suitable for 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 4 and 6 attached).
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
1 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 without
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.
12. Land Use Trends
[1
The overall land use trends in the Yeopim and Middle Townships, 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, subdivision 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 LAMA, Corps of Engineers, 404 process,
sanitary regulations, and the County's Subdivision Regulations, and
Zoning Ordinance, and building inspections program, are adequate to
help assure orderly growth and development in the County.
D. Continuing Public Participation Policies
From the beginning of the 1991 Land Use Plan Update process, Chowan
County gave full recognition to the requirements contained in the
guidelines that the planning process be conducted in the "Public Arena."
A formal Public Participation Plan was developed and adopted by the
Board of Commissioners in January, 1991. The plan, along with other
supporting elements, is contained in Appendix II of this Land Use
Update. Some of the major elements in the Public Participation Plan
included:
1. The designation of the Planning Board, as the primary citizen
liaison group for the County and proposing to conduct public
information meetings in different areas of the County. The Planning
Board met with the Planning Consultant throughout the planning
process.
2. A monthly meeting schedule was established in the beginning, which
included several advertised public information meetings, which were
held on February 12, 1991, February 19, 1991 and August 27, 1991.
Prior to the meetings, notices were published in the Chowan Herald
Newspaper.
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Chowan County took extraordinary steps to help inform, and educate its
citizens that the CAMA plan was indeed being developed. At the
beginning of the process, a news release was developed and submitted to
the weekly newspaper cited above. The release resulted in a news story.
Also, CAMA an "information packet" was developed and submitted to all
civic groups in the County (a total of 14 packets).
Meetings with the Planning Board were held every second Tuesday, on the
following dates in 1991: January 8th; February 12th; February 19th;
March 12th; April 9th; May 14th; June llth; July 9th; August 13th;
August 27th; and September 11. The citizen input via the Planning Board
was useful in developing final policy statements.
1. Policy Statements
It shall be the policy of Chowan County to continue to use the local
news media to inform the citizens of the various opportunities for
input into land use planning and related policy matters.
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans
The purpose of this section of policies is to address issues and
concerns relating to the potentially damaging effects of hurricanes or
major coastal storms. As stated in the 1986 plan, Chowan County
recognizes the potential threat that hurricanes or tropical storms pose
to the health and safety of its citizens. Damage from high winds,
flooding in low-lying areas, and to some degree, erosion along some
sections of the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River shoreline, are some of
the potential adverse effects which need to be considered. These
elements could affect both property and infrastructure.
It should be noted that many elements addressed in this section are
included in the Chowan County Hurricane Evacuation Plan, which was
originally adopted in June, 1978 and periodically updated. Additional
information on this plan is presented later in this section. Beginning
below is a brief discussion of how some elements of a major storm event
may affect Chowan County.
1. Effects of a Coastal Storm
a. High winds
High winds are major determinants of a hurricane. By definition
a hurricane is a tropical disturbance with sustained winds of at
least 73 miles per hour. Extreme hurricanes can have winds up
to 165 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 200 miles per hour.
These winds circulate around the eye, or center, of the storm,
generally, over open water.
As the hurricane moves inland, although the friction or impact
of the winds striking land causes dissipation of the full force,
there is still a tremendous amount of energy left. This
intensified wind energy causes damage to buildings, overturns
mobile homes, fells trees and power lines, and destroys crops.
Tornadoes can often be spawned by a hurricane's size and power.
In the event of a major storm moving as far inland as Chowan
County, it is likely that all of the County would be subject to
the same wind velocity.
_�M
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Ib. Flooding
Flooding, on the other hand, may not affect all areas of Chowan
County with equal rigor. The excessive amounts of rainfall and
the storm surge which often accompany hurricanes can cause
massive coastal and riverine flooding which could result in
' excessive property damage and deaths by drowning. (More deaths
are caused by drowning than any other cause in hurricanes.)
Flooding is particularly a problem in oceanfront coastal areas
because of the storm surge in low-lying areas.
Chowan County, although relatively inland, under intense
conditions, could be affected by a storm -surge. The Eastern
N.C. Hurricane Study indicated that under Level 5 conditions,
stillwater storm surge could be as high as 7.4 feet at Edenton,
and 8.2 feet at Arrowhead Beach. A significant amount of the
County's jurisdiction is located in the 100-year flood plain.
FEMA maps show that the Zone A flood plain extends to land area
adjacent to the Chowan and Yeopim Rivers and the Albemarle Sound
and the creeks and streams which feed into the rivers. Most of
the land area is vacant. However, as the Composite Hazards Map
1
(Map 11, attached) shows, the high hazard flood area extends in
finger -like protrusions adjacent to and encompassing a
significant amount of developed area, including some platted
lots. In the event of a major storm, these areas are the ones
most susceptible to damage from flooding. This is especially
true for the Reedy Creek area, Harris Landing, and lands
adjacent to Pollock's Swamp, and Rockyhock Creek.
