Land Use Plan Update-1993

1
Policies for
Jrowth and Development

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Policies or
a Growthand.
a
Adopted by:
00 Wilmington City Council
0 October 19, 1993
New Hanover County Board of Commssioners
0 November 1, 1993
Certified by:
0 N. C. Coastal Resources Commission
0 November 19, 1993
Wilmington - New Hanover County
O ' ' Land Use Plan Update
0
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Policies for Growth and Development
1993
New Hanover County
Board of Commissioners
Robert G. Greer, Chairman
E. L. "Matt" Mathews, Vice Chairman
Sandra Barone
William Caster
William Sisson
Planning Board Members
Earnest Puskas, Chairman
Kenneth A. Shanklin, Vice Chairman
Robert McDonald
Wesley O. Nixon
William Grathwol
C. Richard Boisky
Charles R. Howell
New Hanover County
Planning Department
Dexter Hayes, Director
Patrick Lowe, Assistant Director
Planner -in -charge
Staff Planners
Walter "Pete" Avery
Wanda Coston
Sam Burgess
Chris O'Keefe
CAMA Interns
D. Dylan Lee
Janet Lawson
Michael Herrmann
Administrative Secretary
r Phoebe Saavedra
Graphics Planning Technician
Lisa Elaine Home
Wilmington City Council
Don H. Betz, Mayor
Katherine B. Moore, Mayor Pro Tem
J. D. Causey
Ed Evans
Hamilton E. Hicks, Jr.
Richard Snyder
Michael Youngblood
Wilmington Planning Commission
Curtis Schacher, Chairman
Alvin Rogers, Vice Chairman
Clyde G. Martin
John J. Scott
Catherine Ackiss
J. F. K. McCormick
Rodderick H. Thomas
City of Wilmington
Planning and Development Department
Arcelia Wicker, Sr., Director
Deborah Sheetenhelm, Senior Planner
Planner -in -charge
Staff Planners
Tim Keane
Lucy Lynch
Karen Stith
CAMA Intern
Bryan Huneycutt
Secretary
Julie Weiss
Graphics Technician
Deborah Haynes
ii The Preparation of this documeat was financed, in part, through a Coastal Area ManagementAct
grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program. duv4h Funds provided by
the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as --coded, vAiich is administered by the Office of
Ocam and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm sutra ou.
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WILMINGTON-NEW HANOVER COUNTY LAND USE PLAN
V
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LAND USE PLANNING PROCESS 2
TECHNICAL REPORTS 2
Population Study of New Hanover County 3
The Economy of New Hanover County 4
Existing Land Use in New Hanover County 6
Area Service Guide: Profile of Community Services and Facilities 7
A Planning Guide: Summarization of Planning Reports Since 1986 8
A Summary of Plans, Policies and Regulations in New Hanover County 9
Wilmington's Forecast "Today and Tomorrow" 10
Hurricane Mitigation and Reconstruction Plan 11
Environmental Resources and Constraints in New Hanover County 12
Future Land Use of New Hanover County 13
Citizen Participation Plan 14
LAND USE PLANNING ISSUES 16
Water Quality 16
no Environmental Issues 18
Overdevelopment 19
LAND USE POLICIES 21
Resource Protection 21
1.0 General Resource Protection Policies 21
1.1 Natural Resource Constraints on Development Policies 21
1.2 Protection of CAMA-Defined Areas of Environmental Concern 24
1.3 Potable Water Supply Policy 27
1.4 Policies in the Consideration of Other Fragile or Hazardous Areas 28
1.5 Historic and Cultural Resource Policies 29
Resource Production and Management 31
11 2.0 General Resource Production and Management Policies 31
2.1 Agricultural and Forestry Resources Policy -32
n 2.2 Mineral Resources Policies 32
LJ 2.3 Recreation and Open Space Policies 33
2.4 Fisheries Resource Policies 34
2.5 Off -Road Vehicle Policy 34
2.6 Energy Conservation Policy 35"
Economic and Community Development 36
a 3.0 General Economic and Community Development Policies 3.6:
-' Alrill' *.
0 3.1 Residential Development Policies 38
3.2 Office and Institutional Policies 40
a 3.3 Commercial Development Policies 41
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3.4 Industrial Development Policies 42
3.5 Transportation Policies 45
3.6 Capital Facilities and Community Services Policies 46
3.7 Urban Design and Other Policies 47
Public Participation 50
4.0 Public Participation Policies 50
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Evacuation and Recovery 52
5.0 Storm Hazard Mitigation, Evacuation and Recovery Policies 52
LAND CLASSIFICATIONS 55
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP 58
AMENDING THE PLAN 58
DEFINITIONS 59
REFERENCE INDEX 61

Q WILMINGTON-NEW HANOVER COUNTY LAND USE PLAN
J
INTRODUCTION
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) of 1974 required the establishment of a coopera-
tive program of coastal land management between local. governments and the State of North Carolina
for preparing, adopting and enforcing local land use plans. CAMA requires that local governments
within the 20 coastal counties prepare land use plans which provide for the protection, preservation,
orderly development and management of the coastal area of North Carolina.
The Wilmington -New Hanover County Land Use Plan is an official public document adopted
by the Wilmington City Council and the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners as a set of
long-range, general guidelines for local decision -making. The Land Use Plan is also officially certi-
fied by the State and utilized by regional, State and Federal agencies in making project consistency
determinations, funding and permit decisions.
The Land Use Plan is intended to provide substantial guidance to City and County officials in
their decisions on development plans, programs, regulations and incentives. The Plan also communi-
cates local government policies to interested citizens and organizations. While the Land Use Plan is
not law in the sense of an ordinance, it is an important policy document that is adopted, amended and
updated by formal action of the City Council, Board of Commissioners, and the N. C. Coastal Re-
Osources Commission.
This plan represents the third update to the original Wilmington -New Hanover County CAMA
Land Use Plan which was adopted by the City Council and Board of Commissioners in 1976. Previ-
ous updates to the original Plan occurred in 1981 and 1986, in accordance with State planning guide-
lines. As with the original Plan and its updates, the current Land Use Plan Update consists of two
parts: (1) Technical Reports; and (2) Policies for Growth and Development.
The Technical Reports are eleven separate data inventory and analysis documents which are
developed independently of the Policies for Growth and Development section. These reports contain
the background information and statistical basis from which the policies are then developed. Much of
the information required under State guidelines for local land use plans is contained within the Techni-
cal Reports. These reports are summarized in the following sections of this document.
lJ The Policies for Growth and Development consist of the official statements of policy, the
implementation measures necessary to carry out the intent of the policies, and a Land Classification
Map which provides a graphic statement of development policy for the planning area. This document
also contains an analysis of the major planning issues identified for the planning area, a summary of
the public participation measures utilized to identify the planning issues and develop policies, and an
ri implementation evaluation which outlines the steps taken by the City and County to carry out the
policies adopted in the 1986 Land Use Plan Update.
Wilmington and New Hanover County recognize, that as a rapidly growing coastal commu-
nity, there are both opportunities and responsibilities associated with this growth. With the adoption
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of the policies and implementation measures in this Land Use Plan Update, the City and County
express their commitment to the enhancement of the quality of life for both present and future genera- O
tions. 0'
LAN) USE PLANNING PROCESS
The process of developing the Land Use Plan involves a number of important steps which take �.
place over a period of several years. The first step is data collection and analysis. The data used in
the development of the Land Use Plan Update is obtained from numerous sources, however, these
data sources can be grouped into two general categories: (1) Technical Reports and (2) Public Partici-
pation. The Technical Reports contain information gathered or produced by the planning staffs. This
is typically objective information such as population projections, economic forecasts, and facility
needs analyses.
Public participation, on the other hand, involves gathering information on how citizens feel
about their community and what the perceived community needs are. This generally subjective
information is obtained through surveys, meetings, public hearings and the Land Use Issues Week
forum. Public participation is a key element in the local planning process. It allows the community to �.
identify, define and bring into focus the important planning issues while providing local officials with
the consensus of community support necessary to accomplish stated goals. 00
Utilizing all of these information sources, the planning staffs develop a preliminary draft of the
Land Use Plan Policies. This draft receives extensive public scrutiny through a series of public
meetings and jointly held hearings before the County Planning Board & City Planning Commission,
as well as the Board of Commissioners and City Council. Modifications to the preliminary draft are
made based upon public comments received and the directives of the joint Planning Board and elected
officials.
A final draft of the Land Use Plan Update is prepared and after approval by the Board of
Commissioners and City Council it is forwarded to the Division of Coastal Management for circula- }
tion and review by various agencies. After State agency reviews are completed, the planning staffs
incorporate State comments into the Update. The final revision is then considered for adoption by the
New Hanover Board of County Commissioners and the Wilmington City Council. The adopted Land
Use Plan is then forwarded to the N. C. Coastal Resources Commission for public hearings and
formal certification by the State. The 1993 Land Use Plan Update then replaces the 1986 Plan as the
official land use planning guide for the Wilmington -New Hanover County Planning Area.
TECHNICAL REPORTS
Eleven Technical Reports were produced as part of the 1993 Land Use Plan Update planning O
process which began in 1991. These reports are summarized below. The entire text of each Techni-
cal -Report may be obtained from the City Planning and Development Department or the County
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0 Planning Department offices. Primary sources for these texts are listed in parentheses beneath each
report title. The New Hanover County Public Library also has copies of these Technical Reports in
the main and branch libraries' reference sections.
POPULATION STUDY OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY
(New Hanover County)
This Technical Report analyzes past and expected trends in the population growth of New Hanover
County. Projections of population, both in total population growth and in selected population charac-
teristics, are also provided in the Report.
A summary of some of this information is provided below.
Past Growth Trends
1. New Hanover County experienced accelerating growth from 1950 to 1980. The average annual
growth rate increased from 1.3 percent for 1950-60 to 2.2 percent in 1970-80, From 1980 to
1990 the average annual growth rate dropped to 1.5 percent.
0 2. The 1990 Census indicated that the County's population increased from 103,471 in 1980 to
120,284 in 1990. The County's 1992 population was 127,928, according to State estimates.
3. Although the County's growth rate has remained higher than the State's since 1950, the 1990
census revealed the first decline in the County's growth rate in the past forty years. Conse-
quently, the County's share of the total State population may not be growing as fast as it was in
the past three decades.
Population Composition
'U
1. Four major changes in the age structure of the County's population are expected to continue from
the 1980's into the 1990's.
A. The percentage of older adults (35 and older) in the population will continue to increase sig-
nificantly.
B. In the 1980's the number of children aged 5 and under surged. The 5 and under group will
g g g P
continue to grow but will make up a smaller percentage of the County's population due to the
extraordinary growth of the 65 and over population in the 1990's through 2020.
n� C. There will be a marked decline of the teenage population as a percentage of the total.
V O D. The population over 65 years of age will continue to increase in the 1990's and 2000's; how-
ever, the increase will be less dramatic than in the 1970's. In the 1970's, the number of per
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sons 65 and over increased b 49.9 percent. In the 1980's, this population increased by 45
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percent and in the 1990's it is expected to increase by 21.15 percent. These estimates take into
account migration changes. 13,
Population Projections
1. New Hanover County is expected to grow by 15,296 residents during the 1990's with a projected
total population of 135,580 in 2000. 9/
2. Net in -migration will account for 60 to 65 percent of the County's growth during the 1990's with
the remaining growth being attributed to natural increases. 0
3. Projected population growth for the 1990's represents an average rate of 1.2 percent; between
2000 and 2010, this growth rate is projected to drop to 0.87 percent. 11
Subarea Trends
1. New Hanover County's population majority moved from the City of Wilmington to the unincorpo-
rated area between 1970 and 1980. By 2000, however, the City's population is expected to surpass
that of the unincorporated County.
GO
2. Revitalization efforts and major annexations during the 1980's and 1990's should work to reverse
Wilmington's decline in population. n
3. The beach municipalities experienced slight population increases during the 1970's. However,
throughout the 1990's growth is expected to accelerate as the beach communities continue to see
results from a building boom that began in the early 1980's.
THE ECONOMY OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY
(New Hanover County)
This report evaluates the present condition of New Hanover County by examining it's economic
base and some of the factors which affect it such as employment, construction, tourism and retail
trade.
Analysis of this information reveals the following major trends:
1. In 1990, total employment in New Hanover County was 67,387 with non -manufacturing activity
accounting for 52,340 of these jobs. Manufacturing made up 9,588, agriculture made up 303, and O
self-employed workers and domestic workers made up 5,156 jobs.
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D2. Although the total manufacturing employment figures have remained fairly constant over the last
O ten years, the relative proportion of manufacturing in the County's total industry employment has
(� decreased, from 29.6 % in 1972 to 15.5 % in 1990.
LJ 3. The proportion of non -manufacturing employment has increased from 70.4 % of the County's total
industry employment in 1972 to 84.5 % in 1990. The most significant growth has occurred in the
service and trade sectors.
4. The relative proportion of non -manufacturing employment in New Hanover County is greater than
the U.S. level. The trade sector accounts for 28.9% of the County's total industry employment as
compared to the nation's 2 1. 1 %, indicating a more "trade -oriented" economy in the County than
in the nation.
5. A study by UNC-Charlotte indicates that the recent completion of I-40 is expected to provide a
boost to the County's economy, adding about 500 jobs per year and contributing approximately $6
million per year.
6. In 1988, travel and tourism contributed $252 million to the County's economy, ranking New
Hanover County eighth in the State. In 1989, this figure declined to $173 million, ranking the
-�' County ninth. The methods used to generate these figures changed in 1989 and the Travel and
Tourism Division indicated that this significant decline was. a result of the new methodology and
0 not an actual decline in travel and tourism. More than $1.1 million in revenue was generated in
1990 by the County's 3 % room occupancy tax, 75 % of which went to beach renourishment and
25 % to travel and tourism promotions.
' 7. A study by Wake Forest University indicated that the Port of Wilmington directly and indirectly
contributed 2744 jobs, $58 million in income, $231 million in sales, and $7 million in taxes to the
region which includes New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus and Pender Counties for the fiscal
year 1990.
8. Construction activity gradually increased throughout the 1980's, continuing an upward trend
which began in 1982. Construction leveled off in 1990, reflecting an economic slowdown. The
value of new construction in the County peaked at about $160 million in 1989.
9. New Hanover County continues to serve southeastern North Carolina as a regional trade and
service center. Ranking third in the state behind Mecklenburg's $17,000 and Guilford's $15,000
per capita retail sales figures, the County's $13,000 per capita retail sales figure is comparable to
several of the more populous counties across the State. Since 1980, the County has commanded
an increasingly larger proportion of retail sales for the State.
10. Although expansion of airport facilities is not expected to affect settlement patterns in the sur-
rounding area, proposed industrial and commercial expansion in the airport area will result in
employment opportunities for County residents. According to a recent study, the airport contrib-
utes about $20 million annually to the County's economy.

