1997 Land Use Plan-1999

CITY OF SOUTHPORT.,
NORTH CAROLINA --_ -----
1997 LAND USE PLAN
Adopted by the City of Southport Board of Aldermen: March 11, 1999
Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: March 26, 1999
The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal
Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.

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CITY OF SOUTHPORT
FY97 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. INTRODUCTION: ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE .............. 1-1
B. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ......................................
1-8
C. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: POPULATION, HOUSING,
AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ...................................
1-8
1. Permanent Population .....................................
1-8
a. Regional and County ................................
1-8
b. City of Southport ..................................
1-11
C. Composition and Age ...............................
1-11
2. City of Southport Seasonal Population ........................
1-14
a. Introduction and Methodology .........................
1-14
b. Seasonal Population ................................
1-15
C. Day Visitors .....................................
1-16
3. Housing Characteristics ..................................
1-16
4. Economy.............................................1-19
a. Regional Economy .................................
1-19
b. Local Economy ...................................
1-22
C. EXISTING LAND USE .........................................
1-25
1. Urban and Developed Land ................................
1-29
a. Residential ......................................
1-29
b. Commercial ......................................
1-29
C. Industrial ........................................
1-30
d. Institutional ......................................
1-30
e. Transportation/Public Utilities ........................
1-31
f. Vacant Land .....................................
1-31
2. Existing Land Use Issues ..................................
1-31
3. Basinwide Water Quality Management ........................
1-32
4. Urban Waterfront Redevelopment, House Bill 1059 ................
1-33
5. Existing Ordinances and Land Use Controls .....................
1-33
a. Zoning Ordinance ..................................
1-33
b. Subdivision Ordinance ..............................
1-34
C. Planned Residential Development Ordinance ...............
1-34
d. Master Drainage Plan ...................... .......
1-34
e. North Carolina State Building Code .....................
1-34
f. Federal Flood Insurance Program .......................
1-34
g. Southport Revitalization Plan ..........................
1-34
h. City of Southport Waterfront Access Plan, 1989 ............
1-34
i. City of Southport 1986 and 1990 CAMA Land Use Plans ......
1-35
j. Brunswick County Thoroughfare Plan ....................
1-35
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Page
k. Traffic Operations and Pedestrian Safety Study .............
1-35
1. Impact Fee Ordinance ...............................
1-35
D. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY ..................
1-36
1.
Climate ..............................................
1-36
2.
Topography/Geology....................................
1-38
3.
Flood Hazard Areas .....................................
1-38
4.
Soils .................:........ ...... ................
1-44
5.
Manmade Hazards/Restrictions .............................
1-46
6.
Fragile Areas ..........................................
1-47
a. Coastal Wetlands ..................................
1-47
b. Estuarine Waters ..................................
1-48
C. Estuarine Shorelines ................................
1-48
d. Public Trust Areas .................................
1-48
e. 404 Wetlands ....................................
1-50
f. Slopes in Excess of 12% ............................
1-50
g. Excessive Erosion Areas .............................
1-50
h. Historic and Archaeological Sites .......................
1-50
i. Other Fragile Areas ................................
1-51
7.
Areas of Resource Potential ...............................
1-51
a. Regionally Significant Public Parks ......................
1-51
b. Marine Resources .................................
1-51
C. Agricultural and Forestlands .......................
1-52
d. Marinas and Mooring Fields ...........................
1-53
e. Floating Homes ...................................
1-53
f. Aquaculture.....................................
1-53
g. Channel Maintenance and Interstate Waterways ............
1-53
E. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: PUBLIC FACILITIES ..................
1-54
1.
Water Supply .........................................
1-54
2.
Sewer.............................................1-54
3.
Solid Waste Disposal ....................................
1-55
4.
Schools ...................... .....................1-56
5.
Transportation .........................................
1-56
6.
Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical ..........................
1-58
7.
Recreation ..........................................
1-58
8.
Drainage .............................................
1-62
9.
Health Services ........................................
1-62
10.
Cable Services .........................................
1-62
11.
Electrical System and Energy Generating Facilities ................
1-63
SECTION II: PROJECTED LAND DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
A. PROJECTED DEMOGRAPHIC DATA ...............................
1. Permanent Population ....................................
a. Regional and County ...............................
b. City of Southport ................................. .
2. City of Southport Seasonal Population ........................
3. - Commercial and Industrial Land Use .............. ......... .
4. Housing Trends ........................................
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5. Public Land Use ........................................ II-5
6. Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes .............. II-5
7.
Summary ............................................
II-5
B. PROJECTED PUBLIC FACILITIES NEEDS/AVAILABILITY .................
II-8
1.
Annexation Plans ........................................
II-8
2.
Transportation ........................................
II-10
3.
Water Supply ........................................
II-14
4.
Sewer .................................. ...........
II-15
5.
Solid Waste Disposal ...................................
II-15
6.
Schools ............................................
II-15
7.
Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical .........................
II-16
8.
Recreation ...........................................
II-16
9.
Drainage ............................................
II-17
10.
Electrical System and Energy Facilities .......................
II-17
C. REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES ....................................
II-17
D. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION ........
II-18
SECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ........................... III-1
SECTION IV: SOUTHPORT POLICY STATEMENTS
A. INTRODUCTION TO POLICY STATEMENTS ......................... IV-1
B. VISION STATEMENT ......................................... IV-3
C. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS ..................... IV-3
D. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES ............... IV-9
E. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ..................... IV-11
F. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES ..................... IV-17
G. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY,
AND EVACUATION PLANS .................................... IV-18
SECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS ........ V-1
TABLES
Page
Table 1 Total Population and Percent Change for CAMA-Regulated
Counties and State, 1980, 1990, and 1995 ............... 1-9
Table 2 Brunswick County, Summary of Year -Round Population Growth,
1980-1995 ................. ........ .......... 1-10
Table 3 Brunswick County, Population Growth by Township, 1980-1990 1-11
Table 4 City of Southport and Brunswick County, Population
Characteristics by Age Group ......................... 1-13
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Table 5
City of Southport and Brunswick County, Percentage Change in
Population by Race and Sex ..........................
1-13
Table 6
City of Southport, Seasonal, Permanent, and Total Peak
Population, 1997..................................
1-15
Table 7
City of Southport and Brunswick County, Total Units by Structure
Type, 1990 ......................................
1-16
Table 8
City of Southport and Brunswick County, Housing/Vacant Units,
1990..........................................
1-17
Table 9
City of Southport and Brunswick County, Year Structure Built,
1990..........................................
1-18
Table 10
City of Southport and Brunswick County, Value of Owner
Occupied Housing Units, 1990 ........................
1-18
Table 11
City of Southport, Housing Unit and Non -Residential Construction/
Demolition, 1989-1994 .............................
1-19
Table 12
CAMA Regulated Counties, One, Five, and Ten -Year Composite
Rankings of Economic Development ..................... .
1-21
Table 13
City of Southport, Brunswick County, and North Carolina, Median
Per Capita Income, 1985-1990 ........................
1-22
Table 14
City of Southport, Employed Persons 16 Years and Older By
Industry, 1980 and 1990 ............ ............ .
1-22
Table 15
City of Southport, Poverty Status, 1980 and 1990 ..........
1-24
Table 16
Southport Area Major Industrial Employers, 1995 ...........
1-24
Table 17
City of Southport, Existing Land Use Within City Limits .......
1-25
Table 18
City of Southport, Existing Land Use Within Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction ......................................
1-28
Table 19
City of Southport, Existing Land Use Within City Limits and
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction ...........................
1-28
Table 20
City of Southport, Temperature and Precipitation ............
1-37
Table 21
City of Southport, Soil Susceptibility to Flooding ............
1-43
Table 22
City of Southport, Soil Associations - Degree and Kind of
Limitation of State Use ..............................
1-44
Table 23
Southport Area Tier II Reporters, 1995 ...................
1-46
Table 24
Brunswick County, Solid Waste Tonnage and Per Capita Disposal
Rate, FY92-93 to FY94-95 ...........................
1-55
Table 25
City of Southport, Recreation Facilities ...................
1-59
Table 26
City of Southport, Public Beach and Waterfront Access Sites ...
1-59
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Table 27 City of Southport, Commercial Marinas and Dockages . .
Table 28 Total Population and Percent Change for CAMA-Regulated
Counties and State, 1995-2010 .......................
Table 29
City of Southport and Brunswick County, Population Forecasts . .
MAPS
Map 1
Brunswick County Townships .........................
Map 2A
City of Southport Existing Land and Water Use .............
Map 2B
City of Southport Existing Land and Water Use .............
Map 3
City of Southport Flood Hazard Areas ...................
Map 4
City of Southport Storm Surge Inundation Areas ............
Map 5
City of Southport Soils Map ..........................
Map 6
City of Southport Areas of Environmental Concern ..........
Map 7
City of Southport Community Facilities ...................
Map 8
City of Southport Key Development Areas ................
Map 9
City of Southport Priority Annexation and Flood Prone Areas ...
Map 10
NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Projects ....
Map 11
City of Southport Land Classification Map ................
APPENDICES
Appendix I
City of Southport Policies Considered But Not Adopted
Appendix II
City of Southport Citizen Participation Plan
Page
1-60
II-1
11-2
1-12
1-26
1-27
1-39
1-41
1-45
1-49
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SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. INTRODUCTION: ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
This 1997 Land Use Plan Update for the City of Southport is prepared in accordance with
requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Specifically, this
document complies with Subchapter 713, "Land Use Planning Guidelines," of the North Carolina
Administrative Code, as amended, September 28, 1995.
The 7B guidelines define the following intent of land use plans:
"Local governments, through the land use planning process, address issues and
adopt policies that guide the development of their community. Many decisions
affecting development are made by other levels of government, and local policies
must take account of and coincide with established state and federal policies. Most
decisions, however, are primarily of local concern. By carefully and explicitly
addressing these issues, other levels of government will follow local policies that
deal with these issues. State and federal agencies will use the local land use plans
and policies in making project consistency, funding, and permit decisions. Policies
which consider the type of development to be encouraged, the density and
patterns of development, and the methods of providing beach access are
examples of these local policy decisions."
This land use plan serves to guide the development of Southport by addressing issues and
adopting policies that pertain to the town. Specifically, this land use plan provides the following:
1) an analysis of existing conditions;
2) a projected land development analysis;
3) a summary of public interests and participation;
4) a land classification system;
5) a detailed section on policy statements;
6) an analysis of the carrying capacity of public facilities with a demand/supply
analysis;
7) an analysis of the issues confronting growth and development of the town.
8) a summary of 404 wetland areas and issues; and
9) an explanation of the relationship of the policies to the land classification.
This plan update contains a summary of data collection and analysis, an existing land use map,
a policy discussion, and a land classification map. It should be noted that the policy section of the
plan is the most important part of the document. State and federal agencies will use the local land
use policies in making project consistency, funding, and permit decisions. The 7B guidelines
require that the following issues be addressed in the plan:
Resource Protection
Constraints to development (e.g., soils, flood prone areas);
1-1

2.
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— Specific local resource development issues relative to areas of environmental
concern designated under 15A NCAC 71-1; and land uses and development
densities in proximity to ORWs;
— Fragile land areas, including but not limited to freshwater swamps and marshes,
maritime forests, pocosins and 404 wetlands, ORW areas, shellfishing waters,
water supply areas and other waters with special values, cultural and historic
resources, and manmade hazards;
— Hurricane and flood evacuation needs and plans;
— Protection of potable water supply;
— The use of package treatment plants for sewage treatment disposal;
— StormVvater runoff;
-- Industrial impacts on fragile areas;
-- Development of sound and estuarine system islands;
-- Restriction of development within areas up to five feet above mean high water that
might be susceptible to sea level rise and wetland loss;
— Upland excavation for marina basins;
— Damaging of existing marshes by bulkhead installation.
Resource Production and Management
-- Local governments shall discuss the importance of agriculture, forestry, mining,
fisheries, and recreational resources to the community;
-- The plan shall contain policy statements on the following resource production and
management issues (if relevant):
a) productive agricultural lands;
b) commercial forest lands;
c) existing and potential mineral production areas;
d) commercial and recreational fisheries, including nursery and habitat areas,
ORWs, and trawling activities in estuarine waters;
e) off -road vehicles;
f) residential, commercial and industrial land development impacts on any
resources; and
g) peat or phosphate mining's impacts on any resources.
Economic and Community Development: To include a basic statement of the community
attitude toward growth.
— Types and locations of industries desired;
-- Local commitment to providing services to development;
— Types of urban growth patterns desired;
-- Redevelopment of developed areas including relocation structures endangered by
erosion;
— Commitment to state and federal programs;
— Assistance to channel maintenance and beach nourishment projects;
— Energy facility siting and development to include special reference to electric
generating plants, both inshore OCS exploration or development;
— Tourism;
— Coastal and estuarine water beach access;
— Types, densities, location; units per acre, etc., of anticipated residential
development and services necessary to support such development.
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4. Continuing Public Participation
Description of means to be used for public education in planning issues;
-- Description of means to be used for continuing public participation in planning;
-- Description of means to be used for obtaining citizen input in developing land use
plan policy statements.
5. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans
-- A description of the effects of coastal storms the community will be subject to; e.g.,
high winds, storm surge, flooding, wave action, erosion, etc.;
- A composite hazards map;
-- An existing land use inventory for each of the most hazardous areas;
-- Policies intended to mitigate the effects of high winds, storm surge, flooding, wave
action, erosion, etc.;
-- Policies intended to discourage development in the most hazardous areas;
— Policies dealing with public acquisition of land in the most hazardous areas;
-- Policies dealing with evacuation;
— Post -disaster reconstruction policies.
Listed below are some of the sources and documents utilized during preparation of this Land Use
(� Plan:
Brunswick County 1993 Land Use Plan Update
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City of Southport 1990 Land Use Plan Update
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USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Brunswick County
-- NCDOT, Planning and Policies Section
City of Southport Staff
Brunswick County Schools
-- North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management
-- North Carolina Division of Archives and History
-- City of Southport Comprehensive Drainage Plan
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-- City of Southport 1990 Waterfront Access Plan
-- Flood Insurance Study, City of Southport, 1985 (FEMA)
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City of Southport Zoning Ordinance
City of Southport Volunteer Fire Department
North Carolina Division of Community Assistance
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— North Carolina Division of Coastal Management
North Carolina Department of Economic and Community Development
These sources were supplemented by "windshield" surveys conducted in May, 1997, to obtain
0 data on existing land use patterns.
(� 1990 POLICY STATEMENT SUMMARY
ll The 1990 Town of Southport Land Use Plan included policy statements which addressed the five
('I policy areas. Those policies supported but did not exceed the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use
U standards. The following provides a summary of the 1990 policies. This is only a summary and
not the complete 1990 policies section. It should also be stressed that these policies are subject
Oto change for this 1997 land use plan update.
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1990 POLICY STATEMENT SUMMARY
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS
Physical Limitations
Soils: To mitigate existing septic tank problems and other restrictions on development posed by soil
limitations, Southport will:
(a) Enforce, through the development and zoning permit process, all current regulations of the NC State
Building Code and Brunswick County Health Department.
(b) Coordinate all development activity with appropriate county and state regulatory personnel, and the
Brunswick County Sanitarian.
(c) Support the development of a central sewer system.
(d) Cooperate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the regulation/enforcement of the 404 wetlands
permit process.
Flood Hazard Areas:
(a) Southportwill coordinate development within the special flood hazard area with the city's Inspections
Department, North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, FEMA, and the U.S. Corps of
Engineers.
(b) Southport will enforce its zoning and flood damage prevention ordinances and the storm hazard
mitigation plan.
Groundwater/Protection of Potable Water Supplies: Southport will conserve and protect its surficial
groundwater resources by enforcing CAMA and NC Division of Environmental Management stormwater
runoff and storage tank regulations. The city shall review and amend the local zoning ordinance with regard
to underground chemical and gasoline storage regulations.
Manmade Hazards:
(a) Southport will support the technical requirements and state program approval for underground
storage tanks.
(b) Southport supports growth and expansion of the North Carolina State Port Terminal at Wilmington.
(c) Southport opposes the temporary or permanent storage or disposal of any toxic wastes within its
planning jurisdiction.
Stormwater Runoff:
(a) The city will support state regulations relating to stormwater runoff.
(b) The City ofSouthportwill supportand implementthe recommendations of the 1984 Master Drainage
Plan.
Cultural/Historic Resources: Southport shall coordinate all housing code enforcement/redevelopment and
public works projects with the NC Division of Archives and History.
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1990 POLICY STATEMENT SUMMARY
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas: Industrial development which can comply with the use standards
specified by 15A NCAC 7H and the City of Southport Zoning Ordinance may be located within conservation
classified areas.
Miscellaneous Resource Protection
Package Treatment Plant Use: The City of Southport will support the construction of package treatment
plants which are approved and permitted by the State Division of Environmental Management.
If any package plants are approved, Southport supports requirement of a specific contingency plan
specifying how ongoing private operation and maintenance of the plant will be provided.
Marina and Floating Home Development:
(a) Southportwill allow the construction of marinas, including upland materials, which satisfy 15A NCAC
7H.
(b) Southport will allow construction of dry stack storage facilities consistent with its zoning and
subdivision regulations.
(c) The City of Southportwill investigate the adoption of an ordinance to regulate the location of floating
homes within its jurisdiction.
Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands: Southport opposes any new development on sound and
estuarine islands.
Bulkhead Construction: Southport supports the construction of bulkheads consistent with 15A NCAC 7H.
Sea Level Rise:
(a) The City of Southport will continuously monitor the effects of sea level rise and update the land use
plan policies as necessary.
(b) Southport will review all local building and land use related ordinances to establish setback
standards, long-term land use plans, density controls, bulkhead restrictions, buffer vegetation
protection requirements, and building designs which will facilitate the movement of structures.
(c) Southportwill support bulkheading to protect its shoreline areas from intruding water resulting from
rising sea level.
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Recreation Resources
(a) The City of Southport supports redevelopment of the small boat harbor area in coordination with
plans for redevelopment of Southport's Central Business District.
(b) The City of Southport continues to define, finance, and construct publicly -owned waterfront
recreational facilities.
(c) The city will refine existing zoning and related ordinances to provide a more unified waterfront
development character, preserve and make maximum use of existing natural areas and green
spaces, minimize impacts of natural hazards, and preserve public access to the Cape Fear River.
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1990 POLICY STATEMENT SUMMARY
(d) The city will continue to support a comprehensive recreational program to provide a broad range of
recreational facilities for its citizens.
Productive Agricultural Lands: Southport supports and encourages use of the U.S. Soil Conservation
Service "Best Management Practices" program.
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Productive Forestlands: Southport supports the Forest Best Management Practices Manual,1989, North
Carolina Division of Forest Resources.
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Impacts on Resources: Residential, commercial,
and industrial development which meets 15A NCAC 7H use standards will be allowed in estuarine shoreline,
estuarine water, and public trust areas.
Marine Resource Areas:
(a) Southport supports the use standards for estuarine and public trust areas as specified in 15A NCAC
7H.0207.
(b) In structures that extend into or over estuarine and public trust waters, replacement of structures
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and/or change of use will be allowed so long as the structure will not be enlarged beyond its original
(�
dimensions and if -allowed by the CRC.
(c) The City of Southport reserves the right to comment on the individual policies and requirements of
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the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.
C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(�
Water Supply:
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(a) The city requires that all existing and new residential and commercial development be connected
to both the city water and sewer systems.
(b) The city will allow the installation of private wells and irrigation only through the NCDEM permit
(�
process.
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(c) The City of Southport will ensure that the preceding two policies are carried out through the local
zoning permit process.
Sewer System:
D
(a) The city will develop and implement a reimbursement agreement to allow developers to recapture
some or all of their expense to extend water and sewer lines to new subdivisions.
(b) The City of Southport will support, through its Subdivision Ordinance, the development of central
sewer service throughout its extraterritorial planning jurisdiction.
Stormwater:
(a) Southport will cooperate with the NCDOT, the North Carolina Division of Environmental
Management, and other state agencies in mitigating the impact of stormwater runoff on all
conservation classification areas.
(b) The city will attempt to apply for grant funds, and utilize Powell Bill funds, to improve stormwater
drainage systems associated with existing rights -of -way.
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1990 POLICY STATEMENT SUMMARY
(c) The city will continue to implement its master drainage plan.
Energy Facility Siting and Development:
(a) The city will consider the need for expansion of new and existing energy facilities on a case -by -case
basis, judging the need for expansion against all identified possible adverse impacts.
(b) Southportwill notoppose drilling operations and onshore support facilities forwhich an EIS has been
prepared with a finding of no significant impact on the environment.
Redevelopment of Developed Areas: During the planning period, the city will attempt to correct its worst
substandard housing conditions by:
(a) enforcing the city's Minimum Housing Code;
R (b) applying for Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization funds;
IL JI (c) coordinating redevelopment efforts with the Southport Building Inspections Department.
The citywill allowthe reconstruction of any structures demolished by natural disasterwhen the reconstruction
complies with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. However, reconstruction cannot be more
intense than that which previously existed.
Annexation: The City of Southport will pursue expansion through voluntary, involuntary, and satellite
annexations.
Estuarine Access: Southport supports the state's shoreline access policies as set forth in Chapter 15A,
(' Subchapter 7M of the North Carolina Administrative Code. The city will conform to CAMA and other state
u and federal environmental regulations affecting the development of estuarine access areas.
Types and Locations of Desired Industry:
(a) Industrial sites should be accessible to municipal1central water and sewer services.
(� (b) Industries which are noxious by reason of the emission of smoke, dust, glare, noise, and vibrations,
u and those which deal primarily in hazardous products such as explosives, should not be located in
n Southport.
l (c) Industrial development and/or industrial zoning should not infringe on established residential
u development.
Commitment to State and Federal Programs: Southport is generally receptive to state and federal
programs, particularly those which provide improvements to the city. The city will continue to fully support
such programs, especially the following: the North Carolina Department of Transportation road and bridge
a improvement programs, the CAMA planning process and permitting programs, the Community Development
Block Grant program, and the Corps of Engineers regulatory and permitting efforts.
Assistance in Channel Maintenance: Southport will consider on a case -by -case basis the provision of
a assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or state officials to obtain spoil sites, provide financial
aid, and assist in securing or providing easements for work.
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1990 POLICY STATEMENT SUMMARY
Tourism:
(a) Southport will support North Carolina Department of Transportation projects to improve access to
the city.
(b) Southport will support projects that will increase public access to shoreline areas.
(c) Southportwill continue to support the activities of the North Carolina Division of Travel and Tourism.
Transportation:
(a) Southport will support implementation of the 1988 Brunswick County Thoroughfare Plan.
(b) Southport will periodically review local ordinances relating to speed limits and traffic flow with the
goal of reducing congestion and traffic hazards.
B. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The following provides a list of the objectives/goals identified for this Land Use Plan Update:
— An updated land use plan based on an effective citizen participation process.
— Development of new policies required to respond to the revised 15A NCAC 76
planning requirements.
— Revitalization of the Central Business District.
— Preservation of the city's waterfront.
— Protection of the AECs.
— Preservation/rehabilitation of the city's housing inventory.
— Establishment of policies for water and sewer utility extensions.
-- Assessment of the city's priorities for annexation.
C. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: POPULATION, HOUSING, AND ECONOMIC
CONDITIONS
1. Permanent Population
a. Regional and County
Fifteen of the twenty North Carolina counties regulated by the Coastal Area Management
Act (CAMA) experienced a net permanent population growth from 1990 to 1995. As Table 1
indicates, the five counties with a negative population growth were Hertford, Hyde, Onslow, Tyrrell,
and Washington.
1-8

aTable
1
Total Population and Percent Change for
CAMA-Regulated Counties and State, 1980, 1990, and 1995
Percent Change
a
County
1980
1990
1995
190-195
Beaufort
40,355
42,283
43,330
2.5%
Bertie
21,024
20,388
20,638
1.2%
Brunswick
35,777
50,985
60,739
19.1%
Camden
5,829
5,904
6,316
7.0%
Carteret
41,092
52,553
57,612
9.6%
Chowan
12,558
13,506
14,031
3.9%
Craven
71,043
81,613
85,816
5.1%
Currituck
11,089
13,736
15,818
15.2%
QDare
13,377
22,746
25,758
13.2%
Gates
8,875
9,305
9,798
5.3%
Hertford
23,368
22,523
22,468
-0.2%
Hyde
5,873
5,411
5,211
-3.7%
a
New Hanover
Onslow
103,471
112,784
120,284
139,577
16.0%
149,838
147,912
-1.3%
Pamlico
10,398
11,368
11,869
4.4%
n
Pasquotank
28,462
31,298
33,290
6.4%
L�
Pender
22,262
28,855
34,671
20.2%
Perquimans
9,486
10,447
10,650
1.9%
Tyrrell
3,975
3,856
3,812
-1.1%
Washington
Total CAMA Counties
14,801
13,997
13,766
-1.7%
595,899
710,896
763,082
7.3%
State of North Carolina
5,880,095
6,632,448 7,194,238
8.5%
Source: Office of State Planning.
aIn 1995, Brunswick County was the fourth largest CAMA-regulated county ranking behind
Onslow, New Hanover, and Craven counties. In addition, between 1990-1995, Brunswick
County's population grew 19.1 % making it the second fastest growing CAMA-regulated county.
The rapid population growth in Brunswick County as a whole since 1980 has been
paralleled by significant growth in the county's incorporated areas over the same period. Several
a new communities have been incorporated since 1980, and the county currently includes more
municipalities than any other North Carolina county. Throughout the past two decades, the
county's incorporated beach communities have had the highest growth rates in the county.
a
1-9

Table 2
Brunswick County
Summary of Year -Round Population Growth, 1980-1995
Year -Round Population
Percent Change
Overall
Municipality/Area
1980*
1990*
1995**
'80290
'90295
'80295
Bald Head Island (A)
0
78
87
-
11.5%
-
Belville
102
66
93
-35.3%
40.9%
-8.8%
Boiling Spring Lakes
998
1,650
1,976
65.3%
19.8%
98.0%
Bolivia
252
228
251
-9.5%
10.1 %
-0.4%
Calabash
128
1,210
1,364
845.3%
12.7%
965.6%
Caswell Beach
110
175
209
59.1 %
19.4%
90.0%
Holden Beach
232
626
782
169.8%
24.9%
237.1 %
Leland
1,545
1,801
2,050
16.6%
13.8%
32.7%
Long Beach
1,844
3,816
4,674
106.9%
22.5%
153.5%
Navassa
439
445
492
1.4%
10.6%
12.1 %
Northwest (B)
-
611
727
-
19.0%
-
Ocean Isle Beach
143
523
664
265.7%
27.0%
364.3%
Sandy Creek (A)
0
243
268
-
10.3%
-
Shallotte
680
1,073
1,123
57.8%
4.7%
65.1%
Southport
2,824
2,369
2,540
-16.1%
7.2%
-10.1%
Sunset Beach
304
311
778
2.3%
150.2%
155.9%
Vamamtown (A)
328
404
465
23.2%
15.1 %
41.8%
Yaupon Beach
569
764
850
29.0%
15.8%
49.4%
Total Municipalities
10,498
15,782
18,666
50.0%
18.5%
77.8%
Total Unincorporated Areas
99; 97g
35 9n3
49 n73
39.4%
19.4%
66.4%
Total County
35,777
50,985
60,739
42.5%
19.1%
69.8%
Total County Average
Household Size
2.61
2.40
2.36
-8.0%
-1.7%
-9.6%
(A) This municipality has incorporated or reactivated between the 1980 and the 1990 Censuses. The
1980 figure shown is a separation count derived after incorporation and is not published in the 1980
Census reports.
(B) This municipality has incorporated since the 1990 Census. The figure shown for 1990 is a Census
separation count derived after incorporation and is not published in the 1990 Census reports.
Sources: *1990 U.S. Census; **N.C. State Data Center.
Smithville Township, which contains the City of Southport, was the third fastest -growing
of the county's six townships from 1980-1990. The relatively moderate rate of growth in Smithville
Township was largely the result of negative population growth in the City of Southport relative to
the positive rate of growth for the township, county, and county's municipalities in general. Table
3 indicates Brunswick County's population growth by township between 1980-1990. Map 1
illustrates the location of these townships.
1-10

I
I
I
0
I
Table 3
Brunswick County
Population Growth by Township, 1980-1990
Township
1980
1990
INCREASE
Number Percent
Lockwood Folly
7,361
10,705
3,344
45%
Northwest
6,136
7,454
1,318
21%
Shallotte
6,542
11,818
5,276
81%
Smithville
6,838
9,488
2,650
39%
Town Creek
6,878
9,269
2,362
35%
Waccamaw
2,022
2,260
238
12%
TOTAL
35,777
50,985
15,208
43%
Source: 1990 U.S. Census.
b. City of Southport
('[ Based on data provided by the North Carolina Office of State Planning, between the 1980
u and 1990 US Census, Southport's population decreased 16.1 %. This yielded a 1990 population
of 2,369 persons. However, it should be noted that the City of Southport contests this figure and
a strongly believes the 1990 population to be much higher. The 1989 North Carolina Office of
Budget and Management estimate was 3,568 persons supporting the City of Southport's suspicion
that the 1990 Census may be inaccurate.
�F
it
I
III
Regardless of the discrepancies over the 1990 population -estimates, all available data
sources indicate that between 1990 and the present, the City of Southport has experienced an
increase in population. According to the Office of State Planning, Southport's population grew
7.2% between 1990 and 1995. If the average annual growth rate experienced between 1990 and
1995 (1.4%) were applied to the 1995 estimated population of 2,540 persons, it would yield a 1997
population of approximately 2,610. Again, it should be stressed that this estimate is based on
available data and may be slightly lower than the actual population.
C. Composition and Age
The NC State Data Center does not estimate population by race, sex, or age for
municipalities for intercensal years. Tables 4 and 5 were compiled using 1980 and 1990 U.S.
Census data for Brunswick County and Southport, and 1995 population estimates by race, sex,
and age for Brunswick County prepared by the NC State Data Center. To estimate Southport's
1995 population in terms of race, sex, and age, it was assumed that various segments of the city's
population continued the same pattern of relative growth from 1990-1995 as was displayed from
1980-1990.

