CAMA Land Use Plan Update 1992-1994

lease do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management i
•
---r-nzauetn-CIty 2002so
Everybody's Future
LandVse flan
update
The preparation of this document and/or maps, was financed in part through a grain provided by
the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, Through fiords 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: September 19, 1994
CRC Certification: September 23, 1994
KWA Ken Weeden & Associates
' Wilmington, North Carolina
1

Elizabeth City Land Use Plan
1992
Prepared by:
City (Planning Commission
Terry Cooper, Chairman
Bill McCain, Vice Chairman Willie B. Spence
Ron O. Tudington Sharon Robinson
Glover Shannon
for
The City of ECiza6eth City
H. Rick Gardner, Mayor
City Council Members
W.L. Hooker, Mayor Pro-Tem
Jimmie Sutton
David P. Bosomworth
Dorothy E. Stallings
Lloyd E. Griffin, III
A.C. Robinson, Jr.
Anita Hummer
Myrtle R. Rivers
Ralph Clark, City Manager
Diane Pierce, City Clerk
John Hall, City Attorney
2echnicalAssistance Provided 6y:
Ken Weeden & Associates, Planning Consultants
- Wilmington, North Carolina

Table of Contents
1
�I
Elizabeth City 2002: Everybody's Future
Page No.
Section I:
Environmental Scan
1
A.
Introduction
1
B.
Present Conditions
1
1. Population
4
2. Composition
4
3. Economy
7
4. Housing
16
C.
Existing Land Use Analysis
19
1. Annexations/Expansions
19
2. Residential Land Use
20
3. Residential and Commercial Subdivisions
21
4. Non -Residential
22
5. Significant Land & Water Compatibility Problems
24
6. Major Problems for Unplanned Development
24
7. Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Land
25
Use Changes
8. Identification of Areas of Environmental Concern
25
D.
Listing of Current plans, Policies and Regulations
29
E.
Constraints Land Suitability
34
1. Physical Limitations for Development
34
a. Man-made Hazards
34
b. Natural Hazard Areas
34
c. Areas with Soil Limitations
35
d. Source and Estimated Quantity of Water Supply
38
e. Slopes in Excess of Twelve (12) Percent
39
2. Fragile Areas
40
a. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
40
b. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
43
3.. Areas with Resource Potential
44
a. Agricultural and Forest Lands
44
b. Productive Water Bodies
45
c. Mining Lands
46
d. Public Forests and Game Lands
46
e. Privately Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries
46
f. Non -intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands
46
F.
Constraints: Capacity of Communit Facilities
47
1. Water
47
2. Sewer
47
3. Recreation
50
4. Solid Waste
52
5. Police Services
53
6. Fire Services
53
7. Schools
53
i

8. Transportation 56 ,
G. Demand Analysis 58 '
1. Population Projections 58
2. Population Projection Summary 59
a. Projected number of new Households 59 '

1
fi
Table of Contents
Elizabeth City 2002: Everybody's Future
Page No.
Section Il:
Elizabeth City 2002: Policy Statements
60
A.
Land Use
60
1. Discussion Highlights
60
2. Possible Issues: Land Use
61
3. Policy Statements: Land Use
61
B.
Economic Devlopment
62
1. Discussion: Highlights
62
2. Posible Issues: Economic Development
62
3. Policy Statements: Economic Development
63
C.
Public Facilities
64
1. Discussion Highlights
64
a. Water
64
b. Sewer
65
c. Recreation
65
d. Solid Waste
66
e. Police and Fire Protection Services
66
f. Schools
66
2. Possible Issues: Public Facilities
67
3. Policy Statements: Public Facilities
67
a. Water/Sewer
67
b. Recreation
68
c. Solid Waste
68
d. Police and Fire Protection
69
e. Schools
69
D.
Housing
69
1. Discussion Highlights
69
2. Possible Issues: Housing
69
3. Policy Statements: Housing
70
E.
Transportation
70
1. Discussion Highlights
70
2. Possible Issues
70
3. Policy Statements: Transportation
71
F.
Waterfront Development
71,
1. Discussion Highlights
71
2. Possible Issues: Waterfront Development
72
3. Policy Statements: Waterfront Development
72
G.
Resource Protection
73
1. Cultural Resources
73
a. Issues/Highlights: Cultural Resources
74
b. Policy Statements: Cultural Resources
74
2. Natural Resources
74
a. Issues/Highlights: Natural Resources
74
b. Policy Statements: Natural Resources
75
iii

c. Continuing Public Participation Plans
d. Storm Hazard Mitigation Post -Disaster
Recovery and Evaluation Plans
75
76
iv

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Table of Contents
Elizabeth City 2002: Everybody's Future
Page No.
Section III: Elizabeth City 2002: Policy Implementation,
Strategies, Time Frames
88
A. Land Use Strategy
88
B. Economic Development Strategy
88
C. Public Facilities
89
D. Housing Strategies
89
E. Transportation Strategy
90
F. Waterfront Development Strategy
90
G. Resource Protection
90
H. Storm Hazards Litigation Strategies
91
I. Continuing Public Participation Strategy
91
Section IV: Land Classification
92
A. General
92
B. Developed
93
C. Urban Transition
93
D. Rural
95
E. Conservation
95
F. Other Classification
96
G. Land Classification Summary
96
Section V: Relationship Between Land Classification and
Policies
97
Section IV: Intergovernmental Coordination
98
v

Table No.
TM
Elizabeth City 2002:
Everybody's Future
List of Tables and Charts
Page
1
Historic Population Trend
2
2
City Population as Percentage of County
3
3
Elizabeth City/Albermarle Region Population
3
4
Fastest Growing Counties in Albermarle Region
4
5
1980, 1990 Population by Race -
4
6
1990 Racial Population - City and County
5
7
Racial Composition Compared to Similar Sized Cities
5
8
Elizabeth City Age Trends
6
9
Elizabeth City State University Enrollment
7
10
Major Employers in Elizabeth City Area
8
11
Employees in County by Industry Group
9
12
Annual Average Employment/Unemployment
10
13
Earnings by Industry Group
11
14
Retail Sales in Elizabeth City
12
15
Retail Sales Compared to Similar Sized Cities
12
16
Earning by Major Business Group
13
17
Comparison of Total Sales by Major Groups
14
18
Per Capita Personal Income
15
19
Tourism Income
15
20
Net Valuation
16
21
Net Valuation Comparison to Similar Sized Cities
16
22
Residential Ownership
17
23
Contract Rent Values
17
24
Public Housing Units and Residents
18
25
Annexation Projects
19
26
Proposed Annexations
20
27
Residential Building Permits
21
28
Recorded Subdivisions and Plats of Land
22
29
Non -Residential Building Permits
22
30
Traffic Improvement Recommendations
32
31
Soil Interpretations for County
37
32
Water System Classification
39
33
Prime and Important Farmlands
45
34
Property Outside City Limits
49
35
City Parks and Recreational Facilities
51
36
Boating Access Points
56
37
Total Enrollment by Grade Level for Elizabeth City
54
38
School Capacities vs. Enrollment
55
39
Average Daily Traffic Counts
57
11
fl
vi

List of Graphs
Gral2h No.
Graphs
Page No.
1
Elizabeth City Population Changes
2A
2
Elizabeth City Age Distribution
6A
2A
Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County Age
6B
4
Elizabeth City Retail Distribution Sales
12A
5
Per Capita Personal Income
15A
6
City Land Area Compared to
Similar Sized Cities
24A
7
City Population Density Compared to
Similar Sized Cities
24B
List of Maps
Map No. Ma
os Page No.
1 Elizabeth City Historic Districts 43-a
2 Existing Land Uses (Attached)
3 100-Year Flood Plain (Attached)
4 Composite Hazards (Attached)
5 Land Classifications (Attached)
vii

m m m m m m m m m m m m r m m m m m w

IL THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN
A. Introduction
According to the Planning Guidelines contained in the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA), local governments in the state's 20 coastal counties must update
their land use plans every five years. Elizabeth City's first CAMA Plan was adopted in 1976,
with updates taking place in 1981 and 1987.
The purpose of the land use plan is to permit local officials to make informed decisions about
' growth and change within their jurisdictions. The plan analyzes population, housing,
economic, land use and other trends and conditions and their implications. The planning
process is also a collaborative effort with input from the citizens. Citizen input helps to identify
' the important goals and policies for the city, which help guide and manage its physical growth
and development. The plan, then, is an important policy tool, helping to shape the city's future.
However, prior to developing policies and long-term/short-term goals, it is necessary to
examine or "scan" the existing environment, in order to clearly identify current conditions and
trends. The first sections of the planning document will present this "scan" of the environment,
1 focusing on the following:
• Population
' • Economy
• Housing
• Land Use
' • Community Facilities and Constraints
• Natural Resources and Constraints
' • Cultural Resources and Constraints
B. Present Conditions
' 1. Population
The population growth in Elizabeth City since 1900 has been modest. Overall, the
t city's population has increased by 44%. Table 1 below presents the population trends
of the city since 1900.
11
i
�!

Table 1 • Elizabeth City Historic Population Trend. 1900 -1990
Year
Population
Increase
% Rise
1900
6,348
+2,064
+32.5%0
1910
8,412
+ 513
+ 6.1%
1920
8,925
+1,112
+12.5%
1930
10,037
+1,527
+15.2%
1940
11,564
+ 721
+ 6.2%
1950
12,285
+1,777
+14.5%
1960
14,062
+ 7
+ .04%
1970
14,069
<62>
-<.40/o>
1980
14,007
+ 285
2.03%
1990
14,292
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
In the 1940's, the government planned a branch of the U.S. Coast Guard in Elizabeth
City which added to the city's population. However, the net population increase for the
decade between 1940 and 1950 was only 6.2% which was smaller than both of the
preceding two decades.
Graph 1 on the following page shows the city's historic population trends from 1900 to
1990. During the 30 year period from 1960-1990, Elizabeth City's population grew by
a net of only 1.6%, i.e., 230 persons, (or an average of 7.6 persons per year).
A portion of the growth in population is a result of the annexations that have occurred
over the years. Since 1985, the city has annexed several tracts of land adjacent to the
city. These ranged in size from .0002 to 366.85 acres for a total of 584.02 acres.
The population of Elizabeth City has traditionally represented a large portion of the
total population of Pasquotank County. While this is still true, the City's share of the
County's overall population has been declining since 1970. Table 2 below shows this
trend, i.e., Elizabeth City's population compared to the population of Pasquotank
County since 1970.
7

Table 2• Population of Elizabeth City as Percentage of Pasquotank County Q 970-1990)
'
1970
1980
1990
Elizabeth City 14,381
14,007
14,292
Pasquotank County 26,824
28,462
31,298
'
City as % of County 54%
49%
46%
Source: U.S. Census Reports I
However, the population of Elizabeth City decreased from 1970 at the same time the
county's population increased. This decrease occurred despite several annexations
completed by the city. As noted above, Elizabeth City's percentage of Pasquotank
County's population decreased significantly between 1970 and 1990. This trend may;
indicate increased suburbanization on the "fringes" of the city as well as some out -
migration from the city to the county.
It is interesting to compare the populations of Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County
with other localities in the Albemarle region. Table 3 below shows that the 1970
Pasquotank County population nearly doubled that of any other county in the ten -
county Albemarle region. The population of Dare County was only 52% of '
Pasquotank's in 1970, but up to 72% in 1990. This is indicative of the faster growth
rate in Dare County (the Outer Banks) since 1970.
Table 3: Comparison 20-Year Trend: '
Elizabeth City and Albemarle Counties '
Locali , /County 1970 1980 1990 % 1970-90
Camden 5,453 6,221 5,904 8.3 '
Chowan
10,764
12,558
3,506
25.5
Currituck
6,976
11,089
3,736
97.0
Dare
6,995
13,377
22,476
225.2
'
Gates
8,524
8,875
9,305
9.2
Hyde
5,571
5,873
5,411
-2.9
'
Pasquotank
26,824
28,462
31,298
16.7
Perquimans
8,351
9,486
10,447
25.1
Tyrrell
3,806
3,975
3,856
1.3
,
Washington
14,038
14,801
13,997
-0.30
(Elizabeth City)
(14,381)
(14,007)
(14,292)
(462)
Albemarle Region
97,302
114,717
130,206
+33.8
'
Source: U.S. Census Reports, and NC State Data Center Reports.

GRAPH 1
Elizabeth City
Population Changes
POPULATION (Thousands)
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
' 0
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990
1 YEAR
Elizabeth City
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
a.A

Overall, during the last twenty-year period (1970-1990), Pasquotank County was the
fifth fastest growing county in the region, i.e., behind Dare, Currituck, Chowan and
Perquimans, respectively. (See Table 3). The rate of growth for Pasquotank County
was substantially less than the rate for the two fastest growing counties --Dare and
Currituck.
The slowest growing counties in the region were Tyrrell County and Camden County.
Two counties, Hyde and Washington, have experienced net decreases in population
since 1970. Table 4, below, lists the five fastest growing counties in the Albemarle
region.
Table 4: Fastest Growing Counties. 1970-1990
Albemarle County Region
% of Change 1970-1990
Dare 225.2
Currituck 97.0
Chowan 25.5
Perquimans 25.1
Pasquotank 16.7
Source: U.S. Census Reports and NC State Data Center Reports
2. Population Composition
a. Rncinl/Ethnic Background
The population of Elizabeth City is composed of several ethnic backgrounds.
The population is comprised of White, Black, American Indian, Asian and
Hispanic citizens.
The majority (99.2%) of the population of Elizabeth City is either black or
white. (See Table 5 below). Less than 1% of the city's population is made up
of persons of Indian, Asian or Hispanic ethnicity.
Table 5: 1980 and 1990 Population
Composition, Elizabeth City, NC
1980
%
1990 %
Change
%
White 7,452
53.2
6,722 47%
<730>
<11>0/0
Black 6,443
46.0
7,448 52%
1,005
16 %
Other 112
.8
122 .9%
10
8 %
Source: 1980, 1990 U.S. Census Reports
n

h
The black population of Elizabeth City has increased faster than any other race
'
or ethnic group, while the number and percent of whites has declined. Today,
blacks comprise the majority of the city's citizens. The decline in the white
'
population may also be an indicator of some relocation from the city to the
county. The table below shows the county's population by race compared to
that of the city's. In 1990 in Pasquotank County, Blacks comprised 37% of the
'
population compared to 52% in Elizabeth City. There was little change in the
County's racial percentages from 1980. See table 6.
Table 6: Racial Composition of Pasquotank County 1980: 1990
Total White % Black % Other %
'
1990 31,298 19,403 62% 11,583 37% 312 1%
1980 28,462 17,847 63% 10,383 36% 232 .8%
'
Source: U.S. Census 1990
The 1990 racial composition of Elizabeth City differs from other cities in North
Carolina of similar size. The comparison ranges from 13.6% in Asheboro, to
42.8% in Shelby. (See Table 7). '
Table 7: Elizabeth Citys Racial Composition as Compared to
Similar Size Cities - 1990 '
Eliz.
Shelby
Lexing-
ton
Morgan-
ton
Ashe-
boro
Reids.
Lenior
'
NC
Total
14,292
14,769
16,581
15,085
16,362
12,183
14,192
6,628,627
Black
7,448
6,334
4,916
2,319
2,141
4,745
2,240
1,456,323
%
52.1%
42.8%
29.6%
15.4%
13.6%
38.9%
15.8%
'
22.0%
White
6,722
8,366
11,305
12,520
13,938
7,353
11,864
5,008,491
%
47.0%
56.6%
68.3%
82.9%
85.2%
60.4%
83.6%
75.5%
Other
122
69
360
246
183
85
88
'
163,823
%
.9%
.6%
2.1%
1.7%
1.2%
.7%
.6%
2.5%
Source: U.S. Census
In most of the other cities compared, as well as in the state, blacks make up
considerably less than 50% of the total population. I
5

' The aging trends of Elizabeth City are consistent with the trends in many other areas of
the state. The most significant growth within the major age groups between 1980 and
1990 occurred within the 65 years and older bracket (i.e., an increase of 24%).
' A decrease of 3.2% occurred in the young adult to older adult group, i.e., 18 to 64, as
a percentage of the total population. Finally, there appears to be a modest increase of
0.9% in the school age population, i.e., those 18 and under. Table 8 below shows the
10 year trend in the major age groups between 1980 and 1990 by percentages of total
population.
Table 8: Elizabeth City Age Trends, 1980- 1990
1980
1990
% Chanae
Under 18 Years
24.5%
25.4%
0.9
'
18 to 64 Years
60.3%
57.1%
<3.2>
65 & Over
15.2%
17.6%
2.4
Median Age
29.7
31.7
2
1
Source: U.S. Census 1980, 1990.
(Percentage of Total Population)
Graph 2 on the next page depicts the total number of persons in more detailed age
groupings for Elizabeth City according to the 1990 U.S. Census. Graph 2A shows the
age distributions for Elizabeth City and Pasquotank by total number and percentage
except for the 65+ age group. (Data was not available at the time of the report). In
both the city and county the largest percentage of persons is in the 25-44 age group.
However, it. is worth noting that the over 60 age group also comprises a significant
segment of both jurisdictional populations. Having significant numbers of older
citizens may indicate a need to plan for social and/or health -related services for senior
citizens.
' C. Military Population
The presence of the U.S. Coast Guard in Elizabeth City has, since the 1900's, had a
' substantial impact upon the population, economy and provision of public services for
the city. The military population includes personnel on and off the Coast Guard
facilities as well as their dependents.
According to U.S. Coast Guard officials there are approximately 896 active military
personnel. However, due to the relocation, retirement and other factors, the number of
' active personnel constantly fluctuates.

GRAPH 2
AGE DISTRIBUTION/ 19 9 0
NO. OF PERSONS
4000
3000
2000
1000
X
0-6 6-17 18-20 21-24 26-44 46-64 66-69 60-64 66+
AGE GROUPS
Source: NC Census
Elizabeth City
6A

GRAPH 2A
AGE DISTRIBUTION/1990
NO. OF PERSONS (Thousands)
10
0
A
4
2
A
0-5 6-17 18-24 25-44 45-54 55-69 60-64
AGE GROUPS
ELIZABETH CITY ® PASQUOTANK
Source: 1990 U.S. CENSUS
6B

d. College and University Population
Elizabeth City is the home of two colleges and one university. Elizabeth City State
University had a student population approaching 1,800 students in the fall of 1991.
This enrollment represents an increase since 1987 by about 400 students. The College
of Albemarle, a technically oriented community college, had an average enrollment of
about 930 students between 1987 and 1991. Roanoke Bible College has a much
smaller enrollment, averaging about 125 students since 1987.
These institutions of higher education serve as important resources to the state, region
and the city itself. The students, faculty and administrative personnel also place
additional demand upon services, shopping centers, and housing markets in the area.
Elizabeth City State University is the area's largest educational institution hiring more
employees and serving more students than the other area schools. A large portion of
the students at Elizabeth City State University are commuters. (See Table 9 below). A
majority of the total students attending the College of Albemarle and Roanoke Bible
College are also commuters as the College of Albemarle provides no housing for
students.
Table 9: Elizabeth City State University
Student Enrollment Status 1987-1991
Living Status 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
Total Students
1613
1583
1591
1765
1746
1773
On -Campus
1003
986
1061
975
900
871
Commuters
610
597
530
790
846
902
% Commuter
37.8%
37.1%
33.3%
44.8%
48.5%
50.90/0
Source: Elizabeth City State University
fl
In 1986, the number of on -campus students was substantially larger. This trend ,
continued until 1991, when the number of commuters exceeded the number of students
on -campus. This trend indicates that more Elizabeth City State University students are
coming from the City and surrounding areas to attend classes on a day -time basis.
Since 1989, the total number of students attending the university has remained steady
at around 1,760 students. The university population has not increased significantly, but t
the number of people commuting into the university appears to be growing.
3. Economy I
The economic base of Elizabeth City reflects diversity with a variety of employment types in
the area. The local economy is characterized by a mixture of the Services Producing sectors,
which include retail- trade, services, government, etc., and Goods Producing which includes
7 ,

construction, manufacturing and farming. From its early days, the city, located on the banks of
the Pasquotank River, was known as a trading port. For years many residents made their living
' through some relationship with the river. Today, however, most of the area's labor force is
employed in other sectors. (See Table 10 below).
In present-day Elizabeth City the dominant economic sector is retail trade, employing more
'
workers than does any other sector. Retail trade in the area is characterized by a variety of
stores, shops, and malls. These outlets thrive as a result of Elizabeth City's apparently growing
significance as the regional commercial hub for several counties in the Albemarle region.
a. Employment
Services, retail trade and government are all very significant elements in the
employment base of Elizabeth City. (See Table 10). Some of the existing major
1
employers are listed in Table 10 below:
Table 10: Major Employers in Elizabeth City Area. 1991
Name Products/Services Employees Yr. Est,
Westinghouse Airship, USA Airships (Blimps) 67 1983
U.S. Coast Guard Aircraft 797 Military 1947
557 Civilian
'
Friskies, Inc. Pet Treats 100 1988
Davis Yachts, Inc. Yachts 100 1987
Hoffer Flow, Inc. Flowmeasurement Sys. 34 1969
DESCO Defense/Electronic Sys 58 1972
Dolphin Systems Fuel Sys. Components 20 1981
Elizabeth City Cotton Mill Cotton Yarn 115 1899
Hockmeyer Equipment Corp. Commercial Mixers 47 1984
IXL Furniture Cabinets 115 1966
'
J.W. Jones Lumber Co. Lumber 62 1939
Pro-Gro PPoducts, Inc. Peatmoss 35 1980
Pell Paper Box Company Boxes/Printing 38 1938
River City Seafood Seafood Processing 25 1984
Grietzer, Inc Inst. Kitchen Equip. 37 1992
Source: Industrial Development Commission
Of the total persons employed by some of the major employers, 1,354 are employed by
'
the U.S. Coast Guard.
Of the ten leading employment groups in the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County area,
'
the retail trade sector has consistently employed more people since 1985. (See Table
11).
1

Table 11 • Employees by Industry Group Pasquotank County
Group 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
Goods Producing
Construction
677
769
809
835
861
825
Manufacturing
1,250
1,320
1,210
1,150
1,120
1,000
Farming
360
330
250
220
240
330
Subtotal
2,287
2,419
2,269
2,205
2,221
2,155
Services Producing
Trans., Comm., &
Public Facilities
310
300
280
280
290
300
Trade
3,490
3,810
4,130
4,160
4,220
4,150
FIRE --(Finance,
490
520
530
530
530
540
Insurance, Real Estate)
Service
1,520
1,690
1,660
1,760
1,850
1,850
Gov't. HL
967
901
839
822
824
835
Gov't./Fed. Civ.
532
540
535
560
602
669
Gov't/St./Local
2,864
2,975
3,047
3,316
3,250
3,356
Subtotal
10,173
10,736 11,021
11,028 11,666 11,750
Total 12,460 13,155 13,290 13,233 13,887 13,905
Source: Employment Security Commission of NC
F]
J
The average annual employment data for 1990, the most recent year for which data,
was obtained, showed that the retail trade sector still employed the largest number of
workers. The five leading sectors in terms of number of employees, includes retail
trade, service, manufacturing, government state/local and government military. Each
of the five leading sectors are service producing industries with the exception of
manufacturing.
Since 1985, the sectors employing the least amount of people have included
transportation/public facilities and agricultural sectors. Since 1985, these industries''
have employed fewer people symbolizing the limited economic importance of these
industries compared to other industries. This trend still holds true in 1991. (See Table
11). t
Agriculture has traditionally been and continues to be an important part of the local
economy. After 1986, there was a substantial decrease in the number of agricultural`
9 1