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OVER
ERISTING LAND USE IN NEW HAN O COUNTY O
(New Hanover County)
n of existing land. uses in both unincorporated New Hanover
This report provides an inventory g rpo
County and the City of Wilmington. The figures in this document reflect total acres of actual use per
land use category rather than total acres of parcel sizes per land use category. The parcel size figures
are much larger because they count large portions of unused land in many parcels. These actual land
utilization figures provide an accurate inventory of existing land use in the unincorporated County and
the City of Wilmington. `
A summary of 1990 land use information contained in this Technical Report is provided below. rj
1990 Land Use Summary Statistics
for the City and Unincorporated County {�
CITY OF UNINCORPORATED i1
WILMINGTON COUNTY TOTAL
LAND -USE Acres % Acres % Acres %
Residentsal _ 5,808 37 7 11,100 - 56.1 16,908 48 Q:
:::::.:...... .......... ........ ............................ ......
Office and 1,620 10.5 9,510 48.1 2,255 6.4
Institutional 0
Commercial 1,314 8 ti 857 4 3 2,171 6 2
(�
_....:... ....:.................. 11
Transportation, 4,007 26.0 2,900 14.7 6,907 19.6
Utilities, Comm n
. �}
12c0Q o... r':...
T ...
Recreation 1,302 8.4 2,372 12.0 3,674 10.5
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Note: These figures reflect land use in the unincorporated County
and the City of Wilmington but exclude the beach communities.

0o
AREA SERVICE GUIDE
(New Hanover County and City of Wilmington)
This document provides a profile of the community services and facilities available in New Han-
over County. The guide includes all of the governmental agencies for New Hanover County and the
City of Wilmington. It also includes a section about the area's cultural resources.
New Hanover CouW
Board of Commissioners Administration
Human Resources Budget
Finance
Management Information Services
County Attorney
Inspections
Volunteer Fire
Fire Marshal
Social Services
Animal Control
Agricultural Extension
Parks and Recreation
Cape Fear Museum
Garage and Storage
Environmental Management
Tax
Print Shop
Planning
Sheriff's
Emergency Services
Emergency Medical Services
Health
Department of Aging
Human Relations
Public Library
Property Management
Engineering
Capital Projects
City of Wilmington
Council and Clerk Administrative Services
Management Planning (MAPS) Housing & Neighborhoods
Planning and Development Police Department
Fire Department Parks and Recreation
Engineering Public Services
Public Utilities
County -Wide Regional
Cape Fear Memorial Hospital
New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Southeastern Center
Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center, Inc.
The Wilmington Treatment Center
New Hanover County Board of Education
Cape Fear Community College
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
New Hanover County Judicial Building
Clerk of Court
District Attorney
Register of Deeds
Board of Elections
Cape Fear Council of Governments
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Postal Service
Carolina Power & Light
Housing Authority
Wilmington Housing Finance & Development
United Way
Brigade Boys Club
Community Boys' Club of Wilmington
Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.
Elderhaus
Girls Incorporated
Good Shepherd House
YMCA

YWCA Women's Resource Center
St. John's Museum of Art Scottish Rite Temple
Shaw -Speaks Community Center Thalian Hall Center
Other Public Park & Recreational Facilities Fort Fisher State Historic Site
N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher Private Water and Sewer Systems
A PLANNING GUIDE:
SUMMARIZATION OF PLANNING REPORTS SINCE 1986
(City of Wilmington)
This document provides a synopsis of the planning reports completed by the City of Wilmington
since 1986. These reports have been completed or commissioned by six City departments: Engineer-
ing, Parks and Recreation, Public Utilities, Police, Transportation, and Planning and Development.
They serve as guides and references for the enactment of regulations governing growth for the City of
Wilmington. The planning reports summarized in this document are as follows:
1. Master Drainage Improvements and Stormwater Management Plan, February 1990.
2. Wilmington Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 1987-1992.
3. Dawson/Wooster Thoroughfare Land Use Plan, January 1989.
4. Wrightsville Avenue Land Use Plan, February 1990.
5. Manpower Allocation Study of the Wilmington Police Department, March 1991.
6. Wastewater Sludge Master Plan Study, February 1991.
7. James A. Laughlin Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade/Expansion Evaluation, July 1988
8. Collector Street Plan, Fall 1990.

A SUMMARY OF
O PLANS, POLICIES. AND REGULATIONS
IN NEW HANOVEA COUNTY
L'( (New Hanover -,County)
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. Each
summary outlines the purpose, principal features, and sources for the document.
The following plans, policies, and regulations are summarized in this report:
1. Capital Improvements Program (CIP) - The CEP determines when, where, and how the County
will spend funds for public buildings and schools, utilities, transportation, and recreation.
2. Floodplain Management Regulations of New Hanover County - These regulations govern develop-
rT ment within floodplains.
3. Wilmington -New Hanover County Land Use Plan - This plan establishes policies for the overall
growth and development of the County.
U 4. Master Plan for Parks and Recreation in New Hanover County - This plan analyzes existing park
30 facilities and recreational needs for the County.
5. Thoroughfare Classification Plan - This document inventories and classifies major roads in the
19 unincorporated County based on their design, traffic counts and function.
6. Wilmington Area Thoroughfare Transportation Plan - This plan establishes regional priorities for
future road expansions and improvements for the greater Wilmington area.
7. New Hanover County Sewer Plan and Extension Policies - This plan sets forth the phasing and
requirements for construction of the County sewer system.
8. New Hanover County Zoning Ordinance - The Zoning Ordinance regulates density and types of
land uses in the unincorporated County.
9. New Hanover County Subdivision Regulations - These regulations specify the requirements for
the subdivision of land and the construction of roads in the unincorporated County.
10. New Hanover County Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance - This ordinance lists the
requirements and improvements for development of a mobile home or travel trailer park.
11. New Hanover County Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance - Any development disturb-
0 ing more than one acre of ground must comply with these grading and drainage requirements.

a
In addition, the following community plans provide policy guidance for the future growth and
development of specific communities: O
1. Wri htsboro - An Eye on the Past .. A Stgp Towards the Future;
adopted November 4, 1991.
2. Porter's Neck - Facing the Future; adopted September 5, 1989.
3. Seabreeze - A Heritage Renewed; adopted July 5, 1988.
4. Middle Sound - Ogden - Future Directions; adopted May 4, 1987.
5. Airlie Road ... A Sense of Place; adopted May 2, 1983.
WILMINGTON'S FORECAST
"Today and Tomorrow"
(City of Wilmington) Ll
This document assesses the impact of growth in the City of Wilmington since 1986. Identifying
current conditions and area trends, it focuses on the projected population and infrastructure needs for
the next decade. The objective of the study is to provide background information necessary for
determining policies for land use and development in the community. The report deals with some of
the following aspects:
1. Population
The population of Wilmington continues to grow. In 1980, the population was 44,000. By 1990,
that number had jumped to 55,530.
2. Housing Characteristics 3
Trends of household characteristics during the 1980's were toward smaller, non-traditional homes.
Combined with a population increase, these factors led to a 35% jump in the number of houses within
the City.
3. Local Econom v
The geographical location of Wilmington has allowed a diverse economy to develop. Tourism,
government, finance, and trade along with regional business and health services are located in the
City. These businesses and industries allow for fairly strong employment numbers in spite of poor
economic times.
4. Services ,f1
The report discusses plans to upgrade the water and sewer systems. The first year of
Wilmin ton's recycling program has reduced a significant quantity of solid waste going to landfills. o
g Y g P g g q tY g g
Details on the City Police and Fire Departments are also noted.
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U HURRICANE MITIGATION AND RECONSTRUCTION PLAN
O (New Hanover County)
This document addresses the procedures and policies New Hanover County can utilize to mitigate
the potential for loss of life and property in the event of a hurricane. The following sections are
addressed:
1. Coastal Storm Characteristics
The hurricane season lasts from June until November, with approximately 90 % of the hurricane
activity along the Carolina coast occurring in August, September and October. Each year New Ha-
nover County has a 6 % chance of encountering a direct strike from a hurricane.
r� 2. Coastal Storm Mitigation
�1
Coastal storm mitigation is addressed by the National Flood Insurance Program. This and other
Federal efforts require that local governments enact and enforce comprehensive floodplain manage-
ment plans.
{� In New Hanover County, the Conservation Overlay District, Subdivision Regulations, and other
t ! provisions in the Zoning Ordinance help to mitigate potential hazards associated with hurricanes.
0 3. Evacuation
A hurricane warning is usually issued at least 24 hours in advance of the storm center's anticipated
arrival. Evacuation times for the County's beaches are as follows:
Wrightsville Beach 10.53 hours
Pleasure Island 10.65 hours
Figure Eight Island 7.65 hours
4. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
(l The Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan involves a recovery task force that will be responsible for
t advising the Board of Commissioners on post -storm reconstruction issues.
5. Policy Recommendations
A. Identify responsible parties for road clearing/clean-up
B. Establish task force responsibilities
C. Authorize building moratorium
D. Authorize post -storm land acquisition by the County
E. Obtain Federal and State assistance
OF. Retain an Assistance Facilitation/Consultant
11

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND C N TRA INTS 0
IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
(New Hanover County)
The purpose of this technical report is to describe and discuss the environmental resources and U
constraints that will be instrumental in shaping the direction, type and rate of growth in New Hanover
County. This report examines water resources, fragile areas, hazard areas, soils, air quality and (�
resource potential areas.
1. Water Resources
Approximately 54 % of the population of New Hanover County receives their water supply from
groundwater and 46% receive their water from the Cape Fear River. Residents of the unincorporated ���
County receive their water from groundwater aquifers. L1
City of Wilmington residents and certain residents in the unincorporated County are served by a
municipal water system that pumps directly from the Cape Fear River. Citizens of New Hanover
County and Wilmington are concerned about the possible water quality impacts of development and
discharge upstream. A recent study found that 296 point source discharges occur upstream in the
Cape Fear Basin.
2. Fragile Areas O
The County Zoning Ordinance protects fragile areas classified as Conservation Overlay Districts
(COD'S) through required preservation of 50% to 100% of the conservation resource, and perfor-
mance controls for buffering and drainage. Resources identified include: _
A. Swamp Forests
B. Pocosins
C. Savannahs
D. Ponds
E. Fresh Marsh
F. Brackish Marsh:
G. Barrier Island -Beach Complex
H. Maritime Shrub Thickets
I. Salt Marsh
J. Primary Nursery Areas
K. Animal and Plant Natural Areas of Special Significance
T}
L. Significant Historical, Archeological and Architectural Sites
State and Federal classifications of fragile areas are also discussed in the document.
(�
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5 O 3. Hazard Areas
Hazard areas are defined as those locations in the County where development should be controlled
due to natural or man-made threats to human safety. They are as follows:
A. Ocean Hazard System - Land along the ocean front and inlets that are vulnerable to storms,
U flooding and erosion.
B. Floodplains - Defines three zones regulating development and construction.
C. New Hanover County International Airport - The County has created Airport Residential and
Industrial Districts with density, height, and lighting regulations.
D. Industrial hazards - Industrial hazard areas contain hazardous materials in quantities sufficient
to pose fire or health hazards in the event of an accident.
E. Sea Level Rise - Points to actions a local government can take to prepare for an anticipated
rise in sea level.
4. Soils
This section discusses the relationship between soil types and septic systems.
5. Air Qualily
New Hanover County has not exceeded any ambient air quality standards.
DO6. Resource Potential Areas
Resource potential areas are lands that are of value to the County in terms of their natural charac-
teristics. They include:
A. Prime Farmland
B. Forestry Resources
C. Mineral Resource Sites
D. Public Land
FUTURE LAND USE OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY
(New Hanover County)
This technical report estimates the future land use needs of unincorporated New Hanover County
Po rP
and the City of Wilmington. To meet the demands of a growing population, growth is expected in
each of the following categories:
1.
2.
3.
O 4.
5.
6.
Office and Institutional
Industrial
Commercial
Transportation, Utilities, and Communications
Residential
Recreational
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By the year 2020, future land use needs for Office and Institutional; Commercial; Transportation,
Utilities and Communications; and Industrial land are expected to increase by 30%, 27%, 54%, and O
64% respectively. These projections are based on past employment trends and current ratios of em-
ployees per acre of utilized land.
The amount of land utilized for residential purposes is expected to increase 41 % by the year 2020.
Single family units will continue to occupy approximately 85 % of the residential acreage. These
projections are based on population estimates, current land utilization, and assume a continual decline
in average household size.
Based on the current ratio of 15.2 acres per 1000 people, the amount of recreational land in unin-
corporated New Hanover County and the city of Wilmington is expected to increase 25 % by the year
2020.
The County is taking measures to ensure that growth occurs in a controlled manner. Changes in the
land classification map designate greater resource protection areas around Prince George, Howe,
Hewletts, Bradley and Whiskey creeks.
Intensive development is expected around the South Seventeenth Street extension and east of the
airport, while residential development is expected to continue along the Intra-Coastal waterway. In
addition, a portion of the area between the Cape Fear River and the Northeast Cape Fear River has
been classified for industrial development on the land classification map.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN a
(City of Wilmington/New Hanover County)
This report describes the importance of public participation in the planning process and outlines
methods for citizen participation. The report also proposed a time schedule for participation activi-
ties.
Including the public in the planning policies is important for the following reasons:
1. The public helps define issues.
2. Public input influences the priority of issues.
3. Citizens can influence the type of community in which they live.
4. Public participation can improve the effectiveness of policy implementation.
The participation process includes the following events:
1. Completing a Land Use explanatory brochure U
2. City Message article and comparable County publication 0
3. Graphic displays
4. City and County Departments, Boards and elected officials notification
14 ��

5. Media coverage
6. Mailing lists of concerned citizens
7. Initial hearings on the planning process
8. Telephone surveys of registered voters
9. Presenting technical studies
10. Land Use Issues Week
11. Land Use Plan Week
12. Public hearings
13. Presentation to citizen groups
15

