1996 Land Use Plan-1997

000 ,
Chapter
Page
1. Introduction
1
2.
3. Economy
13
4, Transportation
23
5. Land & Water Use
34
6. Natural and Cultural Features
44
7. County Facilities
61
8. Storm Hazards
73
9. Growth Management Plan
81
10. Implementation Plan
87
Appendix
1. Public Input Results
99
2. Relationship of Land Use Plan to CAMA Regulations
114
3. Water.Supply Plan
116
4. Recreation Areas
127
5. Status of 1990 Land Use Plan Policies
130
6. NCDOT Street Assessment
141
7. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
143

CHAPTER 1
Draft 1/12/97
i
.1990 Currituck County
Land Use Plan
Currituck County, known as the Land of the Roads Virginia, Currituck is one of the fastest
rWild Goose, is located in the northeastern growing counties in the state. Between 1990
most corner of North Carolina (Figure 1.1). With and 1994, Currituck ranked fifth in rate of growth
miles of shore lines, a high quality of life, low out of North Carolina's 100 counties.
' In 1974, the State of North Carolina adopted the is common) known. This Act requires coastal
P Y q
Coastal Area Management Act or CAMA as it communities to prepare land use plans as a
1
1

J
means of guiding the development of land
instead of recommending a specific
over a ten year period. According to CAMA
site be used for commercial purposes
'
regulations, land use plans must be updated
(zoning assigns uses to specific
every five years. The 1996 Currituck County
properties), the land use plan would
Land Use Plan will be the fourth update since
state that a certain amount of
i
1976.
residential development would require
a certain amount of commercial
The State requires land use plans be prepared
development in order to adequately
,
for all coastal North Carolina communities.
service that area.
Adopting such a plan reflects sound planning
and should be prepared in all local
3. The plan focuses on the physical
jurisdictions regardless of location. Land use
development of the county. It
plans are particularly critical for areas facing
describes how, why, when and where
rapid growth, such as Currituck County.
to build, rebuild or preserve the county.
While the land use plan is not a health
,
plan, a social service delivery plan, or
Description of a Land Use Plan
an economic development plan, it will
encompass elements contained in
The 1996 Currituck County Land Use Plan is an
each.
official public document adopted by the
County Commissioners and the Coastal
4. The plan is comprehensive in that it
Resources Commission that contains
includes all areas within the county.
information about the physical development
Further, the plan includes all elements
of the county as it exists today, what directions
which have a bearing on the physical
the county should take in the future, and what
development of the county (i.e.
steps need to be taken in order to get there.
environment, utilities, transportation,
The plan will be used by local leaders to guide
housing, etc.).
decisions affecting land development in the
county. Use of the plan will lead to more
5. The plan is long range in that it projects
efficient and economical provisions of public
an image of the county ten years into
services, the protection of natural resources,
the future.
sound economic development, and the
'
protection of public health, safety and
welfare.
Purposes of a Land Use Plan
Although Currituck
County uses the term land
While the land use plan serves many
use plan, phrases such as master plan,
functions, the primary purposes are as follows:
general plan, comprehensive plan and long
range plan have the same meaning.
I. Land use plans help communities
Generally there are five principal
answer questions about how to
characteristics of a land use plan. They are
coordinate the development of land in
as follows:
order to serve the public interests.
Elements affecting the public Interests
I. The plan contains policy statements.
include:
These policies are established through
the identification of community goals
A. Health and Safety (i.e. what areas
(broad statements describing the
of the community can or cannot
values of a community) and strategies
support higher concentrations of
(courses of action to be taken in order
development?);
'
to fulfill community goals and
objectives).
B. Convenience (i.e. where should
streets be located to improve
,
2. The plan Is general in that its
circulation?; are commercial
recommendations are areawide
areas adequate to serve the
rather than site specific. For example,
needs of a neighborhood?);
2

C. Efficiency (i.e. what land use
arrangement is the most efficient
and least costly to the citizens and
the county?);
D. Environmental Quality (i.e. how
should development be handled
along flood prone areas?);
E. Social Equity and Social Choice
(i.e. in applying densities and
locations for residential
development, will there be
adequate access and freedom _of
choice for residents seeking
housing opportunities?);
F. Amenities (i.e. while
"attractiveness" means different
things to different people, can a
consensus be reached on
strategies to improve our
surroundings such as special
appearance provisions along
entrances into the county?)
2. The land use plan provides a policy
guide to decision making. As can be
seen in #1 above, elements affecting
public interests can sometimes
overlap (i.e.. environmental quality
and amenities) and at other times may
conflict (i.e. health and safety and
efficiency). By identifying community
values and establishing goals and
objectives based on those values,
appointed and elected officials can
use the land use plan to guide their
decision making on matters related to
the physical development of the
county. Typical decisions facing
appointed and elected officials
Include rezoning requests and
proposals to change land use
regulations.
3. The land use plan provides a legal
basis for decision making. Article 19,
Chapter 160A-383 of the North Carolina
Statutes states in part that "Zoning
regulations shall be made in
accordance with a comprehensive
plan...". Literal interpretation of this
language has been argued for
decades because zoning often
occurred before the comprehensive
plan or land use plan. However, clear .
signals are being sent from the courts
that when challenged, development
codes stand a better chance of being
upheld when they are based on a land
use plan, as opposed to evolving as a
result of ad -hoc decisions as is the
case in the absence of a land use
plan.
4. The land use plan is used by the public,
developers, administrators, etc. in
order to obtain facts about the county.
For example, comprehensive plans
are often used by existing businesses
to aide them in making future plans
related to expansions and by new
businesses who wish to assess the
desirability of locating in Currituck
County.
5. The land use plan is used by state and
federal agencies in making decisions
concerning the issuance of various
permits and to help determine grant
recipients for projects.
Relationship of the Land Use Plan to
Other Documents
Land use plans are often confused with other
documents, namely zoning codes,
subdivision regulations, and capital
improvement plans.
Zoning codes (describing where certain land
uses can locate in a county), subdivision
regulations (describing how to divide land)
and capital improvement plans (describing
plans for growth by local government - i.e.
construction of a fire station) are tools used by
counties to implement the goals and
objectives found in the land use plan (Figure
1.2).
For example, the land use plan may establish
a goal of providing more recreational
opportunities for residents in the county. This
goal may be achieved by: amending the
zoning code to allow commercial
recreational uses in more zoning districts,
adjusting subdivision regulations in order to

require the construction of recreational areas
in housing developments, and by setting
aside money In the capital improvements
plan for such items as boat accesses.
Figure 1.2
Relationship of Land Use Plan to Other Documents
Currituck Land Use Plan
(establishes goals and objectives for Currituck County)
Zoning Capital Subdivision
Regulations Improvement Regulations
Plan
(toots used to implement the goals and objectives found in the land use plan)
Preparation and Maintenance of the
Land Use Plan
The key to success in implementing a land
use plan is having public input and
acceptance. The first step in devising a land
use plan that reflects the varied interests
found in the county was to assign the nine
member Planning Board, with
representatives from each of the four
townships, the responsibility of preparing the
plan. Staff assistance was provided by the
Currituck County Planning and Inspections
Department.
Realizing that not all interests are
represented by the Planning Board, the
public was provided an opportunity to
participate in the development of the land
use plan through community meetings and
public hearings. It was the opinion of the
Planning Board that attaining stated goals
would only be possible through an
extraordinary effort to obtain public input
(Figure 1.3).
In keeping with that realization, a series of
seven public meetings were held around
the county prior to drafting the plan in order
to identify the thoughts, concerns, and
desires of county residents. All totaled, the
initial meetings were attended by over 130
residents. Each person in attendance was
given the opportunity to respond to the
question "What Does Currituck County Need
To Do In Order To Improve The Quality Of Life
For It's Citizens Over The Next Ten Years?".
Results from these meetings helped the
Planning Board identify issues important to
residents of Currituck County (see Appendix
1).
In addition to the public meetings, a random
sample survey was sent to 789 residents and
property owners to further assess public
attitudes towards growth and development.
In all, 553 people returned the survey for an
unusually high response rate of 71 %. By
conducting the survey in this manner,
Currituck County was to a margin of error +/-
5%.
While public attitudes were being assessed
through community meetings and a mail-

F�
out survey, the Planning and Inspections
Department collected data relating to
' growth patterns, the economy, land use, the
environment, and other matters affecting
the physical development of Currituck
County. This data, along with information
collected during the public input meetings
and survey, provided the foundation for
preparing a draft land use plan.
Once a preliminary draft of the land use plan
was prepared, the Planning Board held
another hearing on the proposal. Once the
1996 Land Use Plan was endorsed by the
Planning Board, it was sent to the Board of
Commissioners for a public hearing and
adoption.
Public Participation Program
1996 Land Use Plan
1. Appoint Planning Board to update 1996 Land Use Plan.
2. Hold seven public meetings around the county to obtain input on public concerns and
issues. Meetings attended by nearly 135 people.
3. Mail 789 random surveys to residents and property owners in the county to further identify
public thoughts and concerns. 553 surveys were returned (71% response rate) with a
margin of error of +/-5%.
4. Draft of plan is reviewed during public meetings of the Planning Board.
5. Goals and Strategies draft mailed to interested citizens who attended public input
meetings.
6. Final Draft of 1996 Land Use Plan is reviewed and endorsed by the Planning Board during a
public meeting.
7. Board of Commissioners hold public hearing and adopt 1996 Land Use Plan.
Now that the Land Use Plan has been
consistent with public attitudes. This
adopted by the County Commissioners and
involvement was seen as an essential first
been certified by the Coastal Resources
step towards eventual implementation of
r
Commission, ongoing maintenance of the
those goals and strategies.
;.,
plan will be the responsibility of the Planning
Board. It is recommended that the land use
While success in carrying out the land use
plan be reviewed on an annual basis to
plan's goals and strategies is dependent on
determine if adjustments are warranted
many. factors including among other things
based on changing conditions and to
the local government's commitment to the
assess the attainment of recommended
goals and strategies. A thorough update of
plan, accuracy of the plan, and economic.
conditions, continued public participation in
the Land Use Plan will occur in 2001 in
land use planning issues will remain a critical
accordance with CAMA regulations.
component. Currituck County
acknowledges the importance of continued
public participation In land use planning.
Continued Public Participation
Every effort will be made to allow input not
only from interested citizens, but from all
Involving the public during the preparation of
agencies involved in the comprehensive
the land use plan enabled the county to
planning program established over the next
recommend goals and strategies
five years.
1
5

GOAL 1.1: TO ENCOURAGE MAXIMUM PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE LAND USE PLANNING PROCESS.
Strategies:
1. Encourage the use of citizen advisory groups to help formulate policies on land use issues facing
the county;
2. Have all agencies with tasks outlined in the land use plan report on an annual basis to the Planning
Board on the status of implementing strategies.
Organization of the 1996 Currituck
County Land Use Plan
The 1996 Land Use Plan contains chapters on
population, economy, transportation, land
and water use, natural and cultural features,
county facilities and storm hazards. Each
chapter provides an overview of these topics
and contains long range county goals where
appropriate. All goals are followed by one or
more strategies, that have been identified, to
assist in achieving goals established in the
1996 Currituck County Land Use Plan.
The land use plan also contains a growth
management plan that includes a land
classification map outlining recommended
land use patterns for Currituck County.
Development patterns outlined on the land
classification map are consistent with goals
that have been established in preceding
chapters.
The final chapter is a recommended five year
work program where all goals and strategies
established in earlier chapters are restated.
To assist in the implementation of land use
plan recommendations, each strategy stated
in the work program is assigned to one or
more agencies and a time frame is
established for completion. The
recommended five year work program
reflects the commitment of the Planning Board
and the Board of Commissioners to achieve
goals established in the 1996 Currituck County
Land Use Plan.
5-1

GHAPTER.�"
POPULATION
Throughout the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's,
Currituck County experienced a phenomenal
increase in population which is expected to
continue into the next century. This growth is
attributed to several factors, including: close
proximity to the metropolitan area of
Hampton Roads Virginia and Dare County
North Carolina; low tax rates and housing costs
compared to cities in Virginia; a high quality of
life; and the abundance of desirable shoreline
property along the ocean, sounds, rivers, and
bays.
Between 1980 and 1990 Currituck's population
increased by 23.9% or 2.4% per year making
r_.
I
Currituck the eighth fastest growing county in
North Carolina, The 1990's have seen
population growth further accelerate.
Between 1990 and 1995, Currituck County's
population Increased 17.1% or 3.4% per year.
According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census,
Currituck County was the 5th fastest growing
county in North Carolina between 1990 and
1995. The speed of Currituck's population
growth becomes evident when compared
with current and expected increases
anticipated for northeastern North Carolina
and the State (fable 2A).
Population: 1940 - 1995
Chit wk %Change
Year Pooulatiion %Change RegianR* State
1940 6,709
- - -
1950 6,201
-7.6 - -
1960 6,601
+6.5 - -
1970 6,976
+5.7 - -
1980 11,089
+59.0 - -
1990 13,736
+23.9 +13.9 +12.7
1995** 16,404
+19.4 + 7.8 + 8.5
2000'* 18,642
+13.6 - -
2005** 20,791
+11.5 - -
*Region R consists of Camden,
Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank,
Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties
** Currituck County Planning
and Inspections
Currituck County has four townships: Moyock,
Crawford, Poplar Branch, and Fruitville (Figure
2.1). Crawford Township has the largest
7
population of the four townships followed by
Poplar Branch, Moyock, and Fruitville (Table
2B).

I11a
Figure 2.1
Currituck County Townships
Virginia Fruilville
Moyock`•
f ' s
Crawford
Poplar
• _3 Branch
') a
wawa,
Currltuck County
Population By Township
1960-2005
MMM. hw MW / *
LCM io *
MOM io *
Leo /b*
io
io
io
Moyock 1,207 (18)
1,494 (21)
3,095 (28)
3,091(23)
4,180(26)
4,982(27)
5,776(28)
Crawford 2,332(35
Z497(36)
3,974(36)
4,936(36)
5,574(34)
6,121(33)
6,643((32)
PoplarBrandi Z622(40)
Z497(36)
3,114(28)
4,570(33)
5,302(32)
6,016(32)
6,679(32)
l iutville
Total Oaunty 6,601 6,976 11,089 13,736 16,404 18,642 20,791
Population
*Census Data
** Currituck County Planning and Inspections Department Projections
According to Table 213, between 1980 and
1990, Moyock Township's population dropped
by 4 persons. However, this drop was a result
of approximately 310 mobile homes being
removed from a mobile home park within this
township In the 1980's due to Insufficient
sewage treatment facilities. The removal of
these mobile homes have hidden the fact that
Moyock Township, with its close proximity to
Hampton Roads Virginia, is the fastest growing
township in Currituck County since the late
1980's.

1
Between 1990 and 1995, Moyock Township's
population has grown faster than Currituck's
other townships and this trend is expected to
continue into the future. Population growth for
Crawford, Poplar Branch, and Fruitville
Townships is expected to remain steady to
the year 2005.
.It is not anticipated that construction of the
Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge connecting the
mainland with the outer banks (see Chapter on
Transportation) will have much effect on the 10
year population projections as completion is
not anticipated until 2004. Once constructed,
the number of full-time residents on the outer
banks is not expected to increase
dramatically as housing prices and building
construction will continue to be geared
toward rental occupancy.
The mainland is expected to see some
Increase in development as a result of
constructing the mid -sound bridge,
particularly non-residential. However,
residential development will be limited in the
near term due to the county's ,adequate
public facilities ordinance and the residential
three acre minimum lot size within close
proximity to the approximate location of the
mid -sound bridge.
Between 1970 and 1990, minority population
declined while the total population increased
dramatically. It is anticipated that the non-
white population will remain fairly constant
over the 10 year planning period while the
white population will continue to increase at a
rapid pace. As a result, the percentage of
non -white population will decrease from
12.3% in 1990 to an estimated 8.3% in
2005.(fable 2C).
Currituck Gountls
Non -White Population
TOW Nan -Witte %Non -
Yew BMA499M Pom&tion White
1970 6,976 1,847 26.5
'
1980 11,089 1,833 16.5
1990 13,736 1,685 12.3
2000*" 18,642 1,734 9.3
2005*' 20,791 1,726 8.3
11 **Currituck County Plann
A breakdown of population by age groups
indicates some shifts have occurred between
1970 and 1990. During that time frame, the 0-19
age group decreased as a percent of
population while the 20-39 and 40-59 age
groups Increased. The 60 and older age
group remained at 17% of the total population
during that time frame. Estimates for 2000 and
I
2
and Inspections Office
2005 shows a sharp Increase in the 40-59 age
bracket and to a lesser extent the 60+ age
group Increases. This adjustment to the age
groups reflects the in -migration of household
from Hampton Roads Virginia. The 0-19 and
20-39 age groups, while increasing, are not
expanding at the same pace as the other
age groups. (Table 2D),

Table 2D
Currltuck County's
Population By Age
At 9m
END
19BD 19eo
MOD,
2005*
0-19
2,579 (37%)
3,543 (32%) 4,121 (30%)
4,785 (26%)
4,915
(24%)
20-39
1,543 (22%)
3,329 (30%) 4,258 (31%)
5,045 (27%)
5,547
(27%)
40-59
1,639 (24%)
2,334 (210/6) 3,022 (22%)
5,475 (29%)
6,358
(310/6)
60+
1,215 (17%)
1,883 (17%) 2,335 (17%)
3,337 (18%)
3,971
(19%)
*Currituck County Planning and Inspections Office
Like other coastal communities, the summer
season marks a dramatic increase in
population. On the mainland, an assortment
of campgrounds, cottages, tents, and motels
are available while the Outer Banks offers
rental housing units to seasonal guests.
According to area Realtors, each rental unit
on the Currituck Outer Banks during a typical
summer week is occupied by between 10 and
15 persons. For purposes of establishing a
seasonal population figure, it is estimated that
each outer banks rental unit will average 13
persons. The high number of persons
occupying rental units reflects the size of
dwelling units constructed on Currituck's Outer
Banks. In 1995, 52% of the homes constructed
on the Currituck Outer Banks were over 5,000
sq. ft. in area.
All totaled, the estimated peak summer
population was 25,465 in July, 1995 (Table 2E).
When the figure is added to a year round
population of 16,404, the total population
during the peak season in 1995 was estimated
to be 41,896.
In light of land use regulations prohibiting the
expansion of campgrounds, it is not
anticipated the number of seasonal housing
units on the mainland will expand. However,
construction of rental housing units on the
Outer Banks has steadily increased. It is
anticipated that over 1,100 additional rental
units will be built between 1995 and 2004. When
considered with permanent population
projections, it is anticipated that the total peak
seasonal population will be slightly over 61,037
in the year 2005 (fable 2F).
Table 2E
Gurrituck County's 1995
Peak Seasonal Population
sonal
Acconunodations
Units P
Population
IMAINIJM*
1. Campgrounds
219 3.8
832
2. Cottages
2D 6.7
134
3. Tents
50 3.8
190
4. Motels
25 3.6
90
OITI'ER BANKS**
1 Seasonal Housing
1BM 13
24,219
Total Seasonal Counts
2,177 -
25,465
*County of Currituck Mainland Water Facilities Study, December 1989
**Currituck County Planning and Inspections Department
L
1
1,
1
1
10

Table 2F
Currituck Countls Estimated
Total Population During Summer Season'
Seasonal Population
Year Hgpdog Units Seasonal Permanent Total
1995 2,177 25.465 16,404 41,896
2005 3,314 40246 20,791 61,037
Summary
Throughout much of the 1900's, Currituck
` .s Count ' population remained stead
Y P P Y
However, the 1970's marked the beginning of a
tremendous population increase that is
expected to continue well into the year 2000
(Figure 2.2).
ire 2.2
Currltuck Gountls Year Round Population
25,000
20,000
_ /■
o 15,000 /,
�
c 10,000 /
a
5,000
0
0 0 0 0 0 0 Ln 0 LO
Nt Un co 1 0 rn 0 0 0
0 M rn rn M rn rn 0 0
T T T T T T T N N
Year
I Below is a summary of data presented in this
chapter along with Implications of population
growth in Currituck County.
1 - Currituck County has been and will
continue to be one of the fastest
growing counties in the state due to it's
' close proximity to the ocean and
Hampton Roads Virginia.
11
-.Moyock has been and will continue to be
the fastest growing township in the
county followed by Poplar Branch and
Crawford.
- The county's non -white population has
declined in numbers since 1970. By the
year 2005, It is anticipated that the non-
white population will represent 8.3% of

) 'L1
the total county population. In 1970, the
non -white population, represented
26.5% of the total population.
- The make-up of age groups within the
county is expected to shift between
1990 and 2005. The 40-59 age group is
expected increase at a higher rate than
the other age groups; this reflects
migration of families from the Hampton
Roads area.
- In 1995, the county's population
increased 155% during the summer
season. By 2005, it is anticipated that the
county's population will increase by
193% during summer months. This
points to a critical need for additional
county services on the Currituck Outer
Banks.
Further implications of population growth can
also be found in Chapter 5, Land and Water
Use, and Chapter 7, County Facilities.
12

1
1
1
GHAPTER'3
Draft 1/12/97
ECONOMY
Currituck County's close proximity to Norfolk, unemployment rate has remained relatively
Viriginia Beach, Chesapeake, Elizabeth City, stable at just over 3%.
and Dare County, along with a growing local
economy, has resulted in numerous job Personal Income in Currituck County has
opportunities for area residents. As illustrated in continued to grow over the years. Between
Table 3A, Currituck's labor force increased by 1984 and 1992, per capita income increased by
9% between 1.990 and 1994 and its 60% (fable 3B).
Table 3A
Labor Force By Place Of Residence
In
Currituck
County
DESCRIPTION
19M
1991
1992
19W
1994
Civilian Labor Force
6,980
7,190
7,110
7,310
7480
Employment, Total
6,750
6,870
6,860
7,030
7240
Unemployment, Total
230
320
320
280
240
Rate of Unemployment
3.3%
4.5%
3.5%
3.8%
3.2%
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
Table 3B
Per Capita Personal Income
yea 1984 1968 1992
Per Capita Income (dollars) 9,292 11,757 14,834
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
In 1984, 27% of Currituck's labor force worked in
the county for a total of 1,838 jobs (Table 3C).
As of 1994, 40% of Currituck's labor force found
employment within the county totaling 3,020
jobs. This represents a 64% increase in jobs
13
between 1984 and 1994. During this some time
period, Currituck County's population increase
by 35%. In other words, jobs are being created
at a faster rate than Currituck's population
growth.