11
I
I
I
I
sector employees and an upsurge in 1989 which continued through 1990. (See Table
11).
The Service production jobs have traditionally hired more residents in the area and
continues to do so. In 1990, the service producing sector employed 84% of the total
employed. The number of employees in the goods producing category has decreased
since 1985 while the employees in the service production category has steadily
increased.
As a result of relatively stable employment sectors, the city has maintained a fairly
steady unemployment rate over the past five years, with an average rate of about 4%.
This unemployment rate has remained below the rate for North Carolina except for the
year 1990 when the rate for the county was 4.2 and the state unemployment rate was
4.1. (See Table 12 below).
Table 12: *Annual Average Emplovment/Unemployment,
1985-1991
Year
Labor Force Emnl.
Unempl.
Rate
NC
US.
1985
12,010
11,470
540
4.5
5.4
7.2
1986
12,549
12,026
523
4.2
5.3
7.0
1987
12,856
12,364
492
3.8
4.5
6.2
1988
12,675
12,264
411
3.2
3.6
5.5
1989
13,137
12,703
434
3.3
3.5
5.3
1990
13,152
12,596
556
4.2
4.1
5.5
1991
13,443
12,724
719
5.3
5.8
6.7
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Service.
*Based on 1980 Census projections from 1980 Census Boundaries: Place of Residence
The presence of the Coast Guard and the employment opportunities is important to the
city's economy accounting for nearly 10% of the total employment in the area. It
appears that the Persian Gulf crisis may also have had an impact upon the economy of
the city.
In 1990 the unemployment rate for Elizabeth City was 4.2, while the rate for the state
was 4.1. By 1991, unemployment rates had jumped to 5.3 and 5.2 respectively.
b. Income and Earnings
Retail trade, though employing more people than any other sector does not provide the
largest portion of earned income. Though prolific in the provision of jobs, traditionally
retail trade does not provide the higher paying jobs. (See Table 13 below).
10

Table 13 • Earnings by Industry Group Pasquotank County
Group
1980($000)
1986 000
1990 000
Gov't. Mil.
14,530
18,208
20,715
Gov't. Civ.
10,638
13,481
20,070
Gov't. State/Local
29,039
42,323
65,774
Retail trade
20,091
33,772
41,622
Manufacturing
17,916
20,567
20,349
Services
20,769
33,658
45,549
Transport/Pub. Utl.
8,064
8,709
9,636
Construction
6,512
13,525
15,491
Mining
491
130
242
FIRE (Finance, Ins.,
7,252
9,140
11,924
Real Estate)
Agriculture
<1.467>
1,487
4,557
Source: NC Data Center
The sector providing the majority of earned income over the past decade is state/local
government followed by services, then retail trade.
In 1980 and 1986, the relatively higher paying government state/local sectors produced
about 29 and 42 million dollars of income respectively or 301/o more than service and
retail those same years. In 1990, the gap between service and retail earnings increased
significantly while the earnings of government state/local was about 50% more than
service and retail. This widening gap from 1986 to 1990 between the leading sectors
shows the substantial impact of government employment earnings in the area.
Sectors producing the least earnings include mining and agriculture which, as
previously stated, employ fewer people. Earnings from mining activities in Elizabeth
City decreased substantially during the decade from nearly $500,000 to $242,000.
Agricultural earnings, after declining in 1980, increased significantly in 1990.
Agricultural activities produced $4,557 million in earnings in 1990.
C. Retail Sales
F-il
As the population of Elizabeth City has increased over the ears, so has the retail sales
P P h' Y
of business in the city. Retail sales gradually increased (by 41/6) between 1982 and
1991 with slight decreases between 1987 and 1988 and 1989 and 1990. (See Graph
4). These gradual changes in retail sales occurred in a decade (1980, 1990) when the
city's population increased by only 255 persons or.2.03%. I
11 I

For Elizabeth City, retail sales have fluctuated since FY 85/86 but continued to
decrease after FY 89/90. On the other hand, in Pasquotank County, retail sales
increased through FY 88/89 from $268 million to $292 million and decreased
significantly after this fiscal year to $279 million. For both Elizabeth City and
Pasquotank County, gross retail sales have decreased for the last two fiscal years
between 1989-91.
Retail sales for Elizabeth City as a percentage of Pasquotank County increased through
I FY 88/89 from 14% to 17%. During the next fiscal year, (89/90), Elizabeth City's
portion of the county retail sales decreased from 17% to 15%. Figures from fiscal year
1990-91 reflects an even lower percentage of city retail sales to county retail sales at
only 14%. Graph 4 shows the city's retail sales trends from 1982-1991.
Table 14: Retail Sales in Elizabeth City, 1985-91
Ci s %
of County
FY
Elizabeth City
% Change
Pasquotank % Change
Total
1985-86
231,650,820
268,691,428
86.2%
'
1986-87
240,711,968
4%
283,520,983 5%
84.9%
1987-88
237,668,803
<10/0>
284,562,771 .4%
83A%
1988-89
251,528,548
5%
302,443,744 6%
83.1%
1989-90
249,260,279
<10/0>
292,751,936 <3%>
85.1%
1990-91
240,975,268
<30/o>
279,391,812 <50/o>
86.2%
1
Source: NC Department
Revenue
of
Table 15 below compares the
retail sales of cities similar in
size to those of Elizabeth
City. Between 1985 and 1991, Elizabeth City, as well as most of the other cities,
experienced net increases in total annual sales from 1985-1991. (See Table 15 below).
Table 15• Retail
Sales of Cities of Comparable Size to Elizabeth City
I
(Millions)
% Change
85/86 86/87 87/88
88/89 89/90
90/91 85-91
Elizabeth City
231.6 240.7 237.6
251.5 249.2
240.9 4%
Shelby
341.6 359.1 424.3
454.8 441.0
434.5 27%
Morganton
246.7 254.3 272.7
297.0 284.2
274.7 11%
Asheboro
Reidsville
288.5 290.1 316.8
157.9 160.1 171.9
338.8 326.3
173.4 175.4
316.3 10%
171.3 9%
Lenoir
238.6 243.2 267.5
286.0 288.8
277.6 16%
Lexington
350.2 370.0 380.4
316.1 311.6
312.6 <11>0/o
Source: NC Department of Revenue
1
12

GRAPH 4
RETAIL SALES 1982-1991
MILLIONS
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1982 19831984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
YEARS
Elizabeth City
Source: NC Dept. of Rev. Tax Research

Elizabeth City's gross retail sales increased by 4%, a rate slower than cities of similar
size. The gross retail sales for Lexington actually decreased between 1985 and 1991
by 11%. Retail sales for Morganton, Asheboro, Reidsville, and Lenoir grew at an
average of 11.5% while sales in Shelby grew by 22%.
1 Analysis of retail sales by major business groups stresses the business sectors which
experience growth and decline. This information represents gross retail sales for these
' sectors for the fiscal years listed. (See Table 16 below).
Table 16• Earnings by Major Business Group in PaNuotank County
FY 85/86 and 90/91
Business Group 1985-1986 1990-1991 % Chanae
1% Retail Sales*
2,162,367 3,204,028
48.1%
'
2% Retail Sales**
Apparel
39,466,982 3,199,415
5,225,661 5,369,151
<-92%>
2.8%
Automotive
42,779,024 38,633,398
<-10%>
Food
74,948,088 85,205,791
11.8%
Furniture
10,380,521 9,781,474
<- 60/o>
General Merchandise
46,953,433 62,990,732
34.2%
Lumber & Building Mat. 28,755,261 36,909,953
28.4%
Unclassified
18,020,091 34,097,870
89.2%
Total
268,691,428 279,391,812
4%
1
16%
NC
95,103,101,146 64,038,692,900
Source: NC Department of Revenue State Sales and Use Tax
* Sales of Industrial and Manufacturing Equipment, or Farm Machinery
**Boats, Airplanes, or Railroad Cars
'
Between fiscal years 1985-86 and 1990-91, the four groups which experienced the
most growth were the unclassified (89.2%) which include items such as bookstores,
barber shops and beauty salons; one percent
retail sales items (48.11/6), general
merchandise (34.2%) and the lumber and building material business group at 28.4%.
These increases are probably related to the population increase as well as Elizabeth
City's significance as a regional commercial area.
Several business sectors experienced significant losses in total sales. Notably the 2%
retail sales revenues decreased tremendously by 92% between 1985 and 1991.
However, since the 2% retail sales category is for the "big ticket" durable items, as
noted in the table, the high 1985-1986 figure is likely a reflection of a major "one-
time" event.
13

'1
Automotive and furniture revenue decreased by 101/o and 6% respectively. While these ,
decreases represent a small portion of the total sales for the business groups, the
implications for the city's economy can be significant, e.g. decreased tax revenues, ,
indicates less consumerism in the local economy. This could also indicate that local
consumers are going outside the area for some major purchases. The total gross retail
sales generated by the major business groups between 1985 and 1991 increased by 4%
while the statewide revenue for these groups increased by 16%. Pasquotank County
lagged behind the state in terms of growth for major business groups measured in terms
of retail sales. (See Table 17 below).
Table 17• Comparison of Total Sales by Major Groups for
Pasquotank County Compared to NC '
1985-86 (millions) 1990-91 (millions) % Increase
Pasquotank County 268.6 277.9 4%
North Carolina 55,103 64,038 16%
Source: NC Department of Revenue State Sales & Use Tax
P
An assessment of new and expanded industry is also an economic indicator. "New"
industry investment increased 84% for the year 1989 compared to 1985, and
"expanded industry' investment increased 96%. For the same period new industry
employees increased by 47% while expanded industry employees increased by 71%.
New and expanded industry indicates additional investment and job creation. ,
d. Per Capita Personal income
I
Another measure of income posture in growth per capita personal income. (See Table
18). Although per capita income has been. increasing in Elizabeth City, the city's per
capita personal income is significantly below that of the state as a whole and
substantially less than the U.S. per capita income. The per capita personal income for
the city increased much slower than income for statewide. Between 1985 and 1990,
the per capita income for the city increased by 25% while the income for the state
increased by 36%.
i I
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1
1
1
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Year
Table 18• Elizabeth City Per Capita Personal Income. 1985-1990
Cb
NC
U.S.
1985
10,313
11,658
13,451
1986
10,623
12,457
14,440
1987
11,252
13,299
15,425
1988
12,046
14,313
16,444
1989
12,723
15,287
17,592
1990
12,841
15,890
18,696
Source: State Data Center
E. Tourism
Income from tourism has been on the rise and has a substantial impact on the county's economy.
Between 1987 and 1990 tourism income increased by 5% or by about $1 million dollars. (See Table
19). Travel expenditures peaked during the five year period between 1987 and 1990 which also
represents the highest increase at 9%. Despite this surge in tourism expenditures, the county's
proportion of state tourism income still remained constant ranging from .31% to .35%. Therefore,
tourism expenditures in Elizabeth City only represents a small portion of the state tourism expenditures.
Table 19• Pasauotank County Tourism Income 1987-1990
% of Difference from % Change
Year Travel Exp.($000) State Total Prev. Year Prev. Yr.
1987
19,550
.34
1988
21,538
.35 1988 90/0
1989
19,860
.34 <1678> <80/o>
1990
20,600
.31 740 4%
Source: - IBC Travel & Tourism Division, Department of Commerce
F. Local Government Revenue
Local government revenues, most notably from property taxes, also can be used as an indication of the
total economic picture. The net valuation of property between 1983 and 1990 increased through 1987,
and leveled off by 1990. In 1991, property was again revalued for tax purposes.
1 15

!1A\
aWWMAI 11r_m i► 14K*

1 Year
Table 20• City of Elizabeth City Net Valuation and Tax Rate 1982-1991
Net Valuation
Tax Rate per $100
1983 202,685,496 .50
1984 211,438,632 .53
1985 218,024,653 .59
1986 225,615,280 •64
1987 228,304,314 .69
1988 225,310,211 •79
1989 205,23 5,063 .79
1990 215,790,557 .79
1991 361,615,391 .51
Source: Elizabeth City Finance Department
A comparison of the 1991 net valuation for Elizabeth City and cities of similar size shows that the total
' value of property taxes for Elizabeth City and Shelby are substantially lower than other cities. (See
Table 21). The net valuation of Elizabeth City is only about 50% of the average valuation (637.2
million) of other cities. Shelby has a net valuation of about 71% of the average of the cities with
highest valuations.
Elizabeth City's tax rate is the third highest behind Reidsville and Asheboro, but net valuation still lags
substantially behind other cities.
Table 21 • Comparison of 1991 Net Valuation and Tax Rates for
tCities of Similar Size
1991 Net Valuation Tax Rate
' Elizabeth City 361,615,391 .51
Shelby 448,074,850 .35
Lexington 614,404,672 .35
Asheboro 616,184,869 .61
Morganton 677,009,069 .45
Lenior 676,817,274 .50
Reidsville 601,916,438 .665
Source: NC Tax Research Division
I
4. Housin
Elizabeth City offers a variety of housing types serving various income groups. The city
encourages multi -family and single family units to serve transitional as well as stable
16

populations. In Elizabeth City low income housing exists in the form of a few single family
units but are predominantly multi -family.
Based on 1990 Census data, Elizabeth City had 5,340 total housing units. This represents a
6% increase since 1980 when the city had a total of 5,054 units. (See Table 22 below.)
In 1980, Elizabeth City had a total of 2,759 owner occupied housing units and 2,295 renter
occupied units indicating 55% home ownership. By 1990, only 49% of the housing units were
owner occupied while a majority, i.e. 51% were renter occupied. This increase in renter
occupied units was perhaps partly due to an increased number of transient military families
adding to the demand for rental housing units.
Owner Occupied
Renter Occupied
Total
Table 22: Residential Ownership Elizabeth City, 1980, 1990
1980
% of Total
1990
% of Total
2,759
55%
2,646
49%
2,295
45%
2,694
51%
100%
Source: State Data Center I
In 1980, nearly 3/4 of the rental units had a rent value less than $250. By 1990, just over 1/2
of the rental units had a contract rent value less than $250, indicating a decrease in rental units ,
for $250 or less. Also in 1980, no rental units listed a contract rent value greater than $500.
However, in 1990, 3% or 174 rental units had contract rent values ranging from $500-$1000.
Table 23: Contract Rent Values 1980 1990
> 250 250-499 $500-$1000 '
1980 Units 1575 720 0
% Of Total 69% 31 % ,
1990 Units 1481 1039 174
% of Total 55% 42% 30%
Source: State Data Center ,
As expected in the decade between 1980 and 1990, rent values increased. However, a majority
of the units rented for less than $250 in 1990, which is significantly lower than many cities in or
near metropolitan areas of the state.
The 1990 vacancy rate of all housing units in Elizabeth City increased over the 1980 rate, Le
from 6% to 8%. The vacancies, however, may be related to a number of factors such as rapid ,
deterioration of the existing housing stock, relative to new construction rates, etc. These rates
may fluctuate several times throughout the course of a decade.
17
As expected in the decade between 1980 and 1990, rent values increased. However, a majority
of the units rented for less than $250 in 1990, which is significantly lower than many cities in or
near metropolitan areas of the state.
The 1990 vacancy rate of all housing units in Elizabeth City increased over the 1980 rate, Le
from 6% to 8%. The vacancies, however, may be related to a number of factors such as rapid ,
deterioration of the existing housing stock, relative to new construction rates, etc. These rates
may fluctuate several times throughout the course of a decade.
17

i
The housing conditions county -wide vary and are largely related to issues such as income, age
and construction of housing. Based on information obtained from the NC Rural Economic
Development Center 4.69% or 250 housing units in Pasquotank County were substandard in
1990. This number represents a 31.14% decrease from 1980 when approximately 8% of the
units were substandard.
The federally assisted or subsidized housing in the city is predominantly in the form of duplexes
and higher density apartment units managed by the city's Housing Authority. There are five
different project sites located in three general areas of the city. Project 1 and 5 are located
southwest of downtown Elizabeth City in the area of Ehringhaus and Haniott Streets. Projects
I 2 and 3 are located southwest of downtown in the Wmston Street area. Project 4 is located in
the Harney Street area adjacent to downtown.
There are a total of 330 public housing units in Elizabeth City. The last units were constructed
in 1972. Therefore, the total number of public housing units has not changed in twenty years.
(See Table 24 below).
' Table 24• Public Housing Units and Residents
Elizabeth City 1980, 1990
1980 ° o of Total 1990 % of Total
Total Units 330 7% 330 6%
( Total Public Housing Tenants 800 6% 1,000 7%
Source: Elizabeth City Housing Authority
However, there were approximately 800 public housing residents in 1980, but this number
increased by 25% or 200 people by 1990. This increase in residents occurred although no
additional bedrooms were added to the project sites indicating a potential crowding problem.
In 1980, approximately 7% of the housing units were federally assisted while only 6% were
federally assisted or subsidized in 1990. The percentage of total residents living in public
housing increased slightly 1% between 1980 and 1990. This may be due to declining economic
conditions as well as larger families in public housing units.
1
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W
V)

C. Existing Land Use Analysis
The land use patterns of Elizabeth City have remained unchanged for the most part since the -city first
began to develop. The commercial and office activity exist predominantly in the downtown area with
areas of mixed use (commercial, office and residential) in the outlying areas.
The character of the city continues to change as the city becomes increasingly known as the
commercial hub of the region. With this increased development, the city has also continued to annex
outlying areas.
1. Annexations and Expansions of the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
Since 1986, several annexations have occurred in the Elizabeth City, Pasquotank area. The
corporate limits have grown from 3.7 to 4.8 square miles.
The city of Elizabeth City has completed annexations and satellite annexations of various sizes,
ranging from .0002 acres to 366.85 acres. (See Table 25 below). The following is a list of the
1 annexation projects.
Table 25: Elizabeth City
Annexation Project 1985-91
Satellite Annexations
Acres
Annexations
Acres
University Plaza
43.00
Camden Causeway
25.51
'
Travelers Motel
2.06
Walker Ave.
4.501
Woodstock II
Walton Whitehead
1.01
Walker Ave.
4.00
Woodstock III
Halstead Blvd. Off.
3.77
Southeastern Motel
3.91
'
Park Tract II
Harding St.
.00017
Lot 4
Superior Brands
5.07
Tracts, I, II
iFairway
Halstead Blvd. Auto Park
Estates
5.82
47.62
Greenbing Freeman
Carver/Harding St.
43.3
.708
Clipper Ea.
366.85
Winston Acres
23.9
State Employees C. U.
2.346
125 Harding St.
1,008 sq. ft.
Pinelake Country Club
111.54
NC State/ECSU Dr.
56.88
Lot 12 Franklin St
.10
Lot 15 Franklin St.
.10
Peartree North Estates
19.05
Pasquotank Co./E.C.
97.53
Board of Education -Northeastern
and Central Schools
Rich, Rich & Nance,
52.81
Albemarle Hospital
79.29
Halstead Blvd.
College of the
35.75
Meadowlands
27.55
Albemarle
Source: Elizabeth City Planning Dept.
'
19

The larger more developed areas are more significant in that they have a larger impact upon
services and the tax base. The most significant areas are the areas including land uses which
generate higher tax revenues for the city. However, these revenues must be compared to the ,
additional amount and cost of city services required as a result of annexation.
There are several platted subdivisions that have been recently annexed but which are not
populated. These include Clipper Bay, Fairway Estates, Old Oak and Peartree North. (See
Map for location). These areas provide space for additional housing but will also affect current'
service levels.
There are 15 areas outside the city limits which were receiving city sewer as of July 1, 1992. ,
These are being strongly considered for annexation and are listed below.
Table 26• Areas Proposed for Future Annexation I
1. U.S. Coast Guard
9.
Paxton/Roanoke Street Area
2. Hickory Village
10.
Guardian Care '
3. Elizabeth City Gardens
11.
Allstate Building Supply Company
4. Industrial Park
12.
Elizabeth City Cotton Mills
5. Coast Guard Housing
13.
Emily City Street/Russel Lane '
6. Celeste/Lowry Street Area
14.
Elizabeth City Brick Company
7. Vicki Villa
15.
Holy Family Catholic Church
8. VFW Post 6060
,
Source: Elizabeth City Clerk
2. Residential Land Uses
The most common land use in Elizabeth City is residential land uses, although the city serves as,
the commercial, industrial center of Pasquotank and the region. The area is developed with a
variety of housing types and prices to accommodate various income level. A majority of the
residential units in the area are medium to high density single family.
According to building permit data, the number of residential units (including mobile homes)
increased by 414 between 1985 and 1991. These total units include all densities of residential'
units. (See Table 27 below).
0

Table 27: Residential Building Permits Issued 1985-91
Elizabeth City
SF
2-Fam. 34 Fam. 5+ Bldes. MH Total %
1985 38
0 0 0 0 38 (9%)
'
1986 73
1987 32
0 0 0 24 97 (23%)
1 3 0 0 36 (9%)
1988 35
0 16 0 51 102 (25%)
1989 39
1990 41
3 0 0 0 42 (10%)
0 0 4 0 45 (11%)
1991 47
2 0 5 0 54 (13%)
'
Total 305 6 19 9 75 414 (13%)
Source: Elizabeth
City Building Inspections: * Permits Issued, not necessarily constructed
Between 1985 and 1991 the single family units increased substantially accounting for 84% of
the residential building permits issued. During these same years, only a few building permits
were issued for multi -family units representing 9% of the resident permits.
A substantial amount of the permits issued between 1985 and 1991 were issued for mobile
homes. Seventy-five permits were issued for mobile homes representing 18% of the permits
'
issued. Twenty-four of these permits for mobile homes were issued in 1986 and fifty-one for
1988 showing over a 50% increase. No permits were issued for mobile homes in 1985, 1987
and after 1988. It should be noted that mobile homes are required to be placed in mobile home
parks, and not scattered around the city on individual lots.
' Overall, the number of residential permits issued stayed fairly constant between 1986 and 1991.
However, there was a large increase by nearly 50% from 1985 to 1986 in single family
residential units. No permits were issued for multi -family between 1985 and 1986. These
' figures represent permits issued and do not necessarily reflect the number of buildings
constructed.
' 3. Residential and Commercial Subdivisions
Between 1986 and 1991 there were thirty-two land subdivisions and plats recorded by the
Planning Office. These subdivisions included both commercial (10) and residential (22). The
recorded subdivisions and plats are listed below in Table 28.
I
21
I

Table 28: Recorded Subdivisions and Plats of Land, 1986-91
Bank Street Project
Bradford Corp. Subdivision
Carolina Va. Amusement Corp.
Celeste & Lowry St. Revitalization
Clipper Bay Section I
Continental Plaza
Elizabeth City Neighborhood Corp.
Fairway Estates
Fairway Villas
C-Halstead Blvd. Auto Park
C-Halstead Blvd./
Rich Commercial Subdivision
C-Halstead Office Park II
Billy P. Harrell
Hewitt Minor
Ida Acres
LFM Properties
Source: Elizabeth City Planning Department
4. Non-residential
Meadowlands Mobile Home Park
Old Oak Phase I
Old Oak Phase H
Peartree North Estates
Red Lark Acres - Section A
Red Lark Acres - Section B
Red Lark Acres - Section C
Riverview Estates - Phase I
Riverview Estates - Phase II
Riverview Estates - Phase III
Roanoke Park Revitalization Project
Skippers Comer
Ulster Gardens -Phase II
University Plaza Subdivision
Ladicon Corporation
A majority of the development which has occurred since 1985 has been residential based upon
the building permits issued. Non-residential building permits were issued for various uses
including commercial, industrial, and institutional uses. The table below summarizes the
permits issued for non-residential uses.
Table 29: Non-residential Building Permits Issued— 1985-1991
Elizabeth City. NC
Year Office Industrial Retail Institutional Other Total
1985 2
3
2
1
--
8
1986 2
2
2
3
9
1987 5
4
2
1
2
14
1988 --
--
1
2
--
3
1989 4
2
19
2
1
28
1990 4
2
3
3
2
14
1991 4
1
2
2
—
9
TOTAL:21
12
31
13
8
85
Source: Elizabeth City Building Inspections
1
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22

