Land Use Plan Update A Summary of Plans, Polices & Regulations-1991

A Summmary_.o- _Plans, _Policies and`Regulations ;,
_ id -New; -Hanover, County _
December 1991
_ -
New Hanover County Planning -Department
_. Dexter Hayes, Director
-
Patrick Lowe, AssisfantDirector
Staff Planners
Walter "PeteAvery
-Wanda Coston`
Sam Burgess _
._Chris,O'Keefe_
CAMA:Intern;
- JoAnne Shadroui ,
Administrative Secretary
:-Phoebe Saavedra ..
- Graphics :Planning Technician
Lisa Elaine Horne
_
New,Hanover_County Board.of Commissioners
- - E`L. `-`Matt'-' Mathews, C7iczirman
-.Robert G.-Greer; Vke Oiairman
- Jonathan Barfield
-
Uliam H. Sutton
Planning Board .Members
Earnest Puskas; Chairman" .
Kenr eth.A.Shin, Vice Chairman -
_
- ;Robert McDonald
- Wesley O: Nixon
= William'Grathwol
_
C.`Richard Boisky
-C arles R Howell
.Y 7 he prepandm of this documeat vva, rmm wed m part, through a Coasml Mea MwagemeatAct
grant Provided by the N" Carolim Coastal Mamgemeat Program, through rov Fund, pided
pby the Coastal Zane Mamgement Act of 1472, as amended, which is admiaisterod by the Ofrica
*(Ocean and Cm,tal Resource
,.. _ _M�geumd NaSonWOoeankas dAtma,phericAdmioistntien. _ ..

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A Summary of
Plans, Policies & Regulations
in New Hanover County
December 1991
Wilmington - New Hanover County
Land Use Plan Update

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Preface
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), enacted in 1974 by the North Carolina
General Assembly, requires that the 20 coastal counties of the state prepare land use plans.
These plans provide a framework used to guide local leaders as they make decisions for the
protection, preservation, orderly development and management of the North Carolina
coastal area. The original CAMA Land Use Plan for New Hanover County was adopted in
1976. Updates to the plan are required by CAMA on five year intervals This report is part
of the third plan update (1981, 1986 and 1991) performed in conjunction with the
f Wilmington -New Hanover Comprehensive Planning Program, initiated in 1974.
In accordancewith CAMA requirements, thelanduseplanconsists ofthe Nowing elements:
1.) Summary of data collection and analysis;
2.) Existing land use map;
3.) Policy discussion;
4.) Land classification map.
This information plays an important role in the formulation of local development
regulations, such as zoning ordinances, and it provides input for growth policy decisions.
These reports also provide useful data to the public and private sector in considering
development proposals.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction.................................................................................................1
2. Capital Improvements Program................................................................... 2
3. Floodplain Management Regulations........................................................... 3
4. Land Use Plan............................................................................................. 4
5. Master Plan for Parks and Recreation.......................................................... 6
6. Thoroughfare Classification Plan ................................................................ 8
7. Wilmington Area Thoroughfare Transportation Plan ................................... 9
8. County Sewer Plan and Extension Policies................................................12
9. Zoning Ordinance.....................................................................................12
10. Subdivision Regulations .................................................
11. Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance ...................................... 15
12. Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance..........................................15
Appendix - Directory of Departments

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A Summary of Plans, Policies, and Regulations
in New Hanover County
1. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to provide a series of summaries describing County plans,
policies and regulations that will have some effect on the land use planning process of the
County, in accordance with the North Carolina Coastal Area' Management Act. Each
summary outlines the purpose, principal features, and sources for the document.
The following plans, policies, and regulations are summarized in this report:
Capital Improvements Program (CIP) - The CIP determines when, where, and how the
County will spend funds in terms of public buildings and schools, utilities, transportation and
recreation.
Floodplain Management Regulations of New Hanover County - These regulations
govern development within floodplains.
Wilmington -New Hanover County Land Use Plan - This plan establishes policies for
the overall growth and development of the County.
Master Plan for Parks and Recreation in New Hanover County -.This plan analyzes
existing park facilities and recreational needs for the County.
Thoroughfare Classification Plan - This document inventories and classifies major
roads in the unincorporated County based on their design, traffic counts and function.
Wilmington Area Thoroughfare Transportation Plan - This plan establishes regional
priorities for future road expansions and improvements for the greater Wilmington area.
