HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Use Plan Update-1996CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
1996 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Adopted by the Craven County Board of Commissioners: June 17, 1996
Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: July 26, 1996
Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Wilmington, North Carolina
The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal
Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean
and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
1995 LAND USE PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pa e
SECTION
I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE .....................
I-1
B. DEMOGRAPHICS AND HOUSING .............................
1. Craven County Permanent Population ...........................
I-9
I-9
a) Regional and County Population Growth .....................
I-9
b) Geographic Distribution of Craven County's Population - 1970-1993 ...
c) Composition by Age .................................
I-11
I-14
d) Composition by Race and Sex ...........................
I-16
2.
Craven County Seasonal Population ............................
a) Introduction and Methodology ...........................
I-18
I-18
3.
Craven County Housing Characteristics ..........................
I-19
a) Number and Tenure of Private Housing Units
b) Type and Condition of Private Housing Units .................
I-19
I-22
c) Substandard Housing ................................
I-26
4.
Summary - Demographics and Housing ..........................
I-27
C. ECONOMY
1.
2.
Introduction ............................................
Employment and Income ...................................
I-30
I-31
3.
Education ............................................
I-35
4.
5.
Tourism .............................................
Commercial Fishing ......................................
I-36
I-36
6.
Manufacturing .........................................
I-37
7.
8.
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point ..........................
Agriculture ...........................................
I-39
I-41
9.
Commercial Forestry ..................................
I-43
10.
11.
Craven County Financial Condition ............................
Summary - Economy .....................................
I-43
I-44
D. EXISTING LAND USE ..................................... I-45
1. Introduction ........................................... I-45
2. Key Land Use Issues ..................................... I-47
3. Residential Land Use ..................................... I-48
4. Commercial Land Uses .................................... I-50
5. Industrial Land Use ...................................... I-50
6. Institutional Land Uses .................................... I-51
7. Transportation ......................................... I-53
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8.
Existing Ordinances and Land Use Controls .......................
I-53
9.
Effectiveness of the 1988 Land Use Plan and Policies .................
I-58
E. LAND
AND WATER USE COMPATIBILITY ANALYSIS ...............
I-59
1.
General Discussion ......................................
I-59
2.
3.
Unplanned Development ...................................
Changes in Predominant Land Uses ............................
I-60
I-61
4.
Summary ............................................I-62
F. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY ...............
I-63
1.
Topography/Geology and Groundwater Resources ...................
I-63
2.
3.
Flood Hazard Areas ......................................
Soils ...............................................
I-63
I-67
4.
Estuarine High Erosion Rate Areas ............................
I-69
5.
Surface Water .........................................
I-69
6.
Slopes in Excess of 12 %...................................
I-72
7.
Manmade Hazards .......................................
I-72
8.
Fragile Areas ..........................................
a) Coastal Wetlands ...................................
I-72
I-74
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b) Estuarine Waters ...................................
I-74
c) Estuarine Shorelines .................................
I-74
d) Public Trust Areas ..................................
I-74
e) 404 Wetlands .....................................
I-75
f) Natural Resource Fragile Areas ..........................
g) Historic and Archaeological Sites .........................
I-76
I-76
h) Maritime Forests ...................................
I-77
9.
i) Other Fragile Areas .................................
Areas of Resource Potential .................................
I-77
I-77
a) Agricultural and Forestlands ............................
I-77
b) Valuable Mineral Resources ............................
c) Public Forests .....................................
I-78
I-78
d) Public Parks ......................................
I-78
e) Public Gamelands..................................
f) Private Wildlife Sanctuaries .............................
I-78
I-78
g) Marine Resources ..................................
I-78
G. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: PUBLIC FACILITIES ...............
I-81
1.
Water Supply ..........................................
I-81
2.
3.
Wastewater Disposal .....................................
Solid Waste Disposal .....................................
I-84
I-84
4.
Transportation .........................................
I-85
a) Roads ..........................................
b) Airport .........................................
I-85
I-89
5.
Educational Facilities .....................................
I-89
6.
7.
Recreational Facilities .....................................
Other County Facilities
I-90
I-94
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ISECTION II: PROJECTED LAND DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
A.
PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH
AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ...........................
H-1
1. YEAR-ROUND POPULATION PROJECTIONS .................
2. POPULATION PROJECTIONS BY AGE, RACE, SEX ..
II-1
H-7
3. HOUSING TRENDS ............... ............
II-10
B.
PROJECTED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
AND RELATED LAND USE ISSUES ...........................
II-11
1. GENERAL ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS ....................
II-11
2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY ........................
3. MANUFACTURING .................................
II-13
II-13
4. FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE ..........................
II-14
5. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE AND SERVICES ...........
6. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT .........................
II-14
II-15
C.
PUBLIC FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND LAND USE ISSUES ...
H-18
1. INTRODUCTION ...................................
II-18
2. WATER SYSTEM ...................................
II-19
3. WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL ...............
II-19
4. STORM DRAINAGE .................................
5. TRANSPORTATION...............................
II-21
II-21
6. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL .............................
II-23
7. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES ...........................
8. RECREATION...............
II-23
II-24
9. OTHER COUNTY FACILITIES ..........................
II-24
D.
REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES .................................
II-25
ISECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ........................ III-1
SECTION IV: CRAVEN COUNTY POLICY STATEMENTS
A.
INTRODUCTION TO POLICY STATEMENTS ......................
IV-1
B.
RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS ..................
IV-2
C.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES ............
IV-6
D.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ...................
IV-9
E.
CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ........................
IV-15
F.
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION POLICIES .......................
IV-16
POST -DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION PLANS AND POLICIES ..........
IV-18
SECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
. V-1
A.
DEVELOPED CLASS ....... ....
. V-1
B.
COMMUNITY CLASS ......................................
V-1
C.
URBAN TRANSITION ......................................
V-1
D.
LIMITED TRANSITION .....
V-1
E.
RURAL WITH SERVICES CLASS ..............................
V-2
F.
RURAL CLASS ..........................................
V-2
G.
CONSERVATION CLASS
V-2
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1:
Total Population and Percent Change for CAMA-Regulated
I-10
Counties, 1960-1994
Table 2:
Craven County, Residence in 1985 -- State and County Level
I-11
(Persons 5 Years and Over)
Table 3:
Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township
I-13
and Municipality - Craven County, 1970-1993
Table 4:
Total Population by Age - Craven County, 1980, 1990, 1994
I-14
Table 5:
Percentages of Total Population by Age Group - Craven County,
I-16
1980, 1990, 1994
Table 6:
Number and Percent Increase by Race and Sex - Craven County,
I-16
1980, 1990, 1994
Table 7:
Percentages of Total Population by Race and Sex - Craven County,
I-17
1980, 1990, 1994
Table 8:
1993 Military -Related Population, Craven County
I-17
Table 9:
Summary of Year -Round and Seasonal Private Housing Units -
I-19
Craven County, 1970-1990
Table 10:
Summary of Year -Round Housing Units by Tenure - Craven
I-21
County, 1980-1990
Table 11:
Median Value of Owner -Occupied Housing Units - Craven County,
I-22
1980-1990
Table 12:
Summary of Persons Per Unit and Overcrowded Conditions -
I-23
Craven County, 1980-1990
Table 13:
Housing Conditions - Craven County, 1970-1990
I-24
Table 14:
Number of Year Round Housing Units Tied to Public Utilities -
I-25
Craven County, 1970-1990
Table 15:
Housing for Bachelor and Married Personnel, MCAS Cherry Point
I-26
Table 16:
Craven County Civilian Unemployment Rate
I-31
Table 17:
Craven County Employment by Industry, Employed Persons 16
I-32
Years and Over - 1992
Table 18:
Travel Time to Work,Workers 16 years and Over - Craven County,
I-33
1990
Table 19:
Craven County and North Carolina Poverty Status,
I-34
1979 and 1989
Table 20:
North Carolina, Craven County Per Capita Income - 1990-1992
I-34
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Table 21:
ma,
Craven County -North Carolina, 1990 - Educational Attainment 18
I-35
Years of Age or Older
Table 22:
Craven County Tourism Income, 1981-1993
I-36
Table 23:
Craven County Commercial Fishing Income, 1981-1993
I-37
Table 24:
1995 Craven County Industries
I-37
Table 25:
Economic Impact Summary, MCAS Cherry Point, NC
I-39
Table 26:
Craven County Farm Income, 1985-1993
I-42
Table 27:
Non-farm/Commercial Forest Income Production, 1985 to 1993
I43
Table 28:
Major Land Uses in Craven County, 1989 and 1995
I-45
Table 29:
Estuarine Erosion Areas in Craven County, NC
I-70
Table 30:
Craven County Water System - Connection Line Sizes by Number
I-81
of Miles
Table 31:
Craven County Water System - Storage Tanks and Capacity
I-83
Table 32:
Outline of Craven County Booster Pump Stations
I-83
Table 33:
Recommended Construction Priorities - Craven County 1992
I-85
Preliminary Thoroughfare Plan
Table 34:
Craven County Schools - Enrollment Versus Capacity, 1994-95
I-89
Table 35:
Recreation Sites/Facilities Used by Craven County Parks and
I-91
Recreation
Table 36:
Craven County Water Access Facilities
I-93
Table 37:
Craven County Fire Districts, 1994 Tax Rates
I-94
Table 38:
Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township
II-3
and Municipality, Craven County, 1983-2005, No Base Loading
Table 39:
Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township
II-4
and Municipality - Craven County, 1993-2005, #1: 1994 Low
Growth Base Loading
Table 40:
Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township
II-5
and Municipality - Craven County, 1993-2005, #2: High Growth
Base Loading
Table 41:
Average Annual Year -Round Population Growth Rate and Percent
II-6
Change, Craven County, 1980-2005
Table 42:
Total Population by Age and Percent Change - Craven County,
II-8
1993-2005
Table 43:
Population and Percent Increase by Race and Sex - - Craven County,
II-9
1993-2005
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Table 44: Growth of Income -Producing Industries, Craven County, 1993-2005 II-11
Table 45: Rank of Industry by Employment Earnings, Craven County, 1993 II-13
and 2005
Table 46: Total Job Generation, NADEP Expansion II-15
Table 47: Job Generation, NADEP/Cecil Field Expansion II-15
Table 48: Employment Estimates - High Military Growth II-16
Craven County, 1993-2005
Table 49: Rank of Industry by Employment Earnings, Craven County, 1993 II-18
and 2005, High Military Growth
Table 50: Craven County Regional Airport - Transportation Improvement II-22
Program -Aviation Element - North Carolina Department of
Transportation
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LIST OF MAPS
Map 1
Craven County, North Carolina Townships Map
I-15
Maps 2A & 2B: Concentrations of Substandard Housing
I-28/29
Map 3:
Craven County, North Carolina
Existing Land Use
I-46
Map 4:
Craven County, North Carolina
Location of Major Subdivisions -
I-49
1993-94
Map 5:
Craven County, North Carolina
School Sites
I-52
Map 6:
Craven County, North Carolina
Flood Hazard Map
I-65
Map 7:
Craven County, North Carolina
Storm Surge Map
I-66
Map 8:
Craven County, North Carolina
Soils Map
I-68
Map 9:
Estuarine Erosion Areas
I-71
Map 10:
Craven County, North Carolina
I-73
Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas
Map 11:
Craven County, North Carolina
SA, SB, SC Water Classifications
I-80
Map 12:
Craven County, North Carolina
Water and Sewer Service Areas
I-82
Map 13:
Craven County, North Carolina
Average Daily Traffic Volumes,
I-86
1994
Map 14:
Neuse River Bridge Replacement
Alternatives
I-88
Maps 15A & 15B: Land Classification Maps
III-4/5
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SECTION I:
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
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SECTION I. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
The Craven County Land Use Plan was certified by the Coastal Resources Commission on
January 28, 1994. This update of the land use plan is being undertaken in response to the
Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) decision made during the summer
of 1993 which may impact growth at the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval
Aviation Depot. The resulting growth may range from a low of 2,400 to a high of 12,000.
When the 1993 land use plan was prepared, specific information on this expansion was not
applicable. The military expansion will affect the demographic/economic data contained in the
1993 plan and impact the issues and policies that are included within the plan. Specifically, this
update will accomplish the following:
1) Establishment of county -wide policies to deal with existing and anticipated land
use issues created by the Cherry Point military expansion.
2) Assessment of county -wide infrastructure needs created by the military expansion.
3) Assessment of county -wide housing needs created by the military expansion.
4) Establishment of an effective citizen participation process.
5) Assessment of county -wide transportation planning issues created by the military
expansion.
6) Establishment of a new land classification map which will include significant
changes resulting from the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval
Aviation Depot.
7) Assessment of environmental issues concerning increased military presence and
activities in Craven County.
8) An updated land use plan based on an effective citizen participation plan.
This plan update contains a summary of data collection and analysis, an existing land use map,
a policy discussion, and a land classification map. It should be noted that the policy section of
the plan is the most important part of the document. State and federal agencies will use the local
land use policies in making project consistency, funding, and permit decisions. The 7B
guidelines require that the following issues be addressed in the plan:
1) Resource Protection
2) Resource Production and Management
3) Economic and Community Development
4) Continuing Public Participation
5) Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans
The 1993 Craven County land use plan included policy statements which addressed these five
policy areas. The following provides a summary of the most significant 1993 policies. It is
emphasized that this is only a summary and not the complete 1993 policies section. None of the
1993 policies exceeded the requirements of 15A NCAC 7H.
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RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS I
PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Soils: To mitigate existing septic tank problems and other restrictions on development
posed by soil limitations in Craven County, the county will:
-- Enforce all current regulations of the N.C. State Building Code and Craven
County Health Department relating to building construction and septic tank
installation/ replacement in areas with soils restrictions.
— Support the development of central water and sewer systems in all areas of the
county.
-- The county will cooperate with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in the
regulation/enforcement of the 404 wetlands permit process. However, additional
wetlands regulations will not be supported or locally imposed by the county.
Flood Hazard Areas:
-- Craven County will continue to coordinate all development within the special
flood hazard area with the county's Inspections Department, North Carolina
Division of Coastal Management, FEMA, and the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
Groundwater/Protection of Potable Water Supplies:
-- Craven County's water system is supplied by a series of wells. Land uses near
groundwater sources are regulated by the North Carolina Division of
Environmental Management through 15A N.C.A.C. Subchapters 2L and 2C.
Craven County recognizes the importance of protecting potable water supplies
and therefore supports the enforcement of these regulations. Also, the county
may consider adopting controls which will discourage development which may
encroach upon these wells. ,.k
Manmade Hazards:
— Craven County will support the technical requirements and state program
approval for underground storage tanks as prescribed by 15A NCAC 2H, Criteria
and Standards Applicable to Underground Storage Tanks.
— Craven County opposes the disposal of any toxic wastes, as defined by the U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency's Listing of Hazardous Substances and Priority
Pollutants (developed pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 1977, within the
Craven County planning jurisdiction.
-- Craven County supports continued growth and development of both the Cherry
Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport.
1-2
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Stormwater Runoff: Craven County will support state regulations relating to stormwater
runoff resulting from development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15A NCAC
2H.001-.1003).
Cultural/Historic Resources:
-- Craven County shall coordinate all housing rehabilitation/redevelopment projects
with the N. C. Division of Archives and History, to ensure that any significant
architectural details or buildings are identified and preserved.
Craven County will coordinate all public works projects with the N.C. Division
of Archives and History, to ensure the identification and preservation of
significant historic and archaeological sites.
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas:
— Industrial development which can comply with the use standards specified by
15A NCAC 7H may be located within conservation classified areas. Craven
County aggressively encourages the development of industry. The county does
not want any policies contained within this plan to prohibit industrial
development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations.
-- The county believes that all industrial prospects should be given a fair, case -by -
case assessment in order to carefully compare possible economic benefits with
possibly negative environmental effects. Such reviews will be coordinated by
Craven County through various county agencies and departments.
-- The Economic Development Commission may represent to qualified industrial
clients the policy that Craven County will extend utility lines and/or make such
improvements to utility systems as may be required to cause such industry to
locate to a monetary amount not to exceed fifty (50) percent of the anticipated
tax revenue for the first five (5) years after the industry has completed
construction and occupied its facility.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION
Package Treatment Plant Use:
Craven County supports the construction of package treatment plants which are
approved and permitted by the State Division of Environmental Management.
As package plants are approved, Craven County supports requirement of a
specific contingency plan specifying how ongoing private operation and
maintenance of the plant will be provided, and detailing provisions for
assumption of the plant into a public system should the private operation fail.
-- Craven County supports the discharge of package treatment plant effluent into
404 wetland areas.
Marina and Floating Home Development: Craven County will enforce the following
policies to govern floating homes and marina development:
I-3
Craven County will allow the construction and expansion of marinas, including
upland marinas, in all areas which satisfy the use standards for marinas as
specified in 15A NCAC 7H. This shall include marinas proposed for location
within Conservation areas.
Craven County will allow construction of dry stack storage facilities for boats
associated either with or independent of marinas. All applicable state and federal
regulations must be satisfied.
Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands: There are no estuarine system islands
of any significance in Craven County's jurisdiction. For those islands which do exist,
Craven County does not oppose development of the islands if the development satisfies
the 15A NCAC 7H use standards.
Bulkhead Construction: Craven County supports the construction of bulkheads as long
as they fulfill the use standards set forth in 15A NCAC 7H.
Sea Level Rise: Craven County will implement the following policies to respond to sea
level rise:
-- Craven County will support bulkheading on the mainland to protect its shoreline
areas from intruding water resulting from rising sea level.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
RECREATION RESOURCES
— Subject to available funds, Craven County supports a comprehensive recreational
program to provide a broad range of recreational facilities for its citizens.
— The county could seek donations of land, bargain sales, or grant funds in order
to obtain sites suitable for development as a water park or swimming area.
Productive Agricultural Lands:
-- Craven County supports and encourages use of the U.S. Soil Conservation
Service "Best Management Practices" program to protect productive agricultural
lands.
— Craven County, in recognition of the importance of agriculture to the county's
economy, believes that existing federal and state permitting procedures pose
enough limitations to the use of farmland in the county. Because of the soil types
and topography, the county recognizes that proper drainage is essential and must
be allowed to continue as needed, and as it does not result in irreversible damage
to environmentally sensitive areas.
Aquaculture: Craven County supports the development of aquaculture and mariculture
facilities.
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Off -Road Vehicles: Craven County does not object to the responsible use of off -road
or all terrain wheeled vehicles in all areas except coastal wetlands.
Solid Waste:
— Craven County supports a regional multi -county approach to solid waste
management.
— Craven County favors the siting of recycling centers, transfer stations and solid
waste collection sites within all land classifications except those within the
conservation category.
Productive Forest Lands: Craven County encourages and supports utilization of the
Forest Best Management Practices Manual, 1989, North Carolina Division of Forest
Resources for all forestry operations. The county believes that imposing additional
restrictions is not necessary at this time nor should be throughout the planning period.
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Impacts on Resources:
Residential, commercial, and industrial development which meets 15A NCAC 7H use
standards will be allowed in estuarine shoreline, estuarine water, and public trust areas.
In all other areas, development will be allowed that is consistent with applicable local,
state and federal regulations.
Marine Resource Areas:
-- Craven County supports the use standards for estuarine and public trust areas as
specified in 15A NCAC 7H.0207.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
General: Craven County desires to expand its economic base, including tourism,
commercial fishing, retail and wholesale trade, real estate and construction, and industrial
development. Craven County will support growth and development at the densities
specified in the land classification definitions.
Craven County will remain committed to providing needed services, as
economically feasible, to accommodate new residential, commercial, and
industrial development in the county.
— The county believes that dense urban development should only take place where
both adequate water and sewer facilities are provided. This is especially true for
commercial and industrial land uses.
— Craven County, generally, would like to see development continue in areas
considered most feasible to accommodate the anticipated growth and
development, where support services such as water and sewer (including septic
tanks where necessary) are feasible, and where practical to provide.
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Water Supply: I
-- Craven County supports the extension of central water service into all areas of
the county, including the construction of lines to and through conservation areas
to serve development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations.
-- The county is aware that inappropriate land uses near well fields increase the
possibility of well contamination. Land uses near groundwater sources are
regulated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management through
N.C.A.C. Subchapter 21, and Subchapter 2C. Craven County recognizes the
importance of protecting potable water supplies, and therefore supports the
enforcement of these regulations.
Sewer System:
-- Craven County supports the discharge of effluent into 404 wetland areas.
-- Craven County supports a discharge point(s) into the Neuse River to alleviate
land application system(s) constrained by periods of extended wet weather.
— Craven County supports the extension of central sewer service into all areas of
the county, including the construction of lines to and through conservation areas
to serve development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations.
Stormwater: Craven County will cooperate with the NCDOT, the North Carolina
Division of Environmental Management, and other state agencies in mitigating the impact
of stormwater runoff on all conservation classified areas.
Energy Facility Siting and Development: Craven County will implement the following
energy facility siting and development policies:
-- Except for the Craven County Industrial Park energy generating facility, there
are no electric generating plants located in or proposed for Craven County.
However, the county will review proposals for development of electric generating
plants, or plants associated with peat mining, on a case -by -case basis, judging the
need for the facility against all identified possible adverse impacts.
— Craven County will not oppose offshore drilling operations and onshore support
facilities for which an environmental impact statement has been prepared with a
finding of no significant impact on the environment.
Redevelopment of Developed Areas: The most significant redevelopment issues facing
Craven County through 2000 are substandard housing and reconstruction following a
major storm. During the planning period, the county will attempt to correct its worst
substandard housing conditions by implementing the following:
-- The county should adopt a minimum housing code.
-- The county will apply for Community Development Block Grant Community
Revitalization, HOME and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency funds.
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Those policies address reconstruction needs. The county will allow the reconstruction
of any structures demolished by natural disaster when the reconstruction complies with
all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Estuarine Access: Craven County supports the state's shoreline access policies as set
forth in Chapter 15A, Subchapter 7M of the North Carolina Administrative Code. The
county will conform to CAMA and other state and federal environmental regulations
affecting the development of estuarine access areas. Craven County supports
participation in state/local sponsored shoreline access projects.
Types and Locations of Desired Industry: Industrial development is crucial to
economic growth in Craven County. The county's heavy reliance on employment in the
service, agricultural, and forestry sectors should be balanced by the development of a
base of industrial/manufacturing employment. Therefore, Craven County supports all
industrial development which satisfies applicable state and federal regulations.
Commitment to State and Federal Programs: Craven County is receptive to all state
and federal programs which provide improvements to the county.
Assistance in Channel Maintenance: Craven County will consider on a case -by -case
basis the provision of assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or state
officials to obtain spoil sites, provide financial aid, and assist in securing or providing
easements for work.
Tourism: Craven County will implement the following policies. to further the
development of tourism:
— Craven County will support North Carolina Department of Transportation
projects to improve access to the county.
— Craven County will support projects that will increase public access to shoreline
areas.
-- Craven County will continue to support the activities of the North Carolina
Division of Travel and Tourism; specifically, the monitoring of tourism -related
industry, efforts to promote tourism -related commercial activity, and efforts to
enhance and provide shoreline resources.
Transportation:
— Craven County supports all transportation improvements proposed in the NCDOT
County Thoroughfare Plan.
• All Craven County Regional Airport improvements indicated in the
airport's five-year transportation improvement program. This includes
but it not limited to construction of a new terminal building and
extension of runway 13-31.
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Craven County supports construction of the North Carolina Global Transpark and
implementation of a regional economic zone, and special sales tax to support the Global
Transpark.
CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
As the initial step in the preparation of this document, Craven County mainland prepared
and adopted a "Citizen Participation Plan." The plan outlined the methodology for
citizen involvement. Public involvement was generated through public information
meetings and development of the plan by the Craven County Planning Board.
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION POLICIES
The plan included detailed storm hazard mitigation policies.
Listed below are some of the sources and documents utilized during preparation of this land use
plan:
-- Craven County 1993 Land Use Plan Update
-- USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Craven County
-- NCDOT, Planning and Policies Section
-- Craven County Staff
-- Craven County Schools
-- North Carolina Division of Archives and History
-- Flood Insurance Study, Craven County
-- Marine Corps Air Station Zoning Ordinance
-- N. C. State Data Center, Office of State Planning
-- Craven County Subdivision Ordinance
-- North Carolina Division of Community Assistance
-- North Carolina Division of Coastal Management
-- North Carolina Department of Commerce
-- North Carolina Department of Transportation, Transportation Improvement
Program, 1993-1999
-- Craven County Mobile Home Park Ordinance
-- Craven County Code
-- Community Plans and Liaison Office, Marine Corps Air Station,
-- City of Havelock Staff
-- Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station Expansion Environmental Impact
Statement
I
1
I
I-8
IB. DEMOGRAPHICS AND HOUSING
1 1. CRAVEN COUNTY PERMANENT POPULATION
a) Regional and County Population Growth
All twenty except four of the North Carolina counties regulated by the Coastal Area
tY
Management Act (CAMA) experienced a net permanent population growth from 1960 to 1994,
as Table 1 indicates.
The 60.6% increase in population growth in the coastal counties since 1960 is reflective
of the well -documented national trend of migration to non -metropolitan areas which began in the
late 1960s. By the early 1970s, coastal North Carolina felt the impact of this migration. Note
that the twenty CAMA counties had a higher population growth rate than the state as a whole
from 1960-1994. Some of the factors influencing the growth of the coastal region include
expansion of military facilities, industrial decentralization, and in particular, the development
of recreation and retirement centers.
The growth of Craven and other coastal counties as recreational/retirement centers over
the past twenty years has had a significant impact on the composition of the permanent
population, and ultimately, the economic structure of the coastal region. The average household
size has decreased and the median age has increased as coastal North Carolina has grown as a
recreational/retirement center. The coastal areas are gradually losing their rural character as
residential and commercial development have expanded significantly near the state's shoreline
and estuarine areas over the past twenty years. Also, coastal counties such as Craven have had
a noticeable shift toward a non -basic (service and retail) economy over the past twenty years.
Increased retail trade and growth of service industries .' are the result of seasonal demand and
retiree in -migration to the coastal region.
The increased military and industrial presence in coastal North Carolina has also
influenced permanent population growth, peak population growth, and changes in population
composition in Craven and other coastal counties since 1960. The appeal of the region to
industry and the military -- availability of open space, low tax and wage structure, relatively few
"urban" problems -- also adds to its appeal to retirees and seasonal homeowners.
Although population growth in the state's oceanfront counties has exceeded growth in the
estuarine counties since 1960, Craven County has experienced the fastest growth of any of the
non -oceanfront CAMA-regulated counties since 1960, with a 48.1 % growth rate over the thirty-
four year period. Several factors may explain Craven County's sustained population growth,
including its continuing association with the military community, its accessible estuarine
resources, and rapid commercial growth in and adjacent to the City of New Bern.
I-9
Table 1
Total Population and Percent Change for CAMA-Regulated Counties, 1960-1994
County
Total Population
Percent Increase
1960
1970
1980
1990
1994
'60-'70
'70280
'80290
'90294
Overall
'60-'94
Carteret
27,438
31,603
41,092
52,556
57,750
15.2%
30.0%
27.9%
9.8%
110.4%
Currituck
6,601
6,976
11,089
13,736
15,193
5.7%
58.9%
23.9%
10.6%
130.1%
Dare
5,935
6,995
13,377
22,746
25,569
17.9%
91.2%
70.0%
12.4%
330.8%
Hyde
5,765
5,571
5,873
5,411
5,346
-3.4%
5.4%
-7.9%
-1.2%
-7.2%
Beaufort
36,014
35,980
40,355
42,283
43,364
-0.1%
12.2%
4.8%
2.5%
20.4%
Bertie
24,350
20,477
21,024
20,388
20,382
-15.9%
2.7%
-3.0%
-0.03%
-16.2%
Camden
5,598
5,453
5,829
5,904
6,108
-2.6%
6.9%
1.3%
3.5%
9.1%
Chowan
11,729
10,764
12,558
13,506
14,167
-8.2%
16.7%
7.5%
4.9%
20.7%
Craven
58,773
62,554
71,043
81,613
87,059
6.4%
13.6%
14.9%
6.7%
48.1%
Pamlico
9,850
9,467
10,398
11,372
11,807
4.2%
9.8%
9.4%
3.8%
19.8%
Pasquotank
25,630
26,824
28,462
31,298
32,820
4.7%
6.1%
10.0%
4.8%
28.0%
Perquimans
9,178
8,351
9,486
10,447
10,655
-9.0%
13.6%
10.1%
1.9%
16.0%
Tyrrell
4,520
3,806
3,975
3,856
3,851
-15.8%
4.4%
-3.0%
-0.1%
-14.8%
Washington
13,488
14,038
14,801
13,997
13,565
4.1%
5.4%
-5.4%
-3.0%
0.57%
Gates
9,254
8,524
8,875
9,305
9,701
-7.9%
4.1%
4.8%
4.2%
4.8%
Hertford
22,718
23,529
23,368
22,523
22,451
3.6%
-0.7%
-3.6%
-0.3%
-1.1%
Brunswick
20,278
24,223
35,777
50,985
57,851
19.4%
47.7%
42.5%
13.4%
185.2%
New Hanover
71,742
82,996
103,471
120,284
131,032
15.7%
24.7%
16.2%
8.9%
82.6%
Pender
18,508
18,149
22,262
28,855
32,528
-1.9%
22.7%
29.6%
12.7%
75.7%
Onslow
82,706
103,126
112,784
149,838
153,730
24.7%
9.4%
32.9%
2.5%
85.8%
Total
470,075
509,406
595,899
710,903
755,320
8.4%
16.9%
19.3%
6.2%
60.6%
North Carolina
4,556,155
5,084,411
5,880,095
6,628,637
7,023,663
11.6%
15.6%
12.7%
5.9%
54.1%
Source: State Data Center, N.C. Office of State Planning.
I-10
! W M �►'
Table 2 provides a summary of the 1985 place of residence of the county's 1990
population. Of these counted in Table 2, only 33,092, or 44.3 %, resided in the same dwelling
runit in both 1985 and 1990. A total of 25,692 residents, or 34.5 % of those counted in 1990,
had moved into Craven County since 1985.
Table 2
Craven County
Residence in 1985 -- State and County Level
(Persons 5 Years and Over)
Percentage of
Total
Total
Same House in 1985
33,092
44.3 %
iDifferent
House in U.S. in 1985:
Same County
15,830
21.2%
Different County:
Same State
5,901
7.9%
Different State:
Northeast
4,432
5.9 %
Midwest
2,721
3.6 %
South
7,801
10.5 %
West
3,371
4.5 %
Abroad in 1985:
Puerto Rico
37
0.2 %
U.S. Outlying Area
11
Foreign Country
1,418
1.990,
Total Population Aged 5 Years and Over
74,614
100.0%
Office of State Planning.
Source: O g
b) Geographic Distribution of Craven County's Population - 1970-1993
The most significant demographic trend in Craven County since 1970 has been an
increase in "urban" population. The US Census classifies "urban" population as that portion of
the populace living in incorporated municipalities or Census Designated Places (CDP's) with a
population of 2,500 or more. In 1993, Craven County's "urban" populace was located in New
Bern, Havelock, River Bend, and Trent Woods. These four areas had a combined population
of 47,448, or 54.5 % of the total 1993 county population of 87,059. The 1990 Census year was
the first year that Craven County's designated urban population exceeded the rural population.
Table 3 depicts the geographic distribution of Craven County's population by municipality
and unincorporated areas in 1970, 1980, 1990, and 1993. During the twenty-three year period,
the county's municipal population increased by 140.6%, while the population located in
unincorporated areas decreased by 11.1 %. The major reason for the dramatic growth in
municipal population from 1970-1993 was the 1980 annexation of Cherry Point MCAS by the
City of Havelock, and the incorporation of River Bend. Havelock, River Bend, and Trent
Woods have displayed rapid municipal growth over the twenty-three year period.
Of the county's four "rural" municipalities, only Cove City and Vanceboro enjoyed
population growth from 1970-1993. While Bridgeton had a very slight population decrease from
1970-1993 (-3.6 %), Dover's population dropped by 23.9 % over the twenty-three year period.
Additionally, the unincorporated areas of Craven County have shown a slight increase
of .8.5 % since 1980. However, the overall growth for the twenty-three year period has
decreased by 11.1 % .
1
I-12
Table 3
Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township and Municipality
Craven County, 1970-1993
Total Year -Round Population
Percentage Change
Overall
Township
Municipality or Area
1970
1980
1990
1993
1970-80
1980-90
1990-93
1970-93
Township 1
Vanceboro
758
833
946
1,000
9.9%
13.6%
5.7%
31.9%
Unincorporated Areas
4,188
4,526
4,992
5,060
8.1%
10.3%
1.4%
20.8%
Total Township
4,946
5,359
5,938
6,060
8.4%
10.8%
2.1%
22.5%
Township 2
Bridgeton
520
461
498
501
-11.3%
8.0%
0.6%
-3.7%
Unincorporated Areas
2,737
3,953
5,873
6,155
44.4%
48.6%
4.8%
124.9%
Total Township
3,257
4,414
6,371
6,656
35.5%
44.3%
4.5%
104.4%
Township 3
Cove City
485
500
497
507
3.1%
-0.6%
2.0%
4.5%
Dover
585
600
452
556
2.6%
-24.8%
-1.3%
-23.9%
Unincorporated Areas
2,767
2,703
2,479
2,446
-2.3 %
-8.3 %
-1.3 %
-11.6%
Total Township
3,837
3,803
3,427
3,398
-0.9%
-9.9%
-0.8%
-11.4%
Township 5
Total Township
2,047
2,551
2,635
2,647
24.6%
3.3%
0.5%
29.3%
Township 6
Havelock
3,012
17,718
20,300
20,072
488.2%
14.6%
-1.1%
566.4%
Unincorporated Areas
17,786
4,245
4,812
4,895
-76.1%
13.4%
1.7%
-72.5%
Total Township
20,798
21,963
25,112
24,967
5.6%
14.3%
-0.6%
20.0%
Township 7
Total Township
4,757
6,149
6,878
6,985
29.3%
11.9%
1.6%
46.8%
Township 8
New Bern
14,660
14,557
17,363
21,106
-0.7%
19.3%
21.6%
44.0%
River Bend
---
959
2,408
2,554
---
151.1 %
6.1 %
-
Trent Woods
719
1,177
2,366
3,716
63.7%
101.0%
57.1%
416.8%
Unincorporated Areas
5,746
7,952
6,656
6,466
38.4%
-16.3%
-2.9%
12.5%
Total Township
21,125
24,645
28,793
33,842
16.7%
16.8%
17.5%
60.2%
Township 9
Total Township
1,787
2,145
2,459
2,505
20.0%
14.6%
1.9%
40.2%
Total Municipalities
20,739
36,805
44,829
49,901
77.5%
21.8%
11.3%
140.6%
Total Unincorporated Areas
41,815
34,238
36,784
37,158
-18.1%
7.4%
1.0%
-11.1%
Total County
62,554
71,043
81,613
87,059
13.6%
14.9%
6.7%
39.2%
Source: State Data Center; Holland Consulting Planners,
Inc.
I-13
I
c) Composition by Age I
From 1980-1990, the total of individuals in Craven County who were 60 years of age and
older increased substantially from 7,978 to 12,693. This group grew to a total of 14,051 in
1994. This trend has directly resulted from increasing investment in waterfront and other
suburban property in Craven County by retirees. The total population by age segments for
1980-1994 is shown in Table 4. The township boundaries are depicted on Map 1.
Table 4 1
Total Population by Age
Craven County, 1980, 1990, 1994
Age
Population by Age Group
1980 1990
1994
0-4
6,569 7,066
7,201
5-18
19-24
16,031 16,082
12,007 9,772
17,349
9,715
25-44
19,225 25,635
26,491
45-59
9,233 10,365
12,252
60-74
6,166 9,496
10,132
75 & Up
1,812 3,197
3,919
Total
71,043 81,613
87,059
Source: State Data Center, N.C. Office of State Planning.
Several important trends in the composition of Craven County's population can be
identified through a review of Table 4. In the ten-year period between 1980 and 1990, the three
most rapidly growing segments of the population were the ages of 25-44, 60-74, and 75 and up.
Between 1990 and 1994, there was a shift in age groups showing rapid growth. The top three
segments for the period between 1990-1994 were the age groups of 5-18, 45-59, and 75 and up.
The 1980-1990 trends for Craven County were consistent with those of North
population tY
Carolina. However, for the period between 1990 and 1994, the trends for Craven County were
not as consistent with the state. The top three age groups for North Carolina were 0-4, 45-59,
and 75 and up.
The preschool and school age (0-18) population and the young adult (19-34) population
have decreased in terms of percentages of total population during 1980-1994. The younger
working (35-44) population and the elderly (60+) population have grown much faster than the
total population in the fourteen -year period of 1980-1994 and now occupy larger percentages of
the total population than they did in 1980. These trends are outlined in tabular form below.
I-14
1
1
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
f
1
1
1
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF a
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMEN1\
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \
:NY
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rlY
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-----_---
JONES
COUNTY
N
LEGEND
•••-•••t
SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONEE SURFACED ROAD
HARD SURFAGD ROAD
DIVIDEC HIGHWAY
==1 I==
HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE
�o
U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
1100
SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER
RAILROAD
«I+r++++++
--- —
COUNTY LINE
------
CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
. ,----;a
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
--°—�
NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING
JURISDICTION
CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW
BERM/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON
Iva
a-
9R GETON
OF (I j "AA,
- ` NEUSE
.T.
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4
C R 0 A T A N ree CITY 0
P\•\ NAVELO
��a \ NATIONAL �•
�.\ CRAVEN COUNTY
y •. -b
1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 TOWNSHIP NUMBER
FOREST North Carolina
NOTE: THERE'IS NOT A TOWNSHIP NUMBER 4. '�
�' Pt.` TOWNSHIPS MAP
�\ SCALE MAP 1
1 2 3 A MILES
I-15
1
Table 5
Percentages of Total Population by Age Group
Craven County, 1980,
1990, 1994
Age Group
1980
31.8%
1990
28.4%
1994
28.2%
Preschool and School Age Population (0-18)
Young Adult Population (19-34)
33.8 %
29.8 %
27.3 %
Younger Working Population (35-44)
10.1 %
13.6 %
14.3 %
1
Older Working Population (45-59)
13.1 %
12.7 %
14.1 %
Elderly Population (60 and up)
11.2 %
15.5 %
16.1 %
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
d) Composition by Race and Sex
The analysis of Craven County's racial composition is an important part of this study of
recent demographic trends, since changes in minority population profoundly affect issues such
as housing and local economic and community development in eastern North Carolina.