Based on building permit data, between 1985 and 1991, a majority of non-residential permits
were issued for office and retail building construction. Twenty-five percent of the total permits
issued were issued for office construction during this six year period while 36% were issued for
retail construction. Only 14% of the building permits were issued for industrial buildings and
15% for public facilities.. These trends indicate the development trends in Elizabeth City.
The number of building permits issued for non-residential structures in Elizabeth City increased
substantially in 1987 and dropped drastically in 1988. In 1989, the number of non-residential
building permits increased tremendously, doubling the amount of permits issued in the high
year of 1987 and 1990.
a. Commercial
The commercial land use patterns have changed little in Elizabeth City over the past
decade. As reflected in the previous CAM Land Use Plan Update, much of the
commercial development is centered in and around the downtown area and also along
' the major thoroughfares. A majority of the commercial development is along Highway
17 North and also along West Ehringhaus Street to the waterfront area. Since 1987
substantial new development has occurred mainly in these areas including a Wal-Mart
I
I
I
and Lowe's Department stores. A majority of this commercial development has
occurred along Highway 17 in shopping centers.
b. Industrial
Elizabeth City, like many other coastal cities, has traditionally had relatively little land
used for industrial purposes. The majority of the industrial land is located in the
northeastern section of the city along the northern side of Knobbs Creek, and also
along NC 34 near the Airport. Currently, the largest amount of industrial development
is contained within industrial parks. There are currently industrial parks in Pasquotank
County. The Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Industrial Park is situated on 42 acres
and the U.S. 17 Industrial Park occupies 50 acres. Both developments are outside the
city limits but are within the extra -territorial jurisdiction of Elizabeth City. The
Elizabeth City Airport Industrial Park and the Harris Industrial Park are located in the
county and together occupy 112 acres.
C. Institutional
The major institutional land uses in Elizabeth City consists of elementary and secondary
schools, colleges, hospitals, and city and county government facilities. The institutional
uses are located throughout Elizabeth City along or near major thoroughfares.
1 23

d. Vacant Land
Although Elizabeth City has experienced some growth there is still a substantial
amount of vacant land in the extra -territorial zoning jurisdiction, but not much within
the older city limits. Elizabeth City, compared to cities of similar populations, has a
relatively small land area-4-5 square miles. The city's population density is over 3,000
persons per square mile. The following two graphs show an interesting comparison. A
large amount of vacant land is in the southeastern portion of the planning area. Given
adequate public facilities these areas have growth potential if favorable market
conditions occur.
5. Significant Land & Water Compatibility Problems
a. Land Compatibility Problems
There are no major land compatibility problems in Elizabeth City. Organized planning
has been in existence for some time in Elizabeth City. The city has actively enforced
zoning and other land use controls. Growth has occurred in a fairly organized manner
although the city has not practiced an aggressive annexation policy.
Limited situations of land use incompatibilities have occurred in some older
neighborhoods where commercial is adjacent to residential uses. Also, there is
potential compatibility problems in the area of the Elizabeth City Airport and the U.S.
Coast Guard Station with the expected level of growth. However, in 1990, the city
completed the Airport Area Land Use Study and adopted an Airport Area Zoning
Ordinance which should serve to guide growth and development in an orderly fashion
in the airport vicinity.
b. Water Compatibility Problems
The Pasquotank River runs along the edge of Elizabeth City. Much of the land along
the waterfront is developed. However, there is a substantial amount of vacant land
which may experience development pressures. Appropriate waterfront planning,
including design standards, and planning for public access and open space, are issues
that the city needs to address.
G. Major Problems from Unplanned Development
Land development in Elizabeth City has been fairly well planned and projected. However,
some problems have occurred with the extension of water and sewer into areas annexed.
Extension of public facilities has not always provided for efficient maintenance of services. The
1991 Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Study addressed some of the issues, Le extension of land use
controls into the ETJ.
I
r�
J
I
24

GRA FH 6 : LAND AREA
L
A
M
D
A
R
E
A
I
S
Q
A
I
L
E
17,
15.
13,
11.
1s,
8.
6 .
5.
3.
1.
on
EL I LEA{ NOR ASH RE I SHE LEN
CITIES
GRAPH 4• ELIZABETH CITY LAND AREA AS COMPARED TO SIMILAR
POPULATION -SIZED CITIES - 1990
Elizabeth City
Lexington
Morganton
Asheboro
Reidsville
Shelby
Lenoir
4.5 Per Square Mile
12.0 Per Square Mile
16.7 Per Square Mile
11.9 Per Square Mile
7.9 Per Square Mile
8.8 Per Square Mile
13.6 Per Square Mile
24A

33
E
28
S
25
N
22
19
E
16
R
12
S
9
6�
M
3�
I
L
E
GRAPH 7; POPULATION DENSITY
ELI LESS NOR ASH REI SHE LEN STA
CITIES
GRAPH 5• ELIZABETH CITY POPULATION DENSITY AS COMPARED TO SIMILAR
POPULATION -SIZED CITIES - 1990
Elizabeth City
Lexington
Morganton
Asheboro
Reidsville
Shelby
Lenoir
State Of North Carolina
3,176.0 Per Square Mile
1,301.6 Per Square Mile
903.3 Per Square Mile
1,375.0 Per Square Mile
1,542.2 Per Square Mile
1,666.9 Per Square Mile
1,043.5 Per Square Mile
136.1 Per Square Mile

' 7. Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Maior Land Use Changes
' Elizabeth City has grown tremendously over the past decade and will likely continue to grow
as the area becomes the regional commercial center. This growth has occurred throughout the
city but has been concentrated in areas along existing major thoroughfares.
' Commercial, office, and institutional development has occurred along Highway 17 North and
Highway 17 South. In addition to Highway 17, a substantial amount of growth may also occur
' on NC 34 East, such as the developing Clipper Bay subdivision.
Growth in these and other areas will likely continue. However, these areas have been identified
' by the City, and plans are being implemented to address growth and development in these
areas. These plans include annexations and extension of basic services.
' 8. 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 Statutes, 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. Because of its inland location, Elizabeth City has
AECs in only the Estuarine System category. The Estuarine System will be discussed below..
a. Estuarine System
The Estuarine System AECs includes Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine
' Shorelines, Public Trust Waters, and most recently, Outstanding Resource Waters.
These areas and their significance to Elizabeth City are discussed below.
(1) Coastal Wetlands
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. In Elizabeth City, coastal
wetlands would most likely occur in the marsh areas adjacent to the Charles
Creek off Southern Avenue. Also, according to the 1987 CAMA Land Use
' Plan, coastal wetlands will likely be found near a small shallow pond off
Unnamed Point approximately 3/4 miles downstream from Cobbs Point near
the northernmost portion of the Coast Guard Base.
Wetlands are further defined as having some but not necessarily all of the
following marsh plant species:
1 25

Cord Grass (Spartina alterniflora)
Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus)
Glasswort (Salicornia spp.)
Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata)
Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.)
Bulrush (Scirpus Spp.)
Saw Grass (Cladium jamaicense)
Cat -tail (Typa spp.)
Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens)
Salt Reed Grass (Spartina Cynosuroides)
Coastal wetlands like those in and around Elizabeth City's jurisdiction are
unique in supporting estuarine productivity. Detritus (decayed plant material)
and other nutrients are exported from the coastal marshlands to help provide
food for a variety of marine species in the spawning or juvenile stages. The
amount of exportation and the degree of importance varies from marsh to
marsh depending upon the frequency of flooding and the characteristics of the
various plant species. Without the marsh, the high productivity levels and
complex food chain typically found in the estuarine systems could not be
maintained.
Coastal wetlands are sometimes called "the nursery of the deep." Estuarine
dependent species of fish and shellfish such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder,
oysters, and crabs make up about 90 percent of the total value of North
Carolina's commercial catch. The marshlands, therefore, support an enormous
amount of commercial and recreational businesses along the coast. Their
importance cannot be over estimated.
The roots, rhizomes, stems, and seeds found in coastal wetlands also provide
good feeding and nesting materials for waterfowl and wildlife. In addition,
wetlands serve as the first line of defense in retarding estuarine shoreline
erosion. The plant stems and leaves tend to dissipate wave action, while the
vast wetlands serve as barriers against flood damage and control erosion
between the estuary and the uplands.
Marshlands also serve as nutrient and sediment traps by slowing the water
which flows over them and causing suspended organic and inorganic particles
to settle. In this manner, the needed and useful nutrient storehouse is
maintained, while sediment harmful to marine organisms is removed. Also,
pollutants and excessive nutrients are absorbed by the marsh plants, adding to
their natural function of helping to maintain water quality. (I5A 7H. 0205)
i
_J
26

II
1 (2) Estundue Waters
This AEC is defined as all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the bays,
sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto, seaward of the dividing line between
coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters. In Elizabeth City, estuarine
' waters include all waters of the Pasquotank River south or seaward of the
Route 158 Highway Bridge.
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 estuaryresults from its unique
q
circulation patterns caused by tidal energy, fresh water flow, and shallow
'
depth. The nutrient trapping mechanisms add 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 from animal and
plant life, cleaning the system of pollutants, controlling salinity, shifting
sediments, and mixing the water to create a multitude of habitats.
'
Second benefits include commercial and sports fisheries waterfowl hunting,
�' dP t b,
processing operations, and tourist -related industries. In addition, there is
considerable non -monetary value associated with aesthetics, recreation and
education.
'
(3) Public Trust Waters
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 t 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; (5) all waters in artificially created bodies of
water in which the public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage,
27

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:
_
4-
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
-G-
the value of the body of water to the public for navigation from
one public area to another public area.
Public Trust Waters within Elizabeth City mainly include the Pasquotank River
as well as Knobbs Creek and Charles 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. (15A 07H .0207)
(4) 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 Elizabeth
City up to 75 feet as further defined below are designated as estuarine
shorelines.
The extent of the estuarine shoreline area extends form the mean high water '
level or normal water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish
water as adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission of the NC
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, for a distance of
75 feet landward.
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. (15A 07H .0209) '
28 1

1
' (5) Outstanding Resource Waters
' In 1989, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission
designated certain waters within North Carolina as Outstanding Resource
Waters (ORW s). 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. (15A 07H .0208-5) There are no ORW's in Elizabeth City's
jurisdiction.
' (6) Elizabeth City Well Field
Elizabeth City's well field has been designated as an Area of Environmental
Concern (AEC) because of its importance as a source of drinking water in the
area. The Elizabeth City well field is critical also because it is one of the only
two well fields on the North Carolina Coast.
' D. Listing of Current Plans. Policies and Regulations
I
I
1. Local Plans and Studies
a. The Comprehensive Plan: Housing Element, June, 1978.
This document, developed in coordination with the City's HUD - 701 Land Use Plan
and initial CAMA Land Use Plan, contained an analysis of needs and goals, objectives,
and policies to address those needs.
b. Elizabeth City Open Space and Recreation Plan, July,1976
This plan provides guidelines for orderly development and use of existing and potential
recreation and open space resources within the area. In addition, a policy plan was
recommended with suggested policies, goals, and objectives for implementing the
Open Space Plan.
C. Halstead Boulevard Development and Growth Study, August,1977
This study provided a policy guideline for the growth management of development
along Halstead Boulevard. The emphasis of the study was to analyze selected planning
considerations and criteria for growth in the Boulevard area and make appropriate
policy recommendations based upon this analysis.
1
29

d. ETJ Feasibility Study, January,1991
The purpose of this report was to explore the feasibility of extending the City's Zoning
Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Minimum Housing, and Public Nuisance
Ordinance up to two miles rather than the existing one mile. This would provide a
means to make growth and development in those areas consistent with development
within the corporate limits and current one mile jurisdiction.
e. Waterfront Development Study, June,1980
The Waterfront Development Study assesses Elizabeth City's waterfront areas
(Pasquotank River, Charles Creek and Knobbs Creek) to determine how these
resources can be developed in a positive fashion to enhance the City's economic
growth, consistent with the community's historic, scenic and cultural values.
f. Public Access to the Water, Elizabeth City. NC, January, 1989
This document, which contained a detailed assessment of waterfront access
opportunities, consists of three parts: an inventory and description of the existing and
potential accessways; a discussion of what the City should do about, or with each; and
suggestions of how, and in what order, the City should approach the question of
obtaining, developing, and securing public access.
g. A Transit Program for Elizabeth City, NC, June,1979
The Elizabeth City Transit Study was developed in order to respond to local concern
for:
• The mobility needs of elderly and low-income residents of Elizabeth City and
surrounding areas.
• The potential need for public transportation to enhance the growth and
development of Elizabeth City as a shopping and service center for the region.
• The study contained an assessment of existing public transportation services,
transportation needs, presentation and evaluation of transportation alternatives,
and, finally, a proposed transit program for the City.
h. Elizabeth City Thoroughfare Plan, NCDOT, March,1988
The purpose of this updated study is to plan for a coordinated major road system that
complements existing and future land use as a key to future economic vitality and
growth. It is the intent of this study to establish an efficient and practical thoroughfare
plan that serves this function over the next twenty years.
30
u

' i. Community Facilities Plan for Elizabeth City, NC March,1968
' This report was prepared as a revision of a 1962 community facilities report. The 1968
update inventoried existing facilities, re-evaluated facilities in light of changes that
occurred since 1962, pointed out current deficiencies, outlined anticipated needs, and
made recommendations and proposals to remove those deficiencies to provide for the
future needs of the community.
j. Wastewater Treatment Facilities Master Plan. For the City of Elizabeth
!X, NC June,1990
This study, prepared by J.N. Pease & Associates, Inc. specifically addressed the major
capital improvements required to meet anticipated growth needs of the City. Facilities
included and evaluated in the master plan were:
• Pump Station and Force Main
• Wastewater Treatment Plan
• Treatment and Disposal of Wastewater Sludges
k. Water and Wastewater Facilities Development Report, City of Elizabeth
City, NC, November,1992
This report was prepared by the City's Department of Public Works. The purpose was
to investigate the existing conditions and recommend improvements for the following
facilities: Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Treatment Plant. Wellfield, and
Wastewater pump Stations. The report was also intended to provide insight into the
requirement for additional treatment facilities, methods of financing improvements, and
retrofitting of the existing infrastructure system. The ultimate goal of the report was to
promote the establishment of a comprehensive capital improvement and preventative
maintenance program that would ensure the optimum performance of all Water and
Wastewater Facilities.
2. State Agency Plans
a. Transportation Improvements
Elizabeth City has identified several areas within the city for transportation
improvements. The city will recommend that these projects be included on the state's
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The following is a list of recommended
improvements, the most significant being the U.S. 17 and 158 proposed bypasses.
1
31

Table 30: Traffic Improvement Recommendations I
LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
US 17 Elizabeth City Bypass. (4.0 Miles) Four Lane Divided
Freeway on New Location.
NC 34 Elizabeth City, SR 1152 (Halstead Boulevard Extension) to
Coast Guard Station. (2.0 Miles) Widen Existing Roadway to '
a Five Lane Curb and Gutter Facility.
US 158 Elizabeth City Bypass. (8.0 Miles) Four Lane Divided
Freeway on New Location.
US 158 NC 32 to US 17 (16.0 1 Miles) Widen Existing Roadway to a
Multi -lane Facility
Elizabeth City SR 1152 (Halstead Blvd.), US 17 Bypass to NC 34. (2.2
Miles) Widen Existing Roadway to a Multi -Lane Curb and
Gutter Facility.
NC 34 New Begun Creek. Replace Bridge No. 8
NC 34 Branch of Begun Creek. Replace Bridge No. 3
US 17-158 Intersection of US 17-158 (Hughes Street)
Elizabeth City and US 17 Business (Road Street). Widen
to Provide Left Turn Lanes.
US 158 Elizabeth City, Intersection Improvement
US 17 Bus.
SR 1144 Elizabeth City at Southern Railway Crossing 465 323F. Install
Automatic Warning Devices.
6. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. SCORP
The purpose of the SCORP is to compile and analyze the existing supply and demand
for recreation facilities in each County and State. The SCORP contains detailed
analysis, however, by county and does not include specific analysis or
recommendations for municipalities, such as Elizabeth City.
0A

t3. Local Regulations
--Flood Plan Ordinance- 1978/Amended 1990
--Elizabeth City Zoning Ordinance - 1972
--Elizabeth City Subdivision Ordinance - 1980
—Airport Area Land Use Study and Zoning Ordinance-1990
1
1
33

0
Land Suitability
- Natural Resources
- Cultural Resources

' E. Constraints: Land Suitability
This section of the Elizabeth City Land Use Plan contains an identification of features of the -land or
' landscape which could pose serious constraints to development. This includes physical limitations,
fragile areas, and areas with resource potential.
' 1. Physical Limitations for Development
' Certain areas of Elizabeth City may have conditions which make development costly or which
would cause undesirable consequences if developed. This section focuses upon hazards,
including man-made hazards and natural hazards, such as flood hazard areas, estuarine erosion
areas, areas with soil limitations, areas which serve as sources of water supply, and areas with
excessive slope.
I
a. Man-made Hazards
Man-made hazards include land use such as airports, landfills, tank farms, nuclear
' power plants, and industries which utilize volatile or toxic chemicals. The Elizabeth
City Airport is located southwest of the city and can be considered a "man-made
hazard." The airport is designated as a "joint -use facility" since it is located on U.S.
' Coast Guard property but is available for civilian use. Some military training also
occasionally takes place with aircraft coming in from installations in Tidewater,
Virginia. For a number of years, the city had a Height Restrictions ordinance for the
' airport area. However, in 1990, Elizabeth City adopted a ground -level airport area
zoning ordinance which regulates development density and land use types in the airport
vicinity. The solid waste landfill is located at the old Elizabeth City Municipal Airport
' site and has not been noted as a compatibility problem.
' In Elizabeth City there are no tank farms or nuclear power plants.
The transportation of volatile or toxic chemicals can also pose hazards to residences.
Major highways and rail lines serve as the primary conduits for these hazards. Most
' communities have an "Emergency Hazardous Materials Plan" which serves as a
reference for activating response teams in the case of a disaster. Such a plan is being
developed jointly for Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County.
b. Natural Hazard Area
(1) Flood Hazard Area:
' The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released flood
insurance maps for the City of Elizabeth City in August 1985. These maps
have three classifications pertinent to Elizabeth City: (Also see Composite
' Hazards Map, attached).
34

A -Zone: The A -zone encompasses those areas which would be flooded by a'
100 year storm but not subject to wave action. In Elizabeth City's planning
area, lower elevation and land joining the Pasquotank River and its tributaries'
are predominately classified as A -zone flood plains as shown on Map.
Specifically, lands bordering the Pasquotank River, Charles Creek, Knobbs
Creek, Knobbs Creek Tributary, and Knobbs Creek Tributary East Branch are
classified as A -zone flood plains. Development in these areas is regulated by
the city's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
B-Zone: This area is defined as areas between limits of the 100 year flood and
500 year flood plains. These areas would be flooded by a 500-year storm.
Generally, land with slightly higher elevation which borders A -zone properties,
are classified as B-zone. This designation in Elizabeth City is generally adjacent
to the Zone A areas.
C-Zone: The C-zone includes areas of minimal flooding and these areas are
not shaded on the FEMA maps. In the Elizabeth City Planning Area, all land
of higher elevation not bordering the Pasquotank River and its tributaries is,
classified as C-zone property.
(2) Estuarine Erosion Area I
The estuarine erosion natural hazard area is defined as the non -ocean shoreline
subject to erosion or similar effects of wind and water which is usually the
immediate estuarine shoreline. In Elizabeth City, the area most prone to
estuarine erosion is the shoreline area along the Pasquotank River. '
C. Arens with Soil Limitations
A soil survey for Elizabeth City was completed and published in 1957. The
information concerning soil types in Elizabeth City was obtained from the USDA Soil
Conservation Service. Unfortunately, the soils survey information has not been
updated since 1957. Tables 31 discusses the characteristics found in Elizabeth City,
Planning area based on 1957 data.
Generally, most of the soils in Elizabeth City have limitations for many uses because of
wetness, low strength and too slow permeability. For septic tank analysis of the seven
mapped soil classifications, three classifications are severely limited due to high water'
tables and flood hazards. Two of these classifications have low percolation rates. One
of the seven classifications has very severe limitations for water table and flood hazard.
(See Table 31). ,
For light industrial analysis, three of the seven soil classifications have severe limitations
due to high water tables, flood hazards and traffic supporting capabilities. One of the'
35 1

' seven classification has very severe limitations due to high water table, flood hazard,
traffic supporting capacity and inundation.
' Overall, for septic tanks and light industrial uses, the soil types in Elizabeth City place
substantial limitations upon development. Centralized sewer facilities would be needed
' to support more intense urbanized development. The soils are predominantly ranked
fair for agricultural uses.
H
1
36

P
'
Table 31: Soil Interpretations
General Soil Map
Pasquotank County, North Carolina
Dwellings with
Light
General
Septic Tank
Industries
Agriculture
'
Filter Fields
Pasquotank-Barclay-Weeksville
'
Pasquotank
Mod.WT Fl.
Sev.WT TSC Fl
Good
Barclay
Mod.WT Fl.
Mod.WT TSC Fl
Good
Weeksville
Sev.WT Fl.
Sev.WT TSC FI
Good
,
Approx. 8%
Bertie - Othello
,
Bertie
Mod.WT Perc.
Mod.WT TSC
Fair
Othello
Sev.WT FI.Perc.
Sev.WT TSC Fl.
Fair
Approx. G%
'
Pocomoke - Portsmouth
Pocomoke Sev.WT Fl.
Sev.WT Fl. TSC
Fair
,
Portsmouth
Sev.WT Fl.
Sev.WT Fl. TSC
Fair
Approx. 4%
'
Bayboro
Bayboro
Sev.Wt FI.Perc.
Sev.WT Fl. TSC
Fair
Approx. 12%
,
Elkton - Bladen
Elkton
Sev.WT FI.Perc.
Sev.WT Fl. TSC
Fair
'
Bladen
Sev.WT FI.Perc.
Sev.WT Fl. TSC
Fair
Approx. 29%
'
Mucky Peat - Swamp
Mucky Peat
V.Sev.WTPerc.Fl.
V.Sev.WT F1.TSC
Fair
'
Swamp
V.Sev.Innu.
V.Sev.Innu.
Poor
Approx. 27%
'
Source: Soil Survey: Pasquotank County: Abbreviations:
Mod. = Moderate
WT = Wetlands
Sev. = Severe
Fl. = Floods
Perc. = Perculates
Innu. = Innundates
TSC =
37
,

d. Source and Estimated Quantity of Water Supply
1 (1) Groundwater
The hydrologic setting represents the water availability characteristics of the
various formations and aquifers found in the area that can be used for potable
water. In the Elizabeth City area, several hydrologic units exist. Elizabeth
City's well -field has been designated as an area of environmental concern
' because of its importance to human consumption and the fact that it is one of
only two well fields on the NC coast.
Elizabeth City is supplied with raw water from a shallow wellfield located in
the southeastern portion of the Dismal Swamp at the end of SR 1309
approximately one-half mile west of the Elizabeth City Corporate limits. The
area designated as an AEC is bounded to the south by the Southern Railway to
its intersection with SR 1144 to the east by SR 1306, 1309, and 1333 and to
the north and west by the Dismal Swamp.
The Elizabeth City well field consists of approximately 250 well points piped
by vacuum systems which deliver the water to storage basins. The shallow
wells each deliver approximately two gallons per minute (gpm's). There are
four deep wells in the field each with a capacity of about 400 gpm. The total
capacity of the Elizabeth City well field is approximately 1.5 MGD with the
swamp as the source of recharge.
Due to the fields designation as an AEC, certain minimum use standards were
established for the well field:
(a) The Project should not use ground absorption sewage disposal systems
within the designated boundary of the well field.
(b) The Project does not require subsurface pollution injection within the
designated boundary of the AEC.
(c) The Project does not significantly limit the quality of the water supply
or the amount of rechargeable water to the well fields.
(d) The Project does not cause salt water intrusion into the public water
supply or discharge toxic and/or soluble contaminants.
Today, the Elizabeth City well field has been replenished by swamp waters.
The Elizabeth City well field serves as an important source of potable water for
the area.
K1:3

(2) Surface Water Quality
The quality of the surface water in the Elizabeth City area, especially in the
Pasquotank River has been of special concern to state environmental officials
for many years.
In November 1991, the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health
and Natural Resources, issued reports classifying water quality standards for
the waters of the Pasquotank River Basin and its tributaries. Table 32 details
these classifications for the Elizabeth City Planning Area surface waters and
Map shows their location.
The surface waters within the city limits is predominantly classified as SC
which is a tidal salt water classification. (See Table 32).
Table 32: Classification of Water System
in Elizabeth City Planning Area
Classification Definition
SC Aquatic life propagation
and survival, fishing,
wildlife and secondary
recreation.
SC Aquatic life propagation
and survival, fishing,
wildlife, secondary,
recreation.
SC Aquatic life propagation
and survival, fishing,
wildlife and secondary
recreation.
Water System
Pasquotank River -from
North -Southern Railroad
Bridge to line across the
River from Hospital Point
to Cobb Point.
Knobbs Creek -from source to
Pasquotank River.
Charles Creek -from source
to Pasquotank River.
Source: NC Department of Health, Environment and Natural Resources
e. Slopes in Excess of 12%
There are no slopes greater than 121/6 in the area of Elizabeth City.
39