MAP 1
BRUNSWICK COUNTY
TOWNSHIPS
Q
Source: 1993 Brunswick County Land Use Plan. --- -- --------
I-12

I
Table 4
City of Southport and Brunswick County
fl Population Characteristics by Age Group
Percentage of Total Population
aSouthport Brunswick County
Age Group 1980 1990 1995 1980 1990 1995
0-4 4.7% 4.8% 4.9% 7.4% 6.4% 6.2%
5-18 24.4% 15.7% 9.8% 24.6% 18.5% 16.8%
19-44 31.8% 32.9% 33.5% 36.3% 36.1 % 35.0%
D45-64 21.4% 21.8% 22.0% 21.0% 24.4% 25.9%
65 and Up 17.7% 24.8% 29.8% 10.7% 14.6% 16.1%
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Source: North Carolina State Data Center, Office of State Budget and Management; Holland Consulting
nPlanners, Inc.
u
Table 4 indicates that while the preschool and school -age population in Southport and
a Brunswick County has decreased, the population 65 and older has increased significantly. The
estimated 1995 percentage of individuals 65 and Up in Southport (29.8%) was well above the
county and state percentages (16.1 % and 12.5%, respectively).
Table 5 outlines the changes in racial composition and sex for the Southport and
Brunswick County populations since 1980.
Table 5
City of Southport and Brunswick County
Percentage Change in Population by Race and Sex
Percentage of Total Population
Southport
Brunswick County
1980 1990
1995 1980 1990 1995
Male Population 48.4% 44.4%
42.6% 49.2% 48.7% 48.7%
Female Population 51.6% 55.6%
57.4% 50.8% 51.3% 51.3%
Total Population 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
White Population
72.1 %
73.6%
74.4%
76.3%
81.0%
81.1 %
Non -White Population
27.9%
26.4%
25.6%
23.7%
19.0%
18.9%
Total Population
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Sources: North Carolina State Data Center, Office of State Budget and Management; Holland Consulting
Planners, Inc.
1-13

During the 1980s, the percentage of males decreased within Southport and Brunswick
County. It has been estimated that in 1995, approximately 42.6% of Southport's population was
male, compared to 48.7% for the county. Q
The percentage of female population in Southport has increased since 1980, while the
county percentage of female population decreased at a slower rate. Southport's percentage of
female population is increasingly higher than the county's percentage of female population.
Historically, the non -white population percentage in Southport has been higher than the a
non -white population percentage of Brunswick County as a whole. Since 1980, the percentage
of non -whites in Southport has decreased from 28% to 26%, bringing the city's non -white
percentage closer to the county's non -white percentage. This drop in the percentage of non -white
population is partially attributable to migratory factors; i.e., the populace migrating into Southport
over the past twenty-five years has been almost entirely white, and a migration of non -whites from
the city to outlying areas. The net reduction of non -whites may also be partially the result of a
higher death/birth rate for the non -white population, since the median age has risen considerably a
for the city's population.
2. City of Southport Seasonal Population'
a. Introduction and Methodology (J
Although it is located close to several beach communities that experience major increases
in population due to the annual influx of overnight tourists and seasonal occupants, Southport only
experiences a moderate population increase during the summer months. Despite its distinct
waterfront character, Southport appears more like inland Brunswick communities such as Shallotte
and Bolivia than a beach community like Long Beach or Ocean Isle Beach in terms of
seasonal/permanent housing and population characteristics. Q
The methodology used in this study will closely follow a demographic analysis of
recreational population for the Albemarle -Pamlico region prepared by Paul D. Tschetter of East
Carolina University in 1988. The advantage of the ECU analysis is that it relies on an extensive
empirical enumeration of marine boat slips, motel rooms, and campgrounds in addition to private
seasonal housing units. The study also includes an excellent approach to estimating average
population by type of individual housing unit. For purposes of the ECU study (and this
demographic analysis), "total seasonal housing units" includes 1) all single- and multi -family
private housing units used by the overnight tourist population rather than the permanent
population; 2) all motel/hotel rooms (including bed and breakfasts); 3) all seasonal and transient
campground sites; and 4) all individual marina wet slips capable of docking boats of a size and
type which can house people overnight. Marina facilities for fueling/repair only (no overnight
dockage), and those that only dock commercial fishing boats, are excluded from the enumeration a
of seasonal housing units.
I
u
This section does not address or include figures for "day -visitor" usage of Brunswick County recreational facilities,
beaches, waters, and natural areas. Thus, the actual daytime seasonal population figures are significantly higher than
those stated in this section. Accurate "day -visitor" data is not available.
1-14
a

OAs in the ECU study, an enumeration of seasonal housing units was conducted to arrive
at the totals presented in Table 6. The figures for marina boat slips, motel rooms, and
campgrounds are up to date as of July, 1997. The figure utilized for the city's permanent
population has been provided by the Office of State Planning and reflects the 1995 population.
In addition, due to the lack of current data for private housing units, the figures from the 1990 U.S.
Census have been substituted. Therefore, the figures provided in this plan for seasonal
a population and peak seasonal population may be slightly low for 1997 since any growth in private
housing units from 1990-1995 and growth in the city's population from 1995-1997 has not been
considered.
Table 6
City of Southport*
Seasonal, Permanent, and Total Peak Population, 1997
1997**
aNumber Persons Seasonal
Housing Type of Units Per Unit Population
a Motel/Hotel 115 4 460
Campsites 0 0 0
Boat Slips 181 3.25[1] 588
Private Housing Units [2] 115 5 575
Total 411 1,623
Permanent ,
Population 2 540
P
Peak Seasonal Population 1,623
Total Peak Population 4,163
[1] Based on 85% occupancy rate. 100% used for all other categories.
[2] Includes units "vacant -held for occasional use" and "other vacant"as classified by the 1990 U.S. Census.
* The figures included in this table are based on the city's incorporated area and do not include the
extraterritorial jurisdiction.
a "The figures for Motel/Hotel, Campsites, and Boat Slips are current as of July, 1997. The most recent data
available for Private Housing Units is 1990 and Permanent Population, 1995.
aSource: 1990 U.S. Census; North Carolina Office of State Planning; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
b. Seasonal Population
Table 6 illustrates that the City of Southport has a total of 411 seasonal units, a peak
seasonal population of 1,623, and a total peak 1997 population of 4,163. "Peak seasonal
a population" can be defined as the population that would be enumerated in all seasonal housing
units if all of those units were occupied at full capacity, based on average assumed household
sizes for each type of unit (one exception is in marina boat slips where the ECU study suggests
an occupancy rate of 85%). Although "peak seasonal population" is based on a number of
variables, it is a very useful statistic for planning purposes, since it provides a logically derived
summary of the possible total occupancy in seasonal units during peak overnight tourism periods
(Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends). 'Total peak population" is simply the
sum of the permanent population and peak seasonal population.
1-15
a -

C. Day Visitors
Southport does attract large numbers of day visitors during the spring and summer months,
particularly on holiday weekends. These visitors place a temporary strain on law enforcement
personnel and the local transportation system. The city's police department has estimated that
on July 4, 1997, Southport attracted approximately 20,000 visitors. This figure does not include
approximately 45,000 visitors present at the city's fireworks display.
3. Housing Characteristics
According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, in 1990, there were 1,160 housing units located
within the City of Southport. However, as previously discussed in the population section of this
plan, the City of Southport does not agree with the data provided in the 1990 Census relating to
Southport.
Southport's 1990 Land Use Plan included data on housing conditions provided by the Brunswick
County Planning Department. This data indicated that Southport had 1,357 total housing units
in 1988. Based on the fact that between 1988-90, there were 29 permits issued in Southport for
new residential construction and 32 residential units demolished, it can be concluded that in 1990
there were a total of 1,354 total housing units in Southport.
In order to provide the most accurate portrayal of housing conditions in Southport, the data
included in the following table has been slightly modified to reflect a total of 1,354 housing units.
Table 7 indicates that in 1990, Southport's housing stock consisted of 80% single-family dwellings,
16% multi -family, 1% mobile homes, and 3% other. The percentage of single-family units in
Southport exceeded that of Brunswick County as a whole by approximately 21 %.
Table 7
City of Southport and Brunswick County
Total Units by Structure Type, 1990
Single detached unit
Single attached including row
2 to 4 units
5 to 9 units
10 to 19 units
20 to 49 units
50 units or more
Mobile home or trailer
Other
Total Housing Units
City of Southport
Brunswick County
1,039
76%
20,472
55%
55
4%
348
1%
174
13%
1,400
4%
29
2%
559
2%
14
1%
379
1%
0
0%
222
1%
0
0%
62
0%
8
1%
13,513
36%
35
3%
159
0%
1,354 100% 37,114 100%
Source: 1990 U.S. Census and Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
1-16

I
I
Table 8 shows that 200 or approximately 15% of Southport's total housing units were vacant in
1990. In addition, none of the vacant housing units were condominiums and 3% of the city's
housing stock was for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use.
Table 8
City of Southport and Brunswick County
HousingNacant Units, 1990
Total Housing Units
Occupied
Owner occupied
Renter occupied
Vacant
Condominium
For rent
For sale only
For seasonal, recreational,
or occasional use
All other vacants
Not a condominium
For rent
For sale only
For seasonal, recreational,
a
or occasional use
All other vacants
0
0
I
it
I
City of Southport Brunswick County
1,354 — 37,114 —
1,154
85%
20,069
54%
809
60%
16,358
44%
345
26%
3,711
10%
200
15%
17,045
46%
0
0%
1,190
3%
0
0%
307
1%
0
0%
49
0%
0
0%
813
2%
0
0%
21
0%
200
15%
15,855
43%
50
4%
1,535
4%
15
1%
716
2%
34
3%
11,924
32%
101
7%
1,680
5%
Source: 1990 U.S. Census and Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Approximately 30% of the total housing units in Southport were constructed between 1970 and
1979. Forty-nine percent (49%) of the city's housing stock was 28 years of age or older in 1990.
In addition, only 9% of Southport's housing stock was less than 5 years of age in 1990 compared
to 25% for the county as a whole. Table 9 provides a summary of housing unit age for Southport
and Brunswick County.
While much of the city's older housing is well preserved and maintained, the city does have
several areas requiring redevelopment and/or rehabilitation in order to restore neighborhood
quality and increase property value. These areas have been primarily defined through the city's
ongoing community development effort. Most of the deteriorated housing throughout the city is
occupied by low-income households who are retired or unemployed and subsist on fixed incomes.
I-17

Table 9
City of Southport and Brunswick County
Year Structure Built, 1990
1989 to March 1990
1985 to 1988
1980 to 1984
1970 to 1979
1960 to 1969
1950 to 1959
1940 to 1949
1939 or earlier
Total Housing Units
City of Southport
Brunswick County
22
2%
1,633
4%
96
7%
7,867
21 %
166
12%
8,102
22%
406
30%
10,680
29%
162
12%
4,477
12%
203
15%
2,264
6%
86
6%
1,154
3%
213
16%
937
3%
1,354
100%
37,114
100%
Source: 1990 U.S. Census and Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
The median value of owner occupied housing units in Southport ($70,600) is nearly identical to
that of Brunswick County ($70,400) as a whole. In addition, Table 10 indicates that approximately
76% of Southport's owner occupied housing units were valued at less than $100,000 in 1990.
Table 10
City of Southport and Brunswick County
Value of Owner Occupied Housing Units, 1990
Less than $15,000
$15,000-$34,999
$35,000-$59,999
$60,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000-$249,999
$250,000 or more
Total Housing Units
Median Value
City of Southport
Brunswick County
15
2%
360
4%
64
9%
943
10%
229
31%
2,398
25%
253
34%
3,297
35%
85
12%
1,518
16%
34
5%
542
6%
33
4%
135
1%
22
3%
217
3%
735
100%
9,410
100%
$70,600
$70,400
Source: 1990 U.S. Census and Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Between 1989 and 1994, 92 single-family units and one multi -family unit were constructed within
Southport. However, 65 single-family units were demolished during the same six year period.
Based on building permit issuance and the annual rate of housing unit growth (4.8 units per year),
there are approximately 1,388 housing units currently in Southport. Table 11 provides a summary
of housing unit and non-residential construction/demolition in Southport from 1989-1994.
1-18

I
OTable 11
City of Southport
Housing Unit and Non -Residential Construction/Demolition, 1989-1994
Single-
Two
3 & 4 Family
5 or more
Non -Residential
Family
Family
Family
Buildings
1989 Built
15
-Demolished
15
0
0
0
0
_
0
1990 Built
14
0
-Demolished
17
_
_
_
4
-3
0
0
0
3
1991 Built
12
3
-Demolished
16
_
_
_
3
-4
0
0
0
0
1992 Built
18
1
9
-Demolished
2
0
_
_
2
16
1
0
0
7
1993 Built
15
3
-Demolished
15
_
_
_
3
0
0
0
0
0
1994 Built
18
5
-Demolished
0
_
_
0
18
0
0
0
5
Total 1989-1994
Built
92
1
24
-Demolished
65
0
_
_
11
27
1
0
0
13
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Manufacturing and Construction Division
0 4. Economy
a. Regional Economy
Over the past ten years, the state of Brunswick County's economy may be described as
poor when compared to the economies of all of the state's counties. According to the Economic
Development Yearbook for North Carolina, produced by Problem -Solving Research, Inc.,
Brunswick County received a rank of 75th out of 100 North Carolina counties in terms of economic
growth and development between the years 1984-1994. The following provides a summary, as
stated in the Economic Development Yearbook, of the methodology used to arrive at the
composite rankings found in Table 12.
'The Composite Rankings were created to compare the characteristics of growth between
the 100 counties in North Carolina. Three rankings are provided. The one year ranking
provides a short term picture of growth. It consists of an overview of the present health of
the county coupled with the county's 1993-1994 economic performance. The five year
ranking provides a mid-term view of economic development. Like the one year ranking, it
assesses the present health of the county but couples the assessment with the county's
1989-1994 economic variation. The ten year index provides a long-term view of growth.
This final measure assesses the present health of the county with the county's 1984-1994
growth and development.
1-19

The Composite Ranking of Economic Development is a broadly defined measure of relative
a
economic well-being. Its construction has two major parts. First, it is composed of four
measures that describe the economic health of an area at a particular point in time. Each
of these components provides a unique gauge of the county's most recent annual economic
Q
health. Second, the ranking is composed of five measures of economic change. Thus, the
Composite Ranking considers the present well-being of the county and how the local
economy has improved from one point to the next.
n
The nine components of the Composite Ranking are arranged according to five general
LJ
areas:
ABILITY TO CREATE JOBS
a
• Change in Employment measures the area's ability to create jobs.
ABILITY TO EARN AN ADEQUATE INCOME
Q
• Per Capita Income measures the level of income from the wages & salaries and
other forms of income generating activity (such as investments and owner profit).
• Change in Per Capita Income demonstrates the increase in income between
two points in time. Although this measure is correlated with the growth in jobs, a
a
pace of change in per capita income that lags the pace of job growth implies that
the area is adding lower paying jobs.
ABILITY TO KEEP THE LOCAL LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED
• Unemployment Rate measures the percentage of the population that is willing
to work but is unable to obtain employment.
• Change in the Unemployment Rate measures the improvement in an
individual's ability to find work from one period to the next.
ABILITY TO ATTRACT INCOME FROM OTHER REGIONS
• Per Capita Retail Sales measures the ability of an area to attract persons to a
county to shop and play, thereby demonstrating the regional importance of a local
area.
• Change in Per Capita Retail Sales measures how the relative attractiveness
of an area for shopping and play has changed over time.
ABILITY TO REDUCE POVERTY
• Per Capita Food Stamp Recipients serves as a proxy for a poverty index. It
a
shows the relative number of persons that are unable to adequately support
themselves or their families.
• Change in Per Capita Food Stamp Recipients shows how the level of poverty
has changed over time.
The Composite Rankings are created by assigning equal weights to the nine components a
of development. First, the measure's nine components are computed for each county in
North Carolina. Second, within each component the counties are ranked from most positive
to most negative and assigned a ranking from 1 to 100. The average of the nine rankings
is tabulated and ranked from top to bottom. The Composite Ranking is this final result." (�
I

The composite rankings for the twenty CAMA regulated counties, as found in the Economic
Development Yearbook, have been included in Table 12.
Table 12
CAMA Regulated Counties
One, Five, and Ten -Year Composite Rankings of Economic Development
Beaufort
Bertie
Brunswick
Camden
Carteret
Chowan
Craven
Currituck
Dare
Gates
Hertford
Hyde
New Hanover
Onslow
Pamlico
Pasquotank
Pender
Perquimans
Tyrrell
Washington
One -Year
1993-1994
State
CAMA
Rank
Rank
90
16
100
20
76
13
82
15
56
7
70
11
62
8
19
2
39
4
95
19
52
6
26
3
17
1
67
9
92
18
71
12
91
17
49
5
68
10
77
14
Five -Year
1989-1994
State CAMA
Rank Rank
Ten -Year
1984-1994
State CAMA
Rank Rank
89
15
94
17
96
20
100
20
68
8
75
9
71
10
83
13
35
2
58
5
82
14
89
15
57
6
76
10
43
4
47
4
42
3
10
1
58
7
79
11
91
18
99
19
76
11
44
3
30
1
30
2
69
9
91
16
77
12
62
6
90
17
98
18
92
19
69
7
78
13
80
12
49
5
70
8
88
16
85
14
u Note: State rank out of 100 total counties and CAMA rank out of 20 total counties.
Source: Economic Development Yearbook for North Carolina, 1995.
0
The status of Brunswick County's economy fares much more favorably when compared
a to the economics of the twenty CAMA regulated counties rather then the economies of all of the
counties within the entire state. Out of the three periods included in Table 12, Brunswick County
received its highest rankings for the five-year period 1989-1994.
I
U 1-21

The following provides a summary of strengths and weaknesses which influence the
county's economy:
Strengths Weaknesses
Available industrial park sites with utilities Location/transportation access
Large available labor force Limited water and sewer distribution system
Modern industrial training center Poor public education system
Low tax rates
High quality of life
b. Local Economy
As indicated in Table 13, median per capita income in Southport ranged well above the
Brunswick County median, and close to the North Carolina median, in 1985 and 1990.
Table 13
City of Southport, Brunswick County, and North Carolina
Median Per Capita Income, 1985-1990
1990
1985
City of Southport $12,821
$9,303
Brunswick County $11,688
$8,169
North Carolina $12,885
$9,517
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census.
The higher per capita income in Southport compared to Brunswick County is indicative of
the fact that many government personnel, skilled industry employees, teachers, other
professionals, and self-employed businessmen reside in the city. A very small percentage (6%)
of individuals enumerated in the 1990 census for Southport worked in semi -skilled manufacturing
jobs, approximately 25% worked in professional and related services. Table 14 provides a
summary of employment by occupation for the years 1980 and 1990.
Table 14
City of Southport
Employed Persons 16 Years and Older By Industry, 1980 and 1990
Occupation
% Employed 1980
% Employed 1990
Agriculture, forestry, mining
0%
0%
Construction
8%
1%
Manufacturing:
Nondurable goods
6%
2%
Durable goods
0%
4%
Transportation
2%
1 %
Communication, other public utilities
13%
15%
Wholesale trade
2%
2%
1-22

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0
I
Table 14 (continued)
Occupation % Employed 1980 % Employed 1990
Retail trade 16% 17%
Finance, insurance, and real estate
Business and repair services
Personal, entertainment, and recreational services
Professional and related services:
Health services
Educational services
Other professional and related services
Public Administration
Fishing
Total Employed
5%
8%
3%
4%
7%
8%
8%
11 %
10%
9%
4%
5%
12%
11%
*5% **2%
100% 100%
Source: 1990 Southport Land Use Plan and 1990 U.S. Census.
* The 1980 U.S. Census survey did not provide a count of those employed in the fishing industry. However,
based upon local estimates, approximately 5% of Southport's employed persons work in the fishing industry.
City officials felt that the number of persons employed in educational services occupations as reported by
the Census was high; thus, this figure was reduced to show 5% in the fishing industry category.
** It should be noted that this table includes only insured employment. Much of the employment in the
commercial fishing occupation is not reported and not reflected in this percentage. In addition, this
percentage does not take into consideration persons employed on -shore in fishing -related activities.
Higher incomes stemming from the status of Southport as a "bedroom community" for
industry -related professionals and skilled employees, and teachers and government personnel,
has several effects on the local economy. First, housing costs and the general cost of living have
tended to be higher in Southport than in most of Brunswick County in recent years. This has
placed a burden.on those living on fixed incomes. It has also restricted in -migration by young,
non-professional couples and single wage earners, and contributed to the net reduction of the
black population in the city. Both of these demographic trends were discussed in the population
section.
The City of Southport's economy is also highly reliant on tourism as evidenced by the high
percentage of individuals employed in the retail trade occupational sectors (17%). In addition, the
number of people visiting the Southport 2000 Visitor Center provides a good indicator of the
impact that tourism has in the city. During the month of July 1997, approximately 6,800 people
visited the center. Furthermore, the city's police department estimated that on July 4, 1997,
Southport attracted approximately 20,000 visitors (this figure does not include those present for
the fireworks display). Although there are no figures available indicating approximately how many
dollars are brought into the city as a result of tourism, based on retail trade employment and
visitation data, it is known to be extremely significant. The City of Southport views tourism as an
important contributor to the local economy and supports .continued development of the tourist
industry.
Positive economic results of higher per capita income and a generally "white collars' working
population in Southport include low unemployment, a stable municipal tax base, and the
preservation of a quiet, residential way of life. Many contemporary urban problems such as a high
crime rate, decay of the central business district, and increasing poverty and housing deterioration
1-23

in low-income, minority areas are not as prevalent in Southport as in many similarly -sized eastern
North Carolina cities. Additionally, the city has been able to directly address its more pressing
urban problems largely because of its stable tax base and generally well-educated labor force.
(Based on 1990 census data, 48% of Southport's over-25 population had attended at least one
year of college.)
The number of individuals below poverty level is an important indicator of the economic
health of a community. The table below defines poverty status for individuals in Southport in
1990.
Table 15
City of Southport
Poverty Status, 1980 and 1990
Income Level 1990 1980
Income below 75% of poverty level 192 (8.5%) 166 (6.1 %)
Income between 75 and 124% of poverty level 178 (7.8%) 372 (13.7%)
Income between 125 and 149% of poverty level 122 (5.4%) 103 (3.8%)
Income between 150 and 199% of poverty level 148 (6.5%) 292 (10.8%)
Income 200% of poverty level and above 1,630 (71.8%) 1,777 (66.6%)
Total enumerated by poverty status 2,270 (100%) 2,710 (100%)
Source: 1990 Southport Land Use Plan and 1990 U.S. Census.
Table 15 indicates that, despite the relatively high percentage of individuals in Southport
living in households with incomes considerably above the poverty level, there are still a
considerable number of individuals living in poverty. The percentage of non -white population
below the poverty level (24%) was much higher than the percentage of whites below the poverty
level (9%) in 1990 (Source: 1990 U. S. Census).
Social programs and community redevelopment efforts continue to improve living
conditions for Southport's lower -income populace. However, improving the economic well-being
of the hard-core unemployed in Southport has been a difficult problem due to the lack of local
farming and manufacturing industry capable of sustaining an unskilled available workforce. Table
16 provides a summary of industrial employers located within Southport's planning jurisdiction.
Table 16
Southport Area Major Industrial Employers, 1995
Industry
Product
Employees
Archer Daniel Midland Co.
Organic citric chemicals
200
Carolina Power and Light
Electrical Provider
894
Caroon, CB Crab Co. Inc.
Crab meats/products
30
Cogentrix, Inc.
Cogeneration facility
18
State Port Pilot
Newspaper publishing
15
Tri-Tech, Inc.
Police/law enforcement supplies
50
Total
1,207
Source: 1995 NC Manufacturers Directory; published in cooperation with the NC Dept. of Commerce.
1-24