Category
Table 6
Number and Percent Increase by Race and Sex
Craven County - 1980, 1990, 1994
Total Population
Percent Change
1980
1990
1994
1980-1990
Total White
50,554
58,478
63,528
25.6%
Males
26,481
29,519
32,132
21.3 %
Females
24,073
28,959
31,396
30.4%
Total Minorities
Males
20,489
10,124
23,135 .
10,985
23,531
11,003
14.8%
8.6%
Females
10,365
12,150
12,528
20.8%
Total Males
36,605
40,504
43,135
17.8 %
Total Females
34,438
41,109
43,924
27.5 %
Total County
71,043
81,613
87,059
22.5%
Source: State Data Center, N.C. Office of State Planning.
As Table 6 indicates, the minority population in Craven County grew at a lower rate than
the white population from 1980-1994. The Craven County female population grew at a rate of
27.5 % from 1980-1994.
In terms of percentage of total population, the most important population trends from
1980-94 by race and sex were the increase in white/non-black minority populations and the
increase in the female population, as indicated in Table 7.
Table 7
Percentages of Total Population by Race and Sex
Craven County - 1980, 1990, 1994
Category
Percentage of Total Population
1980
1990
1994
Net Change
1980-1990
Total White
71.2 %
71.7 %
72.9 %
+ 1.7 %
Males
37.3 %
36.2 %
36.9 %
-0.4 %
Females
33.9 %
35.5 %
36.0 %
+2.1 %
Total Minority
28.8 %
28.3 %
27.0 %
-1.8 %
Males
14.2 %
12.3 %
12.6 %
-1.6 %
Females
14.5 %
13.5 %
14.3 %
-0.2 %
Total Males
51.5 %
49.6 %
49.5 %
-2.0 %
Total Females
48.5 %
50.4 %
50.4 %
+ 1.9 %
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
The relative decrease in minority population since 1980 indicates that the migratory
pattern in Craven County in recent years has been dominated by an incoming white population.
It is safe to state that minority population growth in Craven County has been almost entirely
dependent on birth and death rates since 1980. A minority population relatively unaffected by
migratory patterns is typical of coastal North Carolina counties, and is reflective of several
socioeconomic factors such as education, housing availability and industrial development, which
will be addressed in the discussion of economic conditions.
The population growth of Craven County, particularly from 1990, has been affected by
the increased military presence of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Table 8 provides
the military population for Craven County.
Table 8
1993 Military -Related Population
Craven County
Military:
Active Duty 8,862
Retired 1,866
Civilian 3,021
Mil/Civ. Dependents 17,234
Total 31,073
Source: 1994 Economic Impact, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
I-17
u
A
1
1
2. CRAVEN COUNTY SEASONAL POPULATION
a) Introduction and Methodology
In CAMA-regulated counties, a study of recreational or seasonal population is necessary
to any overall analysis of demographic trends. In fact, for oceanfront counties, seasonal
population is often more important than permanent population in defining the impact of growth
on community facilities and fragile areas. Additionally, the recreational population has a
profound effect on the economy of the coastal region, accounting for a large portion of the non -
basic (service and retail) economy and indirectly impacting more basic industries such as fishing,
agriculture, import/export, and manufacturing.
In the preceding section, population data from the N.C. State Data Center was utilized
to present year-round population trends. The estimation methods utilized by the N.C. State Data
Center for year-round population (ratio correlation and administrative records) are not
appropriate for estimating seasonal population. Enumeration of housing units is the most
appropriate method of estimating recreational population. In the housing unit approach, the total
number of housing units is multiplied by the average household size to obtain estimated
population.
For this study, use will be made of demographic methodology for measuring recreational
populations for the Albemarle -Pamlico region developed by Paul D. Tschetter of East Carolina
University in 1988. The advantage of the ECU methodology is that it relies on an extensive
empirical enumeration of marina boat slips, motel rooms, and campgrounds in addition to private
seasonal housing units. The study also includes an excellent approach to estimating average
population by type of individual housing unit. For purposes of the ECU study (and this
demographic analysis), "total seasonal housing units" includes (1) all single and multi -family
private housing units used by the overnight tourist population rather than the permanent
population; (2) all motel/hotel rooms [including bed and breakfasts]; (3) all seasonal and
transient campground sites; and (4) all individual marina wet slips capable of docking boats of
a size and type which can house people overnight. Marina facilities for fueling/repair only [no
overnight dockage], and those that only dock commercial fishing boats, are excluded from the
enumeration of seasonal housing units.
In the ECU study mentioned above, the impact of seasonal population in Craven County
was found to be minimal. For the 1987 base year, the total recreational infrastructure (seasonal
housing, hotel rooms, campgrounds and marinas) accounted for less than five percent of total
Craven County housing, and the total increase in population at full seasonal unit occupancy was
only four percent. This already minimal impact is reduced when one considers that "overnight"
marina spaces in Craven County, assumed to be 100% held for seasonal use in the ECU study,
are largely held for personal use by permanent county residents. Also, most hotel/motel rooms
in Craven County are used by overnight business guests rather than recreational users, which
reduces the impact of the hotel/motel population on county infrastructure and services.
In 1990, only 342 housing units in Craven County were classified as "seasonal,
recreational, or occasional use" in the U.S. Census data. This is a 54% increase over the 222
seasonal units enumerated during the 1980 census. The ECU study assumed a household size
I-18
11
for seasonal private housing of 3.3, which would result in a 1990 population increase for private
seasonal units of only 1,129 at full occupancy. The overall impact of seasonal private housing
on Craven County's infrastructure, traffic, and recreational facilities can be assumed to be
minimal.
According to the Craven County Boater's Guide, the county's nine marinas contain a total
of only 67 transient slips, roughly half of which are located in Bridgeton or New Bern. The
impact of overnight/seasonal marina traffic is minimal. The same can be said for impact from
the two public campgrounds and one private campground located in the county's jurisdiction,
which contain a total of only 152 spaces.
The great majority of the hotel/motel rooms in Craven County are located within the
cities of New Bern and Havelock. Impacts of overnight population at the Ramada Inn and small
"mom and pop" motels scattered throughout the county jurisdiction are minimal.
In summary, the impact of seasonal population in Craven County is not a significant land
use issue in the county planning jurisdiction. The primary use of "seasonal" -type housing
(motels, marinas, condos, etc.) appears to be more transient or business related than in
neighboring oceanfront counties, and the total number of seasonal housing units is not substantial
enough to provide a significant population impact even at full occupancy. It is likely that Craven
County's appeal as a recreational center will continue to be primarily limited to the historic and
waterfront areas in and near New Bern, with few, if any, significant planning issues arising from
a demand for seasonal housing development in the county's jurisdiction during the planning
period.
3. CRAVEN COUNTY HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
a) Number and Tenure of Private Housing Units
The summary of population trends above indicates that seasonal population impact is
minimal in the Craven County planning jurisdiction. This fact is corroborated by the relatively
small numbers of seasonal dwelling units constructed in Craven County since 1970.
Table 9
Summary of Year -Round and Seasonal Private Housing Units
Craven County, 1970-1990
Tyne of Unit Number of Units Percentage Increase
Overall
1970 1980 1990 1970-80 1980-90 1970-90
Year Round 18,876 25,333 31,951 34.2% 26.1% 69.3%
Seasonal 61 216 341 254.1 % 58.3 % 460.7 %
Total Units 18,937 25,549 32,293 34.9% 26.4% 70.5%
Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning.
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Despite the fact that seasonal unit construction increased at a faster rate during the '70s
and ' 80s than year-round unit construction, seasonal private housing units only comprised
approximately 1 %. of the total housing stock in Craven County in 1990. Only seven of the
seasonal housing units in the 1990 census were classified as "condominium" units. Due to the
slight impact of seasonal housing construction, this section will focus on the characteristics of
year-round housing units, and specifically, the condition of year-round units in the planning
jurisdiction. Revitalization of the county's existing housing stock has been a major planning and
community development issue for Craven County throughout the 1987-1992 planning period, and
will continue to be a major issue throughout the next planning period.
Table 10 outlines the year-round number of housing units by tenure for Craven County
townships in 1980 and 1990. The county's year-round housing stock increased 26.1 % from
1980-1990, which is almost twice as fast as the county population growth over the same period.
The county's average household size dropped from 2.84 persons in 1980 to 2.64 persons in
1990. Growth in year-round housing units was highest in Townships 2, 6 and 8 over the 1980-
1990 period, which is consistent with the pattern of population growth in the county from 1980-
1990.
Township 3, which lost population from 1980-1990, had a net loss in year-round housing
units over the period, which can be attributed to a loss in mobile home stock and to demolition
or abandonment of older occupied structures. Township 5, including the Harlowe community,
displayed an unusual growth rate in housing stock of 24.6 % while its population only grew by
3.3 % from 1980-1990. This apparent inconsistency is partially explained by the growth of
mobile home development in Township 5 in recent years, much of which has been initiated by
larger households living in existing, older frame -built structures still utilized by a portion of the
original household.
Table 10 indicates that the ratios of owner -occupied, rental, and vacant units to total
year-round units remained relatively constant during the 1980-90 period, with owner -occupied
houses increasing slightly as a percentage of the whole and the vacancy rate increasing slightly.
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Table 10
Summary of Year -Round Housing Units by Tenure
Craven County, 1980-1990
Area
Total Year -Round Units
Owner Units
(% of Total)
Rental Units (%
of Total)
Vacant Units
(% of Total)
1980
1990
Increase
1980
1990
1980
1990
1980
1990
Township 1
2,137
2,426
13.5%
1,463(68.5%)
1,786(73.6%)
388(18.2%)
460(19.0%)
286(13.3%)
180(7.4%)
Township 2
1,783
2,765
55.1%
1,235(69.3%)
1,949(70.5%)
382(21.4%)
564(20.4%)
166(9.3%)
252(9.1%)
Township 3
1,436
1,369
-4.7%
938(65.3%)
1,004(73.3%)
372(25.9%)
278(20.3%)
126(8.8%)
87(6.4%)
Township 5
752
937
24.6%
563(74.9%)
720(76.9%)
149(19.8%)
132(14.1%)
40(5.3%)
85(9.0%)
Township 6
6,133
8,003
30.5%
2,294(37.4%)
2,940(36.7%)
3,535(57.6%)
4,518(56.5%)
304(5.0%)
545(6.8%)
Township 7
2,413
2,871
19.0 %
1,699(70.4 %)
2,104(73.3 %)
520(21.5 %)
572(20.0 %)
194(8.1 %)
195(6.7 %)
Township 8
9,907
12,641
27.6%
5,867(59.2%)
7,437(58.8%)
3,389(34.2%)
4,189(33.1%)
651(6.6%)
1,015(8.0%)
Township 9
772
939
21.6%
572(74.1%)
765(81.4%)
133(17.2%)
124(13.3%)
67(8.7%)
50(5.4%)
Craven Co.
25,333
31,951
26.1% •
14,631(57.7%)
18,705(58.5%)
8,868(35.0%)
10,837(33.9%)
1,834(7.3%)
2,409(7.6%)
Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning.
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The county vacancy rate of 7.6% in 1990 is consistent with the 1990 North Carolina vacancy
rate of 7.4 % . The county ratio of rental housing to total year-round units (33.9 % in 1990) was
higher than the state ratio of 29.7%. However, the percentage of rental units in Township 6
(Havelock/Cherry Point MCAS) is very high. In fact, the percentage of owner -occupied units
was higher than the state 1990 owner -occupied percentage of 62.9 % in all Craven County
townships except Townships 6 and 8, where Havelock and New Bern are located, respectively.
The highest percentages of owner -occupied units were in Townships 9 and 5, which is consistent
with the state-wide trend of higher percentages of owner -occupied units in rural areas. The
vacancy rate was lowest in Township 9 in 1990, and highest in Townships 2 and 5. The vacant
housing in Township 5 increased significantly from 1980-1990, which is attributable to
abandonment of substandard housing and an increase in mobile homes for sale or rent.
b) Type and Condition of Private Housing Units
Table 11 provides an outline of the median value of year-round owner -occupied housing
units by township for Craven County in 1980-1990.
Table 11
Median Value of Owner -Occupied Housing Units
Craven County, 1980-1990
1980 1990 Percent Increase,
Area Median Value Median Value 1980-1990
Township 1
25,600
45,400
77.3 %
Township 2
31,300
79,600
154.3%
Township 3
22,600
40,900
80.0%
Township 5
20,900
53,000
153.6%
Township 6
43,900
67,900
54.7%
Township 7
38,000
67,500
77.6%
Township 8
40,800
70,800
73.5 %
Township 9
32,600
50,600
55.2%
Craven County
37,800
65,900
74.3%
Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning.
As might be expected, housing values increased the most from 1980 to 1990 in Township
2, location of Fairfield Harbor. The lowest median values in 1990 were in rural Townships 3,
1, 9, and 5. However, the median values in Township 5 have more than doubled since 1980,
which is the result of rapid new modular/mobile home development in that township in recent
years. The 1990 county median value of $65,900 is equivalent to North Carolina 1990 median
value of $65,800.
I-22
Overcrowding is an excellent indicator of substandard housing conditions. Table 12
provides a summary of persons per unit and overcrowded conditions for Craven County
in 1980
and 1990.
Table 12
Summary of Persons Per Unit and Overcrowded Conditions
Craven County, 1980-1990
Total
# of Units with 1.01
Area
Occupied Units
Mean Persons Per Unit
or More Persons per Room
'
1980 1990
1980 1990 Numeric Change
1980 (% of
1990 (% of
1980-90
total)
total)
Township 1
1,851 2,246
2.89 2.65 -0.24
91(5.0%)
72(3.2%)
Township 2
1,617 2,513
2.73 2.51 -0.22
65(4.0%)
56(2.2%)
,
Township 3
1,310 1,282
2.90 2.68 -0.22
92(7.0%)
43(3.4%)
Township 5
712 852
3.58 3.19 -0.39
125(17.6%)
93(10.9%)
Township 6
5,829 7,458
3.03 2.88 -0.15
148(2.5 %)
285(3.8 %)
Township 7
2,219 2,676
2.77 2.59 -0.18
78(3.5 %)
60(2.2 %)
Township 8
9,256 11,626
2.66 2.51 -0.15
382(3.1%)
261(2.2%)
Township 9
705 889
3.06 2.79 -0.27
47(6.7 %)
30(4.3 %)
Craven Co.
23,499 29,542
2.84 2.64 -0.20
929(4.0%)
900(3.0%)
Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning.
Not surprisingly, overcrowded conditions are worst in Township 5, which includes the
Harlowe community and concentrations of older, deteriorated rural housing. Table 12 does
indicate that overcrowded conditions in all of the county's townships were reduced from 1980-
1990. Improvement of the county's housing stock is the result of county and City of New Bern -
sponsored building code enforcement and community development projects, and development
of new housing in both urban and rural areas of the county since 1980.
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Table 13
Housing Conditions
Craven County, 1970-1990
1970 (% of total) 1980 (% of total) 1990 (% of total)
Total Year -Round Housing Units 18,876
Units in Structure
2
3 & 4
5 or more
Mobile Home
Age of Structure
1
1
1
< 1 yr.
1-5 yrs.
6-10 yrs.
11-20 yrs.
21-30 yrs.
> 30 yrs.
Year -Round Units with
Inadequate Plumbing Facilities
13,926(73.7 %)
1,244(6.6%)
694(3.7 %)
1,182(6.3 %)
1,830(9.7 %)
955(5.0 %)
2,196(11.6 %)
2,204(11.7 %)
4,640(24.6 %)
4,141(21.9 %)
4,740(25.2 %)
2,852(15.1 %)
Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning
25,333
18,202(71.9%)
831(3.3 %)
752(3.0 %)
1,984(7.8 %)
3,564(14.0%)
1,032(4.1 %)
3,528(13.9%)
3,956(15.6%)
5,295(20.9 %)
4,533(17.9%)
6,989(27.6 %)
1,111(4.4%)
31,951
21,990(68.8 %)
943(2.9 %)
1,373(4.3 %)
2,322(7.3 %)
5,323(16.7%)
994(3.1 %)
3,989(12.5%)
4,788(15.0%)
7,605(23.8 %)
4,281(13.4%)
10,294(32.2 %)
474(1.5 %)
As indicated in Table 13, single-family housing (including mobile homes) has grown at
a faster rate than multi -family housing since 1970, with multi -family (two or more units)
accounting for only about 15 % of the 1990 year-round housing stock. In terms of structural
characteristics, the most significant change in Craven County housing since 1970 has been the
rapid development of mobile homes, which accounted for almost 17 % of total year-round units
in 1990. Mobile home development had a 190% growth rate from 1970-1990 in Craven County.
Continued mobile home development in the county's planning jurisdiction will result in a number
of planning and development issues during the planning period, including development
incompatibility issues and building code issues regarding installation of new mobile homes and
structural modifications to existing units.
Table 13 indicates that the median age of housing has not changed significantly in Craven
County since 1970, except that there was a higher percentage of units aged 30 years and older
in 1990 than in 1970 or 1980. This trend is the result of the aging of the housing stock in the
rural areas and urban neighborhoods of New Bern and Havelock. Despite the fact that new
construction has proceeded at a rapid pace in most of Craven County's townships since 1970,
almost 50 % of the county's housing stock is over twenty years old, and a third of the housing
stock is over thirty years old.
Although the county's housing stock has not decreased in age as a result of new
construction since 1970, the condition of housing has improved in recent years. In particular,
condition of plumbing facilities is the primary indicator of substandard housing in U.S. census
1
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data. In Craven County, the percentage of year-round housing units with inadequate plumbing
facilities dropped from 15.1 %
in 1970 to 1.5 % in 1990, a clear indication of the gradual
reduction in the substandard housing
units. Also, the percentage of housing units tied to public
water and sewer system has
increased significantly since 1970, another indication of
'
improvements in substandard living conditions.
,
Table 14
Number of Year -Round Housing Units Tied to Public Utilities
Craven County, 1970-1990
,
1970 (% of total) 1970 (% of total) 1990 (% of total)
Total Year -Round Housing Units
18,876 25,333 31,951
Water Supply
Public or Privately-
9,918(52.5%) 14,868(58.7%) 26,087(81.6%)
Owned Water System
Individual Well
8,594(45.6%) 10,210(40.3%) 5,835(18.3%)
Other
351(1.9%) 255(1.0%) 29(0.1%)
Sewage Disposal
Public Sewer
9,057(48.0%) 11,851(46.8%) 17,751(55.6%)
Septic Tank
7,852(41.6%) 12,495(49.3%) 13,737(43.0%)
,
Other
1,954(10.4%) 987(3.9%) 473(1.4%)
Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning.
Based on the data in Table 14, Craven County has had tremendous success in improving
the sanitary living conditions of its populace since 1970. Over 80% of county households are
now tied into public or privately -maintained water supply systems, and the percentage of
households without septic tanks or public sewer service dropped from over 10 % in 1970 to
under 2% in 1990. The recent expansion of publicly -maintained water and sewer systems will I
be discussed in detail in the public facilities section of this plan.
Housing on the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is provided for bachelor and
married personnel. There is a total of 3,899 spaces for bachelor personnel. This includes 241
spaces for transients and change of station personnel. For the married military personnel and
their families, there are 2,764 family housing units plus a mobile home park with 76 spaces.
Table 15 provides detailed housing unit information.
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Table 15
Housing for Bachelor and Married Personnel
MCAS Cherry Point
MARRIED
Officer
Apartments
Two -Story Units
Capehart
Townhouses
Staff Noncommissioned Officer
Capehart
Townhouses
Enlisted
Slocum Village
Hancock Village
Fort Macon Village
Lanham
Mobile Home Site (Spaces)
TOTAL
BACHELOR
Officer
48
Field Grade & Above
14
49
Company Grade
38
169
Transient Quarters
78
60
Staff Noncommissioned Officer
679
E-6 & Above
194
240
Transient Quarters
42
Enlisted
775
E-5 & Below
3,412
347
Transient Quarters
85
249
Permanent Change of Station
36
148
76
2,840
3,899
Source: 1994 Economic Impact, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC.
c) Substandard Housing
Although housing rehabilitation and redevelopment of residential areas is generally
outlined in the CAMA land use planning regulations as a redevelopment issue, the problem of
substandard housing in the county planning jurisdiction has occupied increasing attention on the
part of the county administration through the 1990s, and it is appropriate to offer some
discussion of substandard housing in this section of the land use plan.
Since 1979, Craven County has undertaken six CDBG housing programs and two
NCHFA weatherization programs in the James City, Harlowe, Dover, and Pembroke
communities, and at scatter sites throughout the county. Approximately 280 dwelling units have
been demolished or improved to HUD Section 8 Existing Housing Standards through these
programs. The county has integrated these housing improvements with ongoing water and sewer
expansion projects in order to realize a cost-effective use of available funds, and to provide
sanitary living conditions for residents in these redeveloped areas.
In 1992, the county conducted a county -wide housing needs assessment in conjunction
with applications for additional CDBG assistance and HOME (Home Investments Partnership
Act) assistance. The worst concentrations of substandard housing are in Township 1 outside of
the Vanceboro town limits, and in the Harlowe community in Township 5. Both of these areas
display a high percentage of housing units with structural, electrical, heating, and plumbing
problems including failing septic tanks and unsanitary water wells. These communities were
included in the county's FY93 CDBG project. However, both communities continue to contain
substandard housing.
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Other areas in the county planning jurisdiction with relatively high percentages of
substandard housing units include areas near Dover (Township 3); Fort Barnwell (3); Mile Road,
S.R. 1643, 1478, 1644 near Vanceboro (1); Cayton (2); Pleasant Hill and Rocky Run (8); James
City and Perrytown (7); and Riverdale and Pine Grove (6).
It is difficult to quantify the total number of units in the county that would be classified
as "substandard" according to HUD Section 8 guidelines. In 1980, a housing study performed
by the Neuse River COG enumerated 4,300 units, or 17% of the county's year-round housing
stock, with Section 8 deficiencies. Due to the aging of the housing stock discussed previously,
and in particular, as a result of the recent proliferation of mobile home development, it is likely
that the percentage of substandard units is still around 15 %. Assuming that the percentage of
substandard units is identical in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county, there
are probably about 2,150 substandard housing units (units with Section 8 deficiencies) within the
county's jurisdiction. Maps 2A and 2B delineate the county's concentration of substandard
housing. However, based on water, sewer, and general plumbing improvements made since
1970, and tougher building code enforcement, many of the most severe substandard conditions
have been addressed in recent years. This is supported by 1990 census data, which indicated
only 479 year-round housing units without complete plumbing facilities, only 361 total housing
units (including seasonal units) with incomplete kitchen facilities, and 478 total housing units
with inadequate sewage disposal systems.
4. SUMMARY - DEMOGRAPHICS AND HOUSING
The following provides a summary of the most significant demographic and housing -
related trends in Craven County during the last planning period:
-- Craven County has experienced the fastest population growth of any non -
oceanfront CAMA-regulated county since 1960.
-- 57 % of Craven County's 1993 populace lived in a municipality.
-- 1990 was the first census year that Craven County's "urban" population exceeded
its "rural" population, this continued for 1993.
-- Craven County's fastest growing areas are Havelock, New Bern, Trent Woods,
and River Bend.
-- Several rural areas of the county, particularly Cove City and Vanceboro,
displayed appreciable population growth from 1980-1993.
-- The county's school age population is decreasing, while the elderly population
and age 30-44 population is increasing.
-- The county's female population is increasing in relation to the male population,
and the black population is decreasing in relation to the white population.
-- There are 31,073 persons that are military -related in Craven County.
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MAP 2A
CONCENTRATIONS OF
SUBSTANDARD HOUSING
L�csr�'ar�a.r�i"
c o u v r r 3
r
Y�
1 SIV, 11 61,46, %�1�1�1�1���1�NE 9-19 we
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MAP 2B
CONCENTRATIONS OF
SUBSTANDARD HOUSING
Aq
i4ew qERN
—607 Z. 4j
-Mrsv
0.4.
�fflma Coors
AIR STAM"
C R 01, A T A N
F 0 R
A i 1 0 N A
0.3
urs
"ool.
6ocamck-4
IL
CONCE
NTRATIONS OF
SUBSTANDARD HOUSING
1-29
11
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Ll
-- In Craven County, the impact of seasonal population (residing in seasonal housing
units, motels, marinas, and campgrounds) is minimal, and should not be
considered a major issue in the county's planning jurisdiction.
-- Seasonal housing units comprised only 1 % of Craven County's 1990 housing
stock.
-- The number of housing units in Craven County grew almost twice as fast as the
population from 1980-1990, and the average household size decreased from 2.84
to 2.64 persons from 1980-1990.
-- Housing values are highest in Township 2, and lowest in Township 3.
-- Overcrowded housing conditions are worst in Township 5.
-- Craven County's housing stock is gradually aging, with a higher percentage of
units aged 30 years and older in 1990 than in 1980.
-- The overall condition of the county's housing stock has improved significantly
since 1970, particularly in terms of substandard plumbing and water and sewer
service.
-- Mobile home development has increased dramatically since 1970.
-- Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point provides 2,840 base housing units for
married personnel and 3,899 base housing units for bachelor personnel.
-- About 15 % of the housing in the county's planning jurisdiction can be considered
substandard according to HUD Section 8 Existing Housing Standards.
C. ECONOMY
1. INTRODUCTION
Craven County has maintained an extremely strong economy through the 1980s and early
1990s. The backbone of the county's economic strength has been diversity. Craven County has
an economic base equaled by few other eastern North Carolina counties. The following provides
a summary of those factors which have strengthened the county's economy:
-- Strong military presence.
-- Fiscally sound local government.
-- Strong industrial recruitment efforts.
-- Stable retail trade sector.
-- Strong growth in tourist industry.
-- Strong growth in the service sector.
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2. EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME
In 1990, there was a total of 38,688 employed people in Craven County. Of that total,
7,383, or 19% were employed by the military. This represented a significant decrease from
1980 when 26.8 % of the total labor force was employed by the military. The strong military
presence in Craven County through the years has served to support unemployment rates which
have consistently been low. Table 16 provides unemployment rates for the civilian labor force
for selected years.
Table 16
Craven County Civilian Unemployment Rate
1982*
1985*
1990**
1994*
Civilian Labor Force
30,210
29,780
33,448
34,160
No. Employed
27,700
28,240
31,305
32,300
No. Unemployed
2,510
1,540
2,143
1,860
Craven County
8.3 %
5.2 %
6.4 %
5.4 %
Unemployment Rate
North Carolina
9.0 %
5.4 %
4.8 %
4.4 %
Unemployment Rate
Source: *N. C. Employment Security Commission.
**U. S. 1990 Census.
Throughout the 1980s, Craven County maintained an unemployment rate which was
consistently below the North Carolina rate of unemployment. In 1990, the county
unemployment rate had increased to 6.4 %, 1.6 % above the state rate of unemployment. In
October, 1992, the county's unemployment rate had improved to 5.9%. The annual 1994
unemployment has continuously dropped to 5.4%. However, the rate is higher than the state.
There are a number of reasons for the rise in the county's unemployment rate during the
1980's: The following summarizes those reasons:
-- As a result of the passage of the 1990 federal luxury tax, Hatteras Yachts reduced
its work force by approximately 500.
-- Military personnel at Cherry Point decreased during the 1980's. (However, it is
increasing in the early to mid 1990's.)
-- As in all areas of the state, construction activity has declined.
-- In the 1980s, the commercial fishing industry was continuing to decline.
-- The 1990 Mid -East crisis had an extreme negative economic impact on Craven
County.
77
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Craven County's civilian employment is heavily concentrated in the retail trade and
service sectors. The largest single employment category is retail trade, which constitutes 19.3 %
of all those employed who are 16 years of age and older. Manufacturing accounts for the
second largest category with 17.7%. All service categories combined provide employment for
29.2 % of those employed who are 16 years of age and older. Table 17 provides a summary of
Craven County's employment by industry. Of the county's total 1990 employed labor force,
26.9% were employed in some type of government job. The significant retail and service sector
employment reflects support for those employed in government jobs.
Table 17
Craven County Employment by Industry
Employed Persons 16 Years and Over - 1992
Total
Employment
Percent
Farm
606
1.2 %
Agriculture, forestry & fisheries
407
0.8 %
Mining
93
0.2 %
Construction
2,109
4.3 %
Manufacturing
4,117
8.3 %
Transportation & public utilities
1,487
3.0%
Wholesale trade
1,271
2.6%
Retail trade
7,717
15.6%
Finance, insurance & real estate
2,250
4.6%
Services
8,454
17.1 %
Federal, Civilian
5,655
11.4%
Military
9,468
19.1 %
State & local
5,833
11.8%
Total
49,467
100.0%
Source: 1990 U. S. Census.
Of the county's total 1994 employed labor force, 42.3 % were employed in some type of
government job. The significant retail and service sector employment reflects support for those
employed in government jobs.
Industrial employment accounted for 4,117 jobs, or 8.3 % of the total civilian/military
labor force. In 1990, total industrial employment was 5,529. Industrial employment decreased
slightly as a percentage of the total military/civilian labor force. In 1990, industrial employment
had constituted 17.7 % of the total labor force.
P
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Most of Craven County's labor force has succeeded in securing work locally. In 1990,
the mean travel time to work was 17.7 minutes as compared to 19.8 minutes for the state as a
whole. Table 18 provides a summary of travel time to work.
Table 18
Travel Time to Work
Workers 16 Years and Over
Craven County, 1990
Number Percent
Did not work at home:
0-4 minutes
1,458
3.8%
5-9 minutes
6,097
16.0%
10-14 minutes
9,086
23.8%
15-19 minutes
7,465
19.6%
20-24 minutes
4,271
11.2 %
25-29 minutes
1,606
4.2%
30-34 minutes
3,957
10.4%
35-39 minutes
552
1.5 %
40-44 minutes
653
1.7 %
45-59 minutes
1,410
3.7 %
60-89 minutes
822
2.2 %
90 or more minutes
150
0.4 %
Worked at home
589
1.5 %
38,116
100.0%
Mean travel time to work
17.7 minutes
Source: 1990 U. S. Census
Over 43 % of the county's labor force traveled 14 minutes or less to work in 1990. Only
25.6 % of the population had to travel longer than 25 minutes to their place of employment. The
low travel times are indicative of strong employment opportunities within the county.
Craven County's income production is steadily improving. Since 1979, the county's
number of people living below the poverty level has decreased significantly. Table 19 provides
a comparison of 1979 and 1989 poverty status for the county and North Carolina.
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Table 19
Craven County and North Carolina Poverty Status
1979 and 1989
' 1979 1989
No. Percent No. Percent
Craven County 12,318 18.5% 10,585 13.6%
North Carolina 870,301 14.8% 829,858 13.0%
' Source: 1990 U. S. Census.
In 1989, the county had only a slightly higher percentage of its population living in
poverty than did the state as a whole. Also, the county's total of persons below poverty
decreased by 1,733 persons, or 14%.
' Craven County continues to trail the state in overall income levels. In 1989, the county's
mean household income was $30,811, while that of the state was $33,242. However, the
county's mean household income had risen significantly since 1979 when it was $15,921.
Normally, per capita income is considered a better indicator of an area's income
producing capability or strength. Table 20 provides a comparison of North Carolina and Craven
County per capita income.
Table 20
North Carolina, Craven County
Per Capita Income - 1990 - 1992
Craven Counry's
Craven County North Carolina % of N. C.
' 1990 $14,217 $16,284 87%
1991 $14,914 $16,802 88%
1992 $16,059 $17,863 90%
Source: N.C. State Data Center.
' From 1990 to 1992, the gap between Craven County per capita income level and that of
the state narrowed slightly. In addition, the county's per capita income increased by $1,842,
' an increase of 13.0%.
u
1 I-34
3. EDUCATION
Craven County ranks ahead of the state as a whole in terms of secondary school
educational attainment. Table 21 provides a summary of the 1990 state and county educational
attainment.
Table 21
Craven County - North Carolina, 1990
Educational Attainment, 18 Years of Age or Older
Craven County
North Carolina
Total
%
Total
%
Less than 9th grade
4,968
8.4%
539,974
12.7%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
8,828
14.6 %
737,773
17.4 %
High school graduate
20,220
34.0 %
1,232,868
29.0 %
Some college, no degree
13,817
23.4%
713,713
16.8%
Associate degree
3,899
6.6 %
290,117
6.8 %
Bachelor's degree
5,585
9.4%
510,003
12.0%
Graduate or professional degree
2,097
3.6%
229,046
5.3%
Total
59,414
100.0%
4,253,494
100.0%
Source: 1990 U. S. Census.
Approximately 34 % of the Craven County population 18 years of age or older in 1990
had graduated from high school as compared to 29 % for the state. Over 23 % of those over 18
years old had some college but no degree, while in the entire state only 16.8 % had some college
training but no degree. In college degree attainment, the county trailed the state. In 1990,
19.6% of the county's population held college degrees. Within the state as a whole, 24.1 % of
the population held college degrees.
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u
4. TOURISM
Tourism has historically been a strong contributor to the Craven County economy. In
particular, tourism contribution to the county's economy sharply increased during the 1980s.
Table 22 provides a summary of Craven County tourism income from 1981 to 1993.
Table 22
Craven County Tourism Income, 1981-1993
Year Expenditures
($1,000,000)
1981
21.99
1982
19.41
1983
26.10
1984
26.16
1985
29.21
1986
30.01
1987
40.00
1988
41.14
1989*
46.66
1990
42.62
1991
46.47
1992
48.46
1993
52.47
*Model Change.
Source: Department of Commerce, Division of Travel and Tourism.
Over the eight year period, 1981 to 1988, tourism income increased by over 87%.
Following 1988, the Division of Travel and Tourism changed the economic model which it was
utilizing°to determine tourism income. Thus, it is difficult, if not impossible, to compare 1989-
1992 data with 1981-1988 data. However, over the four year period, 1989 to 1993, tourism
income increased 13 %. From this trend it is clear that tourism continues to be a major factor
in the county's economy.
5. COMMERCIAL FISHING
Through the 1980s, commercial fishing has contributed to the Craven County economy.
The county consistently ranked 14th to 16th in the state in annual total catch in pounds. Both
poundage and dockside value have fluctuated greatly from year to year. No discernible trend
in the industry has been established. Table 23 provides a summary of the commercial fishing
activity from 1981 to 1993.
I-36
Table 23
Craven County Commercial Fishing Income, 1981-1993
Year
Pounds
Dockside
(Total Catch)
Dollar Value
1981
115,960
$ 33,127
1982
59,853
$101,171
1983
485,140
$268,372
1984
558,570
$204,978
1985
857,433
$342,586
1986
688,710
$218,442
1987
457,640
$163,260
1988
644,442
$209, 919
1989
271,090
$123,679
1990
345,500
$121,045
1991
864,408
$325,093
1992
597,943
$293,949
1993
581,414
$311,401
Source: N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries
Value and poundage appeared to be declining in the late 1980s. However, 1991 had the
largest catch recorded since 1985. Commercial fishing is expected to continue at a modest level
in Craven County. Water quality in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound will be a primary
determinant of Craven County's commercial fishing production.
6. MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing is an increasingly important contributor to Craven County's economy.
Strong industrial recruitment efforts have resulted in the growth of industrial job opportunities.
Table 24 provides a summary of the industries located in Craven County in 1995. Some of the
industries are located outside of the county's planning jurisdiction in municipalities or
extraterritorial jurisdiction areas. While not within the county's planning jurisdiction, the
industries do contribute to the county's tax base and jobs inventory.
Table 24
1995 Craven County Industries
Industry
Product
Damco, Inc.
Metal fabricating
Encee Chemical Sales, Inc.
Organic agents and compounds
Phillips Plating Company
Electroplating
NADEP
Aircraft engine parts
Warmack Lumber Co., Inc.
Logging & softwood lumber
World Wood Corporation
Kiln dried lumber & millwork
Employees
10-19
20-49
20-49
1,000-4,999
10-19
50-99
7
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fI
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Industry
Havelock Sign Shop
Jasper Textiles, Inc.
Print Shop
R. A. Precision, Inc.
Amital Spinning Corporation
Anderson, Gerald Logging Co., Inc.
Atlantic Ice Company
Barbour Boat Works
Bengel, R.E. Sheet Metal Co.
Berne Brass Works
Custom Marine Fabrication, Inc.
Dunn, Owen G. Co., Inc.
Gaskins, W. J. & Sons, Inc.
Hatteras Yachts
Div. Genmar Industries
Hudson Manufacturing Co.
Maola Milk and Ice Cream Co., Inc.
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
Matthews Boats
Metts Garment Co.
Moen, Inc.
Monte Printing Co.
New Bern Garment Co., Inc.
New Bern Quarry, Inc.
Print Shop of New Bern
Riggs & Son Grain Mill
Royster-Clark, Inc.
Div. Martin Marietta Corp.
S-B Power Tool Company
Shopper, The
Sun Journal, Inc.
Div. Freedom Newspapers
Tarmac Mid -Atlantic, Inc.
Product
Employees
Signs
1-4
Men's and boy's knit shirts
100-249
Commercial printing
1-4
High tech mechanical components
250-499
Acrylic yarn
250-499
Logging
10-19
Ice
1-4
Welding, metal fabricating & boat
50-99
repair
Sheet metal fabrication
20-49
Brass refinishing
1-4
Marine fabrication
10-19
Printing
10-19
Pulpwood and logs
10-19
Luxury yachts
500-999
Men's & women's clothing
100-249
Ice cream and milk
100-249
Crushed stone
10-19
Boats and boat repairing
1-4
Women's sportswear
50-99
Plumbing fixtures
500-999
Commercial printer
10-19
Children's knit sportswear
20-49
Crushed stone
2049
Commercial printing
1-4
Feed & seed
1-4
Fertilizer blending
10-19
Power tools 250-499
Newspaper publishing 50-99
Newspaper publishing 50-99
Concrete block 5-9
1�
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'
Industry
Product
Employees
Tredegar Film Products
Polyethylene film
50-99
'
Twin Rivers Printing Co.