' 2. Fragile Areas
' These 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 coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, public
' trust waters, and estuarine shorelines. However, there are other fragile areas in the city which
are not classified as areas of environmental concern, but due to either natural or cultural
significance, are environmentally sensitive. These areas are identified and discussed below as
' "Natural Resource Fragile Areas," and "Cultural Resource Fragile Areas." Only these natural
areas within the city's jurisdiction will be identified.
' a. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
Natural resource fragile areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific,
or cultural value because of the natural features of the particular site. Features in these
areas serve to distinguish them from the vast majority of the landscape. These areas
include: complex natural areas, areas that sustain remnant species, unique geological
' formations, pocosins, wooded swamps, prime wildlife habitats, or registered natural
landmarks.
' (1) Coastal Complex Natural Areas
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
components 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 key biological
' components of natural systems and provide areas 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. Base don the information obtained from the Natural Heritage
Program, there are not coastal complex natural areas in the Elizabeth City
' Planning area.
' (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 and that preserve our
natural heritage and protect natural diversity which is related to biological
' stability.
40

According to the information received from the Natural Heritage Program,
there are no areas that sustain remnant species in the Elizabeth City Planning
Area. However, rare or endangered species have been spotted in other -areas of
Pasquotank County.
(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. In Elizabeth City surficial sands
and clays blanket the area and the entire county. These deposits of post -
Miocene Age are rarely more than 30 feet thick in the northern part and 60 feet
thick in the southern part of the county. In the local area (i.e. Elizabeth City),
they are as much as 140 feet thick along the Pasquotank River and parts of
Albemarle Sound.
Underneath the surficial deposits are beds of gray -to -blue clay, sand, shells,
marl and impure shell limestone of the upper Miocene Yorktown Formation.
This formation ranges in thickness from 135 ft. in the northern section of the
county to 185 ft. in the portion of Pasquotank County.
Between the Yorktown Formation lies the unnamed unit consisting of blue -to -
gray clays and sandy clays, phosphatic quartz sands, glauconitic clays,
glauconite sands, and impure shell limestones. This Miocene unnamed unit
ranges from 182 feet in the northern section of the county to 218 feet in the
southern section of the county.
In the northern section of Pasquotank County lies the Beaufort Formation
which consists of glauconitic sands underlain by iron -stained quartz sands,
clayey sands and red clays. In the southern section of the county, the Beaufort
Formation consists predominantly of a limestone section more than 150 feet
thick underlain by glauconitic sands and clays. The Beaufort Formation is
underlain by the Perdee Formation of Early Cretaceous Age.
(4) Registered Landmarks
There are no registered landmarks in Elizabeth City's jurisdiction.
(5) Wooded Swamp
Wooded swamps are simply forested wetlands. Some of the land bordering the
Pasquotank River and its tributaries are classified as wetlands on the National
Wetlands Inventory. These areas have the appropriate type of vegetation to be
classified as wooded swamps.
LII
91

' 6 Prime Wildlife Habita
ts
ats
' Prime wildlife habitats are areas supporting large or unusually diverse
populations of wildlife or are habitats for species considered to be rare,
' endangered or of special concern. According to the NC Wildlife Commission,
the Elizabeth City area offers great hunting and fishing opportunities, and any
underdeveloped land consisting of 20 to 25 acres probably serves as prime
wildlife habitat.
(7) Pocosins
' A pocosin is a wetland with vegetation consisting of scrub swamp dominated
by evergreen heath and hollies with pond pine in the canopy. Pocosins
' generally occur on acid, peats, or sand plat soils. There are no pocosins within
the Elizabeth City Planning area.
' (8) Scenic and Prominent High Points
The elevation of Elizabeth City is very low, therefore, the area has no
' prominent high points. Scenic areas which should be protected may exist along
the river or creek areas but should be determined by local input.
(9) Maritime Forests
There are no maritime forests in the Elizabeth City Planning Area.
' 10 404 Wetlands
Some potential "404" Wetlands have been identified in Elizabeth City through
the National Wetlands Inventory. These areas are located primarily in the areas
adjacent to the Pasquotank River and related tributaries. This would include
the basins of notable creeks such as Knobbs and Charles Creeks. It important
to note that the National Inventory maps, while useful in helping to identify
"potential" 404 areas, the maps themselves are not used by the Corps of
Engineers as the sole source for actual regulatory decisions. Further
identification of 404 Wetlands requires specific site analysis by the Army Corps
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 (NWI)
became operational in 1977.
42

Wetland maps for Elizabeth City were finalized in 1990 and were produced by
stereoscopically interpreting high altitude photographs of the city which were
taken in 1979. The information was then transferred to the 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. The intent of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was to provide
information concerning wetlands to local, state, federal officials. The NWI
maps do not define wetlands for regulatory purposes, especially since the
wetlands boundaries may not be exact. The NWI maps are to serve only as a
"red flag" showing them 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 Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Soil Conservation
Service. Elizabeth City because of its location near the Pasquotank River and
its many tributaries appears to have many wetland areas. The predominant
wetlands classification is the area of Palsustrime Forested Areas (PFO) which
means wooded swamps which border fresh water. The more detailed
designation after the PFO prefix describes the type of vegetation in the
wetlands area. In the Elizabeth City area PFO GF is the most common
designation. These areas contain bald cypress and black gum, or tupelo gum'
and Carolina ash in the wettest sites. These wetlands are most frequently found
along coastal plain rivers and large creeks. '
b. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Fragile areas may be particularly important to a local government 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 interpretation'
with the coastal zone. Their importance serves to distinguish the designated areas as a
significant amount of the architectural or archaeological remains in the coastal zone, '
and therein establish their value.
The cultural resources in Elizabeth City will be discussed in the form of historic ,
structures and archaeological sites. These areas are discussed because of the potential
of land development to destroy the integrity of these culturally significant areas.
Elizabeth City currently has one listing on the National Register of Historic Places. ,
This district has been divided into two district for local administrative purposes. These
districts are known as the West Main Street District and the Downtown District. (See ,
Map). Within these districts a majority of the houses are considered historic, but there
are some which in and of themselves are not historic.
43 1
Ll

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3.
In addition to the existing two districts there is a proposal to designate five other areas'
as historic. These areas are as follows: Northside Historic District, Expansion of West
Main Street Historic District, Shepard/South Road Street Historic District, Riverside ,
Historic District, and the Elizabeth City State Teachers College Historic District. (See
Map).
Currently, there are 207 structures on the National and local historic registers in
Elizabeth City, all located within the existing two historic districts. There are 404
additional structures contained in the proposed additional five (5) districts nominated to
the National Register of Historic Places.
These sites are located within the city limits of Elizabeth City. Additional historic
properties worthy of the National Register may be determined at a later date.
In addition to these historic structures the City serves as host to the Albemarle
'
Museum. This museum, which is part of the state's system of regional museums,
displays many remnants of the history of the Albemarle region. The museum, currently
located on Highway 17, has been proposed for relocation downtown on Water Street
facing the river. The City has actively supported this relocation through several
actions, including donating land and receiving designation as a Coastal Initiative City.
'
Areas with Resource Potential
a. Agricultural And Forest Lands
,
Although the significance of agriculture has been declining as other industries have
emerged, prime and important farmlands are a valuable resource. In August, 1983, the
'
Governor of North Carolina issued a format 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 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
'
Districts. Also, by means of the existing State Clearinghouse review process, the
impact of any development proposed of prime agricultural or forest lands would have
to be assessed beginning Jan. 1, 1984.
'
44 1
11

I- Table 33• Prime and Important Farmlands in Elizabeth Ci
'
Classification Definitions
Soil Types
Prime Farmland: Soils best suited for
Barclay
producing food, seed, fiber, forage, and
Bayboro Loam
'
oilseed crops. These soils have good soil
Bertie
qualities, are favorable for all major
Dragston
1
crops common to the county, have a
Falingston
favorable growing season, and receive
Klej
available moisture to produce high
Metapeake
yields on an average of 8 out of every
Mattapex
10 years.
Nixonton
Othello
Pasquotank
Pocomoke
Stono
'
Weeksville
Farmlands of state and local importance:
Bladen Silk Loam
'
These soil types are important in the
Elkton Silk Loam
agriculture of Pasquotank County. They
Galestown
do not meet the requirements of Prime
Lenoir
'
Farmland in that they are naturally wet
Portsmouth
and lack internal drainage.
Woodstone
Source: USDA Soil Conservation Service
' Generally, the prime and important farmland soils occur over most of the county with
the exception of the southwestern area of the county.
' b. Productive Water Bodies
Because of the significance of commercial and recreational fishing in Elizabeth City and
' Pasquotank County, the primary nursery areas should also be considered as areas with
resource potential. However, according to the designation criteria of the Division of
NC Marine Fisheries, there are no areas in the Elizabeth City Planning Area Designated
' as primary nursery areas.
However, within the Elizabeth City Planning Area the Pasquotank River and its
' tributaries are known as spawning area for marine life that rely on fresh water sources
as a habitat. This marine life includes blueback herring and alewife. These areas also
function as nursery and spawning areas for stripe bass, American and hickory shad,
' white perch and catfish.
1
45

Although permits are not required to build in these areas, they function as critical'
habitat to marine species and should be protected.
C. Mining Lands ■
Because of the confidential nature of mining lands listed in the state no listing is
available for public consumption.
d. Publicly Owned Forests and Fish and Game Lands I
There are no publicly owned forests and fish and game lands in the Elizabeth City
Planning Area. I
e. Privately -owned Wildlife Sanctuaries
There are no privately owned sanctuaries in the Elizabeth City Planning Area.
f. Non -intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands ,
Land 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. The Pasquotank River and some tributary streams offer opportunities for
recreational fishing. '
46 1

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Community Facilities
Water
- Sewer
- Recreation
- Solid Waste
- Police
- Fire

- F. CONSTRAINTS: COMMUNITY FACILITIES
t Whether a community experiences growth and development or stagnation is often intricately connected
to the presence or absence of supportive community facilities, utilities, and services. Adequate water
and/or sewer services are often the lifelines of progress --especially for coastal communities. Other
' community facilities and services such as solid waste disposal, school facilities, roadways, police and
fire protection, and public recreation facilities are all viable components of the community
infrastructure -support system.
This section of the land use plan will briefly explore these important elements in Elizabeth City.
Y
' 1. Water
The Elizabeth City water system has historically been, and still is, based primarily on the
Elizabeth City well fields. The well fields, discussed previously as a specially designated area of
environmental concern, consist of both deep and shallow wells. Currently, there are seven (7)
operating wells, drawing principally from the Yorktown aquifer. In addition to the well fields,
' the city also has a raw water intake facility along the Pasquotank River. However, due to
concentrations of salts and chlorides, the river intake is able to be tapped only in the late
autumn and winter months, Le, October through February. The rest of the year the well fields
provide the only source of raw water.
The city's water plant was originally designed to produce 5 million gallons of water per day
(MGD). The current maximum output, however, is only 3.5 MGD (70% of its design
capacity). This linutation is due both to the operational condition of the plant itself, and the
' current maximum yield from the well fields. The well fields, according to the City Public
Works personnel, produces from 3 to 3.5 MGD. Nevertheless, the current peak load, i.e., at
highest periods of demand, is 2.5 MGD, with an average daily consumption of 1.8 MGD.
Therefore, even with the combined factors of maximum output being somewhat less than the
original capacity of the plant, and the limitation of the well field yields, the city's water system
still has an excess or surplus of from 1 MGD to 1.7 MGD.
' The city maintains above -ground storage of 4 MGD. With an average daily flow of 1.8 MGD,
and an excess of 1.7 MGD, Elizabeth City has enough water to support a population almost
twice its current size. Also, since Pasquotank County has a separate water system, additional
demand pressure is taken away from Elizabeth City.
' 2. Sewer
The city's existing wastewater treatment plant was constructed in 1969. In the early 1980's the
system suffered severe infiltration and inflow problems which had a significantly adverse impact
on its treatment capacity. During or after periods of heavy rains, large amounts of
groundwater would infiltrate the underground sewer piping infrastructure due to age, cracks,
' or other deficiencies. This additional "inflow" of water, in addition to the usual, or normal
daily inflow, places added burdens on an already taxed system, making it difficult to meet
47

NPDES discharge limits. In 1989, the City received a Special Order of Consent (SOC) from I
the NC Environmental Management Commission because of previously imposed discharge
limitations. The City was also required to bring its discharge into compliance with its NPDES'
permit by July, 1987. This was achieved and major facility improvements occurred,
temporarily, in 1989. Currently, centralized sewer collection and treatment services are
provided to nearly all areas within the city's jurisdiction. A significant number of locations,
outside of the city limits but within the extraterritorial jurisdiction also receive sewer service
from Elizabeth City. The majority of these "outside" sewer service recipients are the results of
annexations as of July 1, 1992. Twenty-nine "outside" properties were receiving city sewer,'
ranging from the U.S. Coast Guard facilities and Albemarle Hospital, to individual commercial
lots along U.S. 17 North and South, and NC 34 East.
properties are shown below in Table 34. However, in August, 1993 the
A listing of these prop gu ,
SOC expired and the City was then placed under a "moratorium," prohibiting any additional
hook-ups.
Tl
11
48 1

Table 34• Property Outside of City Limits Receiving City Sewer
Area Number Description
1
U.S. Coast Guard
2
Meadowlands
3
Hickory Village
4
Elizabeth City Gardens
5
Industrial Park
7
Coast Guard Housing
8
Celeste/Lowry Street Area
9
Paxton/Roanoke Street Area
10
Guardian Care
11
Northeastern High School
Central Elementary School
13
Allstate Building Supply Company
14
Elizabeth City Cotton Mills
15
Elizabeth City Brick Company
16
Emily Street/Russell Lane
17
Vicki Villa
18
Albemarle Hospital -
Harboes Edge Retirement Center
19
Holy Family Catholic Church
20
VFW Post Home 6060
(Sewer allocation approved by City Council,
July 2, 1990)
Effective July 1. 1992
1 NC State - Elizabeth City State University's Driving Range - 56.88
acres
2
Lot 12 Franklin Street - 1/10 acre
3
Lot 15 Franklin Street - 1/10 acre
4
Peartree North Estates-19.05 acres
5
Pasquotank County School System - 97.53 acres
6
Rich, Rich, & Nance, Halstead Blvd. - 52.81 acres
7
125 Harding Street - 1008 square feet
8
Albemarle Hospital - 74.29 acres
9
College of the Albemarle - 35.75 acres
10
Meadowlands - 27.55 acres
Source: City Load Management Department
The city's wastewater treatment plant has a design capacity of 2.5 million gallons per day
(MGD), with an average daily flow of 1.8 MGD. This would mean a theoretical "excess"
Cl7

capacity of 700,000 gallons per day. However, as reported in the preliminary report,'
Wastewater Treatment Facilities Master Plan for Elizabeth City, prepared by J.N. Pease, June,
1990, the city still has a significant inflow and infiltration problem. It is difficult to assess'
precisely what is the real "excess" treatment capacity at this time.
In 1989, with the help of an EPA grant, the city upgraded the sewer plant to include plastic'
filter media on the trickling filter, macerator on influent flow, and a new chlorine building.
The above -cited Wastewater Facilities Master Plan projected that by the year 2010, the city's'
total sewer demand would increase by 320,000 GPD over the existing maximum treatment
capacity (assuming control of inflowrnfiltration).
3. Recreation
The City of Elizabeth City owns and, through the Parks and Recreation Department, operates a'
number of recreational facilities. The current inventory includes 21 parks and playgrounds of
various sizes: (8 parks are waterfront or are adjacent to water); 12 tennis courts; one par-3
golf course; an indoor gymnasium and community center (Knobbs Creek); and a recent'
addition, the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Senior Center.
The Parks and Recreation Department itself (10 full-time employees; 4 permanent part-time,'
and from 8 to 10 summer part-time employees) maintains the city's facilities and provides
organized recreational activities not only for the city but also for residents of Camden and
Pasquotank Counties. Both of these counties pay a "recreation fee" to Elizabeth City on behalf'
of their citizens. Except for six tennis courts at Northeastern High School, Pasquotank County
does not own any recreational facilities.
In 1976, the city's planning department prepared an Open Space and Recreational Plan, which
contained a comprehensive inventory of open space and some public, private, and commercial
recreation facilities. Although a number of facilities has been added since 1976, that was the,
last time a comprehensive study or planning effort for recreation has been undertaken by the
city. The preparation of a new Recreation Master Plan, however, is under consideration. I
A list of the city's public parks and recreation facilities is shown in Table 35.
50

Table 35: Elizabeth City Parks and Recreation Facilities
Existing, Facility Acreage Description
_
I
Charles Creek Park 3.04 Picnic area,general
g playground,
'
2
boating, open space
Enfield Park 13.00 5 softball fields, 2 basketball courts, 4
tennis courts
'
3
4
Waterfront Park 5.7 Picnic area, boating access, open space
Knobb Creek Recreation 30.0 Par-3 golf course, -
Center and Park baseball field, nature trails, boat slips,
horseshoe pits, etc.
'
5
Hobbs Park 1.5 Outdoor stage, activity shelter, open
space
6
Elizabeth Street 1.2 4 tennis courts, closes
Tennis Courts at I l p.m.
7
Elizabeth Street Park 0.74 Playground and open space
8
Hopkins Drive Tot Lot 0.28 Playground apparatus
9
Lexington Drive Tot Lot 0.07 Picnic area, playground, basketball
court
10
Chalk Street Park 0.22 Picnic area, playground
'
11
Southern Ave. Playground 0.41 Playground, basketball court
12
Gosnold Ave. Playfield 4.39 Open field play area, softball field,
'
basketball court
Source:
1976 Open Space and Recreation Plan, updated July, 1992 by Elizabeth City Department of
'
Parks and Recreation.
An issue of importance, also cited in the 1986 Land Use Plan, is that of accessibility to
recreational facilities. The 1976 Open Space and Recreation Plan also contained an
accessibility analysis. At that time residents in various quadrants of the city lacked adequate
access to one or more facilities. For example, residents in the city's west and southeast sides
'
needed better access to tennis courts, while the area west of Hughes Boulevard was found to
lack adequate access to basketball courts. Baseball fields presented an accessibility problem to
residents in the northern, western, and southeastern portions of the city. Accessibility to
recreational facilities is still a relevant issue in Elizabeth City.
' Another recreational element noted in the 1986 Land Use Plan and which is still relevant today,
is the city's almost unique potential for the development of a "trails" system, i.e., for bikes,
nature walks, etc. The city's access and proximity to the Pasquotank River and its Charles
I
Creek and Knobbs Creek tributaries provide outstanding opportunities for the development of
such a system of trails. In 1989, a "draft" greenways study, The Elizabeth City Greenway, was
published and incorporated some elements of the 1976 Open Space and Recreation Plan. The
' draft 1989 Greenway Plan depicts a system of interconnecting greenways, primarily along the
shorelines of the Pasquotank River, Knobbs Creek, and Charles Creek. The Greenways Study
51

is in the process of being completed The city is considering active implementation of this plan ,
upon completion.
Another objective of recreational services in Elizabeth Cityis the provision of water access for
boating and swimming. As pointed out in the 1986 Land Use Plan, there are only four (4)
boating access points in the city's immediate environs. These are listed below: '
Table 36: Boating Access Points: Elizabeth City Area
'
Location
1. Waterfront Park
'
2. South Water Street (across from Charles Creek Park)
3. Brickhouse Road
4. State Access Point, (near sewage Treatment Plant)
,
Source: 1986 Land Use Plan; City Recreation Department
'
There is a need to develop additional access points.
4. Solid Waste
The Pasquotank County Landfill, located on property near the old Elizabeth City Municipal'
Airport off of Simpson Ditch Road (SR ), hosts solid waste for both the city and the county.
This landfill, operational since 1982, and consisting of 150 acres, was initially projected to be
able to handle the city's and the county's waste stations for many years. Although presently'
only 60 acres of the 150 are under active use (40% of the land area), recently enacted state and
federal regulations will shorten the life of the facility as it is currently designed. New landfill
design standards will require use of higher levels of technology than in previous years. ,
State rules require all landfills not having liners and leachate collection systems to close by
1998 unless certain conditions are demonstrated. '
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 Pasquotank County landfill does not currently meet these standards.
The county does plan to build a new "hi ' p "high tech facility by 1996 which will be m compliance
with state and federal requirements. Among the options currently being considered is the
development of one regional landfill to serve all 10 counties of the Albemarle region. While'
various discussions and proposals continue, county officials estimate the life of the existing
landfill to be five (5) years. So, for the next five years, solid waste disposal for Elizabeth City'
should not pose any major problems.
52 1

E
1
5. Police Service
The Elizabeth City Police Department consists of 37 personnel and a fleet of 20 cars.
According to the police chief, this level of personnel is adequate to police services to the city's
basic population, i.e., 14,292 persons. However, he pointed out that the city's basic role as a
regional trade center requires the police to serve a much larger "trade population," especially
on weekends or other heavy shopping days. An additional four officers would be helpful
during those periods, according to the chief. The additional full-time police personnel,
however, is directly related to substantial increases in the "base" population.
6. Fire Services
The City Fire Department serves all of Elizabeth City and nearby surrounding areas, including
the Coast Guard housing area. The current staff level of 37 full-time personnel is not regarded
as being adequate by the fire chief to meet all of the current needs. The primary equipment,
consisting of two engine companies, one aerial truck and one squad truck is regarded as being
adequate, but additional personnel is needed. The city department interacts with the county
volunteer fire department through mutual aid agreements. The city's current fire service rating
is 5.
7. Schools
The Elizabeth City area is served by the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County Public School
System. Currently, there are 10 schools in the public system. Eight of these schools were
located within the city limits as of July 1, 1992. The area is also served by two private schools
both encompassing grades K-12.
Since 1985, there have been significant changes in the school facilities. Several additions have
been made to some facilities which have increased overall space and capacity for students. In
1991, Northside Elementary School, the newest school in the public system, was opened with
enrollment capacity of 528. Although this greatly relieved enrollment pressure from the other
elementary schools, its initial year enrollment of 550 was already over its capacity. (See Table
37). Also, D.W. Moore was converted to an elementary school in the late 1980's which helped
to accommodate the growing numbers of students in grade levels K-6.
Over the past few years, school officials have noticed a steady increase in attendance at the
schools located furthest from downtown Elizabeth City (i.e., at Central Elementary,
Northeastern High and Pasquotank Elementary). This trend seems to reflect population
settlement changes, Le, increasing numbers of the City's population moving outside of the city
limits.
Total enrollment for the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County Public School System shows an
overall increase since 1985. (See Table 38 below). Since 1985, additional school facilities have
increased overall space and capacity for students.
53

Table 37: Total Enrollment by Grade Level for Elizabeth City/
Pasquotank County Public Schools 1985-86 and 1991-92
Grade Level
1985-86 1991-92 Six -year Change/No./%
Kindergarten
432 524 92/21.3
'
First
484 485 1/.21
'
Second
434 493 59/14.0
Third
424 492 68/16.0
Fourth
388 517 129/33.3
'
Fifth
400 464 64/16.0
Sixth
383 478 95/25.0
'
Seventh
400 459 59/14.8
Eighth
420 427 7/1.7
Ninth
439 434-5/-1.1
,
Tenth
474 335-139/-29.0
Eleventh
343 318-25/-7.3
Twelfth
316 309
-7/-2.2
TMH
17 28 11/64.7
EXCP
17 28 11 /64.7
'
TOTAL
5371 5791 420/8.0
Source: -Elizabeth City/Pasquotank Co. Schools: Calculations by Ken Weeden & Assoc.
'
Total school enrollment increased by 420 or 8% in only six years indicating a significant
growth trend. All grades of the elementary levels increased significantly with the exception of
the first and eighth grades. On the other hand, all of the high school grades (especially the tenth
grade), experienced significant declines in enrollments. This may also reflect the dropout
trends typical of many high schools.
54
,

-
Reflective of the overall enrollment trends, enrollment at the individual schools is increasing
faster at the elementary to middle schools. The table below summarizes the school enrollment
for school year 1992-93. -
Table 38: School Capacities v. Enrollment, 1991-92 and
Projected 1992-93
*1991-92 % of 1992-93 % of
School
Ca aci Enrollment Ca aci Proj. Enroll. CapacitX
Central (K-6)
384 350 91.1 344 89.6
H.L. Trigg (4-6)
216 240 111.1 268 124.1
J.C. Sawyer (K-3)
373 380 101.9 362 97.1
Northside (K-6)
528 550 104.2 548 103.8
Pasquotank (K-6)
552 565 102.4 566 102.5
P.W. Moore (K-6)
444 490 110.4 476 107.2
Sheep -Harney (K-6)
576 590 102.4 613 106.4
Weeksville (K-6)
360 380 105.6 378 105.0
Eliz. City JH (7-8)
900 900 100.0 937 104.1
Northeastern
1,500 1,412 94.1 1,420 94.3
Ngh (9-12)
TOTALS
5,833 5,857 100.4 5,912.0 101.4
*First 10 days levels:
Subject to some minor fluctuations during school year.
Source: Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County Schools
It is interesting to note that during the 1991-92 school year, only 2 of the system's eight schools
were operating within their enrollment capacity. All of the other schools --most notably H.L.
Trigg, P.W. Moore, Weeksville and Northside Elementary —have more students than the
capacities of the schools. Over the next school year, the situation at most of these schools is
expected to only worsen —except for Northeastern High School and two elementary schools.
This trend indicates a clear future need for additional school space to accommodate increased
projected enrollments.
55