LAND USE PLANNING ISSUES
INTRODUCTION
The 1993 Land Use Plan is fundamentally different from the 1986 edition. An extensive citizen
participation process allowed communities to determine the most important issues facing the County.
Through the identification of major planning issues, communities determine their desired futures. In
1986 citizens identified the need for a comprehensive approach to growth management in order to
shape the direction of anticipated rapid growth rather than be shaped by it. The need for growth man-
agement is still at the heart of the land use plan, however, citizens demand a more specific focus on a
variety of issues ranging from the protection of drinking water quality to improving the supply of
quality affordable housing for all prospective home owners and renters. Utilization of growth man-
agement techniques with specific areas of focus will allow communities to protect the resources they
cherish. It will also provide a positive direction for development as it occurs rather than being forced
into reacting to such development.
MAJOR LAND USE PLANNING ISSUES
Through the citizen participation process three specific issues have been identified as the major is-
sues of the 1993 Land Use Plan Update. All three of these issues were also considered in the 1986
plan, however urban design concerns and the concern for economic growth, both major issues in
1986, did not receive as much attention in this update. For instance, while concerns relating to strip
commercial development and incompatible land use encroachment dominated the urban design discus-
sion in the 1986 Update, they have been incorporated into a broader category of overdevelopment
concerns in the 1993 Update.
The three primary land use planning issues identified for this 1993 Update are:
• Water Quality
• Environmental Issues
• Overdevelopment
These issues are discussed in greater detail below.
Water Quality
A land use planning issue which has substantially increased in importance since the 1986 Land Use
Plan Update is water quality. The rapid growth which has occurred in the County's coastal areas has
resulted in increased levels of pollution in both surface and ground water. The increase in water pol-
lution has led to the full or partial closure of all of the County's estuarine creeks to shellfishing.
1. Water quality issues - Water quality issues can be further broken down into surface water is-
sues and groundwater issues.
A. Surface water - The most visible environmental issue facing the County and City is the
protection of surface water quality. The County's waters have been responsible for providing
16

recreation opportunities and an attractive living environment for residents, supporting the tour-
ism industry, and providing a valuable source of shellfish and finfish. Growth in the County,
however, has impacted the use of these watersin the following ways:
1) Non -point pollution - Non -point pollution results from developed areas where stormwater
runoff from impervious surfaces washes wastes, sediments, oils, and other pollutants into
the estuarine waters. In addition, increased runoff of freshwater from developed areas de-
creases salinity levels in the estuaries and decreases finfish and shellfish reproduction.
These issues have generated considerable controversy at both the State and local levels.
2) Malfunctioning septic tanks - Poorly designed and.maintained septic tanks have contributed
significantly to the pollution of the estuarine system, requiring the closure of productive
shellfish beds. Although the expansion of the County sewer system to some coastal estua-
rive watersheds has lessened this source of pollution, it still remains an elusive problem in
some areas.
3) Point -source discharges - The control of point source discharges (e.g., package treatment
plants for subdivisions) emerged as a local issue prior to the 1986 Update. Questions have
also arisen regarding the adequacy of the State's permitting and water classification system
{� which helps determine where discharges may be permitted.
".1 Package treatment plants are generally small versions of large municipal plants that provide
primary, secondary, and tertiary sewage treatment. Package treatment plants, however,
have several disadvantages. One, they are often unattended or operated by inadequately
trained personnel which means that a malfunction may result in significant pollution before
it can be corrected. Two, proper disposal of sludge from package plants has been a prob-
lem. Three, it is difficult for public agencies to effectively monitor numerous and dis-
persed package plants. Four, the knowledge that package plants may discharge at numer-
ous locations can create negative psychological impacts on recreational and other users of
the estuarine waters.
U It is important to note that the City of Wilmington's sewage treatment plants are rated by
the State as Class IV, which is the highest level in the State classification system. These
(� plants are continuously monitored by trained personnel, are designed for sufficient capac-
ity, and discharge at only two central locations.
4) Public water access - The increased growth in the County has created a greater demand for
public access to the County's estuarine system and ocean waters. This growth, however,
has tended to crowd out traditional public water access points and has made public acquisi-
3 tions of waterfront property for access very expensive. In addition, waste dumped directly
into the water by recreational boaters and released at poorly maintained pump -out stations
n contributes to the surface water pollution problem.
OB. Ground water - The public has voiced considerable concern over the potential for pollution of
groundwater in New Hanover County. Presently, nearly all residents in the unincorporated
County are served by individual or community groundwater wells. With the exception of ground-
0 . 17

water pollution in Flemington, no widespread incidents of pollution have occurred. Although sev-
Po g P Po 0
eral instances of industrial pollution have occurred, they have been contained and present no sig-
nificant threat to residences. Very few incidents of well closure from the intrusion of septic
wastes have occurred.
The potential for pollution does exist, however. Presently, the County has no regulations govern- Li
ing the handling of toxic wastes or toxic materials, instead relying on State and Federal regula-
tions. In addition, the problem of contamination from underground fuel tanks may arise as old
tanks corrode and begin to leak. As of January 1991, approximately 80 incidents of contamination �-
have been documented, most of which are associated with accidental industrial spills or leaking
storage tanks, according to the NC Department of Environmental Management. It is important to T
note, as described in a.previous County study, New Hanover County Aquifer Management Pro-
gram, that a portion of the northern part of the County is particularly susceptible to pollution due
to nearly exposed rock formations holding groundwater.
Environmental Issues
Environmental issues can be categorized into water, land, and air resources. There have been
few changes in the main issues regarding these environmental categories since the 1986 Land Use
Plan Update.
1. Water Resources - As already discussed, water quality issues received the most attention from 0
citizens. The County's waters have been responsible for providing recreation opportunities and
an attractive living environment for residents, for supporting the tourism industry, and for provid-
ing a valuable source of shellfish and finfish. For many future residents, preserving and improv-
ing this resource will protect and enhance the quality of life in New Hanover County.
2. Land Resources - The County's Conservation Overlay District regulations serve to protect these
v
land resources which include various wetland communities, significant historic, archeological and
architectural sites, pocosins and other land features. Although many land resource issues, such as
open space preservation, are covered under other sections, two specific land resources issues of
concern are drainage and trash dumping.
A. Drainage - Drainage improvements in the County have long been considered necessary pri-
marily to allow septic tanks to function properly and to reduce flooding on the low lands.
However, runoff from one parcel may cause increased flooding downstream. In addition, run-
off from paved areas and new developments where topsoils have been disturbed may carry
sediments and pollutants downstream. As concern for water quality in the estuarine creeks and
(�
sounds increases, the importance of developing comprehensive drainage regulations will also
increase.
I
B. Trash dumping - A number of areas in the County have been plagued by illegal landfills for
construction debris and by dumping of residential trash along highways. It is likely that the
0
absence of a publicly operated or franchised mandatory trash pick-up system in the unincor-
porated County is a significant contributor to this problem. Individual homeowners are pres-
ently responsible for their own trash disposal.
18

n 3. Air Quality - Air quality in the County is generally good, compared to many other urban areas.
�J However, the County ranks third in the state for the amount of toxic emissions dispersed into the
environment by industries. Additionally, traffic congestion continues to increase as does the
L� amount of vehicle emissions released into the air. Nuisance odors from industries, including those
outside the County will likely continue to be a problem. New Hanover County is fortunate to
have favorable sea breezes which blow air offshore in the evenings and onshore during the day.
According to the State's Air Quality Section, this sea breeze effect provides ample air movement
to limit accumulation of airborne toxic chemicals in New Hanover County.
Overdevelopment
Many people attribute traffic congestion, water and air pollution and the huge crowds that fill the
1-} County's beaches every summer to overdevelopment. However, it is not overdevelopment which
(� leads to these problems, it is the area's inability to handle development. Controlling density and the
equitable assignment of the costs associated with development are two separate but interrelated con-
cerns which may solve the overdevelopment problem. In 1981 and 1986 the Land Use Plan Update
�J examined these concerns in terms of efficient service delivery and the protection of the environmental
quality and natural resources of the Planning Area which could be threatened by overly dense or, inap-
propriately located development. The current plan continues to emphasize these issues.
Higher density development may have a negative impact on the estuarine system and other com-
ponents of the coastal environment. As discussed under environmental issues, development contrib-
utes to non -point source pollution runoff if stormwater is not adequately managed. Higher density de-
velopment may also create the need for package treatment plants which, if undersized or improperly
operated, contribute significantly to pollution of the area's waters. It should be noted that 68 % of the
registered voters in the Planning Area, based on the IOR survey described in Appendix A, agree with
the statement that "There are too many townhouses and condominiums and other dense development
along the creeks and sounds."
Generally speaking, the need for urban services increases with increases in density. Higher den-
sity development, for instance, cannot rely on individual septic systems but must instead utilize a cen-
tral sewer system. It becomes critical, therefore, to insure that the density and timing of development
is coordinated with the provision of urban services. Sewer, police, fire, water, and adequate roads
are some of the major urban services that must be available for higher density development. It is gen-
erally not economical for the public to extend services such as sewer lines all over the Planning Area
to serve scattered development.
In order to ensure that urban services are provided economically, higher density development
should only be allowed in contiguous areas. Generally, the cost of providing services for a develop-
ment in an urban area is lower than it would be if the same development is allowed to occur in rural
areas. Consequently, density should generally not be allowed to increase in rural areas except where
such density is environmentally acceptable and the costs of providing urban services are borne by the
Obeneficiaries of such development. Conversely, density should be encouraged in urban areas where
appropriate.
0 19

Who should pay for the provision of urban services to higher density development? This question
has been answered by more and more communities in recent years in the following manner; those
who benefit from the required extensions of or improvements to these services should foot the bill. It
is increasingly regarded as inequitable that long-time residents must contribute to the costs of growth
which do not directly benefit them. In fact, in the IOR survey, 84 % of the respondents felt that de-
velopers should "be required to pay the costs of new public facilities needed because of growth, such
as new roads, parks and schools."
The method utilized by many communities to equitably assign urban service costs to new develop-
ment is the impact fee. Impact fees which are designed and managed to accurately reflect true urban
service costs created by new development have been supported by public opinion and the judicial sys-
tem. These fees can be. utilized to recover the public costs incurred from the provision of a single ur-
ban service or from the provision of an entire spectrum of urban services to new development, includ-
ing streets, sewers, drainage improvements, police and fire protection, schools, and other public ser-
vices. By equitably assigning these costs through impact fees, the community insures that new devel-
opment "pays its own way."
It is important to note that higher density development, if properly controlled and its costs prop-
erly assigned, is an instrument for growth. This type of development can allow for efficient provision
of urban services if kept clustered around an existing urban area. Through impact fees, higher density
development can be equitably accommodated in areas which could previously support only non -urban
development, thus allowing a more efficient utilization of developable land. In addition, higher den-
sity development in one area may allow for retention of open space and for environmental protection
in more sensitive areas.
20 0

LAND USE POLICIES
O
The land use policies are intended to provide substantial guidance to City and County officials as
they make decisions on development of the community. Private individuals also use the plan to guide
their land use decisions. State and Federal agencies use the policies in making project consistency,
funding and permit decisions. The land use policies are intended to be supported by zoning, subdivi-
sion and other land use management tools in order to help realize the desired future land uses.
RESOURCE PROTECTION
INTRODUCTION
No other factor has played a more important role in shaping land use in New Hanover County
than the area's limited natural resources. These resources have stimulated economic growth through
the provision of excellent soils, fertile wetlands and estuarine waters, and provided an attractive living
1 and recreational environment. They have also placed some constraints on our growth due to various
environmental limitations.
PAST POLICIES AND PRESENT ISSUES
0 In 1981 and 1986, public opinion surveys conducted for the Land Use Plan Update indicated that
several environmental issues should be addressed. Although both previous updates included policies
for the protection of the County's resources, the latest public opinion survey calls for further, more
stringent regulations which will protect and enhance these valuable resources.
Since 1986 the population of New Hanover County has grown considerably with pressures from
growth focused on areas where the most fragile natural resources exist. Estuarine pollution and the
closure of the few remaining creeks which were open for shellfish gathering was an issue of concern
in 1986 but it has now become one of the top issues in this update. Many new policies as well as re-
vised policies from the 1986 Land Use Plan Update will focus on ways to mitigate this problem and
ensure the protection, preservation and enhancement of our natural resources.
RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICIES
1.0 GENERAL RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY
Lj 1.0(1) PRESERVE, PROTECT AND AUGMENT THE AREA'S IMPORTANT NATURAL RE-
SOURCES, WHICH INCLUDE THE AIR, LAND AND SEA ENVIRONMENTS.
i 1.1 NATURAL RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
O 1.1(1) DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN OCEAN ERODIBLE AREAS, HIGH HAZARD FLOOD
AREAS, AND INLET HAZARD AREAS SHALL BE CAREFULLY CONTROLLED. THE
�'j 21

PROPER LOCATION AND DESIGN OF SHORELINE STRUCTURES AND THE PRESERVA-
TION OF NATURAL PROTECTIVE FEATURES SHALL BE REQUIRED.
1.1(2) BARRIER ISLANDS WHICH HAVE THE FOLLOWING FIVE CHARACTERISTICS
SHALL BE DEVELOPED ONLY FOR WATER DEPENDENT USES SUCH AS PLEASURE
BOAT DOCKS AND LANDINGS; THEY SHALL NOT BE DEVELOPED FOR RESIDENTIAL
USE:
a. The land is a barrier island or part of a barrier island with a density equal to or less than one
residential unit per five acres.
b. The barrier island area has been assigned the most severe rank with regard to hurricane forces.
c. The barrier island area is not connected to the mainland by a permanent network of roads and L1
bridges that would allow safe and timely evacuation by land rather than by boat.
d. The barrier island area does not qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program as adminis-
tered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency..
e. The barrier island area is classified as Conservation in the Land Use Plan.
1.1(3) DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE 100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN SHALL BE
CAREFULLY CONTROLLED TO MINIMIZE DEVELOPMENT, ENCOURAGE LOW INTEN-
SITY USES SUCH AS OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION, AND ENSURE STRICT COMPLI-
ANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS CONCERNING WETLAND PROTEC-
TION.
1.1(4) SHORELINE EROSION CONTROL AND CHANNEL MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
SHALL BE SUPPORTED ONLY WHERE:
a. No significant adverse impacts will occur on shoreline dynamics;
b. Significant economic or recreational benefits will occur for planning area residents; and
c. The public shoreline will be the primary beneficiary in erosion control projects.
1.1(5) DEVELOPMENT ON CLASS IV SOILS AS DEFINED IN THE 1981 TECHNICAL RE-
PORT, CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY FOR SEPTIC TANK SUIT-
ABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED AND SEPTIC TANKS SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED.
1.1(6) DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE ESTUARINE WATERSHEDS SHALL. BE U
CAREFULLY CONTROLLED TO PREVENT THE DEGRADATION OF WATER QUALITY IN
THE CREEKS AND SOUNDS, AND TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF THESE VITAL
NATURAL RESOURCES. AGRICULTURE USES, GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE SHOULD BE DESIGNED AND OPERATED TO MINIMIZE TO THE EXTENT O
REASONABLE, NUTRIENT AND PESTICIDE LOADINGS. THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL
22 u