Printing
5-9
Uptown Cabinets
Wooden kitchen cabinets
5-9
'
Urethane Innovators, Inc.
Urethane rollers & replacement
5-9
parts
West New Bern Tool & Saw
Saw blade sharpening
1-4
'
ARR-MAZ Products
Specialty asphalt chemicals
5-9
Edelmann
Windshield wipers
50-99
'
Div. Stant Corp.
Weyerhauser Co.
Wood pulp
500-999
,
Source: 1995 North Carolina Directory
of Manufacturing Firms.
Diversity is the strength of Craven County's industrial base. This diversity has helped '
Craven County maintain strong economic growth during the late 1980s and early 1990s. As
industrial recruitment efforts continue, the county's industrial base is expected to expand. The '
county is pro -business and very supportive of industrial development.
7. MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT '
The Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point generates a considerable amount of economic
influence in the quad -county (Carteret, Craven, Jones, and Pamlico) region as well as the State '
of North Carolina. The total amount spent in the quad -county region in 1994 was $507,036,300.
The projected amount for the fiscal year 1995 in the quad -county region is expected to decrease
to $487,273,300. The projected amount to be spent in Craven County during fiscal year 1995 ,
is $372,326,700, which is 76% of the total spent in the quad -county.
Table 25 is a summary of the economic impact of MCAS Cherry Point to Craven County, the
quad -county region and the state. '
Table 25
Economic Impact Summary
MCAS Cherry Point, NC
Total Spent
Total Spent
'
1994 Impact'
in NC
Quad -County
SALARIES
Military
$258,515,300
$252,957,200
'
Civilian
Appropriated
204,197,500
186,723,200
Nonappropriated
6,754,900
6,493,400
'
PURCHASING AND
CONTRACTING
89,937,500
32,428,100
'
I-39
Table 25 (continued)
Total Spent
Total Spent
1994 Impact'
in NC
Quad -County
CONSTRUCTION/
MAINTENANCE/SERVICE
17,900,000
7,191,000
ELECTRIC/TELEPHONE
15,056,800
14,750,000
TRAVEL (Administrative/Training)
127,200
-0-
TRAINING
893,100
839,800
FEDERAL SCHOOL FUNDS
2,283,200
2,202,000
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
Civilian Health & Medical
5,310,800
2,284,200
Program of the Uniform
Services (CHAMPUS)
Active Duty Inpatient Care
220,300
212,700
in Civilian Hospitals
Supplemental Care
261,900
235,700
COMBINED FEDERAL
121,100
110,700
CAMPAIGN
NAVY/MARINE CORPS
620,100
607,700
RELIEF SOCIETY
PROJECT EQUAL
600
600
TOTAL
$602,200,300
$507,036,300
Total Total Spent Total Spent Total Spent
1995 Project Economic Impact2 Expenditures in NC Craven County Quad -County
SALARIES
Military
Civilian
Appropriated
Nonappropriated
PURCHASING AND
CONTRACTING
CONSTRUCTION/
MAINTENANCE/SERVICE
ELECTRIC
TELEPHONE
TRAVEL (Administrative/Training)
TRAINING
FEDERAL SCHOOL FUNDS
$220,616,300 $220,616,300
250,696,900 250,696,900
139,905,300 47,159,800
43,637,000 22,161,000
$195,664,600 $212,453,500
138,008,600 222,128,200
6,402,000
17,537,600 19,853,300
2,094,700 6,001,600
13,885,200
13,885,200
13,329,800
650,000
290,700
-0-
11,574,300
115,700
-0-
2,319,800
1,126,800
992,200
2,535,400
2,535,400
1,975,000
13,885,200
-0-
-0-
1,019,500
2,207,500
I-40
Table 25 (continued) 1
Total Total Spent Total Spent Total Spent
1995 Project Economic Impace Expenditures in NC Craven County Quad -County
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
Civilian Health & Medical
Program of the Uniform
Services (CHAMPUS)
Active Duty Inpatient Care
in Civilian,Hospitals
Supplemental Care
COMBINED FEDERAL
CAMPAIGN
NAVY/MARINE CORPS
RELIEF SOCIETY
PROJECT EQUAL
TOTAL
4,116,700
3,595,400
1,700,600
2,253,800
,
237,100
237,100
152,200
184,900
'
357,900
357,900
288,400
293,400
'
281,400
72,300
28,000
47,100
554,600
554,600
554,600
543,500
'
400 400 400 400
$691,368,300 $563,405,500 $372,326,700 $487,273,300
Source: ' 1994 Economic Impact, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Z Office of Community Plans and Liaison, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
The air station's largest contribution to the local economy is from wages paid to its
civilian and military personnel. In fiscal year 1994, the gross pay for military personnel and
civilian employees in the quad -county region was $252,957,200. The projected 1995 pay for
salaries in Craven County is $195,664,600.
8. AGRICULTURE
During the 1980's, Craven County did not rank in the top ten North Carolina counties
in crop production in any category. However, agriculture is an extremely important part of
Craven County's economy. From 1985 to 1987, the county's crop production income showed
a substantial increase rising from an annual total of $22,514,537 to $35,475,275. There was
a slight decrease in 1988. During the period from 1989 to 1993, the annual total showed a
considerable rise from $38,524,990 to $46,867,097.
The largest 1993 income producing commodities were: 1) tobacco, 2) farm forestry,
3) cotton, and 4) soybeans. Table 26 provides a summary of Craven County farm income from
1985 to 1993.
I-41
M� ors M M M M � m� m M M ■pis M .m M M r
,�ZI]37lu li'1
Tobacco Flue Cured
Cotton
Peanuts
Corn
Soybeans
Other Grain
Potatoes
Fruits & Vegetables
Greenhouse & Nursery
Hay & Other Crops
Farm Forestry
Total Crop Income
Hogs
Cattle
Milk
Poultry & Eggs
Total Livestock
Total Farm Income
Government Payments
Total Farm Income
& Govt. Payments
Table 26
Craven County Farm Income
1985-1993
1985 1986 1987
$12,601,855 $11,504,065 $12,986,203
0* 0* 0*
34,363 0* 0*
2,485,035 3,921,960 3,296,132
1,548,424 3,637,500 3,777,816
276,545 259,799 346,444
13,400 39,925 131,820
299,070 331,815 561,252
287,000 670,000 800,000
5,200 5,200 5,394
4,963,645 4,721,846 13,570,213
$22,514,537 $25,092,110 $35,475,275
$8,045,340 $12,502,912 $12,860,016
312,116 338,107 465,370
433,620 371,437 271,950
1,761,735 1,664,137 1,394,546
10 552 811 14 876 593 14 991 882
$33,067,348 $39,968,703 $50,467,157
422,472 1,199,098 2,228,664
1988 1989 1990
$14,106,351 $16,031,643 $18,418,925
0*
0*
1,687,972
0*
0*
0*
3,072,688
3,670,810
3,417,414
3,496,666
3,953,730
3,442,152
486,737
1,055,886
539,998
0
246,500
203,500
257,097
997,575
1,105,684
821,000
160,000
625,000
0
124,740
94,500
12,284,106
12,284,106*
12,284,106*
$34,524,645
$38,524,990
$41,819,251
$8,446,979
$9,042,383
$12,027,530
500,028
500,028
528,450
269,560
269,560
0**
1.430.825
1.430.825
0**
$1Q647, 992 $11,242,796 $12,555,980
$45,172,037 $49,767,786 $54,375,231
989,169 1,198,566 1,201.050
1991 1992 1993
$17,029,009 $18,033,934 18,387,495
5,974,590 4,972,010 5,312,273
0* 0** 0**
3,589,326 3,579,440 2,545,900
3,475,920 3,299,292 2,693,850
393,532 540,404 601,325
15,200 73,680 132,300
1,237,977 939,932 820,421
615,000 640,000 678,600
113,400 94,500 128,375
12,285,106* 14,737,873 15,566,558
$44,729,060 $46,911,065 $46,867,097
$9,902,812 $10,887,293 $13,148,048
528,450 741,630 263,900
0** 161,700 157,300
0** 0** 0**
$1Q431,262 $11,790,623 13 569 248
$55,160,322 $58,701,688 $60,436,345
316,774 1,135,389 1,216,707
$33,489,820 $41,167,801 $52,695,821 $46,161,206 $50,966,352 $55,576,281 $55,477,096 $59,837,077 $61,653,052
Source: N. C. Cooperative Extension Service
* Based on County Extension Agent estimate, no apparent significant change occurred.
** Counties may not show sales to avoid individual disclosures.
I-42
While significantly trailing crop income, livestock income production has made a
substantial contribution to the county's economy. Annual production has fluctuated from 1985
to 1993, ranging from a low of $10,431,262 in 1991 to a high of $14, 991, 882 in 1987.
Generally, livestock production annually accounts for approximately 20 % to 30 % of the county's
total farm income. By far the most important livestock commodity is hogs. Normally, hog
production accounts for over 80 % of the county's total annual livestock income production.
From 1985 to 1993, total farm income, exclusive of government payments, rose by 83 %
from $33,067,348 to $60,436,345. While many areas of the county are developing, the county '
is expected to continue to be predominantly rural in terms of overall land use throughout the
1990s. Farm income should continue to be a significant contribution to the county's economy.
9. COMMERCIAL FORESTRY
Commercial or non -farm forestry production is increasingly important to the Craven
County economy. Table 27 provides a summary of the growth in commercial forestry income
from 1985 to 1993.
Table 27
Non-farm/Commercial Forest Income Production
1985 to 1993
Year
Amount
1985
1986
3,309,097
3,147,898
1987
7,615,396
1988
4,526,152
r
1989
5,263,605
1990
5,263,605
1991
5,263,605
1992
4,417,761
1993
4,713,866
Source: N. C. Cooperative Extension Service I
While the annual income has fluctuated from year to year, commercial forestry income
increased by 59 % from 1986 to 1991. Forestry production is for both pulpwood and lumber.
Because of the county's vast forest areas and substantial areas that are not suitable for
development as agriculture, commercial forestry is expected to continue to be an important
income producer.
10. CRAVEN COUNTY FINANCIAL CONDITION
Craven County is fiscally sound and well managed. The stability of the county's
government helps maintain an environment which is conducive to economic growth. In addition,
local government revenues, primarily from property taxes are an indicator of economic growth.
I-43
1
1
1
I
0
The county's 1985 total assessed tax value was $1,113,183,054. The tax rate was $0.80 per
$100 of assessed value. In 1992, the assessed tax value had risen to $2,514,229,128, an
increase of 126%. The 1992 tax rate was $0.6569 per $100 of assessed value. In 1994, the
assessed tax value increased 17%, to a total of $2,943,438,745. The 1994 tax rate was $0.66
per $100 of assessed value.
In the fall of 1992, the county applied for a bond rating for the purpose of issuing bonds
for the construction of school facilities. Craven County received an Al rating from Moody.
This extremely high rating is a further indicator of the stability of the county's government.
11. SUMMARY - ECONOMY
The following provides a summary of the most significant economic trends in Craven
County during the last five years:
Craven County has a diverse, stable, and expanding economy.
The Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station is the single most important
contributor to the county's economy.
In 1990, 19 % of the county's employed work force was employed by the
military.
$344.9 million was paid in 1994 for military personnel and civilian employees of
Cherry Point.
Retail trade constitutes the county's largest single employment category.
From 1979 to 1989, the percentage of the county's people living in poverty
decreased by 14 % .
During the 1980's, both the county's mean household income and per capita
income rose significantly.
Tourism is an increasingly significant contributor to Craven County's economy.
Successful Craven County industrial recruitment efforts have resulted in an
increase in the county's industrial firms and jobs during the 1980's.
Farm production is expected to continue to be a substantial contributor to the
county's economy.
I-44
D. EXISTING LAND USE
1. INTRODUCTION
The majority of Craven County's total land area of 502,300 acres is forested. Much of
the forestland is unsuited for either development or crop production. However, there has been
a steady conversion of forestland to crop production and development. Craven County's primary
urban areas are located in Township 8, which includes the municipalities of New Bern/Trent
Woods/River Bend, and Township 6, which includes the Town of Havelock and the Cherry
Point Marine Air Corps Station. The U.S. 70 corridor in Township 7 between New Bern and
Havelock is the third most urbanized area. These general land use patterns have existed in the
county for the past thirty years. The general existing land use patterns are shown on Map 3,
Existing Land Use.
There is no detailed land use acreage data available for Craven County. Past data has
relied on information provided by the 1981 publication Profile of North Carolina Counties, the
U.S. Soil Conservation Service, and estimates provided by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Table 28 provides detailed land use information for 1989 and 1995.
Table 28
Major Land Uses in Craven County,
1989
and 1995
Category
1989 Acres
% of Total
1995 Acres
% of Total
Land
459, 900 A
91.6 %
459, 900 A
91.6 %
- Farms
74,500 E
14.8 %
72,181 B
14.4 %
1
- Urban & Built-up'
34'000 E
6.8%
37,260 E
7.4%
- Forestland
- Parks (state, federal, local)2
280,706 E
63,694 F
56.0%
12.7%
279'000 °
63,694 F
55.5%
12.7%
- Right-of-way
7,000E
1.4%
7,765 c
1.5 %
Water
42,400
8.4 %
42,400
8.4 %
,
Total
502,300
502,300
' Includes Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station (13,164 acres).
2 Includes Croatan National Forest.
Sources: A U.S. Soil Conservation Service; B USDA Consolidated Farm Services Agency;
I Craven County Mapping Department; ° N.C. Forest Service; E Estimates from
Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.; F Statistical Abstract of NC Counties. ,
Trends in growth and development cannot be determined for the six -year period (1989-
1995) due to the fact that the data were provided by a variety of sources and estimates.
I-45
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
'THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT\
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \
f -- . t
f.7t 14"
41
1.64
419
1148 ..to,• , NN
a
•qq q
141
,14
ifii I ,
,t
•� •^,ft7t _r f
n
' ttt C0V
/�tt. �
IZ l:tu.. . {Ttt
l,1l1,0t1G
DOI-Ea _-------
JONES
•..... SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD
HARD SURFACED ROAD
DIVIDED HIGHWAY
�. ==1 la HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE
�a U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER
�+++ RAILROAD
--- — COUNTY LINE
------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING
JURISDICTION
CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW
BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON
BEAUFORT cOtmTY
AGRICULTURAL OR FORESTED
CONM4ERCIAL
DREST
c
SCALE
I 01 2 J a MLES
CggTE��T
i COVNTY
11 7 1701'f701 i
CRAVEN COUNTY
North Carolina
MAP 3, EXISTING LAND USE
1995
I-46
1 2. KEY LAND USE ISSUES
IDuring the development of this land use plan, the following key land use issues must be
addressed:
1
I
• Development of "404" wetland areas.
• Expansion of central water and sewer areas.
• Increasing traffic congestion, in particular along the U.S. 70 corridor.
• Continued support of economic/industrial development.
• Zoning in the U.S. 70 New Bern to Havelock corridor in the vicinity of the
Craven County Regional Airport.
• Development of a regional solid waste disposal facility (refer to Development
Constraints: Public Facilities, Solid Waste Disposal).
• Support of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County
Regional Airport.
• Intergovernmental cooperation, coordination, and planning.
• Construction of the new Neuse River Bridge.
• Expansion of county -wide recreational opportunities.
• Reduction of the county's number of substandard dwelling units.
If the full Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station expansion occurs, approximately 14,400
additional people could be residing in Craven County. If this occurs, the impact of this
population influx will result in additional land use issues which will include, but not necessarily
be limited to the following:
• Land use/AICUZ noise impact from military aircraft operations
• Regional economic impact -- short and long term
• Regional local government costs to support growth
• Housing -- availability/cost of existing housing stock
• Construction of new government housing
• Recreation
• Airspace -- training routes, capacity of existing restricted areas
• Medical/emergency services
• Transportation -- traffic, public transportation, bike/pedestrian traffic
• Air quality
• Infrastructure demand: electricity, water, wastewater, solid waste, stormwater
• New outlying landing field site(s)
I-47
• Range utilization
• Educational facilities
• Child care facilities
3. RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
Since 1993, substantial residential development has occurred. From 1987 to 1992, a total
of 141 subdivisions containing 2,074 residential lots were approved for development. Map 4
provides the location of all major subdivisions which were approved by the county from 1993
to 1994. During that period, a total of 43 subdivisions containing 340 residential lots were
approved for development. Appendix I provides the name, location, number of lots, and date
of approval for each subdivision. These subdivisions ranged in size from one lot to 60 lots.
Major subdivisions are those which require guarantees for improvements.
The greatest concentration of new residential lots was in Township 5, where five ,
residential subdivisions containing a total of 97 lots were approved. However, Township 1 had
the highest number of new subdivisions approved. There were 13 residential subdivisions with
a total of 50 approved lots in this township. However, from 1987 to 1994, 43 or 20% of the
county's approved subdivisions were located in Township 7.
The large number of lots approved for subdivision from 1987 to 1993 greatly exceeded
the demand for residential construction. It is believed that many developers sought subdivision
approval prior to the increased enforcement of state and federal land use related regulations,
such as the 404 wetlands legislation. The rate of submittals for subdivision approval declined
slightly during 1993 and 1994.
Craven County does not have a county -wide zoning ordinance to regulate the location of
land uses. There is a zoning ordinance affecting an area east of the Cherry Point Marine Corps
Air Station. However, its principal purpose is sound attenuation and not land use control.
Because of the lack of land use regulation, many residential areas are intermixed with non-
residential land uses. The potential for conflicting land uses is great. The county is vigorously
developing a county -wide water system. Because of poor soil conditions, both residential and
non-residential land uses will increasingly locate in areas which have water service. Thus,
problems resulting from conflicting land uses may be expected to increase. The potential
expansion of the Marine Corps Air Station will intensify the problems resulting from conflicting
land uses.
Much of the residential development in the western portion of Township 7 is near the
Craven County Regional Airport. As the airport's usage increases, conflicts with residential
development may occur. In 1995, the county considered the adoption of a Craven County
Regional Airport Height Control Ordinance. When adopted, this ordinance will be used to
regulate the height of buildings within the airport vicinity.
I-48
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEM0
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
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70
U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
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1100
SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER
+I+rl+++u
RAILROAD
---•—.
COUNTY LINE
—-----
CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
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EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
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SCALE
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CRAVEN COUNTY
North Carolina
LOCATIONS OF MAJOR
SUBDIVISIONS: 1993-1994
MAP 4
I-49
BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON
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Multi -family residential land use is significant. As cited in the housing section, in 1990
there were 4,638 multi -family units located in the county. It is estimated that these units
occupied approximately 310 acres. Most of the multi -family units are located in Townships 7
and 8. However, without zoning, it is difficult to track or control the locations of multi -family
units.
Mobile homes are also an important residential land use. The county enforces a mobile
home park ordinance which controls the design and construction of mobile home parks but does
not regulate location. It is estimated that in 1994 there were approximately 73 mobile home
parks in the county containing approximately 6,857 mobile homes. Most of the mobile home
parks are located in Townships 6, 7, 8, and 9.
4. COMMERCIAL LAND USES
The majority of the county's commercial land uses continue to be located within New
Bern and Havelock or their extraterritorial jurisdiction areas. However, during the 1980s and
early 1990s, especially 1988-1995, substantial commercial development has occurred along U.S.
70 between New Bern and Havelock. Most of this development has been strip
commercialization occurring in a narrow corridor along the highway. A second major area of
commercial development has been along U.S. 17 south of New Bern. This development has also
been strip -type development, tieing in a narrow corridor along the highway and stretching
several miles south of New Bern. Expansion of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point will
accelerate this growth.
As in most rural counties, there are small variety and grocery stores scattered throughout
the county at crossroads and along both major highways and secondary roads. These scattered
commercial uses have normally not been a problem and provide retail services to a scattered
rural population. However, it is expected that the number of these scattered retail stores will
decrease as urbanization continues in Townships 6, 7 and 8 and the southeastern area of
Township 2.
5. INDUSTRIAL LAND USE
The principal industrial land use in Craven County is the Craven County Industrial Park
which is located adjacent to the U.S. 70/S.R. 1225 interchange. The park was constructed in
1980 and contains 519 acres and 27 parcels. A total of ten parcels have been developed, leaving
17 for future industrial usage. Excellent utilities are provided to the park. Water service is
furnished by a 16-inch line. There are two elevated water storage tanks: one with 200,000
gallon capacity, and a second with 250,000 gallon capacity. Sewer service is provided by 8-inch
lines. The county contracts with the City of New Bern to provide sewer treatment. The
contract provides for a 100,000 gallon per day park capacity. Currently there is a 40,000 gallon
surplus capacity available to the park. The county has the option to negotiate additional sewer
capacity if needed. In 1992, the city had a 500,000 gallon per day excess capacity. Electric
service is provided by 23,000 kilowatt underground service. As industrial growth continues, the
county will need to expand the Craven County Industrial Park or pursue development of an
additional park(s). In 1992, the Moen Plant, which is located in the Craven County Industrial
Park, undertook a 75,000 square foot expansion. In addition, Chadsworth occupied the
industrial park's vacant Mack Truck building in 1993.
I-50
Craven County owns a second industrial park, which is located within Havelock. This
is an 80-acre site, with only four developed areas. No new development has taken place in the
park since 1992.
The largest single industrial land use in Craven County is the Weyerhauser Company
plant located on N.C. 43 at the Neuse River in the southeastern area of Township 1. The plant
produces bleached kraft pulp. As a result of the plant's production, there is tremendous logging
truck traffic throughout the county, especially on N.C. 43. The Weyerhauser plant is situated
in an isolated location. The company has been a "good neighbor" and an extremely important
part of the county's industrial base.
The county's remaining industrial uses are primarily located in New Bern, Havelock, and
Vanceboro. The lack of a county sewer system will be a hindrance to major industrial
development outside of urbanized areas or the Craven County Industrial Park. In addition, poor
soil conditions will restrict the choices available for the location of new industries in the county.
6. INSTITUTIONAL LAND USES
Institutional land uses normally include government land uses, churches, cemeteries, civic
uses, clubs, and health services. Most of the major institutional land uses in Craven County are
located within the municipalities and their extraterritorial areas. Within the county, the major
institutional land use is the Croatan National Forest which contains 157,000 acres. The forest
contains approximately 40 miles of streams and 4,300 acres of undeveloped lakes. The county
does not own any significant recreational sites or parks. There are 21 school sites scattered
throughout the county. The school locations are provided on Map 5.
I
F
1
I-51
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF s
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE I
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT,
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \ _
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INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
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i_OCATiON OF CRAVEN COUNTY SCHOOLS
1. ROGER R. BELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2. HAVELOCK HIGH SCHOOL
3.. HAVELOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL
4. HAVELOCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5. GRAHAM A. BARDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
6. ARTHUR W. EDWARDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
7. W. JESSE GURGANUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
8. BRINSON MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
9. BRIDGETON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
10. OAKS ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
11. J. T. BARBER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
12. GROVER C. FIELDS MIDDLE SCHOOL
13. TRENT PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
14. H. J. MacDONALD MIDDLE SCHOOL
15. BANCERT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
16.. NEW BERN HIGH SCHOOL
17. BEN D. QUINN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
18. VANCEBORO-FARM LIFE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
19. WEST CRAVEN HIGH SCHOOL
20. WEST CRAVEN \MIDDLE SCHOOL
21. JAMES W. SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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SCALE MAP 5
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I-52
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7. TRANSPORTATION
The draft of the 1992 Craven County Thoroughfare Plan prepared by the North Carolina
Department of Transportation Statewide Planning Branch provides the following description of
the Craven County transportation system.
"Craven County is crossed by two major US routes. U.S. 70 is an east -west route which
passes through Havelock and New Bern on its way from the Piedmont Region to the
Atlantic Ocean. U.S. 17 is the only major north -south route in Craven County. It enters
Craven County south of New Bern, travels north by northwest, and exits into Beaufort
County after passing through Vanceboro. Other significant highways in Craven County
are N.C. 43, N.C. 55, N.C. 101, N.C. 118, and N.C. 306. A small section of N.C. 41
is also located in Craven County where N.C. 41 terminates at U.S. 70.
The county is also served by a major railroad, Norfolk Southern Corporation. Also of
interest is the Camp Lejeune Railroad, a federally owned railroad connection between
Cherry Point Marine Air Station and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. No civilian
transportation is served by these railroads.
Commercial air service for the county is presently provided by Craven County Regional
Airport. This facility has seen steady growth since the mid-1980s. This trend is
expected to continue due to the population growth and stimulated economy. Also located
in Craven County is Cherry Point Marine Air Station. It is located northeast of Havelock
and is the largest air station of the United States Marine Corps."
Several transportation -related issues face the county. Traffic congestion is increasing on
U.S. 17 in the vicinity of New Bern and on the U.S. 70 corridor east of New Bern to Havelock.
A major issue confronting the county is replacement of the U.S. 17 bridge crossing the Neuse
River. Aircraft operations at both the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven
County Regional Airport have some adverse effects on nearby land uses, especially residential
land use. The county views both the military and civilian airports as essential assets and has
worked to impose land use controls designed to minimize conflicts between the airports and
adjacent land uses.
8. EXISTING ORDINANCES AND LAND USE CONTROLS
Craven County has maintained a "conservative" approach to land use planning and
regulations. The county supports planning through a full-time planning staff and active planning
board. However, minimal regulatory controls have been adopted. When possible, the county
relies on state and federal regulations to guide development. County -wide land use related
zoning and a minimum housing code have not been adopted. The local controls which are in
place are managed by the Board of Commissioners with the advice of the planning board and
county planning staff.
I-53
The following provides a summary of the county's land use related codes and ordinances. I
1988 Craven County CAMA Land Use Plan I
The 1988 Craven County Land Use Plan was prepared to satisfy the CAMA planning
requirements set forth in 15A NCAC 7B. The plan established policies addressing the areas of
resource protection, resource production and management, economic and community
development, public participation, and storm hazard mitigation. The 1988 policies are
summarized in the "Establishment of Information Base" section of this plan. The policies are
supportive of the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards and do not exceed the state's minimum
requirement. In addition to the establishment of policies, the 1988 plan assessed existing land
use related issues and forecast trends through a ten-year planning period.
Craven County Subdivision Ordinance r
In 1989, the Craven County Board of Commissioners adopted an updated subdivision
■
ordinance to replace the ordinance adopted in 1982. The following defines the purpose of the
ordinance: I
"The purpose of this ordinance is to establish procedures and standards for
the development and subdivision of land within the territorial jurisdiction
of the County of Craven; to provide for the orderly growth and
development of Craven County; for the coordination of streets and
highways within proposed subdivisions with existing or planned streets and
highways and with other public facilities; for the dedication or reservation
of recreation areas serving residents of the immediate neighborhood within
the subdivision and of rights -of -way or easements for street and utility
purposes; and for the distribution of population and traffic in a manner that
will avoid congestion and overcrowding and will create conditions essential
to public health, safety, and the general welfare. This ordinance is
designed to further facilitate adequate provision of water, sewerage, parks,
schools, and playgrounds, and also to facilitate the further subdivision of I
larger tracts into smaller parcels of land. "
Mobile Home Parks Ordinance
In 1978, the Craven County Board of Commissioners adopted a mobile home parks
ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is to regulate and control the design and minimum
standards of any new planned mobile home park in order to promote the health, safety, and
general welfare of the inhabitants of the county. A developer is required to submit a plat
prepared by a registered surveyor which meets minimum design standards defined by the
ordinance. The mobile home park ordinance needs to be updated to be consistent with current
state statutes and responsive to existing development issues. A revised ordinance was drafted
in 1990 but was not adopted. ,
I-54
I
I
1
Marine Corps Air Station Zoning Ordinance
In 1989, the Craven County Board of Commissioners adopted the Marine Corps Air
Station Zoning Ordinance. The ordinance's area of control is limited to an area east of the air
station which is impacted by noise from aircraft operating out of the air station. Sound
attenuation is the primary purpose of the ordinance. Construction standards are established to
require that soundproofing measures be incorporated into new construction within the area
regulated by the ordinance.
N.C. State Building Code
Chapter 4 of the Craven County Code provides regulatory authority for enforcement of
the state building codes. The chapter is adopted pursuant to authority granted by Chapter 703
and N.C.G.S. Section 153A-134.
Specifically, the chapter provides for the following:
-- The location, design, materials, equipment, construction, reconstruction,
alteration, repair, maintenance, moving, demolition, removal, use, and occupancy
of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such
building or structure;
-- The installation, erection, alteration, repair, use and maintenance of plumbing
systems'consisting of house sewers, building drains, waste and vent systems, hot
and cold water supply systems, and all fixtures and appurtenances thereof;
-- The installation, erection, alteration, repair, use and maintenance of mechanical
systems consisting of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration
systems, fuel burning equipment, and appurtenances thereof;
-- The installation, erection, alteration, repair, use and maintenance of electrical
systems and appurtenances thereof;
-- The installation of insulation;
-- The construction of fences;
-- The location and use of satellite receiving dishes;
-- The numbering of houses.
Chapter 10 specifically adopts the following North Carolina State Codes: building,
plumbing, heating and electrical. Inspection fees are established.
1
I-55
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
In 1987, Craven County adopted the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The
ordinance has the following purpose and objectives:
Purpose
"It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety and general
welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by
provisions designed to:
(1) Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health,
safety and property due to water or erosion hazards, or
which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood
heights or velocities;
(2) Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities
which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage
at the time of initial construction;
(3) Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream
channels, and natural protective barriers which are involved
in the accommodation of flood waters;
(4) Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development
which may increase erosion or flood damage; and,
(5) Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which
will unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase
flood hazards to other lands.
Objectives
The objectives of this chapter are:
(1) To protect human life and health;
(2) To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood
control projects;
(3) To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts
associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the
expense of the general public;
(4) To minimize prolonged business interruptions;
I-56
(5) To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such
as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines,
streets and bridges located in floodplains;
(6) To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the
sound use and development of flood prone areas in such a
manner as to minimize flood blight areas; and,
(7) To ensure that potential home buyers are notified that
property is in a flood area."
The county building inspector is designated as the administrator and penalties for
violation of the regulations are established. The FEMA flood insurance program is in effect
throughout the county.
Hurricane Evacuation, Hazard Mitigation. and Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan, 1984
This document was prepared with funding from the North Carolina Division of Coastal
Management. The purpose of the study was to assess the risk factors affecting the county in the
event of a hurricane or other major storm. Policies designed to lessen the damaging effects of
such a storm were adopted. Evacuation and rebuilding procedures are included.
ISeptic Tank Regulations
The county's septic tank regulations are administrated by the County Health Department.
ICraven County Recreation Plan
In 1982, a county -wide recreation plan was prepared and adopted. The plan was updated
in 1987 concurrent with the preparation of the 1988 land use plan. Recommendations for
county -wide recreation programs and facilities needs are provided.
1987 Craven County Estuarine Shoreline and Beach Access Plan
In 1987, the Craven County Board of Commissioners adopted a shoreline and beach
access plan. The document defines shoreline access needs based on recommended state
standards. As of 1992, the plan's recommendations had not been implemented.
Minor CAMA Development Permits
INo construction shall be permitted which requires a Minor Development Permit in
accordance with North Carolina General Statutes 113A-118 until the county has issued a Minor
Development Permit in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 or Chapter 113A of the
North Carolina General Statutes, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The
county's building inspector issues minor permits.
F1
1 I-57
N.C.G.S. 113A-118 defines a "minor development" (minor permit required) as any
development other than a "major development" (major permit required). A "major
development" is defined as follows:
"A major development is any development which requires
permission, licensing, approval, certification or authorization in
any form from the Environmental Management Commission, the
Department of Human Resources, the State Department of
Economic and Community Development, the State Department of
Administration, the North Carolina Mining Commission, the North
Carolina Pesticides Board, the North Carolina Sedimentation
Control Board, or any federal agency or authority; or which
occupies a land or water area in excess of 20 acres; or which
contemplates drilling for or excavating natural resources on land
or under water; or which occupies on a single parcel a structure or
structures in excess of a ground area of 60,000 square feet."
Water and Sewer Policies
Craven County aggressively pursues the policy that central water service should be
provided to all areas of the county as funds become available. Central sewer service is normally
not available outside of the municipal service areas. However, the county encourages developers
to construct small individual systems which may eventually be tied together.
Water and sewer districts are established by the county code. Those districts provide
operational authority for the provision of both water and sewer service. Each district operates
independent of Craven County management.
Transportation Improvement Program 1993-1999
The N.C. Department of Transportation prepares and annually updates a 10-year schedule
of highway and road improvements. The program includes major improvements which will have
an impact on Craven County. Most notable of the improvements are a new bridge crossing the
Neuse River at New Bern and a new route for U.S. 17 which will bypass New Bern.
9. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE 1988 LAND USE PLAN AND POLICIES
The county 1993 CAMA Land Use Plan was certified on January 28, 1994, by the
Coastal Resources Commission. When the preparation of this plan began, the 1993 plan policies
had been in effect for only nine months. Thus, it is impossible to assess at this early date the
effectiveness of the 1993 policies.
The 1993 plan included the following assessment of the 1988 Land Use Plan policies:
"The policies included in the 1988 land use plan supported enforcement
of the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards. However, most of the policies
I-58
were generally worded and not specifically linked to the state's minimum use
g Y P Y
standards.
From 1988 to 1992, questions frequently arose concerning the county's
q q Y
position on the following issues:
-- Marina permitting and construction.
404 wetlands regulation.
Minimum housing code enforcement.
-- Mobile home park regulation.
== County -wide zoning.
Planned unit development construction.
The 1988 plan has effectively supported the state's minimum use
standards. During the preparation of this update, the county endeavored to
specifically address the issues cited above and to clearly link the policy statements
to the appropriate regulatory authority."
The policies included in the 1993 Land Use Plan provided clarification of the county's
position on those issues which were questioned in the 1988 Land Use Plan. In addition, the
1993 Land Use Plan policies support but do not exceed the requirements of the 15A NCAC 7H
minimum use standards for Areas of Environmental Concern.
E. LAND AND WATER USE COMPATIBILITY ANALYSIS
1. GENERAL DISCUSSION
Craven County is experiencing some significant land use compatibility problems. These
problems have intensified during the past seven years and are expected to continue to be issues
throughout the planning period. This section will discuss only the land use -related issues.
Craven County's water resources are discussed in detail in the development constraints chapter
of the plan. The following summarizes the major land use compatibility issues in Craven
County:
® Most of the developed and developing areas within Craven County are not served
by a central sewer system.
• Much of the county's residential development is occurring along the Trent and
Neuse Rivers, in or near estuarine shoreline areas.
• Strip commercialization is occurring along U. S. 70 between Havelock and New
Bern. This would be further encouraged by the expansion of the Cherry Point
Marine Corps Air Station.
• "404" wetlands areas and associated federal regulations present obstacles to
development and both agricultural and forestry land uses.
1 I-59
• There is increasing pressure for marina development, especially in the New Bern
area.
• Growth and development have resulted in heavy burdens on the county's road
system. There is a critical need for new high-rise Neuse River and Trent River
bridges at New Bern, and a New Bern by-pass for U. S. 17.
• Compatibility problems between the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and
the Craven County Regional Airport with adjacent land uses have increased
during the 1980s. Both facilities are significant county assets. While the impacts
on adjacent development for aircraft operations should be minimized to the extent
possible, the long-range operational viability of both facilities must be preserved.
• Except for the Marine Corps Air Station Zoning Ordinance, county zoning has
not been adopted to regulate development.
• Soil limitations throughout much of the county present severe obstacles to
development.
• While Craven County has actively supported housing improvement programs, a
significant amount of substandard housing continues to exist. The county has not
had a minimum housing code to aid in the elimination of substandard housing
conditions.
• The possible expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station may greatly
increase development pressure within the county and increase the demands on
county facilities and services.
2. UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT I
As indicated in the existing land use analysis, 2,414 residential lots were approved for
subdivision from 1987 to 1994. While all were approved under regulation of the county's
subdivision ordinance, there were no controls in place to regulate density or location. Craven
County is making substantial investments in infrastructure systems, in particular water and sewer
service. As growth continues, regulations should be in place to aid in preventing "overloads"
on infrastructure systems.
A second significant unplanned development problem exists along U. S. 70 between New
Bern and Havelock. During the 1980s, commercial development has accelerated in this corridor.
Continued growth may be expected during the planning period. Without regulation, the U. S.
70 corridor may become one continuous strip of development, thereby greatly increasing traffic
congestion on the county's primary east -west traffic artery. Expansion of the Cherry Point
Marine Corps Air Station personnel may significantly increase the development pressure. A
specific development plan should be developed in close coordination with the North Carolina
Department of Transportation.
I-60
1
Major problems resulting from unplanned industrial development are not anticipated. The
county has an aggressive and effective industrial recruitment program. Industrial growth/
development has been encouraged to locate in industrial parks or in other scattered sites having
access to central water and/or sewer services. Through 1995, there were no significant land use
compatibility problems between industrial and non -industrial land uses.
Some problems resulting from unplanned development will continue to exist between the
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport with adjacent
land uses. The adoption in 1989 of the Marine Corps Air Station Zoning Ordinance has greatly
reduced the potential for problems resulting from unplanned development. In 1995, the county
adopted a Craven County Regional Airport Height Control Ordinance which will aid in
regulating development in the vicinity of the airport and reduce violations of essential airspace.
The 1988 land use plan cited the following unplanned development problem:
"... another problem is that since more development is taking place near already developed areas
in Townships 6, 7, and 8 (i.e., New Bern, River Bend, and Trent Woods), it is becoming more
and more difficult to distinguish which governmental jurisdiction actually has the land development
"problem." For example, land uses on U. S. Highway 17 south near New Bern could conceivably
be within close proximity to the fringe areas of both Trent Woods and River Bend. With
development, especially new residential development, taking place in the south Highway 17 area,
it will become more crucial than ever for all four jurisdictions to work cooperatively in order to
assure well managed and orderly growth. Thus, the question of appropriate regulatory jurisdiction
has itself emerged as a problem from unplanned developments."
This issue continues to exist. Intergovernmental cooperation and planning will become
an even greater need during the 1990s.