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
vulnerable shoreline areas. Areas most likely to be affected
are ocean erodible areas and estuarine shoreline areas. There
are no ocean erodible areas in Chowan County, but there are
extensive estuarine shoreline areas (75 feet inland from the
mean high water mark of estuarine waters) in the County.
However, wave action damage would have the most significant
impact along the Albemarle Sound shoreline. As the existing
land use map (Map 3, and the Composite Hazards Map, Map 11)
show, there is a significant amount of residential development
in or near the estuarine shore line 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 sufficiently 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,
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and from the Yeopim River southwest to the NC 32 Bridge, and
from Pembroke Creek south of Edenton to the Chowan River up to
the US 17 Bridge. North of the US 17 Bridge, along the banks of
the Chowan River, erosion has historically not been as severe.
(See Map 5 and Chart 1, pages 27-a-b.) 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.
2. Composite Hazards
Map 11, attached, shows the "Composite -Hazards" which must be taken
under consideration for Chowan County's jurisdiction. As noted in
the previous discussion, the entire area would be subject to high
winds. Flooding, on the other hand, would have a more intense
affect on those low-lying areas identified as being located in the
100-year flood plain and other areas under extreme conditions. The
100-year flood plain is shown on the composite hazards map. Also
shown is an area which might be susceptible to minor erosion.
a. Land Use Inventory
A comparison of the existing land use map with the composite
hazards map indicates that as of the writing of this report,
outside of Edenton, there are a number of lots or parcels
located within the 100-year flood plain. Some of these lots are
I developed with residential uses, while a few contain commercial
establishments. Most, especially in the southwest and northwest
areas of the County, consist of large wooded vacant parcels with
only a portion of the area located within the flood plain. The
area subject to potential minor erosion problems consists mostly
of undeveloped property along the Albemarle Sound and Chowan
River shoreline.
In terms of risk, again more areas are subject to potential
flooding than problems from erosion.
3. Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the effects of
a hurricane or other major storm, Chowan County proposes the
following policies:
a. High Winds
Chowan County will continue to support and enforce the N.C.
State Building Code, particularly requirements of construction
standards to meet wind -resistive factors such as design wind
velocity. The County also supports provisions in the state
Building Code requiring tie -downs for mobile homes, which help
resist wind damage.
b. Flooding
Chowan County is supportive of the hazard mitigation elements of
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the National Flood Insurance Program as contained in the
County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Chowan County has
participated in the regular phase of the insurance program since
1985. The County also supports continued enforcement of the
CAMA and 404 Wetlands development permit processes in areas
potentially susceptible to flooding. There are also special
provisions in the subdivision ordinance relative to development
densities and setbacks for water -front development.
c. Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion
1
Chowan County supports the CAMA development permit process for
estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite development
standards which encourage both shoreline stabilization and
'
facilitation of proper drainage.
4. Policy to Discourage Development in the Most Hazardous Areas
The major policy instrument relative to development in the most
hazardous areas, is the Chowan County's Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance, which is enforced by the Building Inspector. Major
provisions of this ordinance include the following:
a. restricting or prohibiting uses which are deemed dangerous to
health, safety, and/or property;
1
b. requiring that those uses vulnerable to flooding be protected
against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
c. controlling all types of alternatives to -natural flood plains,
stream channels, and other natural protective barriers;
d. controlling those types of development which might increase
erosion; and
e. regulating the construction of flood barriers which will
unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood
hazards to other lands.
The County Building Inspector administers this ordinance through a
permit process which allows for special construction modes for
structures erected within a flood plain which encompass the
following standards:
1. residential construction: new construction or substantial
improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest
floor, including basement, elevated no lower than one foot above
base flood elevation.
2. non-residential construction: new construction or substantial
improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other
non-residential structure shall either have the lowest floor,
including basement, elevated no lower than one foot above the
level of the base flood elevation or, together with attendant
utility and sanitary facilities, be flood -proofed and certified
as such by a registered engineer or architect.
u
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3. mobile home: no mobile home shall be placed in a designated
flood way or coastal high hazard area, except in an existing
mobile home park or mobile home subdivision (with the latter
requiring over -the -top ties and frame ties capable of carrying a
force of 4,800 pounds).
Nonconforming structures in existence prior to the adoption of this
ordinance (1985) are not required to comply. However, should these
structures be moved or destroyed, any subsequent buildings must
comply with the ordinance.
All requests for re -zoning and subdivision plat approvals are made
to the Chowan County Planning Board. Developers are made aware of
potential hazards and the scope of .the flood damage prevention
ordinance.
5. Policy on Public Acauisition of land in the Most Hazardous Areas
It shall not be the policy of Chowan County to seek to acquire such
lands which may currently be in the most hazardous areas.
6. 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 recovery 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 emergency 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 and listed
below:
i 1. Chowan County Manager - Group Chief
2. Town of Edenton City Manager - Assistant Group Chief
` 3. Sheriff
ll 4. Director of Social Services
5. Superintendent of Schools
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developed.
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 Sections (DAS), broken down further
' into two Damage Assessment Teams (one for private property
and one for public property). The damage assessment
activities are to be coordinated by the Chowan County Tax
Supervisor, who serves as the Damage Assessment Officer.