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New Hanover County Sewer Plan and Extension Policies - These plans set forth the
phasing and requirements for construction of the County sewer system.
New Hanover County Zoning Ordinance -The Zoning Ordinance regulates density and
types of land uses in the unincorporated County.
New Hanover County Subdivision Regulations - These regulations specify the
requirements for the subdivision of land and the construction of roads in the unincorporated
County.
New Hanover County Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance - This
Ordinance lists the improvements needed to develop a mobile home or travel trailer park.
New Hanover County Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance - Any develop-
ment disturbing more than one acre of ground must comply with these grading and drainage
requirements.
It is important to note that this report's summary information should be used only as
a guide. For any land development activity, it is necessary to contact the appropriate County
agency and to review the complete text of the applicable plans, policies, and regulations.
Agency addresses are listed as an Appendix to this report. In addition, this report does not
discuss the various State and Federal plans, policies, and regulations which affect land
development. For additional information concerning regulations and permits that are
applicable to a specific land development project see the supplemental report(s), "Land
Development Permit Summary", available from the County Planning Department and the
"North Carolina Environmental Permit Directory", available from the Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
2. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
Purpose:
The purpose of this documentis to provide a comprehensive and systematic method for
scheduling, funding, and monitoring the progress of capital projects for the coming eight
years. The Capital Improvements Program provides authoritative fiscal information for
County officials and agencies, private developers, other businessmen and the general public.
This information can assist County officials and agencies in making day-to-day
management decisions as well as long range investment plans for the allocation of limited
financial resources. The information also serves as a guide to the private sector concerning
the County's principal plans for providing public services and establishing future tax trends.
In addition, the Program can be highly effective in promoting intergovernmental relations
between County officials, the City of Wilmington, and the beach communities.
One of the most important roles of the Capital Improvements Program is that of
reflecting and implementing the County's Land Use Plan. The Program allows the County
to control growth by minimizing the diseconomies of scale and distance associated with
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providing urban services. The objective is not to restrict growth per se, but to manage the
location, intensity, and rate of growth in a manner consistent with the efficient and
economical provision of services.
Summary of Major Projects in Progress Total Projected Cost
SewerSystem............................................................................................... $63,340,841
Environmental Management Expansion................................:.........I................ 29,000,000
(Landfill and incinerator)
Museum...........................................................................................................4,336,050
CountyParks.................................................................................................... 3,000,000
SeniorCenter................................................................................................... 2,000,000
Branch Library (Mid -South) ...................
DowntownPark...................................................................................................314,500
Bum Pit (Airport)................................................................................................ 500,000
Wrightsboro Housing Rehabilitation....................................................................794,270
These costs will be met through a variety of Federal and State grants, the County
General Fund, revenue sharing, sales taxes, bonds, user fees and bond referenda.
Availability:
Presently out of print, copies are available for review at the County Manager's office,
Finance Department, and Planning Department. Capital items are also listed in the current
year County budget.
3. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Purpose:
This Ordinance regulates development in areas prone to flood hazard.
Summary:
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These Regulations include the following key provisions:
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A. Residential septic systems, sanitary sewer systems, and water supply systems
shall be located and designed to minimize impairment to the system from flooding and to
reduce the potential for contamination of adjacent waters.
B. All new construction and improvements shall be adequately anchored and
constructed with materials resistant to flooding.
C. New residential construction shall have the lowest floor, including basement,
elevated to at least two (2) feet above base flood elevation, as determined by the Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).
D. New or improved commercial, industrial, or other non-residential construction
shall either have the lowest floor including basement elevated at least two (2) feet above base
flood elevation or sufficiently floodproofed to withstand flooding.
E. No mobile home shall be placed in a floodway, defined as the watercourse channel
necessary to adequately discharge floodwater, or in V-zones, except in an existing mobile
home park or subdivision.
F. All mobile homes shall be anchored with over -the -top ties and frame ties.
G. New or expanded mobile home parks and subdivisions shall provide lots with
pilings or compacted fill sufficient to place the mobile home at or above the base flood level.
H. No construction of any kind shall be allowed in floodways unless it can be
certified that there will be no increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood.
FIRM Maps have been available for the County since 1978. The maps were updated
in April,1986. The new maps, based on a different methodology resulted in a reduction of
V-zone coverage with present V-zones on the sounds and estuaries becoming A -zones, and
a lowering of base flood elevations by two (2) feet along coastline areas.