3. CHANGES IN PREDOMINANT LAND USES
During the last seven years, the greatest changes in land use have been residential
subdivision development and commercial development between New Bern and Havelock.
However, it should be noted that many of the subdivisions which were approved for development
have not experienced any significant residential construction. This pattern of development is
expected to continue throughout the planning period.
Transportation improvements, discussed in detail in the public facilities needs section of
this plan, could stimulate significant land use changes during the planning period. The two most
significant improvements will be the construction of a U. S. 17 bypass west of New Bern, and
a new Neuse River bridge.
An increase in the area, provided central sewer service will stimulate land use changes.
Areas not suitable for development because of soil limitations will become candidates for
development. This will serve to disperse development away from the traditional areas in
Townships 6, 7, and 8. However, sewer service area expansion is expected to occur gradually
during the planning period.
4. SUMMARY
This section is intended to highlight the land use issues and problems being experienced
by Craven County. It is emphasized that this is only a summary. The plan must be read in its
entirety to fully appreciate the complexity of the issues confronting Craven County. The policies
included in this plan must address the following:
• Development of "404" wetland areas.
• Expansion of central water and sewer service areas.
• Increasing traffic congestion, in particular along the U. S. 70 corridor.
• Continued support of economic/industrial development.
• Zoning of the New Bern to Havelock U.S. 70 corridor.
• Development of a regional solid waste disposal facility. (Refer to Development
Constraints: Public Facilities, Solid Waste Disposal.)
• Support of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County
Regional Airport.
• Support of the expansion of the Cherry Point Naval Aviation Depot and the
reassignment of F/A-18 jets from Cecil Field, Florida to Cherry Point.
• Impacts resulting from the possible expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps
Air Station.
• Intergovernmental cooperation, coordination, and planning.
I-62
F. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY
1. TOPOGRAPHY/GEOLOGY AND GROUNDWATER RESOURCES
The Neuse and Trent Rivers drain into Craven County. The flow in both rivers and their
tributaries is sluggish. Generally, the county slopes to the southeast. Elevations range from 63
feet above sea level at Dover to five feet above sea level in the marshes and floodplains located
in the central and southeastern sections of the county. Approximately 88 % of the county is
almost level, 11 % gently sloping, and 1 % sloping to moderately steep.
The county's groundwater is plentiful. In most places, it is located near the surface,
particularly in winter and early spring. Most inactive borrow pits contain water, and several
large natural lakes exist in the southeastern area of the county.
Thousands of feet of sedimentary deposits underlie the county. The upper portions of
these deposits contain aquifers which supply the county's well water. The surficiali aquifer
extends down from the water table to a maximum depth of about 60 feet. It is thicker in the
southern areas of the county. In the early development of the county, this aquifer provided the
main source of small domestic water supplies. However, the dependence on shallow wells has
decreased because of low yield, high dissolved iron content and contamination.
The Castle Hayne formation supplies most of the county's wells. This aquifer is thin
near the Lenoir and Pitt County lines but ranges up to 700 feet thick along the Carteret County
line. In the upper part of the aquifer, the water is generally hard with high dissolved oxygen
content. In the lower portions of the aquifer, the water is low in iron but salty in some places,
especially the southern areas of the county.
The Black Creek formation and upper part of the Tuscaloosa formation near Cove City
provide excellent water sources for both New Bern and the county. However, this aquifer is not
utilized east of Cove City because of its depth and probable salt water content.
2. FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
Flood Insurance Rate Maps were prepared for Craven County in June, 1991, by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The 100-year flood serves as the base flood
for the purpose of floodplain management. The 100-year flood line represents the level that
water would reach or "rise to" during a flood that may be expected to occur on the average of
once during a 100-year period. Thus, there is a 1 % chance of a 100-year flood occurring during
any one year.
1 1 surficial: groundwaters which are at or just below the surface.
1 I-63
Pi
Map 6 provides the approximate boundaries of the Craven County areas which would be
inundated by a 100-year flood. These areas may also suffer some hazards resulting from storm
generated waves. The 100-year flood zone generally extends inland to areas where the 100-year
flood depth is sufficient to support a 3-foot breaking wave. Such wave action would normally
be associated with strong coastal storms. Because of the additional hazards associated with wave
action, the National Flood Insurance Program regulations require more demanding construction
procedures in those areas affected by wave action, including elevating structures on piles or
piers.
The flood areas are primarily located along shorelines, river bottoms, river tributaries,
and pocosins.
In 1986, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers prepared maps of coastal North Carolina
which delineated the flooding which may be expected to occur as a result of hurricanes. The
maps were prepared utilizing a computer base model named SLOSH, Sea Lake Overlaid Surge
From Hurricanes. The model plots hurricane related flooding which may result from a number
of characteristics including wind speed, wind direction, time, tide, etc.
Ma 7 indicates the areas of Craven County which may be affected b hurricane -
generated storm surge. The following defines the five storm surge categories:
1. Winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour. Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees
Category_P g P Y rY, ,
foliage, and unanchored mobile homes. No appreciable wind damage to other structures.
Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Storm surge possibly 4 to 5 feet above
normal. Low-lying roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft in exposed
anchorage torn from moorings.
Category 2. Winds of 96 to 110 miles per hour. Considerable damage to shrubbery and
tree foliage; some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes.
Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs. Some damage to roofing materials of
buildings; some window and door damage. No major wind damage to buildings. Storm
surge possibly 6 to 8 feet above normal. Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes
inland cut by rising water 2 to 4 hours before arrival of hurricane center. Considerable
damage to piers. Marinas flooded. Small craft in unprotected anchorages torn from
moorings. Evacuation of some shoreline residences and low-lying island areas required. r
Category 3. Winds of 111 to 130 miles per hour. Foliage tom from trees; large trees
blown down. Practically all poorly constructed signs blown down. Some damage to
roofing materials of buildings; some window and door damage. Some structural damage
to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Storm surge possibly 9 to 12 feet above
normal. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller structures near coast destroyed;
larger structures near coast damaged by battering waves and floating debris. Low-lying
escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives.
1
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THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTALMANAGEMENT PROGRAM. THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972. AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEM0
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
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---'
DIVIDED HIGHWAY
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---•—
COUNTY LINE
------
CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
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--- :--T-i
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
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,' '=/' CRAVEN COUNTY
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FORE / •� LOV
>ST �t�ti FLOOD HAZARD MAP
scaLT MAP 6
1 0 t 2 3 4 MLES
I-65
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THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF a
1972. AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT\
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \
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-----
COUNTY LINE
------
CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
r—;---,-�
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
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NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING
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LEGEND
CATEGORY I - 2 SURGE AREA
,-
CATEGORY 3 ADDITIONAL SURGE AREA
® CATEGORY 4 - 5 ADDITIONAL SURGE AREA
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- FOREST
loll ' STORM SURGE MAP
c
SCALE MAP 7
1 0 I 2 3 q MLES
I-66
P
1
Category 4. Winds of 131 to 155 miles per hour. Shrubs and trees blown down; all
signs down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows, and doors. Complete
failure of roofs on many small residences. Complete destruction of mobile homes.
Storm surge possibly 13 to 18 feet above normal. Major damage to lower floors of
structures near shore due to flooding and battering by waves and floating debris.
Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center
arrives. Major erosion of beaches.
Category 5. Winds greater than 155 miles per hour. Shrubs and trees blown down;
considerable damage to roofs of buildings; all signs down. Very severe and extensive
damage to windows and doors. Complete failure of roofs on many residences and
industrial buildings. Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors. Some
complete building failures. Small buildings overturned or blown away. Complete
destruction of mobile homes. Storm surge possibly greater than 18 feet above normal.
Major damage to lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level.
Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center
arrives.
A Category 3 storm would inundate approximately 15 to 20 % of the county's land area.
The flooded areas would include all roads in river bottom areas and Craven County east of
Clubfoot Creek, including many subdivisions approved for development in eastern Craven
County.
A long-range flooding problem could result from anticipated sea level rise. During the
past century, the sea has risen approximately one foot. Generally, experts expect the sea level
rise to accelerate during the next century and rise an additional four to seven feet. Such a rise
in sea level would have a significant impact on Craven County. It is forecast that a five-foot
sea level rise would result in approximately 20 % of the county's existing land area being lost.
Most of the inundated land area would be located along river bottoms and in coastal and "404"
wetland areas. It is not anticipated that significant population within the county's jurisdiction
would be displaced. However, the county's road network in the eastern sections could be
significantly disrupted. (Data provided by R. Paul Wilms and presented in "The Effects of
Global Warming and Sea Level Rise on Coastal North Carolina," Carolina Planning, Fall,
1991.) Much of the county's coastal wetland areas could be lost. This is a serious potential
problem which must be carefully monitored by the county and mitigative actions defined.
3. SOILS
Craven County's soils are predominantly poor to very poorly drained. Extensive areas
of the county have soils with severe limitations for development and septic tank usage. Map 8
provides a summary of the Craven County soil associations, their characteristics, and locations.
In addition, Map 8 provides a general indication of the areas having the greatest potential for
septic tank usage. However, the reader is cautioned that this is only a very general delineation
and specific in -field analysis must be conducted by the Craven County Sanitarian to determine
exact conditions for septic tank usage. The better soil conditions are found along the Neuse and
Trent Rivers on high river bluff areas and in the upland areas located in the western sections of
the county.
I-67
n
1-1
I
I1
i
1
L
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMEN'
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
1
•
.1V•',o
"ROVER
:ONES A
•—•--••
LEGEND
SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD
HARD SURFACED ROAD
DIVIDED HIGHWAY
=1 M�
HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE
U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
1100
SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER
+
RAILROAD
--- —
COUNTY LINE
------
CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
r---� r-�
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING
JURISDICTION
CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW
BERM/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON
=-1_7_1------'—L__:_A
COUNTY
BERN
KEY TO SOIL TYPES
VERY POORLY DRAINED AND POORLY DRAINED, MINERAL
SOILS: ON BROAD INTERSTREAM FLATS AND IN
DEPRESSIONS
Rains-Pantego-Torhunta: Nearly level, poorly drained and very
poorly drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; on uplands
Deloss-Tomotley Nearly level, very poorly drained and poorly
drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; on stream terraces
WELL DRAINED TO POORLY DRAINED, MINERAL SOILS;
NEAR DRAINAGEWAYS
Goldsboro -Lynchburg -Norfolk Nearly level and gently sloping,
moderately well drained, somewhat poorly drained, and well
drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; on uplands
Altavista-Augusta-Tomotley Nearly level. moderately well drained
to poorly drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; on stream
terraces
MODERATELY WELL DRAINED TO VERY POORLY DRAINED,
MINERAL SOILS; ON INTERSTREAM FLATS AND IN
DEPRESSIONS
Lenoir -Craven -Leaf: Nearly level and gently sloping, somewhat
poorly drained, moderately well drained, and poorly drained soils
that have a clayey and loamy subsoil; on uplands
Leaf-Bayboro: Nearly level. poorly drained and very poorly
drained soils that have a clayey and loamy subsoil• on uoiands
Np4t,Co
An'fa 1 •
\� ` -
NEUSE Ad
TRENT % 1 •:} .rot
WOODS
RIVER gip'
BEND
CR0A. N T
Ha 1
s NA o a
cod \
. •� 7
VERY POORLY DRAINED, ORGANIC SOILS; ON INTERSTREAM
FLATS
Croatan-Dare; Nearly level, very poorly drained, organic soils that
FT are subject to frequent ponding; on uplands
VERY POORLY DRAINED, ORGANIC SOILS AND VERY
POORLY DRAINED TO SOMEWHAT EXCESSIVELY DRAINED,
MINERAL SOILS; ON STREAM TERRACES
Murville-Ponzer-Leon: Nearly level and gently sloping, very
® poorly drained and poorly drained, sandy soils and nearly level,
very poorly drained, organic soils; on stream terraces
Tarboro -Seabrook -Arapahoe•. Nearly level and gently sloping.
E2 somewhat excessively drained and moderately well drained. sandy
soils and nearly level, very poorly drained, loamy soils; on stream
terraces
VERY POORLY DRAINED AND POORLY DRAINED, MINERAL
AND ORGANIC SOILS; ON FLOOD PLAINS
Masontown-Muckalee-Dorovan Nearly level. very poorly drained
lO and poorly drained, loamy soils and nearly level. very poorly
drained, organic soils that are flooded frequently; on flood plains
POTENTIALLY FEASIBLE FOR PLACEMENT OF S� IiC TANKS
'Based on current soil survey reports on soil types with moderate to slight
limitations. However, final determination can be made only upon on -site
by the County Healty Department.
IlCggr fR f?
COVNrY
FORES. �•� LOJ�
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/
SCALE
1 0 1 2 3
q MLE3
--- .�
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,
CRAVEN COUNTY
North Carolina
SOILS MAP
MAP 8
I-68
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Ll
F11
4. ESTUARINE HIGH EROSION RATE AREAS
Eroding shorelines in Craven County are common. In 1975, the Shoreline Erosion
Inventory, North Carolina was published by the USDA Soil Conservation Service. This report
continues to provide the most recent shoreline erosion data. Estuarine erosion rates were
determined for eight "reaches" along the Neuse River shoreline using aerial photographs
covering 32 years. The Neuse River average annual erosion rate for Craven County was
determined to be 3.8 feet per year, which was next to the highest rate among all 15 counties in
the study (Bertie County's rate was 0.92 feet per year, compared to 4.5 feet for Washington
County, which had the highest rate). The Craven County study covered 47.41 miles and showed
46.56 miles were eroding (see Map 9), for a total loss of nearly 650 acres over the 32-year
period. The average width of the eroded area was 121 feet. Table 29 provides data on each
of the eight reaches. While some measures may have been taken to mitigate or eliminate some
of the erosion, estuarine shoreline erosion continues to be a significant concern.
5. SURFACE WATER
In August, 1992, the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan of the Albemarle -
Pamlico Estuarine Study was published by the North Carolina Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources. The study included the entire drainage basin for the Albemarle
and Pamlico Sounds except for the portion of the Roanoke River basin that lies above the Lake
Gaston Dam and the White Oak southwestern subbasin. This area includes Craven County and
the Neuse and Trent Rivers.
The following provides the goals and objectives of the study:
"The goal of the Albemarle -Pamlico Project will be to provide the scientific
knowledge and public awareness needed to make rational management decisions
so that the Albemarle -Pamlico estuarine system can continue to supply citizens
with natural resources, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic enjoyment.
The objectives of the project will include, but are not limited to, generating
understanding of what is needed to maintain, and where necessary restore the
chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the estuary, the wildlife habitat of
the estuary, and the production levels of recreational and commercial fisheries of
the estuary."
The study cites general decline of surface water quality within the Albemarle and Pamlico
basins over the last 43-year period covered by the study, 1945 to 1988. During that period the
Neuse River experienced: 41 % increase in agricultural runoff; 12 % increase in nonpoint sources
of pollution; 9 % increase in minor non -municipal wastewater treatment plants; 30 % increase in
sediment; and 10% increase in low dissolved oxygen.
1 I-69
Table 29 1
Estuarine Erosion Areas in Craven County, North Carolina
REACH NO. 1
Av. width lost to erosion
87.6 feet
Av. height of bank
3.0 feet
Langth of shoreline eroding
7.7 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
7.7 miles
REACH NO. 2
Av. width lost to erosion
69.4 feet
Av. height of bank
23.2 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
3.8 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
3.8 miles
REACH NO. 3
Av. width lost to erosion
147.1 feet
Av. height of bank
20.3 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
Length of shoreline accreting
7.6 miles
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
7.6 miles
REACH NO. 4
Av. width lost to erosion
175.0 feet
Av. height of bank
11.1 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
10.5 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
10.5 miles
Av. width lost to erosion
115.3 feet
Av. height of bank
8.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
5.5 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
6.3 miles
REACH NO. 6
Av. width lost to erosion
119.2 feet
Av. height of bank
9.0 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
5.1 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
5.1 miles
REACH NO. 7
Av. width lost to erosion
37.7 feet
Av. height of bank
7.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
1.6 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
1.6 miles
REACH NO. 8
Av. width lost to erosion
Av. height of bank
95.0 feet
5.1 feet
,
Length of shoreline eroding
4.8 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
4.8 miles
Source: Shoreline Erosion Inventory, NC, USDA Soil Conservation Service, Raleigh, NC, October, 1975.
I-70 1
ESTUARINE EROSION AREAS
f 11 MAP 9
LEGEND
REACH
,' z °� ►�
r BOQ!
SCALE
1b
The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and .Atmospheric
Administration.
Generally, the study cited the following concerns:
Concern I: Excessive nutrient loading -- nuisance algai blooms and other deleterious
effects.
Concern II: Degradation of ground water and surface water quality -- increased
turbidity, decreased transparency, increased sedimentation, alteration of salinity,
contamination with other toxicants, and low dissolved oxygen.
Concern III: Bacterial contaminati
on n -- closure of waters to the harvest of shellfish.
Concern IV: Cumulative impacts on water quality and biological degradation.
With respect to the Neuse River, the study mentioned two particular areas of concern.
First, algai blooms often cause foul smells and other poor aesthetic values in some tributaries
of the Neuse River. Secondly, high concentrations of metals have occurred in the following
areas: Trent River east, inner Neuse River, New Bern Neuse waterfront, Bridgeton Neuse
waterfront, Trent River west, New Bern wastewater treatment plant, and Fairfield Harbor.
Clearly the surface water quality in the county's rivers and tributaries is declining.
6. SLOPES IN EXCESS OF 12%
' In Craven County, slopes in excess of 12 % are rare. Such slopes are only found along
the high riverfront areas along the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Excessive slope is not an obstacle
to development in Craven County.
7. MANMADE HAZARDS
Within Craven County, the primary manmade hazards are the Craven County Regional
Airport, the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, and the Atlantic and East Carolina Railroad
which serves the county. This railroad often provides for the transport of toxic and hazardous
materials, such as jet fuel, through Craven County to the North Carolina State Port at Morehead
City. Numerous other hazards are scattered throughout the county and are identified in
Appendix II. Manmade hazards are not expected to be a deterrent to growth and development
during the planning period.
I8. FRAGILE AREAS
Fragile areas are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate,
unplanned, or poorly planned development. These areas include both Areas of Environmental
' Concern (AEC's) and other natural resource fragile areas, as shown on Map 10. The following
discusses each type of areas in detail.
I-72
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972. AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMED
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
JONES
4
••------
LEGEND
SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD
HARD SURFACED ROAD
DMDED HIGHWAY
�1 MC
HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE
70
U.S. NTJWERED HIGHWAY
0
N.C. NL'ABERED HIG-rIWAY
1100
SECONDARY ROAD I RU-NfBER
RAILROAD
-----
COUNTY LINE
------
CORPORATE LIMIT LINE -
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
.-�
. , , ; , .
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
•
NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANINIING
JURISDICTION
CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW
'
BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON
6EAu*art WIN"
COASTAL PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS
INLAND PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS
SPECIAL SECONDARY NURSERY AREAS
NO TRAWL LINE
LEGEND
POTENTIAL 404 WETLAND AREAS
(See Nate 4)
See Note 3
COASTAL WETLANDS
See Note 1
ESTUARINE WATERS
See Note 2
ESTUARINE SHORELINE
See Note 1
PUBLIC TRUST AREAS
NOTES
1. ALL WATERS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF CRAVEN COUNTY
ARE EITHER ESTUARINE WATERS OR PUBLIC TRUST AREAS
AS DEFINED IN 1SA NCAC 7H.0206 ESTUARINE WATERS
AND.0207 PUBLIC TRUST AREAS.
2. ALL AREAS LYING 0.75 LANDWARD OF THE MEAN
HIGH WATER LEVEL OF ESTUARINE WATERS ARE
CLASSIFIED AS ESTUARINE SHORELINES. BECAUSE OF
MAP SCALE. THESE AREAS CANNOT BE ACCURATELY
MAPPED. PRECISE LOCATIONS MUST BE DETERMINED IN
THE FIELD THROUGH CAMA REVIEW AND PERMIT
APPROVAL
3. COASTAL WETLAND AREAS EXIST IN CRAVEN COUNTY.
BECAUSE OF MAP SCALE. COASTAL WETLAND AREAS MUST
BE DETERMINED THROUGH ON -SITE ANALYSIS.
4. THE 404 WETLANDS DELINEATIONS ARE PRESENTED FOR
INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IN NO WAY AFFECT
THE PRECISE LOCATIONS OF 404 WETLANDS FOR REGULA•
TORY PURPOSES. THOSE JURISOICTIONS/DETERMINATIONS
CAN ONLY BE MADE BY CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERSONNEL
THROUGH INDIVIDUAL ON -SITE ANALYSIS.
OR'E5�7+/� J LOJ
Y 1�p
`PP
SCALE
1 0 I 2 3 4 MILES
�R7fQfT
iCOO"".
CRAVEN COUNTY
North Carolina
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
AND OTHER FRAGILE AREAS MAP
MAP 10
I-73
Ia) Coastal Wetlands
1 Coastal wetlands are defined as salt marshes regularly- or irregularly -flooded by tides,
including wind tides, provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides. This area
contains some, but not necessarily all of the following marsh plant species: Cordgrass, Black
' Needlerush, Glasswort, Salt Grass, Sea Lavendar, Bulrush, Saw Grass, Cat -tail, Salt Meadow
Grass, and Salt Reed Grass.
The coastal wetlands are vital to the complex food chain found in estuaries. They
provide marine nursery areas and are essential to a sound commercial fishing industry. Coastal
wetlands also serve as barriers against flood damage and control erosion between the estuary and
uplands. Less than five percent of Craven County's land area includes coastal wetlands. The
largest concentrations are located along the Trent River, Hancock Creek, Cohogue Creek,
Clubfoot Creek, and Adams Creek. Coastal wetlands are not delineated on the fragile areas
map. Locations must be determined through in -field site analysis and investigation.
b) Estuarine Waters
Estuarine waters are generally brackish waters found in coastal estuaries and bays. The
boundary lines between inland and coastal fishing waters are set forth in an agreement adopted
by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Environment, Health and Natural
Resources, and are provided in the most current revision of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries
' Regulations for Coastal Waters, codified at 15A NCAC 3Q-0200. It should be noted that this
boundary line changes regularly, and the Marine Fisheries Regulations should be frequently
consulted. Within Craven County, estuarine waters include waters located within the Neuse
(generally below Pitch Kettle Creek) and Trent Rivers and tributaries leading to those waters.
They are the dominant component and bonding element of the entire estuarine system,
integrating aquatic influences from both the land and the sea. The estuarine waters are among
the most productive natural environments of Craven County. The waters support the valuable
commercial and sports fisheries of the coastal area which are comprised of estuarine dependent
species.
c) Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine shorelines are non -ocean shorelines that are especially vulnerable to erosion,
flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water. They are intimately connected to the
estuary. The estuarine shoreline area extends from the mean high water level or normal water
level along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish waters for a distance of 75 feet landward.
Development within the estuarine shorelines influences the quality of estuarine life and is subject
to the damaging processes of shorefront erosion and flooding.
1 d Public Trust Areas
Public trust areas are all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the
mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water
subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; all
navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water level or mean
1 I-74
Ll�
water level as the case may be, except privately -owned lakes to which the public has no right
of access; all water in artificially created bodies of water containing significant public fishing
resources or other public resources which are accessible to the public by navigation; and all
waters in artificially created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by
prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other means. In determining whether the public
has acquired rights in artificially created bodies of water, the following factors shall be ,
considered:
(1) the use of the body of water by the public,
(2) the length of time the public has used the area,
(3) the value of public resources in the body of water,
(4) whether the public resources in the body of water are mobile to the extent
that they can move into natural bodies of water,
(5) whether the creation of the artificial body of water required permission
from the state, and
(6) the value of the body of water to the public for navigation from one public
area to another public area.
These areas are significant because the public has rights in these areas, including
navigation and recreation. The public trust areas also support valuable commercial and sports
fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are important resources for economic development.
It is impossible to map the public trust area. The areas must be determined through in-
field analysis and definition.
e) 404 Wetlands
404 wetlands are areas covered by water or that have water-logged soils for long periods
during the growing season. Plants growing in wetlands are capable of living in soils lacking
oxygen for at least part of the growing season. Some wetlands, such as swamps, are obvious.
Others are sometimes difficult to identify because they may be dry during part of the year.
Wetlands include, but are not limited to, bottomlands, forests, swamps, pocosins, pine
savannahs, bogs, marshes, and wet meadows.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that anyone interested in depositing dredged
or fill material into "waters of the United States," including wetlands, must apply for and receive
a permit for such activities.
Map 10, Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas, provides a general
delineation of Craven County's wetlands areas. It is emphasized that the map is only a general
indication and cannot be utilized to locate 404 wetland areas. The specific locations of wetlands
areas must be determined through specific on -site analysis by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Washington District Office.
Wetlands are a significant natural resource because the provide recharge areas for ,
g YP g
groundwater; serve as filter traps for sediment, pesticides and other pollutants; provide non- ,
structural flood control; buffer against shoreline erosion; serve as buffer zones between upland
I-75
I
1
activities and valuable aquatic systems; and provide habitats for numerous furbearing animals,
endangered species, and other wildlife.
Simultaneous to the preparation of this plan, amendments to the federal definition of
wetlands were being considered which reduce the areas afforded protection under the wetlands
legislation. Those areas known as "non-splashable" wetlands, which include pine forests,
meadows, and brushy areas where water lies just below the surface, would be eliminated from
404 regulation. This change would significantly increase the areas of Craven County which
could be considered to have development potential. However, at the time of plan adoption, no
changes had occurred and "404" jurisdictional decisions were being made according to the U.
S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 manual.
f) Natural Resource Fragile Areas
Natural resource fragile areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific,
or cultural value because of the natural features of the particular site. Features in these areas
serve to distinguish them from the vast majority of the landscape.
In Craven County, these areas include complex natural areas, areas that sustain remnant
species, pocosins, wooded swamps, and prime wildlife habitats.
Craven County's natural resource areas are identified in Appendix III. These areas
cannot be accurately located on the Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas
map because of map size and scale.
g) Historic and Archaeological Sites
Craven County contains a large number of archaeologically and historically significant
sites. In fact, a county -wide architectural survey conducted by the North Carolina Department
of Cultural Resources identified over 900 structures which could be eligible for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places. The following provides a listing of properties located
within Craven County's planning jurisdiction which are on the study list for inclusion on the
National Register of Historic Places:
1.
James Biddle House, Fort Barnwell vicinity
2.
Brick Road, Belair vicinity
3.
Caswell Branch Bridge and Brick Road FHWA, Beech Grave vicinity
4.
Alfred Chapman House, Chapman's Chapel vicinity
5.
Church Chapman House, Chapman's Chapel vicinity
6.
Clubfoot and Harlowe's Creek Canal, Harlowe vicinity
'
7.
Croatan Presbyterian Church, Croatan vicinity
8.
Dudley House, Chapman's Chapel vicinity (location unknown)
9.
James A. Emul House, Askin vicinity (location unknown)
10.
Foy Barn, Foy Landing vicinity
11.
Gaskins' General Store, Emul
12.
Tom Haywood Store and Self -Kicking Machine, Croatan vicinity
Lancaster House, Beaman's Fork vicinity
13.
1 I-76
14. Latham House, Olympia vicinity
15. Taylor -Bell House, Bachelor vicinity
16. Needham B. White House, Havelock vicinity
17. Abner Whitehead House, Bachelor vicinity
18. George M. Witherington House, Chapman's Chapel
It is recommended that all development projects be coordinated with the Division of ,
Archives and History to avoid destruction of architecturally or archaeologically significant sites.
h) Maritime Forests I
There are no maritime forest areas located in Craven County.
i) Other Fragile Areas
There are no ocean dunes, ocean beaches/shorelines, inlet hazard ares, natural
resource areas, complex natural areas, or unique geologic formations located in Craven County.
9. AREAS OF RESOURCE POTENTIAL ,
a) Agricultural and Forestlands ,
Craven County has extensive agricultural and forestlands. Both are an important part of
the natural resources supporting the county's economy. The most productive farmland and i
commercial forests are located in the western areas of the county. Those areas best suited for
agricultural production are located on Map 8, Craven County General Soils Map.
Most soils in Craven County may be productive for agricultural usage if properly
drained. However, "404" wetlands regulations prohibit or severely restrict the drainage of most
areas. To the maximum extent possible, Craven County's agricultural and forest resources
should be developed as extremely important economic resources. State and federal regulations
should minimize obstacles to utilization of these resources. Craven County supports the
exemption of "non-splashable" wetlands from "404" regulatory protection.
Approximately 70,699 acres, or 15 percent, of Craven County is considered prime
farmland. This farmland occurs throughout the county on uplands and stream terraces mainly
in areas near major drainage ways. In some parts of the county, prime farmland has been
converted to urban uses. The loss of prime farmland puts pressure on marginal lands, which
generally are either wet, more erodible, droughty, difficult to cultivate, or less productive than
prime farmland. The following provides an identification of Craven County's prime farmland
soil types: I
Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
Craven silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes
Exum silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
Goldsboro loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes
Norfolk loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes
I-77
' Norfolk loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes
Onslow loamy sand
' State loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes
rb) Valuable Mineral Resources
Craven County does not have a substantial peat reserve capable of being mined for
commercial or industrial purposes like several other coastal counties. However, the county
contains soil types with highly decomposed organic matter as surface layers and underlaid by
�' I
decayed material which may signify the presence of peat. These types of soils can be found
in various pockets in the county, usually coinciding with very poorly drained soils. Craven
County has the Martin Marietta rock quarry, which provides rock aggregate material for most
of eastern North carolina, and a few small sand pits. There are no other known areas in the
county which contain marketable mineral resources, such as phosphate.
c) Public Forests
Craven County contains extensive public forest lands. The Croatan National Forest,
located in eastern Craven County contains 157,000 acres. This forest offers the most coastal
environment of any national forest located in the eastern United States. Excellent opportunities
exist for camping, hiking, swimming, boating, hunting, and fishing. In addition, the forest
includes extensive 404 wetland areas. The forest area is generally delineated on Map 10, Areas
of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas.
d) Public Parks
There are no major public parks located in Craven County which have regional
significance extending beyond Craven County.
e) Public Gamelands
Other than the Croatan National Forest, there are no public gamelands located in Craven
County.
f) Private Wildlife Sanctuaries
There are no regionally or locally significant private wildlife sanctuaries located in
Craven County. However, there are numerous private hunting clubs located in the county.
g) Marine Resources
Craven County contains valuable marine resource areas. The most significant are the
coast primary nursery, inland primary nursery, and special secondary nursery areas. These
areas, as defined by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, are delineated on Map 10,
Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas. The nursery areas are concentrated
I-78
in tributaries of the Neuse River in eastern Craven County. The primary and secondary nursery ,
areas are defined as follows:
-- Primary nursery areas are those areas in the estuarine system where initial
post -larval development takes place. These areas are usually located in
the uppermost sections of a system where populations are uniformly very ,
early juveniles.
-- Secondary nursery areas are those areas in the estuarine system where
later juvenile development takes place. Populations are usually composed
of developing sub -adults of similar size which have migrated from an
upstream primary nursery areas to the secondary nursery area located in
the middle portion of the estuarine system.
The North Carolina Division of Environmental Management assigns water quality
classifications to all waters of the State of North Carolina. The schedule of classifications for
Craven County is provided by 15 NCAC 2B. The classifications are based upon the existing
or contemplated best usage of the various streams and segments of streams within a basin, as
determined through studies, evaluations, and comments received at public hearings. The state
classifies tidal salt waters as follows:
Class SA: shellfishin for market purposes and an other usage specified b
g P rP Y g P Y
the "SB" and "SC" classification;
Class SB: primary recreation and any other usage specified by the SC
classification;,
Class SC: aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, and
secondary recreation; ,
Swamp Waters: (Sw) Waters which have low velocities and other natural
characteristics which are different from adjacent streams; '
NSW: Nutrient Sensitive Waters which require limitations on nutrient
inputs. ,
Most of the waters within Craven County's planning jurisdiction are classified SB. Map
11 provides a general delineation of the water classifications. The classification locations cannot
be accurately mapped in this Land Use Plan. Therefore, the written descriptions provided by
15 NCAC 2B must be relied upon for specific locations.
I-79
1
11
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' \CATFON �•1100 LAKE 1-754
� E FOREST-'l.LO��K
The preparation of this map was financed in �` K
part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program,
LAKE
through funds provided by the Coastal Zone GREAT LAKE ELLIS /
Management Act of 1972, as amended, which 31MON / GP
is administered by the Office of Ocean and \
110y0q CRAVEN COUNTY
4�
North Carolina
MAP 11
WATER CLASSIFICATIONS
Coastal Resource Management, National SCALE
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. \ / 1 0 1 2 3 4 MILES
•
I-80
11
�I
f!
I
I
G. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: PUBLIC FACILITIES
1. WATER SUPPLY
The Craven County water system serves Townships 1, 3, 9, 6, 7, and a portion of
Township 8. Township 5 is not served by the county; residents in Township 5 rely upon
individual wells for water supply. Township 2 is served by a private system, First Craven
Sanitary District, and by the Town of Bridgeton. The county water systems are delineated on
Map 12. The cities of New Bern and Havelock; the towns of Vanceboro, Cove City and Dover;
and the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point all operate their own municipal water systems.
The Town of River Bend is served by Carolina Water Company.
For the area it serves, Craven County utilizes four groundwater wells, each a one -million
gallon per day well. Davis Well is located on Old Dover Road, Wintergreen and Bryan Wells
are both located on Wintergreen Road, and Dover -Fort Barnwell Well is located on Dover/Fort
Barnwell Road. The average daily year-round usage is 1.4 million gallons per day (mgd). The
maximum desirable usage is no more than 2 million gallons per day. Thus, with a 4 mgd total
capacity, the county system is well equipped to handle such a demand.
Most of the connection lines in the county's water system are 6" lines. Other line sizes
range from 2" to 16" . Table 30 gives detailed information on the number of miles of each size
line.
Table 30
Craven County Water System
Connection Line Sizes by Number of Miles
Line Size
2"
2-1/2"
4„
6"
8"
10"
12"
16"
TOTAL
Source: Craven County Water and Sewer Authority.
Number of Miles
31.98 miles
0.06 miles
45.79 miles
148.1 miles
62.9 miles
43.34 miles
5.86 miles
8.7 miles
346.73 miles
I-81
u
[l
P
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
HROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972. AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENI\
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION._—
\
f DOVER ur
BONES +,d
•—•••••
LEGEND
SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD
HARD SURFACED ROAD
DIVIDED HIGHWAY
==1
HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE
=0
U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
1100
SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER
RAILROAD
-----
COUNTY LINE
------
CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
gumm
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
r-----r-i
•--�—' •'
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
' ' •'
NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING
JURISDICTION
CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW
BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON
allivr01YT cOUNTY
7 ,
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,� 37 CRAVEN COUNTY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT SERVICE AREA NATIONAL :�t�f:.:�.fn /.
�`f y' < M'/' CRAVEN COUNTY
WATER DISTRICTS LINES cps\•\ _ ••,• :,', " �'b
..�....�.. CRAVEN COUNTY � '
;eee feet • •
F[RST CRAVEN SANITARY DISTRICT WATER LINES North Carolina
' \ 4•✓ FOREST / • `�.
FAIItFIELD CAROLINA WATER SERVICE AREA 1.
1
WATER k SEWER SERVICE AREAS
SCALE MAP 12
1 0 1 2 3 a MILES
I-82
I
Water storage is provided to Craven County by eight elevated storage tanks. Table 31
provides a listing of each tank and its capacity.
Table 31
Craven County Water System
Storage Tanks and Capacity
Storage Tank
Piney Neck Road
Fort Barnwell
Jasper
Brinson School
River Shore
Dare Drive
Industrial Park
Craven Wood Energy
Ca aci
400,000 gallons
300,000 gallons
300,000 gallons
150,000 gallons
200,000 gallons
300,000 gallons
150,000 gallons
250,000 gallons
Source: Craven County Water and Sewer Authority.
Two of the storage tanks, Industrial Park and Craven Wood Energy, serve the industries
of Craven County Industrial Park only. The industrial park is located approximately eight miles
west of New Bern.
Craven County has five booster pump stations, outlined in the table below.
Table 32
Outline of Craven County Booster Pump Stations
Location Number and Rate Horsepower
Old Cherry Point
Lawson Creek
Fisher Avenue
1 - 400 gpm*
2 - 700 gpm
2 - 250 gpm
*gallons per minute
Source: Craven County Water and Sewer Authority
15 hp
40 hp each
15 hp each
Booster pumps are activated when water levels in the elevated storage tanks drop.
Craven County switched to a telemetry monitoring system in mid-1993.
In general, water quality for the county is good, water level is high, and service is
adequate through the planning period.
1 I-83
2. WASTEWATER DISPOSAL
Most of Craven County's residents rely upon individual septic tanks for sewage disposal.
The cities of New Bem and Havelock, the towns of Vanceboro and River Bend (Carolina Water
Company), and the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point all operate their own sewage disposal
systems.
The county does, however, operate and maintain a sewage treatment system for Township
7. The t 1400 user system is a septic tank effluent pump (STEP) system, operating on a low
pressure force main application. In essence, each house has its own pump station. The sewage
is transported to a two -cell facultative lagoon which can treat 250,000 gallons per day (gpd), or
an activated sludge wastewater plant with a 75,000 gpd capacity. The effluent from the
facultative lagoon is permitted to be discharged to a 105-acre farm (the Arthur Farm) where it
is used as land application for spraying on crops after it is treated. The treated effluent from
the activated sludge plant is discharged into the Neuse River. The sewer system service area
is shown on Map 12.
There are plans to expand the wastewater collection system for service to additional
users. To accommodate treatment of wastewater from additional users, plans are underway to
expand treatment capacity. The existing 75,000 gpd activated sludge plant has been permitted
for expansion to 150,000 gpd. The county has also purchased another activated sludge
wastewater treatment plant with an existing permitted capacity of 25,000 gpd. Plans are
underway to increase the capacity of this new plant to 100,000 gpd.
In addition to the upgrades of the activated sludge plants discussed above, the county has
plans to construct a new land application/spray irrigation system with a 500,000 gpd capacity.