As soon as safety conditions permit, the DAS personnel are
to be notified to report to the County Emergency Operations
1 Center, where they will receive their assignments and
necessary supplies, i.e., standard forms, maps, etc.
Written reports are to be provided to the EOC. The damage
assessments will continue until all suspect areas are
covered, even after the arrival of Federal and State
assistance.
Also, the Plan includes a Damage Assessment Guide, which
provides a rule -of -thumb for estimating damages to real
property and placing the damage in one of the four
categories below:
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 interior
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.
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.
I
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,
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3.
4.
wave action or erosion, must be redeveloped according to
those policies. Non -conforming uses in areas subject to the
zoning ordinances will comply with provisions of the
ordinance of destroyed. In the event the loss of property
containing shoreline structures is substantial enough to
prohibit the re -issuing of a septic tank permit, the County
Will support the relocation of construction, or no
reconstruction at all. To the extent feasible, when
relocation is required, such relocation will be placed in
less hazardous areas. Building permits to restore destroyed
or damaged structures, which were built in conformance with
the State Building Code and County storm hazard mitigation
policies (including the subdivision regulations and, where
applicable, the zoning ordinance), shall be issued
automatically. All structures suffering major damage will
be repaired according to the State Building Code. All
structures suffering minor damage, regardless of location,
will be allowed to be rebuilt to the original condition
prior to the storm.
Development Moratoria
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 accordance 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.
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.
Activity
a. Complete and Report
Damage Assessments
Time Frame
2 weeks after storm
b. Begin Repairs to Critical As soon as possible
Utilities and Facilities after storm
C. Permitting of Reconstruction Two weeks after
activities for all damaged damage assessments
structures ("minor" to pre- are complete
storm original status, "major"
to State building code and
hazard mitigation standards
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' 5. Aaencv 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 reconstruction. Damage to other utilities,
such as electric lines or telephone lines, will be the
responsibility of the appropriate private utility company.
7. Hurricane Evacuation Plan
Chowan County, as stated previously, has an official "Hurricane
Evacuation Plan" which was adopted in June, 1978 and has been
updated periodically. A review of this plan indicates that it is
generally adequate for the County's needs. The plan indicates 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 storm threats
of 1984, 1985, and 1991, people did come to the shelters, although
there were no required evacuations. However, since there are no
"stocked shelters", residents are encouraged to bring food to the
shelter site.
8. 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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' III. Land classifications
A. General
The land classification system provides a uniform way of looking at
how the planned use of land interacts with environmentally sensitive
areas and with the development of a Town or County. It is not a
strict regulatory devise as is a zoning ordinance or zoning map. It
represents more of a tool to help 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
' classifications are also useful in the staging of services necessary
to support development. The regulations for the Coastal Area
Management Act (CARA) state:
The land classification system provides 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, where
they want to conserve natural and cultural resources by
guiding growth. (7B.0204)(b)
1
There are seven general land use classifications under CARA: Developed
Urban Transition; Limited Transition; Community; Rural; Rural with
Services; and Conservation. In applying the land classification
system, each local government should give careful consideration to
1
how, where and when certain types and intensities of development will
be either encouraged or discouraged. A summary of the broad
classifications, as contained in the CAMA rules Subchapter 7B is
presented below:
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 transition. Low density development in
settlements which will not require sewer services should be
directed to areas classified as community. Agriculture,
forestry, mineral extraction and other similar low
intensity uses and very low density, dispersed residential
'
uses should be directed to lands classified rural.
The Rural Services Class is to provide for very low density
land uses including residential use where limited water
services are provided in order to avert an existing or
projected health problem. (7B.0204(5)(A)
1 The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for the
effective long-term management and protection of
significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas.
' (7B.0204)(7)(A) Consequently, urban services (whether
public or private) should not be provided to those areas as
an incentive to stimulate more intense development. Each
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B.
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of these classes that are applied to the area must be
represented on a Land Classification Map.
The seven land classifications and the Land Classification Map are
therefore intended to serve as a visual reflection of the policies
previously stated in Section II. The map which depicts these
classifications should be as flexible as the policies that guide them.
(See Map 12, Land Classification Map)
The land classification system contained in this 1991 Update of Chowan
County's LAMA Land Use Plan, has been developed as an aid to guiding
the growth and development of the County. The land classification
discussion and map are expressions of the County's desired future
growth patterns, consistent with existing land use controls. The
classifications shown on the map are of necessity, general in nature
and should be viewed as showing the general character of an area
rather than the specific use of individual lots. It is hoped that
local, state, and federal regulatory agencies will find the adopted
land classification map useful for providing the following: 1)
Consistency and coordination between local land use policies and those
of the State of North Carolina; 2) a guide for public investment, by
assisting local and State government to know in advance the need for
parks, schools, highways, etc; 3) a general framework for budgeting
and planning for the construction of community facilities; and 4)
enabling the County to "guide" growth and development to areas best
suited to service their needs. The land classification system serves
as a vital implementation tool for the identified community issues and
policies found in the preceding Section II. Of the seven LAMA
classifications, only four appear to be pertinent in Chowan County.