Availability:
Copies of the regulations and flood maps are available for review at the Building
Inspections Department.
4. WILMINGTON-NEW HANOVER COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN
Purpose:
The Wilmington -New Hanover County Land Use Plan is an official public document
adopted by the County Commissioners and City Council as a general policy guide for
decisions concerning the physical development of the County and City.
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Figure 1 located
page 7.
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Summary:
The Plan is designed to provide guidance to County and City agencies as they prepare
and consider.
1. Capital improvement programs and investments;
2. Zoning map and text amendments;
3. Subdivision proposals and ordinance amendments;
4. Special area development plans and projects;
5. Utility extensions;
6. Other development controls.
The Plan also communicates a statement oflocal governmentpolicy which maybe used
by citizens and private organizations as they submit development proposals and respond to
matters under consideration by the governing boards. As an official policy instrument of the
County Commissioners and City Council, the Plan is also useful to regional, state, and
federal governmental agencies which provide facilities or services in the Planning area.
While the plan is not law in the sense of an ordinance, it is adopted, amended and
updated by formal action of the County Commissioners and the City Council. The N.C.
Coastal Resources Commission must also approve the final plans and any amendments.
The preparation and update of the Land Use Plan at five year intervals is a requirement
of the 1974 CAMA legislation. The first plan, Policies for Growth and Development, was
adopted by the Commission and Council in 1976 with subsequent updates in 1981 and 1986.
The County and City are currently in the process of the 1991 Land Use Plan update. A number
of technical reports such as this one are being prepared to provide background information
for the 1991 update.
The Land Use Plan includes both a Land Classification Map and Policies for Growth
and Development. The Map from the 1986 Update, shown in Figure 1, divides the County
into several development classes, such as Developed and Rural. The Map delineates a
Transition Area, beyond which densities are restricted by the Zoning Ordinance and the
provision of urban services, such as sewer, are limited. The Policies provide guidelines for.
regulating development and other aspects of growth.
Availability:
Copies are available at the City and County Planning Departments.
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5. MASTER PLAN FOR PARKS AND RECREATION,
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Purpose:
To provide an orderly guide for the acquisition and development of open space lands
and recreation facilities throughout New Hanover County.
Summary:
In 1988 the Planning Department, working in conjunction with the County Parks and
Recreation Department, revised the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This document
reviewed current facilities and identified the need to acquire and develop additional park land
in various areas of the County. In 1989 County voters approved a bond.referendum which
allocated $2 million for the purchase of land and $1 million in development funds to help
meet the needs identified in the Plan. Specific objectives and status information is listed
below.
A. The County should attempt to purchase approximately 360 acres of park land by
the year 2000 in order to meet state standards relative to parks and recreation open space.
Status: Since the 1989 bond issues, a total of 195 acres of property has been acquired
by purchase ordonation. Studies are currently on -going relative to othersites with the overall
objective being to purchase or acquire additional properties for a district park (approx. 75
acres) and two neighborhood parks (approx. 10-20 acres) by the end of 1992.
B. The County should attempt to provide water access facilities for public use.
Status: Several projects attempt to address this need with one recently completed and
another soon to begin. While these do not address the need for public boat access sites,
several other sites are being evaluated for possible development.
C. One recommendation of the 1988 Master Plan was the creation of a Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board.
Status: The County Commissioners took quick action on this item and created a 7-
member board, with members being appointed for 3-year staggered terms.
D. Along with land needs, staffing levels and organizational structure were also
reviewed.
Status: Since 1988, several new staff positions have been added and the structure of
the department has been organized to reflect the three primary areas of work (construction,
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Figure 2 located
page 10.
general maintenance, and landscaping). In conjunction with this review, the department has
utilized private contractors to maintain certain public areas (excluding parks) which were
heretofore the responsibility of the park staff.
E. Additional on -going objectives include: (a) the joint development and use ofschool
facilities for recreational activities: (b) the cultivation and use of civic groups to provide and
manage organized athletic leagues and activities; and (c) to promote joint use of public lands
for both preservation and recreational purposes for both residents and visitors.
Availability
Presently out of print, copies are available for public review at the County Planning
Department and the County Parks and Recreation Department.