no
MONITOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES AND ONGOING SCIENTIFIC STUDIES TO DE-
TERMINE WHETHER ESTUARINE SHORELINE SETBACKS AND BUFFER REGULATIONS
SHOULD BE ADOPTED.
1.1(7) TO THE EXTENT THAT THE CUMULATIVE IMPACTS OF LAND UTILIZATION AND
THE ECOLOGICAL CARRYING CAPACITY OF COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS ARE DETERMINED
THROUGH STUDY AND ANALYSIS, SUCH INFORMATION SHALL BE CONSIDERED IN THE
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OR REVISION OF LOCAL PLANS, CAPITAL FACILITIES, SERVICES
AND ORDINANCES.
1.1(8) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL SEEK TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE SHELLFISHING
IN ALL SA WATERS AND TO BRING ALL COASTAL WATERS DESIGNATED OR FORMERLY
DESIGNATED SA TO THE HIGHEST QUALITY POSSIBLE.
1.1(9) STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED TO MINIMIZE NON -POINT
POLLUTION TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NECESSARY AND PRACTICABLE AS PART OF ANY
REDEVELOPMENT OR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT FUNDED BY THE PUBLIC.
1.1(10) COLLECTION SYSTEMS THAT DIRECTLY DISCHARGE STORMWATER TO SURFACE
WATERS WILL BE ELIMINATED WHENEVER POSSIBLE AS PART OF ANY REDEVELOP-
MENT PROJECT.
00 Implementation Measures
1. State standards for development in ocean hazard areas shall continue to receive support.
2. The City and County shall support the management of Masonboro Island in the Estuarine
Sanctuary Program.
3. The development ordinances of the City and County shall be updated to reflect strict control of
urban development within the 100 year floodplain.
4. All land areas falling within the 100 year floodplain will be designated Conservation on the Land
Classification Map.
5. New Hanover County shall recommend for local funding only those shoreline erosion control
projects meeting the standards set forth in Policy 1.1(4) above.
6. Planning maps regarding conservation resources, general soils and septic tank suitability will be
maintained for public use at the County Planning Department.
7. The City and County staffs shall maintain active working relationships with the USDA Soil
Conservation Service, the Lower Cape Fear Soil and Water Conservation District, and the N.C.
0 Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
0 23

n
8. The Cityand County shall examine the need for special construction requirements in areas
O
containing highly organic soils.
9. The County shall implement a managementsystem for all estuarine watersheds to include
y
coordination of research and data acquisition efforts, development of a Geographic Information
System and serving as an information clearinghouse.
10. The City shall and the County may develop and adopt a Comprehensive Watershed Manage-
ment Plan and implementing regulations that enhance and protect the quality of our estuarine
waters.
11. The City and County may commission an independent audit to review the existing enforcement
programs and seek ways to improve performance and ensure greater compliance.
12. The City and County shall support the university and public school systems' educational efforts
toward planning and environmental awareness and the necessary balance between growth and
environmental protection.
13. The County and City shall consider implementing drainage regulations that implement the policies
of this section to the extent that the County and City determine that existing regulations are
inadequate, and that the economic feasibility of implementing and enforcing such a plan is
warranted. 010
14. The City and County shall support State and Federal regulations protecting endangered species.
15. At such time as quantifiable cumulative impact information is made available to the City and
County, the City and County shall review applicable ordinances to determine their sufficiency, and,
if insufficient, shall consider revisions of ordinances accordingly. (1
16. New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington will initiate tree restoration planting. UU
17. The Cityand County shall investigate the Potential for a comprehensive
rehensive stormwater manage-
ment system to improve existing water quality problems caused by nonpoint pollution.
18. The City and County shall implement a program to provide an up-to-date inventory of all
constructed stormwater systems approved by state and local agencies. This inventory is vital to
assure proper operation and maintenance of such systems.
1.2 PROTECTION OF CAMA-DEFINED AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN a
1.2(1) ESTUARINE WATERS, ESTUARINE SHORELINES AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS SHALL
BE PROHIBITED FROM USE BY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY WHICH WOULD RESULT IN {
SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACT TO THE NATURAL FUNCTION OF THESE AREAS. �j
1.2(2) DEVELOPMENT OF ESTUARINE SYSTEM ISLANDS SHALL BE PERMITTED ONLY IF
PROPER MEASURES ARE TAKEN FOR HURRICANE EVACUATION, UTILITIES PROVISION,
24 9

ACCESS ON AND OFF THE ISLAND, POLLUTION CONTROL, AND OTHER DESIGN CONSID-
ERATIONS THAT WILL ENSURE COMPATIBILITY OF THE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE
ESTUARINE SYSTEMS.
1.2(3) DRAINAGE FROM LAND USE ACTIVITIES SHALL HAVE RATE OF FLOW AND
VOLUME CHARACTERISTICS AS NEAR TO NATURAL CONDITIONS AS REASONABLE.
1.2(4) THE PHASED DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION OF THE COUNTY SEWER SYSTEM
SHALL BE CONTINUED AND ENCOURAGED AS A MEANS OF ELIMINATING POLLUTION
FROM MALFUNCTIONING OR INADEQUATE SEPTIC SYSTEMS AND PACKAGE TREAT-
MENT PLANTS.
1.2(5) IN. ORDER TO PROTECT ESTUARINE WATER QUALITY, ONLY SEWAGE TREAT-
MENT PLANTS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY, WHOSE STANDARDS OF OPERATION PRO-
VIDE THE GREATEST MEASURE OF PROTECTION FEASIBLE SHALL BE ALLOWED TO
DISCHARGE INTO PUBLIC SURFACE WATERS AND THEN ONLY IF IT IS NOT FEASIBLE
TO CONNECT TO THE PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEM;
1.2(6) THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINAS SHALL BE SUPPORTED AS A MEANS OF PROVID-
ING PUBLIC WATER ACCESS TO THE EXTENT THAT THEIR DEVELOPMENT SHALL NOT
ADVERSELY IMPACT ESTUARINE RESOURCES OR PUBLIC TRUST WATERS.
0 1.2() FLOATING HOME DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE PROHIBITED IN ORDER TO PROTECT
OUR PUBLIC TRUST AND ESTUARINE WATERS.
1.2(8) THE COUNTY AND CITY SHALL TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO PREVENT
FURTHER DETERIORATION OF ESTUARINE WATER QUALITY AND LOSS OF PUBLIC TRUST
USES IN THE CREEKS AND SOUNDS AND TO BRING ALL COASTAL WATERS UP TO THE
HIGHEST QUALITY POSSIBLE.
1.2(9) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL ALLOW USES OF ESTUARINE AND PUBLIC TRUST
WATERS THAT PROVIDE BENEFITS TO THE PUBLIC AND WHICH SATISFY RIPARIAN
ACCESS NEEDS OF PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS.
1.2(10) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL SUPPORT STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF STATE
REGULATIONS FOR DREDGING IN PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS.
1 2 MOWING OR R- COASTAL WE VEGETATION
. (11) NO O CLEAR -CUTTING CUTTING OF COAS WETLAND G ON SHALL
BE ALLOWED WITHIN ANY COASTAL WETLAND AEC EXCEPT WHERE SUPPORTED BY
SOUND SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE.
1.2(12) RECOGNIZING THAT ADEQUATE, PROPERLY SITED BOAT ACCESS FACILITIES
ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE PRESERVATION OF BOTH THE ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRON-
MENT, IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF THE CITY AND COUNTY TO PROVIDE ADDI-
TIONAL BOAT ACCESS FACILITIES.
25

4
1.2 13 THE COUNTY SHALL PURSUE A POLICY OF "RETREAT" ALONG OUR ESTUA-
RINE O
RINE SHORELINES IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE FUTURE SEA LEVEL RISE AND WET-
LAND MIGRATION.
1.2(14) BULKHEAD CONSTRUCTION ALONG OUR MARSH WETLANDS SHALL COMPLY
WITH ALL STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS.
Implementation Measures
1. Effective State and local standards for development within estuarine systems shall continue to
receive support.
2. City and County plans, public works actions and review procedures relating to drair�age shall
include provisions to prohibit increases in the flow of runoff and pollutant discharge into
receiving waters.
M
0
3. The County shall encourage the State to develop regulations to require inspection and mainte-
nance of all septic tanks with specific emphasis on the estuarine watershed areas.
4. More emphasis shall be placed on drainage control fo: the protection of those natural resources
in the public trust that are of high economic and ecologic value to the Planning Area. These
resources include finfish and shellfish estuarine habitat and groundwater. O
5. The County Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance should be amended as necessary to
implement the policies contained within this plan as they relate to drainage from land use ("!
activities. j
6. Should the need for drainage regulations be determined, a technical committee composed of
(rj
government and private interest representatives should be created to assist in developing and
evaluating proposed regulations.
i developed b he County that would provide
7. A Technical Spec fications Manual shall be deve op y t ty
detailed information on materials and structure designs.
8. Plans for the modifications to, as well as maintenance and continued development of the City
and County drainage systems shall be developed.
9. The marina policies of the State should be strictly enforced and should be modified as required
to protect water quality.
(�
�J
10. All coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines, and public trust waters shall be
designated Conservation on the Land Classification Map.
11. Appropriate ordinance changes shall be made to phase out the use of private package treatment O
plants that do not comply with State regulations.
26
�}

12. New development projects shall not be approved without sewage treatment systems that meet all
applicable regulatory requirements.
13. The Countyand City shall prepare and implement a plan for the completion of, or alternative to,
Y P P P
the County Sewer System.
14. The N.C. Division of Environmental Management shall be strongly encouraged to require the
connection of existing package treatment plants to available public treatment systems when
discharge permits are issued or renewed.
15. The County and City shall regulate the collection, treatment and release of animal waste from
farming operations, to include controls to ensure the protection of the groundwater and surface
water systems.
16. The City and County shall develop effective regulations for the use and protection of estuarine
and public trust areas.
17. The City and County shall oppose the discharge of human sewage into class SA waters.
a
18. The City and County shall develop regulations requiring pump -out facilities at all new or
reconstructed marinas, and shall assist the owners of such facilities in locating appropriate and
approved discharge sources for such facilities.
0 19. All state and federal building codes and other regulations relating to construction below the six-
foot contour line shall be strictly enforced.
1.3 POTABLE WATER SUPPLY POLICY
1.3(1) SOURCES OF POTABLE SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER FOR THE CITY AND
COUNTY SHALL BE CONSERVED AND PROTECTED. THE CASTLE HAYNE AQUIFER
SHALL BE PRESERVED IN ITS PRESENT UNPOLLUTED STATE AS THE PRIMARY
GROUNDWATER RESOURCE IN THE COUNTY.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall jointly prepare a Potable Water Plan. This Plan will examine the
quality and quantity of present water supplies and examine possible alternatives that may be more
efficient and effective or that may be used if the present systems were to become inadequate or polluted.
This effort becomes increasingly important as the County becomes more urbanized and as the City's
water system nears capacity.
2. Artificial land drainage that significantly retards aquifer recharge should be controlled by state or local
regulation.
3. The City and County ordinances shall be amended as necessary to regulate inappropriate
industries or commercial uses, such as those involved with the use, production or handling of
27

toxic or hazardous materials and other potential pollutants in the County's primary or second- D
ary aquifer recharge area, as documented in the County report, New Hanover County Aquifer O
Management Program. B
4. The use of on -site sewage treatment and sludge disposal methods will continue to be closely
examined for their impacts on groundwater.
5. The City and County shall develop regulations, incentives, or other measures which encourage
potable water conservation. 0
6. The City and County shall pursue matching funds from state and federal agencies to initiate an r}
aquifer study that will determine the sustainable yield, quality, and hydraulic characteristics of (�
the groundwater system. �}
7. The County shall review and update the New Hanover Countyquifer Management Program. U
1.4 POLICIES IN THE CONSIDERATION OF OTHER FRAGILE OR HAZARDOUS AREAS 0
1.4(1) PLANS FOR THE SAFE TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, FOR THE
PREVENTION AND CLEAN-UP OF SPILLS OF TOXIC MATERIALS, AND FOR THE EVACU-
ATION OF AREA RESIDENTS IN RESPONSE TO NATURAL OR MAN-MADE HAZARDOUS
EVENTS SHALL CONTINUE TO BE SUPPORTED. O
1.4(2) THE SITING OF ALL INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING ENERGY FACILITIES, AND HIGH
VOLTAGE UTILITIES SHALL BE CAREFULLY REVIEWED TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF
AREA RESIDENTS AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
1.4(3) THE COUNTY'S INNOVATIVE INCINERATOR AND LANDFILL SYSTEM SHALL (�
CONTINUE TO BE SUPPORTED AND IMPROVED. �.,j
1.4(4) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL ENSURE THE COMPATIBILITY OF SURROUND- �}
ING LAND USES WITH THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT. U
1.4(5) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL ELIMINATE ILLEGAL TRASH DUMPING AND
LANDFILLS THROUGH STRICT ENFORCEMENT.
1.4(6) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL CONTINUE TO SEEK WAYS TO REDUCE AND
MANAGE THE SOLID WASTE STREAM THROUGH EXPANDED RECYCLING PROGRAMS,
ENCOURAGING COMPOSTING AND MULTI -JURISDICTIONAL COOPERATION.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall support the Department of Emergency Management in its role of planning U
for the transportation and handling of hazardous and toxic materials.
2s 9

5 2. Previously undeveloped industrially zoned land or land designated for commercial purposes in the City
0O and County shall be studied for possible rezoning to less intensive use, particularly in environmentally
sensitive areas.
3. The City and County shall monitor the impacts of the New Hanover County Airport in order to
determine if modifications to existing regulations are required; new residential and other noise sensitive
uses shall be restricted in areas affected by existing or proposed flight pattern noise contours.
4. The City and County shall review the potential danger of the Sunny Point Military Ocean Termi-
nal munitions shipping in the Cape Fear River and make appropriate recommendations.
5. The City and County shall cooperate fully with any efforts on the part of officials of the
Brunswick Nuclear Generating Facility or of its various regulating agencies which serve to
reduce the potential for or the negati•✓e effects of any accident at the facility.
�f 6. The County shall consider adopting a mandatory County -wide garbage collection and recycling
program to reduce unauthorized dumping, roadside litter and the solid waste stream.
7. The County and City recycling programs shall be expanded to include businesses and industry.
8. The Countyand City will work with the State in developing methods and facilities for handling
tY P g g
0 hazardous waste, including but not limited to household hazardous waste.
9. A review of existing permits will be conducted with state agencies to identify landfills. Aerial surveys
of New Hanover County will be conducted to assist in the identification of trash dumps.
1.5 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE POLICIES
1.5(1) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TO IDENTIFY AND
PROTECT IMPORTANT HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES.
1.5(2) THE REDEVELOPMENT OF DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON SHALL BE A HIGH PRIOR-
ITY, CONTINUING TO BUILD ON PAST SUCCESSES AND CAREFULLY MATCHING PUB-
LIC INCENTIVES WITH PRIVATE INVESTMENT.
Implementation Measures
^_ 1 The City of Wilmington shall continue the site b site inventory of all structures located in the
• Y g Y rY
existing National Register Historic Districts and all structures within the city limits that are
eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
2. The City of Wilmington shall expand the boundaries of the existing local historic districts as a
means furthering the preservation of the historic built environment.
O3. Historic preservation planning shall be utilized as a tool in the protection of neighborhoods
through the designation of neighborhoods with distinctive architectural resources as conserva-
29

tion distracts, National Register Historic Districts, cts, or lovallydesignated historic c districts cts based O
on the preference and level of control desired by. affected residents.
4. The Cityand County shall continue to protect cultural resources through the Conservation
h' P g
Overlay District.
5. The City and County shall maintain and update -an inventory of historic architectural resources T
and develop means for their protection and continued preservation. n
U
6. The City and County shall develop and adopt regulations to identify and inventory specimen
trees for protection and preservation. n
7. The County shall encourage and actively support preservation planning through the creation of
a Historic Preservation Commission or Historic Properties Commission.
8. The development and redevelopment of riverfront properties shall be considered in the context
of unique opportunities for tourism related activities.
9. The redevelopment of riverfront properties for restaurant activities shall be actively endorsed
as a means of furthering the riverfront tourism attractions. D
10. All residential rental properties within the National Register Historic District shall be inventoried O
for standards of health, fire, sanitation and electrical on a designated schedule.
11. The City and County shall revise, update, and streamline the Minimum Housing Code. (�
12. The City and County shall work hand -in -hand on these policies and procedures. J
13. The City shall encourage, through flexible zoning techniques, the reuse of the upper stories of
commercial buildings for residential space.
F11
WW1

RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
New Hanover County is blessed with a wide variety of natural resources. These resources form
the basis for much of the area's economic potential and quality of life. Although utilization of these
resources is essential to the County's prosperity, they must be effectively managed in order to ensure
their continued existence and to minimize any negative impacts. Planned resource production and
management will assure the continued use of our County's resources while maintaining the area high
quality of life.
PAST POLICIES AND PRESENT ISSUES
The relationship between resource protection and resource production and management is highly
evident in the issues identified for the 1993 Land Use Plan Update. The top three issues: (1) Drink-
ing Water Quality; (2) Overdevelopment; and, the (3) Environment, reflect both diminishing quantity
and quality of some of the areas resources. Although the 1981 and 1986 surveys identified the loss of
farmlands, forests and other open areas to more intensive development as a concern, policies which
were adopted to slow the loss of these areas have not produced the desired results.
The effective management of our resources is a necessity for the continued economic and environ-
mental well being of New Hanover County. Economic growth relies on the nurturing of these re-
sources in a manner that allows a wide range of commercial and industrial uses to coexist while not
diminishing the overall attractiveness of the planning area. Concerns raised about water quality, the
environment and overdevelopment require that we look more closely at controlling land uses which
deplete these resources.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
2.0 GENERAL RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
2.0(1) SHORT-SIGHTED OR PREMATURE COMMITMENTS OF THE AREA'S NATURAL
RESOURCES SHALL BE AVOIDED.
2.0(2) EFFORTS BY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AND PRIVATE AGENCIES TO WISELY
MANAGE THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE AREA AND THE REGION SHALL BE SUP-
IZiyw
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall consider impacts on local and regional natural resources in all
development decisions.
31

2. Improved cooperation and coordination with the other public and private agencies in the
County and the region shall be encouraged.
3. The City and County shall manage the Northeast Cape Fear and the Cape Fear River as a
commercial and recreational resource and support the efforts of the Cape Fear River Program
in that regard.
2 1. AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY RESOURCES POLICY
2.1(1) PREMATURE CONVERSION OF THE PLANNING AREA'S REMAINING FARMLANDS
AND COMMERCIAL WOODLANDS INTO MORE INTENSIVE USES SHALL BE DISCOUR-
AGED.
Implementation Measures
1. Growth management policies, controls and incentives established in this document shall be
utilized to insure the orderly conversion of agricultural and forestry lands into other uses.
2. The County shall support the creation of the Resource Conservation and Development Council
and actively participate in the development of its planning and implementation program.
3. Best management practices shall be utilized and tied to a tax incentives program.
2.2 MINERAL RESOURCES POLICIES
2.2(1) DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLANNING AREA'S MINERAL RESOURCES SHALL BE
ALLOWED AS LONG AS SUCH DEVELOPMENT OCCURS IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY
SENSITIVE MANNER, IS COMPATIBLE WITH NEARBY RESOURCES AND PROVIDES A
PLAN FOR RECLAMATION AND REUSE.
2.2(2) DEVELOPMENT OF ALL OFF -SHORE MINERAL, OIL AND GAS RESOURCES SHALL
BE DISCOURAGED.
Implementation Measures
1. The County Planning Department will provide information to the County's decision makers
regarding the location of prime mineral resource sites in relation to proposed developments,
whenever appropriate.
2. The City and County will maintain close coordination with the Outer Continental Shelf Task
Force and state and federal agencies responsible for the siting and operation of new or ex-
panded mineral extraction and drilling facilities.
3. If necessary, the County shall develop a plan and regulations for the reclamation and reuse of
mineral resource extraction sites.
32 9

2 3 RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE POLICIES
O
2.3(1) PRESERVATION OF UNIQUE NATURAL AREAS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED IN ORDER
TO PROVIDE AREA RESIDENTS AND VISITORS WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES.
2.3(2) PUBLIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE SHALL BE PROVIDED AND
MAINTAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PUBLIC`DEMAND AND EXPECTED POPULATION
GROWTH.
2.3(3) EXISTING PUBLIC SHOREFRONT ACCESS SHALL BE PRESERVED AND NEW
SHOREFRONT ACCESS AREAS SHALL BE ACQUIRED AND DEVELOPED.
2.3(4) OUTSIDE FUNDING SOURCES FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITY DEVELOPMENT
SHALL BE PURSUED.
2.3(5) PUBLIC BOATING ACCESS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED AND PROVIDED BY THE
CITY AND COUNTY.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall strive to attain and maintain the recreational standards established
Qby the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, consistent with public need and demand.
2. The City and County shall support those actions which preserve unique natural areas for the
education and recreational enjoyment of area residents and visitors. One method of achieving
this goal is to revise the local zoning ordinance to allow for density to be transferred from the
wetland to upland portions of a property.
3. City and County shorefront access plans and programs, such as the Public Water Access Plan
for New Hanover County, the Riverfront Plan, and the Riverwalk Improvement Plan, shall be
�f implemented.
4. The City and County shall support those measures which serve to encourage private provision
of both public and private recreational facilities, particularly neighborhood parks. The City
and County staffs shall prepare ordinances and resolutions which will encourage creativity on
the part of private developers and entrepreneurs in providing recreational opportunities; recre-
ation impact fees and park dedication requirements shall be included in such staff efforts.
5. Flood hazard areas shall be utilized whenever feasible and appropriate in the provision of parks
and open space. However, since freshwater streams and drainage areas are essential for abate-
ment of stormwater runoff, these areas should not be developed or used for recreational uses in
a manner that has significant adverse impact on other properties.
0
0 33

6. The City and County shall coordinate with private recreational facilities and commercial
interests to ensure that recreational facility development complements and supplements the
public investment.
2.4 FISHERIES RESOURCES POLICIES
2.4(1) THE CONTINUED PRODUCTIVITY OF COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL
FISHERIES SHALL BE ENHANCED THROUGH THE PROTECTION OF THE UNIQUE
COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS, INCLUDING PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS, SHELLFISH WATERS
AND COASTAL MARSHES, UPON WHICH THEY DEPEND.
2.4(2) PROTECTION, PRESERVATION, AND RESTORATION OF SHELLFISHING IN ALL SA
WATERS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED AND PURSUED.
Implementation Measures
1. Studies designed to evaluate and recommend corrective measures to the shellfish pollution prob-
lem and to improve management and production of all fisheries resources shall be supported by
the City and County.
2. Opportunities to improve commercial and recreational fishing through the construction of off-
shore artificial reefs shall be supported by the City and the County as long as such actions are
in keeping with sound environmental practices.
3. Where surface waters continually fail to meet their assigned water quality standards, the NC
Division of Environmental Management shall be requested to perform a "use attainability
study" to determine if restoration of water quality is reasonably feasible.
4. The City and County should oppose the lowering of water quality classifications for surface
water if the use attainability study conducted by the NC Division of Environmental Manage-
ment indicates that it is practically feasible for the water quality standards as assigned to be
met. The City and County shall support reclassification if the use attainability study indicates it
is not practically feasible for the assigned water quality standards to be met.
2.5 OFF -ROAD VEHICLE POLICY
2.5(1) EFFORTS TO CONTROL OFF -ROAD VEHICLE USE IN THE ECOLOGICALLY SENSI-
TIVE OCEAN AND ESTUARINE SHORELINE AREAS SHALL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE SUP-
PORT FROM COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
1. The New Hanover County Sheriffs Department shall continue to enforce the County's off -
road vehicle regulations and to provide law enforcement services within those sensitive areas.
2. Dune ordinances and off -road vehicle regulations will be updated and revised to reflect juris-
dictional changes and new policies.
34

2.6 ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY
O
2.6(1) INNOVATIVE AND EFFECTIVE MEANS OF IMPROVING ENERGY CONSERVATION
TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall encourage developers to utilize energy conservation measures in
site design and material selection to ensure energy efficient housing design and construction.
2. Every effort will be made to see that sufficient opportunities are provided for the location of
0 steam users proximate to steam generating solid waste incineration facilities.
3. New and retrofitted City and County facilities and buildings shall be designed to encourage
0 energy conservation.
j 4. The City and County shall explore opportunities offered by such agencies as the N.C. Alterna-
tive Energy Corporation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conserve energy
and to support the use of reusable energy.
5. City and County recycling programs shall be supported and expanded for all citizens.
00
J-
j'�
35

ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTION
Economic and community development includes a wide variety of public and private activities.
Generally speaking, these activities can be regarded as actions which serve to promote the economic,
cultural, and physical development of the community in accordance with an established set of goals
and objectives.
PAST POLICIES AND PRESENT ISSUES
Seven basic areas of concern are identified in the Economic and Community Development section
of the 1993 Land Use Plan Update:
• Residential Development
• Office and Institutional Development
• Commercial Development
• Industrial Development
• Transportation
• Urban Design
Capital Facilities and Community Services
As a result of input from various forms of public participation, two major changes have been
made in this update. The first and most noticeable change is that Office and Institutional Policies have
been separated from the Commercial Policies. This change recognizes the differences between O&I
and commercial land uses and the consequences of each type of development, in terms of design,
scale, and locational criteria.
Another major change is the addition of Urban Design Policies. In light of the public opinion sur-
vey of New Hanover County voters, it is evident that citizens are very concerned with the appearance
of the community. In order to enhance the community's appearance and preserve it's existing charac-
ter, several policies were developed. These policies include emphasis on reuse and rehabilitation of
historic resources, consistency of building design with existing structures, and control of signage.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
3.0 GENERAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
3.0(1) EXISTING AND PROGRAMMED PUBLIC SERVICES SHALL BE COORDINATED
WITH FUTURE LAND USE INTENSITIES BASED ON OUR AREA'S CARRYING CAPACITY
AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ADOPTED GROWTH MANAGEMENT POLICIES.
36

U 3.0(2) USE OF INNOVATIVE AND FLEXIBLE PLANNING AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES
O AND URBAN DESIGN STANDARDS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
3.0(3) A SUFFICIENT VARIETY AND AMOUNT OF FUTURE LAND USE TYPES SHALL BE
PROVIDED IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE PUBLIC DEMAND.
3.0(4) COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN FUTURE AND EXISTING LAND USES SHALL BE EN-
COURAGED.
3.0(5) THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AREA'S RAPID GROWTH SHALL BE DISTRIB-
UTED EQUITABLY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICAL.
3.0(6) IMPROVED COORDINATION BETWEEN CITY AND COUNTY PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS SHALL BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE USE OF
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS AND UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODES, IN ORDER TO
PROMOTE CONSISTENCY AND TO AVOID FUTURE CONFLICTS AND COSTS OF DEVEL-
OPMENT.
Implementation Measures
1. Growth management policies shall be implemented through the development of appropriate
Po P
0 capital improvement programs, land development regulations and tax incentives.
0
2. Land development regulations and policies which encoura a innovative flexible and/or effi-
P g Po g
rn cient development practices shall be supported.
3. Growth management policies and ordinances shall be periodically examined and, if necessary,
revised, to maintain a variety of developable land to accommodate public demand; to the
extent that carrying capacity has been quantified, carrying capacity may be considered in such
review.
LJ 4. The County and City shall develop a means by which the net cost of development (e.g.,
service provision and/or extension) may be borne by the developer if it is determined that the
{� cost to the County and City exceeds the economic and social contributions and impacts of the
�l development.
5. Zoning regulations shall be updated to comply with the Growth Management Policies.
6. Innovative and flexible design standards shall be developed for inclusion in the Technical
Standards and Specifications Manual of the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County that
encourage costs savings in the design of subdivisions without sacrificing basic service ele-
ments.
0 7. The City and County shall develop revisions to the zoning ordinances that will define critical
development nodes: that is type of node, size of node, buffering and lighting standards, etc.
37

that will allow the effective establishment of commercial nodes as a viable means of prevent-
ing encroachments into established or future neighborhoods and as a means of limiting strip
zoning of major thoroughfares.
8. Regularly scheduled meetings among local governments in New Hanover County and sur-
rounding counties shall be encouraged to improve coordination of land use and development
efforts.
9. Compatibility of design shall be achieved through the use of conservation districts and other
means that identify prominent building materials and design elements and encourage similar
treatment for new construction within the neighborhood.
10. The City and County shall develop means for determining the impacts of development includ-
ing the cumulative impacts of existing and future uses in the vicinity of a proposed project to
include but not limited to transportation, water and sewer, open space, parkland impacts and
natural environmental impacts.
11. The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall pursue the use of interlocal agree-
ments to develop issues of joint concern and solutions that cross jurisdictional lines. Develop-
ment standards consistency shall be the goal of.uniform development codes.
12. The City and County shall develop revisions to the zoning ordinances that will limit continued
strip type development along major thoroughfares. These revisions will be a key item to be
accomplished to allow continued development of the commercial node concept. This may
include the provision of servicelfrontage roads along major thoroughfares to protect the integ-
rity of major thoroughfares.
13. Compatibility standards shall be developed as a means of preventing encroachments into
established residential neighborhoods and reducing strip commercial development and sprawl
along major thoroughfares of the City and County.
3.1 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
3.l(1) INNOVATIVE AND FLEXIBLE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND INCENTIVES
SHALL BE DEVELOPED TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED AVAILABILITY OF A WIDE
RANGE AND SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE RESIDENTIAL HOUSING TYPES.
3.1(2) HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES SHALL BE ENCOURAGED TO BE DEVELOPED FOR
CITIZENS OF ALL ECONOMIC STATUS TO INCLUDE THE ELDERLY, PHYSICALLY AND
MENTALLY CHALLENGED, SINGLE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS, AND THE AREA'S HOME-
LESS POPULATION.
3.1(3) ENCROACHMENT UPON RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS BY MORE INTENSE
LAND USES SHALL BE AVOIDED.
38