0
Although these businesses hire many of their employees from the city, they are incapable
of providing enough new jobs to appreciably affect the local unemployment situation. The other
employment opportunities in the city are extremely limited, and consist largely of occasional
openings in retail businesses, gas stations, building trades, etc.
UC. EXISTING LAND USE
Land use within the City of Southport continues to be dominated by single-family residential
development. Changes within the city limits have occurred since the 1990 Land Use Plan Update,
including the new Bald Head Island ferry terminal. As discussed in the 1990 Land Use Plan
Update, major commercial areas continue to be the central business district, marine -related
commercial uses in the State Ports Authority small boat harbor area, strip commercialization along
Howe Street, and increasing development around the intersection of NC 87 and NC 211.
The following land use summary provides an analysis of uses by land use category and a
comparison of 1985, 1990, and 1997 land use acreages. Map 2A provides a delineation of current
land use within the city's planning jurisdiction (incorporated area and extraterritorial jurisdiction)
a while Map 2B indicates land use within Southport's corporate area only. The acreages for both
the city's incorporated area and the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) are provided in Tables 17, 18,
and 19.
aTable 17
City of Southport
aExisting Land Use Within City Limits (1)
1997 1990 1985
Land Use Acres Acres Acres
Single-family 453.8 410.1 394.1
Multi -family 34.5 28.0 15.0
a Mobile Home 3.9 7.7 4.6
TOTAL RESIDENTIAL: 492.2 445.8 413.7
Commercial 54.0 49.1 40.6
Industrial 0.0 0.0 3.6*
Institutional 78.9 78.1 80.1
Parks and Open Space 25.1 17.0** 17.0**
Trans/Comm/Util 225.3 200.9 188.6
Vacant 488.0 572.6 498.4
TOTAL ACREAGE: 1,363.5 1,363.5 1,242.0
(1) Sources: 1985 figures - Southport Land Use Plan Update, 1985; 1990 figures - Southport Land Use Plan
a Update, 1990; 1997 figures - Windshield survey by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
*1980 figure counted vacant land owned by industrial companies within city limits. The 1985 industrial uses
were primarily warehouses. The 1990 figures categorize the warehouses as commercial.
**Includes two cemeteries not accounted for in this category in 1980.
-25

Approximate Scale In Miles
I 1 �
U 3/4 1-1/2
N
The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided
by the 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.
II&
L IL
i L 11_
{� I -
I -J ®^_
�--
;♦ ------ �-----� (----J I -may �®� - <#� c. � .1 ' '� "'' ; ri. ♦ ... ... ♦
�, 4 �. c . ♦ xis % r,r,�
il� �{s�■-r _J � � _♦ / J ._- . QN. A Ci11�� lt!- � �•, ivy �.'�
/ „(� '• • t � 1 ' -"lam I I - [�- Yi yL I I I IV
. �{■of� v� f -N �� ��4 7 i 1 +� J r I �'t -- '.a.. ' oz,
``� • �� 1 Ft
CITY IIAIIT$ • • ■ • ■ ■ • ■�i'■.�, 1A' lL-
Southport's eritire planning jurisdiction lies withirn small watershed 03030005070010.
�"ill i
MAP 2A
CITY OF SOUTHPORT
ND AND WATER USE MAP
_ J U LY, 1997
s
. Legend
____ ETJ Line
j City Limits
♦ ' ' ' Single Family Residential
j ® Multi -Family Residential
Commercial
® Industrial
Transportation & Utilities
Commercial -Water
Dependent
ae® Public & Institutional
Parks & Open Spaces
1. Waterfront Park & Pier
2. Old Yacht Basin
3. S.P.A. Boat Harbor
* Parcel Occupied -by I-26
Mobile Homes -

Approximate Scale In Miles '::
-� �'" :: ; : \ c ♦ .; ' ' \� �_, ' - MAP-2B
0 1/2 1 ♦/, ♦%\ :%' - � ' P.I. •
':;r�-CITY`O. SOUTHPORT
a Kaan a-�� r , ♦ \ r \r\ �` ' _—`1� ,{
,rLAND AND WATER USE V
N -
I- �- �.� % , I I, • �1.^ � VV 'I I I / / I I I �I I J I I • I • '
f o0 oa ,/ `f/ •/ f, ,,,f f, •,
Ir � � � _T ♦ ♦ L � -- .- yi.` �_ `l'} w : � � ' r is ¢ /
r- 1� TiG�E-f.VE�� i •♦I♦� I • •��1 \ �� __ � / I I ; ,i e`�fd `i I / � I - �
�� ..' a°�®• v EYEP.FTL 7—I pVE. -� r
C17Y LIMIT T--� ` c f ♦ ft / v♦ ? ♦n T ♦ ♦ �..� ♦ ♦ ♦�. y ♦ ♦ ♦ f
` , /;/ % iTT�+.- S __ � � � ® ®� J 7 � ! '/ f / f f / / f , J� /'/ R ♦/T�♦ / > f J / -
/`sir^� /- T,' ' ��A�A . !Y ♦ V\ \ \ \ '�\\\.\ ram♦ \♦
i♦ -� \ v \♦ ♦ \ \\♦ ♦y V \ '\\
, ,, wT aT�� 1', `-'� __ �'� J - � /zie /�a , r ,,f Jr, } r•{//�r ,
_V
i I I
tgkz
- ` ■�d,'■Y-\ ■ •• Y"' � s �f- /` ; \ .�J\ ram-\ �m � rk;-1�� 11�ry ]J ' iI, - ♦ r I� ' �\ ���' ':J//
p • ■ i • . ■ ■ • r,r 7.-•.q-� �� I ♦ ♦, \. y \. tK �1e1+'� sT. q' ♦ a i Y\ r/ I G��
CITY I IMIT$--��� • ■ • ■ ■ ■ ■ • ■ ■ . V � - � S♦i♦ ♦ { � Z r.`♦ - V`
••••■■• ■■.■•■••■••••■■'•'■'• ^y a•? , `/,\♦`YIi`t�( }tI`�i�?" ua5r vi/ r ♦�F! ♦ ♦� /J I (JC'
10
The preparation of this map was financed in part
g g provided b the North Carolina through a rant y
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided�'�—�by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as -
amended, which is administered by the Office of I %
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National � f
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOTE: Southport's entire planning jurisdiction lies within small watershed 03030005070010.
Legend
- - City Limits Transportation & Utilities
Single Family Residential Commercial -Water
Multi -Family Residential Dependent
Commercial ®o®OoaPublic & Institutional
® Industrial Parks & Open Spaces
* Parcel Occupied by 1. Waterfront Park & Pier
Mobile Homes 2. Old Yacht Basin
3. S.P.A. Boat Harbor 1.27

0 Table 18
City of Southport
Existing Land Use Within Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (1)
1997
1990
1985
a
Land Use
Single-family
Acres
192.0
Acres
118.9
Acres
69.4
Multi -family
4.7
3.7
0.0
Mobile Home
17.0
17.0
13.5
a
TOTAL RESIDENTIAL:
213.7
139.6
82.9
Commercial
Industrial
68.7
124.8
62.2
124.8
60.6
0.0
Institutional
6.1
5.1
5.1
Trans/Comm/Util
Vacant
370.0
1,493.3
359.9
1,584.9
329.5
1,919.9
TOTAL ACREAGE:
2,276.6
2,276.5
2,398.0
(1) Sources: 1985 figures - Southport Land Use Plan Update, 1985; 1990 figures - Southport Land Use Plan
Update, 1990; 1997 figures - Windshield survey by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
0 Table 19
City of Southport
Existing Land Use Within City Limits and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (1)
1997
1990
1985
Land Use
Single-family
Acres
Acres
Acres
463.5
645.8
529.0
Multi -family
39.2
31.7
15.0
Mobile Home
20.9
24.7
18.1
a
TOTAL RESIDENTIAL:
705.9
585.4
496.6
Commercial
Industrial
122.7
124.8
111.3
124.8
101.2
3.6
Institutional
85.0
83.2
85.2
Parks and Open Space
25.1
17.0**
-17.0**
Trans/Comm/Util
595.3
560.8
518.1
Vacant
1,981.3
2,157.5
2,418.3
TOTAL ACREAGE:
3,640.1
3,640.0
3,640.0
(1) Sources: 1985 figures- Southport Land Use Plan Update, 1985; 1990 figures - Southport Land Use Plan
Update, 1990; 1997 figures - Windshield survey by Holland
Consulting Planners, Inc.
**Includes
two cemeteries not accounted for in this category in 1980.
r
1-28

I
1. Urban and Developed Land
a. Residential
Since the 1990 Land Use Plan Update, there have been two annexations within Southport.
These included the Harbor Oaks annexation in September, 1997 (128 acres), and the Landing
annexation in December, 1997 (83 acres). Several additional annexations are expected to occur
within the next year. These annexations will be discussed in Section II of this plan.
Between 1990-1997, total residential (single and multi -family) acreage within Southport's
planning jurisdiction increased by 124 acres. This represents a 22% increase in total residential
land use. It has been estimated that at the time this land use plan update was drafted, there were
approximately 1,388 housing units within Southport's corporate limits occupying approximately 488
acres.
Within the ETJ area the most significant concentration of single-family residential
development has occurred in Smithville Woods, a large subdivision located off of Robert Ruark
Drive. Indigo Plantation, which was annexed in the mid-80s, has experienced the most significant
single-family residential growth within the incorporated area of Southport.
Multi -family acreage within Southport's planning jurisdiction increased by only
approximately 8 acres during the last seven years. Approximately 88% of this multi -family
development occurred within Southport's incorporated area.
Single-family residential usage within the city's incorporated area has benefitted greatly
from Community Development comprehensive revitalization projects. The neighborhoods
containing the units are more stable as a result of these improvements. However, substandard
housing conditions continue to exist along Lord Street and portions of northwest Rhett Street.
The Southport Historic District, as recorded in the National Register, extends from the
Cape Fear River at Kingsley Street west to the boat basin and northwest to West Street. The area
contains approximately 100 homes, the majority of which have some historic and architectural
significance. The area remains intact, not having suffered many intrusions from new residential
or commercial developments.
b. Commercial
The total number of acres developed for commercial use in Southport increased 10%
between 1990-1997. In 1997, the city's corporate limits included a total of 54 commercial acres
and the ETJ, 69 acres.
Commercial growth within the city's ETJ area has occurred exclusively on North Howe
Street and the NC 211/NC 87 intersection.
The extraterritorial jurisdiction area continues to contain more commercial land usage than
is located within the corporate limits. This is expected to continue because of limited land
availability for commercial development within the corporate limits and because of the
transportation accessibility which exists in the area of the NC 87/NC 211 intersection.
y
III
I
I
It
1-29

it
0
I
I
0
I
I
I
I
II
I
I
The majority of the commercial development within the incorporated area has been
concentrated along Howe Street within the Central Business District (CBD). This development
does not consist of new construction but rather the conversion of single-family homes to
commercial businesses.
As early as 1979, the city began to focus on downtown redevelopment through preparation
of the Southport Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan. The 1985 Land Use Plan re-
emphasized the need for central business district revitalization. Since 1985, the emphasis has
been continued by the Southport Economic Development Commission. The city's commitment
toward downtown revitalization has greatly improved its appearance. As a result, the city is
attracting more and more visitors to its downtown each year. The city will continue to implement
its revitalization plans to ensure the continued success of its "reborn" CBD.
C. Industrial
Industrial development within the Southport planning jurisdiction has been extremely
limited. Currently, within the city's incorporated area, no land is zoned for industrial usage.
However, the extraterritorial area includes some industrial zoning and industrial development.
Archer Daniels Midland, Co., formerly Pfizer, Inc., has been located on North Moore Street
Extension since the 1970s and processes citric acid for commercial usage. The plant employs
approximately 200 people. Since 1985, a second industry has located within the extraterritorial
area. Cogentrix is located on Leonard Street opposite the Archer Daniels property. The plant is
a cogeneration facility that sells steam to the Archer Daniels Midland Co., and electricity to
Carolina Power and Light. A portion of the CP&L property is located on the northern edge of the
city's ETJ. These two plants are the most significant in terms of physical size and occupy
approximately 125 acres within the city's extraterritorial area.
The City of Southport does not want industrial development to result in any net loss in
wetlands. Within the city's planning jurisdiction, residential, commercial, and industrial
development will be allowed which is consistent with the city's zoning ordinance, and within the
AECs, consistent with 15A NCAC 7H.
d. Institutional
There have been no significant changes in institutional land use within the City of
Southport or its extraterritorial area since 1990. However, the Dosher Memorial Hospital has
undergone several expansions adjacent to its existing site on Howe Street, the Southport 2000
Visitor Center reopened in a renovated building on Moore Street, and the city constructed two
shoreline access facilities. The Southport 2000 Visitor Center provides travelers visiting Southport
with a wealth of information relating to local attractions, history, restaurants, shopping, and
lodging. Information is provided through a knowledgeable volunteer staff and a number of maps
and brochures all available at the Center. Dosher Memorial Hospital and the city's shoreline
access facilities are discussed further under the Development Constraints: Public Facilities section
of this plan. Between 1985-1990, a minor decrease in institutional usage occurred within the city's
incorporated area because of the conversion of some semi-public uses to non -institutional land
use. It should be noted that the Southport -Fort Fisher ferry landing is included within the
institutional land use category.
1-30

e. Transportation/Public Utilities
This category includes all roadways, utility holdings, city -owned services such as water and
sewer lines, and electric utility systems. The most significant change in transportation/ utilities
acreage since 1990 was due to the construction of the new Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal,
occupying approximately 25 acres. This acreage was not included in the Institutional Land Use
category because it is privately owned and operated. As a result, there are currently
approximately 225 acres developed for transportation/utility usage within the city's incorporated
area.
f. Vacant Land
The inventory of vacant land within the City of Southport corporate limits and extraterritorial
jurisdiction has experienced a net decrease of approximately 176 acres since 1990. Between
1985-1990, Table 17 indicates an increase in vacant land area within the corporate limits. This
is the result of annexation of the Indigo Plantation subdivision which at the time was predominantly
undeveloped. Without the Indigo Plantation annexation, the vacant land area within the corporate
limits would have decreased.
Presently, vacant land occupies approximately 36% of the town's corporate area and 66%
of the ETJ. This acreage includes approximately 345 vacant lots within the city limits and 594 lots
within the ETJ.
2. Existing Land Use Issues
The City of Southport has maintained a comprehensive planning program in both the city's
corporate limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction area. This has included careful administration
of the city's zoning and subdivision regulations. In 1989, the city undertook a complete rewrite of
its subdivision ordinance. The modifications made the ordinance consistent with current North
Carolina General Statutes and provided updated standards for subdivision design. Many land use
problems confronting municipalities have been averted as a result of the city's planning efforts.
However, the following land use issues should be addressed:
— Development of a long-range annexation plan.
— Elimination of substandard housing within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction
-- Establish control of strip commercialization along NC 87 and NC 211.
— Review and update the city's zoning ordinance.
-- Extension of water and sewer lines to annexed areas.
— Continued protection of the town's historic district.
— Protection of Areas of Environmental Concern.
— Establish a thoroughfare plan to coordinate road construction and transportation
system development within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
These land use issues should be addressed in the policies section of this plan.
1-31

I
0 3. Basinwide Water Quality Management
a The Water Quality Section of the North Carolina Division of Water Quality has initiated a
basinwide approach to state water quality management. The overall goal of basinwide
management is to develop consistent and effective long range water quality management
strategies that protect the quality and intended uses of North Carolina's surface waters while
accommodating population increases and economic growth.
Basinwide management is not a new regulatory program. Rather, it is a watershed -based
management approach which features basinwide permitting of discharges, integration of existing
point and nonpoint source regulatory programs, and preparation of basinwide water quality
management plans for each of the state's 17 river basins by 1998. Plans will be updated at five
year intervals.
The purpose of the basinwide management plan is to communicate to policy makers, the
regulated community, and the general public, the state's rationale, approaches, and long-term
strategies for each basin. In general, this process involves the following five major phases of
development:
— Collecting pertinent water quality and related information,
-- Analyzing the information and targeting problem areas,
— Development management strategies,
Circulating a draft plan for public review and comment; and
— Finalizing the plan.
aEight of North Carolina's major river basins cross the coastal area: Lumber, Cape Fear, White
Oak, Neuse, Tar -Pamlico, Roanoke, Chowan, and Pasquotank. The Division of Water Quality has
further subdivided these basins into smaller "sub -basins", which are currently used as the
foundation for their basinwide water quality plans. Even smaller watersheds were recently
delineated for the entire state by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. These
watersheds are referred to as "14-digit hydrologic units" (because of the unique 14-digit code
assigned to each watershed) or simply "small watersheds". These small watersheds generally
range in size from 5,000 to 50,000 acres.
Brunswick County includes two separate river basins (Cape Fear and Lumber) and three separate
sub -basins (03-06-17, 03-07-57, and 03-07-59). Each sub -basin is further divided into several
small watersheds. The City of Southport's planning jurisdiction is located entirely within the Cape
Fear River basin, sub -basin 03-06-17, and small watershed 03030005070010. The Cape Fear
basinwide management plan was completed in 1995.
a The long-range basinwide management goal is to provide a means of addressing the complex
problem of planning for reasonable economic growth while protecting and/or restoring the quality
and intended uses of the Cape Fear Basin's surface waters.
I
I
I
In striving towards the long-range goal stated above, the Division of Water Quality's highest priority
near -term goals will be the following:
— Identify and restore the most seriously waters impaired in the basin;
— Protect those waters known to be of the highest quality or supporting biological
communities of special importance;
11
1-32

-- Manage problem pollutants, particularly nutrients, biological oxygen demand and sediment
and fecal coliform, in order to correct existing water quality problems and to ensure
protection of those waters currently supporting their uses.
Because the City of Southport and its ETJ are located entirely within small watershed
03030005070010, a map illustrating the watershed boundary is not necessary.
4. Urban Waterfront Redevelopment, House Bill 1059
In 1997, the North Carolina General Assembly adopted House Bill 1059, which addresses urban
waterfront redevelopment. Underthis Bill, the Coastal Resources Commission may grant a permit
for nonwater dependent development in public trust areas if the following criteria are met:
(1) The land is waterfront property located in a municipality.
(2) The land has a history of urban -level development as evidenced by any of the
following:
(a) The land is a historic place that is listed, or has been approved for listing by
the North Carolina Historical Commission in the National Register of Historic
Places pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
(b) The land is historical, archaeological, and other site owned, managed, or
assisted by the State of North Carolina pursuant to Chapter 121 of the
General Statutes.
(c) The land has a central business district zoning classification, or any other
classification that may be designated as acceptable by the Commission.
(3) The proposed development is sponsored in part or in whole by the local jurisdiction
in which the development would be located for the purpose of significantly
increasing public access consistent with the Coastal Area Management guidelines.
(4) The municipality in which the activity would occur has determined that the
development will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment.
(5) The development as requested is consistent with a local urban waterfront
development plan, local development regulations, public access plans, and other
applicable local authority.
As stated in the policy statement section of this plan, Southport will amend the December 1990,
Shoreline Access Plan to accommodate the provisions of Senate Bill 1059 and prepare a specific
waterfront development plan, and will support development over estuarine and public trust waters
as allowed by North Carolina Senate Bill 1059.
5. - Existing Ordinances and Land Use Controls
The city maintains a comprehensive program of building, land use, and municipal services control.
The city is adequately staffed, with a total of approximately 50 employees. The major positions
include City Manager, Finance Officer, Building Inspector, Public Works Director, Recreation
Director, and Police Chief.
a. Zoning Ordinance
The City of Southport has had a zoning ordinance continuously in effect since 1973. The
ordinance has been amended several times and revised in October, 1996. The ordinance
includes mobile home park regulations, off-street parking requirements, and conditional use
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provisions. With the assistance of the City Manager, the ordinance is administered by the city's
planning board. Variances and appeals are received and processed by the city's Board of
Adjustment.
b. Subdivision Ordinance
The city's first subdivision ordinance was adopted on July 19, 1973. The ordinance was
completely redrafted in 1989. The ordinance is administered by the city's Planning Board with the
administrative assistance of the City Manager.
C. Planned Residential Development Ordinance
The city adopted the planned residential development ordinance in August, 1984. The
ordinance allows planned development districts in concert with the city's zoning ordinance.
Specific performance standards for public facilities, drainage, and streets are provided. The
planning residential development ordinance allows marinas, specialty shops, and restaurants as
conditional uses, but prohibits other commercial uses.
d. Master Drainage Plan
In 1983, the City of Southport prepared a comprehensive drainage master plan. The plan
identifies and analyzes the major drainage basins in the city and provides a recommended capital
improvements program. This plan was funded, in part, with a Coastal Area Management Act
Planning Grant.
ae. North Carolina State Building Code
The City of Southport employs a full-time building inspector. The inspector enforces the
North Carolina State Building Code for all new construction and rehabilitation.
f. Federal Flood Insurance Program
The City of Southport participates in the Federal Emergency Management Flood program.
aThe building inspections department coordinates the program and aids in ensuring compliance.
g. Southport Revitalization Plan
In 1979, the Brunswick County Planning Department prepared a plan for revitalizing
Southport's downtown and waterfront park areas. The plan emphasized the need to capitalize on
the waterfront as the key to downtown revitalization.
h. City of Southport Waterfront Access Plan, 1989
a The City of Southport prepared a 1989 Shoreline Access Plan to focus on protecting
environmentally -sensitive areas, while providing shoreline access sites which will support both
tourism and local recreational activities. The plan considers both the number of sites required and
a their location/ease of access by the public. Priorities for the types of sites (not specific sites) to
be acquired are recommended.
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1. City of Southport 1986 and 1990 CAMA Land Use Plans
The City of Southport prepared CAMA-funded Land Use Plans in 1986 and 1990. Those
plans responded to state planning guidelines and provided policy statements for use of Areas of
Environmental Concern.
The city was particularly successful in supporting policies addressing the following areas:
-- Implementation of the city's Master Drainage Plan.
-- Update of the city's land use regulatory controls to include the zoning and
subdivision ordinances.
-- Preparation of a Shoreline Access Plan.
-- Preservation of the city's Historic District.
— Protection of the city's Areas of Environmental Concern.
-- Extension of the city's water and sewer systems.
— Effective participation in the Federal Flood Insurance Program.
-- Participation on the development of a county -wide Thoroughfare Plan.
-- Implementation of successful FY86 and FY88 Community Development Block
Grant revitalization projects.
-- Successful completion of improvements to the city's sewage treatment plant.
j. Brunswick County Thoroughfare Plan
In 1990, the North Carolina Department of Transportation was preparing a Brunswick
County Thoroughfare Plan. That plan was not finalized and adopted at the time of preparation
of this document but is expected to be completed in the Spring of 1998.
k. Traffic Operations and Pedestrian Safety Study
In January 1997, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) through the
Municipal Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (MTEAP) completed a Traffic Operations and
Pedestrian Safety Study for the City of Southport. This study presents findings and provides
recommendations for improving traffic operations and enhancing pedestrian and motorist safety.
The MTEAP provides traffic engineering assistance, through the performance of comprehensive
transportation studies, to North Carolina schools, state agencies, and municipalities that have a
population of 50,000 or less and do not have a traffic engineer on staff.
I. Impact Fee Ordinance
In 1984, the city established an impact fee ordinance to allocate the cost of providing
sewage treatment services on a user -oriented basis. State daily flow estimates are utilized as the
basis for establishing costs.
1-35

I
0 D. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY
1. Climate
Southport is hot and humid in summer, but is frequently cooled by sea breezes. Winters are cool
with occasional, brief cold spells. Rain falls throughout the year and is fairly heavy. Annual
precipitation is adequate for all crops. The area is periodically subjected to hurricanes.
Table 20 gives data on temperature and precipitation for the survey areas as recorded at
Southport, North Carolina, for the period 1951 to 1979.
In winter, the average temperature is 47 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average daily minimum
a temperature is 37 degrees. The lowest temperature on record, which occurred in Southport on
January 18, 1977, is 9 degrees. In summer, the average temperature is 78 degrees, and the
average daily maximum temperature is 86 degrees. The highest recorded temperature, which
aoccurred on June 26, 1952, is 103 degrees.
Of the total annual precipitation, 32 inches, or 60 percent, usually falls in April through September.
a In 2 years out of 10, the rainfall in April through September is less than 25 inches. The heaviest
1-day rainfall during the period of record was 9.24 inches at Southport on September 29, 1957.
Thunderstorms occur on about 45 days each year, and most occur in summer.
aSnowfall is rare. The average seasonal snowfall is less than 1 inch. However, snow in excess
of 1 inch that lasts more than a day does occasionally occur. The greatest snow depth at any time
during the period of record was 9 inches.
The average relative humidity in midafternoon is about 60 percent. Humidity is higher at night,
a and the average at dawn is about 85 percent. The sun shines 65 percent of the time possible in
summer and 60 percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from the south-southwest. Average
windspeed is highest, 11 miles per hour, late in winter and early in spring.
0
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1-36

Table 20
Southport, NC
Temperature and Precipitation
Month I Average Average
daily daily
maximum minimum
OF OF
T
Average
daily
OF
Average
number of
2 years in 10 will have--
growing
Maximum
Minimum
degree days*
temperature
temperature
higher than--
lower than --
OF
OF
Units
Average
Average Average
2 years in 10
number of snowfall
will have--
days with
Less More
0.10 inch or
than-- than-
more
In In In
In
January
55.2
35.2
45.2
72
15
67
4.27
2.23
6.05
7
.0
February
57.4
37.2
47.3
75
15
80
3.91
2.02
5.56
7
.5
March
63.4
43.5
53.5
80
25
171
4.28
2.42
5.91
7
.1
April
71.9
52.3
62.1
85
34
363
2.78
0.99
4.25
5
.0
May
78.7
61.1
69.6
92
42
617
3.98
2.09
5.62
7
.0
June
84.2
68.1
76.2
95
52
786
4.94
2.04
7.39
7
.0
July
87.0
72.1
79.5
95
61
918
6.36
3.08
9.19
8
.0
August
87.0
71.4
79.2
95
60
90
6.82
3.57
9.66
9
.0
September
82.9
66.3
74.6
91
51
738
6.93
3.74
9.73
8
.0
October
74.9
54.8
64.9
87
34
462
3.49
1.08
5.45
5
.0
November
66.6
45.6
56.1
81
25
205
3.12
1.42
4.58
5
.0
December
58.7
38.4
48.6
74
16
99
3.93
1.92
5.66
7
.0
Yearly:
Average
72.3
53.8
63.1
---
---
---
--
---
---
---
---
Extreme
---
---
---
97
13
---
---
---
---
---
---
Total
---
---
---
---
---
5,411
54.81
47.04
63.38
82
.6
* A growing degree day is a unit of heat available for plant growth. It can be calculated by adding the maximum and minimum daily temperatures, dividing the sum by 2,
and subtracting the temperature below which growth is minimal for the principal crops in the area (500 F).
Source: U.S. Soil Conservation Service.
1-37
C7 IQ Q Q iQ Q Q i� Q Q Q Q Q Q Q C] C1 C7 Q