6. THOROUGHFARE CLASSIFICATION PLAN
Purpose:
The purpose of the County's Thoroughfare Classification Planis to classify major roads
in the unincorporated County with regard to intensity of use and design parameters in order
to provide an adequate road system for major traffic generators.
Summary:
An arterial is typically a U.S. numbered highway that serves as a link between urban
populations of 1,000 or more persons. A collector road collects traffic from residential
concentrations of at least 100 residential units or serves as a link between arterials or other
majortmffiegenerators. A collector must also meet certain design standards for right-of-way
and pavement width. Collectors and arterials are shown in Figure 2.
In addition to arterials and collectors, a third classification, local residential streets, is
also part of this plan. These are smaller streets that essentially serve 50 or more units,
generating 500 trips per day or providing access between subdivisions or collectors.
This plan helps to guide land use and intensity of development. High density
development, if located on an arterial and within the Transition Area is permitted in
residential districts. Maximum building height can be increased for buildings within certain
commercial and Planned Development zoning districts located on a collector or an arterial
and within the Transition Area. This plan also serves as a guide in developing and reviewing
subdivisions in terms of access and future road- connections.
Availability:
A detailed map and list of classified roads are available for review at the County
Planning Department.
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7. WILMINGTON AREA THOROUGHFARE
TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Purpose:
Provides a publicly adopted plan for the progressive development of a street and
highway system to meet future travel demands within the Wilmington Urban Area. The Plan
provides for newly constructed streets as well as widening and improvements to existing
streets.
Summary:
Since its adoption, the Thoroughfare Plan has served as a guide in developing
recommendations forlocal transportation improvements. Several elements of the Thorough-
fare Plan have been constructed. Many, however, remain to be implemented.
Federal law requires every metropolitan area to set up a decision making body to
coordinate transportation policy. In Wilmington, this body is called the Transportation
Advisory Committee (TAC), and it is composed of representatives of Wilmington, New
Hanover County, Wrightsville Beach, Brunswick County, Leland, Navassa, Belville, and
the Board of Transportation.
The TAC is responsible for long range transportation planning in the Wilmington area.
The current twenty year plan for transportation is called the Wilmington Area Thoroughfare
Plan, and the latest update was adopted in September 1985. This plan is being updated now.
The TAC is given the authority to establish transportation priorities in the Wilmington
area. Projects are selected from the Wilmington Area Thoroughfare Plan. These priorities are
presented to the Board of Transportation for inclusion in die North Carolina Transportation
Improvement Program. The most recent priorities were adopted by the TAC in April, 1991,
and are summarized below: —
A. Southern Outer Loop from NC 132 to U.S. 17 Bypass.
B. Widening of Kerr Avenue from Smith Creek Parkway to South College Road.
C. Widening of US 117 from the Smith Creek Parkway to the entrance to General
Electric.
D. Independence Boulevard - Nonh/South Thoroughfare.
E. Improvements to Front Street and the intersection of Front Street and Burnett
Boulevard.
F. High level bridge at Wrightsville Beach and improvements at intersection of
US 74 and US 76.
Figure 3 located
page 11.
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NEW HANOVER COUNTY
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Thoroughfares Existing Proposed
FREEWAYS
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Figure 4 located
page 14.
101
Availability:
Out of print. Available for inspection at the Transportation Division, 1114 South
Seventeenth Street.
8. NEW HANOVER COUNTY SEWER PLAN
AND EXTENSION POLICIES
Purpose:
The purpose of the County sewer plan and extension policies is to provide sewer to
unincorporated County residents with a majoremphasis on reducing estuarine pollution from
septic systems and on serving existing development.
Summary:
New Hanover County has embarked on the construction of a County -wide sewer
system. This system is being financed in part, by a $46 million bond referendum approved
by County voters. However, current revenues are only available to complete construction in
the areas shown in Figure 4. Funding shortfalls make it difficult to project a final completion
date. A Strategic Planning Task Force has been created to study alternative sources of
revenue to finance completion of the system.
The County has also developed a set of sewer line extension policies. Any developer
wishing to connect a new development to the sewer system must pay for all costs involved
in designing and constructing any necessary trunk sewer lines, force mains, rights -of -way,
and otheritems. The County may request a developer to construct a larger than needed trunk
line in order to provide for future tap-ons. However, the County will develop a pay -back
schedule to the developer as new tap-ons are added.