These four are, Limited Transition, Community, Rural with Services,
and Conservation. Additional descriptions are provided below:
Limited Transition
The purpose of the Limited Transition classification is to provide for
development in areas that will have some services, but are suitable for
lower densities than those associated with the Urban Transition
classification and/or are geographically remote from existing towns and
municipalities. In Chowan County this includes areas adjacent to
Edenton along US 17 and the areas near the airport.
Lands in this classification will experience increased development
pressures during the planning period. This development may necessitate
some municipal type services but will be of only modest densities.
These lands are often comprised of soils unsuitable for high intensity
development.
These lands may further be defined as lands with physical limitations
or areas near valuable estuarine waters or other fragile natural
systems. These lands should not include areas which meet the
definition of Conservation Land. Lands in this classification should
be predominantly residential with densities of three (3) units per acre
or less, or with the majority of lots larger than 15,000 square feet.
Cluster or planned unit developments are allowed in this classification
- occasionally with closed water systems. Commercial and industrial
users may also be acceptable, consistent with other policies.
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C. Community
The Community classification provides for clustered mixed land uses to
meet housing, shopping, employment, and public service needs within the
rural areas of a County. It is usually characterized by a small
grouping of mixed land uses which are suitable and appropriate for
small clusters or rural development not requiring municipal sewer
service. These areas provide residents with a sense of a community.
This is an important classification in Chowan County, since most of the
County's population not residing in the areas classified previously as
"Limited Transition", live in such clusters. There are not 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 NC 132 north to the Gates County line. The waterfront
developing areas of Arrowhead Beach and the Chowan Beach area should
also be considered "Community". All of these areas currently are
serviced by the County water system.
D. Rural with Services
The Rural with Services classification was created to provide for very
low density land uses including residential uses where limited water
services are provided or will be provided in order to avert an existing
or projected health problem. Other services such as sheriff and fire
protection and rescue services may also be available.
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 statutory defined AEC's. 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 management." Examples could include major
wetlands (other than statutorily defined coastal wetlands); essentially
undeveloped shorelines that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for
development; lands that provide necessary habitat conditions
(especially for remnant species); pocosins; the previously identified
"Significant Natural Areas" (see Map 8); or publicly owned water supply
watersheds 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 "conservation" 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 "preservation," on the other hand,
implies total restriction on all uses. Within lands designated
Conservation, each proposal, or application 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 Conservation Classification.
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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 valuable resources and the freedom of
landowners to utilize their properties.
i
Therefore, in Chowan County, the environmentally sensitive areas
identified as Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) i.e, Estuarine
Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, and Public Trust Areas are classified as
i "Conservation." There are no significant coastal wetlands, "salt
marshes" or ORW's 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, protecting certain wooded swamp areas from the encroachment
I of improper development, such as the area on either side of the US 17
Bridge in the southwest portion of the County, and the Significant
Natural Areas whose generalized locations are shown on Map 8. Note
that these are not exact locations. (See attached Land Classification
Map, Map 12.)
Since, as stated previously, "Conservation" does not imply
I "Preservation," specific allowable uses in the Conservation class shall
include:
Drainage: Adequate drainage is essential to the economic vitality
I of Chowan County; therefore, drainage facilities over and through
these areas, but not with the intent of draining the Conservation
areas for "development" purposes, will be allowed. Such
facilities may include diking, tiling, and piping systems.
lLow 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.
I Water -dependent uses such as piers, docks, and marinas,
(consistent with other policies, i.e., preferably in upland
locations) 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 necessary utilities and services will not be
done merely as a stimulus for additional growth and development,
only to the extent needed).
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.
Permanent barge landings to be permitted only in commercially
zoned areas.
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IV. Relationship of Policies to Land Classification
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 appropriate in each class.
The proposed policies for Resource Protection, Resource Production and
Management, and Economic and Community Development are generally reflected
in the proposed Land Classification system. The proposed development
densities, types, and locations, as well as the need for basic support
' services were described in the preceding discussions of the Land
Classification system. Only four classifications are proposed for Chowan
County, Limited Transition, Community, Rural with Services, and
Conservation.
One notable departure from the 1986 Update, is the absence of a graphic
depiction of all areas in the "Conservation" class. Because of the
difficulty in pinpointing "on -the -ground" locations of the conservation
areas, it was decided not to attempt to portray all conservation areas on
the map. However, the recommended allowable uses and density issues for
each classification are presented on pages 78-81 with "Conservation" uses
on p. 80-81.
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V. Intergovernmental Coordination
A. General
Throughout the development of this Plan, effort was made to make the
policies consistent and compatible with other local, State and Federal
requirements. Implementation of the Plan will likewise follow the
same intergovernmental concern. Contacts and data sharing also took
place between the Town of Edenton's and the County's Planning
Consultants.