0 2. Topography/Geology
Brunswick County is in the lower Coastal Plan and ranges in elevation from 75 feet to sea level.
All of the soils in the county formed in Coastal Plan sediment or in sediment deposited by streams
flowing through the county. Most of the county is nearly level with short slopes along the main
a drainageways. The main streams are wide and shallow, and those near the ocean are affected
by tides. A short distance inland, the streams become narrow with broad interstream areas.
D The majority of Southport's planning jurisdiction is flat with most variations in elevation occurring
adjacent to streams and creeks. In most areas, elevations range from 16 to 24 feet above mean
sea level. The land areas gradually slope to sea level elevations along Dutchman's Creek,
Bonnetts Creek, Prices Creek, Cottage Creek, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Cape Fear
aRiver. Topography is not considered to be a serious constraint to development in Southport.
Southport is situated in a geologically complex area. A post-miocene aquifer exists between the
land surface and a depth of 40 feet below surface. The aquifer consists of sand and contains
potable water. Below the post-miocene is the tertiary system aquifer. This aquifer is the primary
source of Southport's water supply. The aquifer contains porous and permeable limestone,
providing conditions in which excellent quality groundwater is stored under artesian conditions.
0 Rainfall in the Southport area aids in aquifer recharge.
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Groundwaterfrom the surficial'* deposits is of good quality but may have a high iron content. The
surficial deposits are a valuable aquifer and furnish water for many rural residences. Generally,
this aquifer is 10 to 30 feet thick and 40 feet thick in some places south of U.S. Highway 17.
Below the surficial deposits is a limestone aquifer. It consists of phosphatic limestone with layers
of sand, silt, and sandy marl. The limestone aquifer is an important source of water. It is
underlain by sedimentary deposits that.contain brackish water..
3. Flood Hazard Areas
The City of Southport has a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The city's Building Inspector
enforces the Flood Insurance Ordinance. The map designates "A" and "V" flood zones. "A" flood
zones are areas that will experience rising flood waters with little or no wave action. The "A" zone
is specifically defined as Special Flood Hazard Areas inundated by the 100-year flood, determined
by approximate methods; no base flood elevations are shown or flood hazard factors determined.
The V' flood zone indicates areas inundated by the 100-year flood that have additional velocity
hazards associated with waves of 3-foot amplitude or greater.
Approximately 25 percent of the city's planning jurisdiction is within the "A" zone and
approximately 15 percent within the ' V" zone. Map 3 delineates the "A" and "V" zones.
"Surficial: Water at a level just below the grounds surface.
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Approximate Scale In Miles /
1
0 114 112
N
Source: FEMA, 1985.
I
Y LIMITS P
INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
t
t
PApjC
CAPE FEAR RIVER
c' z Iwrrs
MAP 3
City of Southport -
Flood Hazard Areas
LEGEND
ETJ Line
- - City Limit
Flood Hazard Area-100 Year
Flood Plain ("A" Zones)
Flood Hazard Area ("V" Zones)
1-39

it
aDetailed locations of the individual zones may be determined by referring to the detailed floodway
flood boundary and floodway maps prepared as a part of the 1985 flood insurance study. Copies
of the maps are maintained on file in the Southport Building Inspector's office. Generally, the
following zone locations exist:
a Bonnetts Creek Tributary (upper creek) Al
Bonnetts Creek A3
Intracoastal Waterway V13 and A10
Cape Fear River V12 and A10
Cottage Creek, Prices Creek, and Dutchman's Creek are all located within the 100-year flood
boundary. It is estimated that less than 5% of Southport's population resides in Flood Zone V, and
approximately 15% resides within Flood Zone A.
The greatest storm surge impact will occur from hurricanes. Map 4 shows the general areas of
Southport which may be affected by hurricane -generated storm surge.
While a considerable amount of Southport lies within the floodplain, the greatest threat is flooding
u resulting from storm surge and local ponding of water. Approximately 40 to 50 percent of the city's
u planning jurisdiction would be in a Category One hurricane. However, flooding would not appear
to be worse in a Category Two through Five hurricane.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a rating system based on hurricane intensity. Within each
category is a description of wind speed, storm surge, and estimated damages. Examples of each
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category are noted.
Category One Hurricane:
Winds 74-95 mph. Storm surge generally 4-5 feet above normal. No significant damage to permanent
structures. Damage limited to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly
constructed areas. Limited coastal road flooding and minor pier damage may occur. Hurricanes Allison and
Noel of 1995 were Category One hurricanes at peak intensity.
Category Two Hurricane:
Winds 96-110 mph. Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window
damage to buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees. Some trees blown down. Considerable
damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood
2-4 hours before the arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
Hurricane Bertha of 1996 was a Category Two hurricane when it hit the North Carolina coast.
Category Three Hurricane:
Winds 111-130 mph. Storm surge generally 9-12 feet above normal. Some structural damage to small
residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Foliage blown off trees. Large
trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are
covered by rising water 3-5 hours before the arrival of the hurricane center. Flooding near the coast destroys
smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain lower than 5 feet above mean
sea level may be flooded 8 miles inland. Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of the
shoreline may be required. Hurricane Fran of 1996 was a Category Three hurricane.
I-40

MAP 4
CITY OF SOUTHPORT
STORM SURGE INUNDATION AREAS
1
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F
III
n LEGEND
Y ® Category 1 - 2 Surge Area
Category 3 Additional Surge Area
aCategory 4 -5 Additional Surge Area
The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided by the 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.
1-41

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Category Four Hurricane:
Winds 131-155 mph. Storm surge generally 13-18 feet above normal. More extensive curtainwall failures
with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down.
Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes
may be covered by rising water 3-5 hours before the arrival of the hurricane center. Major damage to the
lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 feet above sea level may be flooded,
requiring the massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles. Hurricanes Opal and Hugo
were Category Four hurricanes at peak intensity when they struck the Florida and South Carolina coasts,
respectively. Both storms eventually passed over the western part of North Carolina. At this time, wind
speeds had dropped to tropical storm force winds.
Category Five Hurricane:
Winds greater than 155 mph. Storm surge generally greater than 18 feet. Complete roof failure on many
residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown away.
All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive
window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before the arrival of
the hurricane center. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level
and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10
miles of the shoreline may be required. Hurricane Gilbert of 1988 was a Category Five hurricane at peak
intensity and is the strongest Atlantic tropical cyclone of record. Gilbert passed over Jamaica, the Yucatan
Peninsula, and Northern Mexico.
A long-range flooding problem may result from anticipated sea level rise. During the past century,
the sea has risen approximately one foot. Generally, experts expect the sea level rise to
accelerate over the next century and rise an additional four to seven feet. If this anticipated
increase in sea level occurs, the impact on Southport will be substantial. The areas shown on
Map 3 as flood hazard areas would be almost totally inundated by a seven foot sea level rise.
This will result in the loss of approximately 20 to 25 percent of Southport's current planning
jurisdiction area. All salt marsh areas would be lost. The whole issue of sea level rise has serious
implications for Southport, and the long term rate of rise must be carefully monitored.
In response to sea level rise, Southport will review all local building and land use related
a ordinances to establish setback standards, long term land use plans, density controls, bulkhead
restrictions, buffer vegetation protection requirements, and building designs which will facilitate
the movement of structures. Although the City of Southport supports bulkheading to protect its
a shoreline areas from intruding water, negative impacts from sea level rise are not anticipated
during the planning period.
a The city also suffers from intermittent flooding from rainfall and storm water runoff. The soil
associations shown on Map 5 provide an indication of the locations of high water table areas. The
water table depths, flooding frequency, and permeability rates are provided in Table 21.
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a 1-42
1

Table 21
City of Southport
Soil Susceptibility to Flooding
High Water Table
Map
Symbol
Soil Types
Depth
Kind
Months
BnB
Blanton fine sand
5.0-6.0
Perched
Dec -Mar
BO
Bohicket silty clay loam
+3-0
Apparent
Jan -Dec
CA
Carteret loamy fine sand
+3-1.0
Apparent
Jan -Dec
DO
Dorovan muck
+145
Apparent
Jan -Dec
KrB
Kureb fine sand
>6.0
—
---
LA
Laffite muck
0-0.5
Apparent
Jan -Dec
Lo
Leon fine sand
0-1.0
Apparent
Jun -Feb
Ly
Lynchburg fine sandy loam
0.5-1.5
Apparent
Nov -Apr
Ma
Mandarin fine sand
1.5-3.5
Apparent
Jun -Dec
Mu
Murville mucky fine sand
0-1.0
Apparent
Nov -May
NhE
Newhan fine sand, dredged
>6.0
--
---
PaA
Pactolus fine sand
1.5-3.0
Apparent
Dec -Apr
Ra
Rains fine sandy loam
0-1.0
Apparent
Nov -Apr
Tm
Tomahawk loamy fine sand
1.5-3.0
Apparent
Dec -Apr
To
Torhunta mucky fine sandy loam
0.5-1.5
Apparent
Dec -May
WaB
Wando fine sand
4.0-6.0
Apparent
Jan -Mar
WdB
Wando-Urban land complex
4.0-6.0
Apparent
Jan -Mar
YaB
Yaupon silty clay loam
2.0-4.0
Apparent
Jan -Dec
Flooding
Frequency
Duration
Months
None
--
--
Frequent
Very brief
Jan -Dec
Frequent
Very brief
Jan -Dec
Frequent
Very long
Jan -Dec
None
--
Frequent
Brief
Jan -Dec
None
—
--
None
---
---
None
--
—
None
—
—
None
---
None
---
---
None
--
—
None
---
None
---
None
---
None
---
None
—_
Source: Soil Survey of Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
1-43
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

of
a4. Soils
a A detailed soils survey of Brunswick County has been completed by the Soil Conservation Service.
Based on that survey, there are 18 different soil associations located within the city's planning
jurisdiction. These associations are delineated on Map 5 and their conditions for site development
a are provided in Table 22. Many of the soils located within Southport's planning jurisdiction have
some limitations for development.
Table 22
aCity of Southport
Soil Associations - Degree and Kind of Limitation for Stated Use
Map
Dwellings without
Septic Tank
Symbol
Soil Types
Basements
Streets & Roads
Absorption Fields
BnB
Blanton fine sand
Slight
Slight
Moderate: wetness
BO
Bohicket silty clay
Severe: flooding, ponding,
Severe: low strength,
Severe: flooding,
loam
shrink -swell
ponding, flooding
ponding, peres slowly
CA
Carteret loamy
Severe: flooding, ponding
Severe: ponding, flooding
Severe: flooding,
fine sand
ponding, poor filter
DO
Dorovan muck
Severe: flooding, ponding,
Severe: ponding, flooding,
Severe: flooding,
low strength
low strength
ponding, poor filter
KrB
Kureb fine sand
Slight
Slight
Severe: poor filter
LA
Laffite muck
Severe: flooding, low
Severe: flooding, low
Severe: flooding
strength
strength
Lo
Leon fine sand
Severe: wetness
Severe: wetness
Severe: wetness, poor
Ly
Lynchburg fine
Severe: wetness
sandy loam
Ma
Mandarin fine
Moderate: wetness
sand
Mu
Murville mucky
Severe: ponding
fine sand
NhE
Newhan fine sand,
Severe: slope
dredged
PaA
Pactolus fine sand
Moderate: wetness
filter
Severe: wetness Severe: wetness, poor
filter
Moderate: wetness Severe: wetness
Severe: ponding Severe: ponding, poor
filter
Severe: slope Severe: poor filter,
slope
Moderate: wetness Severe: wetness, poor
filter
Ra Rains fine sandy Severe: wetness Severe: wetness
Severe: wetness
loam
Tm Tomahawk loamy Moderate: wetness Moderate: wetness
Severe: wetness
fine sand
To Torhunta mucky Severe: wetness Severe: wetness
Severe: wetness, poor
fine sandy loam
filter
WaB Wando fine sand Slight Slight
Severe: poor filter
WdB Wando-Urban Slight Slight
Severe: poor filter
land complex
YaB Yaupon silty clay Severe: wetness Severe: low strength,
Severe: peres slowly,
loam shrink -swell
wetness
Note: Prime farmland soils located in Brunswick County include: Foreston loamy fine sand (Fo), Goldsboro fine sandy
loam (GoA), Johns fine sandy loam (Jo), Norfolk loamy fine sand (NoB), and Onslow fine sandy loam (On). None of
these prime farmland soil types are located within Southport's planning jurisdiction.
Source: Soil Survey of Brunswick County, North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation
Service.
1-44

Ya
Approximate Scale in Miles
1 a I
0 1/4 112
.001
BO
W+'I�.
PaA
- Mu
Fo
L Lo
AGE A
BO KrB
' PaA
Lo
♦
YaB
Y �
N
a
The preparation of this map was financed in part • •
through a grant provided by the North Carolina • ..
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided r?RAcoAsrAL WATERWAY
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as YaB
amended, which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
80
GoA
BnB
• W : CI
•
DO
KrB
40
Ly
City of Southport
Soils Map
MAP 5
B
nJ NhE
•
KrB Ma
E�EARD/t
DO •
•
•
B ' LEGEND
• WaBWando fine sand
• - - - City Limits YaB Yaupon silty clay loam
C4PEFEARRNER ETJ Line BO Bohicket silty clay loam
• KrB Kureb fine sand Lo Leon fine sand
Ma Mandarin fine -sand Mu Murville mucky fine sand
Y� • DO Dorovan much Ra Rains fine sandy loam
NhE Newhan fine sand, dredged Ly Lynchburg fine sandy loam
WdBWando-Urban land comple LA Laffite muck
PaA Pactolus fine sand xBnB Blanton fine sand 1
Tm Tomahawk loamy fine sand CA Carteret loamy fine sand j
To Torhunta mucky fine sandy loam
1-45

I
0 5. Manmade Hazards/Restrictions
a There are no significant manmade hazards within Southport's planning jurisdiction. The greatest
concentrations of hazardous materials are the storage of gasoline and fuel oil. In addition to fuel
storage, chemicals and pesticides are stored at a limited number of areas in and near Southport.
C
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7
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The EPA requires that facilities report certain chemical substances located on site. Specifically,
under this regulatory requirement, facilities with chemicals on the EPA's list of Extremely
Hazardous Substances present in a quantity equal to or in excess of their established Threshold.
Planning Quantity or a 500 pound threshold (whichever number is less), as well as any hazardous
chemical present on site in a quantity equal to or greater than 10,000 pounds must be included
on an annual report called the Tier II. This report must be submitted by March 1 St of each year to
the North Carolina Emergency Response Commission, the Local Emergency Planning Committee,
and the local fire department with jurisdiction over the reporting facility. Table 23 provides a list
of facilities in the Southport area that submitted Tier II reports in 1995.
Table 23
Southport Area Tier II Reporters, 1995
Facility Name Address
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant
Cogentrix of NC, Inc.
Dixie LP Gas Co.
GOGAS #8
Handee Hugo #7
Military Ocean Terminal
Southport DMS 10, Bell South
Telecommunications
Valley Welding Supply Co.
Highway 87, 2'/ miles North
Southport, NC 28461
Cogentrix Drive SE
Southport, NC 28461
511 N. Howe Street
Southport, NC 28461
1603 Howe Street SE
Southport, NC 28461
5043 Southport Supply Road
Southport, NC 28461
Sunny Point
Southport, NC 28461
254 East 11t' Street
Southport, NC 28461
8147 River Road SE
Southport, NC 28461
Source: Division of Emergency Management, 1995.
In addition, minor fuel storage facilities are known to exist at the following locations:
— Bulk fuel oil and gas storage, 200 block of Leonard Street.
— Fuel storage at the State Port Authority.
— Fuel storage at the Indigo Plantation Marina.
1-46