In 1994, the top three employment sectors in
Currituck County were retail and wholesale
trade, followed by government and services
(Table 3C and 3D). In 1984, the top three
employment sectors were government, retail*
and wholesale trade, and agriculture.
As can be seen in Table 3C, employment in
agriculture has dropped significantly in relation
to the number of jobs in Currituck. In 1984,
agriculture accounted for 20% of the jobs in
Currituck County. By 1994, agriculture
accounted for only 8% of the jobs in the
county.
Employment in the construction sector
increased 109% between 1984 and 1994
reflecting the rapid growth rate in Currituck
County. However, during that some time
period the manufacturing sector had 13%
fewer jobs. In 1993 Currituck County established
and Economic Development Board and the
Economic Development Department in an
effort to recruit employers, including those in
the manufacturing sector.
The retail and wholesale trade industry
accounted for 31% of Currituck's labor force in
1994; the largest employment sector in the
county. In 1984, it accounted for 24% of the
county's labor force. Between 1984 and 1994,
the number of jobs in the retail and wholesale
trade industry increased by 109%. This
Increase in employment can be attributed
largely to the location of three new major
shopping centers in the county (2 on the outer
banks, one on the mainland). Table 3E,
showing gross retails sales in the county, further
illustrates the dramatic increase in Currituck's
retail trade between 1985 and 1994.
Table 3C
Employment
Wlthin
Currituck County
Employment By
Place of Work
1984
1986
1988
1990`
1992
1994
Form
370
310
290
240
240
240
Goods Producing
Construction
110
130
200
230
160
230
Manufacturing
8D
100
70
90
40
70
Service Producing
Trans, Comm., Public Util.
40
40
50
60
70
50
Trade
450
540
680
670
760
940
Fin., Ins., & Real Estate
30
60
60
80
70
100
Service & Miscellaneous
Government
190
270
330
5W
420
500
TOTAL
M
1,840
M
2020
630
2310
730
2630
830
2590
890
3,020
% Of Total Work Force
27
28
25
38*
36
40
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
* Incorporated into Hampton Roads MSA, data computed differently
1
11
14

1'
1
Table 3D
Currituck County Employment By Sector
1984-1994
1000
900
800 1984'
y
c°'i 700 ❑ 1986'
a 600
'E 1988'
w 500
%- 400 ® 1990'
a
Z300 01992'
i. .X
200
❑ 1994'
100
0 -
°' o c a. _ co osCU CD
o� c
c E ._ y CO ao> E
CO
CM
o ~U ``°� ii� c°n'
Ucz
15

While the government sector is the second
largest employer in Currituck County, as a
percent of the total labor force, government
has dropped slightly from 31 % in 1984 to 29% in
1994. The finance, insurance and real estate
sector and the service sector had the highest
percentage of growth between 1984 and 1994.
Employment in the finance, Insurance and real
estate sector increased 233%during that time
period while the number of service sector jobs
grew by 163%.
Economic Development
Loss of employees in the manufacturing sector
between 1984 and 1994 is of great concern to
Currituck County. Another concern is the fact
that a majority of residents find work outside of
Currituck County. Of the 7,240 residents who had
jobs in Currituck County in 1994, only 3,020 or 42%
actually worked in the county. The remaining
58% of workers found employment outside of
Currituck County.
In 1990, of the 6,750 residents who had jobs, 2,630
or 39% found employment in Currituck County.
In 1984, only 29% of Currituck's labor force held
jobs in Currituck County. While the number of
Currituck residents who found employment
within the county has steadily increased
between 1984 and 1994 from 29% to 42%, the
financial implications of being a place where
people live but a majority go elsewhere to work
(i.e. bedroom community) are significant.
Numerous studies have shown in general,
residential development uses more tax dollars
In services provided (i.e. schools, health, etc.)
than it provides in taxes. Conversely,
agriculture, commercial, and industrial
development generally pays more tax dollars
than services used. Therefore, for the financial
health of Currituck County, it is important that
Currituck continue the trend of increasing the
number of jobs available within the county.
Marketing for business recruitment and
economic development is highly competitive.
For Currituck County to be successful, it must
assess its strengths and weaknesses and focus
energies on those businesses that would be
most attracted to what the county has to offer.
One of the strengths Currituck County has to
offer perspective businesses is a high quality of
life. Few locations provide the variety of natural
amenities such as sounds, rivers, and ocean.
To keep this competitive advantage, Currituck
must be careful not to attract. development
that would degrade these important natural
resources.
In 1993, the Currituck County Economic
Development Board endorsed 10 strategies to
improve Currituck County's economy over the
next twenty years. These strategies are
outlined below in figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1
CURRITUCK COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1993
1. Expand the economic base by nurturing existing businesses and recruiting
new businesses.
2. Increase employment opportunities at all levels through education and
skilled training which is essential to economic growth.
3. To continue to develop a safe and efficient movement of traffic along all
primary and secondary roadways that will in turn enhance economic
development.
4. Develop adequate environmental protection guidelines to preserve
Currituck County's pristine environment leading to economic growth.
16

r
5. Rejuvenate the historical and recreational heritage that has always
attracted tourists and sportsman to Currituck County.
6. Develop and expand tourism sector to increase our economic base and
occupancy tax.
7. Involve the Airport Authority in promoting new aviation driven businesses
to locate in the adjoining industrial park to take full advantage Currituck
County's. airport.
8. Continue to promote efforts to fund and build a mid -county bridge thereby
establishing a more efficient and safe Outer Banks access and improving
the economic sector of mainland Currituck County.
9. Develop. a plan for police and fire protection for all businesses and
industrial parks to protect the economic base in Currituck County.
10. Strengthen and broaden economic development through economic
development training.
Periodically, the Economic Development
Board should review the above noted
strategies and- recommendations to
implement those strategies and adjust
according to economic conditions.
GOAL 3.1: CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE ECONOMIC BASE Of CURRITUCK COUNTY TO IMPROVE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WHILE ENSURING ADEQUATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
Strategies:
1. The Economic Development Board should continue to focus on strategies to improve economic
development in the county allowing input from elected officials, appointed officials and the
general public. Strategies should be reviewed periodically and adjusted according to
economic conditions.
2. Recruit industries that will not have a negative impact on Currituck County's fragile environment
(i.e., minimal effect on water quality, no excessive smoke and noise, etc.);development in
Currituck.
3. Promote the location of light industrial, wholesale and warehouse operations in the county in
areas best suited for such uses. Characteristics of a suitable location include:
-transportation facilities are adequate to meet the needs of the use and would not place an
undue burden on local roads;
-the use is adequately buffered by physical and natural barriers from residential uses and would
not detract from the quality of life enjoyed by neighbors;
-the use would not detract from the rural character of the area;
-the use has adequate access to utilities;
-the use does not locate in an area that is environmentally sensitive.
Agriculture
As was noted at the beginning of this chapter,
agriculture has been an integral part of
17
Currituck's economy. However, like other rural
areas across the country, the role of agriculture
in Currituck's economy is shrinking. Between
1982 and 1992, the number of farms in Currituck
County has decreased by 37% and the amount

of land in farms decreased by 23%. Of the
farms remaining in Currituck, the average size
Increased by 23% (see Table 3F).
Table 3E
Description _
Agricultural
1982
Summary
1987
Percent Change
1992 (1982199ZJ
Number of Farms
143
106
90
-37%
Land in Farms (acres)
53,911
47,382
41,760
-23%
Average Size of Farm
377
447
464
+23%
Farms by Size
1 to 9 acres
9
17
14
+55 %
10 to 49 acres
36
13
14
-61 %
50 to 179 acres
28
21
21
-25%
180 to 499 acres
33
26
17
-48%
500 to 999 acres
22
14
8
-64%
1,000 acres or more
15
15
16
+6%
Source: Census of Agriculture
Much of the farmland being taken out of
production has been converted into residential
subdivisions to accommodate growth.
Between 1985 and 1990, more than 710 acres of
farmland was subdivided for residential
development.
As the County's population continues to grow,
conversion of farmland to residential
subdivisions will persist. Among the concerns
this trend raises is the loss of prime agricultural
farmland. According to Currituck's soil survey,
slightly over 6% of the county is designated as
prime agricultural farmland (Figure 3G). These
soils are among those best suited for septic
tank absorption fields; the primary type of
sanitary facilities located on the mainland. All
totaled, prime agricultural soils represent 28%
of the soils best suited for development in the
County. Many tools exist to help preserve
prime agricultural farmland including land
banking, conservation easements, cluster
subdivisions, and transfer of development
rights.
Table 3 G
Prime Agricultural Solis - Currltuck County
Soil Twe % of Currituck Land Area
Altavista fine sandy loam 1.6
Bojac loamy sand 1.4
Munden loamy sand 1.2
State fine loamy sand (0-6% slopes) 2.0
Source: Soil Survey of Currituck County, North Carolina
Of the various tools available to preserve
farmland, cluster subdivisions holds great
promise for Currituck County. The cluster
W.,
concept allows development of land at or
slightly above conventional densities for the
entire tract, but permits construction to be
1
t

clustered into a portion of the property. For
instance, instead of having 40 one- acre lots
covering an entire tract, it would be permissible
to have 40 one-half acre lots covering only half
of the tract while leaving the remaining 20 acres
perpetually available for farming or open
space. This would allow a farmer to receive a
return on the land while at the same time
preserve the most productive agricultural lands
or perhaps important wildlife habitat. Further,
clustering will help maintain the rural character
of Currituck County by providing permanent
open space in the community.
Environmental impacts of farming continue to
receive a great deal of attention. Concern
centers around the runoff of pesticides and
fertilizers into surface waters and high erosion
rates. The results include sedimentation,
nutrient enrichment, and the introduction of
toxic substances into surface waters.
Currituck County has been fortunate in that local
farmers have always shown a deep respect for
the land. As a result, agricultural pollution to the
sounds and rivers has been minimized. For
Instance, many local farms have used forms of
conservation tillage, mainly no -till, to stop run-
off from cultivated land (plant new crops in
between stalks from previous year).
Other Best Management Practices (BMP's) that
have been used In Currituck County include
water control structures, critical area seeding
(i.e., along ditches) and waste management
systems such as hog lagoons. All of these
BMP's reduce sediment delivery which in turn
keeps nutrients and pesticides from entering
water bodies. With the use of proper farming
techniques and Best Management Practices,
agricultural pollution of surface waters in
Currituck County will be minimized.
GOAL 3.2: CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURAL USES IN THOSE AREAS BEST SUITED FOR FARMING
AND TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES THAT ARE SENSITIVE TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
Stratea ies
1. Promote the use of cluster development (Planned Residential Development - PRD, Open Space
Subdivisions, Planned Unit Development - PUD) in order to preserve the land best suited for
farming;
2. Promote the use of farming Best Management Practices.
Extroction Activities
As was stated earlier, employment in Currituck
County's construction industry grew by 109%
between 1984 and 1994. Associated with this
increase in growth is an expansion of
extraction activities, namely the mining of clay
and sand, to support area construction
projects.
As of January of 1990, there were 23 mining sites
in Currituck County listed as active or inactive
by the State of North Carolina. While the
expansion of extractionactivities has had a
positive effect on the local economy, it is
important that such activities not have adverse
impacts on adjoining properties and Currituck
County's environment.
Currently, both the state and sounty regulate
extraction activities. The county regulates
through conditional use permits and the State
through a mining permit process administered
by the Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources. In 1991, Currituck County
amended the Unified Development Ordinance
by adding a provision that mining operations
shall comply with all state standards as well as
county standards. By so doing, if a violation of
state standards occurs, Currituck officials will be
able to respond quickly to address the
problem. The state agency responsible for
enforcement of mining standards is also
responsible for the inspection of dams and
administration of state erosion control
regulations making timely response to alleged
violation difficult.
�
19

2/-"-
GOAL 3.3: TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE EXTRACTION Of MINERALS TO SUPPORT GROWTH PROVIDED
EXTRACTION ACTIVITIES HAVE A MINIMUM IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURROUNDING
PROPERTIES.
Strate _ ies:
1. Continue to enforce the Unified Development Ordinance in order to limit potential negative
impacts mines may have on the environment and surrounding properties (i.e., drainage, erosion,
noise, visual impact, etc.).
Tourism
As was previously mentioned, retail sales in
Currituck County has risen significantly over the
last ten years. Between 1985 and 1995, retail
sales in Currituck County increased by 108%.
Much of this increase is related to the growth of
the tourism industry in Currituck County. With it's
natural amenities and location between the
Outer Banks and Hampton Roads Virginia„ the
role of tourism in Currituck County's economy is
expected to grow.
According to the Currituck County Thoroughfare
Plan, there were an average of 11,646 vehicles in
1987 traveling along US Highway 158 and NC
Highway 168 each day during the summer
season. On weekends, peak traffic counts
reached over 23,000 vehicles per day. By 1993,
summer weekend traffic reached nearly 30,000
vehicles per day on US 158 and NC 168. Most of
these vehicles contain out-of-state visitors
traveling to the Outer Banks for vacation. If
information were made available to these
visitors about areas of interest in Currituck County
such as the Lighthouse, Old County Jail; and
Whalehead Club, the result would be further
increases in tourist dollars being spent in
Currituck County.
Forming partnerships to promote the area Is
another method that can be used to increase
tourism. Existing organizations such as the Outer
Banks Chamber of Commerce, the Corolla
Business Association and the Northeastern North
Carolina Development Commission can and do
provide excellent vehicles to promote tourism.
Formation of a Currituck County Chamber of
Commerce may also help form local
partnerships which could benefit not only the
tourism industry, but the business community as
a whole. An excellent example of cooperation
is a joint effort by several area golf courses and
hotels that have put together golf packages to
lure tourists dollars into the area.
One of the most ambitious tourist attraction
projects underway at this time is the creation of
the Currituck Wildlife Museum, Currituck County
acquired the Whalehead Club, a magnificent
gunning club on the Currituck Sound in Corolla, to
house the wildlife museum. Acquisition of
exhibits has already begun and building
preservation efforts are well underway. The
museum will provide visitors and residents alike
an important glimpse of Currituck County's rich
cultural heritage.
GOAL 3.4 CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE ROLE TOURISM PLAYS IN CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strateales
1. Continued support of the Currituck Wildlife Museum;
2. Provide information about Currituck County at the existing state rest stop facility south of Coinjock.
3. Promote local and regional cooperation in order to enhance tourism.
FM
1
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1
A
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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Commercial and Recreotlonol Fishing
and Hunting
An important part of the tourism industry in
Currituck County is recreational fishing and
hunting activities. For decades, people from all
over the country have been coming to
Currituck County to hunt and fish. Exclusive
hunting clubs, such as the Wholehead Club
and the Currituck Shooting Club, were
constructed on islands and on the Outer Banks.
Some local residents continue to earn money
today as guides for hunting parties and as
caretakers for club properties.
While fishing and hunting still remain an
important aspect of life in Currituck, long time
residents describe how waterfowl and fish
populations have been declining over the
years. Some of the decline is associated with
natural processes while part of it can be
attributed to the development of land causing
a reduction in water quality and a loss of wildlife
habitat.
Protection of the county's sounds and
adjoining tributaries from pollution is critical to
hunting and fishing activities. Increased water
turbidity due to construction activity, runoff of
agricultural pesticides and fertilizers, and
removal of vegetative buffers between
development and water bodies are just a few
activities that have an adverse impact on
wildlife and aquatic species alike.
One tool used to protect the natural
environment is conservation easements. The
purpose of a conservation easement is to
establish limits on the development of sensitive
lands (i.e., land providing wildlife habitat and
land which filters -out pollutants of water prior to
reaching the sound). If a conservation
easement were to exist, the property owner
would relinquish rights to developing that land in
return for some monetary relief by way of
reduced taxes. An example of how tax relief
for a conservation easement would work is
provided below (fable 3H).
The extent of waterfowl and fish population
decline attributable to development is
unknown. What is known is that development
sensitive to water quality and mindful of wildlife
habitat can have a positive effect on
maintaining the historical and economic
significance hunting and fishing has had in
Currituck County.
Table 3H
Example of Federal Income Tax Deduction
For a Gonservation Easement
Land value @ highest development potential
(current fair market value)
$40,000
Less Value after granting conservation
easement
-36,000
Value of easement
4,000
Yearly adjusted gross income
15,000
30% of yearly income (maximum deduction
allowed by IRS)
4,500
Total income tax deduction allowed due to
granting of conservation easement
$4,000
21

1
GOAL 3.5: MAINTAIN THE ECONOMIC AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMERCIAL AND
RECREATIONAL FISHING AND HUNTING IN CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strate . ies
1. Improve the quality of the sounds and adjoining tributaries;
2. Encourage the preservation of wildlife habitat by promoting cluster development,
3. Promote conservation easements allowing a landowner to maintain title to the property but
prohibit development of sensitive areas in exchange for financial consideration.
Commercial Forestry
Commercial harvesting of timber is a major
activity In eastern North Carolina including
Currituck County. Given the vital functions forests
serve in coastal areas, such as maintaining high
water quality and providing wildlife habitat, it is
critical that commercial timber harvesting be
done in a responsible manner.
The North Carolina Forest Service has
established Best Management Practices
(BMP's) to ensure commercial foresting
activities are sensitive to the environment.
These practices include guidelines on such
issues as erosion, pesticides, fertilizer
applications, shading of water bodies,
rehabilitation of sites, and haul road
construction. Failure to comply with BMP's could
result in the Forest Service assessing substantial
fines.
In addition to establishing BMP's, the Forest
Service implements a program to encourage
reforestation of cleared land. Through this
program, the Forest Service offers to pay 40% of
the costs for reforesting properties that are
commercially logged.
The federal government is also involved in
commercial timber harvesting. When timbered
land contains 404 wetlands, the Corps of
Engineers is responsible for ensuring logging
practices do not conflict with 404 wetland
regulations.
GOAL 3.6: TO ENSURE COMMERCIAL TIMBER HARVESTING IS DONE IN A MANNER THAT HAS
MINIMAL IMPACT TO THE ENVIRONMENT. .
Strategies:
1. Commercial timber harvesting shall adhere to best management practices established by the
North Carolina Forest Service and comply with 404 wetland regulations.
22

Introduction
Currituck County's transportation network is
affected by 3 unique features: 1) no
incorporated cities within the county, 2) peak
traffic during summer months, and 3) physical
constraints of the land.
State law allows roads to be controlled by one
of three entities: 1) North Carolina, 2)
incorporated cities, or 3) private control Since
Currituck County has no incorporated cities, all
streets within the county or either maintained
by the state or are under private control.
Unlike most areas, Currituck County's peak
traffic is, not at 8 AM and 5 PM each weekday.
As a tourist destination, Currituck's peak traffic
occurs in the summer months, particularly on
Saturdays and Sundays. This can be
illustrated by traffic counts taken at the
Virginia/North Carolina border. Average
Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) in 1990 in this area
was 9,900 vehicles per day. However, during a
July summer weekend, traffic counts nearly
reached 28,000 vehicles per day. Residents
often adjust plans to avoid summer traffic jams
Physical constraints of Currituck County's
geography defines the county's
transportation network. Knotts Island is only
accessible through Virginia and by ferry to the
Currituck County Courthouse. The only access
to Gibbs Woods is through Virginia. Currituck
County's Outer Banks is accessed through NC
12 in Dare County. The presence of the North
Landing River, Currituck and Albemarle
Sounds, and various swamps and wetlands
limits access on the mainland to a relatively
narrow strip oriented in a north south direction.
These physical constraints substantially
narrow the focus of transportation issues but
also limit potential solutions transportation
23
problems. Therefore, it is imperative that
Currituck County and North Carolina work
together to ensure Currituck's existing
transportation network is developed in a way
to maximize its functional life span.
1988 Thoroughfare Plan
In June of 1988, the North Carolina Department
of Transportation completed the Currituck
County Thoroughfare Plan. This plan
examined existing road systems and
analyzed growth trends in the county. Based
on data collected, a recommended
thoroughfare plan was prepared describing
the function roads should serve throughout
Currituck (Figure 4.1). Roads in Currituck are
classified as follows:
MINOR ARTERIALS - links cities, towns, and
major resorts and generally serve as
interstate travel corridors. Roads in this
category include: NC 168 and US 158.
MAJOR COLLECTORS - connect populated
areas to the arterial system. Roads in this
category include: NC 34, NC 615, NC 12 and
SR 1140 from US 158 across the proposed
mid -sound bridge.
MINOR COLLECTORS - provide links for local
traffic. Roads in this category include: NC
3, SR 1131, SR 1142, SR 1246, SR 1242, SR 1222,
SR 1227, SR 1218, and SR 1147.
LOCAL ROADS - provide access to higher
classification roads listed above. All roads
not listed above are considered local
roads.
The 1988 Thoroughfare Plan identified the
functional life span of 13 bridges in Currituck

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CURRITUCK COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
{{ � NORTH CUM" WARTMENT OF TMNSPORTATION
e ' •��' q. 1 oms,o« a ..eawus-n.w.w •«o nsr..c« w..rn
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County whose sufficiency ratings were low
' enough to qualify for Federal Bridge
Replacement Funds. In addition, the plan
recommended 7 different improvements to
the road system. These recommendations
were based on projected traffic counts and
existing capacity of critical streets see
Appendix M. Those recommendations and
their current status are listed in Figure 4.2.
Figure 4.2
1988 THOROUGHFARE PLAN
RECOMMENDATIONS
1 NC 168 - widen to 5 lanes (under
construction)
2. US 158 from Barco to the Wright
Memorial Bridge - widen to 5 lanes
(complete)
3. US 158 from Camden to Barco - widen
to 4-lane divided (Listed in
Transportation Improvement
Program)
4. NC 12 from Dare to Corolla - widen to 3
lanes (not in Transportation
Improvement Program)
5. Wright Memorial Bridge - widen to 4
lanes (complete)
6. New mid -sound bridge - 4 lanes (listed
in Transportation Improvement
Program)
7. SR 1242 - widen to 4 lanes (not listed in
Transportation Improvement
Program).
Since 1988, Currituck County has experienced
' significant growth. As a result of this growth,
1
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1
Currituck County is now working with NCDOT to
update the 1988 Thoroughfare Plan. The new
Thoroughfare Plan should be completed in 1997.
NCDOT Transportation
Improvement Program
1997-2003
In June 1996, NCDOT published the Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP). Published yearly,
this plan outlines NCDOT projects planned over
the next seven years for roads, bicycles, and
airports. Figure 4.3 shows the 1997-2003 TIP
improvements for Currituck County.
It is important to highlight that the TIP includes
airport and bicycle projects. Currituck County's
airport has had several improvements in the last
five years including installation of a non
directional beacon and construction of 9
airplane hangers. As Currituck continues to grow,
it is hoped that these and future improvements
will be of benefit when recruiting new industry.
With respect to bicycles, as a tourist area,
Currituck County residents and guests alike could
benefit greatly by having road systems that
accommodate bicycle traffic. Not only is
bicycling one of the most popular recreational
activities in the country, but it also provides a
viable transportation alternative to motor
vehicles. Establishing extra roadway width to
accommodate bicycles at the time roads are
improved is a cost effective way to provide safe
riding areas for cyclists and needed relief of
motoring traffic.
Figure 4.3.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CURRITUCK COUNTY
1997-2003 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
1. Rehabilitate the Wright Memorial Bridge (complete in 1997).
2. Widen US 158 from the Camden County line to the intersection of NC 168 in Barco (identified
as a future need).
3. Widen NC 168 to five -lanes from the Virginia State line to the intersection of US 158 in Barco
(complete in 1999).
4. Construct a new mid -sound bridge over the Currituck Sound (construction to begin in 2000)
5. Replace the following bridges: Bridge # 7 on NC 615 (construction In 2002); Tulis Creek
Bridge (construction in 2000); and Coinjock Bay (under construction).
Airport
1. Clean and seal concrete pavement joints, install aircraft parking apron area lighting and
security fencing (complete in 2000).

1. Mid -Sound Bridge from mainland to Corolla - construct to accommodate bicycle traffic.
2 NC 12 - bicycle and pedestrian path.
3. NC 168 from Barco to the Virginia State line - widen for bicycles.
4. NC 615 - widen for bicycles.
5. US 158 from Camden to Barco - widen for bicycles.
1 Bicycle/Pedestrian facilities are incidental projects and schedules have not been set at this
time.
US 158 t NC 168 Highway
Corridor Plan
Currituck County's 1990 Land Use Plan
recognized the significance US 158 and NC 168
would play in the county's future. The 1990
Land Use Plan established the following goal
for development along NC 168 and US 158:
"Encourage development patterns on
Highway 158/168 that will enhance
economic development in the county, will
be aesthetically pleasing, and will provide
for safe and efficient movement of
traffic."
To accomplish that goal, the Board of
Commissioners appointed a 15 member
advisory committee established specific
recommendations. In May of 1994, the US 158
& NC 168 Highway Corridor Committee
presented its recommendation to the
Currituck County Board of Commissioners.
Since that time, implementation of those
recommendations has begun, including
adoption of on -premise sign regulations and
adoption of driveway regulations for US 158,
NC 168, and Tulis Creek Road.
In all, the US Highway 158 & NC Highway 168
Corridor Plan contained 78 recommendations
ranging from the general (i.e. establish an
appearance awards program) to the
specific (landscaping at a particular
location), One of the most significant features
of the plan in terms of long range impacts is
specific recommendations for local
connector roads and a NC 168 Bypass.
As was previously mentioned, physical
constraints of the land limit potential solutions
to traffic problems. Therefore, it is critical to
extend the functional life of existing roads, in
particular US 158 from Barco to the Wright
Memorial Bridge. Establishing local
connector roads will allow local traffic to
move in a north south direction without having
to utilize and further burden US 158.
The Corridor Plan also recommended
identifying and protecting a bypass route for
NC 168. According to NCDOT officials, under
high growth scenario, traffic volumes on the
road could reach 65,000 vehicles per day in
the year 2016 resulting in a level of service
rating of F (heavily congested flow with traffic
demand exceeding the capacity of the
highway). Rapid growth in this area and the
public's desire not to widen NC 168 to a seven -
lane highway or greater makes timely
identification of a bypass corridor essential.
Figure 4.4 shows road extensions
recommended in the corridor plan.
If the five lane highway of NG 108 and US
158 became too overcrowded in the future,
1396 of the respondents said NG 108 and US
138 should be widen to a seven -lane highway,
5896 said bypass overcrowded roads, and
29% said leave the roads as five -lane
highways.
1996 LAND USE PLAN CITIZEN
SURVEY
A bypass of US 158 was not recommended.
This was based on several factors, including:
physical constraints of land being too narrow
and abundance of wetlands; a bypass would
significantly affect existing development in
the area, and the location of a mid -sound
bridge would help to reduce traffic along a
majority of US 158.
1
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26 1