The new system will include facultative treatment of wastewater in a lagoon system, with
discharge of the treated effluent to a spray irrigation system.
3. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
Craven County is responsible for its own solid waste disposal. The county contracts with
a private firm for once per week curbside collection for the unincorporated and small
incorporated areas. Although the county's landfill at Tuscarora is not scheduled to reach its
physical capacity for several years, the landfill was officially closed in October, 1993. This was
a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) imposed deadline after which there would
be substantial liability for solid waste dumped at that site. The interim regional landfill, which
is physically adjacent to the Tuscarora location, will be utilized by Pamlico and Carteret counties
as well as Craven County, and will have a 4- to 5-year life expectancy. During the planning
period, the Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management Authority will expand the landfill, while
continuing to explore available options.
In FY93-94, the Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management Authority received no
additional monies in revenue bonds for operating costs. The $27 million received in FY92-93
was floated to help cover the cost of expanding the interim landfill. The Solid Waste
Management Authority is operating solely through collection fees.
I
�I
I-84
4. TRAN
SPORTATION
' a) Roads
' Major routes in Craven County include U.S. 70 traversing the county from east to west
and U.S. 17 running north -south. Other significant highways include N.C. 43, N.C. 55, N.C.
101, N.C. 118, and N.C. 306.
fMap 13 outlines average annual daily traffic (ADT) counts compiled by the North
Carolina Department of Transportation for 1989 in Craven County. This map indicates that
' ADT volume on U.S. 70 between New Bern and Havelock is the highest in the county. Other
particularly high volume areas are N.C. 55 south of the Pamlico County line to Bridgeton and
N.C. 43 north of the Neuse River northward toward Ernul.
Recommended construction priorities are shown in Table 33. The recommended
priorities are based on needs, anticipated future traffic volumes, and technical data developed
in the county's 1992 Preliminary Thoroughfare Plan.
Table 33
Recommended Construction Priorities
Craven County 1992 Preliminary Thoroughfare Plan
' Project Priority 2015 Through
and Description Cost ($1000) Traffic ADT
1. US 70, New Bern Planning Area to SR 14,600 10,750
' 1106 (7.30 mi.)
2. NC 101, Havelock Planning Area to 8,068 1,950
Carteret County (5.70 mi.)
3. US 17, US 17BYP to New Bern Planning 11,344 610
Area (7.10 mi.)
4. SR 1756 (Lake Road), Havelock Planning 908 620
Area to Carteret County (0.90 mi.)
' 5. River Road, SR 1440 to NC 43 (1.20 mi.) 1,200 N/A
6. Streets Ferry Rd., US 70 BUS to SR 1444 1,322. 520
(0.70 mi.)
7. NC 43, Pitt Co. to NC 118 (7.00 mi.) 7,000 N/A
1 Source: Craven County 1992 Thoroughfare Plan (Preliminary), October, 1992.
I-85
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT\
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \`
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HARD SURFACED ROAD
DIVIDED HIGHWAY
===1 Ic HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE
70 U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER
+ RAILROAD
--- - COUNTY LINE
------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
r--:; EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING
JURISDICTION
CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW
BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON
BEAUFM c"TY
f A N CITY 1
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/ SCALE
1 2 3 4 MILES
C4q), fT
Cot,
CRAVEN COUNTY
North Carolina
AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES
1994
MAP 13
I-86
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
In addition, the 1993-1999 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program included
the following improvements: ,
-- N.C. 55, U.S. 17 to N.C. 304, Craven -Pamlico Counties. Upgrade existing
roadway.
-- New Bern, U.S. 17, SR 1278 (Trent Road) to U.S. 70 Business, Craven County.
Upgrade existing roadway.
-- U.S. 17, New Bern Bypass to Washington Bypass, Craven -Beaufort Counties.
Widen existing roadway to a multi -lane facility.
-- U.S. 70, Havelock Bypass, Craven County. Four lane divided facility on new
location.
-- N.C. 118. Replace bridge over Swift Creek.
-- S.R. 1470. Replace bridge over Neuse River overflow.
-- S.R. 1005. Replace bridge over Core Creek.
-- S.R. 1746. Replace bridge over Slocum Creek.
-- U.S. 17 - N.C. 55. Replace bridge over Neuse Creek.
-- U.S. 70 Business. Replace bridge over Trent River.
In September, 1995, construction will begin on the Neuse River Bridge replacement. The
North Carolina Department of Transportation considered four different alternatives prior to
selecting the final location, which is delineated on Map 14.
I-87
-A MKI
`
NEUSE RIVER REPLACEMENT BRIDGE
PROPOSED ALIGNMENT
MAP 14
0 1�0�00
SCALE IN FEET
LEGEND:
.,,......... NAVIGATION CHANNELS
PROPOSED ALIGNMENT
b Airport
The Craven Regional Airport is only two miles south of New Bern, just off US 70 east.
The airport serves as the commercial air service link for New Bern, Craven County, and North
Carolina's Crystal Coast. More than 160,000 passengers used the facility during 1994.
The airport's primary runway has just been expanded to 6,000 feet. It will now
accommodate all corporate jet and regional airline aircraft and most twin -engine jet aircraft in
the 100-seat range.
' There are presently 71 based aircraft at Craven County Regional Airport. There are 37
hangared aircraft and improved tiedown spaces for an additional 50 planes. During 1994, more
than 70,000 aircraft operations were recorded.
fBecause of the continued growth in the five -county service area, the Airport Authority
is undertaking a major construction program for a new terminal building. It is expected that the
' new $10 million facility will be in service before the end of the decade.
5. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
' Enrollment in the county's school system has decreased 1.5 % from the 1992-93 school
year as reported in the 1993 land use plan update. Enrollment for the 1992-93 school year was
' 14,470, while the 1994-95 school year shows a total enrollment of 14,256 pupils. Table 34
shows total enrollment at each of the county's schools.
' Table 34
Craven County Schools
Enrollment versus Capacity, 1994-95
' School Enrollment Capacity % Over/
Under
'
Arthur Edwards Elementary
903
786
+ 14.9 %
W. Jesse Gurganus Elementary
683
560
+21.9%
West Craven Middle
844
634
+33.1 %
'
West Craven High
920
990
- 7.0 %
Trent Park Elementary
425
380
+ 11.8 %
'
Roger Bell Elementary
484
550
-12.0%
Oaks Road Elementary
444
329
+34.9%
New Bern High
1,544
1,900
-18.7%
James W. Smith Elementary
658
625
+ 5.3%
J.T. Barber Elementary
369
400
- 7.7%
Havelock Middle
767
892
-14.0%
'
Havelock High
1,154
1,240
- 6.9%
1
I-89
School
Havelock Elementary
H.J. McDonald Middle
Graham Barden Elementary
Grover C. Fields Middle
Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary
Brinson Memorial Elementary
Bridgeton Elementary
Ben D. Quinn Elementary
A. H. Bangert Elementary
Total
Source: New Bern/Craven Board of Education.
'
Enrollment
Capacity
% Over/
Under
476
381
+24.9%
'
834 -
800
+ 4.2 %
506
488
+ 3.7 %
'
646
1,700
-62.0%
539
540
- 0.01 %
'
780
666
+ 17.1 %
448
409
390
500
+ 14.9 %
'
-18.2 %
423
330
+28.2%
14,256
15,081
-5.5 %
As shown in Table 34, it appears that Grover C. Fields Middle School is underutilized
by 62%; however, this school is the old New Bern High School which had a large capacity of
1,700 students. Thus, this figure is misleading. A new high school, New Bern High, was built
in 1990 to accommodate 1,900 students. Those schools which appear to be over capacity in
terms of enrollment are A. H. Bangert Elementary (28.2 %), Havelock Elementary (24.9 %),
West Craven Middle (33.1%), and Oaks Road Elementary (34.9%). According to New Bern/
Craven Board of Education, a bond referendum is going to be used to build a new middle school
in Havelock. Long-range plans include building three additional elementary schools. General
renovations and additional classrooms are scheduled to be built at all of Craven County's schools
over the next few years.
6. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
The Craven County Parks and Recreation Department is staffed with a full-time director,
an athletic director, two recreation program directors, a secretary, and two maintenance persons.
The county acquired a 109-acre site on S.R. 1172 in October, 1995, which will be developed
as a multi -purpose major recreational facility. The facility will include: softball/baseball fields,
an office building, a gymnasium, tennis courts, playground, picnic area, soccer fields, and ample
parking area. A projected five-year plan and budget has been developed. In addition, the City
of New Bern has received state grant assistance for improvements to Lawson Creek and Union
Point Parks.
Craven County has traditionally relied upon the recreation facilities of schools and
communities throughout the county for its recreation programs. The following table lists the
recreational sites and facilities used by the Craven County Parks and Recreation Department.
I-90
'
Table 35
Recreation Sites/Facilities Used by
Craven County Parks and Recreation
Site
Township
Facilities
Carolina Pines
6
1 swimming pool
Harlowe Community Building
5
1 outdoor basketball court
1 picnic shelter/restrooms
1 softball field
1 playground
Craven Community College
8
4 tennis courts - lighted
1 soccer field - lighted
A. H. Bangert Elementary School
8
Play apparatus (jungle gym, monkey bars)
1 backstop
1 multi -purpose hard surface area with 2
'
basketball goals
Rocky Run Community Park
8
Picnic shelter
Playground
Ballfield
Basketball goals
Bridgeton Elementary School
2
2 tennis courts
Play apparatus (swings)
Open area
2 basketball goals (unpaved)
Vanceboro-Farm Life Elementary
1
1 gymnasium
School
1 softball field - lighted
1 Little League field - lighted
2 tennis courts - lighted
4 outdoor basketball goals (unpaved)
Play apparatus
Havelock Middle School
6
1 gymnasium
1 baseball field
2 paved basketball courts (multi -purpose)
H.J. MacDonald Middle
8
1 gymnasium
School
2 outdoor basketball goals (paved)
'
5 fields used for: soccer, football, and baseball
3 mite soccer fields
J.T. Barber Elementary School
8
1 gymnasium
1 baseball field
1 soccer field
Table 35 (Continued)
Site Township Facilities
West Craven High School 1 1 gymnasium
1 football field/stands - lighted
4 tennis courts - lighted
1 baseball field - lighted
West Craven Middle School 1 1 gymnasium
1 baseball field - not lighted
1 softball field - not lighted
1 football field - not lighted
Cove City
3
2 baseball fields
Fort Barnwell
3
1 baseball field
Tri-Community Fire Department
2
1 softball field
2 baseball/softball fields
1 track
New Bern High School
8
8 tennis courts
2 soccer/football fields
James W. Smith Elementary
3
Playground
School
Baseball field
Brinson Memorial Elementary
7
1 softball field - lighted
School
Nature trail
Amphitheater
Grover C. Fields Middle School
8
1 track
1 gymnasium
1 soccer/football field
1 baseball field
1 auditorium
Trent Park Elementary School
8
Playground
Multi -purpose court
Multi -purpose room
Source: Craven County Parks & Recreation.
There are several water access sites scattered throughout Craven County. According to
the 1987 Waterfront Access Plan for Craven County, prepared by Talbert, Cox and Associates,
these sites are traditional or informal sites, generally are on private property or at the end of
state road rights -of -way, and are unimproved. Table 36 lists the water access points and their
typical use and ownership.
I-92
LTable
36
Craven County Water Access Facilities
'
Ownership
Typical Use
Site Name
Union Point
Public
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Lawson Creek
Public
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Tidewater Marina
Private -Fee
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Merchant's Grocery
Private -Fee
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Brice's Creek Access
Public
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Neuse River Estates
Private
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Fairfield Harbour Marina
Private -Fee
Private
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Riverbend Marina
-Fee
Glenburnie Park
Public
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Bridgeton Access Area
Public
Sport Fishing
Oak Ridge
Public
Sport Fishing
Streets Ferry Landing
Public
Sport Fishing
Spring Garden
Public
Sport Fishing
Cowpen Landing
Public
Sport Fishing, Recreational
Boating, Picnicking
Pitch Kettle
Private
Sport Fishing
Core Creek Landing
Private -Fee
Sport Fishing
Turkey Quarter Creek
Private
Sport Fishing
Ingram's Landing
Private -Fee
Sport Fishing
Cahoogue Creek Landing
Public
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Matthews Point
Private -Fee
Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating
Godfrey Creek Estates Landing
Private
Sport Fishing, Hunting
Neuse River Recreation Area
Public
Swimming, Picnicking
Fishers Landing
Public
Sport Fishing
Source: Waterfront Access Plan, Craven County, North Carolina;
Talbert, Cox and Associates, October, 1987.
The Cowpen Landing site was improved in 1992
with the aid of a $9,000 shoreline
access grant from the North Carolina Department
of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources. The county contributed $3,000 in cash and $2,500 in -kind services. The
Weyerhaeuser Corporation contributed 1.51 acres of land. Project improvements included a boat
1 I-93
ramp, fencing, bulkheading, docks, parking area, picnic area, trash containers, and security
lights.
In addition to the above -listed public facilities, there are a number of private recreation
facilities in Craven County which consist of golf and country clubs, racquet club, and small
community pool facilities.
7. OTHER COUNTY FACILITIES
The inventory of hospitals; health care facilities; police, fire, and emergency medical
facilities; and other institutional facilities has not changed appreciably since the 1987 land use
plan update.
The county's fire departments operate on a voluntary basis. Currently, fire protection
is adequate to meet demand and there are no plans in the immediate future to add new districts.
Equipment acquisition is handled on an as -needed basis. Listed below are the county's fire
districts and their tax rates.
Table 37
Craven County Fire Districts
1994 Tax Rates
Township Fire District Tax Rate (per $100)*
1 Vanceboro .6238
2 Tri-Community .6297
Little Swift Creek .6690
Sandy Pt. Service District .6619
3 Ft. Barnwell, Cove City, Dover .6681
5 Harlowe .6364
6 Havelock .6227
7 James City/Grantham .6464
8 West New Bern .6256
Rhems .6225
9 Jasper
.6639
- Town of Bridgeton .5475
- Town of Trent Woods .1405
'
- Town of Riverbend .1775
- City of New Bern .5175
Source: Craven County Emergency Management Services; Craven County Tax Office.
,
*The tax rates vary for the individual fire districts based upon each district's ISO rating.
The county's base tax rate of $0.60 is added to the fire tax to yield the figures shown in
the above table.
I-94
The county Sheriff's Department staffs 50 full-time and three part-time sworn officers,
and 48 civilian employees. According to department officials, there are major plans for hiring
additional personnel for the next budget year. The Sheriff's Department is requesting 12 sworn
officers, four jailers, and one civilian dispatcher. Eleven additional positions are being requested
to staff a satellite jail.
The county's rescue squads operate on a strictly voluntary basis. There are seven
' individual squads serving the county's townships. Listed below are the rescue squads and their
areas of coverage.
CRAVEN COUNTY RESCUE SQUADS
Township
Rescue Squad
1
Vanceboro
2
Bridgeton
3
Ft. Barnwell/Cove City
9
New Bern/Craven County
(and a portion of Township 8,
including New Bern, Trent Woods,
and River Bend)
7
Number 7 Township
5 & 6
Havelock
Remainder of Township 8 not
Craven Regional Medical
covered by the New Bern/Craven
Center ambulance service
County Squad
Source: Craven County Emergency Medical Services.
1 The City of Havelock has its own municipally -operated rescue squad with whom the
county contracts to serve the unincorporated areas in Townships 5 and 6. Havelock has the only
municipally -owned rescue squad in the county. There are 225 certified Basic and D-Class
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's), 65 Intermediate EMT's, and 55 Advanced
Intermediate EMT's serving the county. In FY93-94, there were no EMT's with paramedic
status staffed on any of the rescue squads, but it was hoped that the hospital ambulance staff
would acquire that status during the planning period. Also during the planning period, some
Intermediate EMT's were expected to have completed additional training to achieve Advanced
Intermediate EMT status.
Craven Regional Medical Center in New Bern, an acute care facility, provides adequate
major health care services for county residents. The 314-bed facility is staffed with
approximately 1,400 full- and part-time employees. An expansion of the hospital to include the
' addition of an endoscopy facility, administration facility, and a floor for nursing care is expected
I-95
to be completed in 1996. These additions will not increase staff or bed capacity; however, they
will allow for sections to be moved and renovated. The county health department, in addition
to providing primary care health clinics, also conducts health communications programs
including adult care, high risk pregnancy, family planning, child health, and nutrition.
Other county facilities include court system facilities, the county jail, and county offices
housing various departments such as the tax office, permit office, social services, planning, and
administration, all located in New Bern.
r
t
I-96
1
1
SECTION II:
PROJECTED LAND DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
I
n
Il
11
1
SECTION II. DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
A. PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
1. YEAR-ROUND POPULATION PROJECTIONS
In this section, recent trends in Craven County's population and housing characteristics
will be utilized to project population growth and housing characteristics in the county throughout
the five-year (to year 2000) and ten-year (to year 2005) planning periods. The continuing tide
of year-round migration into Craven County is expected to have progressively greater impact
on land use issues throughout the next ten years, especially if major expansion of the Cherry
Point Air Station occurs.
As development continues near fragile areas, resource protection will assume greater
significance in the public eye. Continued development in areas within Craven County's planning
jurisdiction will strain the capacity of the existing transportation system; increase demand for
municipal or county -supplied water and wastewater and solid waste disposal; and place
increasing demands on schools, recreational facilities, law enforcement agencies, fire
departments, and administrative/regulatory agencies. Despite increased pressure to control
residential development, the basic demand for housing by incoming population -- in particular,
affordable housing for the year-round population -- will be an important need to be addressed
by local planning agencies in the coming decade. An informed analysis of where and how fast
development will occur is crucial to the development of land use policies for Craven County's
next ten-year planning period. Again, expansion of the Air Station will increase the importance
of these issues.
The 1993 CAMA Land Use Plan Update for Craven County indicated a population
increase to 96,054 by the year 2000. However, the fall, 1994, North Carolina Office of State
Planning population estimates indicated a population of 87,059 in 1993. The revised data, and
potential growth at the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, justify revising the population
forecasts.
Concurrent with the preparation of the 1993 Land Use Plan, the 1993 Base Closure and
Realignment Commission (BRAC) recommended that approximately 168 Navy F/A 18 Hornet
jets be relocated from Cecil Field, Florida, to Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station.
Subsequently, in the spring of 1995, this number was reduced to approximately 140 jets.
In addition, the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) was expected to increase its personnel
as the result of the realignment of workload from the Alemeda, California; Pensacola, Florida;
and Norfolk, Virginia, NADEP's. The 1993 Land Use Plan recognized this potential growth
in military/civilian personnel, but did not include it in the population forecasts or the demand
capacity analysis.
This land use plan update has been undertaken to reflect the impact of any
personnel/operations activity increase at the air station. However, because the level of growth
was uncertain at the time of plan preparation, three population forecast scenarios were
developed. These included: (1) no additional Cherry Point Marine Corp Air Station personnel,
(2) a low growth scenario resulting from the addition of 2,400 NADEP-related civilian personnel
and dependents, and (3) a high growth scenario resulting from the addition of 12,000 military
personnel and dependents associated with the relocation of F/A 18 Hornet jets to Cherry Point.
The three population forecasts for Craven County, each township, and each municipality are
included in Tables 38 through 40. Based on the current distribution of Cherry Point military
and civilian personnel, it was estimated that 75 % of all personnel and dependents would reside
in Craven County. Based on current living patterns, the personnel/dependents, and additional
primary civilian population, were distributed within the county as follows: Township 6 - 50%,
Township 8 - 20%, Township 7 - 15%, Township 5 - 10%, and Township 2 - 5%.
In all population forecast tables, the non-military population forecasts for the individual
townships and municipalities are based on the assumption that the relative growth rates by
specific area will remain the same from 1995 to 2005 as displayed from 1980-1990, and
consideration of 1991 annexations by the City of New Bern and the Town of Trent Woods.
The low growth scenario resulting from the NADEP expansion has occurred. Thus, the
county's population is expected to increase to 97,280 in 2000 and 103,562 in 2005. This
represents an increase of 19 % from 1993 to 2005. The high growth scenario indicates
population growth from 87,059 in 1993 to 115,718 in 2005, an increase of 33 %. However, in
July, 1995, the BRAC submitted a revised realignment recommendation which stipulated that
the Cecil Field aircraft and personnel would relocate to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia
Beach, VA. The high growth scenario forecast remains in the land use plan to fulfill the
county's contractual obligations to the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management and to
allow for the possibility that a Cherry Point expansion may still occur as the result of the
relocation of military personnel other than the Cecil Field personnel. I
Based on Table 41, in the no base loading projection, the average annual population
growth rate for the county and incorporated areas should decrease over the ten-year planning
period compared to the 1980s, while the unincorporated areas' growth rate will increase slightly.
In the low military growth projection, the total county and unincorporated areas' growth
rates will increase, while that for the municipalities will decline. In the high military growth
projection, all three growth rates will increase.
Despite the expected slight decrease in annual growth rate over the ten-year planning
period, the population growth rate in Craven County will still be higher than the North Carolina
rate over the planning period years. From 1993-2005, the state population is estimated to show
an 11.7 % increase. The Craven County population is anticipated to grow 15.1 % over the same
period in the no base loading scenario. In the low military and high military growth projections,
the projected changes are 19.0% and 32.9%, respectively. Based on Office of State Planning
criteria, Craven County will experience net in -migration and "modest" population growth from
1990-2000 in the no base loading scenario. However, with expansion at Cherry Point, the net
in -migration may range from moderate to high.
II-2
m m m Now m m m m m man m m m= m r r
Table 38
Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township and Municipality
Craven County, 1993-2005
No Base Loading
Township Municipality or Area 1993 2000 2005
Percentage Change
% Change
1993-2000 2000-05 1993-2005
Township I
Vanceboro
1,000
1,068
1,131
6.8 %
5.8 %
13.1 %
Unincorporated Areas
5,060
5,147
5,226
1.7%
1.5 %
3.3%
Total Township
6,060
6,215
6,357
2.6%
2.3%
4.9%
Township 2
Bridgeton
501
505
1508
0.8 %
0.7%
1.4%
Unincorporated Areas
6,155
6,512
6,838
5.8%
5.0%
11.1%
Total Township
6,656
7,017
7,346
5.4%
4.7%
10.4%
Township 3
Cove City
507
520
531
2.5 %
2.2 %
4.8 %
Dover
445
437
430
-1.7%
-1.6%
-3.3%
Unincorporated Areas
2,446
2,404
2,366
-1.7%
-1.6%
-3.3%
Total Township
3,398
3,361
3,328
-1.1 %
-1.0%
-2.1 %
Township 5
Total Township
2,647
2,663
2,677
0.6%
0.5%
1.1%
Township 6
Havelock
20,072
19,783
19,520
-1.4%
-1.3%
-2.7%
Unincorporated Areas
4,895
5,001
5,097
2.2%
1.9%
4.1%
Total Township
24,967
24,784
24,617
-0.7%
-0.7%
-1.4%
Township 7
Total Township
6,985
7,121
7,244
1.9%
1.7%
3.7%
Township 8
New Bern
21,106
25,841
30,157
22.4 %
16.7 %
42.9 %
River Bend
2,554
2,739
2,907
7.2%
6.1%
13.8%
Trent Woods
3,716
5,425
6,983
46.0%
28.7%
87.9%
Unincorporated Areas
6,466
6,225
6,005
-3.7%
-3.5%
-7.1%
Total Township
33,842
40,230
46,052
18.9%
14.5%
36.1%
Township 9
Total Township
2,505
2,564
2,617
2.3 %
2.1 %
4.5 %
Total Municipalities
49,901
56,319
62,168
12.9%
10.4%
24.6%
Total Unincorporated Areas
37,158
37,636
38,069
1.3%
1.2%
2.5%
Total County
87,059
93,955
100,237
7.9%
6.7%
15.1%
Source: State Data Center; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
II-3
Table 39
Projected Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township and Municipality
Craven County, 1993-2005
#1: 1994 Low Growth Base Loading
(1,200, or 50% of 2,400 total additional primary civilian job population + 2,125, or 50% of 4,250 total secondary [jobs] population.)
Total Year -Round Population Percentage Change
Township
Municipality or Area
1993
2000
2005
1993-2000
2000-05
% Change
1993-2005
Township 1
Vanceboro
1,000
1,068
1,131
6.8%
5.9%
13.1%
Unincorporated Areas
5,060
5,147
5,226
1.7%
1.5%
3.3%
Total Township
6,060
6,215
6,357
2.6%
2.3%
4.9%
Township 2
Bridgeton
501
517
520
3.2%
0.6%
3.8%
(5% of Military/Secondary)
Unincorporated Areas
6,155
6,666
6,992
8.3%
4.9%
13.6%
Total Township
6,656
7,183
7,512
7.9%
4.6%
12.9%
Township 3
Cove City
507
520
532
2.6%
2.2%
4.8%
Dover
445
437
430
-1.7%
-1.6%
-3.3%
Unincorporated Areas
2,446
2,404
2,366
-1.7%
-1.6%
-3.3%
Total Township
3,398
3,362
3,328
-1.1%
-1.0%
-2.0%
Township 5
Total Township
2,647
2,996
3,010
13.2%
0.5%
13.7%
(10% of Military/Secondary)
Township 6
Havelock
20,072
21,112
20,849
5.2%
-1.2%
3.9%
(50% of Military/Secondary)
Unincorporated Areas
4,895
5,334
5,430
9.0%
1.8%
10.9%
Total Township
24,967
26,446
26,279
5.9%
-0.6%
5.3%
Township 7
Total Township
6,985
7,620
7,743
9.1%
1.6%
10.9%
(15% of Military/Secondary)
Township 8
New Bern
21,106
26,262
30,578
24.4%
16.4%
44.9%
(20% of Military/Secondary)
River Bend
2,554
2,787
2,955
9.1%
6.0%
15.7%
Trent Woods
3,716
5,508
7,066
48.2%
28.3%
90.2%
Unincorporated Areas
6,466
6,337
6,117
-2.0%
-3.5%
-5.4%
Total Township
33,842
40,894
46,716
20.8%
14.2%
38.0%
Township 9
Total Township
2,505
2,564
2,617
2.3%
2.1%
4.5%
Total Municipalities
49,901
58,211
64,061
16.7%
10.0%
28.4%
Total Unincorporated Areas
37,158
39,069
39,501
5.1 %
1.1 %
6.3 %
Total County
87,059
97,280
103,562
11.7%
6.5%
19.0%
Source: State Data Center; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
II-4
min im" M M M M r WON it M W MM r
Table 40
Projected Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township and Municipality
Craven County, 1993-2005
#2: High Growth Base Loading
(9,000, or 75% of 12,000 total additional military population + 1,200, or 50% of 2,400 additional primary civilian job population + 5,281, or 50% of 10,562 total
secondary [jobs] population impact through 2000.)
Total Year -Round Population
Percentage Change
% Change
Township
Municipality or Area
1993
2000
2005
1993-2000
2000-05
1993-2005
Township 1
Vanceboro
1,000
1,068
1,131
6.8%
5.8%
13.1%
Unincorporated Areas
5,060
5,147
5,226
1.7%
1.5%
3.3%
Total Township
6,060
6,216
6,357
2.6%
2.3%
4.9%
Township 2
Bridgeton
501
562
567
12.2%
0.9%
13.2%
(5 % of Military/Secondary)
Unincorporated Areas
6,155
7,229
7,553
17.4 %
4.5 %
22.7 %
Total Township
6,656
7,791
8,120
17.1%
4.2%
22.0%
Township 3
Cove City
507
520
531
2.5%
2.2%
4.8%
Dover
445
437
430
-1.7%
-1.6%
-3.3%
Unincorporated Areas
2,446
2,404
2,366
-1.7%
-1.6%
-3.3%
Total Township
3,398
3,361
3,328
-1.1 %
-1.0%
-2.1 %
Township 5,
Total Township
2,647
4,211
4,225
59.1%
0.3%
59.6%
(10% of Military/Secondary)
Township 6
Havelock
20,072
25,984
25,739
29.5%
-0.9%
28.2%
(50% of Military/Secondary)
Unincorporated Areas
4,895
6,540
6,618
33.6%
1.2%
35.2%
Total Township
24,967
32,524
32,357
30.3%
-0.5%
29.6%
Township 7
Total Township
6,985
9,443
9,566
35.2%
1.3%
36.9%
(15% of Military/Secondary)
Township 8
New Bern
21,106
27,812
32,096
31.8%
15.4%
52.1%
(20% of Military/Secondary)
River Bend
2,554
2,957
3,137
15.8%
6.1%
22.8%
Trent Woods
3,716
5,820
7,332
56.6%
26.0%
97.3%
Unincorporated Areas
6,466
6,736
6,582
4.2%
-2.3%
1.8%
Total Township
33,842
43,325
49,147
28.0%
13.4%
45.2%
Township 9
Total Township
2,505
2,565
2,618
2.4%
2.1%
4.5%
Total Municipalities
49,901
65,160
70,963
30.6%
8.9%
42.2%
Total Unincorporated Areas
37,158
44,276
44,755
19.2%
1.1%
20.4%
Total County
87,059
109,436
115,718
25.7%
5.7%
32.9%
Source: State Data Center; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
II-5
Table 41
Average Annual Year -Round Population Growth Rate and Percent Change
Craven County, 1980-2005
No Base Loading Low Military Growth High Military Growth
Average Annual
% Change in
% Change in
% Change in
Year -Round Population
Population
Growth Rate
Population
Growth Rate
Population
Growth Rate
Growth Rate
Growth Rate
1980-90 to
Growth Rate
1980-90 to
Growth Rate
1980-90 to
Area
1980-90
1993-2005
1993-05
1993-2005
1993-05
1993-2005
1993-05
Municipalities
2.17 %
1.56 %
-0.61 %
1.87 %
-0.30 %
2.99 %
+0.82 %
Unincorporated
0.76 %
0.86 %
+0.10 %
1.19 %
+0.43 %
2.41 %
+ 1.65 %
Areas
Total County
1.49 %
1.26 %
-0.23 %
1.58 %
+0.09 %
2.74 %
+ 1.25 %
II-6
I From 1993-2005 in all three forecast scenarios the county's municipalities are
F ty expected P
to grow faster than its unincorporated areas. This shift in population to the county's
municipalities is expected to continue throughout the planning period. The majority of any
population increases resulting from expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station is
expected to be concentrated in Townships 6 (50%), 8 (20%), 7 (15%), 5 (10%), and 2 (5%).
In particular, New Bern, Trent Woods, River Bend, and the unincorporated areas of Township
2 will display appreciable growth throughout the ten-year planning period in all three forecast
scenarios. It appears that population growth along the U. S. 17 corridor in the vicinity of New
Bern will be significantly higher than growth along the U. S. 70 corridor in the no base loading
and low military growth scenarios. However, in the high military growth scenario, the growth
along the U. S. 70 corridor may be higher.
In terms of impact on county services, projected growth in unincorporated areas of
Townships 1, 2, 6, and 7 will be much more significant than population change in Townships
3, 5, and 9 throughout the next ten years in all three forecast scenarios. Additionally, while the
county's role in Township 8 is dwindling with continued municipal annexation, continued
cooperation with New Bern, Trent Woods and River Bend will be required throughout the
planning period with continued rapid growth projected for those municipalities.
2. POPULATION PROJECTIONS BY AGE, RACE, SEX
Tables 42 and 43 provide forecast data for age, race, and sex. In all three forecast
scenarios, it is expected that the most rapidly growing age groups from 1990-2000 in Craven
County will be the groups aged 35-54 and 65 and up. The growth of the 35-54 age group will
be strongly influenced by the aging of the 30-39 age group, which grew so rapidly during the
1980s. The over-65 age group will continue to experience significant growth both as a result
of in -migration and the steady decrease in the death rate for elderly individuals. Overall, Craven
County's population will experience a significant increase in median age during the 1990s. In
1990, only 42 % of the county's population was age 35 or above. By the year 2000, over 49 %
of the county's population is expected to be aged 35 or above. However, if the high military
growth occurs, the 19 to 54 age groups will significantly increase. In fact, in the high military
growth forecast, this age group will comprise 56 % of the population, while in the other two
forecast scenarios, this age group accounts for 50% of the county's population.
From 1990-2000, in all three forecasts, the white population in Craven County will
continue to grow at a higher rate than. the non -white population. However, in the high growth
scenario, the disparity between the white and non -white growth may be softened. Although the
female population will continue to grow faster than the male population, this growth is largely
the result of the continued trend of minority female growth outpacing minority male growth.
Male and female growth rates during the 1990s in Craven County will be roughly equal, while
in the 1980s the white female growth rate was almost double the white male growth rate.
Table 42
Total Population by Age and Percent Change
Craven County, 1993-2005
No Base Loading Low Military Growth High Military Growth
Population By
Population By
Population By
Population By
Age
Age Group
Age Group
% Change
Age Group
% Change
Age Group
% Change
1993
2005
1993-2005
2005
1993-2005
2005
1993-2005
0-4
7,201
8,987
24.8%
9,321
29.4%
9,321
29.4%
5-18
17,349
17,248
-0.6 %
17,813
2.7 %
17,813
2.7 %
19-34
23,729
24,178
1.9%
24,958
5.2%
30,856
30.0%
35-54
21,146
26,303
24.4 %
27,133
28.3 %
33,391
57.9 %
55-64
7,160
9,766
36.4 %
10,149
41.7 %
10,149
41.7 %
65-74
6,560
7,351
12.1 %
7,560
15.2 %
7,560
15.2 %
75+
3,914
6,404
63.6%
6,628
69.3%
6,628
69.3%
Total 87,059 100,237 15.1 % 103,562
Source: State Data Center, North Carolina Office of State Planning; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
II-8
19.0% 115,718 32.9%
Table 43
Population and Percent Increase by Race and Sex
Craven County, 1993-2005
No Base Loading Low Military Growth
Total Total Total
Category Population Population % Change Population % Change
1993
Total White
63,553
Males
32,125
Females
31,428
Total Non -White
23,506
Males
10,969
Females
12,537
Total Males
43,094
Total Females
43,965
Total County
87,059
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
2005
1993-2005
73,574
15.8 %
36,987
15.1%
36,587
16.4%
26,663
13.4 %
12,429
13.3 %
14,234
13.5 %
49,416
14.6%
50,821
15.6%
100,237
15.1%
II-9
2005 1993-2005
High Military Growth
Total
Population % Change
2005 1993-2005
76,014
19.6%
84,937
33.6%
38,214
19.0%
42,700
32.9%
37,800
20.3%
42,237
34.4%
27,548
17.2%
30,781
30.9%
12,842
17.1 %
14,349
30.8%
14,706
17.3 %
16,432
31.1 %
51,056
18.5%
57,049
32.6%
52,506
19.4 %
58,669
33.4 %
103,562
19.0%
115,718
32.9%
3. HOUSING TRENDS I
Under the no base loading and low military growth forecasts, significant housing
development in suburban areas surrounding New Bern is expected to continue throughout the
1990s. However, based on the anticipated slight decrease in average annual population growth
rate throughout the 1990s, a corresponding slight decrease in average annual housing starts is ,
indicated for the 1990s. This trend is substantiated by a steady decrease in the number of
building permits for new residential construction issued by the county since 1984. However,
it is anticipated that the rate of housing starts will continue to outpace population growth
throughout the '90s as average household size continues to decrease throughout the county.
The county's housing stock will continue to age throughout the 1990s, with deterioration
of housing units in rural areas and inner-city areas of New Bern continuing to impact community
development planning efforts. It is expected that the gradual elimination of substandard water
supply and wastewater disposal conditions in the county's jurisdiction will continue throughout
the five and ten-year planning periods as county -sponsored water and sewer construction projects
move forward.
If the high military growth occurs, the housing trends would be significantly altered.
Based on family sizes of 3.2 for military personnel, 2.95 for NADEP personnel, and 2.64 for
"spin-off"
civilian population, a total demand for approximately 5,220 additional dwelling units
r
would be generated by 2000. Utilizing the forecast distribution of population, these units would
be dispersed in the following townships:
Township 2 261
Township 5 522
Township 6 2,610
Township 7 783
Township 8 1,044
An increase in housing demand of this magnitude will have a substantial impact on the
county, especially in Townships 6, 7, and 8, where 85 % of the growth is expected to occur.
This would place tremendous pressure on the New Bern -to -Havelock U. S. 70 corridor. The
majority of the incoming military personnel, approximately 90%, will be enlisted. Thus, the
housing demand will be focused on moderately -priced housing. Affordability of housing could
become a critical issue if military housing for the lower grade personnel cannot be provided.
Based on the number of subdivision lots which have been approved since 1987 (2,414), a
deficiency of available vacant lots for new housing construction may exist. Because of the
demand for affordable housing, and the large numbers of young households associated with the
military increase, a proliferation of mobile homes and mobile home parks may be anticipated
if military housing is not available for lower grade personnel. If an average military wage of
$26,600 is assumed, the average affordable monthly expenditure for housing (including utilities)
would be $665, or 30% of gross monthly income. Thus, rent or mortgage payments must be
in the range of $450 to $500 or less for the majority of the personnel. If existing military
housing is primarily committed to lower grade personnel, the demand for housing will be
generated by upper grade enlisted personnel and officers. In this event, affordability should be
less of an issue.
II-10
Based on discussions with the county planning and community development staff, the
county will continue its active participation in state -sponsored housing rehabilitation projects
throughout the planning period. Craven County recently completed a $400,000 Home
Investments Partnership Act (HOME) grant to perform scattered -site housing rehabilitation in
its planning jurisdiction. In addition, the county received a FY93 CDBG Community
Revitalization grant of $600,000 for the rehabilitation of 23 dwelling units.
Target areas for future community development projects will be chosen based on
continued windshield housing survey efforts by the county staff. Throughout the short-term
planning period, it is expected that the Harlowe Community in Township 5, unincorporated areas
in Townships 1 and 8, and the James City area in Township 7 will be specifically targeted for
comprehensive CDBG projects. Location of existing water and sewer service will be an
important consideration in designation of future CDBG comprehensive target areas. Scattered -
site rehab beneficiaries will be targeted based on a needs rating system developed by the county
staff, but will be distributed on a geographic basis according to directives by the Board of
Commissioners
B. PROJECTED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND RELATED LAND
USE ISSUES
1. GENERAL ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS
Table 44 provides a forecast of growth in Craven County's various industries from 1993
to 2005 in both earnings and employment. This forecast is based on the no base loading
population forecast. If the high military growth forecast occurs, significant increases in the
Federal Civilian Government; Federal Military; Retail Trade; Finance, Insurance, and Real
Estate; and Services categories will occur. During the period, overall economic growth is
anticipated. However, the county's rank within the state in per capita income is expected to
drop from the 1990 rank of 39 to somewhere in the mid- to upper 40's position.