School officials are concerned about the increased enrollment into the public school system.
The goal of officials is to operate the schools under capacity in order to provide -a more
comfortable learning atmosphere. However, due to decreased budgets, the system only has ,
funds for maintenance, but no funds are available for new construction. The update of the
existing schools master plan is scheduled for completion in January of 1993. This document'
will assess future goals and implementation strategies for the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank
County School System.
8. Transportation '
Traffic volume in Elizabeth City has increased steadily since 1986. The table below shows the,
average daily traffic counts for key intersections in the City in 1986 and 1991.
56

L
Table 39: Average Daily Traffic Counts for Key Intersections in
Elizabeth City-1986: 1991
Intersection 1986 1991 Change Change
1. Water St. at West Main
9,900
11,000
1,100
11%
2. Elizabeth St. near North Road
7,000
9,900
2,900
41%
3. Ehringhaus St. near Dyer St.
16,000
17,900
1,900
12%
4. Ehringhaus St. near Pool St.
11,500
15,600
4,100
36%
5. Road Street near West Colonial Ave.
9,200
9,500
300
3%
6. Road Street near Grice St.
9,300
11,900
2,600
28%
7. Eringhaus St. near Hull Dr.
19,000
20,100
1,100
6%
8. South Road St. near Shipyard St.
7,200
11,000
3,800
53%
9. Highway 17 Business near Hwy 17 Bypass
9,500
13,800
4,300
45%
10. Hwy 17 Bypass near Central Elementary School
15,000
16,000
1,000
7%
11. Hwy 17 Bypass near Providence Rd.
8,100
11,800
3,700
46%
12. Hwy 17 Bypass at McAuthur St.
13,700
18,400
4,700
34%
13. Halstead Blvd. near Herrington Village
8,500
10,150
1,650
19%
14. Hwy 17 Bypass near Cedar St. Apartments
16,000
21,500
5,500
34%
15. Elizabeth St. near North Griffin St.
5,100
6,400
1,300
26%
16. Hwy 17 Bypass near Elizabeth St.
12,600
15,600
3,000
24%
17. Hwy 158 near Greenleaf St.
12,000
14,300
2,300
19%
18. North Road St. near Broad St.
10,000
13,800
3,800
38%
19. Hwy 158 near North Broad St.
20,000
23,500
3,500
18%
20. Hwy 158 Near the College of the Albemarle
12,500
15,400
2,900
23%
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation Annual Average Daily Traffic Maps, 1986 and 1991.
A comparison of the 1986 and 1991 average daily traffic counts shows a volume increase at all
of the major intersections, some by as much as 53%. In 1986, only one measured location had
a daily traffic volume of 20,000 vehicles per day (VPD), i.e., Highway 158 near North Broad
Street. Due to a rather dramatic increase in traffic volume in 1991, there were two additional
locations with over 20,000 VPD. As shown in the Table (items 7 and 14), these are U.S. 17
Bypass near Cedar Street Apartments and Ehringhaus St. near Hull Drive. Increased
commercial development and Elizabeth City's growing role as a regional shopping destination
is a main factor in steadily growing traffic.
The NC Department of Transportation's Traffic Forecasting section has projected traffic within
the Elizabeth City road system to continue to increase. Nevertheless, highway engineers from
the department stated that the general road system is adequate to handle projected future
volumes.
Since 1986, the North Carolina Department of Transportation in cooperation with Elizabeth
City has begun several traffic improvements in the area. The major improvements include the
57

following: redesign of the intersection at U.S. 17 Bypass and U.S. 17 Business, redesign of the
intersection of U.S. 17 near the Wal-Mart Shopping Center, and the expansion of Halstead
Boulevard to five lanes. These improvements to the primary road system will help- relieve
congestion and increase safety. The secondary roads in the City may require improvements to
handle increased traffic volume caused by construction of new subdivisions.
G. Demand Analysis
The future demand for public facilities and services and land usage, is based on population growth.
During the past 20 years (1970-1990), Elizabeth City has experienced very slow growth, i.e.,
increasing by a net of only 223 persons. Also, because of an actual population decline between 1970
and 1980, basically all of the 20 year net population gain occurred between 1980 and 1990. The real
population growth of Elizabeth City during the 1980's is perhaps more indicative of future trends than
the population decreases of the 1960's and 1970's. Another positive indicator of future growth in
Elizabeth City's population is the fact that during the same 20 years (1970-1990), Pasquotank County
grew by 4,474 persons (16.7%). Much of the population growth in the County occurred on the
"fringes" of Elizabeth City in areas subject to potential annexation by the City. Most of the County's
20-year growth also occurred during the 1980's. The 1990's, for both the City and County, appears to
be starting off with the strongest population growth trend they have experienced since the 1950's.
This section of the Land Use Plan will focus on population forecasts and how increased population ,
may affect demand for certain facilities and services.
1. Population Projections
In order to develop a meaningful population projection for Elizabeth City, three methodologies
were applied. The first methodology assumed a "straight-line" projection of the growth rate
between 1980 and 1990, i.e., 2.03%, to continue, over the next 10 years. The past 10-year
trend was further assumed to be more indicative of the next 10 years (1990-2000), than the
previous 20 or 30 years. With this methodology, the population of Elizabeth City would be
14,582 by the year 2000, a net gain of 290 persons from 1990. This growth represents an
annual growth rate of .203 over the 10-year period. At this rate, the City's population in 2002
will be 14.641.
The second methodology is based on the assumption that as the County continues to grow, the
City will maintain a relatively "constant" share of the County's population. For example, in
1990, of the 31,298 residents in Pasquotank County, 14,292, or 46%, lived in the City limits.
The North Carolina State Data Center makes population projections for all of the State's 100
counties, but not for municipalities. So, if it is assumed that the City's share of the County's
population in the year 2000 (as projected by the State) will hold at 461/o, then another
estimation of the City's possible growth can be derived.
I
P�
The State Data Center's population projection for Pasquotank County in the years 2000 and
2005 is 34,215, and 35,528, respectively. The annual average five-year growth between 2000 '
and 2005 is 262.6 resulting in an estimated 2002 population for Pasquotank County of 34,740
REV
F

I
persons. If Elizabeth City's current 46% share of the County's population remains constant,
then the City's population would be 15,980, significantly higher than projections of the first
methodology. This projection represents a total growth of 11.8% and an annual growth_ rate of
.984, with a net gain of 1,688 persons.
Both of the first two methodologies project low -to- moderate growth for Elizabeth City. The
third methodology is based on the assumption that some event may occur, which would spur
relatively "rapid" growth in Elizabeth City, such as a major industrial location, large
annexations, etc. In this assumption, an annual growth rate of 1.25%, a rate more typical for
small but growing citiees, is assumed for the 12-year period 1990-2002. With the 1990 Census
figure of 14,292 as a base, the projected "rapid growth" rate would result in a net increase of
15% or 2,144 persons, for a total of 16,436.
2. Population Projection Summary
For purposes of planning for the City's future, an average of the three methodologies will be
assumed as the City's population in 2002. The average of the three forecasting methods yields
an estimated 2002 Elizabeth City population of 15,686 persons --an increase of 1,394 persons
over the 1990 Census.
This figure, 15,686, for purposes of this plan, will be used as the projected 2002 population for
Elizabeth City.
a. Proiected Number of New Households
Consistent with national trends, the average household size in Elizabeth City has been
declining over the last several decades. For example, in 1980, the City's average
household size was 2.77 persons per household. In 1990, the average household size
had declined to 2.60 persons per household, although these were 285 more people than
in 1980. As families have fewer children, and the number of elderly households
increases, Elizabeth City can expect to continue to experience slight declines in average
household size.
In order to project the number of additional new households by 2002, it is assumed that
the average household size in 1990 will be the same between 1992 and 2002. This
would mean a 2002 average household size of 2.60 persons per household. Therefore,
the addition of 1,394 persons would translate into 536 more households over the next
10 years. What impact would 536 additional households have on Elizabeth City?
Some of those projected impacts will addressed beginning below:
59

>11
O
n

- H. Elizabeth City 2002: Policy Statements
At the outset of the planning process, through staff interaction with the consultant, and mainly through_citizene
participation from the first Public Forum on April 7, 1992, it was determined that the important policy issues
for the City fell under eight (8) categories which are listed below along with two additional policy areas, i.e. I,
and J, below. Note that Human Resource policies and issues are not presented here, but are being addressed
through other community planning efforts.
' A. Land Use
B. Economic Develo_ment
C. Public Facilities
D. Housing
E. Transportation
F. Waterfront Development
G. Resource Protection
H. Human Resources
I. Continuing Public Participation
J. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -disaster Recovery
K. Other CAMA Required Policy Areas
In this section, after the preceding analysis of existing conditions and trends, projected demand and discussion
of some of the implications of population growth--1,394 more people, or 536 more households --it is time to
translate policy concerns into actual policy statements.
A. Land Use (It should be noted that policies on Land Use affect or overlap several other policy
areas).
1. Discussion: Highlights
a. Since the last Land Use Plan, the City has completed a number of annexations
and has expanded the corporate area from 3.7 to 4.8 square miles (from
approximately 2,368 acres to approximately 3,072 acres). However, there are
still a number of areas outside of the City which are developing and which may
be suitable for annexation. Some of these areas receive City sewer but are still
not part of the City.
b. The cit 's overall land use pattern has changed little over the years, with the
dominant use being for residential purposes. Typical of most urban
development, commercial activities are increasingly becoming concentrated
along the major thoroughfares (U.S. 17 North and especially U.S. 17 south,
and U.S. 158) and away from the downtown area. Persistence of this de-
centralized development pattern may indicate a need for coordinated
thoroughfare Planning between the City, County, and NC DOT. Between
1986 and 1991, 32 land subdivisions were processed by the Planning
Department-22 residential and 10 commercial.
.c

2.
3.
C. Between 1985 and 1991, a total of 499 building permits were issued by the
Inspections Department--414 (83%) for residential (305 single family; 75
mobile homes, 34 multi -family) and 85 (17%) or non-residential (Mostly retail,
31 and office, 21).
d. Elizabeth City does not have an abundance of vacant land within the current
City limits. The City has more people per square mile than six (6) other cities
in North Carolina of similar size. i.e., 14,292 persons in 4.5 square miles
(3,176 person per square mile). The minimum residential building lot size in
Elizabeth City is 5,000 square feet.
Possible Issues: Land Use
a. Annexation/expansion of area within City's jurisdiction.
b. Land Use regulations to effect Land Use Patterns
C. Others
Policy Statements: Land Use
a. In the interest of long-term development management and both consistency
and continuity of the extension of utilities i.e., water and sewer services,
Elizabeth City will maintain a policy of annexation for appropriate developing
areas. "Appropriate" shall include those areas meeting the state's statutory
requirements for annexation and/or those areas receiving or requesting City
services, i.e., water and sewer.
b. The City believes that consistent and uniform land use controls, through
Zoning, Subdivision Regulations, Building Inspections, etc., should eventually
be applied throughout the Elizabeth City "Sphere of Influence." This area is
the extra -urban boundary over which the city would eventually like to exercise
jurisdictional authority and was adopted by the City Council in 1992. This will
help ensure more uniform and orderly land development and facilitate the
efficient and economical extension of urban services.
C. The City believes that future land development patterns should be done so as to
enhance the City's natural scenic and aesthetic qualities. This policy shall
especially apply to any development relating to the Pasquotank River and to
commercial activities along the major thoroughfares.
d. Elizabeth City will continue to seek elimination of blighting influences
throughout the City, such as outdoor junk, trash, abandoned automobiles,
cluttered vacant lots.
F
1
61

- e. Elizabeth City believes that future land development should be completed in a
manner so as to be compatible with existing special natural and cultural
resources. (Please see policies on "Resource Protection"). _
f. In adopting the 1990 Airport Area Zoning Ordinance, the City recognized the
importance of airport land use compatibility. The City will continue to enforce
its Airport Area Zoning Ordinance.
B. Economic Development
1. Discussion. HiahliQlits
a.
Elizabeth City has a small but diverse economic base, anchored by government
(federal, state and local) and retail trade. These two sectors account for nearly
'
two-thirds of the area employment i.e., 30% and 35%, respectively. Perhaps
reflective of Elizabeth City's growing significance as a regional commercial
destination, retail trade is the largest single employing sector, with 4,150
'
workers in 1991, growing by nearly 20% since 1985.
b.
Employment levels have remained fairly stable, in most years more favorable
than the state's employment rates. However, personal per capita income
growth has not kept up with the state or national rates of growth. This is
'
perhaps indicative of a preponderance of lower -skilled, lower -paying service
and retail trade employment.
C.
The presence of major chain stores, such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Lowe's is
expected to have a dramatic impact upon retail sales, reversing a three-year
declining trend by attracting regional shoppers.
'
d.
Tourism income appears to have the potential to be significant in the Elizabeth
City/Pasquotank County area.
increased by 66% between 1985-1991, i.e., from
e.
Real property valuations
218.02 million to 361.61 million.
2. Possible Issues: Economic Development
a.
Further diversify employment base by recruiting higher -paying employers,
industry, etc.
b.
Emphasize, seek to enhance City's role as a regional center.
'
C.
Promote tourism, with special events, activities, etc.
d.
Location and types of industries.
'
e.
f.
Provision of infrastructure for economic development.
Others.
62

3. Policy Statements: Economic Development I
a. Elizabeth City is very concerned about its economic future and the impact of
economic development on all of its citizens. As a matter of policy, the City will
pursue a balanced approach, seeking to diversify its economic base by seeking
to increase opportunities in the areas of industrial/manufacturing;
commercial/retail development; and tourism. In the recruitment of
industrial/manufacturing activities, the City will work jointly with Pasquotank
County.
b. The City wants to both enhance and capitalize on its potential as a regional
commercial/retail center. ,
C. The City recognizes the connection between economic development and the
provision of necessary infrastructure, i.e. water, sewer, proper transportation'
access, etc. Elizabeth City will seek to provide necessary infrastructure to
support development, within the constraints of its economic capacity, and
support state and/or federal efforts to do the same. (See policies on Public'
Facilities and Transportation).
d. The City's economic development efforts will continue to include a balanced,
emphasis on downtown revitalization (including rehabilitation/re-use of vacant,
usable buildings), and development in areas away from the downtown.
e. The preferred industrial/manufacturing sites will be the City's industrial parks.
f. Elizabeth City will continue to support the airport and related improvements'
(consistent with its airport -land use compatibility regulations) in recognition of
the airport's potential importance to the City's economic future. '
g. The City recognizes the importance of proper workforce development, i.e., job
training, to Economic Development. The City believes that a cooperative
relationship should be established between the Industrial Development
Commission, the College of the Albemarle and Elizabeth City State University,
in helping to develop a trained workforce.
3. Types and Location of Desired Industries
The single major employer in Elizabeth City's economy is the US Coast Guard Station, a fact,
which the City and County both appreciate. However, both the City and County recognize the
need to develop a more diversified economic base. Additional industrial development offers,
one solution to the area's economic diversification needs.
63 1

11
I
i�
It is the policy of the City of Elizabeth City to continue to work cooperatively with the
Industrial Development Commission and the City's Chamber of Commerce to attract new
industries to the area. _
a. Tunes of industries
Elizabeth City would prefer to see industries developed which would be neither
excessive consumers of water resources or cause excessive discharge into its streams.
In other words, relatively "dry" low -pollution, light manufacturing and/or assembly
industries would be preferable.
b. Uentions and Standards
The preferred location would be in existing industrial parks or other suitable sites in
accordance with the City's Zoning Ordinance. The City, in conjunction with the
County, would like to develop an additional industrial park or parks, according to the
following standards:
Provide an assessment of the impact of the development of industry and require
the use of the best available technology to avoid air or water pollution during
construction or operation.
2. Be located on land having stable, well -drained soils. The sites should be
located in areas adequately protected from flooding and be accessible to
existing public utilities and transportation routes.
Elizabeth City, along with the County will provide, as much as is locationally and
economically feasible, basic support services such as water and sewer to newly locating
industries.
C. Public Facilities
Note: Public Facilities, (or Community Facilities) covers a number of areas, including water, sewer,
recreation, solid waste, police, fire, schools and transportation. Transportation, however, as a policy
area, will be addressed separately.
1. Discussion Highlights
a. Water
(1) The City still relies on its well fields as the primary source of raw water.
Concentrations of chloride in the Pasquotank River limit it as a source
of water for only five months out of the year.
3SI

(2) Presently, the City's physical plant can process 3.5 million gallons of ,
per day (MGD), but the original design capacity was 5 MGD. Peak
demand is 2.5 MGD, with an average daily demand of 1.8 MGD--both ,
peak and average demands are significantly under current capacity.
(3) The projected 1,394 additional people in 2002 will increase peak water'
demand by 244,000 gallons per day, which is well within current
capacity.
b. Sewer
(1) Although the City's sewer system received improvements in 1989, the
system has had a history of severe inflow and infiltration problems and
difficulty in meeting discharge limitations. Theoretically, it appears that
the sewer system has excess capacity, i.e., average 1.8 MGD flow,'
compared to 2.5 MGD capacity. However, it is difficult to tell whether
there is any real excess capacity. Because of the seriousness of the
infiltration and inflow problem, the City has hired an engineering'
consultant to prepare plans for a new sewage plant.
(2) The City also provides sewer collection and treatment to a number of t
commercial and residential users outside of the City limits. This is a
practice which may require limitation in the future. ,
(3) The most recent sewer Master Plan study projects sewer demand to
increase steadily. Large commercial users or new or expanded
industrial users could place dramatic demands on the existing system --if
the capacity were to be available, and the City is planning to make it
available.
C. Recreation
(1) Although the City owns and operates 21 parks and playgrounds of,
various sizes (including 8 waterfront or water access parks), all of the
facilities are not equally accessible to many residents. ,
(2) The proposed development of an "open space-greenways" system
connecting Knobbs Creek, Charles Creek and the Pasquotank River'
has not been completed. An appropriate mechanism for the provision
of adequate open space is still a relevant issue. ,
(3) Presently, the City's recreation facilities serve the entire City
population, and by contractual arrangements, residents from both
Pasquotank County and nearby Camden County. According to,
planning criteria utilized by the NC Division of Parks and Recreation,
65 1

11
d.
e.
E
which relates desirable recreational facilities to population, most of
Elizabeth City's facilities are adequate --both presently and the year
2002. However, based on State criteria, the City has a need for the
following: more park acreage in the categories of Community Park,
District Park, and Regional Park; campsites; playgrounds/totlots; trails,
and a swimming pool. These facility criteria does not take into
consideration future needs of Pasquotank or Camden counties, nor the
degree of current use.
Solid Waste
(1) Although there is no immediate landfill crisis for Elizabeth City and
Pasquotank County (the landfill is owned by the County), new State
and Federal environmental compliance requirements, will affect solid
waste disposal over the next five years. The constraints to be imposed
by the new requirements have prompted regionwide concern. Through
the Albemarle Commission, a Region Solid Waste Management Study
for Region "R". June, 1991, was prepared by an engineering
consultant. The report considered various alternatives for a single
facility to serve the entire 10-county area.
Police and Fire Protection Services
(1) The Police Chief considers the current personnel and equipment levels
to be adequate for the existing population. However, with increasing
numbers of regional shoppers and a projected 10-year population
increase of 1,394 persons, additional officers and related equipment
may be needed. Currently, there is one police department personnel for
every 386 residents. At this ratio, by the year 2002, at least four (4)
additional personnel would be needed.
(2) The Elizabeth City Fire Department currently has adequate equipment,
but insufficient personnel, according to the chief. If the population
grows as anticipated, even more fire department personnel will be
needed.
Schools
(1) During the 1991-92 school year, only two (2) of the school system's 10
schools had student levels within their enrollment capacities. Most
grade levels, (with the exception of high school grades and
kindergarten), have experienced steady rises in enrollment. Increasing
enrollments, especially at those facilities outside of the central areas of
the City, combined with decreasing capacity, indicates a current need

2. Possible Issues: Public Facilities
a. In the long term, should the City seek alternative sources of raw water other
than the well fields and the Pasquotank River?
b. Although the existing water plant has the capacity to treat sufficient amounts of
water to serve the projected 10-year population increase, the City may wish to
begin planning for long-term improvements. ,
C. Sewer services appear to be adequate presently. However, the historical
problems of inflowrinfiltration and difficulties in meeting discharge limitations ,
signal a need to continue sewer improvement plans.
d. Providing recreational facilities accessible to all of the population. I
e. Development of a trails and greenways system.
I
f. Continuation of the provision of recreation service to residents of both
Pasquotank and Camden Counties. I
g. The City's support of and participation in a regional solid waste disposal
program, including regional landfill. I
h. Providing increased levels of fire and police personnel, commensurate with
population growth. I
i. The City supporting expansion of school capacity to meet anticipated growth
in school -age population. ,
3. Policy Statements: Public Facilities
a. Water/Sewer
(1) The City recognizes the vital importance and need of basic services,,
such as water and sewer, to support growth and development.
Therefore, Elizabeth City will continue to assess and plan for necessary
water and sewer facility improvements for anticipated future growth,
and development.
(2) Elizabeth City, recognizing the potential limitations on its existing,
sources of raw water, i.e. the City wellfields, and the Pasquotank River,
will initiate efforts to identify alternative sources of raw water. This will,
likely include engineering and hydrogeological studies.
67 1

- will initiate efforts to identify alternative sources of raw water. This will
likely include engineering and hydrogeological studies.
' (3) Although a number of improvements have been made to the Elizabeth
City sewer treatment facility in order to meet regulated treatment and
discharge criteria there are still concerns about the system's longtime
viability. As a current and pressing policy concern, the City has already
initiated the process to upgrade the existing system, and to eventually
construct a new facility.
(4) The extension of City water and sewer services into previously
unserved areas will be done in light of, and consistent with the City's
overall land development policies for the sake of efficiency and
economy.
(5) As a matter of general policy, and to the extent feasible, the extension
of City water and sewer will be financed by those who benefit directly
' from the service.
b. Recreation
1 The City will support and seek to implement the goals and objectives of
() tY PP P g 1
the new Recreation Master Plan, expected to be complete in FY '93-
94.
(2) Elizabeth City will seek to improve the accessibility of open space and
recreational facilities for more of the City's residents, by recommending
that the Recreation Master Plan include goals for additional
' neighborhood/community parks, totlots, and swimming pools.
(3) Elizabeth City will initiate discussions with Pasquotank, Camden, and
' Currituck counties, in order to explore the feasibility of developing a
Regional Park facility.
(4) The City remains committed to the development of an open space-
greenway system which connects Knobbs Creek, Charles Creek, and
the Pasquotank River and scenic canoe trails, as have been proposed in
several previous studies.
C. Solid Waste
(1) Recognizing the potential constraints to the development of new
landfalls, due to the recent state and federal environmental regulations,
' Elizabeth City supports the concept of a "regional" solution for solid
waste disposal.
1
1
68

d. Police and Fire Protection
(1) The City is committed to the provision of adequate police and fire
services to all of its residents. This will include providing increased
personnel as the City's population increases, (both permanent and
transient/shopping population).
e. Schools
(1) In order to meet projected demands caused by an anticipated increase
in the school -age population, additional facilities will likely need to be
constricted. Elizabeth City is supportive of such necessary expansion.
D. Housin
1. Discussion Highlights:
a. From both the initial "Public Forum," and the Citizens' Survey, the principal
focus of concern was the need for a variety of affordable housing types to meet
a broad range of income needs.
b. A comparative analysis of the 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census data indicates the
Elizabeth City is becoming more of a "renter" community and less of an
"owner" community. In 1980, 55% of all dwelling units were owner -occupied.
However, in 1990, only 49% of the City's dwelling units are owner occupied,
with 5 1 % occupied by renter households. Many factors have contributed to
the declining home -ownership, including the national economy.
C. The City has taken steps in recent years to help maintain the existing stock
through rehabilitation programs and historic preservation. Also, through
modification of land use control, the City has helped to lower the cost of
developing some new subdivisions, for example, the Old Oak development.
2. Possible Issues: Housing
a. Continued and specific efforts to facilitate both housing affordability and home
ownership.
b. Review of local Land Use controls, relative to restrictions on housing
development.
i�

I t
1 3. Policy Statements: Housing
a. The City of Elizabeth City is committed to helping ensure a variety of -housing
types affordable to a broad range of income levels, but especially to low- and
-
moderate -income persons.
b. The City also wants to see enhanced opportunities for home -ownership made
available to lower -income residents.
C. Elizabeth City will continue to support activities and programs, which focus on
"recycling" or otherwise maintaining the existing usable housing stock,
especially historically significant structures.
d. The City will continue to explore the feasibility of reducing overall residential
development costs, both owner and renter units, through modification of land
use regulations and controls.
'
E. Transportation
1. Discussion Highlielits
a. The most significant current subject of transportation concern relates to the
proposed Elizabeth City U.S. 17 By-pass. There is concern that the proposed
Bypass be located as close to the City as possible, with appropriate "spurs" or
connector roads leading to Elizabeth City —especially to commercial areas.
Also, the concept of a southern area "loop road connecting from the Bypass
'
over to NC 34 at,or just south of, the U.S. Coast Guard Station, was
introduced during discussions.
'
b. The data analysis showed that average daily traffic (ADT) volumes on all of the
City's major intersections have increased significantly since the 1987 Land Use
Plan. In 1986, only one intersection had measured volumes of over 20,000
vehicles per day (VPD). In 1991, the NC DOT noted that there were three (3)
intersections with volumes of over 20,000 VPD (See Table 39).
C. Increasing traffic volumes, especially near major traffic generators (Wal-Mart
or K-Mart, for example) intensifies the previously identified concerns for
construction of facilities conducive for pedestrians and bicycles. The
construction of sidewalk for certain new developments, and safety "crossovers"
at Water Street, for example, could better facilitate pedestrian access.
2. Possible Issues:
a. Support of the proposed new U.S. 17 Bypass and other local thoroughfare
improvements.
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F.
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b. Support on inclusion of pedestrian and bicycle access improvements in any
planned road improvements.
C. Accelerate the updating the City's Thoroughfare Plan.
d. Support of an additional major North -South crosstown connector.
PP
3. Policy Statements: Transportation
a. Elizabeth City recognizes the important link between adequate transportation 1
facilities and economic development. As such, the City supports the proposed
NCDOT U.S. 17-Elizabeth City Bypass. However, Elizabeth City believes
that the new facility be located as close to the City as practicable, with 1
appropriate "connectors" linking the Bypass to commercial and business areas.
b. The City also supports the concept of a secondary connecting thoroughfare
from the new bypass around to connect N.C. 34 between the U.S. Coast
Guard Station and Weeksville.
C. The City believes that necessary improvements should be made on a regular '
basis in order to upgrade the capacity of the roadway network to meet
increasing traffic demands. ,
d. Elizabeth City believes that the NCDOT should accelerate the update of the
City's Thoroughfare Plan. '
e. The City believes that pedestrian and bicycle access improvements should be
incorporated into proposed roadway improvements, to include bikeways, and '
trails, and more sidewalks and pedestrian traffic signals. This is especially
needful in heavily commercialized areas.
Waterfront Development 1 1. Discussion Highlights '
a. There was extensive discussion on the concept of the waterfront becoming a ,
lively, fun place to be, and spend time and money. A mixture of uses should be
allowed, including retail shops, restaurants, boating services, and overnight
lodging. In early 1993, the City received a proposal from a local developer to ,
develop a mixed use waterfront complex to be called "Waterworks." This
development would consist of a restaurant, retail shops, business offices,
condominiums, and a motel. This development would appear to be consistent
with the City's waterfront development objectives.
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2.
3.
b. Continue public access improvements to downtown area street ends.
C. Pursue improvements to Waterfront Park as depicted in the Waterfront Park
design plan.
d. Connect the waterfront and the historic districts with walking tours, horse and
buggy rides , to enable these features to work together as tourist attractions.
Possible Issues: Waterfront Development
a. Firm commitment to the re -development of the downtown waterfront as a
tourist/historic resource attraction. This would necessitate the development
and adoption of regulatory ordinances supporting the redevelopment.
b. Specific policies on the development of marina facilities.
C. Balanced development, so that scenic views and vistas are enhanced and
maintained.
Policy Statements: Waterfront Development
a. Elizabeth City, as with several other coastal cities, is beginning to recognize its
downtown riverfront area as a tremendous, but often underdeveloped,
attractive resource. In coordination with its policies for increased tourism and
preservation of its unique historic resources, Elizabeth City is committed to
seeing its downtown waterfront develop into an active, lively, attraction for
both tourists and local residents. The City wants to encourage the orderly
development of mixed uses, including retail shops, places of entertainment,
restaurants, boating services, and overnight lodging.
b. The City believes that planned waterfront development, consistent with
provisions of the 1980 Waterfront Development Study, should be done so that
open space and scenic waterfront views and vistas are preserved and enhanced.
C. The City will continue to support the development of marina facilities for both
transient and local boat traffic. However, development of marina facilities must
conform to state, local and federal environmental regulations.
d. The City further wants to encourage pedestrian access to and utility of the
waterfront, in order to enhance its commercial development/tourist attraction
potential.
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G. Resource Protection
The concern over protection of the City's special resources covers many elements under the two broad
headings of Natural Resources and Cultural Resources. National Resources include the statutorily'
defined areas of environmental concern (including the City's well fields); surface and ground water
resources; wooded swamps; and, any other natural and unique fragile area.
Cultural Resources include all of Elizabeth City s priceless treasures of historic, architectural, and
archaeological value. The City's long-time and on -going concern for its historidarchitectural resources'
is reflected in its support of many historic preservation activities. This includes the establishment and
proposed expansion of the Historic District.
Some of the policy concerns under each of the two broad headings will be briefly summarized below:
1. Cultural Resources
Elizabeth City has long received recognition for its special historic resources. In 1977 the
Elizabeth City Historic District was entered on the National Register of Historic Places. In
1981 the City created two locally -designated Historic Districts, —the Downtown Historic
District, and the West Main Street Historic District —each with its own separate oversight
Commission. The Commissions have been responsible for helping to ensure that renovations
and alterations in the Districts be compatible with the existing style, character, and architecture.
In 1986, the two Commissions were combined into one body, the Elizabeth City Historic
Districts Commission. From 1989 through mid-1991, the Commission has reviewed 55
applications for the two Districts.
With the aid of a grant from the State Preservation office in 1991, and with the help of a
consultant, the City has a greatly expanded and detailed survey of its historic properties. In
addition to the 207 properties contained in the existing two National Historic Districts, 404
more properties in five (5) additional proposed National Historic Districts have been identified
by the historic resources consultant. These five (5) districts and four (4) additional structures
are expected to be nominated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. (See
Map 1). It should be noted that the five additional National Historic Districts, will not be local
districts. These areas would include a substantial portion of the City's present corporate area.
i
7
Additionally, the State Division of Archives and History reported that more than 100 structures
in Elizabeth city have been surveyed. The City's virtual wealth of historic resources deserves I
to be respected in future planning decisions.
According to the N.C. Division of Archives and History, there has never been a complete '
archaeological survey of Elizabeth City. However, a number of archaeological sites have been
recorded by the state within the vicinity of Elizabeth City. This includes 16 historic shipwreck
sites in the Pasquotank River, (eight of which appear to be within the City's current '
jurisdictional boundaries).
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E

a. Issues/Hiehlights: Cultural Resources
(1) Continued support of the historic preservation activities and expansions
of the Historic Districts.
(2) Support for expansion, and/or relocation of the Museum of the
Albemarle to a downtown waterfront location.
(3) Coordination of new, land -disturbing construction with the State
Division of Archives and History, for protection of potential
archaeological resources.
b. Policy Statements: Cultural Resources
1. Elizabeth City is committed to preservation of its many invaluable
historic and cultural resources. The City will continue to support
preservation programs and activities of the Historic District
Commission.
2. The City will actively assist in the relocation of the Albemarle Museum
to the downtown area, preferably near the waterfront area.
3. The City will, in general, coordinate all new major land disturbing
construction with the State Division of Archives and History, in order
to help protect potential archaeological resources.
2. Natural Resources
Although it is a predominantly urbanized coastal community, with its proximity to the
Pasquotank River and related tributaries, Elizabeth City has several significant natural
resources requiring special attention. In addition to the regular statutorily defined Areas of
Environmental Concern (AEC's), the Elizabeth City wellfields, (located on the edge of the
Great Dismal Swamp), wetlands, and wooded swamplands are recognized as valuable natural
resources. (More detailed discussion of AEC's and other natural resources is presented in
pages 28-33).
a. Issues/Hiahliahts: Natural Resources
(1) Continued protection of the identified Areas of Environmental
Concern, with special concern about development encroaching on the
City's wellfields.
(2) Limit development from undue encroachment on wooded swamplands.
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(3) Regulate waterfront development so as to better protect surface water
quality from negative effects of urban runoff.
b. Policy Statements: Natural Resources:
(1) Elizabeth City believes that the statutory Areas of Environmental'
Concern (AEC's) which occur within its jurisdiction, i.e., Coastal
Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines and Public Trust
Waters should be protected from undue encroachment in order to
preserve their natural and important ecological functions.
(2) The City believes that any development permitted must conform to
State, Local and Federal environmental regulations and not cause a
degradation or irreversible damage to the sensitive estuarine system.
() City, Elizabeth Ci , with an extensive shoreline along the Pasquotank River,'
believes that all Public Trust Waters should be open to public
navigation. (See policies on "Resource Protection": Section G). t
(4) Elizabeth City believes that wooded swamplands within its jurisdiction
are also an important natural resource which should be protected from
encroachment by undue development.
(5) Although the City intends to explore alternative sources of raw water,'
Elizabeth City continually recognizes the need to protect its existing
well fields from potentially adverse development encroachment. '
H. Continuing Public Participation Plans
From the beginning of the 1993 Land Use Plan Update process, the City of Elizabeth'
City 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 City Council. This plan, along with other'
supporting elements, are contained in Appendix H of this Land Use Update.
The City of Elizabeth City took extraordinary steps to help inform and educate its
citizens that the Land Use plan was being developed. At the beginning of the process,
a news release was developed and submitted to the daily newspaper cited above. The,
release resulted in a news story.
Monthly meetings were held with the Planning Commission, and sometimes twice per
month.
The most significant citizen participation efforts were the Public Forum of April 7,'
1992, and the Citizen Survey Questionnaire which was published in the Daily Advance
75 1

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newspaper.. However, the response rate was disappointing. The input from the
former, however, was useful throughout the planning process and in developing final
policy statements. Other details are shown in Appendix U.
Policy Statements
(1) It shall be the policy of the City of Elizabeth City 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.
(2) The City Planning Staff will continue to be available for public meetings,
presentations, civic groups, etc., to discuss and/or help explain the City's urban
planning programs.
(3) The City will continue to appoint special citizens' advisory committees for
issues of special concern.
L 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. Elizabeth City,
even though it enjoys a relative inland location, recognizes the potential threat that
hurricanes or tropical storms pose to the health and safety of its citizens. Damage from
highwinds, flooding in low-lying areas, and perhaps even erosion along some sections
of the Pasquotank River shoreline, are some of the potentially adverse effects which
need to be considered. These elements could affect both property and infrastructure.
The City of Elizabeth City supports the Pasquotank County Hurricane Response Plan
and is included as part of that Plan. 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 Elizabeth City.
(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
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damage to buildings, overturns mobile homes, fells tress 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 Elizabeth City, it is likely that all of the City would be subject
to the same wind velocity.
(b) Flooding
Flooding, on the other hand, may not affect all areas of Elizabeth City
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.
Elizabeth City, 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, the storm surge could cover a
significant amount of land areas adjacent to the Pasquotank River and
Knobbs Creek. A substantial amount of Elizabeth City'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 Pasquotank River and
the creeks and streams which feed into the River. Along both sides of
Knobbs Creek, much of the land area is vacant. However, as the
Composite Hazards Map (Map 4) shows, the high hazard flood area
extends to and encompasses a large area which is already developed.
Some lots are vacant in this area, but most are already developed. In
the event of a major storm, these areas are the ones most susceptible to
damage from flooding.
(c) Erosion
It is not likely that erosion would be a considerable hazard in Elizabeth
City in the event of a major storm. The tentative riverine shoreline
areas along the Pasquotank River may not be subject to excessive
erosion. There may, however, be some areas subject to minor erosion
along the shoreline of the developed areas. This erosion, unlike
oceanfront coastal erosion, would not likely threaten developed
property.
(2) Composite Hazards
The following page shows the "Composite -Hazards" which must be taken
under consideration for Elizabeth City's jurisdiction. As noted in the previous
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I
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.
Land Use Inventory
A comparison of the existing land use map with the composite hazards map
indicates that there are numerous lots or parcels located within the 100-year
flood plain. Most of these lots are developed with a mixture of uses, mostly
residential uses. A substantial number contains commercial establishments,
especially in the downtown area and along U.S. 17 North.
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, Elizabeth City adopts the following policies.
(a) High Winds
Elizabeth City 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 City also
supports provisions in the State Building Code requiring tie -downs for
mobile homes, which help resist wind damage.
(b) Flooding
Elizabeth City is supportive of the hazard mitigation elements of the
National Flood Insurance Program as contained in the City's Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance. Elizabeth City has participated in the
regular phase of the insurance program since 1984. The City also
supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 Wetlands
development permit processes in areas potentially susceptible to
flooding.
(c) Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion
Elizabeth City supports the CAMA development permit process for
estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite development standards
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which encourage both shoreline stabilization and facilitation of proper'
drainage.
(4) Policy to Discourn2e Development in the Most Hazardous Arens r
The major policy instrument relative to development in the most hazardous'
areas, is the City of Elizabeth City's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
Major provisions of this ordinance include the following:
(a) restricting or prohibiting uses which are deemed dangerous to ,
health, safety, and/or property;
(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;
() g d controlling those types of development which might increase
erosion; and
() regulating latin the construction of flood barriers which will
gu g
unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood
hazards to other lands. '
The City 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:
(a) residential constnictions: I
New construction or substantial improvement of any residential
structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no
lower than six feet above base flood elevation.
(b) 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.
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F
(c) 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
(1984) are not required to comply. However, should these structures by
moved or destroyed, any subsequent buildings must comply with the
ordinance.
All requests for rezoning and subdivision plat approvals are made to the City of
Elizabeth City Planning Department. The Planning Department discourages
both commercial and residential development within flood plain areas.
Developers are made aware of potential hazards and the scope of the flood
damage protection ordinance. For those potentially developable lands outside
flood plains but subject to excess flood and/or wind damage, the Department
informs both the Planning Commission and the City Council of such concerns
as development plans are submitted.
(5) Policy on Public Acquisition of Land in the Most Hazardous
Areas
It shall not be the policy of Elizabeth City to seek to acquire such lands which
may currently be in the most hazardous areas.
(6) Evacuation Plan and Policies
The City of Elizabeth City is included in the "Hurricane Response Plan" which
was adopted by Pasquotank County and updated in August, 1985. The stated
purpose of this Plan is to provide for an orderly and coordinated evacuation of
endangered areas to minimize the effects of hurricanes on residents and visitors
in Onslow County. The Plan provides for the alerting of selected officials, the
evacuation of the public from danger areas, and the designation of several
shelters for those evacuated. All of the schools are designated shelters for the
City. The Plan also provides for reentry into evacuated areas when the threat
to health and safety has ended.
A major provision of the plan includes the establishment of two evacuation
action groups:
(a) a control group (comprised of elected officials from both City and
County) vested with the responsibility of overseeing the evacuation operations.
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(b) a support group (comprised of appointed County and municipal
professional employees) vested with the responsibility of providing personnel
and material resources for the implementation of preplanned action directed by
the control group.
As a matter of policy, the City of Elizabeth City will follow the County Plan.
The City believes that its other land use policies regarding development in
hazardous areas are supportive of the recommended evacuation plans.
However, as the City's population increases, additional shelter locations may be
needed.
(7) Post Disaster Reconstruction Plan and Policies
The City of Elizabeth City recognizes that the reconstruction process occurs in
four periods which overlap yet follow each other in sequence after a disaster
strikes. These periods are as follows:
(a) emergency period: the initial days or weeks after the disaster
when social and econom;c. activities are most seriously
disrupted and attention focuses on the dead, injured, missing,
and homeless;
(b) restoration period: the first weeks or month after the disaster
when attention focuses on debris removal and the rapid repair
of damaged utilities, housing, and commercial structures; this
period marks the transition from the response phase to the
recovery phase;
(c) replacement reconstniction period: several weeks after the
disaster and possibly continuing for several years with
concentration placed on reconstruction of those buildings and
utilities which were damaged beyond repair, and
(d) commemorative, betterment, and developmental
reconstnuction period: usually several years after the disaster
when attention is directed toward the memorialization of the
disaster and to mark the community's post disaster
improve:- and/or to enhance future growth. The actual
amount lime it takes to recover from a natural disaster
deper.- .1marily upon the extent of damages inured.
Durin restoration period, the City shall evaluate the
conditic:: of damaged or destroyed public facilities and submit
a report to the City Council. At that time, consideration will be
given to relocating destroyed facilities out of high risk damage
areas. Such relocation shall occur only when more
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satisfactory/lower risk locations are both feasible and readily
available.
-1- Emergency Management Response to Immediate
Cleanup
Public safety is the primary concern during the emergency
period. The roles of the local police, fire, and public works
departments will be critically important. Debris removal,
securing power lines, assessing water quality and opening lines
of transportation and communication are actions to be taken by
the EMC, FEMA, and NCDOT, Division of Health Services,
NC National Guard, and Civil Air Patrol. These agencies, in
coordination with local law enforcement and public safety
agencies, will be responsible for organizing volunteers and
utilizing available resources in cleanup activities.
-2- Local Long Term Reconstruction Policies
Immediately following a natural disaster, during which
substantial physical damage was incurred, the Elizabeth City
Council will enact a post disaster reconstruction moratorium.
This moratorium will remain in place until heavily damaged
areas can be cleared and mapped for Council review. At that
time Council will address each of the following questions and
consider creating new policy:
-a- should there be changes in land use?
-b- should there be changes in the building codes?
-c- should there be a concerted effort to make the
community more effective and more attractive?
-d- should there be compensation or special financial
assistance for private property losses?
-e- how should increased local public expenditures be
financed?
-i- should normal or extraordinary decision -making
mechanisms be used to guide post -disaster recovery?
Prior to a storm event, the Council will establish a Recovery Task
Force to assist in overseeing the reconstruction process and to
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recommend policy changes. This task force should be comprised of
citizens, of varied backgrounds, who are familiar with Elizabeth City
and the City's policy making process. Individual members of the task
force will be appointed by Council in a like manner as other advisory
board members with special emphasis placed upon attaining a group
with numerous related expertise. The Task Force will consist of no
less than eight and no more than fifteen members.
d
-3- Guidelines for Post Disaster Repairs and I
Reconstruction
-a- Timing and Completion of Damage I
Estimates
The preliminary damage assessment will be completed
by the City Inspections Department within the first five
days after the disaster. This assessment will be
submitted to City Council via the City Manager.
Damage survey reports will be completed by the
Building Inspector within three months of the disaster.
-b- Timiniz and Completion of Temporary'
Development Moratoria ,
The City Council, upon receipt of the City Building
Inspector's damage assessment report, will decide if ,
damage was substantial enough to warrant a temporary
development moratorium. If so, development will be
suspended in affected areas until redevelopment policy '
is set (within 6 months).
-c- Development Standards - Post Disaster 1
Development standards for post disaster reconstruction
shall follow set State Building Codes and/or any other
policies enacted by City Council during the
moratorium. Where nonconforming structures have
suffered more than 60% damage, they may be rebuilt
only in conformance with current standards.
-4- Establishment of Schedule for Staging and I
Permitting Repairs and Reconstniction
All such scheduling depends upon the enactment of a '
moratorium. Should such. a moratorium not be set, project
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applications and approvals shall take place from the day
following the initial disaster to three months afterward. Project
completion and final inspections will take place from fifteen
days after the disaster through two years after.
-5- Policy Implementation
The City Council shall make all policy decisions concerning the
City of Elizabeth City and its extraterritorial jurisdiction and
City Staff will be responsible for actual implementation and
compliance checks.
-6- Policies for Repair and Replacement
During the restoration period (3-10 weeks) the utility system
shall be repaired to an operational level. During the
reconstruction period, utility reconstruction and/or possible
relocations, if feasible and necessary, will be made.
K. Other CAMA Required Policy Areas
There are some additional resource protection issues which are required to be
addressed by the CAMA planning guidelines which were not addressed in the
preceding section. Due to the format of the policy statements, some of the required
elements did not fit easily into the enumerated categories. Some of these issues have
lesser relevancy in Elizabeth City than in some other coastal areas. These areas are
included below:
1. Protection of Potable Water Supply
As discussed in Section F, "Constraints: Community Facilities" Elizabeth City's
water distribution system is based primarily on groundwater, specifically, the
City's wellfields which are also designated AEC's. In addition to the
protection afforded the area as an AEC, -land use near groundwater sources are
regulated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management
through NCAC Subchapter 2L and Subchapter 2C. Also, some of the City's
raw water comes from the Pasquotank River. This process is also subject to
State Environmental regulations. Elizabeth City recognizes the importance of
protecting its potable water supplies and therefore, in addition to other policies
contained in this section, supports the enforcement of these regulations.
2. Use of Package Treatment Plants
The centralized sewer service in Elizabeth City's Planning Jurisdiction serves
primarily those areas within the immediate city limits. It may become necessary
84

to develop small package treatment systems in order to accommodate certain
types of development in outlying areas of the extraterritorial jurisdiction. This
development may be residential, commercial, or industrial. It shall be the policy
of Elizabeth City to allow such package plants if they can be constructed within 0
the overall intent of this plan and meet other federal and state environmental
regulations.
3. Stormwater Runoff Associated with Agriculture, Residential
Development, Phosphate or Peat Mining, and its impact on
Coastal Wetlands, Surface Waters, or Other Fragile Areas
Although none of the waters in Elizabeth City's Jurisdiction are classified as
Primary Nursery Areas, stormwater runoff mainly from urban development as
opposed to agricultural activities, could adversely affect the quality of these
waters. The City of Elizabeth City will continue to support strict enforcement
of existing sedimentation and pollution control measures.
4. Off Road Vehicles
The use or regulation of off -road vehicles is not an issue of relevant concern to
the City of Elizabeth City at this time. I
5. Marina and Floating Home Developments
The development of marinas may have significant commercial and recreational
potential in Elizabeth City. There are lands along portions of the Pasquotank
River which may be redeveloped. Therefore, the City supports the i
development of marinas, in compliance with existing environmental regulations.
Elizabeth City recognizes the need and use of marinas as both an important
recreation support resource, and as an economic development resource. At the
same time, as discussed above, the City does not wish to see unnecessary
degradation of its waters. Therefore, the City will encourage the development
of upland marinas where feasible, but not to the total exclusion of 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 Elizabeth City.
Even for temporary occupancy, the City will require strict adherence to Health
Department regulations for pump -out facilities and proper trash disposal.
G. Drystacking Facilities
D stackin facilities, like marinas, are viewed b Elizabeth City as potential
Drystacking Y h'
important support resources for recreational boating and possible urban
economic development. The City supports the development of such facilities,,
85 1