Another significant recommendation from
the corridor plan involves establishing local
driveway regulations to promote highway
safety. In 1996, the Currituck County Board of
Commissioners adopted driveway
regulations for NC 168, US 158, and Tulls Creek
Road. These standards limit the number and
location of driveways, as well as establish
criteria for right -turn lanes.
NC 168 and US 158 were subject to the new
driveway standards based on the significant
amount of tourist traffic these roads carry and
the location of commercial businesses along
the corridor. Tulls Creek Road was included in
the driveway standards since it is the primary
north/south alternative to NC 168 for local
traffic traveling between Currituck to Moyock.
As time passes, Currituck County must
evaluate the new driveway standards to
assess its effectiveness and determine if it
should be applicable to other important
collector roads in the county.
GOAL 4.1: TO HAVE A TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT EFFECTIVELY, EFFICIENTLY AND SAFELY
MOVES MOTORING AND BICYCLE TRAFFIC THROUGHOUT CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strate ies:
1. Continue to work with NCDOT in updating the 1988 Thoroughfare Plan and implement
recommendations from that plan;
2. Review driveway regulations for effectiveness and determine if they should be
extended to include other important collector roads;
3. Request that the Department of Transportation widen the following roads to
accommodate bicycle traffic:
a) Highway 158 from Belcross (Camden County to Barco),
b) Along NC 12 on the Currituck Outer Banks,
c) On the Mid -County Bridge,
d) NC 615 on Knotts Island,
e) Highway 168 from the Virginia state line to Barco,
f) Tulls Creek Road (SR 1222);
4. Continue implementing recommendations from the US Highway 158 & NC Highway 168
Corridor Plan
Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge
One of the most important transportation
issues facing Currituck County is the proposed
construction of a mid -county bridge.
According to the State's TIP program,
planning for the bridge will be completed in
1998, design will begin in 1998, right-of-way
acquisition will occur from 1998 to 1999, and
construction will begin in 2001. The bridge is
considered essential for Currituck County
based on the need to:
1 Provide safe and timely evacuation of
the Currituck Outer Banks, which now
contains 8,448 platted and proposed
lots within 15 developments.
2. Provide enhanced emergency
medical services. Long delays of
several hours or more during peak
traffic times are common on the Outer
Banks,
3. Enhance law enforcement on the
Outer Banks.
4. Improve transportation of school age
children on the Currituck Outer Banks.
Presently these children attend
schools in Dare County and face up to
four hours of travel time per, day.
5. Provide better access to
governmental services, including the
Health Department, Inspections,
Planning, and Public Works.
6. Enhance revenues of businesses
located on the mainland, particularly
those related to the building trade.
7. Allow greater accessibility for service
workers on the mainland. This would

also benefit unemployment rates in
some of the counties west of Currituck
County.
8. Provide needed relief to US 158 and NC
12 which, by the year 2020 will be
operating at a level of service of "F" if
the bridge is not built according to
NCDOT officials. NC 12 in Southern
Shores was already operating at a
level of Service "F" in 1995,
NCDOT and Its consultants are currently
working on the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement for the Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge.
It is anticipated that this will be completed In
1997 and will include, among other things, the
following: build and no build alternatives for
the bridge, environmental impacts (noise, air
quality, natural systems, hydraulics), and
secondary and cumulative impacts.
Secondary and cumulative impacts are of
particular importance to Currituck County.
With careful forethought and appropriate
land use controls, secondary and cumulative
Impacts of the: mid-Currituck Sound bridge
can be minimized. Issue include, among
other things:
1. Impact on Outer Banks Development: As
was stated above, the Currituck Outer
Banks has 8,448 lots platted or approved in
15 developments. All of the land from
Corolla south has been approved for
development. Most of the land north of
Corolla, accessible by 4-wheel drive
vehicles only, has been approved for
development (3,022 lots). There are
several larger parcels with potential for
development; however, with a minimum
lot size of 120,000 sq. ff. per unit, the
number of potential lots is limited.
Construction of the bridge will not result in
more, dots being approved for
development; rather it will likely result in
Increasing the speed of development on
on lots from Corolla southward that have
already been approved. This raises
concerns over water supplies, traffic
increases, public beach access, strip
commercial development, removal of
vegetation, and an increase of full-time
residents.
WATER SUPPLIES: The Southern Outer
Banks Water Study indicated there is
adequate water supplies in the
acquifer to service the southern outer
banks provided the acquifer is
managed correctly. Currituck County
is In the process of identifying
management strategies Including the
use of reverse osmosis technology to
provide water to this area (see
chapter on County Facilities)
TRAFFIC INCREASES: it is anticipated
that with or without a bridge, the traffic
level of service for NC 12 will be an "F'-
by the year 2020. Therefore, Currituck
County, NCDOT, and Outer Banks
landowners must work closely to
determine how best to address the
inevitable traffic problems that lie
ahead. Provision of bike paths and
avoidance of 5-lanes for NC 12 should
be of particular concern.
PUBLIC BEACH AND SOUND ACCESS:
There is a regional beach access in
Pine Island with restroom facilties and
32 parking spaces, 13 beach
accesses and 5 parking lots in
Whalehead Subdivision, a beach
access with 32 parking spaces at the
Currituck Lighthouse ocean side, a
soundside boardwalk and 32 parking
spaces also at the Currituck
Lighthouse, and the Whalehead Club
with boat slips, 2 sound boardwalks,
boating access and over 20 parking
spaces. There are also several
commercial sound side water related
businesses on the Outer Banks, (i.e.
sailboard and jet -ski rentals). It, is
difficult to assess the number of day
trippers expected on the Currituck
Outer Banks after the bridge is built;
however, it is clear that the County
should work to maintain current public
beach accesses, improve existing
accesses where feasible, and
acquire new sound and ocean
access points when the opportunity
arises.
STRIP COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
County leaders showed great
foresight in adopting Planned Unit
29

Development (PUD) regulations which
all Outer Banks subdivisions along NC
12 were developed under. As a result,
commercial properties within these
PUD's are limited to those areas
Identified on sketch plans (10%
maximum of the total site prior to 1993;
7% maximum after 1993). Strict sign
regulations and landscaping
standards further limit the negative
Impact of commercial development
to the unique character of the
Currituck Outer Banks.
REMOVAL OF VEGETATION: Currituck
County adopted Maritime Forest
Guidelines as a way to inform
developers and homeowners about
the importance of maritime forests in
stabilizing soils, providing wildlife
habitat, protecting freshwater
recharge, and providing hurricane
protection. Brochures are made
available to builders, developers, and
homeowners outlining appropriate
development within maritime forests
and recommendations for
rehabilitating existing forests. This
Information is particularly important to
landowners, many of whom are from
different states and are unfamiliar with
the many benefits of maritime forests.
INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FULL-TIME
RESIDENTS: While it can be expected
that the percentage of full-time Outer
Banks residents will increase as a result
of the Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge
(11 % as of 1990), It is not anticipated
that the number will significantly
increase. This is due to the fact the
Outer Banks will still be a significant
distance from major employment
centers and dwelling construction/lot
costs are not geared toward year-
round family occupancy (52% of the
homes built in 1995 were over 5,000 sq.
ft. in areaj. There is a potential for
more retirement age residents
although the lack of easily accessible
medical facilities could be a
hindrance.
2. Impact on Mainland Development:
Construction of a mid -sound bridge will
also have consequences for
development on the Currituck mainland.
Concerns include the speed of
development, impact on the character
and environment, Impact on
communities located in proximity to the
bridge, commercial development where
US 158 will intersect with the bridge access,
and impact on commercial business
located south of the mid -sound bridge.
SPEED OF DEVELOPMENT: In 1994,
Currituck County adopted a provision
whereby developments could be
turned -down if county facilities are
deem inadequate to service the
development; i.e. adequate pubic
facilities. That standard provides
Currituck County an important tool to
effectively manage development in a
fiscally responsible manner. Vigilant
review and adjustments to the
adequate public. facilities provision is
needed to maintain it's effectiveness.
IMPACT ON CHARACTER AND
ENVIRONMENT: In 1995, Currituck
County increased the minimum lot size
In the agricultural zone, comprising
approximately 80% of Currituck
County's mainland, to one unit per
three acres. This lower density zoning
will help keep densities down to a level
consistent with Currituck's rural
character. In addition Currituck
adopted common open space
subdivisions option that mandates at
least 50% of the sites natural resources
be permanently protected. Density
bonuses are provided to developers
choosing the open design standards.
Common open space subdivisions
standards are an excellent tool to
preserve Currituck's rural character
and sensitive environmental areas.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES NEAR
BRIDGE: NCDOT estimates the mid -
sound bridge could carry up to 25.200
vehicles per peak summer weekend
day in the year 2020. The physical
location of the bridge, combined with
projected traffic levels will impact the
community where the mainland
landing is located, be It Waterlilly,
30

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Aydlett or Poplar Branch. In order to vpd average summer traffiic) in the
minimize impacts, it is recommended year 2020. According to traffic
that access be limited from the mid- forecasts, there will be more traffic on
sound bridge into local communities US 158 south of the mid -sound bridge
which is consistent with all alignment once it is completed than there is now
alternatives being considered by without the mid -sound bridge.
NCDOT. Further, commercial Therefore, construction of the mid -
development where , the bridge sound bridge should not adversely
access road intersects with US 158 affect buisnesses on US 158 south of
should be of high quality with limited the bridge. In addition, if the bridge is
access. Recently adopted driveway not built, NCDOT projects US 158 north
standards will be beneficial in this of the Wright Memorial Bridge will be
regard. at a level of service "F" during the
peak summer season. The consensus
IMPACT ON BUSINESSES LOCATED of business owners during the Highway
SOUTH OF MID -SOUND BRIDGE: NCDOT Corridor Study was that the traveling
anticipates the mid -sound bridge will public does not stop at businesses
carry approximately 22% of the when itis in traffic jams. Therefore,
average summer daily traffic heading construction of the mid -sound bridge
to the beach (12,200 vpd average may help businesses located along
summer traffic) and the Wright the southern section of US 158.
Memorial Bridge will carry 78% (43,200
GOAL 4.2 TO PROVIDE FOR TIMELY EVACUATION OF RESIDENTS AND GUESTS ON THE CURRITUCK
OUTER BANKS DURING MAJOR STORM EVENTS AND IMPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND AVAILABILITY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES.
Strategies:
1. Support construction of a mid -county bridge that will have a minimum impact on the Outer
Banks and the Currituck County mainland.
2. Work with NCDOT and area residents to determine the best transportation alternetives for
traffic on the Outer Banks.
GOAL 4.3 TO ENSURE THE CURRITUCK MID -SOUND BRIDGE HAS MINIMUM IMPACT ON THE
CURRITUCK OUTER BANKS AND THE CURRITUCK MAINLAND.
Strategies:
1. Complete the water study for the Currituck Outer Banks and take the necessary steps to
Implement recommendations to ensure adequate water supplies.
2. Maintain and improve existing public beach and sound accesses on the Currituck Outer
Banks. Where feasible, acquire new public beach and sound accesses.
3. Continue to enforce PUD regulations limiting commercial development on the Outer Banks,
4. Continue to advise residents, contractors, and developers about the benefits of vegetation
on the Outer Banks.
5. Currituck County should continue to enforce the Adequate Public Facilties standard and
adjust as needed to maintain it's effectiveness.
b. Limit, access from the Currituck Mid -Sound Bridge into local communites on the Currituck
Mainland.
31

7. Currituck County should continue to encourage developers to use the common open
space development standards to better preserve Currituck's fragile environment and rural
character.
8. Currituck County should continue to keep densities low in order to help protect the rural
charater of the area.
9. Approve development where the Currituck Mid -Sound Bridge intersects with US 158 that is of
high quality Interms of safety and design.
10. Assist in promoting Currituck mainland businesses on the Outer Banks once the mid -sound
bridge is complete.
North Beaches
Of all the transportation issues facing Currituck
County, perhaps none is more complex or as
controversial than providing access to the
North Beaches. Today, improved access is
available from Dare County to Corolla.
However, north of this improved access are
3,020 platted lots containing 310 residential
structures. The only access available to this
area is by way of the beach.
These lots were platted in the late 1970's in
anticipation of a road from Virginia serving
the area. However, there is a national wildlife
refuge and a state park in this section of
Virginia and no access road will be available
(access through the refuge and park is limited
to a small number of people who have
historically used this access and their permits
cannot be passed on to others).
An interior access road to the north beaches
from Corolla is not possible at this time due to
the location of several wildlife refuges and an
estuarine research reserve (Figure 4.5). Such
an access road would be contrary to the
purposes these programs serve.
The lack of an improved north beach access
poses obvious problems to the county and
residents of the area. These problems
include timely evacuation during storms, the
provision of basic County services such as
solid waste pick-up, schooling, emergency
services, and increased traffic along
recreational beaches. However,
environmental concerns of providing a north
beach access cannot be overstated.
Careful thought and analysis must be done on
this sensitive issue to best serve the needs of
all concerned.
GOAL 4.4: TO PROVIDE A SAFE MEANS OF ACCESS NORTH OF COROLLA THAT WILL HAVE A
NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
Strate ies:
1. Continue to monitor development on the Currituck Beaches north of Corolla and explore
the potential for improving access to the area.
Related to the Issue of beach access is the road vehicle traffic has increased to a point
use of off -road vehicles. With increased where public safety has the potential of being ,
construction on the Outer Banks and the compromised.
growing popularity of the north beaches, off -
GOAL 4.5: TO ALLOW THE USE OF OFF -ROAD VEHICLES IN A SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER ON
THE CURRITUCK OUTER BANKS.
Strategies:
1. Continue to enforce the existing Outer Banks Vehicular and Barrier Strand Ordinance.
32
1
1
1

Figure y.s
Curritu ck Outer Bps
M ajor Land DeveRcIpme nt Areas
and Nature Reservations
A,
r-
�Y
y
cl�
�swo
c%
p �d
c n —
1
NATURE
CONSERVANCY
a
" 2
a WA
OFOUA
OCEAN HILL
VILLAGES AT
o
OCEAN HILL
canim
1
SHIPS WATCH
OCEAN SANDS
O
'
� P
OENM
0 c tTj
`` ipAwr io 0
J
`� �\
BACK BAY NW.R.
FALSE CAPE
STATE PARK
CAROVA BEACH
N. SWAN BEACH
MISC. PVT. OWNERSHIP
CURRITUCK NAT'L
WILDLIFE REFUGE
SWAN BEACH
SEAGULL
MISC. PVT. OWNERSHIP
OCEAN BEACH
CURRITUCK BANKS
NAT'L WILDLIFE
REFUGE
CURRITUCK BANKS
NATI_ ESTUARINE
RESEARCH RESERVE
COROLLA VILLAGE I
COROLLA LIGHT
WHALEHEAD /
MONTERAY SHORES
SPINDRIFT
CURRITUCK / PINE
ISLAND SHOOTING
CLUBS
NATIONAL AUDUBON
SOCIETY PINE
ISLAND SANCTUARY
PINE ISLAND

Develooement Activity added to the January 1990 figure, residential
development occupies 6,790 acres or 81% of
Although the number of jobs created in Currituck County's developed land at then end
Currituck County is growing faster than the of 1995.
' population rate (see Chapter on Economy),
the vast majority of land developed in the Since 1990, the percentage of land developed
county is for residential uses. In fact, the for commercial purposes has dropped by 1%
percentage of land developed for residential (from 7% to 6%). The percentage of land
purposes versus non-residential purposes has developed for recreational purposes and
increased between 1990 and 1995 (fable 5A). industrial purposes has remained the same
between 1990 and 1995 (4 % and 1 %
As of January 1990, residential development respectively). Govenrment, utilities and
occupied 4,875 acres or 78% of the institutional land uses occupy only 8% of the
developed land: in Currituck County: Between developed land in Currituck County as of 1995
1990 and 1995 alone, an additional 1,915 acres versus 10% in 1990. Figure 5.1 shows existing
of land was developed for residential land use in the county as of December, 1995.
purposes accounting for 86% of the land
developed between that time period. When
Table 5A
Developed Land
Currituck County, 1.g95
Acres Acres
Acres To 1995
No Land Use
To 1990 (/0) 1990-1995(%)
Total (%)
Residential
4,875(78) 1,915 (86)
' 6,790 (81)
Commercial
409 (7) 126 (6)
535 (6)
Industrial
54 (1) 2 (>1)
56 (1)
Recreational
237 (4) 123 (6)
360 (4)
Gvmmt./Util./Inst.
638(10) 61 (D
699_ (�
Total
6,213 (100) 2227 (100)
8,440 (100)
The Poplar Branch -Outer Banks area had the Moyock-Mainland had approximately 100 lots
highest number of lots approved for approved for development during that same
development between 1991 and 1995 (400) by time period. Moyock-Gibbs Woods, Fruitville-
a four -to -one margin over the next highest Knotts Island, and Fruitville-Outer Banks had
sub -township (Table 5B). The areas of the fewest number of lots approved for
Crawford, Poplar Branch -Mainland, and development. When compared with Table
34

9vRc 5.
i
y
N
•
u
P
0
• : • inn � 6 ->s
.-
LAND USE MAP
(EXISTING LAND USE)
LEGEND
a4
Residential/Recreational
f•
-01
) • .X•� yo ',
,
•
\ e
• Commerical
. ••': �
Industrial
r
Governmental
q

' 5C, it is clear that the number of lots created by
sub -township is far below the number of
residential, dwellings: constructed in each
Table 56
area. This reflects the large number of
subdivision lots previously approved in each
of these areas.
Subdivision Lots Approved
1991-1995
Location/Year
1991 1992
1993 1994 1995 TOTAL
Fruitville-Knotts Island
0 0
1 4 4 9
Fruitville-Outer Banks
0 8
0 0 0 8
Moyock-Mainland
22 37
14 9 1 93
Moyock-Gibbs Woods
0 14
0 0 0 14
Crawford
0 78
5 18 0 101
Pop. Branch -Mainland
0 29
16 19 32 96
Pop. Branch -Outer Banks
42 75
82 96 105 400
TOTAL
64 241
118 146 142 721
Residential
Land Use
Between 1991 and 1994, there was a steady
increase in the total number of residential
Figure 5.2 charts the total number of residential
building permits issued topping -out in 1994 with
building permits issued
by year from 1985 to
482 residential permits. The number of building
1995. This table also graphically illustrates the
permits issued in 1995 decreased to the 1992
breakdown of permits
by sub -township for
residential permit level with 396 permits being
each of those years.
issued. A majority of the decrease can be
attributed to fewer homes being built in the
Poplar Branch -Outer Banks area (247 permits in
1994 versus 182 permits in 1995).
y 500
E
4) 450
a
400
350
c
300
ul 250
200
° 150
100
50
Z 0
Residential Permits: 1985 To 1995
- 1A -( n co 0) O ,- - N M. V N
co oD co co 03 0 0) o) 0) o) o)
01 0) - O) a) 0) 0) O) 0) O) Q 03.
V a"
A Poplar Branch -Outer Banks
Poplar Branch -Mainland
Fruitville-Outer Banks
Fruitville-Knotts Island
Crawford
❑ Moyock-Gibbs Woods
i>• Moyock-Mainland
In terms of number of residential dwelling 1995, Poplar Branch Township was by far the
permits issued by township between 1985 and fastest growing section of Currituck County with
36

1,580 units. Table 5C .lists the number of
Table 5C
Totol Residential Units Built 1985-1995
POPLAR BRANCH -OUTER BANKS 1,580
MOYOCK-MAINLAND 616
POPLAR BRANCH -MAINLAND 545
CRAWFORD 463
FRUITVILLE-KNOTTS ISLAND 156
FRUITVILLE-OUTER BANKS 128
MOYOCK-GIBBS WOODS 37
TOTAL RESIDENTIAL PERMITS 3,525
It by su
In order to more accurately determine future
residential land area needs, the average per
dwelling lot size was determined by sub -
Table 5D
AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL LOT SIZE
1900-1005
(Square Feet)
POPLAR BRANCH -MAINLAND: 98,355 SF
MOYOCK-GIBBS WOODS 82764 SF
CRAWFORD 81,525 SF
MOYOCK-MAINLAND 77,638 SF
FRUITVILLE-KNOTTS ISLAND 54,450 SF
FRUITVILLE-OUTER BANKS 23,854 SF
POPLAR BRANCH -OUTER BANKS 17,281 SF
While the Poplar Branch -Outer Banks (PB-OB)
had the greatest number of residential
building permits Issued, Moyock-Mainland
(M-ML) had the most land area used for
residential development between 1990 and
1995 at 565 acres (Figure 5.3). Poplar Branch -
Mainland (PB-ML) had the next highest
amount of land developed for residential
purposes (499 acres), followed by Crawford
(C) at 408 acres, Poplar Branch -Outer Banks
(PB-OB) at291 acres, Fruitville-Knotts Island (F-
KI) at 90 acres, Moyock-Gibbs Woods (M-
GW) at 38 acres and Fruitville-Outer Banks (F-
OB) at 23 acres.
township between 1990 and 1995. The results
from largest average lot size to smallest
average lot size is shown in Table 5D.
The average residential lot size in Poplar
Branch -Mainland between 1990 and 1995 was
just over 2 acres. Lots sizes in Moyock-Gibbs
Woods, Crawford and Moyock-Mainland
averaged just under 2 acres in size during that
some time period. The large lot sizes reflect
the construction of single-family dwellings on
lots of 3-10 acres which substantially raises the
averge lot size in these areas.
Knotts Island's average residential lot size
between 1990 and 1995 was 54,450 sq. ft. which
is relatively close to the minimum 40,000 sq. ft,

I
� i
1
lot size predominate in Knotts Island. A
majority of land within Fruitville-Outer Banks was
platted in the 1970's when the minimum size
was 20,000 sq. ft. thereby accounting for an
average lot size of 23,854 sq. ft.. The average
lot size in Poplar Branch -Outer Banks was 17,281
sq. ft. In area even though the minimum lot size
for Planned Unit Developments, which occupy
most of the area, is 10,000 sq. ft.. This larger lot
size reflects the trend on the Outer Banks of
building larger homes that are rented by more
than one family.
In terms of total number of residential major
subdivsion lots approved that do not have
dwellings on them, Poplar Branch -Outer Banks
(PB-OB) has the highest number with 3,623,
followed by Fruitville-Outer Banks (F-OB) with
2723, Poplar Branch -Mainland (PB-ML) with
1,647, Moyock-Mainland (M-M) with 850,
Crawford (C) wth 523, Moyock-Gibbs Woods
(M-GW) with 82 and Fruitville-Knotts Island (F-
KI) with 67. It is important to note that approved
major subdivision lots does not mean all
Improvements have been installed and the lot
is ready for development; it simply means the
county has given at least initial approval for
the development to procede thorough the
subdivsion process (Figure 5.4).
Figure 5.4
Approved
Major
Subdivision
Lots &
Dwellings
Constructed:
July
1996
6000-10
L 5000
d
,a
E 4000
Z
❑ Approved Lots
3 0 0 0
c 2000
El Existing Dwellings
1000
0
M-M
M-GW C
PB-M PB-OB F-KI
F-OB
Residential Housina Stoc
A detailed housing survey was conducted in
1990. Part of the survey included a visual
identification of the housing stock condition.
Houses were listed as . standard (good
condition), substandard (livable condition but
in need of some repairs) and dilapidated
(unlivable condition). Table 5E shows the
results of that survey.
01i
Affordable Housing
As a coastal community, Currituck County has
experienced a tremendous increase in land
values and housing prices. Today, lots 30,000
to 40,000 square feet in area without water
access typically sell for between $20,000 to
$27,000. In 1980, the average construction price `
of housing in Currituck County was $35,420;
whereas, in .1995 the average construction
price by sub -township can be founnd in Table
5F.

Table 5E
Housing Survey of Gurrituck County,
April 1000
Number of
% of Total
Housing Condition (%)
Houses Tme
Housing Units
Housing
Std.
Sub Std.
Dilp.
Single -Family
4,774
65.2
90
7
3
Double -wide
Mobile Home
706
9.6
86
14
<1
Single -wide
Mobile Home
1,646
22.5
61
34
5
Apartments/
Townhornes
27
1
Totals
7,327
100.0%
83%
14%
3 %
Table 5F
Average Housing Cost of New
Single -Family Dwelling: 10.95
Moyock-Mainland:
$90,517
Moyock-Gibbs Woods:
$68,434
Poplar Branch -Mainland:
$85,546
Poplar Branch -Outer Banks
$264,561
Crawford
$86,081
Fruiville-Knotts Island
$85,890
Fruitville-Outer Banks
$143,441
Given land and construction costs of today,
finding affordable housing is becoming more
difficult for the average family.
Multi-family/townhouse development is one
housing alternative that is often more
affordable than conventionally built single-
family dwellings. As of 1990, apartments and
townhouse development represented only
2.7% of the housing stock in Currituck County.
Another affordable housing alternative to
conventionally built single-family dwellings is
mobile homes. Currituck County permits
double -wide mobile homes meeting certain
appearance criteria (i.e., masonry
foundation, roof pitch, etc.) in all residential
zoning districts. Class "B" mobile homes (built
after July 1, 1976) are permitted in existing
mobile home parks, on large lots in limited
39
circumstances, and for temporary
replacement of a condemned home. Class
"C" mobile homes (built before July 1, 1976) are
no longer permitted in Currituck County.
Planned Unit Development (PUD's), Planned
Residential Development (PRD's), and Open
Space Subdivision regulations provide
additional tools that can be used to help
reduce the cost of housing. There are two
ways that housing costs can be lowered. First,
Planned Unit Developments and Planned
Residential Developments _ allow higher
densities (three units per acre) than do
conventional subdivisions (approximately
one unit per acre) thereby reducing land
costs. In addition, PUD's, PRD's, and Open
Space Subdivisions allow dwellings to locate
on smaller lots that help reduce infrastructure
costs (shorter roads, shorter water lines, less
lighting, etc.). These savings can in turn be
passed along to homeowners.
In order to encourage the private sector to
provide affrodable housing, some
communities offer density bonus incentives for
developers if a certain percentage of homes
within a development are set -aside for low or
moderate income families. This is commonly
referred to as Inclusionary zoning. One of the
advantages of such a policy is that affordable
housing units can be spread throughout the
subdivision as opposed to being
concentrated In pockets.