A number of State, County, and Federal agencies were contacted during
the Plan development process. Contact was made with representatives
of the Chowan County government in order to discuss issues of mutual
concern and to obtain relevant base data. It is anticipated that this
1991 Plan Update will serve as an "Interactive Document" between
County, State, and Federal agencies.
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I Appendix I
� Analysis of 1986
Policy Statements
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PREFACE
CHOWAN COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN UPDATE, 1991
Analysis of 1986 Policy Statements/Implementation Action
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 also requires in all
updates an assessment of the previous policy statements and
implementation steps taken to effectuate them. This summary analysis
of the 1986 policies is being presented here as a "Preface" to the
1991 Update of Chowan County's Plan.
Status/Relevancy
Policyf Implementation
Actions
I. Areas of Environmental Concern:
Development Policies
(General)
1. Policy: Chowan County's
Continuing Concern
overall policy and management
objective for the estuarine
system (the only type of AEC
in the County) is "to give
the highest priority to the
protection and coordinated
management of these areas, so
as to safeguard and
perpetuate their biological,
social, economic, and
aesthetic 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."
2. Policy: To permit those
Continuing
land uses which conform to the
general use standards of the
North Carolina Administrative
Code (15 NCAC 7H) for
development within the
Estuarine System.

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E. Coastal Wetlands
1. Policy: To permit uses
which promote conservation of
wetlands (there are no coastal
wetlands, only wooded swamp
wetlands near the river) -
generally their uses which
require water access and
utility easements. These
uses must adhere to use
standards of the Coastal
Area Management Act (15 NCAC
7H) .
C. Estuarine Waters and
Estuarine Shorelines
1. Policy: To permit only
those uses which are compatible
with both the dynamic nature of
the estuarine shoreline and the
values of the estuarine system.
2. Policy: To permit
residential, recreational and
commercial uses within the
estuarine shorelines provided
that:
a. there is no substantial
chance of pollution,
b. natural barriers to
erosion are preserved,
c. the construction of
impervious surfaces and
areas not allowing
natural drainage is
limited only to that
necessary for
development,
d. standards of the NC
Sedimentation and
Pollution Control Act of
1973, are met, as
ammended,
e. development does not have
a significantly adverse
impact on estuarine
resources,
f. development does not
significantly interfere
with existing public
rights or access to, or
use of, navigable waters
on public resources.
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on -going concern:
It was learned
that there may be
some coastal wetlands
in the County.
Continuing
Continuing

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D. Public Trust Areas
1. Policy: To promote the
conservation and management
of public trust areas.
2. Policy: To promote those
uses which protect public
rights for navigation and
recreation, and to
generally not allow uses
which impair navigation
channels, increase
shoreline erosion, deposit
spoils below mean high
tides cause adverse water
circulation patterns,
violate water quality
standards, or degrade
shellfish waters.
3. Policy: To permit uses
which do not damage the physical
or biological functions of the
public trust area such as
navigation channels, drainage
ditches, bulkheads to prevent
erosion, piers, docks or
marinas.
4. Policy: To continue to
utilize the existing regulatory
system (subdivision regulations,
zoning ordinance) along with the
Federal and State permits and
review processes (404 and CAMA).
E. Development in Areas with
Constraints
1. Policy: To permit
development in some areas subject
to erosion provided proposals
comply with provision outlined for
development within the estuarine
shorelines.
2. Policy: To continue to
participate in the National
Flood Insurance Program and
enforce its regular Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance
enforcement through the
County Building Inspection
Program.
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Continuing
Continuing
Continuing; except
County is concerned
about shore front
marinas; prefers up-
land facilities.
Continuing
Continuing
Continuing

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3. Policy: To permit
proposed developments which
are not otherwise damaging to
AECs and provide protective
measures which comply with
flood insurance requirements.
4. Policy: To not encourage
development in areas where soil
types have limited bearing
capacity.
5. Policy: To remain
committed to decisions
by the Regional
Department's Sanitarian
County in areas with
septic tank limitations.
6. Policv: To continue
rendered
Health
for the
possible
to
enforce existing regulatory controls.
F. Other Resource Protection
Policy Areas
1. Policy: To protect
potable water supplies and
therefore support the
enforcement of these
regulations.
2. Policy: To allow package
treatment plants if they can be
constructed within the overall
intent of this plan and meet
other federal and state
environmentalregulations.
3. Policy: Phosphate mining
is not an issue in Chowan County.
4. Policy: To support the
development of marinas in
compliance with existing
environmental regulations
based upon additional studies
of the County's needs in
reference to the sizes and
location of marinas.
5. Policys Floating homes
are not an issue or problem.
=1=
Continuing
Continuing
Continuing
Continuing
Continuing
Continuing, except
the County has a
preference for land
application systems.
This concern shifted
becuase of large
marina developments
proposed in neigh-
boring counties. If
developed in Chowan,
preference would be
given to upland
marinas.
The County now recog-
nizes that floating
homes can become an
issue.
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3. Policy: To support the
Ongoing concern
State Clearinghouse review
I
of the impact of development
projects on prime
forestlands.