1 provided they can be located in compliance with existing state, federal, and
local siting regulations.
j7. Agriculture
The City of Elizabeth City recognizes that there may be significant lands
considered valuable for fanning, located within its jurisdictional boundaries.
However, the City does not deem it necessary to propose any special
management policies for these lands at this time. In many cases they already
contain urban development and/or are being used for non -farm purposes.
8. Redevelopment of Develoned Areas
The two principle focuses under this issue are existing residential and
commercial development. There are several older residential neighborhoods
within the City's jurisdiction which are subject to blighting influences.
Elizabeth City has steadily taken steps to aid several of the areas with
community revitalization efforts, primarily through the US Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Small Cities Community
Development Block Grant Program. For a number of years the City has
sought and received funds for housing improvements and neighborhood
revitalization projects. Elizabeth City is committed to revitalizing as many
needful neighborhoods as possible. The other principal focus of concern is
older commercial development -especially in the downtown area and along the
Pasquotank River. Steps have been taken to redevelop the downtown area,
consistent with policy recommendations contained in the 1987 Land Use Plan
Update. A private non-profit downtown redevelopment agency, i.e. Elizabeth
City Downtown Inc., has become very active in promoting downtown
redevelopment. Redevelopment will be a key area of concern for this agency,
consistent with the commitment of the City of Elizabeth City.
Elizabeth City is committed to supporting on -going community revitalization
efforts to redevelop areas suitable for redevelopment, consistent with existing
land use controls and other current development regulations, such as zoning,
subdivision regulations, and flood damage protection.
9. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
There are a number of state and federal programs which are important to
Elizabeth City. Many, such as erosion control programs of the USDA Soil
Conservation Service, NCDOT road and bridge maintenance, repair and
replacement programs; estuarine beach and waterfront access development
programs, etc., provide valuable direct benefits to the City. The City of
Elizabeth City will continue to support federal and state programs which
provide benefits and services to the City and its citizens.
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10. Energy Facilities Siting
Currently, the City of Elizabeth City does not have any electric generating
plants, oil refineries, or inshore exploration facilities for gas or oil. Neither
does the City anticipate the development of any of these facilities within this
planning period. However, should any proposals for such energy facilities be
presented, they will be reviewed on a case by case basis. In Addition:
a. The city of Elizabeth City will not support the development of any
"heavy" industrial use, including energy facilities, which could cause extensive
or irreversible damage to existing fragile or environmentally sensitive areas.
b. The City also opposes the development of energy facilities which
would substantially increase the amount of man-made hazards within its,
jurisdiction, including the storage and/or trasnsshipment of crude oil.
11. Tourism
In recent years, as noted in Section B, 3, travel and tourism expenditures have
been as significant in Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County as in other coastal,
areas. However, the City recognizes the potential, especially with attractive
waterfront development. The City will support the development and expansion
of travel and tourism facilities as part of its move toward economic,
diversification. However, all such facilities must be consistent with policies on
protecting and managing its resources. I
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III. ELIZABETH CITY 2002: POLICY IMPLEMENTATION, STRATEGIES. TIME FRAMES
The preceding Section presented a discussion of some of the policy issues facing Elizabeth City during the
period to be covered by this Land Use Plan Update. Although "Elizabeth City 2002" has a 10-year outlook,
i.e., 1992-2002, the plan should be monitored for relevancy and utility on a regualr basis. In fact, the CAMA
planning guidelines call for an updating to take place every five years. In this section, specific recommended
strategies or actions to help implement or effectuate the policy statements, will be presented within the time
frame of the next five (5) years.
Each of the policy areas presented in Section III will be addressed, beginning below:
A. Land Use Stratezy
1. In FY '93-94, the City's Planning Department staff will begin a detailed review of
existing land use control ordinances, i.e., Zoning and Subdivision, with the intent of
revising and updating them. Both of these ordinances developed several years ago,
need to reflect the City's current growth and development objectives. The staff may opt
to seek the services of an outside consultant.
2. In FY '94, the Planning staff will prepare or obtain outside assistance in preparing a
draft zoning map for those areas within the City's "Sphere of Influence," but outside of
Pasquotank County's zoning controls.
3. Throughout the planning period the City will continue to enforce ordinances designed
to remove blighting influences, i.e., trash, junked cars, etc.
B. Economic Development Strategy
1. In FY'93-94, the City Council will direct the City Manager to initiate joint discussions
with appropriate representations of Pasquotank County concerning industrial
recruitment strategies. As stated in the policy discussion, while the City is appreciative
of recent retail and service sector employment growth, jobs in these sectors tend to be
lower -paying than industrial/manufacturing employment. The City will seek to develop
a joint industrial recruitment strategy designed to bring higher paving jobs to the area.
2. In FY '94, the City Council, through the City manager's office will develop a "theme"
for marketing Elizabeth City as a whole. Several other eastern North Carolina cities,
including Rocky Mount and Greenville, have done this in recent years. Using
promotional themes such as "The Bold New City," or "The Rising Star of the East,"
municipalities have developed billboard ads and/or slick, color brochures to promote
the City as a whole. Such an overall theme could help Elizabeth City's overall
economic development "image." This activity will be closely coordinated with the
Chamber of Commerce, Elizabeth City Downtown Inc., and Pasquotank County.
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C.
D.
3. In the FY '93-94 budget, to be adopted by the City Council, the City will include
beginning allocations to help implement recommended improvements to its water and
sewer systems. These recommendations were developed by the Department of Public
Works, and presented in a report, Water and Wastewater Facilities Development
Report, November, 1992. As discussed under the policy statements, Elizabeth City
recognizes the vital link between economic development and the appropriate, adequate,
and "ready" infrastructure, to support that development.
4. In FY '94-95, the Council will direct the City Manager and/or Planning Director to
prepare, or cause to be prepared a "Downtown Revitalization Strategy," focusing on
Elizabeth City's commercial and tourism potential downtown. The staff may seek the
assistance of nationally recognized downtown redevelopment consultants. Such a
study will consider rehabilitaion and re -use of existing, usable buildings, and on
developing specific a downtown focus."
Public Facilities
1. The City will accept, fully, the suggested and feasible improvements to its Water and
Wastewater Facilities, as contained in the November, 1992 report prepared by the
Department of Public Works. The City's interest and intent will be reflected in its FY
'93-94 budget.
2. In FY94-95, the City Council will, on the recommendations of the City Manager and
Recreation Director, begin to make budgetary plans to implement some of the
proposals contained in the City's Recreation Master Plan, to be completed in FY '93-
94. Council may also direct the Recreation Director to explore all feasible outside
grants assistance to help finance recommended proposals. Previous studies have
shown a need for additional neighborhood/community parks, totlots, and a swimming
pool
I�
3. In 1994, the City Manager will contact the County Managers of Pasquotank, Camden
and Currituck, to begin discussing the concept of a large regional park. Appropriate
representatives of the State's Department of Environment, Health and Natural '
Resources will also be contacted.
Housing Strategies
1: In FY '93-94, Elizabeth City will again seek assistance in developing an application for
Small Cities Community Block Grant Funds, with the focus of rehabilitating existing
"re -usable" housing.
2. The City Council will also in FY'93-94 direct a Planning and Community Department
to explore the feasibility of applying for other housing delivery programs, which
provide affordable housing opportunities low and moderate income persons. These
programs, operated by the Division of Community Assistance North Carolina Housing

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Finance Agency, and/or HUD, may include the HOME and (Housing Partnership),
HOPE-3, and others.
3. Recognizing that lands costs are significant elements in new construction, the City will
retain a higher density single family zoning district, i.e., R-6, or 6000, S.F. minimum.
E. Transportation Strategy
1. While Elizabeth City desires to seek connecting roads from the proposed new bypass
to existing commercial areas of the City, the City recognizes that in order to protect
existing residential neighborhoods and the historic district such connecting roads need
to be well planned. The City, therefore, will request that the NCDOT planners not
propose "connectors" through existing residential neighborhoods and/or the historic
district.
2. In FY 193-94, the City will request that the NCDOT accelerate the update of the
Elizabeth City Thoroughfare Plan.
3. The City will also request that NCDOT Planners incorporate into any thoroughfare
planning or roadway improvements, consideration for pedestrian and bicycle access.
The City recognizes this as a need, especially in heavily commercialized areas.
F. Waterfront Development Strategy
Elizabeth City is committed to seeing its downtown waterfront develop into an active, lively attraction
for both tourists and local residents. The City wants to encourage the orderly development of mixed
uses, including retails, places of entertainment, restaurants, boating services and overnight lodging.
Therefore, in FY '93-94, the Planning Department will prepare an appropriate zoning mechanism to
facilitate the development of these commercial and retail uses.
G. Resource Protection
1. Consistent with its desire to protect cultural resources and expand tourism, the City
will continue to support the Historic District Commission's efforts to expand the
existing National Historic District and to increase the City's properties on the National
Register of Historic Properties. In FY '93-94, the City Planning Staff and the
downtown organization, i.e. Elizabeth City Downtown Inc., will identify and contact
the appropriate agencies concerning the possible relocation of the Musuem of the
Albemarle to a downtown waterfront location.
2. The City recognizes that all of its Public Trust Waters are valuable natural and
recreational resources that should be kept open to public navigation. At the same time,
however, the development of docks and piers, which could interfere with public
navigation, could enhance the City's waterfront strategy. Therefore, piers and docks
will be permitted provided they do not result in undue restrictions to public navigation.
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H. Storm Hazards Litigation Strategies
The City will continue to coordinate planning hazard mitigation and post -disaster recovery strategies ,
with Pasquotank County and the appropriate state agencies.
I. Continuing Public Participation Strategy ■
The City will continue the practice of using citizen advisory groups to help formulate policies on land
use issues facing the City. The City will attempt to see to it that appointments to boards, commissions, ■
and advisory groups, are bipartisan and are representative of all elements of the City's make-up.
■
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I IV.
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LAND CLASSIFICATION
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 City or County. It is not a
strict regulatory device 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 classification is also useful in the staging of services necessary to support
development. The regulations for the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) 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)
There are now seven general land use classifications under CAMA: Developed; Urban Transition;
Limited Transition; Community; Rural; Rural with Services; and Conservation. At the time of
Elizabeth City's last Land Use Plan Update, there were only five. In applying the land classification
system, each local government should give careful consideration to how, where and when certain types
and intensities of development will be either encouraged or discouraged. A summary of the seven
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. Generally, public or
provided in areas classified rural
(713.0204)(5)(A)
private water or sewer systems will not be
as an incentive for intense development.
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)
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The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for the effective long-term
management and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas.
(713.0204)(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 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 H. (See Map 5 Land Classification Map)
The land classification system contained in this 1992 Update of Elizabeth City's CAMA Land Use Plan,
has been developed as an aid to guiding the growth and development of the City and its extraterritorial
jurisdiction. The land classification discussion and map are general reflections of the City's desired
future growth patterns, consistent with existing and possible future 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 the
following reasons: 1) consistency and coordination between local land use policies and those of the
State of North Carolina; 2) provides a guide for public investment inland, by assisting Local and State
government to know in advance the need for parks, schools, highways, etc.; 3) serves as a framework,
for budgeting and planning for the construction of community facilities; and 4) enables the City to
"guide" growth and development to areas best suited to service their needs. The land classification
system further serves as a vital implementation tool for the community issues and policies found in the
preceding Section II.
B. Developed
The developed class of land use provides for continued intensive development and redevelopment of
existing cities or municipalities. Areas to be classified as developed include land currently developed
for urban purposes or approaching a density of three (3) dwellings per acre and provided with the usual
municipal or public services and police and fire protection. In other words, such areas must currently
beurban in character. Urban lands have mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial and
institutional or other uses at high to medium densities.
Within Elizabeth City's jurisdiction, especially within the City limits, the majority of the land is indeed
"urban" in character and therefore classified as "developed."
For planning purposes all of the land within the current City limits (excluding areas containing AEC's)
and portions of the ETJ in the Northwest and Southwest has been classified as Developed.
i
C. Urban Transition I
Urban transition land is classified as those lands providing for future intensive urban development ,
within the ensuing ten years on lands that are the most suitable and that will be able to support intensive

' urban development, and provided with the necessary public utilities and services to support intensive
urban development. They may also provide for additional growth when additional lands in the
developed class are not available or when the remaining lands in the developed class are not available
for when the remaining lands in the developed class are severely limited for development.
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Lands classified transition may include:
1. Lands included in municipal extraterritorial planning jurisdictions and areas being considered
for annexation;
2. Predominately residential areas that are approaching densities of three (3) units per acre, or
have a majority of lots smaller than 15,000 square feet and will be provided with essential
urban services; or
3. Lands contiguous with existing developed municipal areas.
Urban transition lands must further:
1. be served or be readily served by public water, sewer, and other urban services; and
2. be generally free of severe physical limitation for urban development.
The urban transition class should not include:
1. lands of high potential for agriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction, or,
2. lands where urban development might result in major or irreversible damage to important
environmental, scientific, or scenic values, or
3. land where urban development might result in damage to natural systems or processes of more
than local concern; and
4. lands where development will result in undue risk to life or property from natural hazards or
existing land uses.
5. lands that are designated as areas of environmental concern (AEC).
Most of the land within Elizabeth City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, (ETJ), is classified as Urban
Transition, excluding AEC's.
The relationship between the developed and urban transition classification is important. The first class
is meant to define the already developed areas and/or those areas where public investment decisions
will be required to provide the necessary urban services. These become important areas to monitor
closely. The Coastal Resources Commission has further clarified this relationship as described below:
The Developed and Urban Transition classes should be the only lands under
active consideration by the County or municipality for intensive urban
development requiring extensive urban services such as sewage treatment. The
area within these classes is where detailed local land use and public investment
planning will occur. State and Federal expenditures on projects associated with
urban development (water, sewer, urban street sytems, etc.) will be guided to
these areas. Large amounts of vacant land suitable for urban development
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within the developed class should be taken into account when calculating the
amount of additional lands needed to accommodate projected growth.
D. Rural
The Rural class provides for agriculture, forest management, mineral extraction and other low intensity
uses on large sites including residence where urban services are not required and where natural
resources will not be unduly impaired. These are lands identified as appropriate locations for resource
management and allied uses; lands with high potential for agriculture, foresty or mineral extraction;
lands with one or more limitations that would make development costly and hazardous; and land
containing irreplaceable, limited or significant natural, recreational or scenic resources not otherwise
protected.
Within its ETJ, Elizabeth City recognizes, that some undeveloped areas do provide valuable open
space and in waterfront locations, serve as recreational resources. However, most of the undeveloped
land in the ETJ will eventually require urban services, i.e., water and sewer. This will facilitate urban
transition development. This area will not be classified as Rural.
E. Conservation
The final land use category, according to CAMA guidelines, is the Conservation class, which provides
for effective long-term managment of significant, limited, or irreplaceable resources. This classification
must, at minimum, include all of the statutorily defined AEC's. Other areas within the City's jurisdiction
with natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic value, may also require similar effective long-
term management.
In Elizabeth City's jurisdiction, the environmentally sensitive areas identifed as areas of environmental
concern (AEC's) include coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines, public trust areas, and
the Elizabeth City well fields. However, because of many variables, making it difficult to locate these
on a map, the portrayal of the "Conservation" class is very limited on the Land Classification Map.
Examples of other Conservation areas include major 404 wetlands (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); or
publicly owned water supply watersheds. In Elizabeth City's jurisdiction the conservation class applies
to 404 wetlands and areas of environmental concern (AFC's).
The Conservation designation should not be misconstrued to imply non-use, but does imply a need for
careful and cautious mana eg ment 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 of all uses. Within lands designated conservation, each proposal, or application
for any development should be reviewed on case by case basis.
Since, as stated previously, conservation does not imply preservation, specific allowable uses in the
Conservation class shall include:
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' 1. Low density residential development if, and as, allowed by the Pasquotank County
Health Department and the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. Water and sewer services
will not be extended to such a residential area merely to stimulate additional growth
and development. It should be noted, however, that within the City limits, water
and/or sewer service may already be available to some AEC areas. On -site services, in
' the absence of centralized services, may be permitted if soils are suitable.
2. Water -oriented uses such as piers, docks, and marinas, if consistent with Resource
' Protection policies and are shown not to cause detriment to the estuarine waters or
other Conservation areas. This may also include commercial waterfront development if
done consistent with other protection policies. In designated 404 Wetland areas, the
' City will accept the permitting decisions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
3. Necessary utility service lines, such as water, sewer, electrical, natural gas, etc., when it
is demonstrated that the ecological system of the Conservation area will not be
significantly altered. As noted in Item 1 above, development, only to the extent needed
to meet an existing or expected health problem or to serve existing development.
4. Roadways, when construction of roadways can be conducted without significantly
altering the ecological system, and in compliance with existing federal, state, and local
' regulations.
5. Other uses allowed include those permittted by the Elizabeth City Zoning Ordinance
' for the particular zoning district in which the conservation classification is located.
F. Other Classification
Other classifications contained in the CAMA Planning Guidelines, but which are not relevant to
Elizabeth City are Limited Transition, Community, and Rural with Services.
' G. Land Classification Summary
The proposed classification of land for varying levels of intensity and provision of public services in
Elizabeth City's jurisdiction were presented in parts A through F above. These classifications relate
directly to the policy statements contained in Section II of this Plan. Additional information on the
relationship between the land classification system and policies will be presented in Section V.
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V. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAND CLASSIFICATION AND POLICIES I
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 proposal policies for Resource Protection, Resource Production and NI-nagement, and Economic and
Community Development are all 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
preceding discussions of the Land Classification system. '
One notable departure from the 1987 Update, is the absence of a rg aphic depiction of the "Conservation" class.
Because of the difficulty in pinpointing "on -the -ground" locations of conservation areas, it was decided not to
portray it on any map. However, the recommended allowable uses and density issues are presented on pages
92-96.
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tVL 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.
A number of State, County, and Federal agencies were contacted during the Plan development process.
Several contacts were made with representatives of Pasquotank County in order to discuss issues of
mutual concern and to share relevant data. Contact was also made with representatives of the U.S.
Coast Guard Station as part of the data collection and analysis process. It is anticipated that this 1992
Plan Update will serve as an "Interactive Document," with information and policies useful not only for
Elizabeth City, but for Pasquotank County and the Coast Guard Station as well.
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Appendix I - -
Analysis of 1987
Policy Statements

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ANALYSIS OF 1987 POLICES: ELIZABETH CITY LAND USE PLAN
The CAMA Land Use Plan for coastal communities is a policy
document to help local governments develop sound growth
management policies. Because circumstances, conditions, and
issues change over time, the Coastal Resources Commission
requires the local land use plans to be updated every five years.
' This action affords local governments the opportunity to take a
"second look" at previously developed policies for their
relevance and effectiveness and to examine newly emerging trends
' and concerns. _
An important premise for the development of new, 1992 policies is
an assessment of the previous policy statements, objectives, and
any implementation steps taken to effectuate them. This summary
analysis of some of the major policies contained in Elizabeth
City's 1987 plan is being presented as an appendix to the 1992
Plan Update again. A review of the current status of the 1987
policies and proposed actions helps to identify new policy issues
and new required actions and timetables.
I. Recreation and Open Space
' A. Policies/Objectives
1. The city will develop an open space greenway
system connecting Rnobbs Creek, Charles Creek
and the Pasquotank River.
2. The city will consider implementation of all
recommendations included in the 1976
Elizabeth City Open Space and Recreation
Plan.
3. The city will continue regulation of
development in order to provide for adequate
open space and recreational facilities.
4. The city will encourage diversity of open
space and recreational services and
facilities to satisfy a diverse population.
5. City will encourage efficient non -overlapping
provision of recreational services by all
agencies and institutions as well as by
Camden County.
' 6. City will promote recreational and open space
opportunities which utilize access to
' Pasquotank River and its tributaries.
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B.
7. The city encourages development of scenic
canoe trails along the area's waterways in
collaboration with the county.
8. City will seek to provide open space and
recreational facilities accessible and
attractive to visitors and non-residents as a
viable approach to increasing local tourism
and promoting economic development.
9. Acquisition of easements for potential
recreating land through zoning and
subdivision regulations.
10. Connect creational facilities to the city's
historic resources.
11. City will.pursue dispersion of recreational
facilities throughout the community for
accessibility to all population groups.
Assessment of Accomplishments
All of the policies (items 1-8) listed in the Recreation
and Open Space section of the plan are still ongoing. In
1990,-a study was completed by a team of consultants
which expressed the feasibility of a green way in
Elizabeth City. The greenway system design encompasses
several existing parks therefore requiring no land
acquisition. Also within the greenway design there are
several vacant city -owned tracts, and developers have
dedicated some land through easements for construction of
the greenway. The city continues to encourage protection
and enhancement of scenic canoe trails and waterways as
well as access to the river and its tributaries. This is
evidenced by the greenway design which not only serves as
a buffer from development but also provides public access
to these resources. Also, the City has completed a Water
Access Plan.
The 1976 Elizabeth City Open Space and Recreation Plan
and the Bicycle Plan are older documents, but these
documents set forth basic goals of recreation provision
and are still being used as guides. The city has
continued to encourage efficiency and quality in the
provision of recreational services. For example, in
June, 1991, when the city and county completed a
recreation center for seniors adjacent to the Rnobbs
Creek Recreation Center.
Currently, the city's subdivision regulations require
developers to dedicate land withLin the subdivision for
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open space purposes or to pay a fee to the city to
is being
improve other facilities. This policy
clarified and strengthened by the planning board.
' II.
Traffic and Transportation
A. Policies/objectives
1. The city will strive to make the necessary
improvements to prevent traffic congestion
and dangerous travel conditions.
2. Development plans for areas along major
thoroughfares will be reviewed to insure
limited traffic and congestion problems.
3. The city will pursue road and street
improvements with consideration given to
hurricane and storm evacuation.
4. The city will consider implementation of
public transportation programs which address
mobility concerns.
r
S. The city will strive to implement the
detailed recommendations contained in the
Bicycle Plan for the city.
6. Future development will be carefully
evaluated to ensure adequate access by
'
firefighting vehicles.
B. Assessment of Accomplishments
All of the traffic and transportation policies
(items 1-6) are still ongoing concerns. The city
and state have made several road improvements in
'
the Elizabeth City area. A major improvement
project underway is the widening of Halstead
Boulevard to five lanes. All development
proposals and recommended road improvements are
'
reviewed so as to minimize traffic and congestion
in the area including timely circulation of fire
and other emergency vehicles. In 1988, a
thoroughfare plan for Elizabeth City was
completed. This plan makes recommendations based
on recent development patterns and transportation
issues for Elizabeth City. Public transportation
'
is encouraged in the form of van pools and ride
sharing, etc., but public transit is still not
3

feasible given the population. The
recommendations of the Bicycle Plan have not been
actively pursued since 1987.
Waterfront Revitalization
A. Policies/Obiectives
1. The city will consider implementation of many
of the recommendations contained in the 1980
Waterfront Development Study.
2. City will ensure that adequate open space
areas on the waterfront are protected.
3. The city will encourage connection of these
open areas to other open areas throughout the
city.
4. Waterfront areas will be connected to West
Main Streets and Downtown Historic Districts.
S. Adaptive reuse of the existing structures
downtown shall be encouraged.
6. The city will encourage mixed -use
developments along waterfront including
residential, retail and tourist oriented
activities. This mixed use could also
include a farmers market.
�. Development around the waterfront will be
reviewed to ensure that scenic waterfront
views and vistas are preserved and enhanced.
8. City will encourage construction of retail,
restaurants, and other commercial uses with
direct access to the Pasquotank River and
river related uses.
:9. The city will ensure that marina facilities
are adequate to accommodate both transient
and local boating traffic.
10. The city will consider further investment in
various public improvements such as
• sidewalks, fountains, etc. to improve
attractiveness and accessibility of the
waterfront.
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11. Protected harbor development for Charles Creek
area will be considered.
12. The city discourages piecemeal development of the
waterfront area.
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B. Assessment of Accomplishments
Majority of the 1987 policies (i.e., items 1-8) for
waterfront revitalization are ongoing concerns as the
waterfront continues to develop. However, a resolution
'
imposing more stringent design standards then imposed
by the 1980 study was not adopted by elected officials.
This proposed zoning district would have promoted a
mixture of uses including residential, retail, office,
recreational, cultural, and light industrial.
The number of boat slips have been increased to
accommodate more boat traffic, and the city has added
sidewalks, parking lots, signeage, etc. to improve
attractiveness of the waterfront area. In January,
'
1989, a study on public access to waterfronts was
completed. This study inventoried existing and
potential strategies and implementation techniques for
achieving public access. Also, several public access
projects have been completed by the city. Elizabeth
City applied for and received designation as a North
Carolina Coastal Initiative Community. This
designation may aid the city's future efforts in
waterfront/commercial/economic development.
' IV.
Housing
A. Policies/Objectives
1. The city will explore ways to increase the local
supply of affordable housing.
2. The city will continue to work to improve the
condition of the existing housing stock with first
priority given to houses in greater need.
3. The city will attempt to eliminate impediments to
construction of new multi -family and rental
-housing units in the city.
4. The city will promote a balance of different
'
housing types in different areas of the city.
5. Historic structures will be protected.
6. City will enforce minimum housing code so as to
encourage rehabilitation of dilapidated housing.
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7. City will consider developing policies or
zoning ordinance amendments to protect solar
access for homes and businesses in the city.
B. Assessment of Accomplishments
All policies (items 1-7) are still ongoing
concerns to city officials of Elizabeth City. The
city remains committed to housing through
preservation as well as promotion of housing types
for all income levels. Since 1986, the city has
completed Community Development Block Grant
Applications for several neighborhoods including
Martin Street, Brown Street, and Grice Street.
Currently the city's zoning ordinance allows for
different housing types including, those relying on
solar energy. The Elizabeth City Neighborhood
Development Commission and the planning staff are
involved with applications for rehabilitation
funds for several different neighborhoods. Also,
the city planning staff has proposed five
additional historic preservation districts to
preserve the existing housing stock.
V. Economic/Industrial Development
A. Policies/Obiectives
I
1. The city will encourage the economic growth I
and development of the area.
2. The city will discourage growth and
development which adversely affects
surrounding areas.
3. Service and retail development will be '
reviewed to assess aesthetic and urban design
features.
4. The city will pursue an efficient balance
between retail development downtown and
retail on the fringes.
S. Farmland areas will be preserved to the
extent possible from premature conversion for
development.
6. The city in collaboration with the county
will continue to promote recruitment of
industries in the region.
6
1