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GOAL 5.1: ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN A MANNER THAT MINIMIZES
THE IMAPCT ON SURROUNDING AREAS.
IStrateaies:
1. Continue the present mobile home policy of allowing double-wides meeting specific
appearance criteria by right in all residential zoning districts; allowing Class "B" mobile homes
(built after July 1, 1976) in existing mobile home parks and on large lots in limited circumstances
and for temporary replacement of a condemned home; and prohibiting class "C" mobile homes
(built before July 1, 1976);
2. Continue to promote Planned Unit Developments (PUD's), Planned Residential Developments
(PRD's) and Open Space Subdivisions.
3. Explore the need to provide affordable housing in Currituck County and, if needed, identifiy
incentives to help encourage the private sector to provide such housing.
4. Carefully evaluate the impact of existing and proposed development standards (i.e. Adequate
Public Facilties regulations, Impact Fees) on providing affordable housing.
An important part of providing affordable
housing to the community is the revitalization
of existing neighborhoods that are in a state of
decline. By providing funds and technical
assistance, many homes identified as
substandard in the Land Use Survey could be
upgraded to standard condition.
The County was previously involved in
providing needed infrastructure
(water/sewer) improvements in the Newtown
neighborhood of Moyock Township. Currently
the county is working with the Albermarle
Commission in upgrading substandard
housing throught the Scattered Site Housing
Rehablilitation Program.
GOAL 5.2: TO CONTINUE TO REVITALIZE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE
SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE RESIDENTS OF CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strate _ ies:
1. Continue particiaption in programs to help rehabilitate substandard housing in Currituck County.
Table 5G
ESTIMATED ACRES
TO BE
DEVELOPED:
1996-2005
I. ndlbe
AcresNeeded
Residential
3,736
Commercial .
276
Industrial
46
Recreational
185
Gvernment/ Utilities
369
Total
4,612
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Future Land Use Needs
To determine future land use needs, the
average residential lot size by sub -township
was multiplied by the estimated number of
dwellings to be constucted by sub -township
between 1996 and 2005. Further, it was
assumed that the current ratio of residential
land area to nonresidential land area will
remain constant (Table 5G).
The Currituck County Soil Survey was referred
to to obtain a conservative estimate of how
much developable land is available assuming

on -site septic systems are utilized (the only
method of sewage disposal used except in
PUD's on the Outer Banks and mobile home
parks on the mainland). According to the
survey, of the 174,720 acres in Currituck County,
22% or 38,438 acres is listed as being suitable to
provisionally suitable for on -site septic
systems.
Assuming all 8,440 acres of developed land in
the County is on suitable to provisionally
suitable soils (see Table 5A), 29,998 acres of
soil capable of accepting on -site septic
systems is available for future development as
of December, 1995. For the ten year planning
period, it is estimated that an additional 4,612
acres of land will be needed. Therefore, there
is ample developable land to accommodate
growth anticipated by the year 2005 (note:
figures provided are conservative based on
the following: not all developed land is on
suitable to provisionally suitable soils; some
areas listed as unsuitable for septic systems
may be deemed provisionally suitable based
on an on -site evaluation; it is possible to build
on land unsuitable for septic systems and
pump sewerage to soils that are suitable - i.e.,
using low pressure pipe systems or sewage
treatment plants).
Deslgn Principles
While preparing the land use plan, citizens
voiced support for growth in the county
provided such growth did not detract from the
quality of life residents now enjoy. In keeping
with that concern, Currituck County recognizes
development can be of high quality and
thereby be an asset to the community if
certain design principles are followed. Below
is a list of design principals, which if followed,
would promote higher quality development in
Currituck County.
avoid development in critical areas
such as wetlands, significant dunes,
important wildlife habitat, flood prone
areas, etc.
take appropriate measures to minimize
storm water run-off
build roads which follow existing
topography
- provide adequate setbacks from the
ocean, sound, and other water bodies
- use the site's natural amenities such as
views, vegetation, water access, and
topography for the benefit of the
maximum number of residents
be sensitive to historical and
scientifically important areas
- avoid development that will negatively
Impact the quantity or quality of potable
water supplies
- establish functional recreation areas
such as ball fields, boat launches, and
walking trails; avoid designating only
land unsuitable for development for
recreation and small noncontiguous
open space areas; place high
nuisance recreation areas away from
residential units
- avoid building on soils that are
unsuitable for septic systems or that
cannot adequately support buildings
where sewage is pumped to good soils
- limit the amount of impermeable
surfaces in close proximity to water
bodies to avoid excessive run-off and
potential pollution sources
- preserve exiting vegetation to the
maximum extent possible (for visual
enhancement, wildlife habitat, noise
buffers, soil stabilization, watershed
protection, moderate climate, etc.)
- develop land that is sensitive and
compatible with surrounding uses (i.e.,
limit noise, limit impact of lighting, soften
the visual impact, etc.)
- promote development that will not
detract from the visual appearance of
the county
- minimize the driveway cuts along state
maintained. roads to enhance traffic
safety
- provide good circulation patterns that
separate roads and people to the
maximum extent possible and that
promote the creation of neighborhood
units; limit through traffic in residential
areas
- construct roads that meet anticipated
needs; avoid over -design of streets;
connect with surrounding properties
where appropriate
- promote the placement of utilities
underground for visual enhancement;
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buffer those utilities. that are above
ground (I.e., power stations,
transmission towers, etc.)
- minimize damage to the site while
under construction (Le., protect
vegetation, prevent erosion)
- encourage internal circulation for
developments; discourage the
location of residential dwellings along
access streets which reduce the
capacity of the roads and provide less
desirable lots
Water Related Uses
Given Currituck County's geographical
location, establishment of goals associated
with water -related use Is particularly important.
Below 'are goals and related strategies
associated with water uses.
FLOATING HOME DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 5.3: TO PROHIBIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FLOATING HOME DEVELOPMENT
Strategies:
1. Maintain provisions in the Unified Development Ordinance that prohibit the use of floating home
development.
MARINA DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 5.4: TO PERMIT MARINA DEVELOPMENT (INCLUDING MARINAS ASSOCIATED WITH RESIDENTIAL
SUBDIVISIONS) ONLY WHEN IT CAN CLEARLY BE SHOWN THAT THE MARINA HAS NO SIGNIFICANT
IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC TRUST WATERS, ESTUARINE AREAS ,AND SURROUNDING PROPERTIES.
Strategies:
1. Enforce the Unified Development Ordinance permitting marinas subject to the following design
principles:
a) Marinas shall be planned in such a manner as to minimize the risk of water pollution.
b) Marinas shall be located in areas where there is a high rate of water "turnover" (the time
required for tidal action or water flow to replace water of a boat basin with new water from
another source). Ideally, marinas should have a water turnover rate of 2 to 4 days.
c) Marinas in upland areas shall be encouraged.
d) Marina access channels shall be designed to maximize circulation and avoid dead-end
spots.
e) Marina designs must incorporate facilities for the proper handling of sewage, waste, and
refuse.
f) Marinas shall minimize alteration of existing shoreline configurations and disturbance of
vital habitat areas.
g) Dredging operations shall not occur during critical periods of fish migration and breeding.
h) The method of dredging shall be chosen that will have the least environmental impact and,
all dredged materials shall be placed in a manner so as not to pollute surrounding
areas.
i) Proposals for marina development shall be accompanied by a modeling study
Indicating expected flushing.
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2. Permit marinas as an accessory use to residential development. Marinas not associated with
residential developments and dry stack storage facilities shall only be permitted in accordance
with the Unified Development Ordinance.
ISLAND DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 5.5: TO ALLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLANDS THAT WOULD BEST PROMOTE THE PUBLIC
INTERESTS.
Strate ies:
1. Allow island development that complies with the county's zoning regulations;
2. Permit the development of Monkey Island for the purpose of public education or research and
related purposes.
BULKHEADS
GOAL 5.6: TO PERMIT THE USE OF BULKHEADS FOR STABILIZING NON -OCEAN SHORELINES.
Strate ies:
1. Require all bulkhead installations be done according to CAMA regulations.
Energy Focllity Siting It Development
As was stated in Chapter 3, Economy, the
county desires to build on its tourism industry. It
is felt that any proposed offshore drilling
activities off North Carolina's coast, including
exploration, would be contrary to this goal.
The county is opposed to any such activities.
In addition, Currituck is opposed to locating
any support or processing facilities
associated with offshore drilling within the
county. Any energy generating plant shall be
located in accordance with the provisions of
the Unified Development Ordinance.
GOAL 5.7 TO PROTECT THE FRAGILE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT FROM NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF
ENERGY FACILITIES.
Strategies:
1. Oppose all drilling off the coast of North Carolina and oppose the location of any associated
support or processing facilities within Currituck County.
2. Allow energy generating plants in accordance with the provisions of the Unified Development
Ordinance as long as it is consistent with environmental protection, health, and welfare of the
community.
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FEATURES
Introduction
Between 1970 and 1995, Currituck County's
population has grown from 6,976 to 16,404, an
increase of 135% in 25 years. Construction
associated with that growth has raised public
concern over the impacts development has
on the quality of life in Currituck, as was evident
from the public comments received during
the preparation a of the 1996 Land Use Plan
(Appendix A). In fact, when asked in a mail -
out survey which of 19 actions would have the
greatest effect on Currituck County's quality of
life, two of the top five answers were related to
the environment (Table 6A).
Table 6A
Mail -Out Survey.
Top 5 Actions to Improve the
Quality of Life in Gurrituck .
Gounty
1. Protect water quality of sounds
and rivers (95%).
2. Protect residential property
from negative impacts (88%).
3. Protect the environment (88%).
4. New development pay impact
on county services (86%).
5. Improve highway safety (81 %).
However, development need not be
detrimental to the environment and cultural
features. Responsible construction can occur
that minimizes the impact on Currituck
County's resources. This chapter recognizes
the positive effects growth has in Currituck
County and recommends actions to continue
p,
growth in a manner that is sensitive to the
environment and cultural features.
urface Water
The Currituck and Albemarle Sounds are
critical to the well being of Currituck County
and Northeastern North Carolina. As was
stated above, 95% of the residents surveyed
indicated that protection of the sounds and
rivers was the most important issue in the
county's quality of life. The Currituck Sound is
particularly vulnerable to outside influences
because of it being a near freshwater
environment/near saltwater environment, it's
dependence on wind tides, and shallowness
estimated to be approximately five feet.
Development can effect the quality of surface
water in many ways. Rainwater run-off from
streets and parking lots carry pollutants into
surrounding waters. Man-made solutions to
minimize flooding could adversely affect the
natural processes of the sounds and rivers.
Liquid waste from underground septic systems
could seep into rivers or sounds and
discharge from certain land uses into
waterbodies may alter fragile balances of
nature needed to support fish and vegetation.
However, with proper planning and education,
the Impact of development on surface waters
can be minimized.
Currltuck So un d Salinity
The Currituck Sound is approximately 153
square miles in area and has historically
shifted from a near freshwater environment to
a near saline environment. Increases in salinity
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levels have historically occurred due to inlet
formation and ocean overwash. The Currituck
Sound has been a freshwater body since the
closing of the last inlet in the early 1800's. A
majority of the Currituck Sound's fresh water is
from the North Landing and Northwest Rivers.
Although classified as a fresh water body
since the early 1880's, salinity levels have
fluctuated since that time. Below normal
rainfall in the mid -to -late 1980's contributed to
Increases in salinity levels severely affecting
aquatic vegetation and the fish population,
particularly the largemouth black bass. While
normal rainfalls in the late 1980's and early
1990's have begun to stabilize salinity levels,
measurements of salinity taken at 5 different
sites over the last 7 years have shown salinities
exceeded maximum concentrations (3.2 to
3.8 parts per thousand) at which largemouth
bass can successfully reproduce Coastal
Fisheries Investigations, 1996). Table 6B
identifies sources affecting salinity levels of
the Currituck Sound.
Table 6B
Sources Affecting Salinity Levels in
the Gurrituck Sound
1. Ocean overwash (particularly at
Sandbridge).
2. Evaporation during droughts
leaves salt behind.
3. Intrusion through Coinjock Canal.
4. Intrusion from Albemarle Sound at
lower end of Currituck.
5. North Landing River through West
Neck Creek/Canal #2
6. Diversion of freshwater supply from
the North River (i.e. Chesapeake
water withdrawals, farmland
drainage alteration).
Stable salinity levels in the Currituck Sound
would be beneficial for both the aquatic
vegetation and the fish population. However,
salinity levels in the Currituck Sound will always
45
fluctuate due to natural and man-made
occurrences. While nothing can be done to
alter natural occurrences, limiting the effects
of man-made fluctuations would be in the best
interest of the county. In order to have a better
understanding of influences affecting the
sounds, particularly those created by man,
Currituck County should continue to participate
In water quality and quantity monitoring
programs.
Drainage
The Currituck and Albemarle Sounds are
located within the Pasquotank River drainage
basin which includes parts of southeastern
Virginia. Figure 6.1 shows the watershed
boundaries within the county. Waters reach
the sounds from these watershed areas as
well as from urbanized areas of southeastern
Virginia through the Northwest and North
Landing Rivers, Back Bay, and numerous farm
drainage ditches. This being the case, it is
important that any efforts to maintain and
Improve water quality Involve all communities
within the drainage basin area, including those
in Virginia.
Preparation of a river basin plan could
potentially have important long range
Implications on the water quality of the
Currituck and Albemarle Sounds. North
Carolina, through the NC Division of Water
Quality, Is currently in the process of preparing
the Pasquotank River Basin Plan. The
Pasquotank River Basin Plan will seek to
accomplish the following goals:
- protect water quality of all basins
- provide information about water
quality
- coordinate local, state and federal
efforts to restore/protect waters
make recommendations to protect
water quality
- chart the progress of water quality in
the basin
In order to maximize the benefits of the basin
plan, it is essential that Currituck County
actively participate in its preparation.

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Watersheds and Stream Classifications
Virginia
Water Use C/assiAcctions
The State of North Carolina classifies bodies of
water by its uses. In Currituck County, the
following water use classifications exist:
Class SC - a salt water classification where
' the best uses are listed as aquatic life
propagation and secondary recreation,
46
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NO
"�!ARVISBLRG':. ) �-
POWELLS POINT
i r
HARBINGER
AIAWM
E DARE
SYX1iD i Co.
fOM HARBOR
including recreational fishing, boating; and
water related activities. Waters listed in SC
include the North Landing River, the North
River and.the Currituck Sound.
Class SB - a salt water classification where
the best use is swimming, which occurs
frequently or on an organized basis and

uses listed in the SC class (above). The
Albemarle Sound is listed as SB.
Class C a freshwater classification where
the best use Is secondary recreation,
fishing, wildlife, and fish and aquatic life
propagation. Class C waters include the
North West River and Tulls Bay.
Class B - a freshwater classification where
the best use is for primary recreation and
other uses suitable for Class C. Primary
recreation includes, swimming, skin diving,
water skiing, and similar uses involving
human body contact. Tulls Creek is listed
as Class B.
Primary Nursery Areas a supplemental
classification, primary nursery areas are
growing areas for populations of juvenile
finfish and shellfish of economic
Importance. Areas designated as primary
nursery areas include Deep Creek - 158
acres on eastern side of North River south
of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Lutz
Creek - 154 acres on eastern side of North
River west of Bertha, and Tulls Bay - 2,522
acres on west side of Currituck Sound at
the mouth of the Northwest River including
the Northwest River and its tributaries
located within North Carolina.
GOAL 6.1: TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY IN THE CURB/TUCK AND ALBEMARLE
SOUNDS.
Strateaies:
1. Continue participation in state and federal water quality and quantity testing programs to gain a
better understanding of influences affecting surface water bodies.
2. Soil Conservation Service should continue to address water quality issues and if necessary, begin
a water quality testing program.
3. Review results from the Pasquotank River Basin Plan and implement suggested environmental
management strategies for improving and maintaining the quality of the Currituck and Albemarle
Sounds and associated tributaries where appropriate.
4. Develop communication channels with southeastern Virginia communities in order to inform
ahem of the status, concerns and programs being undertaken relating to the water quality of the
Currituck Sound.
Areas of Environmental Concern
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)
establishes protection measures for certain
areas by designating them as Areas of
Environmental Concern (AEC's). In Currituck
County there are two categories of AEC's.
These are the estuarine system made up of
estuarine waters estuarine shorelines, public
trust waters, and coastal wetlands (Figure 6.2),
and ocean hazard areas consisting of ocean
erodible areas and high hazard flood areas
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Figure 6.2
Estuarine System
Estuarine Waters
T! mi:
" Estuarine Shoreline
V.
" Coastal Wetlands
75'
Coastal Fishing Waters
Public Trust Waters
Inland Fishing Waters
Below is a discussion of where these AEC's are
located and recommendations for the
`appropriate type of land use for these areas.
Estuarine system
Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine waters include "all the waters of the
Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North
Carolina and all the waters of the bays,
sounds, rivers, and tributaries seaward of the
dividing, line between coastal fishing waters
and inland fishing waters, as set forth in an
agreement adopted by the Wildlife
Resources Commission and the Department
of Natural Resources and Community
Development" (now called the Department of
Environment, Health, and Natural Resources).
The estuarine water system's productivity
depends on the water circulation that is
subject to tidal flows, mixture of saltwater and
freshwater flows, and water depth. Circulation
of estuarine waters helps cleanse pollutants,
affects salinity, moves sediment, spreads fish
and shellfish, and transports nutrients and
plankton.
Estuarine shorelines include all land that is 75
feet landward of the mean high water level, or
normal water level, of estuarine waters. While
these areas generally remain dry, they are
critical to the estuarine system. If improperly
developed, degradation of the estuarine
waters and coastal wet/ands would result.
These areas are also subject to erosion and
periodic flooding.
In Currituck County, estuarine waters and
estuarine shorelines include the
Currituck/Albemarle Sounds, adjacent bays,
and the lower reaches of the North and
Northwest Rivers.
Appropriate development for estuarine
waters includes low impact recreational uses
that do not interfere with the vital functions of
estuarine waters such as raised walkways,
docks, bulkheads, boathouses, etc., and
other uses that comply with CAMA regulations
and are in keeping with the provisions of the
Unified Development Ordinance. Appropriate
development for estuarine shorelines includes
those uses listed as being permitted in the
Unified Development Ordinance and that
comply with CAMA regulations. Compliance
with CAMA, Health Department, and Unified
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Development Ordinance setback regulations
for structures and septic systems shall be
adhered to provide appropriate protection for
the estuarine system.
GOAL 6.2: TO MAINTAIN THE HIGH QUALITY OF ESTUARINE WATERS AND TO PROMOTE APPROPRIATE
DEVELOPMENT ALONG ESTUARINE SHORELINES $O AS NOT TO DEGRADE THE ESTUARINE SYSTEM.
Public Trust Waters
Public Trust Waters include waters and
submerged lands in the coastal region where
the public has rights of use and/or ownership,
including the rights of navigation and
recreation. These areas overlap with the
estuarine waters AEC, 'but they also include
inland fishing waters that are not estuarine
waters AEC's.
In Currituck County public trust waters Include
all estuarine waters upper reaches of the
North and Northwest rivers, a number of small
creeks (i.e., Tulls Creek, Landing Creek) and
the Atlantic Ocean.
Appropriate development in public trust
waters includes limited recreational uses such
as docks and piers and other uses permitted
by CAMA regulations that comply with the
provisions of the Unified Development
Ordinance.
GOAL: 6.3 KEEP ALL PUBLIC TRUST WATERS OPEN FOR NA VIGAT/ON INCLUDING THOSE AREAS UNDER
THEJURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
Coastal Wet/ands
Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt
marsh or other marsh subject to regular or
occasional flooding by the tides (including
wind tides). This category does not include
freshwater swamps or inland wetlands that are
discussed elsewhere in the chapter.
These areas are critical to the well being of the
coastal system. Coastal wetlands act as filters
that remove sediments that are harmful to
marine life. Vegetation within coastal
wetlands has a stabilizing effect that helps
reduce erosion and turbidity. Further, coastal
wetlands serve as important nursery areas
and habitats for fish and shellfish as well as
habitats for other wildlife and waterfowl.
Within Currituck County, coastal wetlands can
be found in the Currituck Sound, the North River
and along the western section of the Outer
Banks. Significant amounts of coastal
wetlands are located on the west side of
Mackey Island, between Churches Island and
the Intracoastal Waterway, the Northwest
River at Tulis Bay and along the North River on
the western side of Currituck's mainland.
Appropriate development for coastal
wetlands includes low impact recreational
and utility uses that do not interfere with the
vital functions of wetlands such as raised
walkways and common open space and
uses that comply with CAMA regulations and
the Unified Development Ordinance.
GOAL 6.4: TO PROTECT COASTAL WETLANDS SO THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE TO SERVE THEIR VITAL
FUNChION IN THE EN VIT ONMENT.
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Ocean Hazard Areas
additional distance where significant erosion
can be expected during a major storm.
Ocean Erodible Arecs
Virtually all of Currituck County's oceanfront
coastline is located within the ocean erodible
Ocean erodible areas cover the beaches
area.
and lands adjacent to the ocean that have a
substantial possibility of long term erosion and
Appropriate development in the ocean
significant shoreline changes. Its boundaries
hazard areas shall be that which conforms to
are defined as containing an area 60 times the
the Unified Development Ordinance and
long-term average annual erosion rate for a
CAMA regulations.
particular stretch of shoreline, plus an
High Hazard Flo odAreas
with associated goals and strategies where
appropriate.
High hazard flood areas cover land subject to
flooding, wave action, and high velocity wind
Swamps
currents during a major storm and are
_
identified as Zones V 1 to V30 on the flood
Currituck County has three large swamps and
insurance rate maps prepared by the Federal
several smaller ones located within its
Insurance ` Administration. Currituck County
boundaries. The large swamps include the
participates in the National Flood Insurance
Dismal Swamp in the northeast section of the
Program that is administered through the
county, the 'Great Swamp near the Maple
Planning and Inspections Department.
Airport and the Maple Swamp between
Other Fraglle Areas
Aydlett and Grandy.
These swamps contain extensive forest areas
Currituck County has several environmentally
and provide needed habitat for wildlife,
fragile areas in addition to Areas of
including black bears. They also serve as
Environmental Concern (AEC's) within its
important components of the county's
jurisdiction. These include swamps, petrified
hydrology. Swamp areas have faced little
and maritime forests, significant dunes and
development pressures, although logging
shorelines.- Below is a brief summary of each
and alteration of drainage patterns could
pose threats in the future and should be
monitored.
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Maritime Forests
The Outer Banks of Currituck County contain
maritime forests. According to a recent report
from CAMA, the Currituck Outer Banks has the
largest amount of maritime forests in North
Carolina at approximately 5,000 acres
(Lopazanski and Evans, 1988). With rapid
development occurring in this area, these
fragile and unique features are threatened.
Given the important functions served by
maritime forests (i.e., stabilize barrier islands,
protection from storms, conserve
groundwater, provide habitat for wildlife), it is
Important that development occurs- in a
manner that protects maritime forests to the
greatest extent feasible. Therefore, the
county should continue to encourage
development of property in accordance with
the maritime forest recommendations of the
Unified Development Ordinance and provide
Information to homeowners, developers and
builders about the importance of maritime
forests.
GOAL 6.7: rO PROTECT MARIrlMEAND PFrRIF1,ED FORES7S,FROM ENCROACHING DEVELOPMENT.
Strategies:
1. Provide information to homeowners, builders and developers about the benefits of maritime
forests.
2. Maintain the Maritime Forest Guidelines in the Unified Development Ordinance.
Dunes
Currituck County has a unique geological
feature in the way of significantly large dunes
(over 25 feet in height). Significant dunes
include Lewark's Hill and Three Sister's Hill.
Realizing the importance of these unique
features, Currituck County adopted provisions
in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
to protect significant dunes. The UDO
indicates that all improvements shall be
located seaward in view of the landward
migratory movement ` of significant dunes.
Further, development should not occur unless
unusual factors exist that prohibit reasonable
use of property. If development does occur
near or at a significant dune, then a geological
analysis is required and mitigation plans must
be implemented.
It should be noted that CAMA regulations also
provide protection for dunes that are located
within Ocean Hazard AEC's by limiting
construction and other disturbance activities
such as vegetation removal.
Shorelines
The Currituck Outer Banks is approximately 23
miles long and its width varies anywhere from
6,000 feet to under 1,000 feet. There are over
8,000 platted lots on the Outer Banks with over
1,400 homes already constructed or under
construction.
Shorelines along the Outer Banks are
extremely fragile features of the environment
due to their susceptibility to storms and
constantly shifting sands from winds and
moving water. While the beach itself is
tolerant to intensive recreation, the primary
dune is intolerant of any activities by man.
Foot traffic over dunes greatly enhances the
chances for the destruction of the dune.
Vegetation is imperative to the stabilization of
dunes as are raised beach accesses.
Stabilization of shorelines with permanent
structures such as seawalls and bulkheads is
prohibited by CAMA regulations due to its
adverse impact on the natural sand migration
process. Therefore, coastal communities
must look toward beach nourishment
programs for stabilization of beaches. Today,
Currituck County does not have any structures
facing imminent destruction from erosion.
However, the beach does provide needed
access to areas north of the improved road
ending in Corolla. During storm" events this
means of access becomes unusable.
51

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GOAL 6.8: TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS CONTINUOUS ACCESS TO AND FROM THE BEACHES NORTH OF
COROLLA WHERE NO IMPROVED ROAD EXIST.
Strate - ies,
.1. Support a b
beach acc
Constraints to Development
All development should be sensitive to
constraints of the land. Land constraints
discussed in this subchapter include soils,
flooding, drainage, inland wetlands,
vegetation, wildlife, and primary nursery
areas. In addition to these natural constraints,
manmade constraints will also be discussed.
Other natural constraints to development,
such as the availability of drinking water, are
discussed in the County Facilities chapter.
SO//$
A detailed soil survey was prepared for
Currituck County in 1982. This survey indicates
that 88% of the county is unsuitable for on -site
septic systems and; therefore unsuitable for
development. Figure 6.3 shows a general soils
map using information from the 1982 soil
survey. It should be noted that the general
soils map shown in Figure 6.3 is intended to
compare the suitability of large areas for
general land uses. Because of its small scale,
It should not be used for selecting a specific
site for development. For that purpose, the
detailed maps of the Soil Survey for Currituck
County should be referred to and site
evaluations should be conducted by the
Currituck County Health Department.
Soils in the Conetoe-Dragston-Munden and
the Newhan-Corolla-Duckston group are
shown as suitable for development. The
Conetoe-Dragston-Munden group is
characterized as being nearly level and
gently sloping, well drained and moderately
well drained soils that have a sandy surface
layer and a loamy subsoil. The Newhan-
Corolla-Duckston group is characterized as
being nearly level to sloping, excessively
drained, moderately drained, and poorly
drained soils that are sandy throughout.
Soils in the Roanoke-Tomotley group are
shown as being marginally suitable for
development. This group is characterized as
being nearly level, poorly drained soils that
have a loamy surface layer and a loamy or
clayey subsoil.
Soils in the Portsmouth-CapeFear-Wasda,
Dare-Ponzer, Currituck, and Dorovan group
are listed as being poor for development
purposes. Generally these soils are nearly
level, very poorly drained, have a mucky
surface layer and a sandy or loamy underlying
material.
From an environmental standpoint, it is
generally preferable to have properly
operated centralized sewer systems as
opposed to having individual septic systems.
As such, Currituck County supports the
development of Open Space Subdivisions,
Planned Unit Developments, and Planned
Residential Developments using centralized
sewer systems. This type of development
would allow clustering of buildings on soils
unsuitable for septic absorption fields while
waste water is pumped to portions of the
property that can safely treat sewage.