Availability:
The County Sewer Plan and Extension Policies are available for review at the County
Engineering Department.
9. NEW HANOVER COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE
Purpose:
The purpose of the Zoning Ordinance is to regulate the use of land in order to provide
for safe, orderly, and harmonious growth and development. Enforcement of the Ordinance
is through the Zoning Enforcement Division of County Inspections.
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Summary:
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The Zoning Ordinance consists of two components: a zoning map and a text. The
zoning map divides the entire County into various districts with each district allowing certain
uses (e.g. commercial, industrial, or residential). The text describes the uses allowed in each
district as well as development criteria such as parking, signs, building height, density, and
landscaping.
Several major additions have been made to the Zoning Ordinance in recent years. A
Conservation Overlay District was adopted that regulates uses in certain environmentally
significant areas and requires a certain amount of preservation and protection of those areas.
A Planned Development District was created, allowing a large, well -designed development
to mix residential with commercial and light industrial uses. A Special Highway Overlay
District was adopted and applied to several roads in the County to regulate non-residential
development. The County also adopted landscaping and buffering requirements as part of
the Zoning Ordinance. And more recently, the County adopted Conditional Use District
rezoning procedures in January, 1990. This process requires site plan submittal with the
rezoning application.
Availability:
Zoning maps and texts are available for sale and review at the County Planning
Department.
10. NEW HANOVER COUNTY SUBDIVISION
REGULATIONS
Purpose:
The purpose of the County's Subdivision Regulations is to govern the subdivision of
land and layout of streets to provide for orderly development.
Summary:
The Subdivision Regulations require individuals and developers who wish to subdi-
vide property into new parcels or lots to go through a review and approval process with the
County Planning Department and Planning Board. Plats of the subdivision must be
submitted, approved, and filed before new lots may be sold or otherwise transferred to new
ownership. Comments are solicited from various agencies, such as Engineering, NCDOT,
N.C. Department of Environmental Management, ctc., as to the appropriateness of the
subdivision.
These regulations require that certain improvements be performed before a subdivision
canbeapproved. For example, roads must meet certain construction specifications and sewer
lines must be installed. Floodplains, utility easements and certain other areas must be
delineated and labeled on the final plat.
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NEW HANOVER COUNTY
SEWER DISTRICT SYSTEM
PHASE
PHASE II
NOTE: System Completion Date Unknown
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Availabikty:
The Subdivision Regulations are available at the County Planning Department.
11. NEW HANOVER COUNTY MOBILE HOME
AND TRAVEL TRAILER PARK ORDINANCE
Purpose:
This Ordinance regulates the development of mobile home and travel trailer parks
where lots are rented.
Summary:
This Ordinance requires persons developing a mobile home park to undergo a review
and approval process with the County Planning Department, the Planning Board and the
County Commissioners. The developer must submit a plan showing locations of all spaces
and other improvements. Because of the increased density allowed in these parks, certain
additional improvements, related to recreation space and utility systems, are required.
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Availability:
This Ordinance is available at the County Planning Department.
12. NEW HANOVER COUNTY SEDIMENTATION
AND EROSION CONTROL ORDINANCE
Purpose:
The purpose of this Ordinance is to reduce the potential for erosion and sedimentation
associated with land disturbing activities.
Summary:
This Ordinance requires developers to meet certain specifications in performing
construction activities that disturb at least one acre of soil. These specifications include
revegetation practices, use of silt fences and rip -rap, reduction of velocity of discharge of
runoff water, and other soil conservation practices.
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Availability:
This Ordinance is available at the County Engineering Department.
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Appendix - Departments
Department and Address Phone Number
New Hanover County Manager............................................................ [phone]
320 Chestnut St., Rm. 502
Wilmington, NC 28401
New Hanover County Planning Department ........................................ [phone]
320 Chestnut St., Rm. 403
Wilmington, NC 28401
New Hanover County Finance Department .......................................... [phone]
320 Chestnut St.. Rm. 602
Wilmington, NC 28401
New Hanover County Engineering Department ................................... [phone]
414 Chestnut St., Rm. 101
Wilmington, NC 28401
New Hanover County Inspections Department .................................... [phone]
414 Chestnut St., Rm. 211
Wilmington, NC 28401
New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department ................... [phone]
414 Chestnut Street, Rm. 103
Wilmington, NC 28401