Table 44
Growth of Income -Producing Industries, Craven County, 1993-2005
(Based on no base loading population forecast)
Change
Industry
1993 1995
2000
2005
1993-2005
Total Earnings [1]
(Mil. 1987 $)
856.48 888.99
974.92
1,068.53
24.8%
fFarm
8.47 8.51
8.66
8.92
5.3 %
Agricultural Serv. Other 5.29 5.44
5.82
6.29
18.9 %
'
Mining
2.67 2.81
3.11
3.42
28.1 %
Construction
38.15 41.84
44.64
47.61
24.8 %
Manufacturing
105.94 114.95
134.96
155.79
47.1 %
Table 44 (continued)
% Change
Industry
1993
1995
2000
2005
1993-2005
Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util.
32.64
34.29
39.04
44.06
35.0%
Wholesale Trade
25.19
25.70
27.48
29.41
16.8 %
Retail Trade
67.48
70.35
79.12
88.83
31.6 %
Finance, Ins. & Real Estate
20.77
21.77
24.93
28.43
36.9 %
Services
138.17
145.84
169.18
195.07
41.2 %
Federal Civilian Gov't.
157.29
161.80
172.60
183.33
16.6 %
Federal Military
158.42
155.55
152.58
150.81
-4.8 %
State and Local Gov't.
96.00
100.14
112.80
126.56
31.8 %
U] Personal earnings are by place of work and exclude dividends,
interest
and rent, transfer
payments, and social security contributions.
They include proprietors' net income
and wages.
% Change
1993
1995
2000
2005
1993-2005
Total Employment
(Thousands)
47.02 47.37 48.6 49.97 6.3 %
Farm
0.62
Agricultural Serv. Other
0.40
Mining
0.07
Construction
1.92
Manufacturing
4.52
Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util.
1.51
Wholesale Trade
1.10
Retail Trade
6.64
Finance, Ins. & Real Estate
2.01
Services
8.19
Federal Civilian Gov't.
5.84
Federal Military
8.55
State and Local Gov't.
5.65
Source: Woods & Poole Economics, Inc.
0.59
0.63
0.48
-22.6 %
0.40
0.40
0.40
0 %
0.07
0.07
0.07
0 %
2.08
2.05
2.06
7.3 %
4.70
5.00
5.26
16.4 %
1.54
1.63
1.71
13.2 %
1.09
1.09
1.09
-0.9 %
6.70
7.20
7.68
15.7 %
2.05
2.18
2.33
15.9%
8.36
8.96
9.58
17.0 %
5.86
5.76
5.87
0.5 %
8.20
7.60
7.11
-16.8 %
5.73
6.03
6.33
12.0 %
II-12
1
L�
1
The rank of industry types in Craven County in 1993 and 2005 is provided in Table 45.
Very little change in the rankings is expected to occur. The most significant change will be in
the federal military category. Without the expansion resulting from the addition of NADEP and
Cecil Field personnel, this employment group will decline from first to third in employment rank
and first to fourth in earnings rank. As a result, retail trade shows a decrease in earnings rank
from sixth to eighth place. Services will rise to first place in both employment and earnings.
Table 45
Rank of Industry by Employment Earnings, Craven County,
1993 and 2005
Employment
Rank
Earnings
Rank
Industry
1993
2005 1993
2005
Farm
11
11
11
11
Agricultural Serv. Other
12
12
12
12
Mining
13
13
13
13
Construction
8
7
7
7
Manufacturing
6
6
4
3
Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util.
9
9
8
8
Wholesale trade
10
10
9
9
Retail Trade
3
2
6
8
Finance, Ins. & Real Estate
7
8
10
10
Services
2
1
3
1
Federal Civilian Government
4
5
2
2
Federal Military
1
3
1
4
State and Local Government
5
4
5
5
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Projected economic trends and land use issues for specific industries are outlined in the
following sections.
2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
During the planning period, agricultural and forestry employment is expected to decline
by 22.6%. However, overall farm and forestry income is expected to increase. A slight
decrease in total farm/forestry acreage is anticipated. Consolidation of some cropland may be
expected, resulting in more efficient farm production. Continued forestry production, especially
in the western sections of the county, will be a vital part of the county's overall economy.
3. MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing will increase its earnings ranking slightly from fourth to third and remain
constant in employment rank at sixth. Manufacturing employment as a percentage of total
county employment should increase slightly during the planning period.
It is expected that Craven County will continue vigorous and effective industrial
recruitment efforts. While the county will continue to focus its efforts on industrial park
development, scattered site non -hazardous industries will be supported by the county. Major ,
industrial development issues will be:
-- Provision of water and sewer utilities.
-- Development of improved ground transportation systems.
-- Continued improvement of the Craven County Regional Airport
and associated commercial air service.
-- Development of industrial park sites.
-- Coordination of industrial development with regulatory controls
such as 404 wetland permit requirements.
4. FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE L
Employment in the finance and real estate category is expected to increase by 15.9 % by
2005. However, this employment sector will decline slightly in both employment and earnings
rank. It is expected that seasonal housing and retirement housing will comprise a larger
percentage of Craven County's housing inventory. However, the major portion of construction
activity will continue to be for year-round housing. The rate of subdivision approval should
slow during the planning period. It is unlikely that the county can sustain the quantity of
subdivision approvals which occurred during the late 1980's. Major issues confronting real
estate, construction and finance will include:
-- Water and sewer service availability.
-- 404 wetland regulations.
-- County -wide or spot zoning.
-- Overall capability of Craven County to provide services to
accommodate growth.
5. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE AND SERVICES I
Wholesale trade will remain almost constant through 2005 in both employment and
earnings rank. Retail trade should increase its employment rank slightly from third to second
but decline in earnings rank from sixth to eighth. By 2005, the provision of services will be the
most significant employment category within the county in terms of both employment and
earnings. Total services earnings are expected to increase by 41.2 % from 1993 to 2005. It ,
should be noted that wholesale/retail trade and services are heavily tied to a continued strong
military presence in Craven County.
6. GOVERNM
ENT EMPLOYMENT
Without the high military growth, federal military employment and earnings will decline
from 1993 to 2005. This is reflective of the national trend for defense cuts. Federal civilian
employment should remain constant while state/local government employment should increase
by 12.0%. Again, it is emphasized that any significant reductions in federal military and civilian
employment would have a serious negative impact on Craven County's economy.
However, the transfer of NADEP and/or Cecil Field personnel to the Cherry Point
Marine Corps Air Station will have a substantial impact on the local economy. Tables 46 and
47 provide summaries of the anticipated job generation impact resulting from the NADEP and
Cecil Field increases.
' Table 46
Total Job Generation
NADEP Expansion
Sector Change Multiplier Secondary Jobs
Military -700 .4 -280
Civilian +800 2.45 1,960
Dependents + 1.600 .6 960
' Total Change 1,700 2,640
Total Jobs: 2,740
Source: Craven County Committee of 100; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Table 47
Job Generation
' NADEP/Cecil Field Expansion
Sector Change Multiplier Secondary Jobs
Military 4,200 .4 1,680
Civilian 1,100 2.45 2,695
Dependents 6.700 .6 4.020
Total Change 12,000 8,395
Total Jobs: 13,695
Source: Craven County Committee of 100; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Depending upon which military growth scenario occurs, the total job impact should range
from 2,740 to 13,695. All of the military related, including civilian, and most of the secondary
jobs will be located in Craven County and its municipalities. If the Cecil Field transfer occurs,
the Federal Military would become the county's largest employment category. Table 48 includes
revised earnings and employment estimates based on the high military growth occurring.
Industry
Total Earnings [1]
(Mil. 1987 $)
Table 48
Employment Estimates - High Military Growth
Craven County, 1993 - 2005
1993 1995 2000 2005
856.48 934.33 1,131.70 1,187.81
% Change
1993-2005
38.7 %
Farm
8.47
8.51
8.66
8.92
5.3 %
Agricultural Serv. Other
5.29
5.44
5.82
6.29
18.9 %
Mining
2.67
2.81
3.11
3.42
28.1 %
Construction
38.15
41.84
44.64
47.61
24.8 %
Manufacturing
105.94
114.95
134.96
155.79
47.1 %
Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util.
32.64
34.29
39.04
44.06
35.0%
Wholesale Trade
25.19
25.70
27.48
29.41
16.8 %
Retail Trade
67.48
78.45
106.70
111.27
64.9 %
Finance, Ins. & Real Estate
20.77
24.48
32.86
34.40
65.6%
Services
138.17
162.80
220.32
230.95
67.1 %
Federal Civilian Gov't.
157.29
179.37
176.68
179.64
14.2 %
Federal Military
158.42
155.55
218.63
209.49
32.2 %
State and Local Gov't.
96.00
100.14
112.80
126.56
31.8 %
[1] Personal earnings are by place of work and exclude dividends,
interest and
rent, transfer
payments, and social security contributions.
They include proprietors' net income and wages.
II-16
'
Table 48 (continued)
% Change
1993
1995
2000
2005
1993-2005
Total Employment
(Thousands)
47.02
50.80
62.00
63.35
34.7 %
Farm
0.62
0.59
0.63
0.48
-22.6 %
'
0.40
0.40
0.0 %
Agricultural Serv. Other
0.40
0.40
Mining
0.07
0.07
0.07
0.07
0.0%
Construction
1.92
2.08.
2.05
2.06
7.3 %
Manufacturing
4.52
4.70
5.00
5.26
16.4 %
1.51
1.54
1.63
1.71
13.3 %
Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util.
Wholesale Trade
1.10
1.09
1.09
1.09
-1.0 %
7.72
10.50
10.95
64.9 %
Retail Trade
6.64
Finance, Ins. & Real Estate
2.01
2.37
3.1-8
3.33
82.4%
Services
8.19
9.65
13.06
13.69
67.2 %
Federal Civilian Gov't.
5.84
6.66
6.56
6.67
14.2 %
Federal Military
8.55
8.20
11.80
11.31
32.3 %
State and Local Gov't.
5.65
5.73
6.03
6.33
12.0%
'
Source: Woods & Poole Economics, Inc.
Retail Trade; Finance, Ins., and Real
Estate; Services; Federal Civilian Government,
and Federal Military
1
adjusted by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
i
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Table 49 '
Rank of Industry by Employment Earnings, Craven County, 1993 and 2005
High Military Growth
,
Employment
Rank
Earnings_Rank
Industry
1993
2005
1993
2005
Farm
11
11
11
11
Agricultural Serv. Other
12
12
12
12
Mining
13
13
13
13
Construction
8
7
7
7
Manufacturing
6
6
4
5
Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util.
9
9
8
8
Wholesale trade
10
10
9
10
Retail Trade
3
3
6
6
Finance, Ins. & Real Estate
7
8
10
9
'
Services
2
1
3
1
Federal Civilian Government
4
4
2
3
Federal Military
1
2
1
2
State and Local Government
5
5
5
4
Source: Holland Consulting Planners,
Inc.
With the high military growth forecast, the federal military declines to number two in
both employment and earnings rank. The services sector rises to the number one employment
and earnings category.
C. PUBLIC FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND LAND USE ISSUES
1. INTRODUCTION
This section discusses public facilities developments and land use issues both with and t
without expansion of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The United States Navy
prepared a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess impacts which may be expected
from the expansion of Cherry Point. At the time of preparation of this plan, the Cherry Point ,
EIS was not available for public review. Thus, detailed analysis of the impact of the Air Station
expansion on county services and infrastructure was not available. The assessments of impact '
which are included in this plan are not based on detailed data included in the EIS. This plan is
not intended to conflict with the Cherry Point EIS. Upon release of the Cherry Point EIS, the
conclusions/assessments included in that document will supersede the impact assessments
contained in this document.
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1 2. WATER SYSTEM
' The existing water system will be expanded during the planning period to include most
of Township 2, which is under the jurisdiction of First Craven Sanitary District. Installation of
a central water system is planned for the area of Township 5, which is presently served by
private wells containing poor quality drinking water. As Craven County continues its growth,
other "fill-in" water lines will expand existing water systems where demand and cash flow allow
for the payback on water line expansions.
As the ex waters stem ands and additional industrial development occurs, there will be
Y P
a need for additional wells to be installed in the Northwest Craven portion of the county. This
is the area of prime quality drinking water. Elevated tanks will be required to continue to
provide consistent pressure throughout the system as well as to provide fire protection for the
' citizens. Elevated tanks are proposed in Townships 2, 5, and 7. The southeast comer of
Township 3 will also require an elevated storage tank in the latter stages of the planning period.
Additional tanks may be required depending on the volume of industrial and residential growth.
If the high military growth occurs, approximately 5,220 additional households will be
generated. The North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
requirements indicate that on average a person generates 60 gallons of sewage per day. If this
is inflated 10% for water consumption (not all water consumed goes into the sewer system), then
an individual utilizes an average of 66 gallons per day. Based on the high military growth, the
people residing in Craven County would generate a total increase in average water demand of
1,021,746 gallons per day. This demand would be spread among the county, municipal, and
Cherry Point water supply systems. The county's water system would serve many of the
personnel locating in Townships 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Expansion of the water system, in particular
in Townships 6 and 7, may be expected.
Potable water at MCAS Cherry Point is pumped from a network of deep wells located
aboard the air station. A new potable water treatment plant and additional wells are under
construction and will become operational in early 1995. The new water treatment facility and
additional wells will increase the daily capacity from 4.5 to 6.0 million gallons per day. This
capacity upgrade is adequate to support the existing and proposed potable water requirements
of the Air Station. The source of water is the Castle Hayne aquifer.
3. WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
As growth proceeds eastward through the county and around the rivers, sewer expansion
must keep up with additional demand. During the planning period, expansion of the existing
Neuse River- (Township 7) wastewater treatment plant is planned which will provide for an
' additional 500,000 gpd. The Havelock to New Bern corridor is continuing a steady growth rate,
and it is anticipated that central sewer will be expanded throughout that entire region as soils are
tightly constrained for efficiently working septic tanks/nitrification fields. The installation of
icentral sewers along the rivers will eliminate the present leaking of poorly treated septic tank
wastewater into streams and rivers. Other areas of the county that need sewer in the future are
the presently unsewered incorporated communities, such as the Towns of Cove City and Dover.
Each of these towns has central water systems, but they have not yet installed central sewer
systems due to the high cost of these systems. As grants are made available in the future, the
feasibility of implementing sewer systems will become much easier. In order to protect the
health of the citizens in the future, central sewer will need to be installed in these relatively
densely populated communities.
Other areas of the county are potential targets for central sewer, perhaps in cluster
arrangements. An example of this need would be the unincorporated community of Ft.
Barnwell. Development, and thus demand for central sewer, will continue in the ETJ areas
around the presently sewered communities of the City of New Bem and the Towns of Havelock
and Vanceboro. The location of future private development and/or industry will also mandate
central sewer systems. In some areas, the private utility systems may begin to be taken over by
the town and/or the county. Governmental units assuming responsibility for discharge points
generally means a high level of responsibility and quality of effluent discharged to the rivers of
the region.
If the high military growth occurs, the total Craven County residence population of
15,418 will generate an average daily sewage volume of 925,080 gallons. This demand will be
divided among the Craven County, Cherry Point, and municipalities' systems. The county's
sewer system is limited to Township 7. Approximately 7,740 of the total military -generated
population increase will be in Township 7. This population would generate an average daily
sewage demand of approximately 464,400 gallons. This would exceed the capacity of the
existing Craven County sewer system. In other areas of the county not served by municipal
sewage treatment systems, the population will have to continue to rely on septic tanks and
package treatment plants for sewage treatment.
The Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point provides its own sewage collection and
treatment. Recent upgrades of the system have been completed. With the upgrade, the STP has
a design capacity of 3.5 million gallons per day (mgd) and a peak flow capacity of 7.5 mgd.
Wastewater effluent from the plant is discharged into the Neuse River. A collection system
infiltration and inflow (I/I) program quantifies and eliminates excessive water to the wastewater
system and provides for the future repair of piping systems that experience the greatest inflow.
An analysis is being conducted on the sludge treatment process to determine compliance
with -new regulations on sludge disposal. Corrections to the system will be programmed based
on findings of the analysis. Sludge produced from the sanitary wastewater treatment plant is
land applied in a permitted sludge disposal area at MCAS.
MCAS Cherry Point maintains a separate industrial waste treatment system, with the
pretreatment plant in Building 1005, and other associated buildings and several industrial waste
collection stations. The industrial waste system is being upgraded, and these improvements are
expected to be implemented in 1995. At that time, the plant will have a design capacity of 0.63
mgd and a peak flow capacity of 0.91 mgd. Effluent from the plant flows to the STP for final
treatment. The sludge is pressed into a cake, stored in leakproof containers, and disposed of
by contract in approved hazard waste landfills in South Carolina.
f]
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4. STORM DRAINAGE
With or without expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, management
of stormwater runoff will remain an important issue in Craven County. Improvement of water
quality in the Trent and Neuse Rivers is important to both the tourist and fishing industries.
Urban development, industrial, and agricultural runoff are all contributors to water pollution.
There is no single culprit. If the high military growth scenario occurs, the primary impact on
stormwater runoff will result from residential construction and on -base military construction.
As urban development continues in Craven County, so will the construction of
impervious and semi -permeable surfaces, and the potential for surficial water contamination will
increase. Given that fact, it is recommended that the county strongly support existing Division
of Environmental Management water quality section regulations (15 NCAC 2H.1000) during the
planning period. The county should also participate in and contribute to studies of storm
drainage undertaken by public and private agencies, support United States Department of
Agriculture Best Management Practices for croplands, and work closely with the Division of
Marine Fisheries to protect primary and secondary nursery areas. Many of the county's primary
nursery areas are located adjacent to Cherry Point. Caution should be taken to protect these
areas from surficial water contamination.
5. TRANSPORTATION
Transportation improvements are essential to Craven County's continued growth and
economic development. The Development Constraints: Public Facilities section of this plan
discusses proposed highway improvements in detail. All identified projects are supported by
Craven County in the policies section of this plan. Major improvements include: new bridges
over the Trent and Neuse Rivers, widening of U.S. 17 from the New Bern Bypass to the
Craven -Beaufort county line, construction of a U.S. 17 New Bern Bypass, and construction of
a U.S. 70 Havelock Bypass. In addition, continued development of the Marine Corps Air
Station Cherry Point will require protection/improvement of the base's access routes to the
Morehead City Port and Camp Lejeune. Access routes to the Air Station should be protected.
This should include control of development in the vicinity of the main gates to the Air Station.
The need for good base transportation access will be a much more significant issue if the high
growth scenario occurs.
The Craven County Regional Airport is extremely important to the county's overall
transportation system. Table 50 provides a summary of improvements proposed within the
planning period. The policies section of this plan supports those improvements.
1
II-21
Table 50
Craven County Regional Airport
Transportation Improvement Program - Aviation Element
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Improvement
Total Cost
Federal Share
State Share
Local Share
Fiscal Year 1996
Terminal Building (Phase 1)
$4,750,000
$550,000
$2,100,000
$2,100,000
ARFF Vehicle
500,000
450,000
25,000
25,000
ARFF Station
250,000
225,000
12,500
12,500
Rehab/Seal Air Carrier Ramp
40,000
36,000
2,000
2,000
Fiscal Year 1997
Terminal Building (Phase II)
4,750,000
550,000
2,100,000
2,100,000
GA/Corporate Ramp Exp.
350,000
315,000
17,500
17,500
Maintenance Equipment I
50,000
-0-
25,000
25,000
Maintenance Equipment II
12,000.
-0-
6,000
6,000
Fiscal Year 1998
Terminal Building & Ramp
4,700,000
1,500,000
1,600,000
1,600,000
MALSR
300,000
270,000
15,000
15,000
Fiscal Year 1999
Runway 4-22 Rehabilitation
750,000
675,000
37,500
37,500
Mobile Communications Vehicle
30,000
-0-
15,000
15,000
Emergency Fire Access Road
150,000
135,000
7,500
7,500
Airfield Security Fencing
70,000
63,000
3,500
3,500
Emergency Power
48,000
43,200
2,400
2,400
Terminal Development Payout
800,000
-0-
400,000
400,000
Fiscal Year 2000
Terminal Development Payout
800,000
-0-
400,000
400,000
Source: Craven County Regional Airport.
L�
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6. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
The provision of adequate solid waste disposal will continue to be an issue during the
planning period. Craven County will support efforts by the Coastal Regional Solid Waste
Management Authority to determine whether to build a waste to energy incinerator, expand the
landfill, or to blend available disposal options. An interim regional landfill located at Tuscarora
will accommodate disposal needs through the planning period.
The Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point will continue to be responsible for its own
solid waste collection. Solid waste is handled by both MCAS Cherry Point personnel and
private contractors. Refuse from all sources, except the family housing areas in Hancock
Village, Fort Macon, and Slocum Village, is collected by base personnel and hauled to the
transfer station located west of Building 96. At that point, it is transferred to private contractors
and transported to the Tuscarora regional landfill. The family housing areas of Hancock
Village, Fort Macon, and Slocum Village dispose of residential refuse by service contract.
There are no longer sanitary landfills in operation on the station. Recyclables are collected once
per week by a contractor.
A construction debris landfill is located between Access Road and Runway 14. This
landfill is utilized for disposal of nonputrid construction debris, concrete, rock, wood, tree
trimmings, and other like materials.
7. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
Craven County will face significant educational facilities needs during the planning
period. In 1992-1993, ten of the county's 21 schools were over capacity. Long-range
improvement plans include:
_= Two new middle schools
Three new elementary schools
-- General renovations (with additional classrooms) at all Craven County schools.
' These improvements are supported by the policy statements included within this plan.
' Based on the anticipated NADEP expansion and the initial Cecil Field realignment of 168
F-18 Hornet jets, and accompanying personnel, the military prepared estimates of school -age
children to be added to impacted school systems. In 1995, the anticipated number of F-18's has
been reduced to 140. As a "crude" indicator of school system impact, the military's original
forecast has been proportionately reduced to reflect 140 F-18's (a 17% reduction). The
following provides a summary of the incoming Craven County school -age children based on the
' realignment of 140 F-18's:
Elementary School 964
Middle School 298
High School 209
Total 1,471
II-23
In 1995, twelve, or 57% of the county's schools, were over capacity. Nine of the 14
elementary schools were over capacity. However, five new schools and renovations/additions
at all existing schools will reduce the existing capacity deficiencies. The increase in school -age
children resulting from Cherry Point expansion would result in a 10.3 % increase in school
enrollment. Most of this increase should be expected to occur in the elementary schools, where
964 students would be added.
8. RECREATION
In 1987, Craven County adopted a Recreation Plan and a Waterfront Access Plan. Both
documents included specific recommendations for improvements which are summarized as
follows:
RECREATION PLAN
Improvement
Regional Park
Small Park
Water Access Area
Waterfront Park
Estimated Cost
$ 1,883,850
544,785
284,155
1,331,075
WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN
BOAT ACCESS SITE PRIORITIES
Site
1. Turkey Quarter Creek
2. Bridgeton Access Area
3. Matthews Point
4. Godfrey Creek Estates Landing
Improvement
Improved ramp, parking, picnic tables
Improved ramp, parking
Sandy beach for swimming, parking
Sandy beach for swimming, docks
1
In 1995, the county was attempting to secure a large park site (± 100 acres) for ,
development of a major recreational facility. The policy statements contained in this plan
support these improvements.
9. OTHER COUNTY FACILITIES
Other county facilities needs during the planning period will include:
-- Equipment additions at the fire and emergency services
departments.
-- Expansion/improvements to the Craven Regional Medical Center.
II-24
-- Expansion/improvement of the county jail.
-- Expansion of Craven County's administrative office space.
If the high military growth scenario occurs, the county will access additional needs and
rrespond, as necessary, to accommodate Cherry Point expansion. The greatest impact may be
expected on the following:
' -- Transportation systems, including roads and the county's airport.
-- Infrastructure, including water and sewer systems.
-- Police, fire, and rescue services.
D. REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Craven County's most pressing redevelopment issue will be the preservation of standard
housing for low -to -moderate income families and individuals. There are no significant
commercial areas requiring clearance or redevelopment. In 1990, over 45 % of the county's
housing stock was 20 years old or older. Thus, by 2000, approximately 14,575 dwelling units
would have aged to 30 years old or older. The county has not had a minimum housing code
enforcement program to require acceptable structural and weatherization standards. While
overall housing conditions have improved during the '70s and '80s, substantial problems still
exist. Craven County will undertake the following in support of residential redevelopment:
' -- Support applications for North Carolina Community Development
housing rehabilitation funds.
-- Support applications for North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
home improvement funds.
' -- Investigate the development and enforcement of a minimum
housing code.
A second area of concern will be redevelopment of areas following a hurricane or other
natural disaster. The specifics of such redevelopment are dealt with in the storm hazard
mitigation and post -disaster reconstruction plan. However, Craven County will support the
' reconstruction of any properties destroyed by natural disaster, consistent with applicable Craven
County ordinances.
7
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1 II-25
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SECTION III:
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
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SECTION III. LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
As explained in the introduction to the policy statements, land use plans prepared to
comply with 15A NCAC 7B regulations have three areas of impact on application: (1) to set
policy to guide local planning and land use management decisions; (2) review of projects for
consistency with local planning policies; and (3) the establishment of local policies for areas of
environmental concern. The CAMA regulations require the establishment of a specific land
classification system to support the local government's policy statements. The CAMA 15A
NCAC 7B regulations state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local
governments to identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land
classes allows the local government to illustrate their policy statements as to
where and to what density they want growth to occur, and where they want to
conserve natural and cultural resources by guiding growth.
The CAMA guidelines provide for the following land classifications: developed, urban
transition, limited transition, community, rural, rural with services, and conservation. These
classifications may be further defined by a local government. In applying these classifications,
a local government should carefully consider where and when various types of development
should be encouraged. Additionally, the areas of environmental concern requiring protection
should be identified and mapped. Each applicable land classification must be represented on a
land classification map.
' The following land classifications are delineated on Maps 15A and 15B. The Land
Classification Map is divided into eastern and western areas to allow for larger, more legible
maps.
DEVELOPED: Areas included in the developed land classification are currently
' predominantly urban in character. The following areas are classified developed:
Fairfield Harbor, James City, and the U. S. 70 corridor between New Bern and
Havelock including the area around the Craven Regional Airport. Municipal types of
services are in place or are expected to be provided within the next five to ten years.
Land uses include residential (single and multi -family), commercial, institutional,
transportation, industrial parks, open space, industrial, and other urban land uses at high
' or moderate densities. Residential densities are allowed in excess of an average of three
dwelling units per acre. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted.
COMMUNITY: This classification includes areas which are presently developed at low
densities and are suitable for septic tank usage. The classification includes Jasper, Fort
Barnwell, Askin, Cayton, Ernul, North Harlowe, Dover, Cove City, the Core Creek
Church area south of Cove City, and the Riverside -Honolulu area. Uses include single-
family residences, isolated general and convenience stores, churches, public facilities,
' health care facilities, businesses, industrial development and mixed land uses at low
densities. Very limited municipal type services, including water service, may be
available. Sewer service may be provided to correct an existing or projected public
health hazard. Residential densities shall average two dwelling units per acre. All uses
allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted.
URBAN TRANSITION: Areas included in the urban transition classification are
presently being developed for urban purposes, or will be developed in the next five to
ten years. These areas will eventually require complete urban services. The urban
transition areas include mixed land uses such as residential (single and multi -family),
commercial, institutional, industrial, industrial parks, transportation, and other uses
approaching high to moderate densities. Residential densities are allowed in excess of
an average of three dwelling units per acre. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall
be permitted.
LIMITED TRANSITION: Areas included in the limited transition classification are
areas which will experience increasing development during the next five to ten years.
The limited transition areas are all located in eastern Craven County along N.C. 101 and
north of N.C. 101 along some shoreline and interior land areas. Some municipal type
services will be required. The limited transition classification is intended for
predominantly residential uses. However, some scattered commercial, health care, and
industrial development may occur. Clustering or development associated with planned
unit developments may be appropriate. Residential densities at an average of three units
per acre or less are acceptable. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted.
RURAL WITH SERVICES: Areas included within the rural with services classification
are developed at low density. This classification is defined by a one -mile wide corridor
following all paved secondary roads (except for S.R. 1621 north of Cayton community)
not classified in another land classification. This classification is delineated on Map 15.
Land uses include residential use where limited water and/or sewer services are provided
in order to avert existing or projected health problems, public facilities, health care
facilities, commercial, and industrial uses. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be
permitted. Lot sizes will be large and the provision of services will not disrupt the
primary rural character of the landscape. Residential densities shall average two dwelling
units per acre.
RURAL: Areas included within the rural classification include lands that are appropriate
for or presently used for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction, and other uses that
should be located in a relatively isolated and undeveloped area. This classification
includes all land areas not otherwise classified. The predominant land uses are
agricultural, commercial forestry, residential, and scattered industrial development.
However, public facilities, health care facilities, on -site water and sewer systems,
hazardous or noxious uses, industrial, and commercial uses are allowed. In addition, all
uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. Rural water and sewer systems may
be available to help avert poor water quality and health problems. Residential densities
shall average two dwelling units per acre.
1
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III-2
ICONSERVATION CLASSIFICATIONS
COASTAL WETLANDS: This classification includes all areas of coastal wetlands
' which include any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by
tides, including wind tides. However, tidal flooding is understood not to include
hurricane or tropical storm tides. Because of map size and scale (Maps 15A and 15B),
these areas cannot be accurately mapped. Precise identification and locations must be
made in the field. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted.
' ESTUARINE SHORELINES: All areas lying 0-75 feet landward of the mean high
water level of estuarine waters are classified as estuarine shorelines. Because of map
size and scale, these area cannot be accurately mapped. Precise locations must be
determined in the field. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted.
ESTUARINE AND PUBLIC TRUST WATERS: All public trust areas and estuarine
waters are included in this classification. All waters of Craven County are classified as
estuarine waters as described by 15A NCAC 7H.0206 or public trust waters as described
by 15A NCAC 7H.0207. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted.
' For all conservation classifications, precise identification of locations must be made in the field
by the appropriate permitting agency.
P
TLEGENQ
®
DEVELOPED
®
URBAN TRANSITION
LIMITED TRANSITION
COMMUNITY
RURAL WITH SERVICES (SEE NOTE 4)
RURAL
NOTE 1)
NOTE 2)
NOTE 3)
CONSERVATION:
INCLUDES COASTAL WETLANDS, ESTUARINE SHORELINES,
ESTUARINE WATERS AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS.
(SEE NOTES 1, 2 AND 3) NOTE 4)
SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD
HARD SURFACED ROAD
DIVIDED HIGHWAY
=1 Or--
HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE
70
U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
0
N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
1100 .
SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER
RAILROAD
----- COUNTY LINE
--- - - - CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING
JURISDICTION
CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW
BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON
COASTAL WETLANDS: THE COASTAL WETLAND
AREAS ARE DEFINED BY 15A NCAC 7H.0205 AS ANY
SALT MARSH OR OTHER MARSH SUBJECT TO REGULAR
OR OCCASIONAL FLOODING BY TIDES, INCLUDING
WIND TIDES (WHETHER OR NOT THE TIDE WATERS
REACH THE MARSHLAND AREAS THROUGH NATURAL
OR ARTIFICIAL WATER COURSES), PROVIDED THIS
SHALL NOT INCLUDE HURRICANE OR TROPICAL
STORM TIDES. PRECISE LOCATIONS OF ALL COASTAL
WETLAND AREAS MUST BE DETERMINED IN THE
ESTUARINE SHORELINES: ALL AREAS LYING 3-75'
LANDWARD OF THE MEAN HIGH WATER LEVEL OR
NORMAL WATER LEVEL OF ESTUARINE WATERS ARE
CLASSIFIED AS ESTUARINE SHORELINE AREAS.
PRECISE LOCATIONS MUST BE DEi LRMINED NV THE
FIELD.
ESTUARINE WATERS AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS: ALL
WATERS OF CRAVEN COUNTY ARE CLASSIFIED AS
ESTUARINE WATERS AS DESCRIBED BY 15A NCAC
7H.0206, OR PUBLIC TRUST AREAS AS DESCRIBED BY
1SA NCAC 7H.0207. ALL DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE
CONSISTENT WITH THE USE STANDARDS CCNTAINED
IN 15A NCAC 7H.
THE RURAL WITH SERVICES CORRIDORS" ARE ONE
MILE WIDE. THEY EXTEND ONE-HALF MILE ON
EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD ALONG WHICH -1 HE
CLASSIFICATION IS LOCATED.
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THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
'THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL'MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
'1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENI�, BEAUFORT COUNTY
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
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CRAVEN COUNTY
North Carolina
RIVER: LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
MAP 15A
III-4
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DEVELOPED
NOTE I)
COASTAL WETLANDS; THE COASTAL WETLAND
URBAN TRANSITION
AREAS ARE DEFINED BY ISA NCAC 7FUM5 AS ANY
SALT MARSH OR OTF-R MARSH SUBJECT TO REGULAR
OR OCCASIONAL FLOODING BY TIDES. INCLUDING
WIND TIDES (WHETHER OR NOT THE TIDE WATERS
'
LIMITED TRANSITION
REACH THE MARSHLAND AREAS THROUGH NAT, U AL
OR ARTIFICIAL WATER COURSES, PROVIDED THIS
I::: : r
SHALL NOT INCLUDE HURRICANE OR TROPICAL
STORM TIDES. PRECISE LOCATIONS OF ALL COASTAL
W L ND AREAS MUST BE o=ERhIINm IN T'rm
,
i
COMMUNITY
NOTE b
ESTUARINE SHORELINES: ALL AREAS LYLNG
RURAL WITH SERVICES (SEE NOTE )
LANDWARD OFTIM MEAN HIGH WATER LEVEL OR
NORMAL WATER LEVEL OF ESTUARINE WATZS ARE
CL SSIFTED AS ESTUARINE SHCREL.WE AREAS.
PRECSE LOCATIONS MUST BE Dr—rMiL IINED V .r--
RURAL
FIELD.
a
NOTE 3)
ESTUARINE WATERS AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS: ALL
WATERS OF GQAVEN COUNTY ARE CLASSIFi---D AS
ESTUARINE WATERS As DESCRIBED BY ISA NCAC
7H=6, OR PUBLIC TRUST AREAS AS DESCRIBe�7i BY
CONSERVATION:
ISA NCAC 7rLOM7. ALL DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE
INCLUDES COASTAL WETLANDS, ESTUARINE SHORELINES,
CONSISTENT WTIH THE USE STANDARDS CCV?aNeJ
ESTUARINE WATERS AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS.
IN I5A NCAC ;H.
(SEE NOTES 1, 2 A 3) NOTE 4)
THE RURAL ATM I-S VICE CORRIDORS' ARE C.
ONE
MILE WIDE . THEY =CI'=VD ONE-HALF MILE ON
EITHER SIDE OF TEE ROAD ALONG WHICH iri-E
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SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD
CLASSIFICATION IS LOCATED.
HARD SURFACED ROAD
DIVIDED HIGHWAY
IC
HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE
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70
U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
'
I100
SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER
RAILROAD
----- COUNTY LINE
------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN
" COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
'
r-,----� EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS
NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING
'
JURISDICTION
CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW
`"' BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON
1
J
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS
PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
TION
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRA
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EASTERN
CRAVEN COUNTY
North Carolina
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
MAP 15B
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I
SECTION IV:
CRAVEN COUNTY POLICY STATEMENTS
SE
CTION IV: CRAVEN COUNTY POLICY STATEMENTS
A. INTRODUCTION TO POLICY STATEMENTS
The previous sections of this plan identify a number of areas of concern dealing with
growth, development, and the environment. The plan also discusses many opportunities and
assets which exist within Craven County. This section provides policies designed to address
growth management and protect the county's assets. The policy statements should address the
desires and objectives of the citizens of Craven County, and respond to the policy statement
requirements of the Coastal Resources Commission as defined by 15A NCAC 7B.
The policy statements are extremely important and have a day-to-day impact on
businesses and individual citizens within the county. The statements have an impact in three
areas:
• CAMA minor and major permitting as required by NCGS 113A-118 prior
to undertaking any development in any area of environmental concern.
• Establishment of local planning policy.
• Review of proposed projects requiring state or federal assistance or
approval to determine consistency with local policies.
For the issuance of CAMA permits within areas of environmental concern, the state's
minimum acceptable use standards are defined by 15A NCAC 7H. A local unit of government
must adopt policies which are, at a minimum, equal to and consistent with the state's minimum
use standards. A local unit of government may adopt policies which are more stringent than the
minimum use standards. For example, the state standards allow marinas to be located within
estuarine waters if some minimum conditions are met. A local government may adopt a policy
stating that marinas will not be permitted within estuarine waters, or allowed only if some
additional local policies are met. If this were to occur, a CAMA permit for marina construction
in estuarine waters would not be issued, or issued only -if all local policies are satisfied. IT IS
CRUCIAL THAT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF ITS
POLICIES WITHIN AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN.
The second area of land use plan application is that of establishing policies to guide the
jurisdiction's local planning. This may apply both within areas of environmental concern where
CAMA regulations apply and in non-CAMA regulated areas of the county. Non-CAMA-related
' recommendations must be implemented with local land use ordinances such as zoning,
development, or subdivision ordinances. If a land use plan recommends that the average
residential density should be three dwelling units per acre within a particular area, then that
density must be achieved through local regulatory controls. (This should not be confused with
the interaction of the land use plan with the CAMA regulations and 15A NCAC 7H use
standards.)
LI
I IV-1
1
The final area of application is that of "Consistency Review. " Proposals and applications
for state and federal assistance or requests for agency approval of projects are normally reviewed
against a jurisdiction's land use plan to determine if the project is consistent with local policies.