General Soils Map
Flooding
Due to its low elevation, Currituck County is very
susceptible to flooding (Figure 6.4). In 1984, the
county began participating in the National
Flood Insurance program. The program is
administered by the Planning and Inspections
Department. Any construction proposed
within the 100 year Flood Area as delineated
on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) will have
to have the first floor elevation certified as
1
I
being above the 100 year flood elevation. As
can be seen in Figure 6.4, a majority of
Currituck County Iles within the 100 year flood
elevation.
Sea level rising due to global warming is a
significant issue facing all coastal
communities. Most estimates indicate there
will be a 1.6-6.6 foot rise in sea level over the
next century (R. Paul Wilms). If the sea was to
rise five feet, it is estimated that over 50% of I
53

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1-1
Currituck County will be inundated (R. Paul
Wilms). Currituck County is not opposed to
construction in areas up to five feet above sea
Drainage
Drainage is an important issue in the county
given Currituck's low lying elevation, generally
poor soils, and proximity to water bodies.
Currently, the North Carolina Department of
Environment, Health, and , Natural Resources
(NCDEHNR) enforces storm water runoff and
erosion control regulations. Subdivision
proposals and applicable site plans are sent
to NCDEHNR for approval. Currituck County
supports related state regulations as well as
CAMA guidelines that limit the negative
impact construction activities and storm water
run-off have on surface waters.
The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) has taken
an active role in the drainage issue by
obtaining grants to improve drainage in
different sections of the county and by
reviewing subdivision plats. The SCS office
54
level. Currituck County will enforce flood
regulations as,a means to minimize the impact
of sea level rise.
also assist the Planning and Inspections
Department with recommendations on
correcting existing drainage problems when
complaints are received .
The county's Unified Development Ordinance
mandates the release rate of stormwater from
new subdivisions shall not exceed the 10-year
stormwater run-off from the area in its natural
state. Detailed drainage plans are provided
to the SCS office for review and field checks
are done to ensure proper installation. In
addition, the county requires formation of a
homeowners association having the ability to
collect funds for maintaining drainage areas.
While homeowners associations create an
entity to maintain drainage areas in new
subdivisions, there is no such entity
established for existing drainage areas. At
present, when a drainage problem is found,

the SCS office applies for a grant to alleviate
the problem or the property owner where the
problem exists pays the bill, even though they
are correcting a problem that benefits
everyone upstream from their property. This
method of correcting drainage problems is
uncertain at best.
One way to add more certainty to the issue of
maintaining pre-exisiting drainage areas is to
create drainage districts. By establishing
drainage districts, everyone within a specified
watershed shares the costs of maintaining
drainage within that watershed through a fee
system. In otherwords, those who benefit from
improved drainage within a watershed should
bare the costs. While 'establishing drainage
districts in Currituck County may not be the best
solution, it is an idea worthy of investigation.
/n/and Wet/ands
As mentioned earlier, wetlands serve a variety
of functions in the environment. They
provide habitat for wildlife including waterfowl
and migratory birds, buffer floodwaters,
recharge groundwater, and help filter
pollution.
Generally, three characteristics are looked at
to determine if wetlands are present. They are
the soil type (i.e., presence of hydric soils),
inundation of soil by surface or ground water
for at least part of the year under normal
circumstances and the prevalence of
wetland plants (i.e., hydrophytic vegetation).
Wetland areas are, for the most part, off limits
to development and may only be filled
according to permits issued from the Corps of
Engineers (404 wetlands) and the State (CAMA
wetlands). However, some limited
development such as water related
recreational uses and utilities may be
deemed acceptable subject to compliance
with applicable state and federal regulations.
In Currituck County, 79.3% of the soil types are
hydric or have hydric soils as a major
component. Therefore, development
potential in Currituck County could be severely
limited depending on water table height at a
particular location and the presence of
wetland plants (also see Chapter 5 for a
discussion of land available for
development).
It should be noted that Figure 6.5 indicates only
the approximate boundaries of major wetland
areas as identified on the National Wetlands
Inventory Maps prepared by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Individual site evaluations
should be made of all properties to determine
and actual existence of wetlands.
Vegetation and Wllmfe
Like wetlands, vegetation also serves a variety
of purposes for the environment. It reduces
erosion by stabilizing the soil, provides habitat
for wildlife, helps recharge groundwater, helps
purify the air we breathe and provides shade
thereby reducing ambient air temperature.
The many benefits of vegetation are
recognized by Currituck County. Provisions in
existing codes establish requirements for
planting vegetation between different land
uses and along newly created streets. The
Unified Development Ordinance also contains
guidelines for protecting trees during
construction.
A variety of wildlife can be found in Currituck
County, including black bear, raccoon, deer,
and fox. In addition, a large number of
migratory birds and waterfowl frequent the
area as it is a major link in the Atlantic Flyway.
Hunting and wildlife conservation has deep
roots in Currituck. However, increasing
development pressures are reducing wildlife
habitat.
Currituck County supports the use of cluster
development as a means of directing
construction away from vital wildlife habitat
and for the preservation of vegetation.
Currituck continues to support provisions
requiring the planting of vegetation contained
In existing regulations. The county particularly
encourages the protection of vegetation in all
developments along waterways due to its
significance as filtering devices and habitat
providers.
55

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Figure 6.5
National Wetlands Inventory
1
EN
EJAppprro)amaate Location of Wetlands
According to the National Wetlands
Inventory
GOAL 6.9: TO INSUREDEVELOPMENT IS SEMILIVE TO THE PHYS/CAL CONSTRAINTS OF THE LAND.
Strategies
1. Prohibit development requiring sewage treatment on soils that are unsuitable for on site septic
systems unless seweragecan be pumped to soils that are suitable.
2. Continue participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
3. Encourage package treatment plants for Planned Unit Developments (PUD's), Planned
Residential Developments (PRD's) and Open Space Subdivisions. Use of alternative sewerage
disposal systems that are environmentally safe should be encouraged (i.e., constructed
wetlands).
4. Continue to work with SCS and the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resurces to
review drainage and storm water control plans and to verify proposals have been implemented
in the field.
5. Soil Conservation Serice should investigate the feasibility of establishing drainage districts to help
maintain existing drainage areas.
56

6. Continue ordinance provisions requiring the planting of vegetation in developments and to
encourage the preservation of existing vegetation, particularly along water bodies.
Historical and Cultural Sites
Currituck County has nine sites listed in the
National Register of Historic Places. The list
includes:
Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Northern Outer
Banks, 0.5 miles South of Corolla
Currituck County Courthouse - East side of
SR 1242, Currituck
Currituck County Jail - (same as
Courthouse)
Currituck Shooting Club - West side of Outer
Banks, South of Corolla, opposite of
Poplar Branch
Twin Houses - NC 34 at Junction of SR 1203
and SR 1147
Whalehead Club - 0.02 miles southwest of
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The Baum Site -an archaeological site In
Poplar Branch
Shaw House - NE. corner of NC 34 and SR
1203 in Shawboro
Culong - E. side of SR 1147, .2 mi. N. of
junction w/SR 1148, Shawboro
In addition to these sites, there are 58 recorded
historic and prehistoric archaeological sites in
Currituck County primarily located along the
sound and river shorelines.
GOAL 6.10: TO ENCOURAGETHEPRESERVAT/ON Of S/GN/f/CANTH/STOR/CAL AND CULTURAL S/TES.
Strate -ales:
1. County to assist individuals who want to have their structures listed on the National Register.
2. North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural resources to review development
plans that require CAMA permits.
3. Support the Century Farm Family recognition program administered by the Department of
Agriculture.
Common Open Space Subdivisions
In 1996, Currituck County substantially revised
the common open space subdivision
standards by placing a higher level of
protection on natural, historical and cultural
features. Open space standards require at
least 50% of the site be designated for open
space after subtracting wetlands and street
right-of-ways/easements.
In general, open space subdivision design
allows developers the same number of lots
they would have received under conventional
standards, but permits lots within the
development to be smaller in order to avoid
sensitive areas such as wetlands, woodlands,
agricultural land, and archaeological sites
which remain in open space. Because open
57
space subdivisions promote development
that is more sensitive to the environment and
more respectful to historical and cultural
features as opposed to conventional
subdivisions, modest density bonus incentives
are provided for developers who choose the
common open space subdivision design
alternative.
By using an piece of property currently on the
market for development for illustrative
purposes, it can be shown how common
open space subdivisions could be used to
protect sensitive environmental and cultural
areas as well as preserve the rural character
of Currituck County. The property in question is
47 acres in size, has over 1,200 feet of frontage
along the Currituck Sound, contains 14 acres of
wetlands and woodlands along the southern

6I
t
property line, has a tree -lined entrance of
oaks and pines, contains views of neighboring
farmland, has access to county water but no
central sewer; and contains a Native
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American archeological site dating back to
the Woodland period (1000 BC-1000 AD). Figure .
6.6 shows the existing conditions of the
property.
Figure 6.6
Existing Conditions
view of fields
a��
_ field � Gurrituck
Sound
view pines xisting house
from ak trees field T existing dock
road ::
fieldmeadow view of
woodlands;`.. sound
Y
archaeological site
o8g8
LrLi-7 Feet
Under conventional subdivision design
standards, the minimum lots size is 40,000 sq. ft.
in area, each lot must contain enough upland
area to accommodate a septic system, each
lot must have 125' of frontage along streets,
and at least 5% of the total tract must be
t
t
t
common open space with a minimum of
20,000 sq. ft. of sound access for residents of
the subdivision. With these development
standards, a total of 33 lots could be placed
on the 47 acre parcel (Figure 6.7).
Figure 6.7
Conventional Subdivision Design
space
10 as r n' •
e+ • I' .„ :4 4; ♦ ' Gurrituck
Sound
� t
fir r ^� L• s.
f
IL primary conservator
areas
o 8 g �,
U-L—l1 Feet
�
,a
1

Common open space subdivision design
follows a ` 4-step process of: 1) Identifying
primary (i.e. wetlands) and secondary
conservation areas (i.e. mature woodlands,
archeological sites; farmland), 2) locating
house sites on the property avoiding the
conservation areas, 3) aligning streets and
trails, and 4) drawing lot lines. The minimum lot
size for common open space subdivisions is
15,000 sq. ff. where central water is available.
There is a 20' minimum lot width along streets,
and as was stated above, at least 50% of the
site must be preserved as open space after
subtracting wetlands and street right-of-ways.
Moving from conventional subdivision design
to open space subdivision design is not an
easy process. Development codes must be
adjusted to allow design flexibility, developers
must have the vision and courage to try
something new, and lending institutions must
be convinced there is a market for the
product.
Recognizing the benefits of open space
subdivisions, Currituck County amended its
development code to provide more flexibility
in design and created incentives for
developers using common open space
Figure 6.8 shows a 33 lot common open space
subdivision for the 47 acre site designed by
Randall Arendt as excerpted from his book,
Open Space Design Guidebook Albemarle -
Pamlico Estuarine Re , ion (North Carolina
Association of County Commissioners, June
1996). Among other things, the design protects
the archeological site, preserves the tree -
lined entrance, keeps houselots away from
wetlands and the sound creating a natural
buffer from these sensitive areas, establishes
a waterfront park for the community, creates
open space views for each of the lots, and
prevents lots from being developed along SR
122Z an important collector road.
standards. It is important that Currituck monitor
those design standards to ensure they are
promoting desirable subdivision design and
make adjustments as needed. Mapping of
primary and secondary conservation areas
by the county using computer mapping to
assist the development community in
identifying natural and cultural features of
significance to the county's quality of life
would also be helpful.
Careful review of the Land Use Plan mail -out
survey results illustrates to developers,
lenders, and county officials how common
59

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open space design is in keeping with the
desires of the public.
- When asked what type of subdivision they
prefer to see in Currituck, the public
choose a common open space design
(62%) over a conventional subdivision
(38%).
- While 62% of the respondents said there
are too few recreation areas, 57% said
they do not favor raising taxes to pay for
additional recreation areas. Open space
subdivision design requires more open
space within the development (minimum
50%) versus conventional subdivisions
(minimum 5%) thereby reducing the need
for county operated parks.
Four of the top six actions to improve the
quality of life in Currituck County can be
promoted using common open space
subdivision design techniques: protection
of water quality In the sounds and rivers
(95%), protecting residential property from
negative impacts (88%), protecting the
environment (88%), and preserving the
rural character of Currituck County (80%).
- When asked the open ended question,
"What do you like most about Currituck
County", 48% of the respondents wrote the
rural character.
Clearly the public input survey responses show
how common open space design coincides
with the public attitudes towards quality
development in the county.
GOAL 6.11: TO PROMOTE COMMON OPEN SPACE SUEDIVIS/ON DESIGN THAT /S SENS/TIPE TO THE
NATURAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES OF CURR/TUCK COUNTY.
Strate ,ales:
1. Monitor common open space design standards for protection of natural and cultural features
and adjust as needed.
2. Use computer mapping to identify primary and secondary conservation areas and make the
information available to the general public.
Manmade Hazards
The Emergency Services Department has
Identified several operations that handle one
or more potentially hazardous materials.
These operations include:
1. Department of Transportation Bridge
Maintenance Facility, Point Harbor
2. US Fiberglass, Harbinger
3. Griggs Packing Shed, Powells Point
4. Coast Oil Company, Grandy
5. Bruce and Company, Powells Point
6. Ferrell Gas Company, Grandy
7. M.A. Guard Oil Company, Coinjock
8. Department of Transportation Maple
Facility, Maple
9. DOT Ferry Operations, Currituck
10. Greg Barco (furniture refinishing),
Shawboro
11. Poyner Oil Company, Moyock
12. H & W Plastics, Moyock
13. Currituck Grain, Moyock
14. W. S. Clark and Sons,
Shawboro/Gregory
15. Central Fertilizer, Shawboro
16, Patrick Forbes Grain Company,
Shawboro
17. Synergy Gas, Grandy
18. Currituck County Landfill, Maple
19. Mini -Gallon Fuel Oil Service, Maple'
The Currituck County Airport Is also identified
as a manmade hazard area in addition to
businesses/operations listed above. The
major concerns with airport operations involve
safety and aircraft noise.
Development plans for future construction
near the above listed operations should be
reviewed for compatibility. Residential
development should be discouraged within
proximity to manmade hazards.
1
G1(

Introduction
the respondents said the county had too few
recreation areas but fifty-seven percent (57%)
Up to the 1970's, county facilities consisted of
said they did not want to pay more taxes or
the courthouse, library, landfill and schools.
user fees to provide for additional recreation
However, with the population growth Currituck
areas. Responses to the mail -out survey
has experienced since the seventies,
clearly show the county must continue to
demand and need for more county facilities is
balance the speed of growth with the costs of
increasing. In addition to the facilities listed
providing services,
above, the county now provides recreation
areas, maintains a centralized water system
on the mainland, has a senior citizens center,
Recreation
oversees operation of a ' community
centralized sewer system, and maintains
As was stated above, the mail -out survey
solid -waste convenience centers. Figure 7.1
showed that 62% of , the respondents said
shows the location of major county facilities in
there were too few recreation areas in the
Currituck County.
county as opposed to 34% who said there was
the right amount. and 3% who said there were
Growth pressures in Currituck have heightened
too many recreation areas. In addition,
awareness of the public to the costs of
recreation had the lowest positive rating of all
providing county facilities/services. Generally
the county services listed in the survey. Finally,
speaking, residential development pays less
the Land Use Planpublic input meetings
in taxes than it costs to provide services.
generated numerous comments from the
Conversely, farming, commercial
public concerning the lack of recreation areas
development, and industrial development -
and the need to provide specific recreation
pay more in taxes than the services they
improvements (Appendix 1).
demand. Fora "bedroom" community like
Currituck, the financial ramifications of
At present, improved county recreation areas
residential growth should be cause for
consist of ball fields, tennis courts, and
concern.
playgrounds located at each of the various
school facilities. These facilities are provide at
The Land Use Plan mail -out survey illustrates
school sites in order to receive maximum use
public attitudes towards this issue. Eighty-four
for minimum costs. However, it is clear from
percent (84%j of the respondents said they
public sentiment that more recreational areas
supported the county adopting a law saying
are needed and that the county should take
new development cannot exceed the
advantage of the abundant natural amenities.
county's ability to provide adequate public -
A recreation committee made up of citizens
facilities. In addition, seventy-four percent
prepared_ recommendations for recreation
(74%) of the respondents support the county's
areas. These recommendations should be
efforts to seek legislation for adoption of
reviewed by the Planning Board and County
impact fees for new developments to pay
Commissioners to determine what actions
their fair share costs of providing county
services. Finally, sixty-two percent (62%) of
should betaken.
61

Figure 7.1
-.\ r l6 - G
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St.IGO
20 i
y 14 13
CAMDEN CO.
Major County Facilities
1. Knolls Island Vol. Fire Dept.
2. Knotts Island Elementary School
3. Carova Beach Vol. Fire Dept.
4. Corr
ola Vol. Fire DeptlCurt tuck Co. Rescue Squad
S.
Ocean Sands Water Treatment Plant
6. Moyock Convenience center
7. MoyockElebnentarySchool
S. Moyock Vol. Fire Dept.7Currituck Co. Rescue Squad
9. Crawford Vol. Fire Dept.&FIMue Squad (Sligo)
10. Cumiuck County CourthouWAiIISherifes Dept.
11. CueftuckCounty Health DeptlWIC
12. Knapp Jr. Elementary School
13. County Water PLant
14. Crawford Vol. Fire Dept. (Maple)
15. Central Elementary School
16. Cunituck County Jr. High School
17, CunituckCounty Library
is. Griggs Elementary School -
19. Lower Cum. Vol. Fire Dept.&Re3cue Squad (Grandy)
20. Sligo Convenience Center
21. Lower Cum. FireDepLbRescue Squad(Powelts Point)
22. Currituck County High School
23. Social SenAMISeniorCentedJudicialComplex
24. Currituck County Satellite Office
25. Currituck CountyNrport
26. Demo Convenience Center - -
27. GrandyConvervenceCenter
28. Spot Convenience Center
29. Knotts Island Convenience Center
$0. Gibbs Woods Convergence Center
31. Carove, Convenience Center
32: Whalehead Club
33. Currituck Southern Regional BeachCccess
M
ajor County Facilities
Virginia
fso/ 2s
IBB9WOOD..+^ KNOTTS
ISLAND 1
3 CAROVA
� a31
A
TUCK
t
n
� z
� ; y
COROLLA -A
22
1 16 >t 32
INJOCK
f 4
d
a
• ty 33
18 � •
\ v n
AND
f 7
A G
�%,,dARYISSURG
b \ 2
POWELLS POINT
21 8 l
HARBINGER ;
DARE
�
POINT HARBOR CO.
GOAL 7.1: TO PROVIDE ENOUGH RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL CITIZENS AND TO
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NATURAL AMENITIES OF CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies;
1. Continue to establish community recreation areas at existing and new school sites in order to
maximize benefits.
2. The Planning Board and Board of Commissioners should review the recommendations of the
. Recreation Committee to determine appropriate actions.
62

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3. Encourage funding of recreational programs through private funds, grants, and public funds (i.e.,
Impact fees);
4. Continue to require dedication of land In large developments (20 lots or more) for public purposes
and allow the payment of fees instead of dedication where appropriate.
Coastal and EstuarineBeach Access
Public access to the beach, sounds and rivers
will always be an issue in Currituck County.
Currently there are 11 CAMA sound and ocean
access areas on the Currituck Outer Banks,
one of which is designated as a regional
access (parking, boardwalk, bath facilities).. In
addition, the county has purchased the
Whalehead Club on the Outer Banks which
includes boat docking facilities. On the
Currituck mainland, there are two Wildlife
Resources Commission (WRC) boat
launching areas (Coinjock, Poplar Branch) and
the county has acquired additional land in the
Sligo area that will also be improved as a WRC
boating area.
Three areas of the county that are lacking in
Improved public water access areas are
Knotts Island, Gibbs Woods, and lower
Currituck. In addition, there are no public
access points to the Albemarle Sound. There
are; however, several privately controlled
boating access areas (Appendix 4).
The county supports increasing the number of
boat and recreational facilities in Currituck and
encourages boat and recreation facilities in
residential subdivisions for use by residents
and the public where appropriate.
GOAL 7.2: TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC BEACH, SOUND AND RIVER ACCESSES AND
ASSOCIATED FACILITIES.
Strategies:
1. Inventory all potential ocean and sound access. points and establish a priority rating for funding
as part of a comprehensive recreation program;
2. Apply for CAMA, WRC (Wildlife Resources Commission) and applicable land and water
conservation funds to establish more ocean and sound accesses in the county on the Outer
Banks and the mainland;
3. Establish additional county recreational and boating facilities in Currituck with particular attention
to those areas where limited access exists (Knotts Island, Gibbs Woods, Lower Currituck).
olid Waste Disvosal
Currituck County belongs to the Albemarle
Regional Solid Waste Management Authority
with seven other northeastern North Carolina
counties. Membership in this authority is the
direct result of the state adopting Senate Bill
111 requiring lined landfills to protect ground
water -sources. Since lined landfills are very
expensive, it made sense to regionalize solid
waste.
As indicated in Figure 7.1, the county currently
operates a solid waste transfer station in
63
Maple, six manned convenience centers
(Knotts Island, Moyock, Sligo, Barco, Grandy,
and Spot), and two un-manned convenience
centers (Gibbs Woods, Carova).
Convenience centers are areas where the
public brings its trash for disposal and
recycling.
Door-to-door trash pick-up is provided on the
Currituck Outer Banks from Corolla to the Dare
County line for an additional fee to property
owners in that area. This method of disposal
was deemed most appropriate for the
southern Currituck Outer Banks since an
overwhelming majority of the homes are rental
1

and door-to-door pick-up is much more
convenient for a transient population.
Given the relatively low density of Currituck and
other northeastern counties, a regional
approach to solid waste Is the most cost
effective method of handling the matter.
Therefore, it is expected that Currituck County
will continue participation in the Albemarle
Regional Solid Waste Authority.
GOAL 7.3: TO ENSURE THAT SOLID WASTE MATERIALS ARE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY AND TO
ENCOURAGE RECYCLING.
Strategies:
1. Continue participation in the Albemarle Regional Solid Waste Authority;
3. Comply with provisions of Senate Bill 111 by emphasizing recycling and properly disposing of
materials considered to be hazardous.
County Water
Mainland
In 1990, Currituck County began operating the
county water system serving the northern and
central portions of the mainland. The system,
constructed at a cost of $9.7 million, has a
treatment and storage capacity of 1 million
gallons per day. There are three elevated
storage tanks (Currituck - 300,000 gallons,
Moyock - 100,000 gallons, Grandy - 100,000
gallons) and over 150 miles of pipe have been
laid.
In December of 1994, Currituck County
adopted the Water Supply Plan for Mainland
Currituck in accordance with state law
(Appendix 3). The next update of the water
supply plan will be 1999. Since adoption of the
plan, the county has added 10 new well fields.
Currently, raw water for the system is obtained
from 28 wells ranging in depth from 70 feet to
200 feet. These wells draw water from the
Surficial and Yorktown aquifers and are
located on county leased property in Maple
near the water plant.
The county recently outlined a 5 year action
plan that calls for the following: extending the
water main to the south end of the county,
preparing a study evaluating the quality of raw
water within the deep aquifer at Maple to
determine the most efficient reverse osmosis
system, developing 10 additional wells in the
Maple area to maximize production at the
existing water plant, and establishing a
reverse osmosis plant with production
capacity of approximately .75 million gallons
per day. Figure 7.2 shows the existing and
proposed water line mains. One of the issues
that must be addressed is where to dispose of
the salt water brime extracted from the
reverse osmosis process. In addition, the
county will need to develop internal policies
on line extensions to existing subdivisions
since the water line extension plan only calls
for placing the line along US Highway 158.
Outer Banks
There are no plans to study centralized water
on the northern Currituck Outer Banks (north of
Corolla, 4-wheel drive area) at this time due to
the low density (322 homes as of December,
1996) in the area. However, Currituck County
has undertaken an extensive program to
identify water supplies and future water needs
on the southern Outer Banks. In 1994, a three -
phased study was completed by the
engineering firm of Stroud and Associates
which surveyed existing water systems,
analyzed areas without central water,
provided recommendations on how best to
manage water supplies in the area, and
provide central water to those areas not
presently served. Recommendations from
this plan are being reviewed by County
Commissioners for action and included:
- recommendation to provide central water
to those areas not presently served paid
for through a service district
M

I
1
I
1
Figure 7.2
County Water System Expansion, 1g.96
tiP a,�c
4� 4� N
t
ftJRR '� I
cy
wa, v awor
aRso yin, +t�
SECQ FUR
SCALE CIhC[ AWwm
Imwkw
o, wn
MMOK�� YY
Q 0.4m - �pOCY21 li
- AMA A14„MIW -
- interconnecting existing and proposed
waters systems to better control
groundwater pumping
All existing Planned Unit Developments (PUD's)
on the southern Currituck Outer Banks have
their own or shared water systems. They
Include: Pine Island; Currituck Club, Ocean
Sands, Buck Isla nd/Monteray Shores, Corolla
Light, and the Villages at Ocean Hill. Areas on
the southern Currituck Outer Banks that do not
have centralized water available are: Corolla
Village, Ocean Hill subdivision, Whalehead
subdivision, Spindrift subdivision, and Ocean
Sands subdivision Sections A. B, and C.
For the long term interests of the southern
Currituck Outer Banks, it will be necessary to for
the county to identify future water supplies;
continue to look towards interconnecting
existing water systems, and work to provide
centralized water to those areas that are
presently not served by a water system.
Meaningful citizen input is essential and
assistance will be critical in meeting long
range water needs on the southern Currituck
Outer Banks.
Knotts Island & Gibbs Woods
All dwellings and businesses in Gibbs Woods
and Knotts Island obtain their drinking water
from wells. In 1996, a study was prepared, in
accordance with a recommendation from the
1990 Land Use Plan, to determine the feasibility
of providing centralized water to Knotts Island
and Gibbs Woods. The study, identified
existing conditions in these areas, provided
population projections, determined
infrastructure needs and associated costs,
and recommended a sources of revenues.
The study also indicated water supplies for a
centralized water system could be obtained
fromJhe Yorktown aquifer.
One of the most important factors affecting
costs of centralized water is the provision of
fire hydrants. Following is Table 7A which
provides the estimated per connection costs
65

of providing centralized water with and without
Table
fire hydrant protection.
Estimated Per Connection Cost For Central Water
Knotts Island 8,: Gibbs Woods,1996
INITIAL
AT BUILD -OUT
LOCA11ON # Connections
Cost/Connection
# Connections
Cost/Connection
Knotts Island
623
$8,368
2842
$2873
(with fire hydrants)
Knotts Island
623
$5,647
2842
$2277
(w/o fire hydrants)
Gibbs Woods
176
$11,557
362
$6,878
(with fire hydrants)
Gibbs Woods
176
$7,818
362
$5,061
(w/o fire hydrants)
Bissell Professional Group in association with Edwin Andrews & Associates
As can be seen in Table 7A, the number of
connections to a water system also drastically
effects the costs of that system. Therefore it is
important to know how willing people are to
connect to a central water system. In order to
make that determination, surveys were sent to
the land owners in Knotts Island and Gibbs
Woods. A total of 471 (46%) of the 1,028
surveys mailed were returned.
Results of the mail -out survey showed that 54%
of the Knotts Island land owners responding
were opposed to centralized water, 36% were
in favor, and 10% were undecided. In Gibbs
Woods, the survey showed 45% of the land
owners responding were opposed to
centralized water, 47% were in favor of
centralized water, and 8% were undecided.
The survey results indicate there is no strong
desire for centralized water on Knotts Island
and Gibbs Woods. Therefore, the county
does not intend to pursue centralized water in
either area given the public opinion and the
fact there does not -appear to be any threat to
existing ground water supplies.
Other Water Supply Issues
Working with surrounding communities to
meet future water supply needs is an issue
receiving consideration in northeastern North
Carolina. A study by Hobbs, Upchurch &
Associates is underway to determine the
feasibility of regionalized water. The
approach of multiple jurisdictions working
together has the support of Currituck residents
as 82% of the mail -out survey respondents
supported this idea as opposed to only 1 % of
the people opposed to the idea. Therefore
Currituck County should continue to participate
in discussions concern the regionalized
approach to meeting future water needs.
Since many residents rely on wells for water,
Currituck County may want to consider
regulations protecting ground water sources
from contamination. A report should be
prepared by the Health Department and
Planning and Inspections Department outlining
the issues involved in wellhead protection and
presented to the Board of Commissioners for
consideration.