C. Mining Resource Areas
1. Policy: To continue to
Continuing
allow the existing sand pits,
I
and possibly others, to operate
as long as they are in
compliance with federal state
and local environmental
regulations (there are no
notable peat or phosphate
mineable resources in Chowan
County).
D. Commercial and Recreational
Fisheries
1. Policy: To remain
Ongoing concern
supportive of the state
initiated CHORE (Chowan
River Restoration
Project), declaration of
the river as a nutrient
sensitive water, and
various positive actions
to reduce both point and
nonpoint sources of
pollution and would like
to see water quality in
all of the productive
water bodies maintained.
2. Policy: To support
Continuing
enforcement of current state,
federal and local regulations
which govern commercial and
recreational fisheries.
3. Policy: To support the
Continuing concern
activities resulting from
the Chowan River Water
Quality Management Plan of
1982.
4. Policy: To continue to
Subdivision revula-
enforce the County's subdivision
tions were revised in
regulations, requiring larger
1989 to include
lot sizes for residences in
special provisions
areas where soils are not well
for waterfront deve-
suited for septic tank placement.
lopment and access.
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E.
Off -Road Vehicles
1. Policy: To continue to
Continuing
allow the use of off -road
vehicles by landowners and
hunters to travel in swampy
areas of the County (there
are no ocean beaches in the
County).
F.
Residential and Commercial
1. Policy: To encourage
Continuing concern,
land development, whether for
with special emphasis
residential, commercial or
on low -density deve-
industrial uses in conformance
lopments.
with existing regulatory controls.
III.
Economic and Community
Development Policies
A.
Types and Locations of
Desired Industry
1. Policy: The County would
ongoing concern; but
like to see industry developed
especially in comp -
which could take advantage of
liance with State,
existing natural resources and\or
Federal, and local
expand upon the current major
environmental regul-
industries in the County as long
ations.
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.
B.
Location and Standards
1. Policy: The County would
The County and Town
like to see industry locate,
of Edenton have esta-
if feasible, in industrial parks
blished a cooperative
located in suitable locations in
relationship.
the County and to require them to
comply with development standards
designed to protect environmentally
sensitive areas.
2. Policy: To have
Continuing
industrial proposals provide
an assessment of the
development's impact.
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3. Policy: To require new
Continuing
industrial developments to
use the best available
technology to avoid
pollution of air or water
during construction and
operations.
4. Policy: To require that
Continuing
new industry be developed on
land having stable, well
drained soils, in areas that
are adequately protected from
flooding and accessible to
existing public utilities ad
transportation routes.
S. Policy: To seek to
This activity/rel-
develop an active industrial
ationship has been
recruitment program, seeking
initiated.
low -pollution, light manufacturing
industries in cooperation with the
Town of Edenton.
6. Policy: To actively seek
Ongoing concern
technical assistance and financial
help to develop at least one
industrial park to be located
outside of Edenton.
7. Policy: To give all
Continuing
industrial prospects a fair,
case -by -case assessment so as
to compare possible economic
benefits with possible
negative environmental
effects.
8. Policy: To provide water
Continuing
to new industry through the
County water system.
9. Policy: To provide
Continuing concern,
sewer, in conjunction with
but very limited
the Town of Edenton, as
posibilities.
locationally and economically
feasible.
Local Commitment to Service
Provisions
1. Policy: To remain
Ongoing concern
committed to providing if
economically feasible basic
services such as water, and
where feasible, sewer (in
conjunction with the Town
of Edenton) to new
residential, commercial and
industrial development.
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P,
D. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
1. Policy: To not encourage
new development in areas with
identified limitations such as
soils, flood hazards, or
proximity to AECs.
2. Policy: To encourage the
continuation of the County's
long established rural cluster
residential pattern.
3. Policy: To require new
subdivisions to adhere to
the standards of the County
subdivision regulations.
4. Policy: To consider
adopting a Mobile Home Park
Ordinance in FY 1986.
S. Policy: To consider
expanding the current zoning
ordinance to cover additional
lands in FY 1987.
E. Redevelopment of Developed
Areas
1. Policy: To support
application for needed
federal and state
financial assistance,
such as CDBG application.
2. Policy: To work with and
support redevelopment activities
in the Town of Edenton, such as
along the waterfront and other
projects of mutual interest and
concern.
3. Policy: To "support"
redevelopment/rehabilitation
activities in areas that may be
identified in the future where
there are concentrations of
substandard housing
conditions.
F. Commitment to State and
Federal Programs
1. Policy: To fully support
state and federal programs
particularly programs which
provide improvements to the
County.
Continuing
Ongoing concern
Continuing: (Regula-
tions were revised in
1989).
- Mobile Home Park
Ordinance was
adopted in 1988.
- Zoning Ordinance
coverage has not
been expanded.
Continuing
Not initiated
County applied for
and received CDBG
funds for housing
rehabilitation.
Continuing

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G. Assistance to Channel
Maintenance
1. Policy: To support
dredging and channel
maintenance by the US
Army Corps of
Engineers.