As a result of federal regulations/Chapter 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 280 and
281) concerning underground storage tanks, the threat of explosion or groundwater contamination
from existing underground storage tanks should decrease.
Two major manmade hazard concerns exist outside of the city's planning jurisdiction which could
have a major impact on the city. The CP&L Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant is located adjacent
to the northeast boundary of Southport's extraterritorial planning jurisdiction. Obviously, an
accident at the plant could have major impact on the city. Evacuation plans are in effect and
monitored by the Brunswick County Emergency Management Coordinator. (In addition, some of
CP&L's property extends into the city's ETJ.)
The second potential hazard would be the possibility of contamination of the Cape Fear River from
the Port of Wilmington in the event of a large oil or chemical spill or from damage to a tanker
traveling by Southport to the Port of Wilmington. Also, explosives are occasionally shipped on the
Cape Fear River along the Southport shoreline to the Sunny Point Army Terminal. None of
Southport's planning jurisdiction is located in the Sunny Point Military Ocean Terminal "blast zone"
or along the railroad line servicing the terminal. In any case, damage to marine life and the
estuarine shoreline as well as Southport could be extensive. Shipping passes within several
hundred feet of both residential and commercial areas.
Although not presently a concern, there is the potential for the establishment of off -shore drilling
operations that could potentially present a hazard to Southport. Even though oil tankers which
pass by Southport to the Port of Wilmington probably present a greater threat to the city than that
of an off -shore drilling operation, the presence of such would still be a concern of Southport if one
were constructed. It should be noted that Southport does not encourage off -shore drilling
operations but will not oppose on -shore support facilities for which an environmental impact
statement has been prepared with a finding of no significant impact on the environment.
6. Fragile Areas
In coastal North Carolina, fragile areas are considered to include coastal wetlands, ocean hazard
areas, shorelines, estuarine waters and shorelines, sound and estuarine islands, public trust
waters, complex natural areas, areas sustaining remnant species, unique geological formations,
registered natural landmarks, swamps, prime wildlife habitats, areas of excessive slope, areas of
excessive erosion, scenic points, archaeological sites, historical sites, and 404 wetlands. While
not identified as fragile areas in the 15A NCAC 7H use standards, maritime forests and
outstanding resource waters (ORWs) should also be considered fragile areas. Southport's
planning jurisdiction includes estuarine waters and shorelines, coastal wetlands, public trust
waters, 404 wetlands, and archaeological sites.
a. Coastal Wetlands
The coastal wetlands are generally delineated on Map 6, Areas of Environmental Concern
and Other Fragile Areas. However, it is emphasized that the specific locations of coastal wetlands
can be determined only through on -site investigation and analysis. Coastal wetlands are defined
as salt marshes regularly- or irregularly -flooded by tides including wind tides, provided this shall
not include hurricane or tropical storm tides. These areas must contain at least one, but not
necessarily all of the following marsh plant species: Cordgrass, Meadow Grass, and Salt Reed
Grass. The coastal wetlands are vital to the complex food chain found in estuaries. They provide
marine nursery areas and are essential to a sound commercial fishing industry. Coastal wetlands
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also serve as barriers against flood damage and control erosion between the estuary and
uplands. Substantial coastal wetland areas are located along Dutchman, Prices, and Cottage
Creeks.
b. Estuarine Waters
Estuarine waters are generally those waters found in estuaries, sounds, bays, salt water
shorelines, and the Atlantic Ocean within three miles of the shoreline. They are the dominant
component and bonding element of the entire estuarine system, integrating aquatic influences
from both the land and the sea. The estuarine waters are among the most productive natural
environments within Southport's planning jurisdiction. The waters supportthe valuable commercial
and sports fisheries of the coastal area which are comprised of estuarine dependent species such
as menhaden, flounder, shrimp, crabs, and oysters.
C. Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine shorelines are those non -ocean shorelines that are especially vulnerable to
erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water. They are intimately connected to
the estuary. In shoreline areas not contiguous to waters classified as outstanding resource waters
by the Environmental Management Commission, all land 75 feet landward from the normal water
level are considered to be estuarine shorelines. Development within the estuarine shorelines
influences the. quality of estuarine life and is subject to the damaging processes of shorefront
erosion and flooding.
d. Public Trust Areas
Public trust -areas are all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the
mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject
to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; all navigable natural
bodies of water and lands 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; all water
in artificially, created bodies of water containing significant public fishing resources or other public
resources which are accessible to the public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public
has rights of navigation; and all waters in artificially created bodies of water in which the public has
acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other means. In determining
whether the public has acquired rights in artificially created bodies of water, the following factors
shall be considered:
(1) the use of the body of water by the public,
(2) the length of time the public has used the area,
(3) the value of public resources in the body of water,
(4) whether the public resources in the body of water are mobile to the extent that they
can move into natural bodies of water,
(5) whether the creation of the artificial body of water required permission from the
state, and
(6) the value of the body of water to the public for navigation from one public area to
another public area.
These areas are significant because the public has rights in these areas, including
(� navigation and recreation. The public trust areas also support valuable commercial and sports
L,J fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are important resources for economic development.
The public trust areas must be determined through in -field analysis and definition
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L� e. Wetlands Defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
404 wetlands are areas covered by water or that have waterlogged soils for long periods
during the growing season. Plants growing in wetlands are capable of living in soils lacking
oxygen for at least part of the growing season. 404 wetlands include, but are not limited to,
bottomlands, forests, swamps, pocosins, pine savannahs, bogs, marshes, wet meadows, and
coastal wetlands.
a Map 6 provides the approximate location of pocosin, bottomland hardwood/swamp forest,
and coastal wetlands located within the city's planning jurisdiction.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that anyone interested in depositing dredged
or fill material into "waters of the United States," including wetlands, must apply for and receive
a permit for such activities. The Wilmington office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has
regulatory authority in Southport's planning jurisdiction. While there may be scattered wetland
areas (non -coastal wetlands) located within Southport, the specific locations of wetlands areas
must be determined through on -site analysis. It should be noted that in some Areas of
Environmental Concern, both the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the regulatory requirements
of the Coastal Area Management Act may have overlapping jurisdiction. Simultaneous to the
preparation of this plan, amendments to the federal definition of wetlands were being considered
which could reduce the areas afforded protection under the wetlands legislation.
Qf. Slopes in Excess of 12%
Except for some shoreline areas located along the Cape Fear River, there are no slopes
in excess of 12% located within the city's planning jurisdiction. Excess slope has not been a
deterrent to development within Southport's planning jurisdiction.
g. Excessive Erosion Areas
Q Excessive erosion of shoreline areas has not been a problem within Southport's planning
jurisdiction.
h. Historic and Archaeological Sites
Southport includes many historically significant sites. In fact, one of the city's most
important community assets is its historic resources. The city has a National Register Historic
District which generally extends from the Cape Fear River from Kingsley Street to the Yacht Basin
north to West Street. Map 8 in Section II of this plan provides a general indication of the city's
historic district boundaries. The National Register of Historic Places lists the following four
acategories of rankings for buildings in a Historic District:
Pivotal - Building or properties that are individually outstanding, historically, and/or
Ls architecturally, and stand as a visual landmark in the community.
u Contributing - Buildings whose architectural or historical significance is important to the
total character and history of Southport. These late 19th and early 20th century buildings
define the planning, scale, and architectural unity of the town.
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Non-contributing - Although these buildings, such as contemporary dwellings, may fit
unobtrusively into the scale and planning of the earlier fabric of the town, they are not what
gives it its historic character.
Intrusive - Building totally out of scale or with unsympathetic materials which disrupt the
materials and aesthetic qualities of the townscape.
Buildings or structures within the Historic District which have been identified as "pivotal"
include:
St. Philips Episcopal Church (Moore Street)
T.M. Thompson House (Bay Street)
River Pilots Tower and Building (Bay Street)
Walker -Pike House (Bay Street)
Fort Johnston Hospital (Bay Street)
Masonic Lodge (Nash Street)
Trinity Methodist Church (Nash Street)
A.E. Stevens House (Atlantic Avenue)
Old Brunswick County Courthouse (Moore Street
Old Brunswick Inn (Arrington House) (Atlantic Avenue and Bay Street)
Adkins-Ruark House (corner Nash and Lord Streets)
Fort Johnston Officers Quarters (Bay Street)
Fort Johnston, the Old Brunswick County Courthouse (now housing City Hall), and the
Quarantine Office are also listed separately in the National Register. In addition to the historically
significant structures, the waterfront area contains many uncatalogued historic and possible
archaeologically significant sites.
L Other Fragile Areas
There are no inlet hazard areas, sound and estuarine islands, natural resource areas,
complex natural areas, coastal geologic formations, maritime forests, or other fragile areas, as
defined by 15A NCAC 7H located in Southport's planning jurisdiction.
7. Areas of Resource Potential
a. Regionally Significant Public Parks
The City of Southport contains a number of recreational facilities. They are identified in
the Development Constraints: Public Facilities section of this plan. There are no public parks
located within the city's planning jurisdiction which have regional significance.
b. Marine Resources
The North Carolina Division of Water Quality assigns water quality classifications to all
waters of the State of North Carolina. The schedule of classifications is provided by 15 NCAC
26.0302 to .0317. The classifications are based upon the existing or contemplated best usage
of the various streams and segments of streams within a basin, as determined through studies,
evaluations, and comments received at public hearings. The state classifies tidal salt waters as
follows:
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Class SA: shellfishing for market purposes and any other usage specified by
the "SB" and "SC" classification;
Class SB: primary recreation and any other usage specified by the "SC"
classification;
Class SC: fish and wildlife propagation, secondary recreation, and other uses
requiring waters of lower quality.
aAll waters within Southport's planning jurisdiction are classified as either SC or SA waters.
The general locations of the water classifications are delineated on Map 6, Areas of Environmental
Concern and Fragile Areas. SC waters are salt waters protected for secondary recreation, aquatic
life propagation, and survival. SA waters are primarily reserved for shellfishing plus all uses
allowed in SC and SB classified waters.
a A primary nursery area is located in Dutchman Creek. The specific location is defined as
follows:
North of a line beginning at a point on the east shore 33055'07" North - 78002'39"
West, running 2940 (M) to a point on the West Shore 33055'08" North - 78002'44"
West.
Primary nursery areas are those areas of the estuarine system where initial post -larval
development takes place. These areas are usually located in the uppermost sections of an
aestuarine system where populations are uniformly very early juveniles.
In addition, surface waters (streams, lakes, orestuaries) are rated as eitherfully supporting
(S), support -threatened (ST), partially supporting (PS), or nonsupporting (NS) by the Division of
Water Quality. The terms refer to whether the; classified uses of the water (such as water supply,
aquatic life protection and swimming) are being fully supported, partially supported, or are not
supported. For instance, saltwaters classified for commercial shellfish harvesting (SA) would be
rated as fully supporting if bacterial levels in the water were low enough to allow harvesting.
However, if fecal coliform bacteria levels were too high to allow shellfish to be harvested, but not
too high to prevent swimming, then the waters would be rated as partially supporting since they
only support the swimming. If the waters were impacted to the point that even swimming was
disallowed, the waters would be rated as nonsupporting. All of the waters adjacent to Southport
have been identified as partially supporting (PS).
All of Southport's planning jurisdiction is located within the Cape Fear River Basin within
sub -basin area 03030005070010. The city occupies 1.5% of the Cape Fear Basin's land area.
C. Agricultural and Forestlands
a There are no significant agriculturally productive areas or commercially productive
forestlands located within Southport's planning jurisdiction.
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d. Marinas and Mooring Fields
Marinas are defined as any publicly or privately owned dock, basin or wet boat storage
facility constructed to accommodate more than 10 boats and providing any of the following
services: permanent or transient docking spaces, dry storage, fueling facilities, haulout facilities,
and repair service. Excluded from this definition are boat ramp facilities allowing access only,
temporary docking and none of the preceding services.
The City of Southport allows the construction of marinas and any associated drystack
storage facilities that are in compliance with the city's zoning ordinance. The number of marinas
and facilities offered at each marina are discussed under Part E of this section, Development
Constraints: Public Facilities, Recreation.
A "freestanding mooring" is any means to attach a ship, boat, vessel, floating structure, or
other water craft to a stationary underwater device, mooring buoy, buoyed anchor, or piling (as
long as the piling is not associated with an existing or proposed pier, dock, or boathouse). When
more than one freestanding mooring is used in the same general vicinity it is commonly referred
to as a mooring field. The City of Southport has not regulated the establishment of mooring fields
within its planning jurisdiction and mooring fields have not been a problem.
e. Floating Homes
A floating home or structure is any structure, not a boat, supported by a means of flotation,
designed to be used without a permanent foundation, which is used or intended for human
habitation or commerce. A structure will be considered a floating structure when it is inhabited or
used for commercial purposes for more than thirty days in any one location. A boat may be
deemed a floating structure when its means of propulsion has been removed or rendered
inoperative and it contains at least 200 square feet of living space area.
There are currently no floating homes within Southport.
f. Aquaculture
As defined under N.C. General Statute 106-758, aquaculture is the propagation and
rearing of aquatic species in controlled or selected environments, including, but not limited to,
ocean ranching. Aquaculture has not been an issue within Southport's planning jurisdiction.
g. Channel Maintenance and Interstate Waterways
The Intracoastal Waterway traverses the City of Southport along its southern/southeastern
boundary. The waterway provides an indispensable route for fisherman, commercial barge traffic,
and recreational boat traffic, all instrumental to the city's economic well-being. The waterway and
the berthing channel/tuming basin at the State Port Terminal in Wilmington are both maintained
by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Recent years have seen a continuing increase in waterway and
port traffic as tourism and import/export activities have grown.
Proper maintenance of channels is very important to Southport because of the substantial
economic impact of commercial fisheries and successful operation of the State Port at Wilmington.
If silt or other deposits fill in the channels, safe and efficient movement of commercial fishing and
transport vessels could be impeded.
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E. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: PUBLIC FACILITIES
1. Water Supply
The City of Southport currently owns and operates a potable water system which includes water
supply, storage and distribution facilities serving the residents and businesses within the City of
Southport. In addition to serving the areas within the city limits, the distribution system extends
outside the city limits north along Highway 211 to the south side of the CP&L canal. Some of the
areas served along this stretch include the Smithville Woods subdivision, Forest Oaks subdivision,
and most of the businesses along Highway 211 near its intersection with Highway 87. A 6-inch
water main also extends from the city limits along River Road to the North Carolina Department
of Transportation ferry landing.
The water supply facilities include two (2) operational groundwater wells drawing water from the
Castle Hayne Aquifer. Well No. 1, which is located within Franklin Park adjacent to the Southport
Baptist Church, is no longer in service. Well No. 2 is located on Leonard Street at the intersection
of Willis Street. Well No. 3 is located along 9th Street, northwest of the intersection of 9th Street
and Burrington Avenue. The pumping rates for wells 2 and 3 are approximately 240 GPM and 250
GPM, respectively with a combined total yield of approximately 352,800 gallons per day. In
addition to the groundwater supplies stated above, the city's distribution system is connected with
the Brunswick County System at the city limits along Leonard Street. A 12-inch main extends from
a 24-inch county water main near the intersection of Jabbertown Road and Leonard Street and
is connected to a 6-inch city main through a 6-inch meter assembly. This interconnect provides
Southport with approximately 40% of its water. Treatment of groundwater supply has been limited
to a combination of chlorine and ammonia (chloramine) for disinfection and phosphate feed to
control iron. The distribution system includes an elevated storage tank with a capacity of 150,000
gallons. The. distribution main sizes include 2-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch mains.
The City of Southport experienced difficulty in meeting water quality limits from the water
withdrawn from Well No. 1 at Franklin Park. This was due to elevated concentrations of chlorides.
Due to the water quality issues regarding Well No. 1, it was removed from service and the city now
relies on the interconnect with the Brunswick County System to satisfy its water supply needs.
Also, Well No. 2 has shown higher levels of iron and manganese, with iron exceeding State
standards on occasion.
The City of Southport has identified the need to correct the deficiencies in the water supply and
distribution facilities, the need to improve the quality of drinking water and the need to plan for
future expansion of the water supply to accommodate the growth expected to occur within the
community.
a2. Sewer
Southport maintains two different types of waste water treatment plants. An activated sludge
sewage treatment plant with a design capacity of 300,000 gallons per day (gpd) and a biological
aeration filter (BAF) sewage treatment plant with a design capacity of 500,000 gpd combine for
a total capacity of 800,000 gpd. In June, 1997, the city's sewer system had a total of 1,285
a customers. The current flow in the system is approximately 475,000 gpd, 59% of the system's
capacity. Therefore, the sewer system currently has a surplus capacity of approximately 325,000
gpd. This surplus capacity may be utilized by growth within the city and its extraterritorial area.
a
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The City of Southport and the Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District recently completed a sanitary
sewage extension project which included the installation of an 8" sewer main from the north side
of the CP&L Canal to the city's corporate limit line. This extension, which was completed and
dedicated in August, 1997, will allow for increased development of the NC 211/Howe Street
corridor. It should be noted that the City of Southport is currently taking the appropriate actions
to annex this portion of NC 211/Howe Street. In addition, the agreement between the city and the
Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District included ownership transition of this section of sewer line
from the sanitary district to the city within a one-year period.
At the present time there are no private package treatment plants in use within the City of
Southport. The city opposes the construction of private package treatment plants within its
corporate area and as a result, none are expected to be constructed during the planning period.
3. Solid Waste Disposal
All solid waste was disposed of at the Brunswick County landfill off Highway 17 near Supply, North
Carolina, until December 31, 1997, when that facility was closed. In January, 1998, the landfill
was converted to a transfer station. Waste is transported to Sampson County for disposal in the
Sampson County Landfill.
Solid waste disposal data is not available for Southport. However, Table 24 provides solid waste
disposal per capita data for Brunswick County. From FY1992-1993 to FY1994-1995, the overall
tons disposed of increased but the waste per capita decreased.
Table 24
Brunswick County
Solid Waste Tonnage and Per Capita Disposal Rate
FY92-93 to FY94-95
MSW Tons MSW Tons MSW Tons % Waste
County Disposed FY92-93 Disposed FY93-94 Disposed FY94-95 Reduction FY94-95
Brunswick 80,805.94 76,830.54 80,980.60
(per capita) 1.48 1.35 1.38 6.61%
Source: North Carolina 1995-96 Solid Waste Annual Report.
In 1997, the City of Southport, Brunswick County, and the Towns of Caswell Beach, Long Beach,
and Yaupon Beach undertook the preparation of a study to examine the feasibility of a regional
composting center for bio-solids and yard waste. The study examines available relevant data,
develops a conceptual facility, examines preliminary siting constraints and market considerations,
and develops a preliminary cost model for the facility. Based on the study, it appears that a
regional composting facility would be feasible. However, further feasibility studies should be
undertaken to further analyze the recycling potential of sewage sludges and other organic wastes.
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a4. Schools
The City of Southport is served by the Brunswick County School System. The only public school
facility located in Southport is the Southport Elementary School which serves grades K-5. The
facility had a 1996/97 school year enrollment of approximately 809 students. Most of the students
a were Southport residents. The middle school students, grades 6-8, are served by the South
Brunswick Middle School located near Boiling Spring Lakes. The 1996197 school year enrollment
was approximately 748 students. The high school age students, grades 9-12, are served by the
South Brunswick High School, also located in Boiling Spring Lakes. The approximate 1996/97
school year enrollment was 760 students. Southport Elementary, South Brunswick Middle School,
and South Brunswick High School enrollments include students from Southport, Oak Island,
Bolivia, and Boiling Spring Lakes.
aThe Brunswick County Community College operates an annex facility in Southport. The campus
is located in the Old Southport Middle School facility. The community college does not operate
any laboratory classes in Southport. The college offers a variety of continuing education classes
including: Art, Southport -Brunswick County History, Computer, Basic Law Enforcement,
Calligraphy, and Sign Language Classes.
There is a small private school affiliated with the First Apostolic Church on W. West Street,
offering instruction for Kindergarten through 12th grades.
5. Transportation
a As growth has occurred within Southport and its planning jurisdiction, traffic congestion has
increased. This problem was emphasized in the 1990 Land Use Plan. The congestion problems
which existed at that time remain essentially the same in 1997. The congestion problems are
concentrated on the city's major roads which include the following:
Principal Arterials: Principal arterials are those roads intended to provide travel routes for
through traffic and interconnect with minor arterials and major highway roads and systems.
NC 87; NC 211, and NC 133
Minor Arterial: Minor arterials also serve through traffic, but carry smaller volumes of traffic and
serve to support the principal arterial system.
Howe Street; Portions of Moore Street; Jabbertown Road
Major Collectors: Major collectors are roads providing long travel routes and which connect
arterials and other collectors.
Portions of West and Leonard Streets
Minor Collectors: Minor collectors are roads which provide for short and medium trips within the
city, generally moving traffic between neighborhoods.
aFodale Avenue, Lord Street, Bay Street
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Several key land uses will significantly effect transportation planning during the planning period.
These include:
— Fort Fisher -Southport Ferry
— Bald Head Island Ferry
-- Central Business
-- NC 211/NC 87 intersection
— Carolina Power and Light entrance
The 1990 City of Southport Land Use Plan identified a number of highway/road improvements
which needed to be made to improve traffic flow within Southport and its ETJ. These needs
continue to exist and include the following:
-- Improve accessibility from NC 211/NC 87 to Moore Street by providing an alternate
to Jabbertown Road.
— Connect Southport directly to NC 133 in the vicinity of the Brunswick County
Airport.
-- Improve NC 87 and NC 133 between Southport and US 17.
-- Improve accessibility and traffic flow at NC 133, the Dosher Cut -Off.
There is no current Brunswick County or Southport thoroughfare plan. The most recent
thoroughfare plan was prepared by Brunswick County in 1987. However, a Traffic Operations and
Safety Study was prepared by the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the City of
Southport in January 1997. The recommendations included in this study are provided in Section
II of this plan. The North Carolina Department of Transportation prepares a five year
transportation improvement plan (TIP). This plan provides an overview of transportation projects
anticipated in the upcoming five years along with funding information. The highway improvement
projects included the 1997-2003 TIP which will have an impact on Southport's highway
transportation system are as follows:
NC 133
Town Creek, Replace Bridge No. 61
Year 2000
NC 133
Allen Creek, Replace Bridge No. 56
Year 2000
US 421-NC 211
Southport, Construct a 180"'River
Completed
Class" Ferry
US 421-NC 211
Southport -Fort Fisher, Ramp/Bridge
Completed
Replacement
NC 87, NC 133, and
Intersection of NC 87, NC 133, and
Identified Future Need
Access Road
Sunny Point Access Road. Realign NC
87 to allow through movement of traffic
and install traffic signal
New Route
NC 211/NC 133 to NC 87 at SR 1525,
Right -of -Way Acquisition 2003
Construct a two lane connector on new
location
In the event of a hurricane, Southport has a viable evacuation route via N.C. 87, U.S. 17, and U.S.
74/76.
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0 6. Police, Fire, and Emer-gency Medical
Southport provides fire and rescue services through volunteer departments. The response area
for the rescue squad extends from the Intracoastal Waterway in Southport along NC 133 to Orton
Plantation. To the west, the response area follows NC 211 to Midway Road (SR 1500); and
a covers NC 133 between NC 211 and Oak Island. The fire department serves the majority of this
area, with the county providing service to a few houses along NC 133. Maximum response time
within the service area is 15 minutes. The city has a fire insurance classification rating of five.
aThe fire department has an average of 8 to 10 volunteers available during the day and 25 to 30
volunteers available at night. Backup support for the fire department is provided by the Sunny
Point Military Terminal Department and the Yaupon Beach Volunteer Fire Department. The rescue
squad has approximately 17 members and maintains a two member response crew as needed.
Both the fire and rescue departments are located on Nash Street across from the City Hall.
aThe
fire department equipment includes the following:
1 - 4x4 brush truck
a
1 - ladder truck
1 - 750 gpm pumper truck
1 -1,000 gpm pumper truck
1 -1,250 gpm pumper truck
1 - water rescue two equipment truck
The rescue squad has ambulances, one crash truck, and one water rescue boat. It is anticipated
that as annexations occur and the city expands northward, additional fire and rescue services as
well as a more central location than Nash Street may be required.
aThe city's police department is staffed with 10 full-time and three part-time police officers. The
staff positions include: one school resource officer and one community resource officer.
Equipment includes seven patrol cars. All police officers are located on the first floor of the City
of Southport Municipal Building.
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The current level of staffing results in some periods of limited police coverage. From 3:00 to 6:00
am and from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the city has only one officer on duty.
In addition, the department has limited investigative ability/personnel. The existing police
facilities/offices do not provide interview rooms or training space. Annexation of additional areas
could place further demands on the city for expanded police services.
7. Recreation
The city maintains a number of active and passive recreation facilities. These are identified in
Table 25 and are shown on Map 7. The city's shoreline access facilities are further identified in
Table 26.
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Table 25
City of Southport
Recreation Facilities
Name
Location
Size
Facility
Activity
Art Gallery
West Street
—
Exhibit
Passive
Horseshoe Park
Moore Street
1/8 ac.
Park benches
Passive
Alvin C. Caviness Park
Owen Street
314 ac.
Active
Keziah Park
Moore Street
1/4 ac.
Park benches
Passive
Waterfront Park
Bay Street
9 ac.
Park benches
Passive
Franklin Square Park
City Gym
City Pier
Stevens Park Little
League Complex
Southport City Dock
Senior Citizens Center
Lowe White Park
J.C. Building
Source: City of Southport.
Howe Street 1 ac.
Gazebo and park benches
Passive
Atlantic Avenue —
1 basketball court
Active
Bay Street —
1 pier
Active
Ninth Street 12 ac.
Baseball fields
Active
Brunswick Street —
Ninth Street —
Leonard Street 1/2 ac.
Fodale Street —
30 boat slips Active
Club room Active
2 tennis courts/picnic shelter Active
Multi -purpose building Active
Active recreational facilities are considered to be those which provide playing fields or facilities for
organized or participatory activities. Passive recreational facilities are those used for natural
areas, visual areas, or sitting/rest areas.
The City Gym, located on Atlantic Avenue provides a valuable, active recreational facility. The
Butch LeClerc Memorial Gym Floor Fund was established in September of 1994 to raise funds to
improve the gym. As a result, the old worn-out wooden floor has been replaced with a new
wooden floor consisting of suspended polypropylene interlocking grids over a new concrete slab.
A portion of the original floor was salvaged and remains in the gym for nostalgic memories. In
addition, the gym has been painted inside and out; a new awning over the front porch and new
backboards and goals have all been installed; and advertisement signs, paid for by individuals,
have been placed on the interior walls of the gym. Inmates from the N.C. Department of
Corrections assisted with some of the improvements.
Table 26
City of Southport
Public Beach and Waterfront Access Sites
Handicap
Parking
Dune
Board-
Picnic
Nature
Access Restroom Shower
Spaces
Crossing
walk
Garden Table
Pier Trail
City Dock E.
No No No
No
No
No
No No
Yes No
Bay St.
Historic
Yes No No
No
No
No
Yes No
Yes No
Riverwalk
Downtown
Source: NC Division of Coastal Management.
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There are several significant open space areas which add to the attractive landscape which exists
in Southport. These include Fort Johnston, Northwood Cemetery, Old Smithville Burial Grounds,
John Smith Cemetery, Old Morse Family Cemetery, and the entire riverfront shoreline area along
Bay and Brunswick Streets. Many of these areas have historical significance.
Q The city contains the State Ports Authority facilities, located on Brunswick Street (Southport
Marina). The facility is operated by a private vendor and contains wet slips for 114 boats. Two
concrete boat ramps are provided.
The Southport Marina serves a considerable amount of transient traffic. The peak transient
seasons usually include 2'/ months in both the spring and fall. In a normal year, approximately
3,000 transient boats visit the marina, most stopping for one night. There is an average of three
apersons on each boat. Most passengers go into Southport for supplies and/or dining. Thus, the
economic impact on Southport is significant. Data on expenditures is not available. However, if
these passengers averaged spending only $150 per person, the annual economic impact would
be $1,350,000.
Restrooms and pump out facilities are also provided. Table 27 provides a summary of Southport's
n marina facilities.
Table 27
Q City of Southport
Commercial Marinas and Dockages
Pump-
Wet
Dry
Ramp
Repair
Restroom
out
Fuel
Liftout
Restmt
Slips
Stack
Moorings
Indigo
NO
NO
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
35
NO
NO
Plantation
Marina
Southport
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
32
NO
NO
City Dock
Old Yacht
NO
YES
YES
NO
DIESEL
NO
YES
50
NO
NO
Basin
Southport
YES
YES
YES
YES
GAS
YES
YES
114
88
20
Marina
and
DIESEL
Willis Boat YES YES NO NO NO YES NO NO NO NO
Yard
Source: North Carolina Division of Coastal Management and the City of Southport.
.X

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1-61

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0 8. Drainage
a Because of elevation, topography, and soil conditions, drainage is a serious problem within
Southport's planning jurisdiction. The following summarizes those areas which continue to have
drainage difficulties during periods of heavy rainfall:
a• South Howe Street near the Cape Fear River including the city parking lot at Waterfront
Park.
• Intersection of Caswell and Bay Streets.
• Memory Lane located between Fodale Avenue and 8th Street.
These areas have been indicated on Map 9.
III
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Since the land use plan was last updated in 1990, the City of Southport has corrected several
areas that were susceptible to flooding through the installation of storm drains and isolated lines.
These isolated lines are not interconnected with the city's sewer system but are essentially "dead
ends" containing several drainage holes allowing for infiltration. However, the three floodprone
areas described above have not been addressed and continue to present problems during periods
of heavy rainfall. The city is currently studying Memory Lane and will be having topological
surveys of the area conducted to determine which mitigative actions might be feasible.
9. Health Services
The City of Southport and the citizens of Smithville Township are provided comprehensive medical
care by J. Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital. The hospital, founded, in 1930, will celebrate its 70th
Anniversary in the year 2000. The facility is owned by the taxpayers of Smithville Township and
is managed by an elected Board of Trustees. The hospital has 40 beds, a staff of approximately
150, and serves over 20,000 inpatients and outpatients annually. Two fully -staffed operating
rooms provide general surgery as well as orthopedic, ophthalmology, gynecological, and urological
surgery. Other services include state of the art radiology, physical therapy, cardiopulmonary,
pharmacy, speech therapy, and laboratory services. The hospital maintains a fully -staffed
emergency room around the clock and provides home services through its home care department.
Dosher Memorial Hospital is committed to providing comprehensive medical care to the citizens
of Smithville Township.
10. Cable Services
Cable Television Service is provided by Time Warner Cable. The cable system provides service
to approximately 983 customers.
a I-62

11. Electrical System and Energy Generating Facilities
The City of Southport owns and operates its own electrical distribution system which provides
electrical service to all areas within its planning jurisdiction. In June, 1997, the system had a total
of 1,939 subscribers including 1,592 households, 313 commercial businesses, and 34 C/D
commercial demand subscribers. Southport purchases its electricity through the North Carolina
Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA), who in turn purchases it from Carolina Power and
Light (CP&L). The electrical distribution system has no major deficiencies and will continue to be
maintained and upgraded as necessary.
Since 1990, Southport has made several improvements to its electrical system including the
rebuilding of aging lines, extensive tree trimming, and fusing coordination. In addition, the city has
initiated a new and aggressive rate system based on load management participation. This new
program has lowered some household electric bills by almost 40% and is widely supported by the
community.
The Cogentrix steam -generating plant is the only energy generating facilities located within the
city's extraterritorial jurisdiction. The CP&L Nuclear Power Plant is located immediately north of
the city's ETJ. Some of the CP&L property is located within the city's ETJ. The city will consider
the need for expansion of the Cogentrix and other energy facilities on a case -by -case basis,
judging the need for expansion against all identified possible adverse impacts. The location of
energy production facilities is regulated by the city's zoning ordinance.
1-63

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C SECTION II: PROJECTED LAND DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
A. PROJECTED DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
a1. Permanent Population
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a. Regional and County
Fourteen of the twenty North Carolina counties regulated by the Coastal Area Management
Act (CAMA) are expected to experience a net permanent population growth from 1995 to 2010.
As Table 28 indicates, the six counties with a negative population growth are Bertie, Camden,
Hertford, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington.
Table 28
Total Population and Percent Change for
CAMA-Regulated Counties and State, 1995-2010
Percent Change
County
1995
2000
2005
2010
'95210
Beaufort
43,330
44,280
44,760
.45,175
4.3%
Bertie
20,638
20,154
19,687
19,590
-5.1 %
Brunswick
60,739
66,497
73,285
79,644
31.1%
Camden
6,316
6,202
6,244
6,303
-0.2%
Carteret
57,612
64,209
69,543
74,280
28.9%
Chowan
14,031
14,666
14,940
15,283
8.9%
Craven
85,816
93,955
100,237
105,252
22.6%
Currituck
15,818
16,867
18,206
19,621
24.0%
Dare
25,758
31,491
36,479
41,495
61.1%
Gates
9,798
10,094
10,381
10,740
9.6%
Hertford
22,468
22,190
21,927
21,709
-3.4%
Hyde
5,211
5,151
5,017
4,837
New Hanover
139,577
139,332
145,147
150,936
8.1%
Onslow
147,912
169,659
185,627
198,617
34.3%
Pamlico
11,869
12,354
12,675
13,003
9.6%
Pasquotank
33,290
34,560
35,948
37,411
12.4%
Pender
34,671
36,374
39,448
42,331
22.1%
Perquimans
10,650
11,226
11,587
12,005
12.7%
Tyrrell
3,812
3,805
3,713
3,671
-3.7%
Washington
13,766
13,473
13,010
12,518
-9.1 %
Total CAMA Counties
763,082
816,539
868,041
914,421
19.8%
State of North Carolina
7,194,238
7,444,961
7,762,906
8,070,539
12.2%
Source: Office of State Planning.
4

In conformance with the Coastal Area Management Act planning guidelines, population
projections for the municipalities within Brunswick County have been prepared through 2010. The
population projections are provided in Table 29. It is emphasized that the municipal forecasts do
not take into consideration annexations which may occur. As a result, some municipality's
population may prove to be above the figures which are forecast.
The overall county population is expected to increase from 60,739 in 1995 to 79,644 in
2010. This increase of 31% (an annual average of 2.1%) was applied to all municipalities within
the county.
Table 29
City of Southport and Brunswick County
Population Forecasts
Year -Round Population
Municipality/Area
1995
2000
2005
2010
Bald Head Island
87
95
105
114
Belville
93
102
112
122
Boiling Spring Lakes
1,976
2,163
2,384
2,591
Bolivia
251
275
303
329
Calabash
1,364
1,493
1,646
1,789
Caswell Beach
209
229
252
274
Holden Beach
782
856
944
1,025
Leland
2,050
2,244
2,473
2,688
Long Beach
4,674
5,117
5,639
6,129
Navassa
492
539
594
645
Northwest
727
756
877
953
Ocean Isle Beach
664
727
801
871
Sandy Creek
268
293
323
351
Shallotte
1,123
1,229
1,355
1,473
Southport
2,540
2,781
3,065
3,331
Sunset Beach
778
852
939
1,020
Varnamtown
465
509
561
610
Yaupon Beach
850
931
1,026
1,115
Total Municipalities
18,666
21,191
23,399
25,430
Total Unincorporated Areas
42,073
45,306
49,886
54,214
Total County
60,739
66,497
73,285
79,644
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Through the year 2010, Brunswick County is expected to remain the fourth largest CAMA-
regulated county. In addition, between 1995-2010, Brunswick County's population is expected
to grow 31.1 % making it the third fastest growing CAMA-regulated county. Table 28 also indicates
that during the fifteen year period, the total CAMA counties are expected to grow at a rate (19.8%)
faster than that of the state as a whole (12.2%).
11-2

Hb. City of Southport
As Table 29 indicates, the City of Southport's year-round population may be expected to
increase by 791 persons between 1995 and 2010. This yields a 2010 population of 3,331 persons
and would comprise approximately 4.2% of the county's total population. Southport is expected
a to remain the second largest municipality in Brunswick County with a population approximately
2,800 persons short of the Town of Long Beach's population (6,129). However, it should be noted
that the population forecasts do not take into account the possibility of annexations containing
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associated populations. It is expected that during the planning period some annexations will
occur. Potential annexations will be discussed further in part B. Projected Public Facilities
Needs/Availability of this section.
2. City of Southport Seasonal Population
In 1995, the city's peak seasonal population was estimated at 1,623 (see page 1-15). Utilizing the
growth rate for the permanent population (31.1 %), the peak seasonal population should increase
to 2,128 by 2010. "Peak seasonal population" can be defined as the population that would be
enumerated in all seasonal housing units if all of those units were occupied at full capacity, based
on average assumed household sizes for each type of unit (one exception is in marina boat slips
where the ECU study discussed in Section I suggests an occupancy rate of 85%). Although "peak
seasonal population" is based on a number of variables, it is a very useful statistic for planning
purposes, since it provides a logically derived summary of the possible total occupancy in
seasonal units during peak overnight tourism periods (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor
Day weekends).
It is expected that Southport will continue to attract large numbers of day visitors during the spring
and summer months. The city's police department estimated that on July 4, 1997, Southport
attracted approximately 20,000 visitors (this figure does not include those present at the fireworks
display). Although it is difficult to forecast day visitation, it is conceivable that by the year 2010,
day visitation in Southport may exceed 30,000 persons.
3. Commercial and Industrial Land Use
Commercial development is expected to take place gradually in Southport during the next five to
ten years. Between 1989 and 1994, building permits for new commercial construction were issued
at an annual rate of approximately two permits per year. If this annual rate of commercial permit
issuance were to continue, Southport could expect ten additional commercial structures during the
next five years and twenty during the next ten years. Commercial development is anticipated to
primarily occur along the Howe Street corridor and surrounding the NC 211/NC 87 intersection.
Extensions of central sewer service into the city's extraterritorial area will stimulate additional
commercial development. Southport, in cooperation with the Southeastern Brunswick County
Sanitary District, has recently completed the extension of an 8" force main along Howe Street/NC
211 from the city limit line north to the CP&L canal. Many lots along this corridor which were
limited in use may now be developed. However, it should be stressed that care should be taken
to regulate strip commercialization in this area. The Howe Street/NC 211 corridor south of NC 87
serves as the only principal artery in and out of Southport, and its traffic -carrying capacity needs
to be preserved. In addition, since this corridor serves as the "gateway" to Southport,
development should be regulated in such a matter as to protect its appearance.
II-3

The commitment from the City of Southport and the Economic Development Council is evident in
the appearance and growing success of the city's Central Business District (CBD). Although the
CBD is no longer the primary commercial concentration in Southport's planning jurisdiction, it still
remains an important part of the city's economy and tourist industry. Continued commitment and
cooperation between public and private sectors will be necessary to sustain this area.
Industrial development within the city's existing corporate limits is not anticipated. Not only would
industrial development be incompatible with existing land use patterns but land area is also limited
within the city's corporate limits. Pfizer, Inc., and Cogentrix will remain the principal industries
within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
Additional industrial development should be encouraged to occur northeast of the city generally
north of Jabbertown Road, east of NC 87, and north of the city limit line to the east of Leonard
Street. This is also the primary area that includes industrial zoning. The major concern for
industrial development continues to be ground transportation accessibility. Currently, the principal
access to the area from NC 87 is along Jabbertown Road, a residential area. The development
of an alternate route should be pursued if additional industrial development occurs in this area.
The City of Southport does not want any industrial development to result in any net loss in
wetlands within the city's planning jurisdiction. Commercial and industrial development will be
allowed which is consistent with the city's zoning ordinance and, within AEC's, consistent with 15A
NCAC7H.
4. Housing Trends
Since 1990 the majority of the residential construction within Southport's planning jurisdiction has
occurred to the west and northwest of Southport. Within the ETJ area, the most significant
concentration of single-family residential development has occurred in Smithville Woods, a large
subdivision located off Robert Ruark Drive. Indigo Plantation, which was annexed in the mid-80s,
has experienced the most significant single-family residential growth within the incorporated area
of Southport.
Over 625 acres of vacant land suitable for development exists northwest of Southport and is
available for residential development. At medium densities, approximately 2,500 dwelling units
could be constructed. Residential development of the area will be long-term, extending well past
2010.
The presence of substandard housing will continue to be an area of concern within Southport's
city limits as the city's housing stock ages. The major concentrations of substandard housing will
continue to be in the Rhett Street area and an area generally bounded by West 11 th Street, Lord
Street, Brown Street, and Burrington Avenue. Within the city's extraterritorial area, a major
concentration of substandard housing exists along Jabbertown Road.
The city has been successful in having FY86, FY88, and FY91 applications for Community
Development Block Grant funds approved. In addition, in 1991 an application for North Carolina
Housing Finance Agency HOME funds was approved. In order to further reduce the amount of
substandard housing, Southport must continue to compete for state and federal housing
assistance funds.