7.
The city will place more emphasis on
'
promotion of tourism as a form of economic
development.
'
8:
Economic development efforts should focus on
revitalization and rehabilitation of vacant
and dilapidated structures in downtown
1
Elizabeth City.
9.
The city encourages new industries to locate
'
in its industrial parks.
10.
Elizabeth City will support and lobby for
transportation improvements which enhance
commercial and industrial activities.
11.
The airport will be a strong focal point in
achieving economic and industrial
development.
'
12. The city will pursue airport improvements as
well as the creation of an independent
airport authority utilizing county
involvement.
'
13. Efforts will be made to keep the Dismal Swamp
Canal open to boat traffic as well as to have
'
the canal included on the register of
national historic places. .
14. City will continue efforts to obtain state
approval and funding for a welcome center on
U.S. Highway 17.
Assessment and Accomplishments
A majority of the economic development items (1-
11) are ongoing policies in the city's effort to
promote and to maintain economic and industrial
development. The Department of Industrial and
'
Economic Development has played an important role
in economic growth and development.
Since 1987, several businesses have located
" in Elizabeth -City creating jobs and
increasing the tax base. Due to the zoning
ordinance, review process, and the recruiting
efforts of the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank
County Industrial Development Commission, the
growth has been compatible with the existing
uses in the area and has preserved the high
quality of life in the area including the
preservation of farm areas.
7

VI.
The city has achieved a balance between activity
downtown and activity on the city's fringes. The
downtown has maintained its vitality mainly due to
the waterfront and tourist activities which serve
important economic functions. While the city has
made a number of waterfront improvements downtown in
the recent years, implementation of the Main Street
program by Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. including
the opening of many new businesses has also played a
large role in increasing the vitality of downtown.
The River City Community Development Corporation,
Inc. established in 1990, completed a -study in
October, 1991, proposing revitalization of the
McMorrrine Street area. The study discusses
existing conditions in the area and proposes
strategies for revitalization. Also, the city
stresses its airport as an important tool for
economic development of the area as well as its
location in the region. Two proposals including the
Elizabeth City Bypass and a proposed highway
connector considered by the state are pursued as
opportunities to promote Economic/Industrial
Development in the city as well as the region.
An independent airport authority has been
established for the area. The Dismal Swamp remains
open to boat traffic but has not been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places. State
approval has been received for the Dismal Swamp
Welcome Center on highway 17North which opened in
1989. These issues will enhance and improve
economic and industrial development in the area.
Mitigation of Natural Hazards
A. Policies/obiectives
1. The city, in collaboration with the county,
will periodically evaluate the adequacy of
designated hurricane shelters both in terms of
capacity and location.
2. City and county will evaluate evacuation
procedures and transportation routes to
minimize dangers in the event of a storm.
3. City and county will conduct an exercise
annually to familiarize staff with emergency
procedures and operations and to evaluate the
evacuation plan.
4. City will pursue the formation of a post -
hurricane recovery and reconstruction task
force.
8

S. The,city in collaboration with the county,
will establish a post -hurricane damage
assessment team in advance of such a
disaster.
6. The city supports the objectives and intent
of the National Flood Insurance Program and
will continue to enforce its regulations.
•7. City will regulate and/or discourage future
development in the flood plain to minimize
exposure to future hurricane and coastal
storm events.
8. City. will carefully regulate redevelopment
and reconstruction following a hurricane so
that mitigation opportunities, as well as
opportunities to accomplish other local .
objectives are not foreclosed by abrupt and
hasty rebuilding.
9. Future public investments by the city will,
to the extent possible, take local flood
hazards into account.
10. City will ensure, to the extent possible,
that future residents locating in flood
hazard areas are sufficiently aware of these
natural hazards.
B. Assessment of Accomplishments
Items 1-5 have only been addressed marginally by
Elizabeth City. The shelters are periodically
inspected, but no tasks forces, assessment teams,
or annual test procedures have been established.,
The city does, however, evaluate development and
improvements with natural disasters in mind.
Compatibility with Coast Guard Station
' A. Policies/Objectives
1. City will encourage the Coast Guard to employ
' traffic patterns which minimize noise impacts
and accident hazards for city residents.
2. The city will review its zoning ordinance and
other land use policies to consider
adjusting permissible densities in high
hazard/high noise areas identified in the
9

VIII.
AICUZ study to reflect public risks of
development in these areas.
3. The city will encourage the Coast Guard to
pursue acquisition of land in clear zones
through the purchase of easements or fee -
simple title in these areas.
4. The city will encourage all future
development locating in high noise areas to
be designed in a soundproof manner.
S. The city will prohibit the location of high -
occupancy uses such as hospitals, churches,
sports arenas, recreational facilities,etc.'
in designated areas of concern.
6. City will continue to ensure that future
occupants of structures and future landowners
in these areas be sufficiently made aware of
the risks and desamenities of these sites.
B. Assessment of Accomplishment
All policies addressing compatibility with the
Coast Guard Station are ongoing concerns. Items
1-3 were addressed through the establishment of an
airport zoning district which was adopted in 1990.
The remaining policy concerns are considered as
part of the review process for development
proposals in the Coast Guard Station vicinity.
Public Services and Facilities
A. Policies/Obiectives
1. The city, in collaboration with the county,
will periodically evaluate the capacity, and
predicted future need for solid waste
facilities.
2. The city will plan for necessary sewer and
water facility improvements commensurate with
future growth and development.
3. The city will continue to make improvements
to the existing wastewater treatment system
in order to comply with state pollution
standards.
10
F
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1
4. The provision of water and sewer extensions
will be financed in such a way that those
residents who benefit from the services are
required to pay for them.
5. The city will consider annexation as an
approach to increasing the city's tax base
and ability to pay for needed public services
and facilities.
6. The city should consider how its sewer and
water extension practices influence the cost
and efficiency of these facilities.
'
7. City will consider the impact of its facility
extension decisions on overall patterns of
'
growth and development of other goals and
objectives.
B. Assessment of Accomplishments
'
Policies
addressing public services and facilities have
changed somewhat since the 1987 CAMA update of the Land
Use Plan. Solid waste, as well as most other services
in the are, is handled individually by the city and the
county. However, due to a change in state
regulations„ the city and county are considering
participation in a regional solid waste program. To
this end, a regional solid waste management study was
completed in 1991 recommending strategies for regional
management of solid waste. The city has also
implemented a recycling program, which includes
developing a volunteer curbside program.
Items 2 and 3 are still ongoing concerns in development
decisions. The city completed a wastewater master plan
in June, 1990 which assesses current flow rates and
, projected flow rates based on growth patterns. Also,
1
the city has a policy of extending water and sewer to
residents who request the services without requiring
'
the residents alone to pay for the services. .
The city has annexed several areas since the 1987 Land
Use Plan Update. These annexed areas provide
1
additional revenue to the city to pay for improvements
and additional public services. In order, to provide
direction to policy of annexation the city produced an
ETJ study in 1991. This report discusses the
'
feasibility of applying the current zoning ordinance,
subdivision regulations and public nuisance ordinance
up to two miles
'
11
1

IZ.
X.
rather than the existing one mile. This study
also inherently addresses cost issues in funding
public services. The City Department of Fire
Administrative Offices completed a master plan in
1992 which expressed areas of concern in terms of
additional staff and facilities.
Cost of sewer
consideration
proposals.
and water expansion is an underlying
in review of all development
Protection of Natural Fragile Areas
A. Policies/Objectives
1. City will consider perpetual protection of
wooded swampland areas through fee -simple or
less than fee -simple purchase.
2. City will regulate future land uses and
activities along estuarine water bodies.
3. City will protect the few remaining saltwater
marsh areas.
B. Assessment of Accomplishments
All policies listed in the Protection of Natural
Fragile Areas (items 1-3) are ongoing policies of
Elizabeth City. Local and state ordinances require
the protection of many natural fragile areas and
development decisions abide by these regulations.
A number of subdivisions, both residential and
commercial, have already deeded to the -city
easements to wooded swamp along the proposed
greenway route.
Urban Design/Aesthetics Resources
A. Policies/Objectives
1. The city will continue to enhance the visual
and scenic qualities of the Pasquotank River
through regulation of future development.
2. Future efforts will be made to control and
regulate commercial and other forms of
development along the city's major
thoroughfares.
12
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'
3.
The.city will continue to enforce and.
evaluate the stringency of the existing
design standards of the zoning ordinance.
'
4.
The city will protect visual integrity by
carefully controlling the size, location and
configurations of signs and advertisements
and will consider adopting a sign ordinance.
-5.
The city will require or encourage new
1
development to adhere to more stringent
project and site designs -which are more
responsive to visual and aesthetic quality.
t6.
City.will consider preparation of a specific
visual resource protection plan which would
provide detailed examples of aesthetically
pleasing designs.
7.
The city will continue to ensure that future
'
development and redevelopment in historic
districts and areas is visually compatible.
8. The city will seek to eliminate outdoor
junk, trash, abandoned automobiles, etc. in
areas not designated to contain such items
throughout the entire city.
S. Assessment of Accomplishments
The Urban Design goals expressed through the
policies In this section are ongoing concerns
reflected in all development and redevelopment
decisions.
Items 1-3 are considered in all new development
proposals. The city makes a conscious effort to
' control signeage but no sign control ordinance has
been adopted.
The city does not impose structure design
standards on new development but encourages
stricter standards. No visual resource protection
plan has been established but the city gives
consideration to compatibility of development in
or around historic areas.
The city enforces urban design standards through
its existing zoning, nuisance and subdivision
ordinances. Also, the city inspectors enforce the
minimum housing code.
13

Summary Assessment
A review of the City's policies developed five years ago reveals
that many of the previously expressed concerns are still
relevant. One feature of the 1987 policies which can be improved
upon in this current Update, is the inclusion of target dates and
assignment of responsibility for implementing the policies, i.e.,
"Who will do what and when?".
14

Appendix 11
Citizen Participation Plan
1

'I
' City of Elizabeth City, N.C.
Mate CARA Land Use Plan
Public Participation Plan, 1992
Sub -chapter 7B of the N.C. Administration Code, CAMA Land Use
Planning Guidelines, requires that the Land Use Plan Update process be
conducted in the public arena. It is the responsibility of the local
government to involve, inform, and educate a broad cross-section of
the population. Ideally, 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.
The City of Elizabeth City is aware of this responsibility and is
committed to achieving this obligation throughout the development of
the 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan Update. The following information
outlines the actions which will be taken in order to both provide
' information to the public and to maintain citizen involvement
throughout the process:
A. Designation of Principal Citizen Liaison
' The City of Elizabeth City's Planning Commission, already
representing a cross-section of citizens within the City's
jurisdiction, will serve as the principal liaison between the
Planning Staff, (including Planning Consultants), and the public.
The Planning Commission will serve in a review and advisory
capacity throughout all phases of the planning process, and meet
regularly with the appropriate Planning Staff and Planning
Consultant.
B. Public Information/Public Participation Meetings
The Planning Commission, along with the Planning Staff and
Consultant, will conduct publicly advertised Public
Information/Public Participation Meetings during various stages of
' the planning process. The purpose of these meetings (which are
not formal public hearings) will be both educational and to
actively seek public comment and participation. 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. The first meeting will be
scheduled for April 7, 1992, with a second meeting in the summer,
and a third prior to submitting the plan to the CRC in September.
Also, notices of the meetings will be advertised through the local
media, e.g., The Daily Advance, and radio and television public
service announcements.
' A major feature of the first Public Information meeting is the
proposed conducting of a "Nominal Group Technique" in order to
encourage direct citizen participation. This technique and its
' proposed application to Elizabeth City is explained below:
1. Nominal Group Technique
Citizens attending the Public Information Meeting will
receive an explanation of the LAMA Land Use Planning
Process, its purpose, and the significance of meaningful

C.
D.
E.
F.
public participation. Then, staff representatives will
serve as "Facilitators" and ask the group to identify the
most important planning and growth management issues in
Elizabeth City. From the listing, which will be posted,
the number will be narrowed down to from six (6) to eight
(8) issues. Those attending will be asked to form as
many "issue groups" as identified. These subgroups will
later be asked for input in the form of goal statements
which will be helpful in formulating actual policies.
Survey Ouestionnaire
In addition to the use of the nominal group technique, Elizabeth
City also intends to conduct a Citizen's Survey, using a
questionnaire format.
A number of "issue questions" will be developed and approved by
the Planning Commission seeking input on land use, environmental,
economic, and public facilities issues. Instead of a mail -out or
telephone random sample survey, the final survey will be printed
in the local newspaper, with a request for either mail -box return,
or drop-off in several designated locations. This technique has
proven efficient and economical as a survey technique.
Special Notification to Civic and Social Groups
At the beginning of the Plan Update process, a list of local civic
and social organizations will be developed. These organizations
will receive a notification of the first Public Information
Meeting (and the two other information meetings) by mail. This
will help ensure that a broad representation of the citizens are
made aware of the plan update process.
Monthly Meetings With Planning Commission
It is anticipated that the Planning Consultant will meet at least
monthly with the Planning Commission. These meetings will be open
to the public, with adequate notices to be published prior to each
meeting. These meetings will be conducted from March through
September 1992, for a total of at least seven meetings. The
meetings will be scheduled for the following dates: March 10;
April �7; May 12; June 9; July 14; August 11, and September 8.
Other special meetings may also be conducted. All, however, are
open to the public.
Second and Third Public Information Meetings
Based on the progress of the planning ]process, a second public
information -meeting will be conducted, with due public notice, in
either June or July. After policies have been developed by the
Planning Commission, a third public information meeting for public
comment, will likely take place in early September, 1992.
G. Periodic "Progress Reports" to the City Council
The final major component of Elizabeth City's Public Participation
Plan, is the provision of periodic "progress reports" to the City
Council. The times and format, however, will be determined by the
1
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1
1
1
1
Planning Commission and Planning Staff.
All of the above activities should provide substantial
opportunities for the City of Elizabeth City to inform, educate,
and involve a broad cross-section of citizens in the development
of it's CAMA Land Use Plan Update. This Public Participation Plan
is hereby adopted by the Elizabeth City City Council, on
1992.

"Elizabeth City 2002: Everybody's Future"
Public Forum
April 7,1992
Introduction....
According to the Planning Guidelines contained In the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA), local governments in the state's 20 coastal counties must update
their land use plans every five years. Elizabeth City's first CAMA Plan was adopted in 1976,
with updates taking place in 1981 and 1987.
The purpose of the land use plan Is to permit local officials to make informed decisions
about growth and change within their Jurisdictions. The plan analyzes population, housing,
economic, land use and other trends and conditions and their Implications. The planning
process should be a collaborative effort with Input from the citizens. This helps to identity the
Important goals and policies for the city, to help guide and manage its physical growth and
development. The plan becomes an important policy tool, helping to shape the city's future.
Trends ....
- Population: During the 1970's, Elizabeth City's population declined from 14,381 In 1970, to
14,007In 1980, a net loss of 374 persons or -2.6%. During the 1980s, however, the City's
population began to increase again, with a 1990 census population of 14,292, an
Increase of 285 persons, or +2.0% since 1980. For the 20-year period (1970-1990), the
city's population represents a net decline of 89 persons. During the same 20-year
period, however, Pasquotank County's population grew from 26,824 to 31,298, an
Increase of 4,474 persons or +16.7%.
• Economy:
• Employment: Compared to the State and National trends, employment has remained fairly
stable in the Elizabeth City area. In 1990, the area unemployment rate was 4.3%,
compared to 4.2% for the state. At the end of 1991, i.e. December, unemployment for
Elizabeth City was 5.4%, and 6.5% in January,1992. Compared to 5.5% and 6.7% for
the state. The national unemployment rate for January 1992 was 7.1 %.
Income and Earnings: In 1982, the per capita income for Pasquotank County was $8,325,
which was 91 % of the state's average per capita of $9,153. In 1989, however,
Pasquotank's per capita income was $12,723, which Is only 83% of the state's average
$15,287. Although income has grown substantially, the "gap" between the Elizabeth
City area and the state is widening. (For example, total personal income in Pasquotank
grew by 7.2% from 1986 to 1987, i.e. from $318 mil. to $343 mil., while the stata's total
personal income grew by 8.5%).
Tax Base: (Total Assessed Value: Countywide) millions:
19887_ 1988
1989
1990
1991
Retail Sales (Millionsl: 228.3 225.3
205.2
215.8
361.6 (reevaluation)
240.7 237.6
Value of Construction (Building Permits) - millions:
251.5
249.2
292.7
4.9 7.6
6.8
14.9
6.3
1

1
Elizabeth City 2002: Everybody's Future
Public Forum No. 1; Summary Results
Introduction:
The City of Elizabeth City is in the process of developing a new Land
1 Use Plan. Policies contained in the plan will help guide the City's
growth and development over the next 5 to 10 years. An important part
of the planning process is the input the City receives from its
1 citizens. On April 7, 1992, the first of several "Public Forums" was
held at the Kermit -White Center, Elizabeth City State University. The
citizens present separated into smaller work groups and developed a
list of what they felt to be the most important issues the City will
have ;.o face in the next 10 years. Issues were addressed under eight
(8) general headings, as listed below:
11
- Land Use
- Economic/Industrial Development
Resource Protection
- Public Facilities
- Housing
Transportation
- Waterfront Development/Access
Human Resources
The comments and concerns provided by the citizens are summarized by
broad category, beginning below:
A. Land Use
Most of the attention was focused on enforcement of existing
ordinances and issues of beautification and asthetics. Summary
comments included:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Establish specific guidelines for growth o
Limit the minimum residential building lot
Enforce existing ordinances on building
curfew, maintenance of vacant lots,
overgrowth;
Establish a program to beautify the entire
- requiring underground utilities;
- establishing an Adopt -a -Street program;
adoption of a sign ordinance;
Acti 1
f the City;
size to 8,000 sf;
codes, trespassing,
litter, weeds and
City, including:
ve y pursue annexation in order to expand the
Pursue expansion of Extraterritorial Jurisdiction;
Make provision for more bike trails, greenspace,
development;
Prohibit trucks and vans from parking at corners;
Conduct annual review of the Land Use Plan.
tax base;
and greenway
B. Economic1Industrial Development
Most of the emphasis in this category focused on expanding the
City's economic base through job creation and improvement in
infrastructure to support economic expansion. Summary comments
included:
1. Recruit major industries to bring in diversified jobs for
local citizens and not only in "Fast Foods";

2. Consolidate or merge City and County governments, facilities,
and services;
3. Continue downtown revitalization efforts;
4. Establish a small business development center;
5. Promote tourism;
6. Establish and promote a Bicentennial Celebration for the City;
7. Continue to actively support the Museum of the Albermarle;
S. Develop more cultural entertainment;
9. Improve the municipal airport;
10. Develop a Public Safety Plan.
C. Resource P otection
The citizens present expressed significant concern about the
City's air and water quality and its special historic resources:
1. Continue to identify historic structures and expand the
existing Historic District for purposes of preservation;
2. Improve air quality and water quality ;
3. Protect the City's waterfront;
4. Protect the City's water supply;
5. Improve waste water treatment;
6. Increase the amount of greenspace and park lands.
D. Public Pacilit ea
Recreation facilities and improvements in water and sewer
facilities dominated the concerns in this category:
1. Establish parks and recreation centers in different sections
of Town -- especially children's la 20 playgrounds;
Plan for better utilization of existing buildings and
encourage community groups to conduct more indoor recreational
activities for youth of all ages;
3. Place all utilities underground, including overhead utility
lines;
4. Expand and improve street lighting, i.e., more illumination
and fewer dark spots;
5. Place special lighting in the Historic District, :with
appropriate style and intensity, to enhance the area;
6. Improve both water pressure and quality;
7. Improve waste water treatment;
S. Establish more training for meter readers;
9. Develop new sidewalks for streets without them;
10. Conduct a feasibility study for development of an
amphitheater;
11. Establish more responsive and equitable electric rate setting,
reflecting the cost; and maintaining adequate surplus for
emergencies;
12. Establish better school system;
13. Establish a communication tower and television station;
14. Consolidate City and County services.
E. Housin
The principal focus of concern was recognition of a need for more
affordable housing and rehabilitation of existing dwellings.
Other comments addressed the issues of providing adequate housing
for the elderly and improving the maintenance of existing public
housing. Summary comments included the following:
i
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Ll
mtac

0
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I
I
I
1
iJ
1. Provide adequate yard space by prohibiting the building of
residences on any lot less than 8,000 sf;
2. Preserve historic sites and historic neighborhoods.
F. Transportation
There was concern expressed for a need to improve traffic flow
throughout the City = to provide some form of public transit --
especially for students at ECSU. Comments are summarized below:
I. Provide better means of accessibility, both pedestrian
(sidewalk) and pedestrian trails, and through public transit,
for students aft ECSU;
2. Establish bicycle routes;
3. Support the proposed US Highway
4. Support improvements to all of
Virginia; •
S. Improve the traffic flow and
Colonial Avenue;
6. Improve the Municipal Airport.
17 By-pass;
US 17 in North Carolina and
pattern in Main Street and
G. waterfront Development/Access
The related issues of waterfront development and public access
were also addressed:
I. The City should consider acquisition or public -private
partnerships to develop appropriate sites for public access to
the river, inside and outside of the immediate downtown area;
2. Plan for compatible development around Main Street, church
Street, and Water Street, with the focus being on
beautification, underground utilities, and pedestrian
crosswalks.
H. Human Resources
The category of human resources encompassed a broad spectrum of
social concerns -- from race relations to concerns over the
proliferation of illegal drugs and related problems. Comments
Included:
Eliminate racial discrimination and improve race relations;
2. Establish local drug rehabilitation center;
3. Address the problems of drugs and crime;
4. Develop more correlation between schools, churches, and homes;
S. The City should improve its network and utilization of
educational facilities;
6. Hold schools accountable for teaching relevant materials and
basic skills;
7. Hold parents more accountable for children's actions;
S.. Establish point venture development between the City of
Elizabeth City and EC State University;
9. Help establish new graduate programs at ECSU.
Summary:
The information summarized in this report will be useful in several
ways. First, all of the expressed concerns will be reassessed by the
Planning Commission for possible policy implicating. Secondly, many
of the comments under the eight (8) categories will lay the foundation
=or questions to be asked in a general '$Citizens Survey
- 3 -

Questionnaire". Thirdly, it is proposed that several "issue '
committees" by established which will delve a little deeper into each
issue of concern. The comments generated in the first public forum
will serve as a "launching pad" for those committees. ,

Q

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LIZABETH CITY NORTH CAROLINA ,,
�3"'
Prepared by North Carolina Department of Transportation Juty,197 UU
vised by Elizabeth City laying Department January, t9751 tober,1980;
June, ovember,1987; February, 1988
b�
rr.r,.y
The preparation of this document and/or maps, was financed in pail Est
„o, \ through a grant provided by the Notlh Carolina let Management
Program, Through funds provided by 11►e Coast Zone Management Act
._,......,» of 1972, as amended which is administered the Office of Ocean And
Coastal Resource Management Na' And Atmospheric
Administration
0
MAP 4
COMPOSITE HAZARDS
•�'•:` 100 YEAR FLOOD PLAIN
POTENTIAL ESTUARINE
EROSION AREAS
COMPOSITE
HAZARDS
1992
ELIZABETH CITY
NORTH CAROLINA
W
',a WfedtR A Associates - 11amnimir Camselfants
5041 New Centre Drive • Suite 111F
llilmlmgton, North Caroline 215409
(919) 0e5-109e
FAX: [phone]