H. Energy Facilities siting
' 1. Policy: To carefully
review each energy facility
siting project and to require
strict adherence to federal,
' state and local environmental
regulations.
I. Tourism, Beach and Waterfront
Access
1. Policy: To support
tourism in Historic Edenton
and Chowan County.
2. Policy: To apply for
funds through the Division
of Coastal Management in FY
1987 to develop a sound,
practical public access plan
which will analyze the
County's public access needs
1 and designate potential
access sites.
3. Policy: To review the
existing subdivision regulations
in FY 1987 for possible steps to
improve public access in new
waterfront subdivisions.
J. Density of Development
1. Policy: To "continue to
direct" development into areas
which are considered as most
feasible to accommodate growth
and where support services
(water and sewer) are feasible
and practical to provide.
2. Policy: To continue to
enforce its subdivision
regulations and zoning
ordinance for the Cape
Colony Country Club areas
which have established
minimum lot sizes as per
requirements of the
County Health Department.
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Ongoing Concern
Ongoing Concern
The County developed,
and works with
Edenton, a Tourism
Development Authority
Access plan has a
not been developed.
Subdivision ordinance
was revised in 1989.
Ongoing concern
Continuing

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K. Land Use Trends
1. Policy: To continue
enforcement and coordination
of existing local, state, and
federal land use regulations
as these are adequate to help
assure orderly growth and
development.
IV. Continued Public
Participation Policies
1. Policy: To "continued' to
provide open opportunities for
citizen input through execution
of the public participation
plan, developed for the land use
plan update, advertised public
information meetings and regular
open planning board meetings.
ongoing
Continuing
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� Appendix II
' Citizen Participation Plan
and
� Additional Information
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COUNTY OF CHOAAN, NORTH CAROLINA
1991 Land Use Plan Update
Public Participation Plan
Subchapter 7B of the N.C. Administration Code, CAMA Land Use
Planning Guidelines, requires that the plan update process be
conducted in the public arena. It is therefore the responsibility of
the local government to involve, inform and educate a broad
cross-section of the population. There should be a continuous
structure in place which both reaches out and invites diversified
segments of the community to participate within its jurisdictional
boundaries.
Chowan County is aware of this responsibility and will seek to
carry out this obligation throughout the updating of the 1991 CAMA
Land Use Plan. The following steps will be taken in order to provide
information to the public and to maintain citizen involvement
throughout the process:
1. Designation of Citizen Advisory Board
The Chowan County Board of Commissioners will designate
the County Planning Board, which represents a cross-section
of the community, to serve in a review and advisory capacity
to the Planning Consultant. This citizen's group will serve
throughout the Plan development process and will meet on a
regular basis with the consultant to review draft material,
help clarify local planning issues, and provide general
input.
2. Initial Public Information Meetings
The Planning Board, along with the appropriate county
staff and Planning Consultant, will conduct two publicly
advertised "Public Information Meetings" during the initial
stages of the planning process. The purpose of these
meetings (which are not formal public hearings), will be
primarily educational. The public will receive an overall
explanation of the purpose and use of the State -required
CAMA Land Use Plan, and be informed of additional
opportunities for citizen involvement. These meetings will
be conducted in different parts of the county, i.e.one in
Edenton and one in the Rockyhock area. They will be
scheduled for February 1991. Also, notice of the meeting
will be advertised through the local media, i.e., the Chowan
Herald, and radio and television public service
announcements.
3. Newspaper Releases
At the beginning of the plan update process, contact
will be made with the Chowan Herald, and a press release
will be submitted. It is hoped that the press release will
lead to a news or feature story to be published in the local

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newspaper.
Also, throughout the entire planning process,
especially prior to the public information meeting(s),
periodic releases will be developed as the planning data
base is revised.
4. Development of Information Packets
Prior to the initial public information meetings, the
planning consultant will develop an information packet
describing the CAMA plan update process. Working with the
Chamber of Commerce, these packets will be distributed to
various community organizations in the county. They will
also be available to citizens.
S. Monthly Meetings with Advisory Board
It is anticipated that the Planning Consultant will
meet at least monthly with the Planning Board. These
meetings will be open to the public, with adequate notices
to be published prior to each meeting. These meetings will
be conducted from January through September, 1991 on the
second Tuesday of the month, unless otherwise advertised.
The schedule of meetings are as follows: January 8;
February 12*; February 19*; March 12; April 8; May 14; June
11; July 9; August 13; September 10*; and, September 19*.
6. Second Public Information Meetings
After the initial draft of the updated plan has been
completed, including development of policy statements and
proposed land classifications, a second round of public
information meetings will be conducted. Again, these will
not be formal public hearings, but additional opportunities
for citizens to comment on the preliminary land use plan.
These meetings should be conducted in September 1991, in the
same areas of the initial meetings, prior to submission of
the preliminary plan to the Coastal Resources Commission.
Notices of these meetings will be advertised through the
local media as is proposed for the Initial Public
Information meetings.