0 5. Public Land Use
G There are not expected to be any substantial changes in public land use during the planning
period. However, the City of Southport is currently looking for well and elevated storage tank sites
for the. improvement of its water system. In addition, the city is taking appropriate actions to
a acquire a license agreement from the Army Corps of Engineers on a strip of property along the
Cape Fear River that is currently part of Fort Johnston. This property, if successfully acquired,
would be utilized to extend the "River Walk" from the city pier to the east approximately 500 feet.
A twenty-five year license agreement has already been acquired for the piece of property intended
for the reconstruction of the city's community building. Architectural drawings for the new
community building have been completed and funds are currently being raised for construction.
With consideration of funds already available from the insurance proceeds, interest earnings, and
contributions received from individuals and organizations, a Capital Fund Campaign goal of
$395,000 has been established for construction of Phase I. Phase I calls for the construction of
a building approximately 6,000 square feet including a modern kitchen, expanded bathrooms, two
a conference rooms, and a community room capable of seating 200 persons at tables and 300 in
chairs. The new community building will be utilized for meetings, weddings, social functions, and
cultural events.
Although police, fire, and rescue equipment and facilities will be continuously improved to remain
current, land acquisition is not expected to be a part of these improvements.
a6. Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes
a The City of Southport has had zoning and subdivision ordinances in effect since 1973 which have
helped guide development and control incompatible land uses. Major deviations in existing
patterns of land use, as described in this land use plan update, are not expected to occur during
the planning period. Vacant land will be gradually developed primarily for residential uses and,
to a much lesser extent, commercial use. Residential development will continue in a
west/northwest direction while commercial uses will continue along Howe Street/NC 211.
a Although consistent with existing land use patterns, annexations and public utilities extensions
may accelerate development in certain areas. Specific annexation plans have been discussed
under Part B. of this section.
Beyond the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, changes in land use may occur which could adversely
affect the city. An example is strip commercialization along NC 133 leading to Oak Island. The
city should support a cooperative effort with Brunswick County to accomplish effective regional
planning.
The city has a water and sewer extension policy. Recently, the city in conjunction with a request
for extending city utilities required the applicant to submit a voluntary petition for annexation.
These two policies will have a major impact on where growth will occur.
U
7. Summary
As discussed in the 1990 City of Southport Land Use Plan Update, the greatest obstacle to
continued growth and development within the planning jurisdiction may be the lack of central
sewer service in the ETJ. However, due to recent and anticipated sewer extensions, combined
with the possibility of annexations, this may not be as significant a statement during the 1997-2002
planning period. Sewer has already been extended along Howe Street from the existing corporate
a II-5

limit line north to the CP&L Canal, and there are plans to extend sewer to the northeast along East
Moore Street. These extensions will provide stimulus for growth and provide additional
opportunities for development. In addition, annexations which may occur may result in additional
extensions of public utilities providing even more opportunities for development. However, the
provision of central sewer service throughout the remainder of the city's ETJ is crucial to
Southport's long-term growth and will remain a relevant issue during the planning period.
Map 8 identifies some key development areas and issues which will confront Southport during the
planning period. Many of these issues were included in the 1990 land use plan update and
remain relevant today. They are summarized as follows:
Continuing commercialization around the NC 211/NC 87 intersection.
Continuing strip commercialization along Howe Street.
Continuing industrial development north and northeast of the City of Southport.
Developing residential usage west, northwest, and northeast of the city.
Preservation of the natural and architectural quality which exists along Southport's
riverfront area.
Renovation/redevelopment of the Southport Central Business District.
Continuing support for the Historic District.
Continuing redevelopment of areas having concentrations of substandard housing.
Extension of sewer services to areas lying outside the existing corporate area.
M

0
Map 8
" City of Southport
N.C. 2II1Iv.c-$7 Key Development Areas
---Develolp-ing--I (Industrial Jul 1997
.�,_: � / 11 �� � Y �
us-rn,ess--_
Development
District .... ��
--- ---- r_ 11--. ,
IF
Lil L
TS � r -1 Foil I1,
zve
tr.r i:LI
=R4 ----Boat(H-arbor
i \
Legend
.14444
_4., Historic Distric
Central Business
District
The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided
by the 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.
II-7

it
0 B. PROJECTED PUBLIC FACILITIES NEEDS/AVAILABILITY
Projected population growth, whether it continues at the recent rate. or accelerates due to
economic factors, will place an increased burden on community facilities during the planning
period. Existing and proposed public facilities such as water, sewer, drainage, medical, schools,
recreational facilities, and solid waste disposal should be adequate to serve the population within
the existing city limits throughout the planning period, even if population projections were to
increase significantly.
The following provides discussions of anticipated annexations and facility improvements expected
to take place during the planning period.
1. Annexation Plans
The City of Southport will be confronted with the question of annexation during the planning
period. Annexation is essential to expanding the tax and population base to support the provision
of urban services. This is especially important since many of those city -supported urban services
provide support to people residing within the extraterritorial area. These extraterritorial services
include water, sewer, fire, rescue, and electricity.
The 1990 City of Southport land use plan update included six prioritized areas for long-range
a annexation. These areas remain relevant today, and a general description of each area follows.
Map 9 delineates suggested priorities for development.
Priority 1 - includes the area defined by the city's 1996 annexation study. That
area generally included Pfizer, Archer Daniels Midland, Cogentrix, Jabbertown
Road, and the area around the NC 87/NC 133 intersection. This area includes
approximately 567 acres.
Priority 2 - includes an area extending from Forest Oaks west along Robert Ruark
Drive to and including Smithville Woods. This area includes approximately 225
acres.
Q Priority 3 - includes an area along both sides of NC 87 south of the CP&L Canal.
This area includes approximately 115 acres.
Priority 4 - includes an area located south of Robert Ruark Drive opposite Forest
Oaks. This area includes approximately 55 acres.
Priority 5 - includes an area lying between Robert Ruark Drive and the city's
baseball field complex. This area includes approximately 180 acres.
Priority 6 - includes the area generally lying between Robert Ruark Drive, Forest
Oaks, and the CP&L Canal. This area includes approximately 155 acres.
Out of the six priority areas
Priority 1. It is expected
incorporated in 1998.
a
listed, the City of Southport has conducted annexation studies on
that the annexation described as Priority 1 will be finalized and
U
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0
5
�,
--� - —� t—�:Ej —
'=1
I ►F l —
1 __ JE(I I` I � •
�—�(YEnEfil•i—��—
The preparation of this map was financed in part c -
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided J
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 17n. as
amended, which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
d0l
0
1
K
i
RE
=------ ------ '==--
1
1
GPQE -
1
F
N
* Possible Voluntary Annexation area I (Harbor Oaks)
and a portion of area II (Ferry Landing Tract) were
annexed in September, 1997, and December, 1997, respectively.
CITY OF SOUTHPORT
PRIORITY ANNEXATION AND
FLOOD PRONE AREAS
MAP 9
1
SJ
POSSIBLE ANNEXATION
AREAS:
PRIORITY 1
PRIORITY 2
PRIORITY 3
PRIORITY 4
PRIORITY 5
PRIORITY 6
POSSIBLE VOLUNTARY
ANNEXATION AREAS:
I -HARBOR OAKS
II - FERRY LANDING TRACT
DRAINAGE PROBLEM AREAS:
A - SOUTH HOWE STREET
B - CASWELL & BAY ST. INTERSECT
C - MEMORY LANE 11-9

K
In addition to Priority 1, the city anticipates two additional areas becoming incorporated during the
planning period through voluntary annexation. These areas have also been indicated on Map 9
Q and include the Harbor Oaks Subdivision (131 acres) and the Bald Head Island ferry landing tract
(83 acres).
Q In order to accomplish orderly annexation and growth during the planning period, the city should
undertake the following:
• Continue to support policies requiring new subdivisions to be connected to central water
and sewer service.
• Continue to encourage voluntary annexations.
• Expand the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction as annexations occur.
2. Transportation
A significant facilities problem brought about by development within the city's planning jurisdiction
during the planning period will be increasing traffic congestion. This will be a primary concern in
the regulation of commercial development which will affect parking requirements, lot size, setback
requirements, driveway access, speed limits, and sign ordinances. Congestion problems will be
a particular concern on Howe Street, NC 211, and NC 87. Care must be taken to coordinate the
design and development of the street systems in individual subdivisions to insure an integrated
city-wide street system.
aAs discussed in Section I, according to the state's 1997-2003 TIP, there are no transportation
improvement projects scheduled to take place within the City of Southport. However, there are
several projects within Brunswick County that will have an effect on traffic flow to and from
Southport. These improvements include the following:
B-3115 NC 133 Town Creek, replace Bridge No. 61 Year 2000
B-3116 NC 133 Allen Creek, replace Bridge No. 65 Year 2000
Completed US 421/NC 211 Southport, construct a 180"'river Completed
class" ferry
Completed US 421/NC 211 Southport -Fort Fisher, ramp/bridge Completed
a replacement
W-3408 NC 87, NC 133, Intersection of NC 87, NC 133, and Identified future
and Access Sunny Point Access Road. Realign need
Road NC 87 to allow through movement of
traffic and install traffic signal
R-3324 New Route NC 211/NC 133 to NC 87 at SR 1525, Right-of-way
a construct a two-lane connector on acquisition 2003
new location
aMap 10 provides maps of NCDOT TIP projects #B-3115, B-3116, R-3324, and W 3408.
0
U II-10

0
W-3408
o °
E
sm
,
o
INTERSECTION Wateen meek
r
O
N U
IO z
i
5
NC 87, NC 133. and Access Road, Intersection of NC 87. NC 133, and Sunnv Point
Access Road, Brunswick County. Realign NC 87 to allow through movement of
traffic and install traffic signal.
The preparation of this map was financed in
part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program.
through funds provided by the 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.
MAP 10
NCDOT TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP)
PROJECTS
SOURCE: NCDOT

LF
The Oak Island thoroughfare plan identifies the need for a second Oak Island -Mainland Bridge.
The bridge and road would connect to N.C. 211. The exact corridor located is under study. Once
completed, the second bridge should reduce traffic on the portion of N.C.133 which connects N.C.
87 and N.C. 211. Also, traffic congestion on N.C. 211 east of the new bridge should be greatly
reduced.
In January, 1997, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) through the
Municipal Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (MTEAP) completed a Traffic Operations and
Pedestrian Safety Study for the City of Southport. This study presents findings and provides
recommendations for improving traffic operations and enhancing pedestrian and motorist safety.
The MTEAP provides traffic engineering assistance, through the performance of comprehensive
transportation studies, to North Carolina schools, state agencies, and municipalities that have a
0 population of 50,000 or less and do not have a traffic engineer on staff.
On February 20, 1996, members of the MTEAP held a project scoping meeting with city officials.
This study examined the concerns at each location identified during the scoping. The following
provides a list of the studied areas and a summary of identified concerns and recommendations
as included in the study:
Yacht Basin District -- Study ways to enhance pedestrian safety, relieve traffic congestion, and
improve parking conditions in the Yacht Basin District.
aRecommendations:
Sidewalks: Concrete sidewalks five feet wide should be installed throughout the
Yacht Basin District.
Crosswalks: Pedestrian crosswalks should be installed at the intersection of Bay
a Street and Yacht Basin Street by installing two solid white lines, each six inches
wide, placed six feet apart across the full width of the roadway. A crosswalk should
also be installed across Moore Street at the intersection of Yacht Basin Street.
Another crosswalk should be placed across Yacht Basin Street 150 feet southeast
0 of the intersection of Yacht Basin Street and Moore Street.
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Curb and Gutter. Concrete curb and gutter, six inches tall with a gutter two feet
wide, should be installed in the Yacht Basin District. The installation of curb and
gutter will improve motorist and pedestrian safety, aesthetics, and allow rain water
to drain off more quickly.
Signs: Signs should be installed to inform motorists they are entering the Yacht
Basin District and an area where pedestrians may be present. Two signs, facing
eastbound traffic, should be placed on both sides of Bay Street, west of the
Caswell Avenue intersection. Two signs should also be installed on both sides of
Yacht Basin Street south of the intersection with Moore Street on the south side of
the intersection facing north.
Parking Improvements: The most effective way of optimizing parking is to pave the
parking areas and maximize parking capacity using pavement markings. If
business owners in the Yacht Basin District decide not to pave their parking areas,
there are ways parking can be optimized in a gravel lot. Individual parking stalls
can be designated by installing concrete wheel stops.
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Southport Trail -- The pedestrian walkway identified in the brochure "Southport Trial, A Self -
Guided Walking Tour" needs to be evaluated to assure the safest -route is being used.
Additionally, it was requested that the MTEAP provide guidance on ways to improve pedestrian
safety along this trail.
Recommendations: It is recommended that the route of the Southport Trail be
modified to direct pedestrians to use sidewalks and crosswalks when available,
cross only at intersections, and walk along the shoulder facing traffic when no
sidewalk is available.
As the City of Southport continues its sidewalk installation program throughout the
city, the streets along this trail should be considered. Of specific importance is the
installation of sidewalks along the north side of Rhett Street adjacent to the
Smithville cemetery.
Riverwalk — City officials would like recommendations relating to how pedestrian safety could be
improved along the Riverwalk walkway.
Recommendations: The Riverwalk path should be improved by adding sidewalks,
crosswalks, and curb along the north side of Brunswick Street, the east side of
Yacht Basin Street, and through the Yacht Basin District.
NC 211 and Stuart Avenue/12th Street -- Consider the need for a southbound left turn lane from
NC 211 onto Stuart Avenue.
Recommendations: No improvements need to be made to the intersection of
NC 211 and Stuart Avenue/12th Street at this time. Motorists traveling through this
intersection do not experience unreasonable delays or encounter any unusual risk
of accident. (Note: The City of Southport does not agree with this
recommendation.)
If the City of Southport would like to take measures to implement improvements
which would improve future traffic operations at this intersection, NC 211 should
be widened to accommodate an exclusive left turn. The installation of exclusive
left turn lanes will improve safety for motorists on NC 211 by removing left -turning
vehicles from the through travel lane and thereby diminishing the chance of year-
end collisions.
NC 211 and 9th Street — Investigate safety concerns associated with an inadequate turning
radius for buses turning right from southbound NC 211 onto 9th Street.
Recommendations:
Option 1: It is recommended that buses continue to use the route along 10th
Street and Caldwell Street as the primary route to the Southport Elementary
School. Concerns relating to bus traffic turning right from NC 211 onto 9th Street
can be avoided completely by using this route.
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aOption 2: If school and city officials would like to enable buses to safely use the
intersection of NC 211 and 9th Street again in the future, the turning radius could
be improved to facilitate the 40-foot buses, but efforts to implement improvements
will need to be coordinated with NCDOT engineers.
Option 3: Modifying the intersection geometrics by removing the left turn lane from
eastbound 9th Street is not a feasible option because it would cause unacceptable
traffic delays and congestion.
Jabbertown Road Truck Route — Consider the feasibility of establishing a truck route north of
the Southport CBD.
Recommendations: The Jabbertown Route is not recommended as a truck route
at this time. The Jabbertown Route could not be designated as a truck route
without significant improvements to the pavement and shoulder construction.
Establishing Jabbertown Road and Leonard Street as a truck route could
encourage heavier use of this facility by trucks and subsequently cause the
pavement to degrade even faster. NC 211 is the preferred route for trucks
a traveling to the Cogentrix and ADM plants because the pavement construction,
lane widths, and shoulder construction along NC 211 are already adequate to
accommodate large trucks and heavy loads.
It should be noted that the recommendations and findings that have been summarized are not
mandates for action. It is the responsibility of the City of Southport, in consultation with the
Division Traffic Engineer, to determine which recommendations will be used and/or implemented.
In addition to the projects contained in the state's DOT and the recommendations contained in the
Traffic Operations and Pedestrian Safety Study, there is one potential transportation improvement
project that should be mentioned. The City of Southport is currently investigating the possibility
of opening Yaupon Drive for through traffic between Leonard and Moore Streets. The city's
attorney is currently working to determine if a right-of-way offer that was made several years ago
for Yaupon Drive is still valid. In the event that the right-of-way offer is still valid, Southport may
pursue the paving of Yaupon Drive during the planning period.
3. Water Supply
a As discussed in Section I of this plan, the City of Southport relies on Brunswick County for
approximately 40% of its water. At the present time, the city's distribution system is interconnected
with the Brunswick County water system in one location at the city limits along Leonard Street.
Brunswick County, in cooperation with the City of Southport, recently installed a second
interconnection on NC 211/1-lowe Street just south of the CP&L Canal. The City of Southport is
now responsible for the operation and maintenance of what used to be the county's water line
from the CP&L Canal south.
According to Southport's public works department, the new interconnection should eliminate any
potential water supply problems for Southport during the planning period. The Brunswick County
water system has a total system capacity of 30 million gallons per day (gpd), of which less than
50% is currently being utilized by existing demand.
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Although water supply is not anticipated to be a problem during the planning period, water storage
capacity is. Southport currently maintains only one elevated storage tank with a capacity of
150,000 gallons. The city's Public Works Director sees the lack of adequate storage capacity to
be the only significant deficiency relating to the water system that needs to be addressed during
the planning period. Southport is currently examining potential sites for the construction of a
second elevated storage tank. It is anticipated that site acquisition and construction will take place
prior to the end of the planning period. Following the construction of a second elevated storage
tank, the city would have a combined storage capacity of over 300,000 gallons.
4. Sewer
The city's sewer system is currently operating at approximately 59% of its total capacity. As a
result, there is approximately a 325,000 gpd surplus capacity that is available to accommodate
growth and development during the planning period. To put this in perspective, during the
planning period 1990-1997, flow into the sewer system increased from 450,000 gpd to 475,000
gpd, an increase of 5.6%. Based on current growth trends and historical sewage demand, the
available surplus capacity is expected to be adequate within the 1997 city limits in meeting the
needs of Southport during the planning period. However, additional services outside the city or
annexations could decrease the surplus capacity.
Section I of this plan described in detail the sewage extension arrangement between the
Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District and Southport. This arrangement included the installation
of sewer line from the north side of the CP&L Canal to the city's corporate limit line and ownership
transition of this section to the city within a one-year period.
Other than the possibility of extending sewer lines to serve the potential voluntary annexation
areas discussed earlier, there are no other plans to extend sewer service during the planning
period.
5. Solid Waste Disposal
All solid waste was disposed of at the Brunswick County landfill off Highway 17 near Supply, North
Carolina, until December 31, 1997, when that facility was closed. In January, 1998, the landfill
was converted to a transfer station. Waste is transported to Sampson County for disposal in the
Sampson County Landfill.
In 1997, the City of Southport, Brunswick County, and the Towns of Caswell Beach, Long Beach,
and Yaupon Beach under took the preparation of a study to examine the feasibility of a regional
composting center for bio-solids and yard waste. The study examines available relevant data,
develops a conceptual facility, examines preliminary siting constraints and market considerations,
and develops a preliminary cost model for the facility. Based on the study, it appears that a
regional composting facility would be feasible. However, further feasibility studies should be
undertaken to further analyze the recycling potential of sewage sludges and other organic wastes.
6. Schools
The City of Southport is served by the Brunswick County School System. Specifically, Southport's
children attend either Southport Elementary School, South Brunswick Middle School, or South
Brunswick High School. In 1997, these three schools had a combined enrollment of 2,317
students with an intended combined design capacity of 2,106 students. With enrollment beginning
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to reach capacity, Brunswick County has planned the following improvements to take place during
the planning period:
• Construct an eleven (11) room addition to South Brunswick Middle School.
• Construct a 650-pupil capacity elementary school on Highway 211 approximately five miles
southeast of Supply.
Note: The above list includes only the Brunswick County school improvements that are relevant
to Southport's students.
7. Police. Fire. and Emergency Medical
Police, fire, and emergency medical services are expected to remain adequate in meeting demand
during the planning period. Beyond the possibilities of expanding existing personnel and the
purchase of equipment, no major improvements are expected to take place. As discussed in
Section I, it is anticipated that as annexations occur and the city expands northward, additional
police, fire, and rescue services as well as a more central location than Nash Street may become
necessary. However, these improvements are not expected to be needed during the planning
period.
8. Recreation
The most significant recreational improvements expected to take place during the next five years
include the following:
• Construction of a new Community Building -
• Expansion of Riverwalk from the City Pier to the east approximately 500 feet
A twenty-five year license agreement has been acquired from the Army Corps of Engineers for
the piece of property intended for the reconstruction of the city's community building. Architectural
drawings for the new community building have been completed and funds are currently being
raised for construction. With consideration of funds already available from the insurance
proceeds, interest earnings, and contributions received from individuals and organizations, a
Capital Fund Campaign goal of $395,000 has been established for construction of Phase I.
Phase I calls for the construction of a building approximately 6,000 square feet including a modern
kitchen, expanded bathrooms, two conference rooms, and a community room capable of seating
200 persons at tables and 300 in chairs. The new community building will be utilized for meetings,
weddings, social functions, and cultural events.
The City of Southport has applied for a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant to make additional
improvements to the City Gym. Improvements include the construction of a 4,000 square foot
addition to be used as a multi -purpose recreation center. Total project cost is approximately
$250,000 of which 50% will be funded by the grant if awarded. The city expects to receive notice
on the grant applications success in June 1998.
The city is also taking appropriate actions to acquire a license agreement from the Army Corps
of Engineers on a strip of property along the Cape Fear River that is currently part of Fort
Johnston. This property, if successfully acquired, would be utilized to extend the "Riverwalk" from
the city pier to the east approximately 500 feet.
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9. Drainage
Section I of this plan described three areas where drainage problems currently exist. These areas
were South Howe Street, the intersection of Caswell and Bay Streets, and Memory Lane. Out of
these three areas, the city is currently working to address the problem on Memory Lane. This area
is being focused on first because it is the only area that has the potential to damage personal
property. The South Howe Street and the Caswell and Bay Streets intersection areas can present
temporary transportation obstacles, but present no danger to residential dwellings. Following
correction of the Memory Lane drainage problem, the city will work towards alleviating its
remaining problem areas.
10. Electrical System and Energy Facilities
The city's electrical distribution system has no major deficiencies and will continue to be
maintained and upgraded as necessary. As funds become available, the city plans to move
electrical lines underground one city block at a time. It is possible that this could be initiated as
early as the end of FY97. The city will consider the need for expansion of the Cogentrix and other
energy facilities on a case -by -case basis, judging the need for expansion against all identified
possible adverse impacts. The location of energy production facilities is regulated by the city's
zoning ordinance.
Deregulation of the electric industry in North Carolina may have an impact on the supply of
electricity to the City of Southport. The electric power industry is the last public utility sector in this
country to undergo deregulation, also called restructuring, competition, and retail wheeling. In
theory, in a deregulated environment, customers would be able to purchase electricity from a
supplier. Suppliers could sell to any customer at rates determined by the market and not
controlled by regulation. In addition to paying for electric supply, customers also would pay for
having that electricity transmitted to their home or business. Charges that are part of the total rate
package a customer now pays would be broken down into their component parts: electric power
generation, transmission through the electric grid, and distribution to the individual customer's
location.
Large industrial customers in the state and nation are pushing for electric deregulation to be able
to shop for electric suppliers. Electricity is a major expense for many industries.
In 1997, the fate of the electric power industry in North Carolina was placed in the hands of the
state General Assembly. The General Assembly formed a study commission made up of
individuals that represent legislators, electric power companies, environmentalists, industries,
businesses, and residents in North Carolina. In late 1997, this 23-member group began studying
how to proceed with electric deregulation in North Carolina. The Commission presented an interim
report for the Legislator June 8, 1998, and will present a final report in 1999 or 2000. At that time,
the State of North Carolina will take action on how all of North Carolina's electric customers will
be able to purchase electricity.
C. . REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Southport's greatest continuing redevelopment issue will be the preservation and renovation of
housing for its low -to -moderate income families and individuals. As stated in Section II under
Housing Trends, the Rhett Street area and an area generally bounded by West 11th Street, Lord
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Street, Brown Street, and Burrington Avenue contain the most severe substandard housing
conditions remaining in Southport.
The City of Southport has been extremely successful in the rehabilitation of its downtown and the
preservation of its waterfront, and serves as an example to other coastal North Carolina
communities. However, this is an ongoing endeavor and remains relevant during the planning
period.
The final area of concern and potentially the most significant is the redevelopment of areas
following a hurricane or other natural disaster. The specifics of such redevelopment are dealt with
in the storm hazard mitigation and post -disaster reconstruction plan. However, Southport will
support the reconstruction of any properties destroyed by natural disaster, consistent with
applicable city ordinances.
The city will undertake the following in support of redevelopment:
• Removal of substandard dwelling units through enforcement of the city's minimum housing
code.
• Support applications for North Carolina Community Development housing rehabilitation
funds.
• Support applications for North Carolina Housing Finance Agency home improvement
funds.
• Continued protection of both the downtown and waterfront areas.
a• Continue to capitalize on the waterfront as the key to downtown revitalization.
• Recognize and protect significant natural and aesthetic resources, such as tree canopies
and existing park areas.
D. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
This plan was reviewed by the Brunswick County Planning Department prior to certification by the
Coastal Resources Commission. This review was provided to help ensure consistency of this plan
with Brunswick County's planning efforts. Intergovernmental coordination and cooperation will
continue through the ten-year planning period. This will be essential to accomplish effective
planning for public utilities, thoroughfare projects, community facilities, housing needs, and
environmental protection. The City Manager's office and the city's Planning Board will be
responsible for ensuring adequate coordination with Brunswick County, the Oak Island towns, and
other government entities as may be required.
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0 SECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
a
The CAMA regulations require the establishment of a specific land classification system to support
a the local government's policy statements. This system should reflect developing land use patterns
within a community. The CAMA 15A NCAC 7B regulations state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local
governments to identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes
allows the local government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to
what density they want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural
and cultural resources by guiding growth."
The 15A NCAC 7H requirements provide for the following land classifications: developed, urban
transition, limited transition, community, rural, rural with services, and conservation. In applying
these classifications, Southport should carefully consider where and when various types of
a development should be encouraged. Additionally, the areas of environmental concern requiring
protection should be identified and mapped. Each applicable land classification must be
represented on a land classification map.
a The following land classifications are delineated on Map 11 and will apply in Southport's
jurisdiction:
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Developed: Areas included in the developed land classification are currently urban in character,
with no or minimal undeveloped land remaining. Municipal types of services are in place or are
expected to be provided within the next five to ten years. Land uses include residential,
commercial, industrial, and other urban land uses at the following densities:
— 500 dwelling units per square mile, or
— three dwelling units per acre, or
— where a majority of lots are 15,000 square feet or less.
The developed classification is subdivided into the following sub -classifications:
Developed Residential - These are areas where water, sewer, electrical, police, fire,
sanitation, recreation, and other municipal services are provided. The major land use is residential
development. Very little vacant land remains to be developed.
Developed Mixed -Use - These are areas where water, sewer, police, fire, sanitation,
recreation, and other municipal services are provided. Land uses range from residential to
commercial and recreational. Small areas of vacant land remain to be developed. These
developed classifications reflect current zoning patterns.
Developed Industrial - These areas specifically include land owned by existing industries
currently operating in the Southport area.
Urban Transition Residential: Areas included in the urban transition residential classification are
presently being developed for urban residential purposes, or will be developed in the next five to
ten years at the densities allowed under the Developed category. These areas should eventually
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require complete urban services within the planning period. This classification includes areas with
partial municipal facilities and which are usually adjacent to developed residential areas. These
areas are or will be primarily residential in nature. The major concentrations of urban transition
residential are found in the extraterritorial planning jurisdiction north and northwest of the city's
corporate limits (refer to Map 11, Land Classification). Residential densities are allowed in excess
of an average of three dwelling units per acre, with minimum single-family residential lot sizes
consistent with the City of Southport zoning ordinance requirements.
Conservation: The following four areas of environmental concern are included in the
conservation classification:
Coastal Wetlands - This classification includes all areas of salt marsh or other marsh
subject regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides. However, tidal flooding is
understood not to include hurricane or tropical storm tides. Development which meets the
minimum use standards of 15A NCAC 7H shall be allowed in areas classified as coastal wetlands.
Estuarine Shoreline - All areas lying 0-75 feet landward of the mean high water level of
estuarine waters not designated as Outstanding Resource Waters are classified as estuarine
shorelines. Because of map size and scale, these areas cannot be accurately mapped. Precise
locations must be determined in the field. Uses consistent with city zoning and allowed by 15A
NCAC 7H use standards shall be allowed in estuarine shoreline areas.
Estuarine and Public Trust Waters - All public trust and estuarine waters are included in
this classification. All waters in Southport's planning jurisdiction are classified as estuarine or
public trust waters as described by 15A NCAC 7H.0206 and 15A NCAC 7H.0207. Uses permitted
by 15A NCAC 7H shall be allowed.
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do.
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The preparation of this map was financed in
part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program,
through funds provided by the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972, as amended, which
is administered by the Office of Ocean and
Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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MAP 11
CITY OF SOUTHPORT
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
JULY, 1997
CIv
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,�,,•
DR
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LEGEND
DR DEVELOPED RESIDENTIAL
DM DEVELOPED MIXED USE
/
DI DEVELOPED INDUSTRIAL
TR TRANSITION RESIDENTIAL
CN CONSERVATION
BECAUSE OF MAP SCALE, THESE
AREAS CANNOT BE ACCURATELY
MAPPED. PRECISE LOCATIONS MUST
-y�
BE DETERMINED IN THE FIELD.
R
NOTES-
1. ALL AREAS LYING 0-75' LANDWARD OF THE
NORMALHIGH WATER LEVEL OF ESTUARINE WATERS
ARE ESTUARINE SHORELINE AREAS AND
CLASSIFIED AS CONSERVATION LANDS. BECAUSE
OF MAP SCALE, THESE AREAS CANNOT BE
ACCURATELY MAPPED. PRECISE LOCATIONS
'NOTE: S O U T H P O R T' S SOUTHERN
MUST BE DETERMINED IN THE FIELD.
CORPORATE LIMIT LINE FOLLOWS THE
2. ALL WATERS IN SOUTHPORTrS PLANNING
SHORELINE OF THE CAPE FEAR RIVER AND
JURISDICTION ARE CLASSIFIED AS ESTUARINE
THE I NTRACOASTAL WATERWAY.-
WATERS AS DESCRIBED BY 15A NCAC 7H.0206, OR
—
PUBLIC TRUST AREAS AS DESCRIBED BY 15A
NCAC 7H.0207. ALL DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE
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CONSISTENT WITH THE USE STANDARDS
CONTAINED IN 15 NCAC 7H.0206 AND .0207.