�.1 o3.1(4) NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE IMPER-
VIOUS SURFACES AND MAXIMIZE OPEN SPACE.
`-' 3.1(5) EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO REDUCE THROUGH -TRAFFIC IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
3.1(6) RESTORATION OF STRUCTURES AND NEIGHBORHOODS OF HISTORIC AND AR-
CHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
3.1(7) EFFORTS BY INDIVIDUALS AND NEIGHBORHOODS TO PROMOTE "EXCLUSION-
ARY ZONING" SHALL BE DISCOURAGED.
3.1(8) NEIGHBORHOOD AND SECTOR LEVEL PLANNING ACTIVITIES SHALL BE UTI-
LIZED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND USE STUDIES, PROGRAMS AND STRATEGIES.
iJ 3.1(9) NEW SUBDIVISIONS SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE ACCESS TO AD-
JOINING NEIGHBORHOODS IF NECESSARY TO ACCOMMODATE THE FLOW OF TRAF-
FIC.
3.1(10) AN AREA'S CARRYING CAPACITY SHALL BE CONSIDERED IN THE PHASING
AND TIMING OF NEW DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
3.1(11) HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURES AND NEIGHBORHOODS SHALL
00 CONTINUE TO RECEIVE REGULATORY PROTECTION; NEW STANDARDS, REGULA-
TIONS AND INCENTIVES WHICH PROMOTE THE PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE
OF THE AREA'S HISTORIC RESOURCES SHALL BE SUPPORTED TO PRESERVE THIS
TANGIBLE, AESTHETICALLY SIGNIFICANT LINK TO THE PLANNING AREA'S PAST.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County staffs are directed to prepare for consideration new residential develop-
ment standards, regulations and incentives which increase flexibility in residential design,
encourage infill development in currently served areas, and increase the variety, affordability
and supply of housing opportunities.
2. The City and County recognize a special responsibility with regard to certain segments of the
population which are being excluded from area housing opportunities. Innovative programs
and actions, including those of other agencies, which improve the housing opportunities for the
identified groups shall be examined and supported.
3. The County staff shall prepare for consideration a minimum housing code which serves to
increase the safety and aesthetics of deteriorated structures throughout the County while main-
taining an adequate supply of affordable housing opportunities for low income citizens.
O4. The City and County staffs shall continue to prepare neighborhood level plans for the preserva
(� tion, growth and benefit of our neighborhoods.
39

fi
5. The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County Technical Standards shall be revised to
encourage the use of affordable design techniques as a means of reducing the costs of housing O
without eliminating basic services. L.l
6. Transitional housing opportunities shall be developed as part of the housing plan for the City
of Wilmington and New Hanover County.
7. When several zoning revisions are in place to protect neighborhoods, the City and County may
use the commercial node approach as a means of channeling growth. These revisions shall 0
include, but may not be limited to, designation of the type and size of commercial node,
rezoning at the time of designation, restriction of street access, and neighborhood input into the placement of these nodes. 0
8. The City of Wilmington shall continue existing loan programs for the rehabilitation of inner U
city neighborhoods both as a means of stabilizing property values and reusing housing stock in LJ
existing areas serviced by infrastructure.
9. The Cityof Wilmington and New Hanover County shall continue efforts to complete neighbor-
hood g tY P g
hood level planning as a means of stabilizing neighborhoods and as a means of providing
section level planning.
3.2 OFFICE AND INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES 00
3.2(1) OFFICE AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE CONSIDERED APPRO-
PRIATE LAND USAGE ADJACENT TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROVIDED THAT
DESIGN, SCALE AND USES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH ADJACENT RESIDENTIAL DEVEL-
OPMENT.
3.2(2) MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL EMPLOYERS SHALL ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEE SHIFT
CHANGES FOR NON -PEAK TRAFFIC HOURS AS A MEANS OF RELIEVING TRAFFIC
CONGESTION. RIDE -SHARE PROGRAMS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
3.2(3) MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL EMPLOYERS SHALL ENCOURAGE THE USE OF MASS
TRANSIT BY EMPLOYEES THROUGH THE PROVISION OF TRANSIT SHELTERS AT CON-
VENIENT LOCATIONS WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall evaluate the Office and Institutional district in an effort to establish (�
design, scale and use standards that will make it a more appropriate transition to established �J
and new residential areas. r�
2. Employee shift changes for major institutional uses, such as the local hospitals and universi-
ties, shall be encouraged to coincide with non -peak traffic hours. The Transportation Planning O
Division will evaluate employee shift change hours as a means of recommending ideal change �}
hours that will coincide with non -peak traffic hours. u
40

3. Major institutional employers such as the local hospitals and universities shall endorse the use
0 of mass transit by employees through the location of transit shelters at convenient locations on
their grounds. The Wilmington Transit Authority' shall provide notices regarding bus schedules
to all major employers as a means of encouraging mass transit use and shall provide informa-
tive seminars to encourage use of mass transit by employees.
4. Major institutional employers shall be encouraged to provide incentives to employees to utilize
Y
mass transit and ride sharing as a means of relieving traffic congestion and reducing the need
V for off-street parking. Creative incentives could include reduced bus fare tickets and the
location of convenient bus shelters on the grounds of the use.
5. To implement the policies of 3.2(1), where Office and Institutional development may be
considered as an appropriate land use adjacent to residential development, the City and County
shall revise their zoning codes to provide compatibility with the surrounding neighborhoods.
These may include, but not be limited to, access designations, development standards, siting
standards, and neighborhood participation in the siting process. When O&I nodes are desig-
nated in plans, the property lying within the plan shall be rezoned O&I.
('J 3.3 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
3.3 1 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED TO LOCATE IN
DESIGNATED COMMERCIAL NODES WHICH ALREADY CONTAIN PUBLIC SERVICES,
00 INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION, REQUIRED BY THE PROJECTS, OR IN AREAS IN WHICH
THE NEEDED SERVICES ARE READILY AVAILABLE.
3.3(2) THE REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL NODES SHALL BE ENCOUR-
AGED THROUGH THE USE OF FLEXIBLE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND EVALUATION.
THIS SHALL BE THE PREFERRED METHOD OF COMMERCIAL EXPANSION.
3.3(3) UNCONTROLLED STRIP COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE AVOIDED.
3.3(4) REDEVELOPMENT OF DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON, NORTH FOURTH STREET,
AND CASTLE STREET, SHALL BE A HIGH PRIORITY, CONTINUING TO BUILD ON PAST
SUCCESSES.
3.3(5) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL JOINTLY PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE CREATION
AND ESTABLISHMENT OF SMALL BUSINESSES.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall prepare development standards and regulations to direct the location
of commercial facilities to areas designated as commercial nodes where adequate public ser-
vices can be efficiently provided.
O
P 41

2. The Cityof Wilmington and New Hanover County Planning staffs shall identify areas for
g tY g fY Q
commercial node development after the changes in the Zoning Ordinance proposed in this
document are enacted. This shall be used as a future means of planning for sufficient commer- D
cially classified properties and as a means of limiting future commercial stripping of major
thoroughfares.
0
3. The City shall produce market analyses, zoning incentives, site location studies and assess-
ments intended to encourage the location of commercial development in the inner city areas.
0
4. The City and County staffs shall prepare for consideration driveway standards, zoning regula-
tions, action plans, and other measures which effectively limit the establishment of strip �}
commercial development. 0
5. The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall adopt access road provisions that will
permit greater utilization of existing and improved thoroughfares and smooth the flow of LL��
traffic throughout the County.
6. The Cityof Wilmington and New Hanover County shall incorporate means of providing
g tY rP P g
flexibility in existing regulations when applied to the redevelopment of existing commercial
sites.
7. Existing programs that encourage the redevelopment of the Downtown area and reflect the 0 historic and cultural traditions shall be continued and new incentives developed to encourage
0
utilization of existing buildings and infrastructures.
8. The City and County shall continue to support efforts to promote the establishment of entrepre-
neurial businesses through the Small Business Incubator Program and other similar activities.
9. Revisions to the Zoning Ordinance shall be made to implement the commercial node concept.
3.4 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
3.4(1) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL ENCOURAGE DIVERSIFICATION OF THE AREA'S
ECONOMIC BASE THROUGH A DETAILED RECRUITMENT PLAN DEVELOPED IN CON-
JUNCTION WITH THE COMMITTEE OF 100 AND THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
3.4(2) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL FOCUS ON ATTRACTING CERTAIN INDUSTRIES
WHICH CAN BE DEVELOPED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE LOCAL PUBLIC
SERVICE SUPPLY, THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT BASE, AND OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
3.4(3) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND AUGMENT WHER-
EVER POSSIBLE, THE COMPLEMENTARY RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE AREA'S VARI-
OUS INDUSTRIES, WHILE MINIMIZING POTENTIAL CONFLICTS. O
3.4(4) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL ENCOURAGE LAND USE COMPATIBILITY BE-
TWEEN THE NEW INDUSTRIAL SECTOR AND THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
SECTORS.
42

LJ 3.4(5) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL PROMOTE AND ATTRACT INDUSTRIES WHICH
O ENCOURAGE THE UPWARD MOBILITY OF LOW AND MODERATE INCOME PERSONS.
3.4(6) BECAUSE OF ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NATURAL AND HISTORIC RE-
SOURCES OF THE AREA, THE TOURIST INDUSTRY SHALL RECEIVE SPECIAL SUPPORT
FROM THE CITY AND COUNTY.
3.4(7) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE PLANNED
V GROWTH AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE AREA'S ECONOMY BY THE STATE
PORTS AUTHORITY.
3.4(8) REFINERY OPERATIONS SHALL ONLY BE ALLOWED IF THERE ARE NO SIGNIFI-
CANT IMPACTS ON THE AREAS ENVIRONMENTAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES.
3.4(9) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL ENCOURAGE THE LOCATION OF INDUSTRIES
THAT WILL PROMOTE ONGOING EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN THE MARINE SCIENCES.
3.4(10) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL PROMOTE THE LOCATION OF INDUSTRIES
THAT WILL BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE AREA'S ECOSYSTEM.
3.4(11) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL ENCOURAGE THE LOCATION OF DIVERSIFIED
OINDUSTRIES THROUGH THE PROVISION OF AN ADEQUATELY TRAINED EMPLOYEE
POOL.
3.4(12) NEW INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES SHALL BE LOCATED WITHIN EXISTING INDUS-
TRIAL CORRIDORS AND SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO HARM THE PROPERTY VALUES
(� OF ESTABLISHED RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
1 3.4(13) THE TOURISM INDUSTRY SHALL BE CONSIDERED IN THE RECRUITMENT AND
LOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL FIRMS. INDUSTRIES THAT MAY POSE A THREAT TO THE
lj BUILT OR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT SHALL NOT BE LOCATED IN PROXIMITY TO RESI-
DENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OR TO ESTART.ISTJ D TOTTUTRM A1r_MAr3-T0VQ SrTru e e 'rU'0
V Val 1V 111E
HISTORIC CORE OF THE CITY OF WILMINGTON.
3.4(14) THE OPERATION AND PLACEMENT OF OIL REFINERY OPERATIONS SHALL BE
PROHIBITED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ESTABLISHED RESIDENTIAL AND OR HISTORIC
RESOURCES, OR IN SUCH LOCATIONS THAT MAY RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL FOR
SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE AREA'S ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall implement programs designed to promote and attract new industries
which tend to diversify the Planning Area's economy and which provide a good match with the
Oarea's public services, employment base, and natural resource potentials and constraints.
Substantial cooperation with local industrial recruitment organizations, and the Chamber of
Commerce, is essential.
43

U
2. Public services shall be planned and phased that support the needs of our local industry base.
P P PPo trY 0
3. Where adequate public services are not available, location of industrial land uses should only
be considered following a cost/benefit analysis, and considering the industries' willingness to
contribute to the cost of necessary services.
4. The City and County shall implement industrial recruitment programs designed to promote and
attract new industries which encourage the upward mobility of low and moderate income
residents through on-the-job training programs, positive salary structures, and transferability of
job skills.
5. The City and County staffs are directed to make special efforts in the promotion of the area's u
tourist industry through information sharing, technical support, site location studies and assess-
ments and other means, due to the public benefits which accrue from tourism activities and
which complement the area's natural, cultural and historic resources.
6.
The City and County shall continue to support the planned growth of the N.C. State Ports
Authority, including the Authority's efforts to maintain and expand upon its international trade
status.
7.
Public/private partnerships to benefit both the area's private citizens and corporate citizens
shall be developed and supported (i.e. Partners in Preventing Pollution).
O
8.
The City and County shall evaluate and revise standards to create adequate buffering, site
design and location criteria for all industrial uses.
(�
�}
9.
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall develop a detailed recruitment plan
with specified goals for the number and type of businesses desired by the community. The
plan shall be developed and implemented by the Committee of 100, Chamber of Commerce,
Marine Crescent, UNC-W, the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County through an
industrial recruitment network.
10.
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County, in conjunction with the industrial locator
organizations, shall pursue the recruitment of marine related industries through the specified
recruitment plan.
11.
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall pursue the location of industries that
will exhibit sensitivity to the unique coastal environment, recognizing the importance of the
natural and built environment to the tourism industry in New Hanover County.
12.
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will include in the detailed recruitment plan
the needed provisions for an adequately trained and qualified pool of employees. The City of
0
Wilmington and New Hanover County shall work with the area's schools and university
insure to indus-
V
0
system and the provision of adequate technical and scholastic programs attract
try
0
44 9

0
O 3.5 TRANSPORTATION POLICIES
3.5(1) LEVEL OF SERVICES STANDARDS AND PROGRAMS FOR AREA ROADWAYS AND
TRAILWAYS SHALL BE ESTABLISHED.
3.5(2) TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES SHALL BE ESTABLISHED TO
PROVIDE FOR THE TIMELY ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES IN MEETING THE TRANSPOR-
TATION NEEDS OF THE AREA.
�l
3.5(3) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF OTHER LOCAL,
STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES THAT IMPROVE THE FLOW OF PEOPLE AND PROD-
UCTS IN THE CITY AND COUNTY.
3.5(4) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL ENSURE THAT THE TYPE AND DESIGN OF THE
�j EXISTING AND FUTURE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM AND THE PLANNING FOR FUTURE
LAND USES RESULT IN AN EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION PATTERN.
3.5(5) MASS TRANSIT PROGRAMS, BIKEWAYS AND OTHER ALTERNATIVES TO SINGLE
OCCUPANT AUTOMOBILES SHALL BE PREFERRED AS A METHOD OF ALLEVIATING
CONGESTION AND CIRCULATION PROBLEMS OVER THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW
ROADWAYS.
O 3.5(6) CONTINUED USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE WILMINGTON HARBOR, ATLAN-
TIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY, THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY AND THE NEW HAN-
OVER COUNTY AIRPORT SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
3.5() CONFLICTS BETWEEN TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES, SUCH AS RAIL SERVICE,
rs AND OTHER LAND USES SHALL BE MINIMIZED.
3.5(8) NO NEW OR ENLARGED THROUGH HIGHWAYS SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED IN
ANY AREA CLASSIFIED AS RESOURCE PROTECTION OR CONSERVATION WITHOUT
THOROUGHLY ANALYZING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, OTHER IMPACTS AND BEN-
EFITS.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County staffs are directed to prepare for consideration priority local roadway
level -of -service goals and the costs involved in obtaining and maintaining these goals. The
Wilmington Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan and its subsequent revisions is considered to be
one element of this work program.
2. Coordinative efforts between other local governments in the County and the region, along with
State and Federal agencies, shall be initiated and/or maintained in order to encourage all
Otransportation improvement plans and programs to directly or indirectly improve the flow of
traffic in the City and County.
�j` 45

I
3. Cost effective methods for transporting people shall be developed to relieve area traffic con-
gestion. Alternatives should include carpools, vanpools, bicycling and walking. Particular O
support will be given to the Wilmington Transit Authority in maximizing ridership and service
to key areas.
4. Emphasis will also be placed on pursuing bikeway opportunities. A trailways network will be
developed to provide a safe and efficient alternative to automotive transportation.
5. Separate land use and transportation decisions, plans and programs shall be designed so as to
complement one another. Central to this implementation procedure is the development of an
evaluation system which links proposed development type and intensity with existing and
programmed transportation networks. The City and County staffs are also directed to prepare
for consideration access control standards for various roadway functional classifications.
6. Coordination shall be increased between the City and County and the Wilmington Harbor, the
State Ports Authority, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the railways and the New Hanover
International Airport in order to encourage the continued development of these transportation
networks and to reduce conflicts between these networks and other transportation facilities and
land uses. n
7. The County and City shall support the adaptive reuse of abandoned railroad corridors as a
L1
method to preserve these corridors for future rail use and to provide trail routes as an interim
use. 00
8. A comprehensive street network plan should be developed to provide a strategy to meet additional
street and road needs. Such a plan must consider costs, various financing alternatives, economic
benefits for existing residents as well as new development, and the overall quality of life in the
community.
3.6 CAPITAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES POLICIES
3.6 1 THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL PROVIDE TIMELY AND COST-EFFECTIVE PROVI-
SION OF CAPITAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ON THE BASIS OF ANTICI-
PATED GROWTH AND DEMAND.
3.6(2) COORDINATION BETWEEN THE CITY, COUNTY, AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCIES SHALL BE ENCOURAGED IN THE PROVISION OF CAPITAL FACILITIES AND
SERVICES.
3.6(3) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF A SYSTEM OF
IMPACT FEES TO ENSURE TIMELY AND ECONOMICALLY SOUND PROVISION OF PUB-
LIC SERVICES TO NEW DEVELOPMENT.
U
3.6(4) THE CITY OF WILMINGTON AND NEW HANOVER COUNTY SHALL WORK TO- O
GETHER IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER LOCAL COMMUNITIES FOR THE PROVISION
OF NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND OPEN SPACE NEEDS.