All of the above activities should provide substantial
opportunities for Chowan County to inform, educate, and involve a
broad cross-section of citizens in the 1991 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
process.
* Special Public Information Meetings

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CHOWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
z �� • x Q
09fa
Th CARC�
Chowan County:
Public Information Meeting/August 26, 1991
Draft Policy Statements - Generalized Summary
(Policy: ".. any governing principle, plan, or course of action." Webster's
Dictionary).
I. Natural Resources; Fragile Areas
A. Resource Protection
1. AEC's: give highest priority to protection and enhancement, and uses
which are compatible with the natural characteristics... to minimize
the likelihood of loss of private property and natural resources.
2. Permit uses which are water dependent, i.e. piers, docks, boat ramps,
but not commercial marinas.
3. Place all identified AEC's in a "Conservation" zone.
4. Because of the "nutrient sensitive" water classifications, permit only
uses which:
* do not cause pollution
* preserve natural barriers to erosion
* do not interfere with public rights, or access to use of
navigable waters
* comply strictly with local, state, and federal regulations,
including the North Carolina Sedimentation and Pollution Control
Act of 1990
5. Limit or restrict density of development adjacent to identified
sensitive or fragile natural areas.
6. No commercial or recreational marinas directly on the shoreline of any
Public Trust Water, but should be located on excavasted upland basins.
B. Physical Constraints
1. Not encourage development in areas with septic tanks problems, but
will accept decisions of the County/District Health Department.
2. Continue to support identification and preservation of significant
archeological and historical resources coordinate with the Town of
Edenton.
3. Permit or allow Package Treatment Plants to be developed in the
County.
4. Prohibit shoreline marinas, but allow excavated boat basins; also
permit drystack storage facilities.
8. Restrict development from existing estuarine island; Holiday Island
retain "conservation" designation.
F

I
II. Economic and Community Development
A. Overall Attitude Towards Growth
1. Growth and development should be responsible, i.e. adhering to both
the letter and intent of protective regulations.
2. That population growth and land development be based on:
a) availability of land
b) capacity of environment
c) availability of adequate, safe support services, i.e. water, sewer,
and road access
3. Development should be directed away from areas subject to high
erosion, septic problems, or flood hazards.
B. Growth Patterns
1. Encourage continuation of low -density, single family development,
consistent with the existing subdivision regulations and Zoning
Ordinance.
(Questions and Answers)
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Edenton. N.C. Thursday, Febr„bry 7 1991
atehand [_Tse Upd., l
chedu ed
This year Chimall County
public meetings with the
Bricks, Clerk to the Planning �
Will again updatt. its Land
Planning Board and the con-' "-B6i
d, at 482-8486.
Use Ilan, under thL• pruvi
sultant. F
ings, the planning process
sions of the state's Coastal
The first Public Informa•
should be explained. All citi-
Area Management Act
tion Alc sting is scheduled for
zens are invited to attend.
(C:1111A). livery rive years,
rI uesdaA February 12, at 7
according to the state's plan.
p,m• in the conference room,
It should be noted that the
ping guidelines, the counties
second floor of the new court- <
regular Chowan County Plan -
and local governments which
house. The second meeting
ping Board meetings, which
have land use plans are re-
will take place Tuesday, Feb- .
take place the second Tuesday,
quired to update their previous
ruary 19, at 7 p.m. at the
, of each month, are open to the
plans.
Center Dill - Crossroads Vol- .
public. Questions regardin
Chowan County has con-
unteer Fire Department - on '
.the. public meetings may 4'
tracted with the Wilmington_
IIwy. 32 North. At these meet-
:addressed to Lynda 11--
based firm of Ken Weeders
' 4OTICE OF
an(I ASSOMILCs, Planning
Consultants, to prepare the
11,)91 update. This firm will
work closely with the Chowan
County Planning Board over
the next several months to
i
help identify newly emerging
r
trends, issues and land use
t
policies which need to be ad-
t
dressed in,the new plan.
t
A major aspect of the plan-
ning process concerns pro-
viding the opportunity for
involvement by the citizens of
Chowan County. Throughout
the process, citizens will be
.
encouraged to provide input,..
primarily through* a series of
. .
.b ♦ ♦ ,► �. -b ,4 4, 4, y k y
tit.
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
CHOWAN COUNTY
CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDAT
Chowan County Planning Board will conduct twtpublic in-
formation meetings to explain the 1991 CAMA Land Use
Plan Update which is now under preparation. The meetings
will be held as follows:
February 12, 1991 at 7:00 p.m.
ommisstarrer's Room, 2nd Floor
ew Courthouse, Edenton, NC
February 19;1991 at 7:00 p.m.
Center Hill -Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department
Highway 32 North
The purpose of the meetings is to discuss the Land Use
Plan Update and provide citizens an opportunity for input.
Citizens of Chowan County are urged to attend. For addi-
tional Information, contact Lynda Hendricks, Clerk to the
Planning.Board;. at 482-8486.

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CLASSIFICATION
1991
Limited Transition
Community
Rural With Services
Conservation
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