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SECTION IV: SOUTHPORT POLICY STATEMENTS
A. INTRODUCTION TO POLICY STATEMENTS
The previous sections of this plan identify a number of areas of concern dealing with growth,
development, and the environment. The plan also discusses many opportunities and assets that
exist within the City of Southport. This section provides policies designed to address growth
management and protect the city's assets. The policy statements should address the desires and
objectives of the citizens of the City of Southport, and respond to the policy statement
requirements of the Coastal Resources Commission as defined by 15A NCAC 7B.
The policy statements are extremely important and have a day-to-day impact on businesses and
individual citizens within the city. The statements have an impact in three areas:
• CAMA minor and major permitting as required by NCGS 113A-118 prior to
undertaking any development in any area of environmental concern.
• Establishment of local planning policy.
• Review of proposed projects requiring state or federal assistance or
approval to determine consistency with local policies.
For the issuance of CAMA permits within areas of environmental concern, the state's minimum
acceptable use standards are defined by 15A NCAC 7H. A local unit of government must adopt
policies which are, at a minimum, equal to and consistent with the state's minimum use standards.
A local unit of government may adopt policies which are more stringent than the minimum use
standards. For example, the state standards allow marinas to be located within primary nursery
areas if some minimum conditions are met. A local government may adopt a policy stating that
marinas will not be permitted within primary nursery areas. If this were to occur, a CAMA permit
for marina construction in a primary nursery area would not be issued. IT IS CRUCIAL THAT A
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF ITS POLICIES WITHIN AREAS OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN.
The second area of land use plan application is that of establishing policies to guide the town and
the county's local planning. This may apply both within areas of environmental concern where
CAMA regulations apply and in non-CAMA regulated areas of the city. Under North Carolina
legislation, land use plans are not regulatory controls. Non-CAMA related recommendations must
be implemented with local land use ordinances such as zoning or subdivision ordinances. If a land
use plan recommends that the average residential density should be three dwelling units per acre
within a particular area, then that density must be achieved through local zoning ordinance or
other regulatory control. (This should not be confused with the interaction of the land use plan
with the CAMA regulations and 15A NCAC 7H use standards.)
The final area of application is that of "Consistency Review." Proposals and applications for state
and federal assistance or requests for agency approval of projects are normally reviewed against
a jurisdiction's land use plan to determine if the project is consistent with local policies.
Inconsistencies of a project with local policies could serve as grounds for denial or revision of a
project. For example, an individual or agency may request state or federal funding to construct
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a 30-unit low -to -moderate income housing project. If the proposed location of the project is within
an area in which the land use plan states that the residential density should not exceed two
dwelling units per acre, the project may be judged to be inconsistent with the local land use plan.
The Coastal Resources Commission requires all governments to specify stated development
policies under each one of five broad topics. These topics include:
— Resource Protection
— Resource Production and Management
— Economic and Community Development
-- Continuing Public Participation
-- Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans
During 1995 and 1996, the 15A NCAC 7B CAMA planning guidelines were revised. The revised
guidelines included new requirements for the development of policy statements. These changes
included the following policy statement additions:
-- A general vision policy statement describing the type of community
that the local government would like to become within the next ten
years.
-- A basic statement as to the community attitude toward resource
protection.
— A policy addressing the protection of wetlands identified as being of
the highest functional significance on maps supplied by the Division
of Coastal Management.
— A policy addressing moorings and mooring fields
— A policy addressing water quality problems and management
measures designed to reduce or eliminate local sources of surface
water quality problems.
— A statement as to the community attitude toward resource
production and management.
A policy addressing commitment to state and federal programs,
including housing rehabilitation, community development block
grants, housing for low and moderate income level citizens, water
and sewer installation, and rural water systems.
— A policy addressing assistance to interstate waterways.
Based on the analysis of existing conditions and trends, suggestions from the city's citizens, and
substantial input and guidance from both the City of Southport Planning Board, the policies in the
following sections have been formulated to provide a guide for regulating growth, development,
and resource management throughout the planning period. In developing these policies, many
alternatives were considered by the Planning Board. The alternatives that were not adopted are
included as Appendix I.
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B. VISION STATEMENT
Southport desires to maintain its quiet residential atmosphere and to protect the city's historic
assets. Population growth should continue at a moderate rate. Historically, growth has occurred
at an average of 1.3% per year. Southport desires low impact, environmentally safe, light industry.
Specifically, Southport will endeavor to accomplish the following:
- Preservation of the city's historic district.
— Protection of the city's shoreline vista.
— Redevelopment of the Central Business District.
— Preservation of the city's residential areas.
— Protection of the city's Areas of Environmental Concern consistent with 15A NCAC
7H.
0 C. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS
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Community Attitude Toward Resource Protection
Southport will implement resource protection policies which meet the state's 15A NCAC 7H
minimum use standards for the protection of areas of environmental concern. The city is sensitive
to the protection of its shoreline areas. However, it does not desire to impose regulations which
unnecessarily restrict responsible development. Southport's natural resources play a major role
in the city's rich history and aesthetic appeal. Damage to the estuarine system would result in
significant economic loss for the city.
Southport's overall policy and management objective for the estuarine system is "to give the
highest priority to the protection and coordinated management of these areas, so as to safeguard
and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values and to ensure that
development occurring within these AEC's is compatible with natural characteristics so as to
minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property and public resources." (15A NCAC
7H.0203)
Physical Limitations
Soils (Issue discussed, page 1-44)
POLICIES:
(a) In areas with central sewer service, Southport does not consider soil conditions to be an
obstacle to development.
(b) In areas without utilities, Southport will act to mitigate septic tank problems and other
restrictions on development posed by soil limitations.
(c) Southport supports regulation of 404 wetlands by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The
city does not want industrial development as defined by the city's zoning ordinance to
result in any net loss of wetlands.
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IMPLEMENTATION. 0
(a) Southport will enforce all current regulations of the N.C. State Building Code and North
Carolina Division of Health Services relating to building construction and septic tank
installation/replacement in areas with soils restrictions for septic tank construction.
(b) Southport will coordinate all development activity with appropriate county and state a
regulatory personnel, and in particular with the Brunswick County Building Inspector and
Sanitarian.
(c) Southport will cooperate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the
regulation/enforcement of the 404 wetlands permit process. Except for industrial
development, the city understands this may result in some net wetland loss.
(d) Southport will support the development of a central sewer system to serve areas of
Southport's extraterritorial planning jurisdiction.
SCHEDULE (a) - (d): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Flood Hazard Areas (Issue discussed, page 1-38)
POLICY. The City of Southport desires to minimize the hazards to life, health, public safety, and
development within flood hazard areas.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Southport will coordinate all development within the special flood hazard area with the
city's Inspections Department, North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, FEMA, and
the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
(b) Southport will continue to enforce its existing zoning and flood damage prevention
ordinances and follow the storm hazard mitigation plan contained herein.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Groundwater/Protection of Potable Water Supplies (Issue discussed, pages 1-38, 1-54, & II-14)
POLICY. The City of Southport desires to conserve its surficial* groundwater resources.
IMPLEMENTATION: The City of Southport will conserve its surficial groundwater resources by
enforcing CAMA and NC Division of Water Quality stormwater run-off regulations, and by
coordinating local development activities involving chemical storage or underground storage tank
installation/abandonment with Brunswick County Emergency Management personnel and the
North Carolina Division of Water Quality. During the planning period, the city shall review and
amend the local zoning ordinance with regard to underground chemical and gasoline storage
regulations to ensure a minimum of risk to local groundwater resources.
SCHEDULE. Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
*Groundwaters which are at or just below the surface.
L�J
IV-4
it

I
aManmade Hazards (Issue discussed, page 1-46)
POLICIES:
(a) Southport supports regulation of underground storage tanks in order to protect its
groundwater resources.
(b) Southport supports the use of the river channel for shipment of materials to the North
Carolina State Port Terminal at Wilmington.
(c) The City of Southport opposes the disposal of any toxic wastes including industrial by-
products, as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Listing of Hazardous
Substances and Priority Pollutants (developed pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 1977)
within its planning jurisdiction.
U IMPLEMENTATION.
U (a) The City of Southport will rely on the technical requirements and state program approval
for underground storage tanks (40 CFR, Parts 280 and 281), and any subsequent state
LJ regulations concerning underground storage tanks adopted during the planning period.
0 SCHEDULE. Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
III
(b) Southport will revise its zoning ordinance to incorporate provisions regulating the storage
of toxic wastes within its planning jurisdiction.
SCHEDULE: FY1998-1999
Stormwater Runoff (Issue discussed, pages 1-62 & II-17)
POLICY. The City of Southport supports water quality maintenance in order to protect fragile
areas and to provide clean water for recreational purposes.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) The city will support state regulations relating to stormwater runoff resulting from
development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15NCAC2H.001-.1003).
(b) The City of Southport will support and implement the recommendations of the 1984 Master
Drainage Plan.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Cultural/Historic Resources (Issue discussed, page 1-50)
POLICIES.
Q(a) Southport will protect its historic resources as a valuable cultural and economic asset.
(b) Through its zoning ordinance, Southport will continue to protect its historic district.
IV-5

IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) Southport shall coordinate all housing code enforcement/redevelopment projects with the
NC Division of Archives and History, to ensure that any significant architectural details or
buildings are identified and preserved.
(b) Southport will coordinate all public works projects with the NC Division of Archives and
History, to ensure the identification and preservation of significant archaeological sites.
(c) Southport shall consider the establishment of a historic district commission.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas (Issue discussed, pages 1-30 & II-3)
19iZ91I0112*3
(a) The City of Southport does not want industrial development to result in any net loss of
wetlands.
(b) The city will not allow industrial development within its historic district.
(c) The City of Southport will allow industrial development which is consistent with the City of
Southport Zoning Ordinance and within areas of environmental concern, as defined by 15A
NCAC 7H.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) The City of Southport will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to coordinate local Q
approval of industrial projects with the "404" permitting process.
SCHEDULE (a): Continuing Activity, FY1997-2000 Q
(b) The City of Southport will rely on its zoning ordinance to prohibit industrial development
within its historic district.
(c) Industrial development which can comply with the use standards specified by 15A NCAC
7H and the City of Southport zoning ordinance may be located within conservation
classified areas.
SCHEDULE (b) - (c): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Miscellaneous Resource Protection n
Marina and Floatinq Home Development (Issue discussed, page 1-53) u
POLICIES: (�
(a) Southport will allow the construction of both open water and upland marinas which comply LJ
with the City of Southport Zoning Ordinance.
IV-6

1I
(b) Southport will permit the construction of drystack storage facilities which comply with the
City of Southport Zoning Ordinance.
(c) Southport opposes the location of floating homes within its jurisdiction.
IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) The city will rely on its zoning ordinance and 15A NCAC 7H to control the location of open
water marinas, upland marinas, and drystack storage facilities. The city will amend its
zoning ordinance to address these issues.
SCHEDULE (a): Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007 and zoning ordinance revision, FY1999-2000
(b) The City of Southport will adopt an ordinance to regulate the location of floating homes
within its jurisdiction.
SCHEDULE (b): FY1999-2000
Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands (Issue discussed, page 1-51)
There are no sound or estuarine islands within the planning jurisdiction.
Bulkhead Construction (Issue discussed, page 1-42)
POLICY.- The City of Southport will permit bulkhead construction.
IMPLEMENTATION. The city will allow all bulkhead construction which complies with 15A NCAC
7H and the city's zoning ordinance. The city recognizes that this could result in some marsh
damage.
SCHEDULE. Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
Sea Level Rise (Issue discussed, page 1-42)
Southport recognizes the uncertainties associated with sea level rise. The rate of rise is difficult
to predict. Those factors combine to make it difficult, if not impossible, to establish specific
policies to deal with the effects of sea level rise. While a policy is not provided, the city will
aimplement the following:
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) In response to Sea level rise, Southport will review all local building and land use related
ordinances to establish setback standards, long-term land use plans, density controls,
(� bulkhead restrictions, buffer vegetation protection requirements, and building designs
13 which will facilitate the movement of structures.
U
SCHEDULE. FY2003-2007
(b) Southport will support bulkheading to protect its shoreline areas from intruding water
resulting from rising sea level.
IV-7

SCHEDULE: Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
Package Treatment Plant Use (Issue discussed, page 1-54)
POLICY.
(a) Southport opposes the construction of package treatment plants within its city limits.
(b) Southport will not oppose package treatment plant construction within its ETJ. If any
package plants are approved by the state, the city supports the requirement of a specific
contingency plan specifying how ongoing private operation and maintenance of the plant
will be provided, and detailing provisions for assumption of the plant into a public system
should the private operation fail. Operational plans should also address elimination of
package treatment plants when the system owner elects to connect to a central sewer
system.
IMPLEMENTATION: The City of Southport will rely upon the North Carolina Division of Water
Quality to implement this policy.
SCHEDULE: Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
Maritime Forests (Issue discussed, page 1-51)
Based on the Maritime Forest Protection Initiative, May 24, 1990, there are no major maritime
forest sites that are under Southport's planning jurisdiction.
Mooring Fields (Issue discussed, page 1-53)
POLICY. The City of Southport will allow the establishment of mooring fields within its planning
jurisdiction.
IMPLEMENTATION. The City of Southport will develop a local ordinance and a waterfront
development plan to regulate the development of mooring fields.
SCHEDULE. FY1999-2000
Water Quality Management (Issue discussed, page 1-32)
POLICY. The City of Southport supports the North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Management's goals for water quality management as stated on page 1-32 of this plan.
IMPLEMENTATION. The City of Southport will review all local ordinances to determine what, if
any, revisions should be made to reduce the potential for impairment of water quality. Such
revisions may include but not necessarily be limited to:
-- Reduction of the construction of impervious surfaces.
-- Provision of vegetative buffers along estuarine shorelines.
-- Allowing or requiring strip paving.
— Requiring retention and/or detention pond facilities.
SCHEDULE. FY1999-2007
IV-8

aD. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Community Attitude Toward Resource Production and Management
Southport desires to accomplish resource production and management which is consistent with
a 15A NCAC 7H. The city believes that the state's minimum use standards, utilized in concert with
local ordinances, provide ample protection for the areas of environmental concern located within
the city's planning jurisdiction.
Recreation Resources (Issue discussed, page 1-58 & II-16)
POLICIES.
(a) The City of Southport supports a comprehensive program of both active and passive
recreational opportunities.
(b) The City of Southport supports redevelopment of the old yacht basin, Southport Marina,
and the city pier areas. This should be a cooperative public -private sector venture. Any
�J plans for redevelopment should be closely coordinated with plans for redevelopment of
Southport's Central Business District.
(c) The city supports continued development of shoreline access facilities and preservation
0 of the city's shoreline areas.
IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) The City of Southport will apply for all available grant funds to aide in the development of
the Old Yacht Basin.
(b) The City of Southport will support and implement its shoreline access plan.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Q (c) The city will refine existing zoning and related ordinances to provide a more unified
waterfront development character, preserve and make maximum use of existing natural
areas and green spaces, minimize impacts of natural hazards, and preserve public access
to the Cape Fear River.
SCHEDULE (c): FY1998-2000
(d) Southport will amend the December, 1990 Shoreline Access Plan to accommodate the
provisions of Senate Bill 1059"" and prepare a specific waterfront development plan.
USCHEDULE (d): FY2000-2001
(e) The City of Southport will prepare a city-wide comprehensive recreation plan to address
Qboth active and passive recreation needs.
"Senate Bill 1059 is discussed on page 1-33 of this plan.
IV-9

SCHEDULE (e): FY1998-1999
Productive Agricultural Lands (Issue discussed, page 1-52)
There are no significant agriculturally productive lands located within Southport's planning
jurisdiction. Therefore, a policy is not -required.
Productive Forestlands (Issue discussed, page 1-52)
There are no significant commercially productive forestlands located within Southport's planning
jurisdiction. Therefore, a policy is not required.
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Impacts on Resources (Issue
discussed, page 1-29 and 1-30)
POLICY. The City of Southport will allow development within areas of environmental concern.
IMPLEMENTATION. The city will rely on 15A NCAC 7H, and its subdivision and zoning
ordinances to regulate development within areas of environmental concern. In all other areas,
development will be allowed which is consistent with the city's subdivision and zoning ordinances.
SCHEDULE. Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
Marine Resource Areas (Issue discussed, page 1-51)
POLICY. The City of Southport supports responsible usage and development in marine resource
areas.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Southport will rely on 15A NCAC 7H.0207 to regulate use and development within
estuarine and public trust areas. 0
(b) In structures that extend into or over estuarine and public trust waters, replacement of �j
structures and/or change of use will be allowed so long as the structure is consistent with (�
or allowed by the CRC. U
(c) The City of Southport reserves the right to comment on the individual policies and
requirements of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. The city understands that
this position does not constitute a policy statement and that Marine Fisheries is not
obligated to respond to any future comments offered by the city.
SCHEDULE (a) - (c): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
(d) Southport will amend the December, 1990 Shoreline Access Plan to accommodate the
provisions of Senate Bill 1059 and prepare a specific waterfront development plan, and
will support development over estuarine and public trust waters as allowed by North
Carolina Senate Bill 1059. U
SCHEDULE (d): Revise plan FY2000-2001, Support for development is a Continuing Activity, �J
FY1997-2007
IV-10

0
0 Aquaculture Activities (Issue discussed, page 1-53)
POLICIES:
(a) Southport encourages all aquaculture activities which meet applicable federal, state, and
local policies and permit requirements. However, Southport reserves the right to comment
on all aquaculture activities which require Division of Water Quality permitting.
(b) Southport objects to any discharge of water from aquaculture activities that will degrade
L in any way the receiving waters. Southport objects to withdrawing water from aquifers or
L surface sources if such withdrawal will endanger water quality or water supply from the
aquifers or surface sources.
U (c) Southport will support only aquaculture activities which donot alter significantly and
negatively the natural environment of coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust
Dareas as shown on the Land Classification Map.
IMPLEMENTATION: Southport will rely on the appropriate state and federal agencies to
R implement its aquaculture policies.
U SCHEDULE Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
Off -Road Vehicles
Off -road vehicles are not an issue within Southport's planning jurisdiction and a policy is not
required.
Peat or Phosphate Mining
Peat or phosphate mining is not an issue in Southport's planning jurisdiction and a policy is not
required. However, Southport objects to any mining outside of its planning jurisdiction that may
endanger water quality of the town's water supply from its aquifers or surface waters.
QE. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Attitude Toward Economic and Community Development
Southport desires to control its economic base, including tourism, commercial fishing, retail and
wholesale trade, real estate and construction, and industrial development. However, Southport
does not want to jeopardize Conservation areas. Southport will allow growth and development
at the densities specified in the land classification definitions. These densities are consistent with
existing City of Southport zoning. The desired pattern of development is shown on the Land
n Classification Map 11 and identified on Page III-3.
u Water Supply (Issue discussed, page 1-54 and II-14)
t l POLICIES:
U (a) The City of Southport supports extension of the water supply system throughout its
(' planning jurisdiction.
IV-11

(b) The City of Southport supports protection of the ground water supply.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) By local ordinance, the city requires that all existing and new residential and commercial
development be connected to both the city water and sewer systems.
(b) By local ordinance, the city will allow the installation of private wells for irrigation only
through the NCDEM permit process.
(c) The city is aware that inappropriate land uses near well fields increase the possibility of
well contamination. Land uses near groundwater sources are regulated by the NC Division
of Water Quality through NCAC Subchapters 2L and 2C. Southport recognizes the
importance of protecting potable water supplies, and therefore supports the enforcement
of these regulations by the State of North Carolina. The city will pursue all available state
and federal funding for expansion of the water system.
SCHEDULE (a) - (c): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Sewer System (Issue discussed, page 1-54 and II-15)
POLICY.
(a) The City of Southport supports extension of its sewage collection system throughout its
planning jurisdiction.
IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) The city subdivision ordinance requires all subdivisions within its corporate limits to have
city sewer service.
(b) The city will pursue all available state and federal funding for expansion of its sewer
system.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Stormwater (Issue discussed, page 1-62 and II-17)
POLICIES:
(a) The City of Southport will support projects and local land use development controls to
eliminate stormwater drainage problems throughout its planning jurisdiction, especially in
those areas discussed in Section II, 9. Drainage, page II-17.
(b) The city will support mitigation of negative impacts of stormwater runoff on all conservation
classified areas.
(c) It is Southport's policy that all North Carolina Department of Transportation projects should
be designed to limit to the extent possible stormwater runoff into estuarine/public trust
waters.
IV-12

IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) Southport will cooperate with the NCDOT, the North Carolina Division of Water Quality,
and other state agencies in mitigating the impact of stormwater runoff on all conservation
classified areas. The city will support the Division of Water Quality stormwater runoff
retention permitting process through its zoning permit system and subdivision approval
process.
(b) The city will apply for all available state and federal grant funds, and utilize Powell Bill
funds, to improve stormwater drainage systems associated with existing rights -of -way.
n (c) The city will continue to implement its master drainage plan.
U SCHEDULE (a) - (c): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
{� Solid Waste (Issue discussed, page 1-55 and II-15)
U POLICIES:
(a) The City of Southport supports regional multi -county approach to solid waste disposal.
(b) Southport supports efforts to recycle and reduce waste.
IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) The city will cooperate with any efforts to educate people and businesses on waste
reduction and recycling. Southport vigorously supports recycling by its residents and
businesses and supports setting up practical collection methods and education efforts to
achieve.a high degree of city-wide recycling.
(b) Southport will implement the recommendation of the regional composting study (page II-
15) when complete.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
a(c) Southport supports the siting of recycling centers which are located consistent with the
city's zoning ordinance. The city's zoning ordinance will be revised to address this issue.
DSCHEDULE (c): Amend ordinance FY1999-2000
QEnergy Facility Siting and Development (Issue discussed, page 1-47, 1-63 and II-17)
POLICY.
(a) Southport supports responsible and environmentally safe expansion of public and private
energy production and distribution facilities.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) The Cogentrix steam -generating plant is the only energy generating facilities located within
n the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction. The CP&L Nuclear Power Plant is located immediately
IV-13

north of the city's ETJ. Some of the CP&L property is located within the city's ETJ. The
city will consider the need for expansion of the Cogentrix and other energy facilities on a
case -by -case basis, judging the need for expansion against all identified possible adverse
impacts. The location of energy production facilities will be regulated by the city's zoning
ordinance.
(b) Southport will not encourage off -shore drilling operations but will not oppose onshore
support facilities for which an environmental impact statement has been prepared with a
finding of no significant impact on the environment. The location of on -shore support
facilities located within the city's planning jurisdiction will be regulated by the city's zoning
ordinance.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Redevelopment of Developed Areas (Issue discussed, page II-17)
POLICIES:
(a) Southport supports redevelopment of substandard deteriorated areas of the city including
both residential and commercial areas.
(b) Following a hurricane or other natural disaster, Southport supports redevelopment which
complies with applicable federal, state, and local policies.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Southport will attempt to correct its worst substandard housing conditions by:
— enforcing the city's Minimum Housing Code;
— applying for Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization funds;
— coordinating redevelopment efforts with the Southport Building Inspections
Department.
SCHEDULE (a): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
(b) Following a natural disaster, the city will allow the reconstruction of any structures
demolished by natural disaster when the reconstruction complies with all applicable local,
state, and federal regulations. However, reconstruction cannot be more intense than that
which previously existed. This is governed by the city's zoning ordinance.
(c) The city will prepare a city-wide housing strategy to increase the quantity and quality of
affordable housing.
SCHEDULE (b) - (c): FY1998-1999
Types and Locations of Desired Industry (Issued discussed, page II-3)
POLICY. The city desires to achieve responsible industrial development which will not adversely
affect the natural environment or the quality of established residential areas.
IMPLEMENTATION. The following will be enforced through the city's zoning ordinance:
-- Industrial sites should be accessible to municipal/central water and sewer services.
IV-14