Implementation Measures
O
1. The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall develop five year Capital Facilities
and Improvement Plans. These five year plans shall be developed for phased implementation
in each of the five years studied. This plan shall serve as the basis for all capital improve-
ments for the community within the five year planning cycle.
,.., 2. The Capital Improvement Programs shall be tied closely to The Policies for Growth and
Development and the Land Classification Map and shall serve to direct the provision of public
infrastructure and services. Continued analysis of the local taxpayers' willingness to pay for
n service improvements shall also be an element of these capital improvement programs.
1_J
3. The establishment and continuance of capital facilities maintenance programs shall be imple-
mented by the City and County.
4. The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall initiate interlocal agreements together
and in conjunction with other communities to address shared needs, such as transportation and
j open space. The feasibility of a Facilities Commission shall be evaluated to review shared
planning issues such as transportation, open space needs and aesthetic ordinances to encourage
shared resources for the benefit of the entire community.
5. A study shall be undertaken, or research accumulated from other studies, to determine an
0 equitable methodology to evaluate public costs and benefits relating to significant new develop-
ment. Upon approval of such a methodology, said methodologyshall form the basis for any
proposed facility benefit assessment ordinance. Such methodology, and any proposed ordi-
nance, shall consider the effect upon the local economy as well as the impact of such proposals
upon the ability to provide affordable low and middle -income housing.
6. The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall investigate grant and bond money
sources to supplement capital improvement funds needed for the implementation of the five
year plan.
7. The City and County shall develop five year capital facility plans to address anticipated growth
and development.
3.7 URBAN DESIGN AND OTHER POLICIES
3.7 1 THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE DETAILED LANDCLASSIFICATION R () O FUTURE
LAND USE MAPS AND PLANS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
3.7(2) THE DEVELOPMENT OF A UNIFORM LAND USE EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR USE
BY CITY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS AND STAFFS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
O 3.7(3) ADEQUATE LANDSCAPING AND TREE PROTECTION SHALL BE ENCOURAGED
Q FOR PARKING LOTS, RESIDENTIAL AREAS, AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
PROJECTS.
47

I
3.7 4 BUFFERING STANDARDS WHICH PROMOTE COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN LAND
() O
USE TYPES SHALL BE SUPPORTED AND STRENGTHENED WHERE NECESSARY. n
3.7(5) THE USE OF SIGNS SHALL BE CONTROLLED IN A MANNER THAT RECOGNIZES
AESTHETIC, SAFETY AND COMMERCIAL CONCERNS AND PRESERVES AND PROTECTS
OUR LANDSCAPES AND WATERWAYS.
3.7(6) MULTIPLE AND ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE AREA'S HISTORIC RESOURCES SHALL
BE ALLOWED AND ENCOURAGED. 0
3.7(7) TRAILS AND GREENWAYS SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND DEVELOPED INTO A (�
COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM.
3.7(8) URBAN DESIGN REGULATIONS SHALL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE DIVERSE (1
QUALITIES EACH DEVELOPMENT HAS TO OFFER. THESE QUALITIES SHALL BE RE- U
FINED TO CREATE A UNIQUE SENSE OF PLACE WHICH COMPLIMENTS SURROUNDING
MAN-MADE AND NATURAL FEATURES.
3.7(9) EXISTING LANDSCAPING AND TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCES SHALL BE
EVALUATED AND NEW STANDARDS ADOPTED TO ADDRESS URBAN APPEARANCE
ISSUES. TREE PRESERVATION EFFORTS SHOULD INCLUDE THE INVENTORY OF SE-
LECTED SPECIMENS.
00
Implementation Measures
{�}
1. Development of more detailed land classification maps and a uniform land evaluation and
u
tracking system to aid in growth management in the area shall be a priority task for the City
and County.
U
2. The City and County shall fully develop and utilize the land use planning capabilities of the
MAPS Geographic Information System.
3. Urban design regulations concerned with improving the aesthetics and compatibility of land
uses, including landscaping, buffering, streetscapes, and signage shall continue to be refined
pursuant to the public's increased concern with these issues.
4. Staff efforts to continue to encourage the preservation and maintenance of the historic re-
0
sources of the area through innovative multiple and adaptive reuse techniques shall be sup-
ported.
0
5. The City_ of Wilmington shall take the necessary steps to receive the Tree City USA designa-
tion.
Q
6. Recognizing the importance of appearance to the tourism industry, the City of Wilmington and O
New Hanover County shall take the lead in evaluating landscaping, tree preservation, sign
a
regulation and architectural design concepts to assist in improving the appearance of the built
and natural environment.
48

U 7. Historic resources of the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall be recognized for
O their contributions to the unique quality of the coastal environment. The City of Wilmington
�j and New Hanover County shall develop a historic resource management plan to encourage the
multiple and adaptive reuse -of the area's historic resources. Additional development incentives
shall be provided as a means of reusing areas of the City and County which contain existing
infrastructure and built resources.
8. The City and County shall provide detailed land use plan mapping through the use of the
jointly owned MAPS Geographic Information System.
9. Existing regulations shall be reviewed to determine adequacy toward meeting stated goals for
landscaping and tree protection.
I
rim
0
Ito
P 49

ill
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
O
INTRODUCTION
U
Public participation is a key element in the local planning process. Important issues are identified
and defined with the public establishing priorities for the issues that are perceived to be the most criti-
cal and the most deserving of governmental actions. D
Public participation empowers citizens to determine the type of community they wish to attain and
set the direction of policies and projects to be implemented. The process of public participation helps (�
to create a sense of community which, in turn, helps to ensure that the chosen policies are effectively
implemented.
Public participation has played a major role in the development of the 1993 Land Use Plan Up-
date. The Citizen Participation Plan, jointly developed by the City and County Planning Depart-
ments, details the methods used to encourage public participation. These methods include meetings,
group discussions, surveys, and public hearings before appointed and elected planning and decision
making bodies.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES
4.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES 00
4.0(1) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL CONTINUE TO CREATIVELY UTILIZE ALL SEC-
(1
TORS OF THE LOCAL MEDIA, AS WELL AS THE LOCAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS,
u
TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT IN RESOURCE AND DEVELOP-
MENT ISSUES.
D
4.0(2) NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING TECHNIQUES SHALL BE UTILIZED TO FURTHER
ENCOURAGE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT IN ISSUES AFFECTING NEIGH-
BORHOODS.
4.0(3) PROGRAMS WHICH TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXISTING MEDIA PRODUCTIONS,
PRIVATE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES TO
EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT LAND USE CONCERNS, THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC
SERVICES, AND THE ROLE OF DEVELOPERS AND OTHER CITIZENS IN MAKING INTEL-
LIGENT LAND USE DECISIONS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall continue efforts to inform, educate, and involve the public in planning for the community, primarily through the regular and special meetings of the elected 0
officials and citizen advisory boards. O
50 9

2. The City and County shall continue efforts to effectively utilize the media, including radio and
television public service announcements, newspaper coverage, meeting notification signs,
letters and personal contacts.
3. The City and County shall encourage continued representation by a broad cross section of the
area's residents on all citizen advisory boards.
4. The City and County shall encourage participation and seek to cooperate with organized
groups such as neighborhood assemblies, business groups, professional organizations, environ-
mental groups or service clubs.
5. The City and County shall attempt to utilize neighborhood planning practices and techniques
whenever feasible.
51

STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, EVACUATION AND RECOVERY
0
INTRODUCTION
New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington are vulnerable to the dangers and damages
brought on by storms such as hurricanes. This policy section is concerned with the storm hazard miti-
gation, evacuation, and recovery programs as defined below in accordance with State guidelines. n
Mitigation involves activities which reduce the probability that a disaster will occur and minimize U
the damage caused by a disaster. These activities can range from the establishment of a nation- a
wide hurricane tracking system to the adoption of local land use regulations which discourage
residential construction in flood -prone areas. Mitigation activities are not geared to a specific di-
saster; they result from the long-term concern for avoiding the damages of future natural disas-
ters. L�
Evacuation refers to the range of activities involved in the assignment of evacuation routes and U
shelter locations, determination of when to issue an evacuation order, procedures for notifying the
public of both the evacuation routes and the order to evacuate, as well as the implementation of
the evacuation during the storm event. Evacuation activities are related to both actual storm
events (e.g., storm hazards calling for actual evacuations) and storm related activities in general
(e.g., the need for establishment and notification of evacuation routes and shelter locations). O
Recovery involves the full range of rehabilitation and reconstruction activities which seek to re-
turn the community to the state it was in before the storm event. These include financial assis-
tance to cover property damages, economic recovery plans, reassessment of the community's land
development policies as well as the repair, reconstruction, and relocation of damaged structures
and utility systems. Recovery activities may continue for years after a particular disaster occurs. (�
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION EVACUATION AND RECOVERY POLICIES
5.0 STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, EVACUATION AND RECOVERY POLICIES
5.0(1) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL CONTINUE TO DISCOURAGE HIGH INTENSITY
USES AND LARGE STRUCTURES FROM BEING CONSTRUCTED WITHIN THE 100 YEAR
FLOODPLAIN, EROSION PRONE AREAS, AND OTHER LOCATIONS SUSCEPTIBLE TO
HURRICANE AND FLOODING HAZARDS.
5.0(2) FOLLOWING A STORM EVENT, THE COUNTY WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OP-
(�
PORTUNITIES TO ACQUIRE OR PURCHASE LAND LOCATED IN STORM HAZARD AREAS
�J
WHICH ARE RENDERED UNBUILDABLE. THE PROPERTY SHOULD SATISFY OBJECTIVES
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE CONSERVATION OF OPEN SPACE, SCENIC
n
AREAS, AND PROVISION OF PUBLIC WATER ACCESS. O
U
5.0(3) IMMEDIATE CLEAN UP AND REMOVAL OF DEBRIS FROM PUBLIC ROADS IS THE
a
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
52
l

OPUBLIC EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR THE REPAIR OR RECONSTRUCTION OF ANY
PRIVATE ROAD OR VEHICULAR EASEMENT WHICH IS DAMAGED OR DESTROYED AS A
RESULT OF AN INTENSE STORM EVENT SHALL NOT OCCUR. ALL PRIVATE ROADS
WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL LANDOWNERS.
5.0(4) IN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE OR DISASTER, THE CITY COUNCIL AND/OR
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MAY DECLARE A MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE
OF ANY REQUEST FOR REZONING OTHER THAN FOR REZONING TO A LESS INTENSE
USE, UNLESS THAT REZONING REQUEST IS INITIATED BY THE CITY OR COUNTY.
5.0(5) IN THE EVENT OF EXTENSIVE HURRICANE DAMAGE TO PUBLIC UTILITIES
LJ REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OR RELOCATION OF THESE UTILITIES, EFFORTS SHALL
BE MADE TO LOCATE DAMAGED UTILITIES AWAY FROM HURRICANE HAZARD AREAS
(j OR TO STRENGTHEN TIMM CONSTRUCTION.
5.0(6) PRIORITY SHALL BE GIVEN TO THOSE REPAIRS THAT WILL RESTORE SERVICE
TO AS MANY PERSONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
5.0(7) . THE CITY COUNCIL AND/OR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MAY REQUEST THAT
A NEW ASSESSMENT OF HAZARD AREAS BE PERFORMED, DEPENDING ON THE EX-
TENT OF FLOODING AND THE CHANGES TO SHORELINE AND INLETS CAUSED BY THE
n Q HURRICANE.
U 5.0(8) THE CITY COUNCIL AND/OR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MAY DECLARE A
MORATORIUM ON THE PERMITTING OF ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION, NEW UTILITY
HOOK-UPS, OR REDEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION THAT WOULD INCREASE THE IN-
TENSITY OF THE LAND USES EXISTING BEFORE THE HURRICANE OR DISASTER.
5.0(9) THE RECOVERY TASK FORCE SHALL HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DIRECT-
ING RECONSTRUCTION WITHIN NEW HANOVER COUNTY AFTER A DAMAGING
STORM. THIS TASK FORCE SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON A DIVERSE RANGE OF POST -STORM ISSUES.
5.0(10) A BUILDING MORATORIUM SHALL NOT OCCUR UNLESS AUTHORIZED OR
EXTENDED BY THE RECOVERY TASK FORCE OR RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF
Ll COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND/OR CITY COUNCIL
5.0(11) THE CITY AND COUNTY SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL SUPERVI-
SION OF CLEAN, UP AND DISPOSAL OF DEBRIS RESULTING FROM AN INTENSE STORM
EVENT.
5.0(12) IT SHALL BE A POLICY OF THE CITY AND COUNTY TO RETAIN ON A SEA-
SONAL BASIS AN ASSISTANCE FACILITATOR/CONSULTANT WHO, AS DIRECTED BY
O THE COUNTY MANAGER, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
53

1. DETERMINING THE TYPES OF ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO THE CITY AND
COUNTY AND THE TYPE OF ASSISTANCE MOST NEEDED.
2. ASSISTING IN THE COORDINATION OF FEDERAL DISASTER RECOVERY EFFORT.
3. COORDINATING FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS OF ASSISTANCE.
4. INFORMING THE CITIZENRY OF TYPES OF ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE.
5. RECOMMENDING TO THE RECOVERY TASK FORCE AND BOARD OF COMMIS-
SIONERS PROGRAMS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AND THEN ACTING AS FACILITA-
TOR IN SECURING THOSE PROGRAMS. -
Implementation Measures
1. The City and County shall closely monitor all reconstruction efforts involving both public and
private utilities, including roads, to provide for. less vulnerable redevelopment after a hurri-
cane.
2. The City and County shall continue to maintain and review present plans for evacuation,
recovery, and reconstruction.

LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
O
The land classification system is a means of assisting in the implementation of the land use plan
policies. It allows the local government and its citizens to specify those areas where certain policies
will apply. The land classification system is intended to be supported and complemented by zoning,
subdivision and other land use management tools. Together they provide the guidance to help realize
the desired future land uses.
The land classifications for the 1993 Wilmington -New Hanover County Land Use Plan Update are
as follows:
Developed
The purpose of the Developed class is to provide for continued intensive development and redevel-
opment of existing urban areas. These areas are already developed at a density approaching 500
LJ dwelling units per square mile. Urban services are already in place or scheduled within the immediate
LJ future. Most of the land within the City of Wilmington is designated as Developed, except for some
Urban Transition and Conservation areas. Density may exceed 2.5 units per acre within the Devel-
oped class, depending upon local zoning regulations.
QUrban Transition
The purpose of the Urban Transition class is to provide for future intensive urban development on
lands that have been or will be provided with necessary urban services. The location of these areas is
based upon land use planning policies requiring optimum efficiency in land utilization and public ser-
vice delivery.
�J Residential development can exceed 2.5 units per acre within the Urban Transition area provided
the development is adequately designed to be compatible with existing and proposed surrounding land
uses and it is served by:
1. Sewer - the development shall be served by City or County sewer systems or private package
treatment systems that meet the most stringent State requirements.
2. Municipal or County water system - the development shall be served by City or County water
systems or a private water system constructed in accordance with City of Wilmington stan-
dards.
3. Direct access to a minor arterial or larger access road, as classified under the New Hanover
County Thoroughfare Classification System - the development may be required to fully pro-
vide or to share in the cost of the provision of roadway improvements needed to adequately
n 0 serve the proposed development, and the community in general.
LJ
55

Limited Transition
The purpose of the Limited Transition class is to provide for development in areas that will have
some services, but at lower densities than those associated with Urban Transition.
Residential density should be no more than 2.5 units/acre, with lower density being more desir-
able. The use of clustering and Planned Unit Developments (PUD) is encouraged. n
These areas were previously designated as Transition and were intended to provide for more inten-
sive future urban development. However, the provision of public services has been scaled back and
less intensive urban development is planned.
Community 0
The purpose of the Community class-is'to provide for "crossroads" type of development to help
meet housing, shopping, employment and public service needs within the more rural areas of the U
County. Services may be provided to these areas, but not to stimulate more intensive development.
Density shall not exceed 2.5 units/acre. n
These rural areas of the planning jurisdiction are typically characterized by a small grouping of u
mixed land uses, such as community shopping, church, school and residences, which provide low in- O
tensity retail service and housing opportunities. The only area currently designated as "Community"
is Castle Hayne.
l.1
Rural
The purpose of the Rural class is to provide for areas of low intensity land uses, such as agricul-
ture, forest management, mineral extraction and other traditional agrarian uses. This classification
discourages the premature conversion of these lands into urban -type uses and the subsequent loss of U
resource production.
Other land uses of a noxious or hazardous nature with the potential for negative impacts on adja- U
cent uses may be allowed, provided that they can be sited in a manner which will minimize their
negative effect on surrounding land uses and natural resources. �}
Only low density residential development not exceeding 2.5 units per acre is permitted, since the
extension of urban services into the Rural class would be an inefficient use of resources. Compatible
commercial and industrial uses may also be allowed, provided that natural resources are not adversely u
impacted. n
U
O
56 U

Conservation
The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for effective long-term management and pro-
tection of significant, limited or irreplaceable natural resources. Management of these areas may be
required for a number of reasons, including natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic val-
ues.
Lands placed in the Conservation class are generally the least desirable for development because:
1. They are too fragile to withstand development without losing their natural value; and/or
2. They have severe or hazardous limitations to development; and/or
3. Though they are not highly fragile or hazardous, the natural resources they represent are too
valuable to endanger by development. -
Generally, estuarine areas of environmental concern (AFC's), as defined by the State of North
Carolina, and adjacent lands within the 100-year floodplain have been classified as Conservation.
Conservation area should be preserved in their natural state. Woodland, grassland and recreation
areas not requiring filling are the most appropriate uses. Exceptions to this standard are limited to
water -dependent uses (i.e., uses that cannot function elsewhere), shared industrial access corridors,
and those exceptional development proposals which are sensitively designed so as to effectively pre-
serve the natural functions of the site. The following guidelines clarify these Conservation area objec-
tives:
1. Water dependent uses - may include: utility easements, docks, wharves, boat
ramps, dredging, bridge and bridge approaches, revetments, bulkheads, culverts,
groins, navigational aids, moorings, pilings, navigational channels, simple access
channels and drainage ditches. In some instances, a water -dependent use may in-
volve coverage of sizeable land areas with limited opportunities to integrate the use
with the site's natural features. This would require reclassification of the site. By
contrast, water dependent uses which can be designed to preserve a site's natural
features may not require reclassification. This would be the preferred type of devel-
opment.
2. Shared industrial access corridors - as discussed in the U.S. Army Corps' of Engi-
neers' The Wilmington Harbor: Plan for Improvement, would provide necessary ac-
cess to the channel of the Northeast Cape Fear River for industries located on high
ground while minimizing the adverse environmental impacts of such access.
3. Exceptional developments preserving natural features are projects which are sensi-
tively designed so as to harmonize with the site's natural features. Such projects
minimize erosion, impervious surfaces, runoff and siltation; do not adversely impact
estuarine resources; do not interfere with access to or use of navigable waters; do
not require extraordinary public expenditures for maintenance; ensure that ground
absorption sewage systems, if used, meet applicable standards; and do not damage
historic, architectural or archeological resources.
57

In no case shall residential density in the Conservation class be permitted to exceed 2.5 units per o
acre, regardless of the existence of public urban services. Residential densities may be required to be
as low as 1.0 unit/acre or less, depending on the environmental constraints within a particular area.
While certain Conservation areas may be served by public sewer in order to eliminate septic system
pollution, this should not be misconstrued as an incentive to facilitate increased development density.
Resource Protection
The purpose of the Resource Protection class is to provide for the preservation and protection of
important natural, historic, scenic, wildlife and recreational resources. The Resource Protection class
has been developed in recognition of the fact that New Hanover County, one of the most urbanized
counties in the State, still contains numerous areas of environmental or cultural sensitivity which merit
protection from urban land uses.
The Resource Protection class includes land adjacent to the estuarine waters which are classified
SA by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management. The class includes land in the
Castle Hayne area where the protection of farmland, a rural lifestyle, and the aquifer system are
highly important issues. Residential densities greater than 2.5 units per acre shall not be permitted in
the Resource Protection class. Residential densities may be required to be as low as 1.0 unit/acre or
less, depending on the development constraints within a particular area. Compatible commercial and
industrial development may be located within the Resource Protection class as long as important re-
sources are not adversely impacted. It is important to note that the County sewer service being pro-
vided to portions of this area is intended for the purpose of eliminating septic system pollution and not
for encouraging increased density of development.
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
Included on the last page is the Land Classification Map. This map indicates the location of each
of the land classes previously described in this section. It is intended for general location purposes
only and should not be utilized for site -specific interpretive purposes due to its scale. For more de-
tailed information regarding the land classification for a specific site, contact the New Hanover
County Planning Department or the City of Wilmington Planning and Development Department.
AMENDING THE PLAN
The purpose of the Wilmington -New Hanover County Land Use Plan is to provide a local plan-
ning guide for future growth and development during the period covered by the Plan. Accordingly,
the Plan's essential elements - the Policies and the Land Classification Map - should remain substan-
tially unchanged during the Plan's tenure. Frequent changes of these elements would undermine the
Plan's effectiveness. Nevertheless, future developments involving unanticipated conflicts with the
Plan may warrant amendment of the Plan in some instances. This section outlines the procedures ap-
plicable to such amendments.
58

U 1. Form of Application
O Requests for amendment to the Plan (text or map) must be submitted in writing to the Planning
n Department office(s) at least 15 worldng days prior to the next meeting of the appropriate
�.1 planning advisory body(ies). Applicants shall specify the reasons why the proposed amend-
ment is in the public interest. Applications for map revisions shall include a site map (scale
not less than 1" = 1 mile) which clearly indicates the area in question. Local governments
shall be reimbursed by the applicant for all advertising costs.
2. Jurisdiction
The following rules are provided to determine which governmental unit has jurisdiction regard-
ing proposed Plan amendments. All text amendments must be reviewed and approved by City
J and County government. Requests for map amendments shall be reviewed as follows:
- The City of Wilmington shall review and consider all changes to areas within the City
corporate limits.
- The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall review and consider all
modifications to the Urban and Limited Transition areas lying outside City limits.
New Hanover County shall review and consider all other map changes lying outside the
City limits.
FfRvi
3. Form o Review
The CAMA guidelines require a 30-day notice of the hearing date(s) upon which the respective
Ogoverning body(ies) will consider the amendment. Any locally approved amendments must
then be submitted to the State Division of Coastal Management for review. Proposed amend-
ments may then be subject to final review and approval by the Coastal Resources Commission,
as determined by the State Division of Coastal Management.
All proposed amendments shall be reviewed by applicable planning advisory bodies prior to final
governmental action.
Where approval by both governing bodies is required under paragraph (2) above, such approvals
must be in the same form.
Carrying Capacity
The number of individuals who can be supported without degrading the physical, ecological,
cultural and social environment, i.e., without reducing the ability of the environment to sustain the
desired quality of life over the long term.
Cumulative Impacts
Two or more individual effects which, when considered together, are considerable or which
0 compound or increase other environmental impacts.
59

a The individual impacts may be changes resulting from a single project or a number of
P Y Q
separate projects.
b) The cumulative impact from several projects is the change in the environment which results
from the incremental impact of the project when added to other closely related past, present,
and reasonably foreseeable probable future projects. Cumulative impacts can result from
individually minor but collectively significant projects taking place over a period of time.
Hydsic Soils U
Soils that are saturated with water. New Hanover County currently considers four types located in
the county, these are: Dorovan, Johnston, Pamlico Muck, and Tidal Marsh soils. Generalized
characteristics of these are high organic matter content of the surface, low shrink -swell potential,
and frequent sustained flooding.
Marina o
Shall include commercial marinas, rental slips, community boating facilities, and residential piers
renting more than two slips, as defined by the County.
Commercial Marina is defined as any dock or basin and associated structures commercially pro- a
viding permanent or temporary harboring or storing of two or more boats (pleasure and or com-
mercial), and providing marine services, including but not limited to retail sales for fuel, repair,
convenient food stuffs, boats, engines, and accessory equipment. O
Community Boating facility refers to a private, non-profit boating facility including a dock, pier
and/or launching ramp on property which has water frontage; the use of which is intended to serve
five or more residential lots.or residential units. The right to use such facility must be conferred
by an easement appurtenant to the'residential lot it is intended to serve. No commercial activities
of any kind shall be allowed within the confines of the facility.
Riparian Access n
The legal right of waterfront property owners to construct docks or piers that are contained within I I
the boundaries of their riparian area limit which is defined as a 90 degree angle from the edge of "
the channel back to the property line or shore. Piers must not interfere with riparian access. All
parts of a pier must be set back at least 15 ft.
SA Water n
Water that is classified by the Environmental Management Commission as SA. u
Watershed (�
The area of land where water that falls or is contained therein runs off or drains into the same �, J
river, stream, lake, estuary, or aquifer. n
U
O n
U
60 0

O
REFERENCE INDEX
4_1
A. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS - TECHNICAL REPORTS
a1.
Population Study of New Hanover County
2.
The Economy of New Hanover County
3.
Existing Land Use in New Hanover County
4.
Area Service Guide - Profile of Community Services and Facilities
5.
A Planning Guide - Summarization of Planning Reports Since 1986
6.
A Summary of Plans, Policies and Regulations in New Hanover County
7.
Wilmington's. Forecast, "Today and Tomorrow"
8.
Hurricane Mitigation and Reconstruction Plan .
9.
Environmental Resources and Constraints in New Hanover County
10. Future Land Use of New Hanover County
11. Citizen Participation Plan
B. POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES
1.
Resource Protection
21-30
a. Constraints to Development
21-24
U
U
b. Hazardous/Fragile Land Areas 21-24, 28-29
0
c. Barrier Islands
d. Shoreline Erosion and Channel Maintenance
21-22,24
22
e. Estuarine Watersheds
22-23,25
n
f. Cumulative Impacts
23
J
g. Stormwater Runoff
23-24
h. Septic Systems/Package Treatment Plants
22,24-25
n
i. Coastal Water Quality
23-26
u
j. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation
24-25
k. Marina and Floating Home Development
25
�j
1. Sea Level Rise
26
�J
m. Bulkhead Construction
26
n. Potable Water Supply/Groundwater
27-28
o. Industrial Impacts
28
LJ
+r,
p. Historic and Cultural Resources
29-30
U 2. Resource Production and Management 31-35
a. Agriculture and Forestry 32
�-y b. Mineral Resources 32
Uc. Open Space/Recreational Areas 33
d. Fisheries 34
(� e. Off -Road Vehicles 34
�f f. Energy Conservation 35
0 61

3.
Economic and Community Development
36-49
a. Public Service Provision
36-37,46-47
b. Urban Growth Management
37-38
c. Development Cost Assessment
37,46-47
d. Design Standards and Compatibility
37-38,40,42,47,48
e. Residential Development
38-39
f. Redevelopment/Restoration
39, 41-42
g. Commercial Nodes/Development
40-42
h. Transportation Impacts
40-42, 44
i. Industrial Development
42-43, 44
j. Energy Facility Siting and Development
43
k. Tourism
43-44
1. Alternative Transportation
45-46, 48
m. Capital Facilities and Community Services
46-47
n.' Landscaping/Urban Design
47-49
4.
Public Participation
50-51
a. Public Awareness
50,51
b. Public Involvement
50,51
5.
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Evacuation and Recovery
52-54
a. Mitigation
52
b. Evacuation
54
c. Recovery
52-54
C. LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
1.
Land Classes
55-58
2.
Land Classification Map
58
D. AMENDING THE PLAN 58-59
E. DEFINITIONS 59-60
F. MAPS
1. Land Classification Map 63, Insert
2. Existing Land Use Map Insert

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tv,
Ah.