GOAL 7.4: TO ENSURE THERE ARE ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.
II Strate .ales:
I
1
1. Implement the 5 year action plan for the mainland water system that calls for the following:
extending the water main to the south end of the county, prepare a study evaluating the quality
of raw water within the deep aquifer at Maple to determine the most efficient reverse osmosis
system, develop 10 additional wells In the Maple area to maximize production at the existing
water plant, and establish a reverse osmosis plant with production capacity of approximately .75
million gallons per day.
2. Identify the method of disposing salt water brime removed from drinking water during the reverse
osmosis process.
3. Establish policies on water line extension to existing homes and subdivisions.
4. On the southern Currituck Outer Banks, the county, working with local citizens, should continue to
Identify future water supplies, look towards interconnecting existing water systems, and work to
provide centralized water to those areas that are presently not served by a water system.
5. Continue to participate in discussions on regionalized water.
6. Prepare a report outlining the issues involved in adopting wellhead protection regulations for
consideration by the Board of Commissioners.
7. Make sure all developments indicate well locations on their lots and adjoining lots to ensure 100
foot separation from septic systems.
Government Administrative Services
and Schools
As Currituck's population continues to grow,
greater pressure is being placed on county
facilities. The county is currently in the process
of building a new courthouse facility, a new
high school, and starting renovation work at qn
existing elementary school. In addition,
space for administrative offices in the
courthouse is no longer available as mobile
units are now being used.
Given the unique geographical shape of
Currituck County, it is often difficult to
adequately serve remote sections of the
county such as Knotts Island, Gibbs Woods,
and the Outer Banks. To help alleviate a
portion of the problem, the county established
a satellite office on the Outer Banks In 1991.
Community buildings on Knotts Island (fire
station, school) and Gibbs Woods are used
for meetings, tax listings, etc..
Of all the county facilities, none is facing more
growth pressures than the schools. The new
high school under construction should be
67
ready for occupancy in the fall of 1997 and
renovation work at Central Elementary School
was started in 1997. In addition to these
projects, a new elementary school is needed
in the northern section of Currituck County in the
near future. Construction of the northern
elementary school is anticipated to start in FY
1998/1999. The county received $5.2 million
dollars from the State to help meet
construction needs and an additional $3
million dollars will be provided from the
recently passed state school bond
referendum.
Table 7B shows the average number of
students attending each school for the 1995/96
school year as well as the maximum capacity
of each school. Its important to note that
school capacities do not include mobile
classrooms. Although mobile units are being
used during the 96/97 school year, by the fall of
1997 when the new high school is complete
and the other schools have been converted,
the county will no longer be using mobile
classrooms. It is the intention of the county to
provide a level of service for .schools that
does not include mobile classrooms. Further,
the level of service is defined as being able to

accommodate 23 students per classroom for
elementary schools, 26 students per
classroom for junior high, and 28 students per
classroom for high school.
Table 7C shows the expected capacities for
each school in the fail of 1997 when the new
able 7B
high school Is complete, the current high
school Is converted to a junior high school,
and the current junior high school is converted
to an elementary school. Figure 7.2 identifies
county school sites and other major
governmental facilities.
Currituck County School Facilities
January, 1997
1995/96 Average
Schod Nos Classrooms
Daily Membership
Max Capacity
Griggs Elementary
24
473
552
Knotts Is. Elementary
8
159
184
Central Elementary
16
360
368
Moyock Elementary
26
701.
598
Knapp Junior High School
14
475
364
Currituck High School
22
734
616
- The number of students at capacity was calculated by the number of classrooms multiplied by
23 students in elementary school, 26 students in junior high school, and 28 students in high school.
- Maximum capacity is determined by not using mobile classrooms. The county desires a level of
service that does not include mobile classrooms. Construction projects are underway to
achieve that level of service
Table 7C
Anticipated School Capacities For
Gurrituck County. Fall, 1097
Schod Max Capacity
Griggs Elementary
552
Knotts Is. Elementary
184
Central Elementary
358
Moyock Elementary
598
Knapp Elementary
364
Currituck Junior High
560
New Currituck High School
1,120
Growth Control
Results from the public input meetings and
mail -out survey indicate residents for the most
part are not opposed to development;
however they do want growth to be
controlled. What "controlled growth" means
differs from person -to -person. For purposes of
this section, controlled growth will be
discussed in terms of adequacy of public
facilities, density, and costs of growth.
Adequate Public Facilities
As was mentioned in the chapter on
population, Currituck County was the fifth
fastest growing county in the state between
1990 and 1994. While growth has its positive
effects, it also results in additional traffic,
alteration of the rural character of the county,
and greater pressures on county services. To
gain greater control on the growth issue as it
relates to county services, Currituck County
adopted an adequate public facilities
provision to the Unified Development
Ordinance as a compliment to existing growth
control tools (i.e. zoning, subdivision
regulations, special use permits, planned unit
development standards, etc.).

1
The adequate public facilities provision allows
the county to assess the impact any
development proposal needing a special use
or conditional use permit has on county
facilities. If the development proposal does
not exceed the county's ability to provide
_-adequate public facilities within two years of
Initial development approval, as identified in
the County's Capital Improvement Plan, the
project may be approved. Likewise, if the
proposal exceeds the county's ability to
provide adequate public facilities within two
years of initial approval, the development
may be denied. The ordinance also provides
authority for the county to time development
to assure adequate public facilities are in
place.
Currituck County adopted adequate public
facilities provisions in order to retain control
over the amount, type and direction of
development as opposed to reacting to it.
The county's adequate pubic facilities
provisions has overwhelming public support
as 84% of the Land Use Plan mail -out survey
respondents said they supported the measure
as opposed to only 8% who opposed it.
All subdivisions of 20 or more lots must submit a
development impact statement containing a
physical- analysis, housing market analysis,
environmental impact analysis, fiscal analysis,
and traffic analysis. These reports provide the
county a basis to assess the impact of
development on county services and the
community as a whole.
No development requiring a special use or
conditional use permit shall be approved until
it can be shown that there will be adequate
public facilities to accommodate proposed
development.. Public facilities may be
determined as being adequate to serve the
needs of proposed development when the
following conditions have been found to be
meet within two years of initial approval:
A. Schools. Schools servicing the
development will have adequate
capacity to handle the projected
enrollment from the new development.
B. Water Supply. There will be adequate
public water supply available, in terms of
69
potable water and water for fire protection
where applicable, to service the
development.
C. Fire, Rescue, and Police: Fire, rescue and
police protection shall be adequate to
protect people and property in the
proposed development.
D. Roads: Roads within proposed
developments shall connect to local
roads, observe future roads projected in
the land use plan and Thoroughfare Plan
where applicable, and be of adequate
capacity to handle projected traffic flow.
E. Other Services. Other public services
affected by the proposed development,
Including but not limited to library,
recreation and health services, shall be
adequate to serve the development at
substantially the same level of service as is
available to other parts of the county.
The county should review its level of service
standards established in the Unified
Development Ordinance to ensure they are
appropriate for the community. Currituck
should also determine if rezoning of property
to higher density residential districts should be
reviewed under the adequate public facilities
provisions and adjusts the standards as
warranted. Finally, the county shall
periodically review population projections,
student projections, the status of existing
facilities, and the County Capital Improvement
Plan in order to keep. the adequate public
facilities review timely.
Residential Density
One of the most important elements affecting
the impact of development on the community
is density. Until 1995, the minimum lot size in the
entire county was 30,000 sq. ft. except on the
northern beaches where the minimum lot size
was 120,000 sq. ff.. In 1995, the Board of
Commissioners increased the minimum lot
size in most zoning districts to 40,000 sq. ff.
except on the northern beaches, where the
minimum lot .size remained at 120,000 sq. ft.,
and the Agricultural zoning district. In the
Agricultural zoning district, which comprises a
majority of the land in Currituck County, the
minimum lot size was increased to three
acres, When asked in the mail -out survey
what level of support the public had for

increasing lot sizes, those having a position
voted nearly two to one in favor of increasing
lot sizes (see Appendix 1).
Costs of Growth
Historically, communities have concentrated
on the physical aspects of growth focusing on
density, zoning, and subdivision regulations.
Once a development proposal meets
community technical standards, It is
approved. However, more communities are
taking a look not only on the physical aspects
of growth, but also the financial implications of
growth. Currituck County is one of those
communities.
In 1996, Tischler and Associates, with
assistance from the law firm of Burke, Weaver
& Prell, completed the Financing Growth Plan
for Currituck County. The plan consisted of
reports on population and household trends,
fiscal impacts of growth on the county and
schools, impact of revenue alternatives, and
steps necessary to implement an impact fee
program.
The report on population and household
trends used was based on historical growth
trends in Currituck County. Results of this report
can be found in the Chapter 2, Population.
The report on fiscal implications of growth is a
planning tool used to compare the impacts of
different land use assumptions on public
sector costs and revenues. In order to make
projections, estimates were made on number,
type and value of projected value of housing
units, residential occupancy rates, number of
new residents and public school students per
dwelling unit, and number of non-residential
sq. ff. per job. Taking these and other factors
into consideration, the report showed that new
development would generate net revenues to
the county, but significant net costs to the
70
schools estimated to be $3.6 million between
1996 and 2005. Table 7D illustrates the total
revenues and costs for the county and
schools showing a cumulative net deficit until
the year 2005. The county should periodically
review public sector cost and revenue
projections in order to be better prepared for
the financial implications of growth.
Having identified a net deficit, the next report
outlined methods to offset those deficits
concentrating on the Transfer Tax,
Occupancy Tax and Impact Fees. The report
showed revenues from the occupancy tax
would not be sufficient to offset school capital
costs. Revenues from the Transfer Tax did
offset costs, however was susceptible to
downturns in the economy. Impact fees set at
$4,000 per unit, also offset costs but was not
susceptible to downturns in the economy
(Table 7E). Although it is unlikely the County
would adopt per unit fee as high as $4,000 this
report does illustrate impact fees is a useful
tool to fund capital facilities.
The final report outlined steps for the county to
pursue impact fees. An impact fee is a one
time assessment imposed on new
development. It is used by local governments
to help offset the costs of providing capital
facilities associated with a particular
development (i.e., added school facilities
needed to serve the students generated from
that development). Much time and effort are
necessary in establishing procedures to
determine what actual impacts a particular
development has on the community.
However, if properly implemented, impact
fees could be a much needed source of
income for providing County facilities without
imposing an additional burden on existing
taxpayers. Impact fees has much public
support as the Land Use Plan mail -out survey
showed that 74% of the respondents favored
Impact fees as opposed to 9% of the
respondents who opposed them.
t
1
1
1
1
1

Budget Summary
Impact of Growth
Base Case
Year =>
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1 9
10
(Values in $000's)
1996
1997
1998 -
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
REVENUES
PROP Residential County Prop. Tax*.';;::.::.';,":;*'::':"::.$142
$284
$426
$569
$711
$853
$995
$1,137 '
$1,279
$1,421
TAXES Commercial County Prop. Ta:
$3
$5
$8
$10
$13
$15
$18
$20
$23
$25
Residential School Prop. Tax
$220
$441
$661
$881
$1,102
$1,322
. $1,542
$1.763
$1,983
$2,203
Commercial School Prop. Ta
$4
$8
$12
$16
$19
$23
$27
$31
$35
$39
Countywide Fire District Tax
$44
$89
$133
$178
$222
$267
$311
$355
$400
$444
Subtotal: Property Taxes
$413
$827
$1,240
$1.653
$2,066
$2,460
$2,893
$3,306
$3.719
$4,133
OTHER 1 Animal Taxes
$0
$0
$1
+ $1
$1
$1
$2
$2
$2
$2
2 Marriage Licenses
$0
s0
$0
$0
$1
$1
$1
$1
$1
$1
3 Franchise Taxes
$1
$3
$4
$5
$7
$8
$9
$11
$12
$13
4 Animal Control Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
St
5 Sales Tax -Unrestricted
$27
$55
$82
$109
$137
$164
$191
$219
$246
$273
6 Sales Tax -Restricted, County
$17
$34
$51
$68
$85
$102
$119
$135
$152
$169
7 Sales Tax -Restricted, School
$14
$28
$42
$55
$69
$83
$97
$111
$125
$138
8 Bldg PrmVExcise Tax (local s.
$28
$28
$28
$28
$28
$28
$28
$28
$28
$28
9 Bldg PrmVExcise Tax (local s
$6
$6
$6
$6
$6
$6
$6
$6
$6
$6
10 Bldg PrmtExcise Tax (locals
$18
$18
$18
$18
$18
$18
$18
$18
$18
$18
11 Bldg PrmtExcise Tax (local s
$22
$22
$22
$22
$22
$22
$22
$22
$22
$22
12 Bldg PrmVExcise Tax (local s
$199
$199
$199
$199
$199
$199
$199
$199
$199
$199
13
14
H
15
a
1s
t7
17
18
�
19
20
21
J
22
d
23
24
25
26
27
28
Subtotal: Other Revenues
$333
$393
$453
$512
$572
$632
$692
$752
$812
$871
TOTAL ANNUAL REVENUES:
$746
$1,219
$1,692
$2,166
$2.639
$3.112
$3.585
$4,058
$4,531
$5,004
EXPENSES
Operating Costs
$380
$759
$1,139
$1,518
$1,898
$2.278
$2,657
$3,037
$3,416
$3,796
Staff Costs
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
CF Pay -As -You -Go
$0
$0
SO
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
CF Debt Service
$476
$476
$833
$833
$833
$833
$833
$833
$833
$833
TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS:
$4.629
$855
$1.235
$1,971
$2,351
$2,731
$3,110
$3,490
$3,869
$4,249
NET FISCAL IMPACT
Annual
$14�)IS1SL
($279)
($186)
($92)
$1
$95
$188
$282
$375
Cumulative
($109)
($125)
($404)
($589)
($681)
($680)
($585)
($397)
($115)
$261
CIUM I►roptlolrty sonwaro 01/to/00

-
Table --'� ---- ----------
Cumulative Results (Revenues less Costs)
Base Case and Three Alternatives
Currituck County Schools
Thousands of 1995 Dollars
Year
_
Alternative
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Base Case w
($406
($743)($1,381)($1,949)($2,448)($2,877)($3,236)($3,527)($3,747)($3,898
Impact Fee
$846
$1,761
$2,375
$3,059
$3,812
$4,635
$5,528
$6,489
$7,521
$8,622
Transfer Tax
$349
$767
$885
$1,072
$1,328
$1,654
$2,050
$2,515
$3,050
$3,654
Occupancy Tax
($370)
($634)($1,163
($1,587)($1,904)($2,116
($2,222
($2,222)($2,116)($1,905
GOAL 7.5: TO PROVIDE THE RESIDENTS OF CURRITUCK THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COUNTY SERVICES AND TO
ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET CURRENT AND LONG RANGE
NEEDS OF THE COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. Continue to enforce adequate public facilities standards to properly accommodate growth
without adversely affecting the provision of county services
2. The county should review it's level of service standards established in the Unified Development
Ordinance to ensure they are appropriate for the community.
3. Currituck should determine if rezoning of property to higher density residential districts needs to be
reviewed under the adequate public facilities provisions and adjusts the standards as warranted.
4. The county and schools system shall periodically review population projections, student
projections, the status of existing facilities, and the County Capital Improvement Plan in order to
keep the adequate public facilities review timely.
5. The county should periodically review public sector cost and revenue projections in order to
improve financial planning for the provision of county facilities and services.
6. The county should pursue state authorization for impact fees and adopt an impact fee
ordinance.
72

u
7�7
fl
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1
CHAPTER 8
Draft 1 / 14 97
STORM HAZARDS
Introduction
All coastal communities face the threat of
hurricanes, northeasters, and other major
storm events. Unfortunately, people have a
tendency to overlook the massive destruction
these storms can cause, particularly after
extended periods of time between major
storm events. However, Hurricanes Hugo and
Andrew hitting the South Carolina coast and
Florida coast respectively, once again
brought to light the devastation that could
occur during a major storm event.
Currituck County acknowledges that a major
storm event will impact the area. The purpose
of this chapter is to assist Currituck County in
managing development in potentially
hazardous areas by establishing storm hazard
mitigation policies to reduce the risks
associated with future hurricanes. Further, this
chapter establishes post -disaster
reconstruction/recovery policies. Finally,
current evacuation plans will be reviewed for
their adequacy.
torm Hazard Mitiaatlon
Storm hazard mitigation,, or actions taken to
reduce the impact of a disaster, involve a
number of activities and policy decisions.
However, prior to discussing those activities
and policies, it is important to identify the types
of hazards (including the relative severity and
magnitude of risks), and the extent of
development located in storm hazard areas.
Hurricanes are extremely powerful, often
unpredictable forces of nature. The two most
severe effects are fatalities and property
damage, which are usually the result of four
causes: high winds, flooding, wave action,
and erosion. These are discussed briefly as
follows:
a. Hiah Wi
High winds are the major, force of a
hurricane which, by definition, is a tropical
disturbance with sustained winds of at
least 73 miles per hour. Extreme hurricanes
can have winds of up to 165 miles per hour,
with gusts up to 200 miles per hour (Figure
8.1). These winds circulate around the
center or "eye" of the storm. Although the
friction or impact of the winds hitting land
from the water causes some dissipation of
the full force, there is still a tremendous
amount of energy left to cause damage
to buildings, overturn mobile homes, down
trees and power lines, and destroy crops.
Also, tornadoes can often be spawned by
hurricane wind patterns. Wind stress is an
important consideration in storm hazard
mitigation planning. Becduse of Currituck's
location and a hurricane's size and power,
it is likely that all of Currituck County would
be subject to the same wind velocity in the
event of a storm.
POLICY: Currituck County enforces the N. C.
State Building Code, particularly
requirements of construction standards to
meet wind -resistive factors, i.e., "design
wind velocity". The county also enforces
provisions in the State Building Code
requiring tie -downs. for mobile homes,
which help resist wind damage.
Flooding, on the other hand, may not
affect all areas with equal force. The
excessive amounts of rainfall and the
"storm surge" which often accompany
hurricanes can cause massive coastal
and riverine flooding causing excessive
1
73

property damage and deaths by
drownings. In fact, more deaths are
caused by drowning than any other cause
In hurricanes. Flooding is particularly a
problem in ocean coastal areas because
of the storm surge and low-lying areas.
The amount of flooding a particular area
receives is related to storm strength
(Figure 8.1 and 8.2). However, flooding can
cause extensive damage in inland areas
also, since many coastal areas have low
elevations and are located in high hazard
or "Zone A" flood areas according to the
Federal Emergency Management
Agency Maps. Based on flood insurance
maps prepared for Currituck County, much
of the county is classified as being in the
100-year "high hazard" flood zone, or Zone
A (see "Flood Hazard" Map", figure 6.4).
Because of low elevation, much of the
county would be subject to flooding during
a severe hurricane. There are: however,
"pockets" of areas classified as "Zone C",
i.e., in the 500-year "minimally flooded"
area. In severe storms, Zone C areas
would also likely be flooded, but risks are
not as severe as for Zone A areas.
Flooding can not only cause damage to
buildings, but saltwater flooding can
cause serious damage to croplands,
which took place in the Albemarle region,
Including Currituck County, in 1954 and 1955
from Hurricanes Hazel, Connie, Dianne,
and lone (McElyea, Brower, & Godschalk,
pp. 2-8, 9).
POLICY: Currituck County is supportive of
the hazard mitigation elements of the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The county has had the Flood Insurance
Rate Maps since November 1, 1984 and all
reference to Flood Hazard Areas in the LUP
refer to flood hazards as identified by
these maps. Currituck County also
participates in the Community Rating
System (CRS) which is a voluntary program
whereby persons are given deductions on
flood insurance rates when their
communities go beyond the minimum
NFIP standards. Finally, Currituck County
also supports continued enforcement of
the CAMA and 404 Wetlands
development permit processes in areas
potentially susceptible to flooding.
Figure 8.1
Saffir/Simpson
Hurricane
Scale
Ranges
Scale
Number
Central Pressure
Winds
Winds
Cateaonr
Millibars Inches
Q1IPFfl
(ICIs)
Damage
1
>980 28.94
74-95
64-83
Minimal
2
965-979 28.5-28.91
96-110
84-96
Moderate
3
945-964 27.91-28.47
111-130
97-113
Extensive
4
920-944 27.17- 27.88
131-155
114-135
Extreme
5
<920 1 <27.17
>155
>135
Catastrophic
1
74

Figure 8.2.
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 MANAGEMENT
ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL `
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
�A117/ do
• • ''�$' it
• ..y c1
N • t
100
• N
COMPOSITE MAP:
EXISTING LAND USE --
AND STORM SURGE INUNDATION _
LEGEND Nk *• S
a Residential/Recreational
Commerical
' + Industrial
- Governmental • '
i®Category 1 - 2 Surge Area
Category 3 Additional Surge Area • • ,
Category 4 - 5 Additional Surge Area •

c. Wave Action
Damage from wave action is connected
very closely to the storm surge, i.e., wind -
driven water with high waves moving to
vulnerable shoreline areas. Areas most
likely to be affected are ocean hazard
areas and estuarine shoreline areas.
There are extensive estuarine shoreline
areas (75 feet inland from the mean high
water mark of estuarine waters) in the
county and ocean hazard areas along the
Outer Banks. Wave action damage would
have the most significant impact along the
Atlantic Ocean beach front and sound
shoreline. As the existing land use map
and the Flood Hazard Boundary Map
show, there is a significant amount of
residential development in or near the
estuarine shoreline area and
development continuing along the Outer
Banks. Wave action can cause erosion
as well as push possible flood waters to
areas not reached by the storm surge
itself. The estuarine shoreline along
Currituck's riverine shores, i.e., Shingle
Landing Creek at Moyock, is sufficiently
inland from an open coast so that the
wave energy is dispersed and diffracted,
mainly by the proximity to forested areas.
d. Erosion
The final major consideration in storm
hazard mitigation Is severe erosion,
caused by high winds, high water, and
heavy wave action. Again, in Currituck
County, the area most susceptible to
storm -related erosion is the estuarine
shoreline AEC (Area of Environmental
Concern) along the Currituck Sound and
the ocean front. This is essentially the
same area potentially affected by the
action of damaging waves and described
in "c" above. Shoreline erosion could
lead to loss of property through portions of
waterfront lots being washed into the
sound and ocean or even actual structural
damage to buildings. Erosion potential is
an important factor to consider in
developing storm hazard mitigation
policies.
POLICY: Wave Action and Shoreline
Erosion: Currituck County is supportive of
the CAMA development permit process
for estuarine shoreline and ocean front
areas and the requisite development
standards which encourage both
shoreline stabilization and facilitation of
proper drainage. The Unified
Development Ordinance contains
provisions providing some level of
protection for significant dunes and
contains recommendations for preserving
maritime forests.
e. Implementation: Storm Hazard Mitigation
1. Currituck County has adopted a Flood
Damage Ordinance for the Regular
Phase of the National Flood Insurance
Program. This ordinance requires
basic floodproofing for all new
construction, to the base flood
elevation. The base flood elevation,
as shown on the flood insurance maps,
is the elevation of the 100-year flood.
This program is administered by the
Planning and Inspections Department.
2. Currituck County participates in the
Community Rating System (CRS) which
is a voluntary program . whereby
persons are given deductions on flood
Insurance rates when their
communities go beyond the minimum
NFIP mitigation standards.
3. The county will continue to support
enforcement of State and Federal
programs which aid in mitigation of
hurricane hazards, including CAMA;
the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, and
' the U. S. Army Corps of engineers 404
permit process.
4. Currituck County enforces the North
Carolina State Building Code which
provides minimum . construction
standards for all construction activities.
5. Currituck County has adopted a Unified
Development Ordinance that places
zoning, flood and subdivision
regulations into one document. The
cumulative effect of the Ordinance
76

can influence the outcome of a major
storm event. Protective measures
such as building and zoning
requirements, storm water
requirements, flood regulations, and
maritime forest guidelines can have a
direct impact of he outcome of a
storm.
Post Disaster and Recovery Plans
If anything can be learned from the events
surrounding Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew, it is
the importance of having post disaster and
recovery plans prior to a major storm event.
Establishing such plans would be in keeping
with Currituck County's goals.
GOAL 8.1: TO ENSURE THE COUNTY CAN EFFECTIVELY HANDLE A MAJOR STORM EVENT IN TERMS OF
IMMEDIATE NEEDS AND LONG RANGE RECONSTRUCTION.
Strateaies:
1. Emergency Services to educate all agencies involved during major storm events of their proper
roles.
This portion of the land use plan establishes a
general recovery and reconstruction plan.
a. Appointment of a "Post Disaster Recovery
Team"
In the event of a major storm having
landfall in the vicinity of Currituck County,
when evacuation orders are issued, the
Chairman of the County Board of
Commissioners shall appoint a "Post -
Disaster Recovery Team". This team shall
consist of all of the members of the
Evacuation Plan Support Group as
identified in the Currituck County
Evacuation Plan, and others whom the
Chairman may appoint. The total team
may consist of the following:
1. Emergency Services Director (Team
Leader)
2. County Finance Officer
3. County Sheriff
4. County Building Inspector
5. . Director of Social Services
6. Local realtor or building contractor
7. County Health Department
The Emergency Services Director will
serve as the Team Leader and will be
responsible to the Chairman of the Board
of Commissioners. The base of operations
will be the Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) identified in the County Evacuation
Plan. The EOC is responsible for the
following:
1. Establishing and overall restoration
schedule.
2. Setting restoration priorities.
3. Determining requirements for outside
assistance and . requesting such
assistance when beyond local
capabilities.
A' Keeping the appropriate county and
State officials informed.
5. Keeping the public informed.
6. Assembling and maintaining records
of actions taken and expenditures and
obligations incurred. .
7. Recommending to the Chairman of
the Board of Commissioners to
proclaim a local "state of emergency"
if warranted.
8. Commencing and coordinating
cleanup, debris removal and utility
restoration which would include
coordination of restoration activities
undertaken by private utility
companies.
9. Coordinating repair and restoration of
essential public facilities and services
in accordance with determined
priorities.
77