I
C
I
- Industries which are noxious by reason of the emission of smoke, dust, glare,
noise, and vibrations, and those which deal primarily in hazardous products such
as explosives, should not be located in Southport.
Industrial development and/or industrial zoning should not infringe on established
residential development.
Industrial development should be located in industrial park areas of the
extraterritorial jurisdiction and not in areas classified as conservation.
SCHEDULE: Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
Estuarine Access (Issue discussed, page 1-59, 1-60, and II-16)
POLICY.- The City of Southport supports continued development of shoreline access facilities.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Southport supports the state's shoreline access policies as set forth in Chapter 15A,
Subchapter 7M of the North Carolina Administrative Code. The city will conform to CAMA
and other state and federal environmental regulations affecting the development of
estuarine access areas. The city has a Shoreline Access Plan that was adopted in
December, 1990. That plan is considered a functional extension of this land use plan, and
its policies/recommendations will be supported by the City of Southport. The city will
continue participating in state/local sponsored access projects.
SCHEDULE (a): Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
a(b) Southport will support the implementation of the provisions of Senate Bill 1059.
11
0
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III
SCHEDULE (b): Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
(c) Southport will amend the December, 1990 Shoreline Access Plan to accommodate the
provisions of Senate Bill 1059 and prepare a specific waterfront development plan.
SCHEDULE (c): FY1998-1999
Commitment to State and Federal Programs (Issue discussed, numerous references to state
and federal programs throughout the plan)
POLICY.,* Southport will be receptive to and support all state and federal funding programs which
are beneficial to the city.
IMPLEMENTATION. The City of Southport Board of Aldermen will pursue funding and project
development through the following state and federal programs: North Carolina Department of
Transportation road and bridge improvement programs; drainage planning and erosion control
activities carried out by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which is valuable to farmers;
dredging and channel maintenance by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; federal and state
projects which provide efficient and safe boat access for sport fishing; and community
development block grants, low -to -moderate income housing, housing rehabilitation, housing for
the elderly, and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency housing improvement programs.
IV-15

SCHEDULE. Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
Assistance in Channel Maintenance (Issue discussed, page 1-53)
POLICY. Proper maintenance of channels is very important to Southport because of the
substantial economic impact of commercial fisheries and successful operation of the State Port
at Wilmington. If silt or other deposits fill in the channels, safe and efficient movement of
commercial fishing and transport vessels could be impeded.
IMPLEMENTATION. Southport will consider on a case -by -case basis the provision of assistance
to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or state officials to obtain spoil sites, provide financial
aid, and assist in securing or providing easements for work.
SCHEDULE. Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
Transportation (Issue discussed, pages 1-56 and II-10)
POLICY. The City of Southport supports transportation improvements which will improve highway
safety, regional accessibility, and traffic flow within the city's planning jurisdiction.
IMPLEMENTATION. -
(a) Southport supports construction of the following state transportation improvement projects: Q
NC 133 Town Creek, Replace Bridge No. 61
Year 2000
NC 133 Allen Creek, Replace Bridge No. 56
Year 2000
NC 87, NC 133, and Intersection of NC 87, NC 133, and Sunny
Identified Future Need
Access Road Point Access Road. Realign NC 87 to allow
through movement of traffic and install
traffic signal
New Route NC 211/NC 133 to NC 87 at SR 1525,
Right -of -Way Acquisition 2003
Construct a two lane connector on new
location
NC 211 Widen NC 211 from near the intersection
No schedule
with NC 87 to St. James Plantation
NC 211 Install a stop light at NC 211 and Stuart
No schedule
Avenue
New Route Construct a new "east side connector" to
No schedule
allow better traffic flow from the East Moore
Street area to north of the city due to
anticipated residential development on the
east side of the city
Leonard Street Make drainage and general improvements
No schedule
to Leonard Street
(b) Southport supports construction of a second bridge to Oak Island and an arterial to
improve accessibility from NC 211/NC 87 to Moore Street.
(c) The City of Southport supports the recommendations contained in the Pedestrian Safety
Study (page II-12 to II-14).
IV-16

0
(d) Southport will periodically review local ordinances relating to speed limits and traffic flow
with the goal of reducing congestion and risk in severely -congested or unsafe areas.
SCHEDULE (a) - (c): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Assistance in Interstate Waterways (Issue discussed, page 1-53)
POLICY: Southport supports continued maintenance and protection of the interstate waterway.
The city considers the interstate waterway to be a valuable economic asset.
IMPLEMENTATION. Southport will provide assistance in maintaining the waterway by helping to
obtain or providing dredge spoil sites, if surplus city property is available and, when possible,
Dproviding easements across city -owned property for work.
�1 SCHEDULE: Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
U Tourism (Issue discussed, page 1-23)
POLICY. • Southport views tourism as a significant contributor to the local economy and supports
continued development of the tourist industry.
DIMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Southport will support North Carolina Department of Transportation projects to improve
Qaccess to the city.
(b) Southport will support projects that will increase public access to shoreline areas.
U (c) Southport will continue to support the activities of the North Carolina Division of Travel and
Tourism; specifically, the monitoring of tourism -related industry, efforts to promote tourism -
related commercial activity, and efforts to enhance and provide shoreline resources.
SCHEDULE. Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
L F. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES
Q As the initial step in the preparation of this document, Southport prepared and adopted a "Public
Participation Plan." The plan outlined the methodology for citizen involvement (see Appendix 11).
Public involvement was to be generated through public information meetings, advertising in local
newspapers, and establishment of a land use planning advisory committee to work with the Board
of Aldermen and Planning Board on the development of the plan.
A public information meeting was conducted at the outset of the project on July 10, 1997, at 7:30
p.m., at Southport City Hall. Subsequently, meetings of the Planning Board and Advisory
Committee were held on July 22, 1997; August 21, 1997; September 18, 1997; November 20,
1997; December 18, 1997; January 7, 1998; February 4, 1998; February 18, 1998; and May 21,
1998. All meetings were open to the public. The Planning Board conducted a public information
meeting for review of and comment on the plan on July 9, 1998. The meeting was advertised in
the State Port Pilot.
IV-17
a

The preliminary plan was submitted to the Division of Coastal Management for comment on July
13, 1998. Following receipt of DCM comments, the plan was amended, and a formal public
hearing on the final document was conducted on January 14, 1999. The public hearing was
advertised in the State Port Pilot on December 9, 1998. The plan was approved by the Southport
Board of Aldermen on March 11, 1999, and submitted to the Coastal Resources Commission for
certification. The plan was certified on March 26, 1999.
Citizen input will continue to be solicited, primarily through the Planning Board, with advertised and
adequately publicized public meetings held to discuss special land use issues and to keep citizens
informed.
G. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY, AND EVACUATION
PLANS
The purpose of this section of the 1997 CAMA Land Use Plan is to assist the City of Southport in
managing development in potentially hazardous areas through establishing storm hazard
mitigation policies and to reduce the risks associated with severe storms and hurricanes by
developing post -disaster reconstruction/recovery policies.
The following pages will present the storm hazard mitigation and post -disaster recovery policies,
along with appropriate discussions and maps. This plan was updated following the 1996
hurricanes. The plan has been well received and the city desires to continue to utilize the same
plan.
Map 3, page 1-39, is included to indicate the potential impact of flooding on existing land uses.
As stated in the flood hazard areas section of this plan, it is estimated that less than 2% of
Southport's population resides in Flood Zone V, and approximately 10% resides within Flood Zone
A. The majority of the flood zone areas remain undeveloped and are AEC areas.
Storm Hazard Mitigation: Discussion
Hazard mitigation, or actions taken to reduce the probability or impact of a disaster could involve
a number of activities or policy decisions. The starting point, however, is to identify the types of
hazards (including the relative severity and magnitude of risks), and the extent of development
(including residential, commercial, etc.) located in storm hazard areas.
Hurricanes are extremely powerful, often unpredictable forces of nature. The four causes of
fatalities and property damage are high winds, flooding, wave action, and erosion. Two of these,
high winds and flooding, apply to Southport.
a. High Winds
High winds are the major determinants of a hurricane, by definition, i.e., a tropical
disturbance with sustained winds of at least 73 miles per hour. Extreme hurricanes can have
winds of up to 165 miles per hour, with gusts up to 200 miles per hour.
These winds circulate around the center or "eye" of the storm. Although the friction or
impact of the winds hitting land from the water causes some dissipation of the full force, there is
still a tremendous amount of energy left to cause damage to buildings, overturn mobile homes,
down trees and power lines, and destroy crops. Also, tornadoes are often spawned by hurricane
wind patterns. Wind stress, therefore, is an important consideration in storm hazard mitigation
planning.
IV-18

I
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e
I
b. Flooding
The excessive amounts of rainfall and the "storm surge" which often accompany hurricanes
can cause massive coastal and riverine flooding causing excessive property damage and deaths
by drowning. (More deaths are caused by drowning than any other cause in hurricanes.) Flooding
can cause extensive damage in inland areas, since many coastal areas have low elevations and
are located in high hazard or "Zone A" flood areas (including the V-zone in which the construction
of non -water dependent uses may be inconsistent with the Federal Flood Management Program)
according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency maps. Based on recent flood
insurance maps prepared for Southport, approximately 20% of the city's planning jurisdiction is
classified as being in the 100-year "high hazard" flood zone, or Zone A (see Map 3, page 1-39).
Consideration of potential flood damage is important to Southport's efforts to develop storm
mitigation policies.
C. Policy Statements: Storm Hazard Mitigation
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the effects of a hurricane or other
major storm, Southport proposes the following policies:
High Winds
r� Southport supports enforcement of the N.C. State Building Code. The city will continue
(� to enforce the State Building Code on wind resistant construction with design standards
of 110 mph wind loads.
aFlooding
D Southport is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance program and is
supportive of hazard mitigation elements. Southport is participating in the regular phase
of the insurance program and enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Southport
n also supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 Wetlands development permit
Uprocesses in areas potentially susceptible to flooding. When reviewing development
proposals, the city will work to reduce density in areas susceptible to flooding. In addition,
the city will encourage the public purchase of land in the most hazardous areas.
Implementation. Storm Hazard Mitigation
0 1. Southport will continue to enforce the standards of the State Building Code.
2. The city will continue to support enforcement of State and Federal programs which
(� aid in mitigation of hurricane hazards, including CAMA and the U.S. Army Corps
U of Engineers 404 permit process, FEMA, as well as local ordinances such as
n zoning and flood damage prevention regulations.
L 3. The city will discourage high density development in high hazard areas through
implementation of the city's Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance contains an
open space district which is a low density zone. This zone may be applied in high
0 hazard areas and AECs.
IV-19

4. The City of Southport supports the public acquisition of high hazard areas with
state and federal funds when voluntary acquisition can be accomplished. The city
discourages condemnation of land for this purpose.
5. The City of Southport will require the delineation of A and V zone areas on all
preliminary subdivision plots.
Evacuation Plans
The city will coordinate evacuation planning with the Brunswick County Emergency
Management Coordinator. Southport will encourage motels, condominiums, and multi-
family developments (five or more dwelling units) to post evacuation instructions that
identify routes and the locations of available public shelters. The city will update an
evacuation route map annually. Copies will be kept at the city's municipal building for free
distribution to the public.
The City of Southport will generally follow the guidance of the Brunswick County
Emergency Operations Coordinator since he has best access to meteorological data.
Rescue and Fire will monitor disaster at 48 hour point around the clock.
1. At 72 hours Public Service Director will go over his staffing, gasoline, supplies and
emergency inventory. Fire and Rescue will go through similar evaluations.
(�
2. Upon 48 hours "waminQ" of a potential natural disaster The Southport Emergency
Operations Team shall meet informally and go over their current situation both for
equipment and staffing. Any correspondence with neighboring governments shall
be distributed. Check sheets will be given to Fire Chief.
3. 24 hours prior to disaster The Emergency Operation Center shall be equipped for
the event and all departmental staffs and volunteers will be notified. Private
contractors for equipment shall be alerted. The Damage Assessment Team for
determining the cost and extent of damage to dwellings and commercial structures
and the Response and Recovery Team who is responsible for debris removal and
repair to city -infrastructures shall be assembled and briefed by team leaders.
Hospital and convalescent homes shall be notified of city preparations.
^
All supplies for recording the aftermath of this disaster and accompanying forms
shall be passed out and reviewed.
4. 18 hours prior to disaster Staff command center with communicators, and phone
banks; food stuffs and bottled water ordered but not picked up. Intra-city shelters
should be checked.
UJ
5. 13 hours prior to disaster Control Emergency Management Coordinator shall issue
evacuation order. This should be followed by Mayor's proclamation ordering a
similar evacuation. Police should move traffic from city to U.S. 211 and 87 where
Sheriffs Department and Highway Patrol will take over. Mutual aid in traffic central
may be necessary at 211 & 87 and 87 & 133. If Highway Patrol is slow to respond,
volunteer firefighters may be called by county to aid in traffic evacuation. Fire
Rescue shall work from Bay Street inland notifying people to evacuate to South
IV-20

0
Brunswick High School. All evacuees should cut off all appliances and HVAC prior
to leaving. Phone banks in command center shall be staffed.
L j All emergency generators should be in place and food stuffs delivered to command
center. If possible, police officers should be assigned to evacuation centers during
actual disaster events to control order. A nurse shall also be on duty at each
center.
The City of Southport will observe, recognize, and utilize only those emergency
shelters designed by the Emergency Management Coordinator of Brunswick
County.
6. 0-12 hours prior to disaster If wind speeds pick up to a constant 50-65 mph, the
City Manager on the recommendation of the Public Service Director may order the
city's electrical system cut off. Television, radio, and police loudspeakers shall
(� announce the cut-off one hour in advance, if possible. All public buildings shall be
u secured. Heavy equipment, fire and rescue vehicles and other supplies shall be
stationed.
7. 0 hour Command center and telephone bank shall be staffed by Team members.
A minimum of personnel should remain in the center during the event.
D2. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
Southport recognizes that in the event of a major storm, it will be very important to have a general
recovery and reconstruction plan. This section of the Land Use Plan will address this issue.
a. Appointment of a "Post -Disaster Recovery Team"
In the event of a major storm having landfall near Southport, when evacuation orders are
issued, the Mayor shall appoint a "Post -Disaster Recovery Team." The total team may consist of
a1.
the following:
Mayor
2.
Fire Chief (team leader)
a
3.
Police Chief
4.
City Board of Aldermen members
5.
City Manager
The Fire
Chief will serve as the team leader and will be responsible to the Mayor. The
base of operations will be the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) designated by the governing
body. The Post -Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for the following:
1.
Establishing an overall restoration schedule.
2.
Setting restoration priorities.
a
3.
Determining requirements for outside assistance and -requesting such assistance
when beyond local capabilities.
4.
Keeping the appropriate County and State officials informed.
5.
Keeping the public informed.
6.
Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken and expenditures and
obligations incurred.
7.
Recommending to the Mayor to proclaim a local "state of emergency" if warranted.
IV-21

8. Commencing and coordinating cleanup, debris removal, and utility restoration
which would include coordination of restoration activities undertaken by private
utility companies.
9. Coordinating repair and restoration of essential public facilities and services in
accordance with determined priorities.
10. Assisting private businesses and individual property owners in obtaining
information on the various types of assistance that might be available to them from
Federal and State agencies.
11. Coordinating public safety.
Recovery The Response and Recovery Team and Damage Assessment Team shall meet
as quickly as possible after the event and move through the city taking two videos of damage both
private, public, and marine. This will be compared with a tape on file showing the city before the
event.
All damage assessment must be carried out by the teams before city is repopulated and
must be filed with the County Emergency Management Coordinator within 48 hours of the events.
Police and Sheriffs shall only allow personnel with Brunswick County Emergency Management
badges into the city until city coordinator orders its repopulation.
Police Chief shall recommend to County Emergency Management Coordinator the need
for National Guard Personnel and the Rescue Service Director shall recommend to County
Emergency Management Coordinator the need for Red Cross assistance. Public announcement
of extent of damage and estimate of electric service recovery should be broadcast.
Repopulation Teams shall meet and discuss the need for a curfew. If necessary, the
Mayor shall be asked to declare a curfew.
+ 24 hours All FEMA damage assessment forms should be turned into the City Finance
Director for reproduction and delivery to County Emergency Management Coordinator.
MAYOR DECLARES NORMALCY.
b. Damage Control Team
The city will prepare a list of individuals (by name and address) who should be allowed to
return to Southport in the event of an evacuation and subsequent blockade. These people would
be allowed to return to aid with clean-up operations. The list should include but not necessarily
be limited to people such as pharmacists, electricians, city employees, etc.
C. Immediate Clean-up and Debris Removal
As soon as practical after the storm, the Post -Disaster Recovery Team will direct
appropriate town personnel, and as necessary, request State and/or Federal assistance to begin
clearing fallen trees and other debris from the city's roads and bridges.
d. Long -Term Recovery/Restoration
The Post -Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for overseeing the orderly
implementation of the reconstruction process after a major storm or hurricane in accordance with
the city's building and land use regulations and policies.
IV-22

I
I
I
L
I
Damage Assessments
Damage assessments will be necessary to determine as quickly as possible a realistic
estimate of the amount of damage caused by a hurricane or major storm. Information such
as the number of structures damaged, the magnitude of damage, and the estimated total
dollar loss will need to be developed.
As soon as practical after the storm, i.e., clearance of major roadways, the Post -Disaster
Recovery Team Leader shall set up a Damage Assessment Team (DAT) consisting of the
Building Inspector, a local realtor or building contractor, and appropriate personnel from
the Brunswick County Tax Department. The DAT will immediately begin to make
"windshield" surveys of damaged structures to initially assess damages and provide a
preliminary dollar value of repairs or replacement. The following general criteria shall be
utilized:
1. Destroyed (repairs would cost more than 50 percent of value).
2. Major (repairs would cost more than 30 percent of value).
3. Minor (repairs would cost less than 30 percent of value, but the structure is
currently uninhabitable).
4. Habitable (some minor damage, with repairs less than 15 percent of value).
Reconstruction of structures in CAMA-regulated areas of environmental concern damaged
more than 50% of their fiscal value must comply with current CAMA setbacks and
regulations. Non -conforming structures may not be rebuilt.
Each damage assessment will be documented according to county tax records. Also, city
tax maps and/or records may be used for identification purposes. The total estimated
dollar value of damages will be summarized and reported to the Post -Disaster Recovery
Team Leader.
Reconstruction Development Standards
Developed structures which were destroyed or sustained "major damage" and which did
not conform to the city's building regulations, zoning ordinances, and other storm hazard
mitigation policies, i.e., basic measures to reduce damage by high winds, flooding, wave
action, or erosion, must be repaired or redeveloped according to those policies. In some
instances, this may mean relocation of construction, or no reconstruction at all. Building
permits to restore destroyed or "major" damaged structures which were built in
conformance with the city's building code and city storm hazard mitigation policies shall be
issued automatically. All structures suffering major damage will be repaired according to
the State Building Code and city Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. All structures
suffering minor damage, regardless of location, will be allowed to be rebuilt to the original
condition prior to the storm.
DDevelopment Moratoria
Because of the density of development at Southport and the possible extensive damage
caused by a major storm, it may be necessary for the city to prohibit all redevelopment
activities for a certain period of time after a storm. This "moratorium" could allow the city
time to carefully assess all damage in view of existing policies, building regulations, and
ordinances, in order to help determine whatever existing policies, etc., should be revised
to mitigate similar damage from future storms. The intent of such a moratorium would be
a I V-23

to learn all the lessons possible and try and determine what steps and precautions the city
can take in rebuilding so as not to suffer damage to the same extent. If a moratorium is
established, the time frame will be commensurate with the extent of the damage. The
actual time frame will be established by the Board of Aldermen.
Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
The following schedule of activities and time frame are proposed with the realistic idea that
many factors of a hurricane may render the schedule unfeasible.
Activity
— Complete and Report Damage
Assessments
— Begin Repairs to Critical Utilities and
Facilities
-- Permitting of Reconstruction activities
for all damaged structures ("minor" to
pre -storm original status, "major" or
"destroyed" to State Building Code
and hazard mitigation standards.
Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities
Time Frame
Two weeks after schedule
As soon as possible after storm
Following completion of assessments
of individual buildings requiring repair
or reconstruction
If sewer pump stations or the sewage treatment plant is damaged and it is determined that
the facilities can be relocated to a less hazardous location, then they will be relocated
during reconstruction. The Mayor will be responsible for overseeing the repair or
replacement of public utilities.
IV-24

DISASTER RESPONSE ORGANIZATION
MAYOR
I FIRE CHIEF I
CITY MANAGER
POLICE CHIEF
ASST. FIRE CHIEF
RESCUE DIRECTOR
PUBLIC SERVICES FINANCE DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Damage Assessment
Evacuation
Evacuation
Pre -Evacuation
Response and FEMA Coordinator
Media Relations
Dispatch (Radio)
(Door to Door)
(If necessary)
Recovery Chief
Phone Bank
Public Order
Fire Control Response
Rescue of Injured
& Recovery Backup
Medical Attention &
Traffic Backup
First Aid Evacuation
IV-25

0
SECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
0
As required by 15A NCAC 7B planning guidelines, the Southport 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 land classification.
0 A. DEVELOPED CLASS
Southport's primary growth should continue to occur outside the corporate limits on the northwest
side and inside the corporate limits to the west. Those areas are classified as developed. These
areas will require basic urban services. The developed class is specifically designated to
Q accommodate intense development and land uses, including single and multi -family residential,
commercial, industrial, parks and open space, community facilities, and transportation. Population
densities will be high. The greatest demand for urban services will exist within this classification.
B. URBAN TRANSITION CLASS
aUrban transition areas will provide lands to accommodate future urban growth within the planning
period. The average development densities will be less than the developed class densities and
greater than the limited transition class densities. Development may include mixed land uses such
a as single and multi -family residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and other uses at high
to moderate densities. Urban services may include water, sewer, streets, police, and fire
protection. Population densities will be high. Urban Transition areas are primarily located west
of the city between Indigo Plantation and Smithville Woods, and north of the city in the
undeveloped areas between the CP&L canal and existing development along Robert Ruark Drive
n and the NC 211 and NC 87 corridors.
u
C. CONSERVATION CLASS
The conservation class is designated to provide for effective long-term management of significant
limited or irreplaceable areas which include Areas of Environmental Concern. Development in the
n estuarine system should be restricted to such uses which satisfy 15A NCAC 7H use standards and
L the City of Southport zoning ordinance. Within Southport's jurisdiction, the Conservation areas
are limited to coastal wetlands, estuarine shorelines, estuarine waters, and public trust waters.
III
h
H V-1

APPENDIX I
CITY OF SOUTHPORT
POLICIES CONSIDERED BUT NOT ADOPTED
C. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS
Physical Limitations
Soils
POLICY. Southport does not oppose the installation of package treatment plants and septic tanks
or discharge of waste in any areas classified as coastal wetlands, or 404 wetlands.
Flood Hazard Areas
POLICY. The City of Southport will not increase regulations governing development within flood
hazard areas and will rely on existing federal, state, and local regulations.
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
POLICY. The City of Southport will support industrial development which may result in some
wetland loss as allowed through the 404 permit process.
Miscellaneous Resource Protection
Marina and Floatinq Home Development
POLICY: Southport opposes construction of open water and upland marinas.
POLICY., Southport opposes the construction of drystack storage facilities.
POLICY., Southport does not oppose the location of floating homes within its jurisdiction.
Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands
POLICY: Southport opposes any new development on sound and estuarine islands.
IMPLEMENTATION: The City of Southportwill rely on its zoning ordinance to prohibit development
on sound and estuarine islands.
SCHEDULE. Continuing Activity, FY1997-2007
a
E. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Water Supply
POLICY., The City of Southport supports extension of the city's water supply system both within
the city and the county.
1

Sewer System 0
POLICY., The City of Southport supports extension of its sewage collection system throughout the
city and into the county. 0
Energy Facility Siting and Development a
POLICY: Southport opposes any expansion of the CP&L Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant.
Annexation a
POLICY. Southport supports expansion of the city limits through annexation.
IMPLEMENTATION. a
(a) The City of Southport will pursue expansion through voluntary, involuntary, and satellite
annexations. Priorities for annexation are identified on pages II-8 and II-9. 0
SCHEDULE (a): While annexation will be pursued during the planning period, a specific time (�
schedule cannot be adopted. u
(b) In order to accomplish orderly annexation and growth during the planning period, the city
should undertake the following: 0
-- Continue to support policies requiring new subdivisions to be connected to central
water and sewer service.
-- Continue to encourage voluntary annexations.
-- Expand the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction as annexations occur.
SCHEDULE (b): Continuing Activities, FY1997-2007
Types and Locations of Desired Industry
POLICY.- Industrial development is extremely important to economic growth in Southport. The
city's heavy reliance on employment in the service and retail trade sector should be balanced by
the development of a stronger base of industrial/manufacturing employment.
2

APPENDIX II
CITY OF SOUTBPORT
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
PREPARATION OF LAND USE PLAN
FISCAL YEAR 1997-98
The City of Southport has received a FY97-98 Coastal Area Management Act grant for the
update of its existing Land Use Plan. Adequate citizen participation in the development of the
Plan is essential to the preparation of a document responsive to the needs of the citizens of
Southport. To ensure such input, the following citizen participation program will be utilized by
the city.
The Planning Board will work with the city's planning consultant to ensure that the final product
will survey existing land use, identify policies, recommend strategies/actions, and identify Areas
of Environmental Concern. The plan will focus on issues expected to occur during the planning
period, including infrastructure needs, housing needs, transportation planning, and environmental
concerns. A completely new land classification map will be provided. Specifically, the planning
consultant and the Planning Board will be responsible for ensuring accomplishment of the
following:
-- Establishment of policies to deal with existing and anticipated land use issues.
-- Preparation of a land classification map.
-- Preparation of hurricane mitigation and post -disaster recovery plans and policies.
-- Assessment of opportunities for participation in state and federal programs.
-- An updated Land Use Plan based on an effective citizen participation process.
The following schedule will be utilized:
1. July, 1997 -- complete identification of existing land use problems, develop
socioeconomic base data, and review community facilities needs.
2. July 10, 1997 -- The Board of Aldermen will conduct a public information meeting and
adopt the Citizen Participation Plan. The meeting will be advertised in a local newspaper.
(� The city will specifically discuss the policy statements contained in the 1992 City of
�J Southport Land Use Plan. The significance of the policy statements to the CAMA land
use planning process shall be described. The process by which the City of Southport will
solicit the views of a wide cross-section of citizens in the development of the updated
policy statements will be explained.
a 3. July 22, 1997 - Initial meeting with the Planning Board to review the process for the
Land Use Plan Update and distribute sections of the plan that have been drafted.
4. August, 1997 / January, - 1998 -- Continue preparation of a draft Land Use Plan and
conduct meetings with the Southport Planning Board.

li
5. February, 1998 -- Present complete draft sections of the plan and preliminary policy a
statements to the Southport Planning Board.
6. April 1, 1998 -- Review draft Land Use Plan with Board of Aldermen, conduct a public i l
information meeting for review of the proposed plan, and submit draft of completed Land u
Use Plan to the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources staff for
review and comment.
7. Following receipt of Coastal Resources Commission comments (estimate August, 1998)
-- Present proposed Land Use Plan to Board of Aldermen for adoption, and conduct a
formal public hearing.
All meetings of the City of Southport Planning Board and Board of Aldermen at which the
update of the Land Use Plan will be discussed will be advertised in a local newspaper in a non-
legal ad section. In addition, public service announcements will be mailed to local radio stations
and posted in the Municipal Building. All meetings will be open to the public. The city will .
encourage and consider all economic, social, ethnic, and cultural viewpoints. No major
non-English speaking groups are known to exist in Southport. Q
11
6/24/97
LANDUSE\CPP.SOUTHPRT