Inconsistencies with local policies could serve as grounds for denial or revision of a project.
For example, an individual or agency may request state approval to construct a nursing
home/health care facility. If the proposed location of the project is within an area in which the
land use plan does not allow such a facility, the project may be judged to be inconsistent with
the local land use plan.
The Coastal Resources Commission requires all governments to specify stated
development policies under each one of five broad topics. These topics include:
-- Resource Protection
-- Resource Production and Management
-- Economic and Community Development
-- Continuing Public Participation
-- Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans
Based on the analysis of existing conditions and trends, suggestions from the county's
citizens, and substantial input and guidance from the Craven County Planning Department, the
policies in the following sections have been formulated to provide guides for regulating growth,
development, and resource management throughout the planning period in each separate area.
Policies that were considered but not adopted are provided in Appendix IV.
B. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS
PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Soils: To mitigate existing septic tank problems and other restrictions on development posed
by soil limitations in Craven County, the county will:
(a) Enforce all current regulations of the N.C. State Building Code and Craven County
Health Department relating to building construction and septic tank installation/
replacement in areas with soils restrictions.
(b) Coordinate all development activity with appropriate county and state regulatory
personnel, and in particular, with the Craven County Sanitarian.
(c) Support the development of central water and sewer systems in all areas of the county.
(d) Development in areas where soil types have limited bearing capacity will not be '
encouraged. However, the county will permit development in such areas, as long as such
development complies with other local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
(e) In areas with possible septic tank limitations, Craven County will remain committed to ■
decisions rendered by the Craven County Health Department's Sanitarian.
IV-2
Arm Corps will cooperate with the U. S. of
(f) The county p Y rP Engineers in the
regulation/enforcement of the 404 wetlands permit process. However, additional
wetlands regulations will not be supported or locally imposed by the county.
Flood Hazard Areas:
(a) Craven County will continue to coordinate all development within the special flood
hazard area with the county's Inspections Department, North Carolina Division of
Coastal Management, FEMA, and the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
(b) Craven County realizes the inevitability of some development occurring in flood prone
areas. Therefore, the county will continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance
Program and enforce its "regular" Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance through the
county building inspection program. Proposed developments shall provide protective
measures which comply with flood insurance requirements.
IGroundwater/Protection of Potable Water Supplies:
(a) It shall be the policy of Craven County to conserve its surficials groundwater resources
by enforcing CAMA and N.C. Division of Environmental Management stormwater
run-off regulations through implementation of the county's subdivision ordinance, and
by coordinating local development activities involving chemical storage or underground
storage tank installation/abandonment with Craven County Emergency Management
personnel and the Groundwater Section of the North Carolina Division of Environmental
Management.
b Craven County's water system is supplied by a series of wells. Land uses near
() groundwater sources are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental
Management through 15A NCAC Subchapters 2L and 2C. Craven County recognizes
the importance of protecting potable water supplies and therefore supports the
enforcement of these regulations. Also, the county may consider adopting controls which
will discourage development that may encroach upon these wells.
Manmade Hazards:
(a) Craven County will support the technical requirements and state program approval for
underground storage tanks as prescribed by 15A NCAC 2H, Criteria and Standards
Applicable to Underground Storage Tanks.
(b) Craven County opposes the disposal of any toxic wastes, as defined by the U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency's Listing of Hazardous Substances and Priority
Pollutants (developed pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 1977) within the Craven
r County planning jurisdiction.
I'Groundwaters which are at or just below the surface.
I
IV-3
(c) Craven County supports continued growth and development of both the Cherry Point
Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport.
(d) Craven County supports the continued development of MCAS Cherry Point and the
required infrastructure.
(e) Development in the vicinity of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point should be
compatible with the Cherry Point AICUZ. Incompatible development should be
minimized in high noise impact areas.
Stormwater Runoff: Craven County will support state regulations relating to stormwater runoff
resulting from development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15A NCAC 2H.001-.1003).
Cultural/Historic Resources:
(a) Craven County shall coordinate all housing rehabilitation/redevelopment projects with the
N.C. Division of Archives and History, to ensure that any significant architectural details
or buildings are identified and preserved.
(b) Craven County will coordinate all public works projects with the N.C. Division of
Archives and History, to ensure the identification and preservation of significant historic
and archaeological sites.
(c) Craven County recognizes the historic significance of Cherry Point to the nation and
region. The county encourages protection of historic sites such as Gate 6.
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas: I
(a) Industrial development which can comply with the use standards specified by 15A NCAC
7H may be located within conservation classified areas. Craven County aggressively
encourages the development of industry. The county does not want any policies
contained within this plan to prohibit industrial development which meets all applicable
state and federal regulations.
(b) The county, in cooperation with the incorporated municipalities, will continue to support
an active industrial recruitment program, as currently conducted by the Craven County
Committee of 100, seeking low pollution, light manufacturing industries and those which
do not require large commitments of water and/or sewer.
(c) Craven County should seek technical assistance and financial help to develop another
industrial park, if the need dictates. The county also supports the eventual development
of an air industrial park near the airport for aviation -related concerns.
IV-4
(d) The county believes that all industrial prospects should be given a fair, case -by -case
assessment in order to carefully compare possible economic benefits with possibly
negative environmental effects. Such reviews will be coordinated by Craven County
through various county agencies and departments.
(e) The Economic Development Commission may represent to qualified industrial clients the
policy that Craven County will extend utility lines, and/or make such improvements to
utility systems as may be required to cause such industry to locate, to a monetary amount
not to exceed fifty (50) percent of the anticipated tax revenue for the first five (5) years
after the industry has completed construction and occupied its facility.
(f) Craven County supports the establishment of natural gas lines to WAS Cherry Point and
other potential users if the service should become available to the region.
(g) Craven County supports the re-establishment of jet fuel distribution that would be barged
into the Naval Boat Docks at MCAS Cherry Point and then distributed via pipeline
aboard base to the appropriate fuel farms.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION
Package Treatment Plant Use:
(a)
Craven County supports the construction of package treatment plants which are approved
and permitted by the State Division of Environmental Management. As package plants
are approved, Craven County supports requirement of a specific contingency plan
specifying how ongoing private operation and maintenance of the plant will be provided,
and detailing provisions for assumption of the plant into a public system should the
private operation fail.
(b)
Craven County supports the discharge of package treatment plant effluent into 404
wetland areas. I
Marina and Floating Home Development: Craven County will enforce the following policies
to govern
floating homes and marina development:
a
O
Craven County will allow the construction and expansion of marinas, including upland
ry P g P
marinas, in all areas which satisfy the use standards for marinas as specified in 15A
NCAC 7H. This shall include marinas proposed for location within Conservation areas.
(b)
Craven County will allow construction of dry stack storage facilities for boats associated
either with or independent of marinas. All applicable state and federal regulations must
be satisfied.
(c)
Floating homes are not an issue or problem in Craven County. However, the county
discourages the anchoring of floating homes within its planning jurisdiction. Craven
County will investigate the development of an ordinance to regulate floating homes.
I IV-5
1
Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands: There are no estuarine system islands of any
significance in Craven County's jurisdiction. For those islands which do exist, Craven County
does not oppose development of the islands if the development satisfies the 15A NCAC 7H use
standards.
Bulkhead Construction: Craven County supports the construction of bulkheads as long as they
fulfill the use standards set forth in 15A NCAC 7H.
Sea Level Rise: Craven County will implement the following policies to respond to sea level
rise:
(a)
Craven County will continuously monitor the effects of sea level rise and update the land
use plan policies as necessary to protect the county's public and private properties from
rising water levels.
(b)
Craven County will support bulkheading on the mainland to protect its shoreline areas
from intruding water resulting from rising sea level.
C.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
RECREATION RESOURCES
(a)
Subject to available funds, Craven County supports a comprehensive recreational
program to provide a broad range of recreational facilities for its citizens.
(b)
As required by the Craven County Subdivision Ordinance, Craven County may require
the dedication of public shoreline access sites in subdivisions having two hundred (200)
or more lots after consideration of the following:
• Topography, geology, access and location of land in the development available
for dedication;
• Location relative to residential population concentration;
• Size and shape of the development and land available for dedication;
• The feasibility of dedication;
• Availability and proximity of previously acquired public accessways;
• Consistency with the Craven County Land Use Plan.
(c) The county could seek donations of land, bargain sales, or grant funds in order to obtain
sites suitable for development as a water park or swimming area.
(d) In the long term, Craven County would like to see an additional boat access ramp
developed along the Neuse River that is free and open to the public.
IV-6
I
e Generally, the coup is committed to pursuing development of at least one waterfront
() Y � county P g P
park or similar facility suitable for swimming, preferably along the shoreline of the
Neuse River.
Productive Agricultural Lands:
(a) Craven County supports and encourages use of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service "Best
Management Practices" program to protect productive agricultural lands.
(b) Craven County, in recognition of the importance of agriculture to the county's economy,
believes that existing federal and state permitting procedures pose enough limitations to
the use of farmland in the county. Because of the soil types and topography, the county
recognizes that proper drainage is essential and must be allowed to continue as needed,
Y, and as it does not result in irreversible damage to environmentally sensitive areas.
Aquaculture: Craven County supports the development of aquaculture and mariculture
facilities.
Off -Road Vehicles: Craven County does not object to the responsible use of off -road or all
terrain wheeled vehicles in all areas except coastal wetlands.
Solid Waste:
(a) Craven County supports a regional multi -county approach to solid waste management.
(b) Craven County favors the siting of recycling centers, transfer stations and solid waste
collection sites within all land classifications except those within the conservation
category.
Peat or Phosphate Mining: Policies addressing this issue are not applicable to Craven County.
Productive Forest Lands:
(a) Craven County encourages and supports utilization of the Forest Best Management
Practices Manual, 1989, North Carolina Division of Forest Resources for all forestry
operations. The county believes that imposing additional restrictions is not necessary at
this time nor should be throughout the planning period.
(b) Craven County encourages the Croatan National Forest to maintain land holdings no
land swaps) within the vicinity of Cherry Point. These forest areas serve as protection
from encroachment.
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Impacts on Resources: Residential,
commercial, and industrial development which meets 15A NCAC 7H use standards will be allowed
in estuarine shoreline, estuarine water, and public trust areas. In all other areas, development will
be allowed that is consistent with applicable local, state and federal regulations.
I IV-7
I
Marine Resource Areas: I
(a) Craven County supports the use standards for estuarine and public trust areas as specified
in 15A NCAC 7H.0207.
(b) Craven County reserves the right to comment on the individual policies and requirements
of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.
(c) The county will support enforcement of current state, federal, and local regulations to
improve water quality.
(d) Craven County has reservations concerning the Albemarle -Pamlico Study Comprehensive
Conservation Management Plan. The county recommends to the Governor of the State
of North Carolina and the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina that the plan
not be endorsed without (1) a thorough examination of all the adverse economic
consequences of plan implementation; (2) a specific accounting of all of the costs of
implementation and administration of the plan, including additional state and local staff
and restoration costs; (3) an impact analysis being conducted on the tax base and related
tax rates of counties within the Albemarle -Pamlico study area; and (4) an analysis being
conducted of the legal implications for the state and local governments imposing
substantial additional regulations on privately -owned property in the affected region.
(e) As regulated by the Craven County subdivision ordinance, the following policy shall
govern land subdivision in subdivisions located adjacent to primary nursery areas:
Subdivisions located adjacent to waters identified as primary nursery areas by the
North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries or tributaries leading to such waters
shall be designed to accomplish the following:
(a) A permanent conservation zone of 75 feet shall be established in which all
land disturbing activities will be prohibited, except for shoreline stabilization
activities allowed under CAMA permitting requirements.
(b) All structures shall maintain a minimum setback of 100 feet from the mean
low water line.
(c) All parking areas shall be located as far away as possible from water,
wetland, and shoreline areas adjacent to the subdivision.
(d) Only strip paving will be allowed. Curb and gutter shall be prohibited.
(e) Channeling stormwater runoff directly into water bodies shall be
prohibited. Stormwater runoff shall be routed through swales and other systems
designed to increase time of concentration, decrease velocity, increase infiltration,
allow suspended soils to settle, and remove pollutants.
IV-8
1
D. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
General: Craven County desires to expand its economic base, including Cherry Point
expansion, tourism, commercial fishing, retail and wholesale trade, real estate and construction,
and industrial development. Craven County will support growth and development at the
densities specified in the land classification definitions. The desired pattern of development is
shown on the Land Classification Map 13. The county's economic development goals should
be compatible with, and complementary to, Cherry Point's existing and proposed activities. The
following Economic and Community Development policies shall apply:
(a) Craven County will remain committed to providing needed services, as economically
feasible, to accommodate new residential, commercial, and industrial development in the
county.
(b) The existing low density rural communities which are scattered throughout the county are
a long established residential pattern in Craven County. This pattern will continue to be
i encouraged by the county.
i
(c) All newly developing subdivisions will have to adhere to the standards of the county
subdivision regulations.
(d) The county believes that dense urban development should only take place where both
adequate water and sewer facilities are provided. This is especially true for commercial
and industrial land uses.
(e) Craven County, generally, would like to see development continue in areas considered
most feasible` to accommodate the anticipated growth and development, where support
services such as water and sewer (including septic tanks where necessary) are feasible,
and where practical to provide.
(f) The county would like to see continued enforcement of existing density and development
controls, i.e., subdivision regulations and septic tank permits.
(g) Development will be permitted in some areas subject to erosion, provided proposals
comply with policies of this plan that apply to estuarine shorelines.
(h) Craven County supports the construction of schools on behalf of the Cherry Point
community. The immediate construction of a new middle school in Havelock is needed.
(i) Land use and development trends should be compatible with the mission of Cherry Point
so as to avoid future encroachment on the base.
11
t
1 IV-9
I
Water Supply: i
(a) Craven County supports the extension of central water service into all areas of the
county, including the construction of lines to and through conservation areas to serve
development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations.
(b) Craven County supports the addition of wells to its system to increase water supply.
1 .
(c) The county is aware that inappropriate land uses near well fields increase the possibility
of well contamination. Land uses near groundwater sources are regulated by the North
Carolina Division of Environmental Management through NCAC Subchapters 2L and 2C.
Craven County recognizes the importance of protecting potable water supplies, and
therefore supports the enforcement of these regulations.
(d) Craven County supports all efforts to secure available state and federal funding for the
construction and/or expansion of public and private water systems.
Sewer System:
(a) Craven County supports the discharge of effluent into 404 wetland areas.
(b) Craven County supports a discharge point(s) into the Neuse River to alleviate land
application system(s) constrained by periods of extended wet weather.
(c) Craven County supports the extension of central sewer service into all areas of the
county, including the construction of lines to and through conservation areas to serve
development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations.
(d) Craven County supports all efforts to secure available state and federal funding for the
construction and/or expansion of public and private sewer systems. 1,
Stormwater: Craven County will cooperate with the N.C. Department of Transportation, the
N.C. Division of Environmental Management, and other state agencies in mitigating the impact
of stormwater runoff on all conservation classified areas.
Energy Facility Siting and Development: Craven County will implement the following energy
facility siting and development policies:
(a) Except for the Craven County Industrial Park energy generating facility, there are no s
electric generating plants located in or proposed for Craven County. However, the
county will review proposals for development of electric generating plants, or plants ,
associated with peat mining, on a case -by -case basis, judging the need for the facility
against all identified possible adverse impacts.
(b) Craven County will not oppose offshore drilling operations and onshore support facilities "
for which an environmental impact statement has been prepared with a finding of no
significant impact on the environment.
IV-10 I
I Redevelopment of Developed Areas: The most significant redevelopment issues facing Craven
P P g P g
County through 2000 are substandard housing and reconstruction following a major storm.
During the planning period, the county will attempt to correct its worst substandard housing
conditions by implementing the following:
(a) The county should adopt a minimum housing code. The entire county will benefit from
improved control of structural conditions. Caution must be exercised in the
implementation of this effort. Craven County does not desire to displace families or
unreasonably require building demolition. However, the county does intend to require
that buildings which are a health hazard and which detract from community appearance
it be removed.
(b) The county will apply for Community Development Block Grant Community
Revitalization and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency funds.
(c) All redevelopment efforts will be coordinated with the Craven County Building
Inspections Department.
(d) The county will continue to work with the City of New Bern in encouraging
redevelopment activities of the waterfront area, such as Union Point Park, and other
projects of mutual interest and concern.
The second redevelopment concern is reconstruction following a hurricane or other natural
disaster. The Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plan provides
policies for responding to hurricanes or other natural disasters. Those policies address
reconstruction needs. The county will allow the reconstruction of any structures demolished by
natural disaster when the reconstruction complies with all applicable local, state, and federal
regulations.
Estuarine Access: Craven County supports participation in state/local sponsored shoreline
access projects. With the exception of the following policy, Craven County supports the state's
shoreline access policies as set forth in Chapter 15A, Subchapter 7M of the North Carolina
Administrative Code.
Consistent with the Craven County Subdivision Ordinance, in all subdivisions adjacent to a
shoreline and having two hundred (200) or more lots, the developer shall dedicate land, at
the option of the county, for public access at the time and according to the following
standards and formula:
General Standard, Formula
It is hereby found and determined that the public interest, convenience, health, welfare and
safety require that public access to the shoreline areas be provided in each subdivision having
two hundred (200) or more lots and being located adjacent to a shoreline.
Determination of Land
The county shall determine whether to require public accessway dedication after consideration
of the following:
a) Topography, geology, access and location of land in the development available for
dedication;
b) Location relative to residential population concentration;
c) Size and shape of the development and land available for dedication;
d) The feasibility of dedication;
e) Availability and proximity of previously acquired public accessways;
f) Consistency with the Craven County Land Use Plan.
Credit for Private Accesswav
Where private accessways are provided in a proposed development and such space is to be
privately owned and maintained by the future residents of the development, credit may be
given against the requirement of public accessway dedication. The county must find it in the
public interest to do so and that all of the following standards are met:
a) The private ownership and maintenance of the accessway is adequately provided for
by recorded written agreement, conveyance or restrictions;
b) The perpetual use of the private accessway shall be restricted for accessway purposes
by recorded covenant, which runs with the land in favor of the future owners of
property and which cannot be deleted or eliminated without the consent of the county
or its successor;
c) The proposed private accessway is reasonably adaptable for use for public and
accessway purposes, taking into consideration such factors as size, shape,
topography, geology, access and location;
d) Facilities proposed for the private accessway are in substantial accordance with the
provisions of this ordinance; and
e) The accessway for which credit is given meets accessway needs of all existing and
future residents of the area.
Procedure
In the case of a subdivision for which a plat is required to be recorded, as a condition of
preliminary plat approval, the developer shall agree in writing to dedicate public access, at
the option of the county, according to the standards and formula in this section. A
recommendation from the Planning board shall be forwarded to the county board of
commissioners.
At the time of approval of the preliminary subdivision plat, the county shall determine the
public accessway to be dedicated.
At the time of filing of the final subdivision plat, the developer shall dedicate the public
accessway.
The county will conform to CAMA and other state and federal environmental regulations affecting
the development of estuarine access areas.
IV-12
1
1
Types and Locations of Desired Industry: Industrial development is crucial to economic
growth in Craven County. The county's heavy reliance on employment in the service,
agricultural, and forestry sectors should be balanced by the development of a base of
industrial/manufacturing employment. Therefore, Craven County supports all industrial
development which satisfies applicable state and federal regulations.
Programs: Craven
Commitment to State and FederalCountyis receptive to all state and
federal programs which provide improvements to the county. The county will continue to fully
support such programs, especially the following: the North Carolina Department of
Transportation road and bridge improvement programs, the CAMA planning process and
permitting programs, the Community Development Block Grant program, North Carolina
Housing Finance Agency programs, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers channel maintenance
projects, all state/federal funding programs to support development of water/sewer systems,
programs which may provide funding for solid waste disposal facilities, USDA funded drainage
and erosion control projects, shoreline access projects, and state/federal projects to enhance
economic development and tourism.
Assistance in Channel Maintenance: Proper maintenance of channels is very important to
Craven County because of the substantial economic impact of commercial fisheries and tourism.
If silt or other deposits fill in the channels, safe and efficient movement of commercial fishing,
recreational vehicles, military vessels, and transport vessels could be impeded. Craven County
will consider on a case -by -case basis the provision of assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and/or state officials to obtain spoil sites, provide financial aid, and assist in securing
or providing easements for work. The county supports maintenance of channels in the Neuse
River, Slocum Creek, and Hancock Creek which serve the military.
Tourism: Craven County will implement the following policies to further the development of
tourism:
(a) Craven County will support North Carolina Department of Transportation projects to
improve access to the county.
b Craven County will support projects that will increase public access to shoreline areas.
() tY PP P J
(c) Craven County will continue to support the activities of the North Carolina Division of
Travel and Tourism; specifically, the monitoring of tourism -related industry, efforts to
promote tourism -related commercial activity, and efforts to enhance and provide
shoreline resources.
(d) Craven County will continue to support its Tourism Development Authority through the
employment of a full-time director.
(e) Craven County will continue to participate in the "Keep America Beautiful" campaign.
(f) Craven County tourism programs should be coordinated with Cherry Point Public Affairs
officials. Weekly base tours are conducted for the public and should be advertised
locally.
IV-13
Transportation:
(a) Craven County supports the following transportation improvements and programs:
(1) U.S. 70, New Bern planning area to S. R. 1106.
(2) N.C. 101, Havelock planning area to Carteret County.
(3) U.S. 17, U.S. 17 Bypass to New Bern planning area.
(4) S.R. 1756 (Lake Road), Havelock planning area to Carteret County.
(5) River Road, S.R. 1440 to N.C. 43.
(6) Streets Ferry Road, U. S.70 Business to S.R. 1444.
(7) N.C. 43, Pitt County to N.C. 118.
(8) N.C. 55, U.S. 17 to N.C. 304, Craven -Pamlico counties. Upgrade existing
roadway.
(9) New Bern, U.S. 17, S.R. 1278 (Trent Road) to U.S. 70 Business, Craven
County. Upgrade existing roadway.
(10) U.S. 17, New Bern Bypass to Washington Bypass, Craven -Beaufort counties.
Widen existing roadway to a multi -lane facility.
(11) U.S. 70, Havelock Bypass, Craven County. Four -lane divided facility on new
location.
(12) N.C. 118, replace bridge over Swift Creek.
(13) S.R. 1470, replace bridge over Neuse River overflow.
(14) S.R. 1005, replace bridge over Core Creek.
(15) S.R. 1746, replace ridge over Slocum Creek.
(16) U.S. 17 N.C. 55, replace bridge over Neuse River.
(17) U.S. 70 Business, replace bridge over Trent River.
(18) All Craven County Regional Airport improvements indicated in the airport's five-
year transportation improvement program. This includes but it not limited to
construction of a new terminal building and extension of runway 13-31.
IV-14
(19) Implementation of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of
Highways, wildflower research project throughout the county.
(b) Craven County supports construction of the North Carolina Global Transpark and
implementation of a regional economic zone, and special tax to support the Regional
Economic Zone.
(c) Craven County supports transportation improvements which will improve access to the
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.
(d) The county's transportation system planning should consider the Marine Corps' need to
move equipment and personnel to/from the Morehead City Port and Camp Lejeune.
E. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
As the initial step in the preparation of this document, Craven County prepared and
adopted a "Citizen Participation Plan." The plan outlined the methodology for citizen
involvement (see Appendix V). Public involvement was generated through public information
meetings and development of the plan by the Craven County Planning Board.
A public information meeting was conducted at the outset of the project on April 3, 1995,
at 8:00 p.m. in the Craven County Administration Building in New Bern. Subsequently,
meetings of the Planning Board were held on April 11, 1995; April 27, 1995; and June 22,
1995. All meetings were advertised and open to the public. The Board of Commissioners
conducted a public information meeting for review and comment on the plan on July 27, 1995.
The meeting was advertised in the Sun Journal.
The preliminary plan was submitted to the Coastal Resources Commission for comment
on August 22, 1995. Following receipt of CRC comments, the plan was amended, and a formal
public hearing on the final document was conducted on June 17, 1996. The public hearing was
advertised in the Sun Journal. The plan was approved by the Craven County Board of
Commissioners on June 17, 1996, and submitted to the Coastal Resources Commission for
certification. The plan was certified on July 26, 1996.
Citizen input will continue to be solicited, primarily through the Planning Board, with
advertised and adequately publicized public meetings held to discuss special land use issues and
to keep citizens informed.
IV-15
F. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION POLICIES I
The effect of storm related flooding in Craven County is discussed on pages I-62 through
I-66 of the Land Use Plan, and areas subject to storm surge flooding are shown on Map 6, page
I-65. The most severely affected section of the county during a major storm would be the
eastern area of the county east of Clubfoot Creek where a Category 3 storm would inundate
almost the entire area. All developed areas of Craven County are subject to wind damage.
Hazard mitigation, or actions taken to reduce the probability or impact of a disaster could
involve a number of activities or policy decisions. The starting point, however, is to identify
the types of hazards (including the relative severity and magnitude of risks), and the extent of
development (including residential, commercial, etc.) located in storm hazard areas.
Hurricanes are extremely powerful, often unpredictable forces of nature. The four causes
of fatalities and property damage are high winds, flooding, wave action, and erosion. Two of
these, high winds and flooding, apply to Craven County.
Policy Statements: Storm Hazard Mitigation
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the effects of a hurricane or other major
storm, Craven County proposes the following policies:
High Winds
Craven County supports enforcement of the N.C. State Building Code. The county will
continue to enforce the State Building Code on wind resistant construction with design
standards of 110 mph wind loads.
Flooding I
Craven County is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance program and is
supportive of hazard mitigation elements. The county is participating in the regular
phase of the insurance program. This program is administered locally by the Craven
County Building Inspector. When reviewing development proposals, the county will
work to reduce density in areas susceptible to flooding. In addition, the county will
encourage the public purchase of land in the most hazardous areas.
1. Mitigation Policies Related to Redevelopment of Hazard Areas After a Storm I
Reconstruction of damaged properties in Craven County after a storm will be
subject to the following:
The North Carolina Building Code requires any building damaged in excess
of 50 percent of its value to conform with code requirements for new buildings
when repaired. (This will be particularly beneficial in the event of wind damage.)
IV-16
�. ° The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance requires that all existing structures
must comply with requirements related to elevation above the 100-year floodplain
elevation and floodproofmg if they are substantially improved. A substantial
improvement is defined as "any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a
building, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of
the building either before the improvement or repair is started, or before damage
occurred if the building has been damaged."
' Evacuation Plans
The county will coordinate evacuation planning with all county agencies and
municipalities. Craven County will encourage motels, condominiums, and multi -family
developments (five or more dwelling units) to post evacuation instructions that identify
routes and the locations of available public shelters. The county will update an
evacuation route map annually. Copies will be kept at the County Administration
Building in New Bern for free distribution to the public.
Implementation: Storm Hazard Miti ag tion
1. Craven County will continue to enforce the standards of the State Building Code.
2. The county will continue to support enforcement of State and Federal programs
which aid in mitigation of hurricane hazards, including CAMA, FEMA, as .well
as local ordinances such as zoning and flood damage prevention regulations.
3. The county will discourage high density development in high hazard areas through
implementation of the county's Subdivision Ordinance.
4. Craven County supports the public acquisition of high hazard areas with state and
federal funds when voluntary acquisition can be accomplished. The county
discourages condemnation of land for this purpose.
5. Developed structures which were destroyed or sustained "major damage" and
which did not conform to Craven County's building regulations, and other storm
hazard mitigation policies, i.e., basic measures to reduce damage by high winds,
flooding, wave action or erosion, must be repaired or redeveloped according to
those policies. In some instances, this may mean relocation of construction, or
no reconstruction at all. Building permits to restore destroyed or "major"
damaged structures which were built in conformance with the county's building
code and county storm hazard mitigation policies shall be issued automatically.
All structures suffering major damage will be repaired according to the State
Building Code and county Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. All structures
suffering minor damage, regardless of location, will be allowed to be rebuilt to
the original condition prior to the storm.
u
I IV-17
POST -DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION PLAN AND POLICIES I
A. Introduction I
This post -disaster plan provides a program which will permit Craven County to deal with the
aftermaths of a storm in an organized and efficient manner. The plan provides the mechanisms,
procedures, and policies that will enable the county to learn from its storm experiences and to
rebuild the developed areas in a wise and practical manner.
The post -disaster reconstruction plan encompasses three distinct reconstruction periods:
° The emergency period is the reconstruction phase immediately after a storm.
Emphasis will be placed on restoring public health and safety, assessing the nature and
extent of storm damage, and qualifying for and obtaining whatever federal and state
assistance might be available.
The restoration period covers the weeks and months following a storm disaster.
Emphasis will be placed on restoring community facilities, utilities, essential businesses,
etc., so that the county and its municipalities can once again function in a normal
manner.
° The replacement reconstruction period will be the period during which the county is
rebuilt. This period may last from months to years depending on the nature and extent
of the damaged incurred.
It is important that county officials clearly understand the joint federal -state -local procedures for
providing assistance to rebuild after a storm so that county damage assessment and
reconstruction efforts are carried out in an efficient manner that will qualify Craven County for
the different types of assistance that are available. The requirements are generally delineated
in the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-288) which authorizes a wide range of financial and
direct assistance to both local communities and individuals. The sequence of procedures to be
followed after a major storm event is as follows:
1. Craven County damage assessment teams survey storm damage within the county.
2. Damage information is compiled and summarized and the nature and extent of
damage is reported to the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
(DEM).
3. DEM compiles local data and makes recommendations to the Governor
concerning state action.
4. The Governor may request a Presidential declaration of "emergency" or "major
disaster. " A Presidential declaration would make a variety of federal resources
available to Craven County, its municipalities and individuals.
IV-18
5. Federal Relief assistance provided to a community after an "emergency" has been
declared typically ends one month after the initial Presidential declaration. Where
a "major disaster" has been declared, federal assistance for "emergency" work
typically ends six months after the declaration and federal assistance for
"permanent" work ends after 18 months.
The followingsummarizes the reconstruction emphasis of current federal disaster assistance
P
programs:
° Executive Order 1198 (Floodplain Management) directs all federal agencies to avoid
either directly or indirectly supporting future unwise development in floodplains (e.g.,
through sewer grants in locations that foster floodplain development.)
° Section 406 of the Disaster Relief Act can require communities, as a prerequisite for
federal disaster assistance, to take specific actions to mitigate future flood losses.
Craven County maintains a comprehensive listing of the Federal Disaster Assistance Programs
that may be available to the county following a major storm. The programs identified fall into
the categories of Temporary Housing, Individual Assistance, and Assistance to Local and State
Governments.
The remainder of this chapter presents recommended recovery procedures in the general
sequence of response by the county. While damage assessment (Sections B and C) will be the
first operations conducted by the county after a disaster, it should be realized that the
recommended recovery operations (Section D) will begin simultaneously. The remainder of this
r chapter is, therefore, organized as follows:
rl
1. Procedures that Craven County should follow to carry out its damage assessment
program to meet all federal and state requirements including organization of the damage
assessment team and recommended damage assessment procedures.
2. An overall organizational framework for restoration operations after the emergency
period.
3. Replacement/reconstruction policies that the county should adopt to insure that future
development that does occur in local hazard areas is constructed in a manner consistent
with sound land use planning, public safety considerations, and existing and evolving
federal and state policy.
B. Organization of Local Damage Assessment Team
A local damage assessment team should include individuals who are qualified to give reliable
estimates of the original value of structures, an estimated value of sustained damages, and a
description of the repairs. Additionally, the logistics involved in assessing damage in
unincorporated sections of the county after a major storm will necessitate the organization of
IV-19
several damage assessment teams in Craven County. The following are recommended team
members.
Public ProRe= Survey Team
County Manager
County Department Head(s)
Professional Engineer
Architect *
Sheriff's Deputy (driver)
Business and Industry Survey Team
Tax Assessor
Building Inspector
Industrial/Commercial Real Estate Broker
Chamber of Commerce Representative
Architect *
Committee of 100 representative
Sheriff's Deputy (driver)
Private Dwelling Survev Team ""
Tax Assessor
Building Inspector
Residential Real Estate Broker
Building Contractor *
Sheriff's Deputy (drier)
*Community volunteers, if available.
The Emergency Management Coordinator should immediately undertake a recruitment effort to
secure the necessary volunteers and to establish a training program to familiarize the members
of the damage assessment team with required damage classification procedures and reporting
requirements. It is suggested that the county assume the responsibility for developing and
implementing a training program for both county damage assessment teams and the local damage
assessment teams that the municipalities may establish. In establishing the county teams, it must
be recognized that it might be very difficult to fill certain positions, such as the building
contractor position, because the services of individuals with such skills will likely be in great
demand after a storm disaster. A commitment from the Home Builders Association may be a
way of guaranteeing needed assistance. Additionally, the Emergency Management Coordinator
should establish an active "volunteer file;" volunteers should have standing instructions where
to automatically report following a storm. Damage assessment forms and procedures should be
prepared now and distributed to volunteers as part of the training program.
IV-20
C. Damage Assessment Procedures and Requirements
rDamage assessment is defined as rapid means of determining a realistic estimate of the amount
of damage caused by a natural or manmade disaster. For a storm disaster, it is expressed in
terms of 1) number of structures damaged; 2) magnitude of damage by structure type;
3) estimated total dollar loss; and 4) estimated total dollar loss covered by insurance.
After a major storm event, members of the Damage Assessment Team should report to the
Emergency Operations Center for a briefing from the Emergency Management Coordinator.
Private pilots may provide assistance during the damage assessment phase. The first phase of
the assessment should consist of only an external visual survey of damaged structures. A more
detailed second phase assessment can be made after the initial damage reports are filed.
The initial damage assessment should make an estimate of the extent of damage incurred by each
structure and identify the cause (wind, flooding, wave action, combination, etc.) of the damage
to each structure. This first phase assessment should be made by "windshield" survey.
Damaged structures should be classified in accordance with the suggested state guidelines as
follows:
• Destroyed (repairs would cost more than 50 percent of value).*
• Major (repairs would cost more than 30 percent of the value).
• Minor (repairs would cost less than 30 percent of the value, but the structure is
currently uninhabitable).
• Habitable (some minor damage, with repairs less than 15 percent of the value).
*Note: Any structure which is located in an AEC that is damaged over 50% of its value is considered destroyed under
CAMA regulations, and a new CAMA permit will be required for reconstruction.
It will be necessary to thoroughly document each assessment. In many cases, mail boxes and
other information typically used to identify specific structures will not be found. Consequently,
the Damage Assessment Team must be provided with tax maps (aerial photographs with property
line overlays), other maps and photographic equipment in order to record and document its field
observations. Enough information to complete the Damage Assessment Worksheet must be
obtained on each damaged structure.
The second phase of the Damage Assessment Operation will be to estimate the value of the
damages sustained. This operation should be carried out in the Emergency Operations Center
under the direction and supervision of the Emergency Management Coordinator. A special team
consisting of county tax clerks, tax assessment personnel, and other qualified staff should be
organized by the Emergency Management Coordinator. This team should then be incorporated
into this Damage Assessment Plan.
I IV-21
In order to estimate total damage values, it will be necessary to have the following information
available for use at the Emergency Operations Center:
• A set of property tax maps (including aerial photographs) identical to those utilized
by the damage assessment field team.
• County maps delineating areas assigned to each team.
• Copies of all county property tax records. This information should indicate the
estimated value of all commercial and residential structures within the county. Because
time will be of the essence, it is recommended that the county immediately commence
a project listing the property values of existing structures in unincorporated areas of the
county on the appropriate lots of the property tax maps that will be kept at the
Emergency Operations Center. This should be completed now in advance of a storm.
The information will prove invaluable if a storm disaster does occur. This set of tax
maps should be updated annually prior to the hurricane season.
The flood insurance policy coverage for property owners in flood hazard areas should be updated
before each hurricane season. This can be accomplished in concert with the local mortgage
institutions. Annual updates should be disseminated to each town and kept available in the
Emergency Operations Center for estimating the value of sustained damages covered by hazard
insurance.
In order to produce the damage value information required, the following methodology is
recommended:
1. The number of businesses and residential structures that have been damaged within
unincorporated areas of the county should be summarized by damage classification
category.
2. The value of each damaged structure should be obtained from the marked set of tax maps
and multiplied by the following percentages* for appropriate damage classification
category:
• Destroyed - 100 %
• Major Damage - 50%
• Minor Damage (uninhabitable) - 25 %
• Habitable - 10%
*These percentages are to be used only for assigning damage value; they do not agree with
the structural damage percentages on page IV-21.
3. The total value of damages for the unincorporated areas of the county should then be
summarized.
IV-22
11
4. The estimated value loss covered by hazard insurance should then be determined by:
1) estimating full coverage for all damaged structures for situations where the average
value of such coverage exceeds the amount of damage to the structure; and
2) multiplying the number of structures where damage exceeds the average value of
insurance coverage by the average value of such coverage.
5. Damage assessment reports should be obtained from each incorporated area and the data
should then be consolidated into a single county damage assessment report which should
be forwarded to the appropriate state officials.
6. Damage to public roads and utility systems should be estimated by utilizing current
construction costs for facilities by lineal foot (e.g., 10' water line replacement cost =
X$/L.F.).
The Damage Assessment Plan is intended to be the mechanism for estimating overall property
damage in the event of a civil disaster. The procedure recommended above represents an
approach for making a relatively quick, realistic "order of magnitude" damage estimate after a
disaster. However, the organization and data collection must be completed prior to the storm
event.
D. Organization of Recovery Operation
Damage assessment operations are oriented to take place during the emergency period. After
the emergency operations to restore public health and safety and the initial damage assessments
are completed, the state guidelines suggest that a Recovery Task Force to guide restoration and
reconstruction activities be created to guide restoration and reconstruction activities during a
post -emergency phase which could last from weeks to possibly more than a year. The
responsibilities of the Task Force will be:
1. Establishing an overall restoration schedule.
2.
Setting restoration priorities, in advance, by definition.
3.
Determining requirements for outside assistance and requesting such assistance when
beyond local capabilities. (Pre -disaster agreement, procedures, contact persons, should
be defined before the disaster event.)
4.
Keeping the appropriate state officials informed using Situation and Damage Report.
5.
Keeping the public informed.
6.
Assemblingand maintaining records of actions taken and expenditures and obligations
g �
incurred. Standardized forms should be developed in advance and kept on file at the
EOC.
7.
Proclaiming a local "state of emergency" if warranted.
I IV-23
8. Commencing cleanup, debris removal and utility restoration activities which would i
include coordination of restoration activities undertaken by private utility companies.
9. Undertaking repair and restoration of essential public facilities and services in accordance r
with priorities developed through the situation evaluations.
10. Assisting private businesses and individual property owners in 1) obtaining information
on the various types of assistance that might be available from federal and state agencies,
2) in understanding the various assistance programs, and 3) applying for such assistance.
When a major storm does eventually hit Craven County and major damages occur,
consideration should be given to establishing a Community Assistance Team within the
appropriate county department to carry out the above functions as long as there is a need
to do so.
The following sequence of activities and schedule
is submitted as a guide which should be
considered by the Recovery Task Force and reviewed as necessary after the damage assessment
activities are completed.
Activi1y
Time Frame
1) Complete initial damage assessment
Immediately after storm passes
2) Complete second phase damage
Completed by second week after the
assessment
storm
3) Prepare summary of reconstruction
Completed one week after second phase
priorities and master reconstruction
damage assessment is completed
schedule
4) Decision with regard to imposition of
One week after second phase damage
temporary development moratorium
assessment is completed
5) Set reconstruction priorities and prepare
Completed one week after summary of
master reconstruction schedule
reconstruction needs is completed
6) Begin repairs to critical utilities and
As soon as possible after disaster
facilities
7) Permitting of reconstruction activities for
One week after second phase damage
all structures receiving minor damage not
assessment is completed
included in development moratorium
areas
8) Permitting of reconstruction activities for Two weeks after second phase damage
all structures receiving major damage not assessment is completed
included in development moratorium
areas ,
9) Initiate assessment of existing mitigation Two weeks after second phase damage
policies assessment is completed
IV-24
Activity
Time Frame
'
10) Complete reevaluation of hazard areas
The length of the period for conducting
and mitigation policies in areas subjected
reevaluations and receiving input from
to development moratorium
the state should not exceed two months
11) Review mitigation policies and
Two months after temporary
development standards for areas
development moratorium is imposed.
subjected to development moratorium
(Subject to change based on
and lift development moratorium
circumstances encountered)
12) Permit new development
Upon suspension of any temporary
development moratorium
E. Recommended Reconstruction Policies
It is recommended that the Craven County Task Force consist of the following individuals:
0 Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners
• Craven County Manager
• Emergency Management Coordinator
• Chief County Tax Appraiser
• Craven County Building Inspector
• Craven County Planning Director
The following policies have been designed 1) to be considered and adopted by the Craven
County Board of Commissioners prior to a storm; and 2) implemented, as appropriate, after a
storm occurs.
Permitting
1. Building permits to restore structures located outside of designated AEC areas that were
previously built in conformance with local codes, .standards, and the provisions of the
North Carolina Building Code shall be issued automatically.
2. All structures suffering major damages as defined in the county's Damage Assessment
Plan shall be repaired or rebuilt to conform with the provisions of the North Carolina
Building Code and the Craven County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance,
structure suffering minor damage as defined in the Craven County Damage
3. All stru g g tY g
Assessment Plan shall be permitted to be rebuilt to their original state before the storm
condition.
4. For all structures in designated AECs, a determination shall be made for each AEC as
to whether the provisions of the N.C. Building Code, the state regulations for Areas of
Environmental Concern and the Craven County Flood Prevention Ordinance. For areas
where the construction and use requirements appear adequate, permits shall be issued in
accordance with permitting policies 1, 2 and 3. For AECs where the construction and
I IV-25
use requirements do not appear to have been adequate in mitigating damages, a
Temporary Development Moratorium for all structures located within that specific AEC
shall be imposed. ,
5. For all structures located outside of designated AEC's, all provisions of the N. C.
Building Code and the Craven County Flood Prevention Ordinance shall be satisfied.
6. Permits shall not be issued in areas subject to a Temporary Displacement Moratorium
until such a moratorium is lifted by the Craven County Board of Commissioners.
Utility and Facility Reconstruction
1. When state/federal funds are available, all damaged water and
sewers stems (both public
Y
and private) shall be repaired so as to be elevated above the 100-year floodplain or shall
be floodproofed, with the methods employed and the construction being certified by a i
registered professional engineer.
2. When state/federal funds are available, all damaged roads used as major evacuation ,
routes in flood hazard areas shall be repaired so as to be elevated at least one foot above
the 100-year floodplain elevation.
3. When state/federal funds are available, all local roads that have to be completely rebuilt
shall be elevated so as to be above the 100-year floodplain elevation.
Temporary Development Moratorium
Under certain circumstances, interim development moratoriums can be used in order to give a
local government time to assess damages, to make sound decisions and to learn from its storm
experiences. Such a moratorium must be temporary and it must be reasonably related to the
public health, safety and welfare.
It is not possible to determine prior to a storm whether a temporary development moratorium
will be needed. Such a measure should only be used if damage in a particular area is very
serious and if redevelopment of the area in the same manner as previously existed would submit
the residents of the area to similar public health and safety problems. The Craven County policy
regarding the proclamation of temporary development moratoriums shall be to:
Require the Craven County Recovery Task Force to assess whether a Temporary
Development Moratorium is needed within one week after the damage assessment
process is completed. Such an assessment should clearly document why such a
moratorium is needed, delineate the specific .uses that would be affected by the
moratorium, propose a specific schedule of activities and actions that will be
taken during the moratorium period, and establish a specific time period during
which the moratorium will be in effect. ,
IV-26
1
pi
1
SECTION V:
RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
I
Fj
1
1
r]
SECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
The 15A NCAC 7B planning guidelines require that the Craven County Land Use Plan
relate the policies section to the land classification map and provide an indication of the land
uses considered appropriate in each land classification. The county does not have county -wide
zoning. Therefore, consistency between the land classification system and zoning is not an
issue. The county's subdivision ordinance was updated in 1989 to ensure consistency with the
land use planning program.
A. DEVELOPED CLASS
The developed classification includes Fairfield Harbor, James City, and the U. S. 70
corridor between New Bern and Havelock. The incorporated areas of New Bern, Bridgeton,
Havelock, Vanceboro, River Bend, and Trent Woods are under the jurisdiction of their own land
use plans. These will be high growth areas requiring the full range of urban services. The
developed class will accommodate all normal land uses including: single and multi -family
residential, commercial, public and semi-public, institutional, transportation, and industrial.
B. COMMUNITY CLASS
Moderate density development, three dwelling units per acre or less, will be allowed in
this classification. Water and sewer utilities will be provided to eliminate health hazards. Land
uses will be limited to single and multi -family residential usage and commercial/service uses
necessary to support residential development. Support uses shall include: general and
convenience stores, public facilities, health care facilities, service facilities, and offices. The
community class may include some light industrial development. This classification includes
Jasper, Fort Barnwell, Askin, Cayton, Ernul, North Harlowe, the Core Creek Church area south
of Cove City, and the Riverside -Honolulu area.
C. URBAN TRANSITION
Areas classified urban transition will provide lands to accommodate future urban growth
within the planning period. The average development densities will be less than the developed
class densities and greater than the limited transition class densities. These areas may be able
to support urban development by being generally free of physical limitations and be served or
accessible to service by urban services. Development may include mixed land uses such as
single and multi -family residential, commercial, institutional, transportation, industrial, and other
uses at high to moderate densities. Urban services should include water, sewer (including land
application treatment systems), streets, police, and fire protection. The urban transition areas
are concentrated along the U. S. 70 developed corridor, U. S. 17 south of New Bern and north
and east of Bridgeton.
D. LIMITED TRANSITION CLASS
The limited transition classification provides for controlled development with some urban
services. This classification exists along N. C. 101 east of Havelock and generally in the
V-1
Clubfoot and Adams Creek areas. In both locations, the classification extends one-half mile
from the centerline of N.C. 304 on both sides of the highway. This classification will require
the development of some urban services including water and sewer utilities. The predominant ✓
land use will be moderate density residential development. However, other urban land uses
including the following will be allowed: commercial, public and semi-public, multi -family
residential, service, office, institutional, commercial, and light industrial.
E. RURAL WITH SERVICES CLASS
The rural with services classification provides for very low density land uses, including
residential, where limited water services are provided in order to avert an existing or projected
health problem. Central sewer service may be provided. The areas included are those which
are expected to be provided water service during the planning. This category is essential to
support expansion of the Craven County water system. The classification is located along most
U. S., N. C., and secondary roads located north and west of New Bern. It is the intent of this
plan that the rural with services classification follow the location of the county's Farmers Home
Administration funded water system. The corridors following the waterlines are intended to be
one -mile wide. They extend one-half mile on either side of the road along which the
classification is located. Other services such as volunteer fire protection, rescue service, health
care facilities, and government services to include prisons are allowed. Business and industrial
development uses and activities should be allowed. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H will be
permitted.
F. RURAL CLASS
The rural class is the broadest of the land classes and is designated to provide for
agriculture, forest management, mineral extraction and other low intensity uses. Residences may
be located within the rural class where urban services are not required and where natural
resources will not be permanently impaired. Central water and sewer may be available within
this classification. Some large developments may be encouraged in the rural class when there
is an absence of otherwise suitable land within the developed and transition classes and/or when
there is a possible adverse development. Such large developments or uses include industrial
parks, land application sewer systems, and power plants. Public facilities, health care facilities,
businesses, on -site water and septic tank use, industrial uses, hazardous or noxious uses, and
government services to include prisons are allowed. In addition, all uses allowed by 15A NCAC
7H will be permitted.
G. CONSERVATION CLASS
The conservation classes are designated to provide for effective long-term management
of significant limited or irreplaceable areas which include the following categories: coastal
wetlands, estuarine shorelines, primary nursery areas, and estuarine and public trust waters.
Policy statements under Resource Protection and Resource Production and Management in
Section IV of this plan address the county's intentions under this classifications. The locations
of this classification are shown on Map 15. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 711 will be
permitted.
V-2
rA
W
U
m m m m m m m i m m m= m m m m r m r
11
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APPENDIX I
CRAVEN COUNTY SUBDMSIONS APPROVED
JANUARY, 1993, TO DECEMBER, 1994
Subdivision
Location
# of
Lots
Date
Approved
1.
Amberwood Phase 2
Twp. 1, SR 1443 - State Camp Rd.
3
05/03/93
2.
Amos Douglas Land
Twp. 9, SR 1224, Tuscarora-Rhems Rd.
6
06/07/93
3.
Antioch Park
Twp. 2, SR.1433, Antioch Rd.
1
12/19/94
4.
Beatty Acres
Twp. 8, SR 1307, Old Pollocksville Rd.
1
12/20/93
5.
Amos Conner IV
Twp. 7, US Hwy. 70E
1
12/19/94
6.
Butler Farm Sec. 2
Twp. 1, SR 1440, Streets Ferry Rd.
8
05/02/94
7.
Cherry Branch So. Sec. I
Twp. 5, NC Hwy. 306
37
05/02/94
8.
Cherry Branch So. Sec. II
Twp. 5, NC Hwy. 306
16
10/17/94
9.
Christine Knox
Twp. 2, SR 1003, Aurora Rd.
1
03/15/93
10.
Creekside Phase 3
Twp. 9, SR 1226, New Liberty Rd.
1
12/20/93
11.
Cypress Bay on the Neuse
Twp. 5, SR 1704, Becton Rd.
23
11/07/94
Phase 1
12.
Cypress Bay on the Neuse
Twp. 5, SR 1704, Becton Rd.
15
12/19/94
Phase 2
13.
Deborah T. Craig
Twp. 1, SR 1642, Purser Rd.
1
12/20/93
14.
Deer Run Phase 2
Twp. 7, SR 1144, Crump Farm Rd.
14
11/15/93
15.
Deerfield Phase VI
Twp. 8, US Hwy. 17S
60
05/16/94
16.
Everhart
Twp. 7, SR 1113, Old Cherry Point Rd.
4
12/20/93
17.
Gracie Farm Sec. 1
Twp. 8, SR 1481, Jack Dail Rd.
5
02/15/93
18.
Haddock's
Twp. 1, SR 1642, Purser Road
1
12/20/93
19.
Haddock's Two
Twp. 1, SR 1642, Purser Road
1
12/19/94
20.
Harbour Point Commons
Twp. 2, SR 1600, Broad Creek Road
4
04/04/94
21.
Hogan Drive Ext. Lot 16
Twp. 6, SR 1908, Snead Road
1
.04/04/94
22.
The Home Place Phase 2
Twp. 7, SR 1004, Brices Creek Rd.
29
09/06/94
23.
Howard Ange
Twp. 1, SR 1463, Country Acres Rd.
16
11/01/93
24.
Katie Price Caton
Twp. 6, SR 1105, Lewis Farm Rd.
3
08/15/94
25.
Kornegay Acres
Twp. 9, NC 55W
1
07/06/93
26.
Lee's Branch Est. Part 3
Twp. 7, SR I I11, Old Airport Rd.
2
10/04/93
27.
Lilliput Landing Sec. 6
Twp. 7, SR 1193, Lilliput Drive
5
08/02/93
APPENDIX II
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
CRAVEN COUNTY
EaLl-lity
I Category of Material Stored
HandiMart
Gasoline
Hatteras Yachts
Gasoline; solvents
Havelock Central Office
Gasoline
Kiwi Mart
Gasoline
Lofton Park Exxon
Gasoline
Mallard Food Shop
Gasoline; propane gas
Moen, Inc.
Sulfuric acid; propane gas
New Bem Service Center
Gasoline
N. C. Natural Gas Co.
Natural gas
Parker Town 'n Country
Gasoline
R. A. Precision
Lapping oil, mineral spirits; trichlorothane, rust
inhibitor, dipping oil, alkaline base
Riverdale Fuel Mart
Gasoline
Bosch Power Tools
Methanol, fuel oil, nitrogen, ammonia
Ross Exxon
Gasoline
Smith T. P. Station
Gasoline, propane gas
South 17 Fuel Mart
Gasoline
Speedway
Gasoline
Superpac
Gasoline, fuel oil, kerosene, propane gas
Trent Fuel Mart
Gasoline
Tryon 66
Gasoline
UPS
Fuel oil
Vanceboro Central Office
Gasoline
W. S. Clark & Sons, Inc.
Fertilizer
Weyerhauser Company
Hydrogen preparation
Williams Texaco
Gasoline
Sources: Office of Emergency Management, N. C. Department of Administration.
Craven County Emergency Management Services.
1
F
APPENDIX III
NATURAL RESOURCE AREAS - CRAVEN COUNTY
EXPLANATION TO ACCOMPANY NATURAL HERITAGE ELEMENT MAPS.
The accompanying dot map shows approximate locations of
significant ecological resources in the area mapped. It is
provided to give you an indication of general areas where such
resources occur.
The resources mapped, called elements of natural diversity,
are those judged by the Natural Heritage Program as most
critically needing protection. They include rare plant and
animal species, high quality and rare ecosystems (also called
natural communities), and priority natural areas. The rare
species include all species officially protected by state and
federal legislation, candidates for such listing, and some
additional significantly rare species. Lists of monitored
species and descriptions of natural community types are available
' from the Natural Heritage Program for a small charge. Natural
areas are sites that are included on the Natural Heritage Program
priority list. They are areas judged to be worthy of special
protection, but they may or may not currently have any
protection.
These maps are generated from locations in the Natural
Heritage Program database. In interpreting them you :rust be
.aware of the following limitations:
The intensity of inventory for biological resources varies
from place to place, and only very limited areas have been
carefully examined for all kinds of elements. The absence
of records does not necessarily indicate a true absence of
elements. The absence of records may equally represent the
lack of biological survey.
There is some lag time between reporting of elements to the
Natural Heritage Program and entry into the database.
Recently reported occurrences may not yet be on these maps.
The database is continuously updated. Each map is dated.
Older maps will not reflect more recent records. The useful
life of a map varies greatly with the amount of survey
' activity in the area. Any map is likely to be out of date
after a year, and in areas with current inventory projects
they may become out of date much more quickly.
Element records vary in the precision with which the
location is known. Although most are accurate within_
1/4 mile or less, some may represent more general
information. The most vague locations are not plotted.
Points on the map represent only the center of an
occurrence. Occurrences vary in the area they cover around
the center. A few animals may range over a large area.
Aquatic animals often extend a long distance along the
course of a stream. Ecosystem (natural community)
occurrences and priority natural areas sometimes cover large
areas. An occurrence anywhere in the vicinity of a proposed
action suggests a possible concern.
These maps may not be useful for finding actual locations on the '
ground. If you need more specific information about a particular
site, you should contact the Natural Heritage Program. The
Natural Heritage Program can provide more detailed information
and biological interpretation from its records. A map of the
site,. preferably on a US Geological Survey quadrangle map, should
be sent to the Natural Heritage along with a brief explanation of
the nature of the project. In planning projects with potential '
environmental impact, contact with the Natural Heritage Program
early in the process can help avoid potential conflicts.
f1
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North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
Division of Parks and Recreation
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
== m i m m r m m m m m m= m= m=
o Anima
Is
NA
Plants
Nature
Natural Areas
Nnti irnl Hpritnnp.- Flements
unty
irolina
Dgrom
1993
EXPLANATION OF SPECIES STATUS CODES ,
The attached output from the N.C. Natural Heritage Program
database is a listing of the elements (rare species, geologic
features, natural communities, special animal habitats) known to
occur in your geographic area of interest. Following is an
explanation of the four columns of status codes on the righthand
side of the printout.
STATE STATUS
Plants:
E = Endangered C = Candidate
T = Threatened SR = Significantly Rare
SC = Special Concern
From most recent Natural Heritage Program and Plant
Conservation Program lists. '
E,T,and SC species are protected by state law (the Plant Protec-
tion and Conservation Act, 1979); the other two categories
indicate rarity and the need for population monitoring and '
conservation action, as determined by the Plant Conservation and
Natural Heritage Programs.
Animals:
E = Endangered SC = Special Concern
T = Threatened UNK= Undetermined
'
SR = Significantly Rare EX = Extirpated
= Proposed (E,T, or SC)
,P_
The Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern statuses
'
for Vertebrates and Mollusks are from "Endangered Wildlife of
North Carolina", June 13, 1990, N.C. Nongame and Endangered
Wildlife Program. As of that date, Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, and
Amphibians have legally protected State status, whereas lists for
Fishes and Mollusks have not yet been adopted for legal
protection. Statuses for invertebrates other than mollusks and
,
butterflies are primarily taken from Cooper, J.E., S.S. Robinson,
and J.B. Funderburg (Eds.). 1977. Endangered and Threatened
Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. Museum of Natural
History, Raleigh, NC. 444 pages + i-xvi. The Significantly Rare,
Undetermined, and Extirpated statuses are (for the most part)
Natural Heritage Program designations. They indicate rarity and
the need for population monitoring and conservation action.
CRAVEN
COUNTY
SCIENTIFIC AND
STATE"
TED.
STATE
aLOBAL
COMMON NAME
PROT.
PROT.
RANX
RANK
+�** crav*n county
'
** Vertebrates
AIMOPHILA AESTIVALIS
Sc
C2
S3B,S2
G3
BACHMANIS SPARROW
ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS
T
T/SA
83
G5
AMERICAN ALLIGATOR
ANHINGA ANHINGA
SR
S2B,SZ
G5
'ANHINGA
CROTALUS ADAMANTEUS
SR
S1
GB
EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE
HALIAEETUB LEUCOCEPHALUS
E
LE
SSB,S2
04
BALD EAGLE
LATERALLUS JAMAICENSIS
SR
C2
S3B,S2
G4?
BLACK RAIL
NECTURUS LEWISI
SC
3C.
S3
G3
NEUSE RIVER WATERDOG
NOTROPIS BIFRENATUS
SC
SH
G5
'BRIDLE
SHINER
NOTURUS FURIOSUS POP 1
SC
S2
G3T2Q
CAROLINA MADTOM - NEUSE RIVER POPULATION
PHALACROCORAX AURITUS
SR
SIB,S5
G5
'
DOUBLE -CRESTED CORMORANT
PICOIDES BOREALIS
E
LE
S2
G2
REDS -COCKADED WOODPECKER
TRICHECHUS MANATUS
E
LE
SIN
G2?
MANATEE
URSUS AMERICANUS
SR
S3
G5
BLACK BEAR
** Invertebrates
CALEPHELIS VIRGINIENSIS
SR
S3?
G4
LITTLE METALMARK
ERYNNIS MARTIALIS
SR
63?
G4
MOTTLED DUSKY WING
EUAGROTIS LUBRICANS
SR
S2S3
G5
SLIPPERY DART
EUPHYES DUKESI
SR
S2?
G3G4
SKIPPER
'DUKES'
HESPERIA ATTALUS SLOSSONAE
SR
SSS3
G4T3
DOTTED SKIPPER
'
LITHOPHANE LEMMERI
LEMMERIS NOCTUID MOTH
SR
3C
S1S3
G3G4
MEGATHYMUS YUCCAS
SR
S3?
G4
YUCCA SKIPPER
METALEPSIS FISHII
SR
SU
G4G5
A NOCTUID MOTH
PAPAIPEMA SP 3
SR
S3?
G4?
SOUTHEASTERN CANE BORER
PROBLEMA BYSSUS
SR
S2?
G3G4
BYSSUS SKIPPER
PYREFERRA CEROMATICA
ANNOINTED SALLOW MOTH
SR
C2
S1S3
GU
SATYRIUM KINGI
SR
S3?
G3G4
KING'S HAIRSTREAK
SCIENT17XC AND
COMMON NAME
�* Vascular plants
AESCHYNOMENE VIRGINICA
VIRGINIA JOINTVETCH
AGALINIS APHYLLA
SCALE -LEAF GERARDIA
AGALINIS LINIFOLIA
FLAXLEAF GERARDIA
AGALINIS VIRGATA
BRANCHED GERARDIA
ANDROPOGON MOHRII
BOG BLUESTEM
ASPLENIUM HETERORESILIENS
CAROLINA SPLEENWORT
BIDENS CORONATA
CROWNED BEGGARTICKS
CLADIUM MARISCOIDES
TWIG -RUSH
CYSTOPTERIS TE44NESSEENSIS
TENNESSEE BLADDER -FERN
DIONAEA MUSCIPULA
VENUS FLYTRAP
ELEOCHARIS ROBBINSII
ROBBINS'S SPXXERUSH
ERIOCAULON AQUATICUM
SEVEN -ANGLED PIPEWORT
ISOETES RIPARIA
RIVERBANK QUILLWORT
LITSEA AESTIVALIS
PONDSPICE
MINUARTIA GODFREYI
GODFREY'S SANDWORT
MYRIOPHYLLUM LAXUM
LOOSE WATERMILFOIL
PELTANDRA SAGITTIFOLIA
SPOONFLOWER
PLATANTHERA INTEGRA
YELLOW FRINGELESS ORCHID
PLATANTHERA NIVEA
SNOWY ORCHID
PONTHIEVA RACEMOSA
SHADOW -WITCH
QUERCUS AUSTRINA
BLUFF OAK
RHYNCHOSPORA ALBA
NORTHERN WHITE BEAKSEDGE
RHYNCHOSPORA BREVISETA
SHORTBRISTLED BEAKSEDGE
SAGITTARIA STAGNORUM
WATER ARROWHEAD
SCHOENOPLECTUS ACUTUS
HARDSTEM BULRUSH
SCHOENOPLECTUS ETUBERCULATUS
CANBY'S BULRUSH
SCIRPUS LINEATUS
DROOPING BULRUSH
SCLERIA GEORGIANA
GEORGIA NUTRUSH
OThTa roD. QTATIS GLOBAL
PROT. PROT. RANK RANK
E
LT
S1
G2
C
S2
G3G4
OR
S2
G3G4
C
S1
G3G4
C
S1
04?
E
C2
S1
G20
SR
61
G5
OR
S2
G5
E-SC
S1
G5
C-SC
C2
S3
G3
C
S2
G4G5
SR
S2
G5
SR
S1
G4
C
C2
S2
G4G5
E
C2
Si
G1
T
C2
Si
G3
SR
S2
G3G4
T
3C
Si
G5
T
61
G5
OR
S2
G4GS
OR
S1
G5
C
S2
GS
C
S1
G3G4
OR
61
G4G5
OR
SH
G5
SR
S3
G3G4
C
S2
G4
SR
S2
G4
11
1
11
scznmzpzo AND
coxxox xME
ATATZ
PROT,
PRO• BT36wa
BROT. RANK
wUQvrz
RANK
SOLIDAGO VERNA
E
C2 S3
G3
SPRING -FLOWERING GOLDENROD
TOFIELDIA GLABRA
C
C2 S3
03
CAROLINA ASPHODEL
UTRICULARIA OLIVACEA
T
S2
G4
DWARF BLADDERWORT
VERONICA AMERICANA
SR
S2
GS
AMERICAN SPEEDWELL
** Nonvascular plants
SPHAGNUM FITZGERALDII
SR
S2S3
G2G3
FITZGERALD'S PEATMOSS
** Natural communities
BASIC MESIC FOREST (COASTAL PLAIN SUBTYPE)
S1?
G5T3
BAY FOREST
S3?
G3G4?
BRACKISH MARSH
S5
G5
COASTAL FRINGE EVERGREEN FOREST
S1
G3?
COASTAL FRINGE SANDHILL
S1
G3?
COASTAL PLAIN MARL OUTCROP
S1
G27
DRY-MESIC OAK --HICKORY FOREST
S5
G5
HIGH POCOSIN
$4
G4
LOW POCOSIN
S3
G3
MESIC MIXED HARDWOOD FOREST (COASTAL PLAIN SU
S4
G5TS
MESIC PINE FLATWOODS
S3
GS
NATURAL LAKE SHORELINE
52
G2
NONRIVERINE WET HARDWOOD FOREST
81
G1
PINE SAVANNA
S2
03
PINE/SCRUB OAK SANDHILL
83
G4
POND PINE WOODLAND
S4
G4G5
SMALL DEPRESSION POCOSIN
,81?
G2?
SMALL DEPRESSION POND
02
G3
TIDAL CYPRESS --GUM SWAMP
S3
04
TIDAL FRESHWATER MARSH
S3
G4
VERNAL POOL,
S2
G3
SCIENTIFIC AND STATE FED* eTATE GLOBAL
COMMON NAME PROT, PROT. RAND RANK
WET PINE FLATWOODS S3 G3G4
XERIC SANDHILL SCRUB S4 as
** Geologic features
CENOZOIC FOSSILS
PALEOCENE FOSSILS
SINKHOLE
** Special animal habitats
OSPREY NESTING AREA
WADING BIRD ROOKERY
NC Natural Heritage Program
NC Division of marks and Recreation January 1995
fl
APPENDIX IV
POLICIES CONSIDERED BUT NOT ADOPTED
CRAVEN COUNTY 1993 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
B. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS
PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
' Soils:
• Continue to enforce the county's subdivision regulations, possibly requiring larger
' lot sizes for residences in areas where soils are not as well suited for septic tank
placement in accord with rules enforced by the County Health Department. (88)'
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Flood Hazard Areas:
Craven County will continue to enforce its flood damage prevention ordinance and
follow the storm hazard mitigation plan herein.
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas:
The county will continue to seek to provide water and/or sewer through existing
system according to current policies, i.e., encourage new industries to pay their
own costs of water and/or sewer extensions by offering to pay a portion of the
potential tax revenues the industry may generate for five years.
The county will continue to provide water and/or sewer to new industries through
its existing system. On a case -by -case basis, the county will negotiate with
individual industries to provide support, both administrative and financial, for the
construction of water and sewer utilities.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION
Package Treatment Plant Use:
Currently, centralized sewer outside of the municipalities is provided only in
Township 7 (the James City area, primarily). The use of small package treatment
systems has generally been viewed as acceptable in Craven County as an aid to
orderly growth and development, provided necessary environmental permits can
be obtained. Although the county does consider the eventual provision of county-
wide sewer service to be desirable, realistically even on a limited township basis,
the costs would be prohibitive. Therefore, package treatment plants in "growth"
areas are an acceptable alternative. It is not the county's desire, however, to see
a proliferation of small package treatment systems which bear no relation to each
other. Developers will be encouraged to cooperate so that any such system (each
�1
to be reviewed on a case -by -case basis) can be developed in some pattern of
uniformity. (88)
Marina and Floating Home Development:
The county supports the development of marinas in compliance with existing
environmental regulations. The county believes that additional studies of the
county's needs are required in order to indicate possible sizes or locations or
marinas. The county will allow marinas to be developed in compliance with state,
federal, and local environmental and health regulations. Also, in cases where
there are more than 30 boat slips provided, the developer shall be required to
provide pumpout facilities for the disposal of wastewater. Also, the county believes
that as long as all requirements are complied with, marinas should be allowed in
any land classification, except within the rural classification. (88)
So-called "floating homes" to date have not been an issue or problem in Craven
County's jurisdiction. However, it is quite possible that during the planning period,
this issue could arise. (88)
C. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
RECREATION RESOURCES
To ensure access in newly developing subdivisions along the waterways, the
county could assume responsibility for maintenance and upkeep of these
accessways and provide free and open access to the general public. (88)
Off -Road Vehicles:
The mention of "off -road" vehicles in coastal North Carolina usually conjures ideas
of four-wheel drive type vehicles running up and down sandy beaches. However,
there are no ocean beaches in Craven County. Nevertheless, off -road vehicles are
important in some sections of the county because of the necessity for land owners
or hunters to travel in wooded or swampy areas. As this property is private and
not available to the public as public beaches are, the use of these vehicles is
acceptable in these cases. (88)
Marine Resource Areas:
Craven County will support the following goals and objectives of the
Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan of the Albemarle -Pamlico
Estuarine Study:
Goal A: Basin -wide protection of living aquatic resources from the toxic or
otherwise deleterious effects of excessive nutrient loading or nutrient imbalance.
Objective a: Achievement of the maximum nutrient reduction goals
prescribed in the Nutrient Sensitive Waters management
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' strategies (Chowan, Neuse, and Tar -Pamlico Rivers).
Revision and implementation of the strategies as necessary
' to restore and/or protect the respective basins and/or newly
designated basins from excessive nutrient loading by 2003.
' Objective b: Maintenance of the necessary concentrations and balance of
nutrients, by 2003, to minimize the possibility of
anthropogenically induced or enhanced (1) blue-green algae
blooms (freshwater) that have a range of deleterious toxic
effects on the food web and users of the waters, and (2) toxic
dinoflagellate blooms (saltwater) that may cause fish kills or
' disrupt the natural food web.
Objective c: Protection of the growth and propagation of submerged
aquatic vegetation from toxic concentrations of nitrate, and
shading from epiphytic growth and blooms of floating algae
(blue -greens, greens, and browns) by 2003.
' Goal B: Protection of living aquatic resources from the toxic effects of
anthropogenic contaminants, including sediment (excessive sedimentation and
turbidity, and reduced transparency); salt and fresh water; other toxicants (such as
metals and organochlorines); and oxygen consuming wastes.
Objective a: Protection of sensitive aquatic life stages and submerged
aquatic vegetation from excessive turbidity and sedimentation
and insufficient transparency by 2003.
Objective b: Protection of submerged aquatic vegetation, primary nursery
areas, and other marine or brackish aquatic communities from
the reduction of salinity.
Objective c: Elimination of the contributions of and/or discharges or other
' toxicants in toxic amounts, so that no new habitat is lost and
no new toxicity to aquatic organisms is detectable.
Objective d: Restoration, where feasible, of toxicant degraded water and
sediment.
' Objective e: Minimization of the incidence and severity of
anthropogenically exacerbated low dissolved oxygen events
and their contribution to the causes of fish and benthos kills.
Goal C: Restoration by 2008 to "approved" status (i.e., sufficiently low bacterial
concentrations to open to regular harvest) all SA shellfish waters currently
"prohibited," "restricted," or "conditionally approved."
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Objective a: Reduction of the areal extent of "prohibited," "restricted," and
"conditionally approved" areas of SA waters by 20% as of
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1997, by 50% as of 2003, and by 100% as of 2008.
Objective b: Improvement of the
long-term frequency
2003.
water quality necessary to reduce the
of temporary closures by 50% as of
Goal D: Improvement in the ability to test for potential human health hazards
resulting from the ingestion of shellfish through the adoption or incorporation of a
new pathogen indicator species and associated standards as soon as they are
developed by the National Indicator Study (estimated by 1997).
Goal E: Protection of existing aquatic living resources, including threatened and
endangered species, through the direct protection of species and communities, and
through the protection and, where necessary, the restoration of water quality.
Objective a: Preservation of the current biological integrity in all estuarine
systems of the A/P region as measured and monitored using
a yet -to -be -determined estuarine biotic index (estimated five
year development period).
Objective b: Restoration to or maintenance of a biological integrity rating
of "fair" or better as determined using biotic indices (N. C.
Division of Environmental Management's macroinvertebrate
and fish indices) in the freshwater streams in the Piedmont of
the A/P region by the year 2003.
D. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
General:
Because of the expanding water service in previously unserved areas (Townships
1, 3 and 9), and the increasing potential for additional residential growth, it may
become necessary to develop additional land development controls such as zoning
to ensure orderly and well managed growth. (88)
Energy Facility Siting and Development:
Craven County does not oppose offshore exploratory drilling for oil or gas. In the
event that oil or gas is discovered, Craven County will not oppose drilling
operations and onshore support facilities for which an Environmental Impact
Statement has been prepared with a finding of no significant impact on the
environment. Craven County supports and requests full disclosure of development
plans, with mitigative measures that will be undertaken to prevent adverse impacts
on the environment, the infrastructure, and the social systems of the county. The
county also requests full disclosure of any adopted plans. Offshore drilling and the
development of onshore support facilities may have severe costs for the county as
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well as advantages. The costs should be borne by the company(ies) which profits
from offshore drilling and onshore support facilities.
In some coastal counties, the siting or location of energy facilities relates to either
peat mining or phosphate mining, or offshore oil exploration. However, in the
absence of significant peat reserves, phosphate, or oil resources within the
county's jurisdiction, no specific detailed policies in this area can be formulated at
this time. Should the siting of an energy facility become a realistic possibility for
Craven County, it shall be the policy of the county to carefully review each such
project and require strict adherence to federal, state, and any local environmental
regulations. (88)
Redevelopment of Developed Areas:
Craven County would like to see redevelopment/rehabilitation activities occur in
communities identified as having concentrations of substandard housing and other
neighborhood conditions. The county will try to link various redevelopment
activities together where feasible. (88)
Assistance in Channel Maintenance:
Proper maintenance of channels, including periodic dredging, is very important to
Craven County mainly because of the economic impact of commercial fisheries.
If 1985 is taken as an indication, then water quality in the Neuse River is improving
and commercial fishing is also increasing in the county's waters. If silt or other
deposits fill in the channels, this could impede efficient mobility and docking of
commercial and recreational vessels. With adequate channel maintenance,
Craven County can make better utilization of its waterways for water transportation
and recreation purposes. (88)
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APPENDIX V
CRAVEN COUNTY
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
PREPARATION OF LAND USE PLAN
FISCAL YEAR 1994-95
Craven County has received a FY94-95 Coastal Area Management Act grant for the update of
its existing Land Use Plan. This update is being undertaken to respond to the expansion of the
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Aviation Depot. Adequate citizen participation
in the development of the Plan is essential to the preparation of a document responsive to the
needs of the citizens of Craven County. To ensure such input, the following citizen participation
program will be utilized by the county.
The Craven County Planning Board will be responsible for supervision of the project. The
Planning Board will report to and coordinate plan development with the Craven County Board
of Commissioners.
The Planning Board will work with the county's planning consultant to ensure that the final
product will survey existing land use, identify policies, recommend strategies/actions, and identify
Areas of Environmental Concern. Emphasis will be placed on amending the plan to respond to
the expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Aviation Depot. The plan
will focus on issues created by the military expansion, including infrastructure needs, housing
needs, transportation planning, and environmental. A completely new land classification map
will be provided. Specifically, the planning consultant and the Planning Board will be responsible
for ensuring accomplishment of the following:
— Establishment of policies to deal with existing and anticipated land use issues created by
the Cherry Point military expansion.
— Assessment of county -wide infrastructure needs created by the military expansion.
— Assessment of county -wide housing needs created by the military expansion.
— Establishment of an effective citizen participation process.
— Assessment of county -wide transportation planning issues created by the military
expansion.
— Preparation of a new land classification map which will include significant changes
resulting from the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Aviation Depot.
— Assessment of environmental issues concerning increased military presence and
activities in Craven County.
— Preparation of hurricane mitigation and post -disaster recovery plans and policies.
— An updated Land Use Plan based on an effective citizen participation process.
The following schedule will be utilized:
March - April, 1995 — complete identification of existing land use problems, develop
socioeconomic base data, and review community facilities needs.
2. April, 1995 — The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public information meeting.
The meeting will be advertised in a local newspaper. The county will specifically discuss
the policy statements contained in the 1993 Craven County Land Use Plan, and the
Citizen Participation Plan will be adopted. The significance of the policy statements to
the CAMA land use planning process shall be described. The process by which Craven
County will solicit the views of a wide cross-section of citizens in the development of the
updated policy statements will be explained.
4. May - July, 1995 — Continue preparation of a draft Land Use Plan and conduct meetings
with the Craven County Planning Board.
5. August, 1995 — Present complete draft sections of the plan and preliminary policy
statements to the Planning Board.
6. September, 1995 — Review draft Land Use Plan with the Board of Commissioners.
7. September, 1995 — Conduct a public information meeting for review of the proposed
plan, and submit draft of completed Land Use Plan to the Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources staff for review and comment.
8. Following receipt of Coastal Resources Commission comments (estimate October or
November, 1995) — Present proposed Land Use Plan to Board of Commissioners for
adoption, and conduct a formal public hearing.
All meetings of the Craven County Planning Board and Board of Commissioners at which the
update of the Land Use Plan will be discussed will be advertised in a local newspaper. All
meetings will be open to the public. The county will encourage and consider all economic,
social, ethnic, and cultural viewpoints. No major non-English speaking groups are known to exist
in Craven County.
3/22/95
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