10. Assisting private businesses and
individual property owners In obtaining
Information on the various types of
assistance that might be available to
them from federal and state agencies.
11. Monitor health conditions of water
supplies and sewer systems.
b. Immediate Clean -Up and Debris Removal
As soon as practical after the storm, the
Disaster Recovery Team will direct
appropriate county personnel, and as
necessary, request state and/or federal
assistance to begin clearing fallen trees
and other debris from the county's roads
and bridges.
c. Lona Term Recovery/Restoration
The Disaster Recovery Team will be
responsible for overseeing the orderly
implementation of the reconstruction
process after a major storm or hurricane in
accord with the county's policies. The
county would contact state and federal
agencies to request financial assistance
to repair or reconstruct damaged or
destroyed property. If funds are available,
the county would consider purchasing
lands in hazard areas as a mitigation
measure.
Damage Assessments
Damage assessments will be
necessary to determine as quickly as
possible a realistic estimate of the
amount of damage caused by a
hurricane or major storm. Information
such as the number of structures
damaged, the magnitude of damage,
and the estimated total dollar loss will
need to be developed.
As soon as .practical after the storm,
i.e., clearance of major highways and
paved roads In the county, the Disaster
Recovery Team Leader shall set up a
Damage Assessment Team (DAT),
which may consist of the Public Works
Director, Emergency Services Director,
personnel from the Currituck County
Tax Department and Planning and
Inspections Department. The DAT will
Immediately begin to make
"windshield" surveys of damaged
structures to initially assess damages
and provide a preliminary dollar value
of repairs or replacement. The
following general criteria shall be
utilized:
a. Destroyed (repairs would cost
more than 80 percent of value).
b. Major (repairs would cost more
than 30 percent of the value).
c. Minor (repairs would cost less than
30 percent of the value, but the
structure is currently uninhabitable).
d. Habitable (some minor damage,
with repairs less than 15 percent of
the value).
Each damage assessment will be
documented according to county
tax records. Also, county tax
maps (including aerial
photographs) and/or records may
be used for identification purposes.
The total estimated dollar value of
damages will be summarized and
reported to the Disaster Recovery
Team Leader.
2. Reconstruction Development Standards
Generally, reconstruction shall be held at
least to the same standards as before the
storm. However, developed structures
which were destroyed and which did not
conform to the county's storm hazard
mitigation policies, i.e., with basic
measures to reduce damage by high
winds, flooding, wave action or erosion,
must be 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 damaged structures,
which were built in conformance with the
State Building Code and County storm
hazard mitigation policies, shall be issued
automatically and all structures suffering
major damage will be repaired according
to the State Building Code. All structures
suffering minor damage, regardless of
location, will be allowed to be rebuilt to the
►1:3

LIB
original condition prior to the storm. The
County Sanitarian and Building Inspector
will consider permitting reconstruction
(between 30-80% of value of damaged
homes requiring a septic tank) on a case
by case basis if soil type does meet
current septic tank requirements as of the
date of damage or the time destruction
occurred.
3. Development Moratorium
In the event of a category 3 makes landfall
in or near Currituck, county officials should
consider establishing a building
moratorium. Residents shall be allowed to
proceed with redevelopment and
reconstruction as soon as practical and in
accord with the various levels of state and
federal disaster relief provided to them.
The Disaster Recovery Team will
coordinate with the State Department of
Insurance and other home construction
organizations in assembling a list of
qualified contractors interested in assisting
with reconstruction.
4. Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
The schedule of activities and time frame
(Figure 8.3) is proposed with the realistic
Idea that many factors of a hurricane may
render the schedule infeasible.
Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
a) Appoint Damage Assessment
Committee
I b) Complete and Report Damage
Assessments
I c) Begin Repairs to Critical
Utilities and Facilities
d) Permitting of Reconstruction activities
for all damaged structures ("minor" to
pre -storm original status, "major" to
State building code and hazard
mitigation standards
The permitting process for reconstruction
will be handled by the Planning and
Inspections Department through the
mainland office and the satellite office, if
possible. Should the satellite office be
Inoperable due to damage, a secondary
location must be established and
announced to the public for their
convenience. The alternate location for
the mainland office will be the Social
Service Building. If damage precludes use
of the Social Service Building, an alternate
location must be established and the
public notified.
79
Time Frame
6 hours after storm
Two weeks after storm
As soon as possible
after storm
Two weeks after
damage assessments
are complete
High Priority:
a. Primary residences: Applicants must
be able to verify residency in Currituck
County prior to being issued a permit. A
valid drivers license, voter registration
card or similar identification will be
acceptable proof.
b. Critical facilities necessary to conduct
the day to day activities in the
community. Critical facilities shall
include:

1. water plants (public and private
systems)
2. sewage facilities
3. electric substations and lines
4. telephone equipment and lines
5. fire and rescue facilities
6. roads
7. schools
8. county offices
9. state facilities
10. airport
11 post offices
12. beach accessways (vehicular)
Moderate Priority:
1. health service facilities: doctor's
offices and nursing homes
2. other existing businesses
3. farm buildings
Low Priority:
1. Second homes (vacation homes) and
accessory structures.
2. Unoccupied rental property rented on
a monthly or yearly basis. Dwellings
having minor damage that will be used
to house displaced persons, where a
request is made by the American Red
Cross may be given a higher priority.
Verification must be submitted by the
Red Cross.
3. All other vacant buildings.
All building permit fees will be waived for all
storm damage repairs only. In the event
that the damage suffered is more than the
county can practicably handle, the
Planning and Inspections Department will
request that the Board of Commissioners
enter into an "Mutual Aid Agreement" with
adjacent communities to assist with
assessing damage and inspections of
repairs. Permits and inspection of buildings
will be required in all cases except to
replace or repair the following:
a. Bona Fide Farm buildings (excluding
mechanical, electrical ,and plumbing)
b. shingles
c. storage buildings that: 1) contain no
electric, mechanical, or plumbing, 2)
are valued by the Tax Department at
less than $3,000.00, and 3) are located
outside of flood zones and CAMA
AECs.
5. Agency Responsible for Implementation:
The Chairman of the Currituck County
Board of Commissioners, as chief elected
official of the county, will serve as overall
Chairman of Control Group. The Board
Chairman will delegate the overseeing of
the reconstruction and recovery effort and
implementation of the plan.
6. Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities
and Infrastructure:
The Public Works Director and the Health
Department Director shall coordinate all
activities with the state relating to the repair
and replacement of the county water
system and the water/sewer system at
Ocean Sands and Newtown Road (ail
other utilities on the Outer Banks are under
private control). The county will work with
the State in order to establish a north/south
access in the event NC 12 sustains
damage. The county will consider the
relocating of public infrastructure where
changes in natural features warrant
relocation. All measures will be taken to
assist NC and Virginia Power in providing a
swift return of electrical services
damaged during a major storm event.
Hurricane Evacuation Plan
Currituck County has an official "Emergency
and Evacuation Plan," which was revised in
February, 1989. All activities relating to
evacuation shall be coordinated through the
Emergency Services Director. A brief review
of this plan Indicates that it is adequate to
meet the emergency needs of the county.
The county should coordinate with
surrounding areas for sheltering residents of
the county.

Introduction
The Growth Management Plan establishes a
land classification system as a means of
helping to attain the goals stated in the land
use plan. By showing land classes on a map,
Currituck County can specify those areas
where certain policies (local, state and
federal) will apply. The land classification
system is intended to be supported and
complemented by zoning, subdivision and
other local growth management tools. These
local tools should be consistent with the
classification system as much as possible.
Although specific areas are outlined on a land
classification map, it must be remembered
that a land classification system is merely a
,tool to help achieve the goals established in
the land use plan and not, in the strict sense of
the term, a regulatory mechanism such as a
zoning map.
There are seven different land classifications
established in the land use plan. They are:
Developed, Urban Transition, Limited
Transition, Community, Rural, Rural with
Services, and Conservation. This chapter will
describe what each of these land
classifications represents. In addition, a land
classification map has been prepared to
indicate preferred development patterns.
Land Use Classification Descriptions
DEVELOPED
Purpose. The purpose of the Developed class
is to provide for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of
existing cities, towns, and their urban
environs.
Description and Characteristics. Areas
meeting the intent of the developed
classification are currently urban in
character where minimal undeveloped
land remains and have in place, or are
scheduled for the timely provision of, the
usual municipal or public services. Urban
In character includes mixed land uses
such as residential, commercial, industrial,
institutional, and other uses at high to
moderate densities. Services include
water, sewer, recreational facilities, streets
and roads, police and fire protection. In
some instances an area may not have all
the traditional urban services in place but,
If it otherwise has a developed character
and is scheduled for the timely provision of
these services, it still meets the intent of the
developed classification. Areas
developed for predominantly residential
purposes meet the intent of this
classification if they exhibit:
1. a density of 3 or more dwelling units per
acre; or,
2. a majority of lots of 15,000 square feet or
less, which are provided or scheduled
to be provided with the traditional
urban services; and/or,
3. permanent population densities are
high and seasonal populations may
swell significantly.
Location.. The Developed land classification
can be found in Walnut Island/Waterview
SHores in Grandy. This area was
designated as such because it is heavily
developed, of high density and little
property is available.
URBAN TRANSITION
Purpose. The purpose of the Urban Transition
class is to provide for future intensive urban
development on lands that are suitable

and that will be provided with the
necessary urban services to support
Intense urban development.
Description and Characteristics. Areas
meeting the intent of the Urban Transition
classification are presently being
developed for urban purposes or will be
developed in the next five to ten years to
accommodate anticipated population
and urban growth. These areas are In, or
will be in an urban "transition" state of
development going from lower intensity
uses to higher intensity uses and as such
will eventually require urban services.
1. Areas classified Urban Transition will
provide lands for intensive urban
growth when lands in the developed
class are not available. Urban
transition lands must be able to support
urban development by being
generally free of physical limitations
and be served or readily served by
urban services. Urban development
includes mixed land uses such as
residential, commercial, institutional,
industrial and other uses at or
approaching high to moderate
densities. Urban services include
water, sewer, streets and roads, police
and fire protection that will be made
available at the time development
occurs or soon thereafter. Permanent
population densities in this class will be
high and the seasonal population may
swell significantly.
2. In choosing land for the urban transition
class, such land should not include:
Areas with severe physical limitations
which would make the provision of
urban services difficult or impossible,
lands which meet the definition of
conservation, lands of special value
(unless no other alternative exists) such
productive and unique agricultural
lands, forest lands, potentially valuable
mineral deposits, water supply
watersheds, scenic and tourist
resources including archaeological
sites, habitat or important wildlife
species, areas subject to frequent
flooding, areas important for
environmental or scientific values,
lands where urban development might
destroy or damage natural systems or
processes of more than local concern
or lands where intense development
might result in undue risk to life and
property from natural or existing man-
made hazards.
3. It should be understood that even
though AEC standards occasionally
permit urban transition type
development on a lot by lot basis within
the various AEC's, this classification
should generally not be applied to any
AEC.
4. Areas that are predominantly
residential meet the intent of this class
if:
a. they are approaching three
dwelling units per acre; or,
b. a majority of the lots are 15,000
square feet or less and will be
provided with essential urban
services to support this high density
development; or,
c. are contiguous to existing
developed municipal areas.
Location. The Urban Transition area is located
in Moyock. It was designated as such due
to its proximity to Virginia and the recent
completion of a five -lane highway (NC 168)
In the community. Chesapeake, Virginia is
also planning to widen Highway 168 within
the ten-year planning period.
LIMITED TRANSITION
Purpose. The purpose of the Limited Transition
class is to provide for development in
areas that will have some services, but are
suitable for lower densities than those
associated with the Urban transition class,
and/or are geographically remote from
existing towns and municipalities.
Description and Characteristics. Areas
meeting the intent of this class will
experience increased development
during the planning period. They will be in
a state of development requiring some
municipal type services. These areas are
of modest densities and often suitable for
RON

1
1
u
the provision of closed water systems
rather than individual wells.
1. Areas classified Limited Transition will
provide controlled development with
services, but may not be on lands that
are suitable for traditional high intensity
urban development normally
associated with sewers or other
services. These may be lands with
physical limitations or areas near
valuable estuarine waters or other
fragile natural systems. Sewers and
other services may be provided
because such services are already in
the area or readily available nearby,
because the lands are unsuitable for
septic tanks or cumulative impact of
septic tanks may negatively affect
significant public resources. Self
contained, large, retirement/vacation
developments in otherwise rural areas
would meet the intent of this class The
limited transition class also includes
those areas that may not have water
and sewer services at this time, but are
suitable for higher intensity uses due to
frontage along Highways 158/168 and
the potential for County water in the
near future.
2. The limited transition class is intended
for residential development with
densities of three units per acre or less,
or the majority of lots are 15,000 square
feet or greater. Clustering or
development associated with Planned
Unit Developments and Planned
Residential Developments are
appropriate in the limited transition
class. This class also contains
nonresidential areas along major
transportation routes.
3. Areas that meet the -definition of
conservation class should not be
classified limited transition.
Location. This designation can be found on
the outskirts of Moyock, between Barco to
an area just south of Coinjock along 158,
from Grandy to the Wright Memorial Bridge
on 158 and in approved PUD's (Outer
Banks) and in Carova. These areas were
chosen due to the availability of water (in
most cases), existing land use and zoning,
in some cases sewer and road access. It
is important to note that along 158/168 it is
not intended that the urban transition area
be used as strip commercial
development. Recommendations in the
Transportation Chapter indicate provisions
for alleviating problems associated with
strip development and advocate a policy
of nodal development. NOTE: THIS
PROVISION HAS BEEN WRITTEN AS FOUND IN
PREVIOUS LAND USE PLAN, THE COUNTY
MUST DETERMINE IF IT INTENDS TO FOLLOW
A NODAL POLICY.
COMMUNITY
Purpose. The purpose of the Community class
is to provide for clustered, mixed land uses
at low densities to help meet the housing,
shopping, employment and other needs in
rural areas.
Description and Characteristics. Areas
meeting the intent of the community class
are presently developed at low densities
that are suitable for private septic tank use.
These areas are clustered residential
and/or commercial land uses which
provide low intensity shopping and
housing opportunities, and provide a local
social sense of a "community." Very
limited municipal type services such as fire
-protection and community water may be
available, but municipal type sewer
systems are not to be provided as a
catalyst for future development. In some
unusual cases, sewer systems may be
possible, but only to correct an existing or
projected public health hazard. Areas
developed in a low density fashion in
small, dispersed clusters in a larger rural
landscape with very limited or no water
and sewer services meet the intent of this
class.
Location. The community classification
includes Shawboro, 158/SR 1147
intersection, Currituck, Coinjock, Poplar
Branch, Sligo and Maple. These areas
have small shops, banks, community
buildings and churches located within their
boundaries. It is intended to promote this
type of development that characterizes
Currituck's historical development.
RK

RURAL
Purpose. The Rural class is to provide for
agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction
and other allied uses traditionally
associated with an agrarian region. Other
land uses, due to their noxious or
hazardous nature and negative impacts
on adjacent uses may also be
appropriate here if sited in a manner that
minimizes their negative effect on
surrounding land uses or natural resources.
Examples include energy generating
plants, refining plants, airports, transmission
towers, sewage treatment facilities, fuel
storage tanks and other industrial type
uses. Very low density dispersed
residential uses on lots of approximately
one unit per acre (in proximity to higher
density development) to three units per
acre (remote from higher density
development) with on site water and
sewer are consistent with the intent of the
rural class. Development in this class
should be as compatible with resource
production as possible.
Description and Characteristics. Areas
meeting the intent of this classification are
appropriate for or presently used for
agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction,
and other uses, that due to their hazardous
or noxious nature, should be located in a
relatively isolated and undeveloped area.
Low density dispersed, single family
residential uses at a gross density of
approximately one unit per acre (in
proximity to higher density development)
to three units per acre (remote from higher
density development) are also
appropriate within rural areas where lot
sizes are large and where densities do not
require the provision of urban type
services. Private septic tanks and wells are
the primary on site services available to
support residential development, but fire,
rescue squad and sheriff protection may
also be available. Population densities will
be very low.
Location. This classification contains a
majority of land in Currituck County (next to
the Conservation class) from Knotts Island
to Point Harbor. These are low density
areas that are mostly used for farming and
occasionally mining purposes.
RURAL WITH SERVICES
Purpose. The Rural with Services class is to
provide for low density land uses including
residential use where limited water
services are provided to avert an existing
or projected health problem.
Development within this class should be
low intensity to maintain a rural character.
Rural water systems, such as those funded
by Farmers Home Administration, are or
may be available in these areas due to the
need to avert poor water quality problems.
These systems, however, should be
designed to serve a limited number of
customers and should not serve as a
catalyst for future higher intensity
development.
Description and Characteristics. Areas
meeting the intent of this class are
appropriate for very low intensity
residential uses with a gross density of
approximately one unit per acre (in
proximity to higher density development)
to three units per acre (remote from higher
density development) where lot sizes are
large and where the provision of services
will not disrupt the primary rural character
of the landscape. Private wells and septic
tanks, services such as sheriff protection,
rural or volunteer fire protection and
emergency rescue, etc., are also
available.
Location. This area is low density and land is
generally used for farming purposes. The
rural with services classification is located
north of Grandy due to the presence of
county water.
CONSERVATION
Purpose. The purpose of the Conservation
class is to provide for the effective long-
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11
term management and protection of referred to by the public and elected officials
significant, limited or irreplaceable areas. in the day to day decision making process.
Management is needed due to the
natural, cultural, recreational, scenic or
natural productive values of both local
and more than local concern.
Description and Characteristics. Areas
meeting the intent of this classification
include:
1. AEC's, including but not limited to
public trust waters, estuarine waters,
coastal wetlands, etc. as identified in
15 NCAC 7H;
2. Other similar lands, environmentally
significant because of their natural role
in the integrity of the coastal region,
Including, but are not limited to CAMA
and 404 wetlands, areas that are or
have a high probability of providing
wildlife habitat, forest lands that are
essentially undeveloped and lands
that otherwise contain significant
productive, natural, scenic, cultural or
recreational resources.
Location. Like _the rural classification, the
conservation class takes in a vast area of
Currituck County. Included in this class are
AEC's (excluding lands landward of the
applicable Erosion Setback Line), all
Federal and State reserves, all swamp and
wetlands (coastal and inland), Islands,
marshes and other areas where soils are
poor for development. If land is
developable, it should be done at
densities of approximately one unit per
three acres or less.
and Use Clossiflcotlon Mo
The attached map (Figure 9.1) indicates
recommended boundaries for each of the
seven land us67 classifications. The purpose of
this map is to indicate preferred land
development patterns over a ten year
planning period. As had been alluded to
previously, this map is not to be confused with
a zoning map that has the force of law. The
land use classification map represents
desired development patterns and can be

Figure 9.1
1996 Currituck County
Land Use Plan Classification Map
Leggy
Developed
Urban Transition
Limited Transition
Community
Rural With Services
Rural
Conservation
Ats�antfc
agars
s=

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Ch op ter 10 77771
DRAFT 1 /14/97
Implementation Plan
Below is a recommended implementation plan that has been established to help achieve the goals
stated in the 1996 Currituck County Land Use Plan. Each strategy listed has been assigned to one or
more agencies with a time frame listed on when to project is to begin. Please note that there may be
additional strategies not listed in the implementation plan that may help achieve stated goals. It is
intended that the Planning Board monitor progress on the implementation plan and advise the Board
of Commissioners on making additions or deletions as deemed necessary.
GOAL I A : TO ENCOURAGE MAXIMUM PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE LAND USE PLANNING PROCESS.
Strate , ies:
1. Encourage the use of citizen advisory groups to help formulate policies on land use issues facing
the county;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Have all agencies with tasks outlined in the Land Use Plan report on an annual basis to the
Planning Board on the status of implementing strategies.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 3.1 CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE ECONOMIC BASE OF CURRITUCK COUNTY TO IMPROVE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WHILE ENSURING ADEQUATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
Strategies:
1. The Economic Development Board should continue to focus on strategies to improve economic
development in the county allowing input from elected officials, appointed officials and the
general public. Strategies should be reviewed periodically and adjusted according to
economic conditions.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Recruit industries that will not have a negative impact on Currituck County's fragile environment
(i.e., minimal effect on water quality, no excessive smoke and noise, etc.);development in
Currituck.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Promote the location of light industrial, wholesale and warehouse operations in the county in
areas best suited for such uses. Characteristics of a suitable location include:
-transportation facilities are adequate to meet the needs of the use and would not place an
undue burden on local roads;
-the use is adequately buffered by physical and natural barriers from residential uses and would
not detract from the quality of life enjoyed by neighbors;
-the use would not detract from the rural character of the area;
-the use has adequate access to utilities;

-the use does not locate in an area that is environmentally sensitive.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 3.2: CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURAL USES IN THOSE AREAS BEST SUITED FOR FARMING
AND TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES THAT ARE SENSITIVE TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
1. Promote the use of cluster development (Planned Residential Development - PRD, Open Space
Subdivisions, Planned Unit Development PUD) in order to preserve the land best suited for
farming;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Promote the use of farming Best Management Practices.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 3.3: TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE EXTRACTION OF MINERALS TO SUPPORT GROWTH PROVIDED
EXTRACTION ACTIVITIES HAVE A MINIMUM IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURROUNDING
PROPERTIES.
Strateaies:
1. Continue to enforce the Unified Development Ordinance In order to limit potential negative
impacts mines may have on the environment and surrounding properties (i.e., drainage, erosion,
noise, visual impact, etc.).
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 3.4 CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE ROLE TOURISM PLAYS IN CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies
1. Continued support of the Currituck Wildlife Museum;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Provide information about Currituck County at the existing state rest stop facility south of Coinjock.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Promote local and regional cooperation in order to enhance tourism.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 3.5: MAINTAIN THE ECONOMIC AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMERCIAL AND
RECREATIONAL FISHING AND HUNTING IN CURRITUCK COUNTY.
E a�aL�Z LL-1`�
1. Improve the quality of the sounds and adjoining tributaries;

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
' TIME FRAME:
2. Encourage the preservation of wildlife habitat by promoting cluster development,
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Promote conservation easements allowing a landowner to maintain title to the property but
prohibit development of sensitive areas in exchange for financial consideration.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
7
GOAL 3.6: TO ENSURE COMMERCIAL TIMBER HARVESTING IS DONE IN A MANNER THAT HAS
MINIMAL IMPACT TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
Strateaies:
1. Commercial timber harvesting shall adhere to best management practices established by the
North Carolina Forest Service and comply with 404 wetland regulations.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 4.1: TO HAVE A TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT EFFECTIVELY, EFFICIENTLY AND SAFELY
MOVES MOTORING AND BICYCLE TRAFFIC THROUGHOUT CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strateaies:
1. Continue to work with NCDOT in updating the 1988 Thoroughfare Plan and implemen
recommendations from that plan;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Review driveway regulations for effectiveness and determine if they should be
Include other important collector roads;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Request that the Department of Transportation widen the following roads to
accommodate bicycle traffic:
a) Highway 158 from Belcross (Camden County to Barco),
b) Along NC 12 on the Currituck Outer Banks,
c) On the Mid -County Bridge,
d) NC 615 on Knotts Island,
e) Highway 168 from the Virginia state line to Barco,
f) Tulls Creek Road (SR 1222);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
extended to
4. Continue implementing recommendations from the US Highway 158 & NC Highway 168
Corridor Plan
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
1�

GOAL 4.2 TO PROVIDE FOR TIMELY EVACUATION OF RESIDENTS AND GUESTS ON THE CURRITUCK
OUTER BANKS DURING MAJOR STORM EVENTS AND IMPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND AVAILABILITY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES.
Strate - ies:
1. Support construction of a mid -county bridge that will have a minimum impact on the
e Outer
Banks and the Currituck County mainland.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Work with NCDOT and area residents to determine the best transportation alternetives for
traffic on the Outer Banks.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 4.3 TO ENSURE THE CURRITUCK MID -SOUND BRIDGE HAS MINIMUM IMPACT ON THE
CURRITUCK OUTER BANKS AND THE CURRITUCK MAINLAND.
Strategies:
1. Complete the water study for the Currituck Outer Banks and take the necessary steps to
implement recommendations to ensure adequate water supplies.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Maintain and improve existing public beach and sound accesses on the Currituck Outer
'
Banks. Where feasible, acquire new public beach and sound accesses.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Continue to enforce PUD regulations limiting commercial development on the Outer Banks.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
4. Continue to advise residents, contractors, and developers about the benefits of vegetation
'
on the Outer Banks.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
'
5. Currituck County should continue to enforce the Adequate Public Facilties standard and
adjust as needed to maintain it's effectiveness.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
6. Limit access from the Currituck Mid -Sound Bridge into local communites on the Currituck
Mainland.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
7. Currituck County should continue to encourage developers to use the common open space
development standards to better preserve Currituck's fragile environment and rural
character.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
8. Currituck County should continue to keep densities low In order to help protect the rural
charater of the area.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
9. Approve development where the Currituck Mid -Sound Bridge intersects with US 158 that is of
high quality interms of safety and design.
90

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
10. Assist In promoting Currituck mainland businesses on the Outer Banks once the mid -sound
bridge is complete.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME: ,
' GOAL 4.4: TO PROVIDE A SAFE MEANS OF ACCESS NORTH OF COROLLA THAT WILL HAVE A
NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT OMTHE ENVIRONMENT.
Strategies:
1. Continue to monitor development on the Currituck Beaches north of Corolla and explore the
potential for improving access to the area.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 4.5: TO ALLOW THE USE OF OFF -ROAD VEHICLES IN A SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER ON
THE CURRITUCK OUTER BANKS.
Strateaies:
1. Continue to enforce the existing Outer Banks Vehicular and Barrier Strand Ordinance.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 5.1: ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF'AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN'A MANNER THAT MINIMIZES
THE IMPPCT ON SURROUNDING AREAS.
Strategy
' 1. Continue the resent mobile home policy of allowing double-wides meeting specific
P P Y g g p c
appearance criteria by right in all residential zoning districts; allowing Class "B" mobile homes
(built after July 1, 1976) in existing mobile home parks and on large lots in limited circumstances
and for temporary replacement of a condemned home; and prohibiting class "C" mobile homes
(built before July 1, 1976);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Continue to promote Planned Unit Developments (PUD's), Planned Residential Developments
(PRD's) and Open Space Subdivisions.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Explore the need to provide affordable housing` in Currituck County and, if needed, identifiy
' incentives to help encourage the private sector to provide such housing.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
4. Carefully evaluate the impact of existing and proposed development standards (i.e. Adequate
Public Facilties regulations, Impact Fees) on providing affordable housing.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
91

GOAL 5.2: TO CONTINUE TO REVITALIZE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE
SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE RESIDENTS OF CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. Continue particiaption in programs to help rehabilitate substandard housing in Currituck County.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 5.3: TO PROHIBIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FLOATING HOME DEVELOPMENT
Strategies:
1. Maintain provisions in the Unified Development Ordinance that prohibit the use of floating home
development.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 5.4: TO PERMIT MARINA DEVELOPMENT (INCLUDING MARINAS ASSOCIATED WITH RESIDENTIAL
SUBDIVISIONS) ONLY WHEN IT CAN CLEARLY BE SHOWN THAT THE MARINA HAS NO SIGNIFICANT
IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC TRUST WATERS, ESTUARINE AREAS ,AND SURROUNDING PROPERTIES.
Strategies:
1. Enforce the Unified Development Ordinance permitting marinas subject to the following design
4
principles:
a) Marinas shall be planned in such a manner as to minimize the risk of water pollution.
b) Marinas shall be located in areas where there is a high rate of water "turnover" (the time
required for tidal action or water flow to replace water of a boat basin with new water from
another source). Ideally, marinas should have a water turnover rate of 2 to 4 days.
c) Marinas in upland areas shall be encouraged.
d) Marina access channels shall be designed to maximize circulation and avoid dead-end
spots.
e) Marina designs must incorporate facilities for the proper handling of sewage, waste, and
refuse.
f) Marinas shall minimize alteration of existing shoreline configurations and disturbance of
vital habitat areas.
g) Dredging operations shall not occur during critical periods of fish migration and breeding.
h) The method of dredging shall be chosen that will have the least environmental impact and,
all dredged materials shall be placed in a manner so as not to pollute surrounding
areas.
i) Proposals for marina development shall be accompanied by a modeling study
Indicating expected flushing.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
l
TIME FRAME:
2. Permit marinas as an accessory use to residential development. Marinas not associated with
residential developments and dry stack storage facilities shall only be permitted in accordance
with the Unified Development Ordinance.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
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GOAL 5.5: TO ALLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLANDS THAT WOULD BEST PROMOTE THE PUBLIC
INTERESTS.
Strategies
1. Allow island development that complies with the county's zoning regulations;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
r 2. Permit the development of Monkey Island for the purpose of public education or research and
related purposes.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 5.6: TO PERMIT THE USE OF BULKHEADS FOR STABILIZING NON -OCEAN SHORELINES.
Strategies:
r 1. Require all bulkhead installations be done according to CAMA regulations.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
t•
GOAL 5.7 TO PROTECT THE FRAGILE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT FROM NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF
ENERGY FACILITIES.
Strategies:
1. Oppose all drilling off the coast of North Carolina and oppose the location of any associated
support or processing facilities within Currituck County.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
r` 2. Allow energy generating plants in accordance with the provisions of the Unified Development
Ordinance as long as it is consistent with environmental protection, health, and welfare of the
community.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
rGOAL 6.1: TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY IN THE CURRITUCK AND ALBEMARLE
SOUNDS.
Strategies:
1. Continue participation in state and federal water quality and quantity testing programs to gain a
better understanding of influences affecting surface water bodies.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
' 2. Soil Conservation Service should continue to address water quality issues and if necessary, begin
a water quality testing program.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Review results from the Pasquotank River Basin Plan and implement suggested environmental
management strategies for improving and maintaining the quality of the Currituck and Albemarle
Sounds and associated tributaries where appropriate.
r
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RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
4. Develop communication channels with southeastern Virginia communities in order to inform
them of the status, concerns and programs being undertaken relating to the water quality of the
Currituck Sound.
GOAL 6.2: TO MAINTAIN THE HIGH QUALITY OF ESTUARINE WATERS AND TO PROMOTE APPROPRIATE
DEVELOPMENT ALONG ESTUARINE SHORELINES SO AS NOT TO DEGRADE THE ESTUARINE SYSTEM.
GOAL: 6.3 KEEP ALL PUBLIC TRUST WATERS OPEN FOR NAVIGATION INCLUDING THOSE AREAS UNDER
THE JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
GOAL 6.4: TO PROTECT COASTAL WETLANDS SO THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE TO SERVE THEIR VITAL
FUNCTION IN THE ENVIRONMENT.
GOAL 6.5: TO ALLOW LIMITED DEVELOPMENT 1N THE OCEAN HAZARD AREA THAT IS SENSITIVE TO THE
FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT.
GOAL 6.6: ENSURE ANY DEVELOPMENT OCCURRING 1N SWAMPS IS DONE IN A MANNER THAT MINIMIZES
IMPACTS TO VEGETATION AND HYDROLOGY.
Strate . ies:
1. Continue to review development proposals for location of 404 and CAMA wetlands.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 63: TO PROTECT MARITIME AND PETRIFIED FORESTS FROM ENCROACHING DEVELOPMENT.
Strategies:
1. Provide information to homeowners, builders and developers about the benefits of maritime
forests.
2. Maintain the Maritime Forest Guidelines in the Unified Development Ordinance.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 6.8: TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS CONTINUOUS ACCESS TO AND FROM THE BEACHES NORTH OF
COROLLA WHERE NO IMPROVED ROAD EXIST.
Strategies:
1. Support a beach nourishment program only for enhancement of beach traffic in the event a north
beach access road is not provided and erosion is sufficient to limit access along the beaches.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:

GOAL 6.9: TO INSURE DEVELOPMENT IS SENSITIVE TO THE PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS OF THE LAND.
Strategies:
1, Prohibit development requiring sewage treatment on soils that are unsuitable for on site septic
systems unless sewerage can be pumped to soils that are suitable.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Continue participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Encourage package treatment plants for Planned Unit Developments (PUD's), Planned
Residential Developments (PRD's) and Open Space Subdivisions. Use of alternative sewerage
disposal systems that are environmentally safe should be encouraged (i.e., constructed
wetlands).
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
4. Continue to work with SCS and the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resurces to
review drainage and storm water control plans and to verify proposals have been implemented
in the field.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
5. Soil Conservation Serice should investigate the feasibility of establishing drainage districts to help
maintain existing drainage areas.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME: -
6. Continue ordinance provisions requiring the planting of vegetation in developments and to
encourage the preservation of existing vegetation, particularly along water bodies.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 6.10: TO ENCOURAGE THE PRESERVATION OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES.
Strategies:
1. County to assist individuals who want to have their structures listed on the National Register.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural resources to review development
plans that require CAMA permits.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Support the Century Farm Family recognition program administered by the Department of
Agriculture.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 6.11: TO PROMOTE COMMON OPEN SPACE SUBDIVISION DESIGN THAT IS SENSITIVE TO THE
NATURAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES OF CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies:
95

'. I
1. Monitor common open space design standards for protection of natural and cultural features
and adjust as needed.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Use computer mapping to identify primary and secondary conservation areas and make the
Information available to the general public.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 7.1: TO PROVIDE ENOUGH RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL CITIZENS AND TO
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NATURAL AMENITIES OF CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strate , ies:
1. Continue to establish community recreation areas at existing and new school sites In order to
maximize benefits.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. The Planning Board and Board of Commissioners should review the recommendations of the
Recreation Committee to determine appropriate actions.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Encourage funding of recreational programs through private funds, grants, and public funds (i.e.,
impact fees);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
4. Continue to require dedication of land in large developments (20 lots or more) for public purposes
and allow the payment of fees instead of dedication where appropriate.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 7.2: TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC BEACH, SOUND AND RIVER ACCESSES AND
ASSOCIATED FACILITIES.
Strate , ies:
1. Inventory all potential ocean and sound access points and establish a priority rating for funding
as part of a comprehensive recreation program;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Apply for CAMA, WRC (Wildlife Resources Commission) and applicable land and water
conservation funds to establish more ocean and sound accesses in the county on the Outer
Banks and the mainland;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Establish additional county recreational and boating facilities in Currituck with particular attention
to those areas where limited access exists (Knotts Island, Gibbs Woods, Lower Currituck).
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 7.3: TO ENSURE THAT SOLID WASTE MATERIALS ARE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY AND TO
ENCOURAGE RECYCLING.
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Strategies:
1. Continue participation in the Albemarle Regional Solid Waste Authority;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Comply with provisions of Senate Bill 111 by emphasizing recycling and properly disposing of
materials considered to be hazardous.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 7.4: TO ENSURE THERE ARE ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. Implement the 5 year action plan for the mainland water system that calls for the following:
extending the water main to the south end of the county, prepare a study evaluating the quality
of raw water within the deep aquifer at Maple to determine the most efficient reverse osmosis
system, develop 10 additional wells in the Maple area to maximize production at the existing
water plant, and establish a reverse osmosis plant with production capacity of approximately .75
million gallons per day.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. Identify the method of disposing salt water brime removed from drinking water during the reverse
osmosis process.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Establish policies on water line extension to existing homes and subdivisions.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
4. On the southern Currituck Outer Banks, the county, working with local citizens, should continue to
identify future water supplies, look towards interconnecting existing water systems, and work to
provide centralized water to those areas that are presently not served by a water system.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
5. Continue to participate in discussions on regionalized water.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
b. Prepare a report outlining the issues involved in adopting wellhead protection regulations for
consideration by the Board of Commissioners.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
7. Make sure all developments indicate well locations on their lots and adjoining lots to ensure 100
foot separation from septic systems.
GOAL 7.5: TO PROVIDE THE RESIDENTS OF CURRITUCK THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COUNTY SERVICES AND TO
ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET CURRENT AND LONG RANGE
NEEDS OF THE COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. Continue to enforce adequate public facilities standards to properly accommodate growth
without adversely affecting the provision of county services
97

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
2. The county should review it's level of service standards established in the Unified Development
Ordinance to ensure they are appropriate for the community.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
3. Currituck should determine if rezoning of property to higher density residential districts needs to be
reviewed under the adequate public facilities provisions and adjusts the standards as warranted.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
4. The county and schools system shall periodically review population projections, student
projections, the status of existing facilities, and the County Capital Improvement Plan in order to
keep the adequate public facilities review timely.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
5. The county should periodically review public sector cost and revenue projections in order to
improve financial planning for the provision of county facilities and services.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
6. The county should pursue state authorization for impact fees and adopt an impact fee
ordinance.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:
GOAL 8.1: TO ENSURE THE COUNTY CAN EFFECTIVELY HANDLE A MAJOR STORM EVENT IN TERMS OF
IMMEDIATE NEEDS AND LONG RANGE RECONSTRUCTION.
Strategies: ,
1. Emergency Services to educate all agencies involved during major storm events of their proper
roles.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
TIME FRAME:

Appendix 1
Summary of the 1996 Land Use Plan Citizen Opinion Survey Results
A citizen opinion survey was mailed to 789 randomly selected Currituck County residents and property
owners in November, 1995. The results form this survey will be used by the Currituck County Planning Board
and Board of Commissioners to establish long range policies in the 1996 Land Use Plan consistant with
citizen attitudes. With an exceptionally high response rate of 71%, or 553 people, the margin of error for this
survey is +/-5%. A summary of the results is listed below.
- 68% of the respondents rated Currituck as a good or very good place to live versus 5% who rated it poor or.
very poor.
- 43% of the respondents indicated continued growth would have a positive or very positive effect on
Currituck as a place to live versus 49% who said it would have a negative or very negative effect.
- When asked what impact on the quality of life 19 possible actions would have, those rated as having the
most positive effect were:
Protecting water quality in sounds and rivers (95%)
Protection of residential property from negative impacts (88%)
Protecting the environment (88%)
Making new development pay for it's impact on county services (86%)
Improving Highway Safety (81%)
Protecting the rural character of Currituck County (80%)
L - When asked what type of subdivision respondents would prefer to see built in Currituck County, 62% choose
an open space subdivision and 38% chose a conventional subdivision.
Determining the level of support for recent development code changes showed the following:
Support Do Not Support
Developments not exceed ability of
Currituck to provide services 84% 8%
Increase lot size to 40,000 sq. ft
except in Agriculture zone 53% 24%
Increase lot size in Agriculture zone
to 3 acres 45% 25%
Require recreational improvements in
developments (i.e. ballfields) 65% 16%
- When asked how confident people were that current county regulations would maintain or improve the
quality of life in Currituck, 32% said they would and 32% said they would not.
- When asked what level of support there was for new development code changes being considered, the results
were as follows:
Support Do Not Support
Require curb & gutter streets in new developments 55% 26%
Require sidewalks in new developments 49% 30%
Require street lights in new developments 63% 23%
Charge new developments impact fees for services 74% 9%
- 55% of the respondents felt the county should be more active in improving safety along streets, 44% said the
county should maintain its current level of activity, and 2% said the county should be less active.
- If the 5-lane highway of NC 168 and US 158 became too overcrowded in the future, 13% of the respondents
said NC 168 & US 158 should be widened to a 7-lane highway, 58% said bypass overcrowded roads, and
29% said leave the roads as 5-lane highways.
- When asked if new developments should connect local community roads so local traffic can avoid NC 168 &
US 158, 59% of the respondents said yes, 24% were not sure, and 17% said no.
-62% of the respondents said there were too few recreation areas, 34% said there were the right amount, and
3% said there were too many recreation areas.
- When asked if people were willing to pay more taxes or user fees to provide additional recreation areas, 28%
said yes, 15% did not know, and 57% said no.

- 52% of the respondents said Currituck County o
p ty should establish a centralized sewer system, /o 2 didn't know,
and 46% of the respondents said the county should not establish a centralized sewer system.
- Responses to rating county services were
as follows:
Good or
Neither Good
Bad or
Very Good
or Bad
Very Bad
Sheriff
59%
29%
12%
Trash Collection
38%
30%
32%
Schools
56%
35%
9%
Recreation
32%
39%
29%
Library
65%
27%
8%
Fire Protection
58%
28%
14%
Emergency Medical Services
64%
25%
11%
Government Administration
37%
43%
20%
-When asked if it was important for the
county to provide
water to certain areas, the responses were as
follows:
Lower Currituck Mainland
Yes
53%
Don't Know
No
34%
13%
Gibbs Woods
27%
50%
23%
Knotts Island
29%
48%
23%
Outer Banks
46%
32%
22%
- 82% of the respondents said Currituck County should work with surrounding areas (i.e. Dare, Virginia) to
find a regional water source, 17% didn't know, and 1% said the county should not work with surrounding
areas to find a regional water source.
- 54% of the respondents said the quality of Currituck's environment was better than average, 42% said it was
average, and 4% said Currituck's environmental quality was below average.
- When asked about the current level of federal, state and local environmental regulations, 16% said there was
too much protection of the environment, 58% said there was the right amount of protection, and 26% said
there was too little protection.
- Support for Currituck County taking action to protect certain resources were as follows:
Support Idea Don't Know Do Not Support
Trees/Vegetation 72% 17% 11%
Surface Water (sounds, rivers) 88% 8% 4%
Ground Water 90% 7% 3%
Agricultural Land 65% 24% 11%
Wildlife Habitat 77% 14% 9%
Scenic Roadways 66% 23% 11%
- Of the 260 responses to the open-ended question about what else should be done to improve the quality of life
in Currituck County, the top three responses were: 1. Minimize or stop development (120/6); 2. Improve law
enforcement (10%); and 3. Increase/improve public water service (10%).
- Of the 198 responses to the open-ended question about what steps the commissioners should take concerning
growth and development, the top three were:1. Minimize/slow/stop development and growth (11%); 2.
Provide a public water system (8%); and 3. Require developers to pay impact fees for public services (7%).
- Of the 449 responses to the open-ended question "What do you like most about Currituck County", the top
three responses were: 1. The rural atmosphere/country living (quite, beauty, relaxed lifestyle) (48%); 2.
Beaches/ocean/sound/coast (17%); and 3. The people/community (friends/neighbors) (12%).
- Of the 406 to the "What
responses open ended question do you like least about Currituck", the top three
responses were: 1. Too much growth & development too fast (with poor planning) (170/6); 2. Too much
traffic (especially summer weekends) (14.3%); TIED 3. Politics/local government (8%) and 3. Lack of
shops and businesses (must drive too far) (80/6).
- Of the 345 responses to the open-ended question about what things need to be considered to maintain the
high quality of like in Currituck, the top three responses were: TIED 1. The schools/education (10%) and
1. Improving police and law enforcement (prevent drugs, crime) (10%); 2. Safe places/recreation for
youths (90/6); and 3. Control/plan growth (70/6).

Appendix 1
RESULTS OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETINGS
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 1995
INTRODUCTION
During the months of October and November, the Planning staff held seven public meetings. The meetings
were conducted for the purpose of obtaining public input to assist the Planning Board in preparation of the
1995 Land Use Plan. Below is alist of those meetings:
Currituck County Courthouse - October 23, 1995
Gibbs Woods Community Building - October 24, 1995
Lower Currituck Fire Dept. (South Station) - October 26, 1995
Moyock Elementary School -October 30, 1995
Knotts Island Elementary School - November 1, 1995
Griggs Elementary School - November 2, 1995
Corolla, Satellite Office - November 4, 1995
These meetings were attended by over 135 people. At each meeting the public was asked to get into
smaller groups. The participants were then asked to respond to the following question:
WHAT DOES CURRITUCK COUNTY NEED TO DO IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR
ITS CITIZENS DURING THE NEXT TEN YEARS?
After allowing sufficient time to answer the question, each Idea generated'was put on a large sheet of
paper and hung on the wall. Once all Ideas had been generated, each member of the group was asked
to mark his/her five most important ideas. Due to time constraints, not all suggestions were able to be
presented. In those cases, participants provided copies of their -comments to .the planning staff for
inclusion in this report.
(Note: Anyone who wishes to learn more about land use plans can obtain a copy of "An Introduction to
Land Use Planning" from the Currituck County Planning and Inspections Department., P.O. Box 70, Currituck,
NC 27929, phone #[phone])
UNDERSTANDING THE REPORT
In order to make this report meaningful, each suggestion presented by the public was categorized by
topic. In all, there are nineteen different topics which are listed in alphabetical order. In some cases, these
topics•were further broken down into subtopics.
You will notice that after each comment there is a number followed by one or two letters on bold print. The
number signifies the amount of votes that idea received within the group in which it was generated. Ideas
that do not have a number following them were not presented to the group but were to be included in this
report. The letter, or letters as the case may be, identifies what meeting that comment was made. The
meeting locations are Identified as follows:
CC - Currituck Courthouse
G - Griggs Elementary School
GW - Gibbs Woods Community Building
LC -Lower Currituck Fire Department
M - Moyock Elementary School
K1- Knotts Island Elementary School
CS - Corolla Satellite Office
Below is an example of how a comment will be listed in the report.
101

"-The County needs more recreation areas for residents. (5) KI"
The (5) KI means the comment was made in Knotts Island and it received 5 votes from the group. In which
the Idea was generated.
It must be noted that the results of these meetings should not be interpreted to mean that the Idea with the
most votes will automatically be an official policy for Currituck County. The number of votes received by a
specific idea reflects only that particular group's attitude toward the comment in light of the other
comments presented in that group. Those attitudes may not reflect the attitudes of the remainder of the
County. The primary purpose of the public meetings was to provide the Planning Board and the Board of
Commissioners some foresight Into the thoughts, concerns, and priorities of the people of Currituck County
as they relate to land development. Official County policies will be formulated after a thorough review of
existing development patterns, future trends, environmental constraints and extensive public input from
meetings such as this.
RESULTS OF THE PUBLIC MEETING
The remainder of this report contains public comments that were received by the Planning and Inspections
Department during the seven meetings held In October and November.
Community Appearance
ROADWAYS
• Beautify Hwy 158 and Hwy 168 (clean up "dumps'D (4) M
• "Welcome to Knotts Island" at state line and at the Ferry Dock (2) KI
• Cut grass along roadways more often (0) KI
PROPERTY
• Project a more positive community image (abolish billboards, more rural appearance along corridor,
require all mobile homes to be in mobile home parks (4) CC
• Stop people from dumping trash in Gibbs Woods (2) GW
• Improve Image of county (i.e. welcome center in Moyock, Clean up businesses, houses along
highway, billboards for county businesses, not just Dare County) (2) M
• Provide maintenance/up keep of properties (trash, overgrown, junk vehicles, paint and maintenance
of homes (2) G
• Welcome center at state line (1) CC
• Clean up backyard junkyards (1) G
• Clean-up the county by removing dilapidated houses and beautify Currituck (1) CC
• Make property owners more responsible for keeping lots trimmed/mowed (1) GW
• Landscape entrance at State line (1) KI
• Advertising signage to be controlled (lighting, no billboards) (1) CS
• Clean up highway corridor of clutter of illegal signs (1) M
• Require over grown yards to be mowed (0) KI
• Clean up existing mobile home parks (0) G
• Enforce current regulations regarding abandoned cars and other eyesores (0) KI
• More landscaping/open space sign control to limit Impact of that commercial development (0) G
Community FaciilHes
COUNTY OFFICES
• Provide for full time residents such as school transportation, health department services, full time library,
outer banks location for county administrative services (6) CS
• Need more office and courtroom space for the Currituck court system and county (3) CC
102

•
Improve school plant so it can be used for a shelter (0) KI
DMV OFFICE
•
Establish DMV office in Currituck (4) GW
�-
DMV office in Currituck (3) GW
•
Want driver licensee and tags services closer than Elizabeth City (2) GW
•
DMV office in Moyock (1) GW
COMMUNITY ACCESS/PARKS
•
Create more restroom and scenic picnic areas for the public (2) CC
•
Boating access in Moyock area, including dredging and clearing of Moyock Creek (2) M.
•
Provide public boat access for Gibbs Woods (1) GW
•
Provide waterfront community/public accesses on the mainland (swimming, boating, fishing) (1) CC
•
Replace public dock at southern end of Knotts Island (1) KI
•
Greater attention to beaches such as dispersing public beach access/changing facilities and keep
beach clean, study vehicle access on beach (1) CS
•
Boat access to Albemarle Sound in the lower part of the county (1) M
•
Establish a public boating access in Gibbs Woods (0) GW
•
Request refuge to provide boat ramp facility with adequate, parking (0) KI
•
Provide adequate space for bike and Jogging paths (0) CS
•
Provide roadside picnic/rest areas on Knotts Island (0) KI
COMMUNITY POOLS
•
Community swimming pool properly manned with a lifeguard (0) KI
•
Control pools because there is water shortage (0) CS
BOAT RAMPS
• ,
Establish a public boating facility somewhere along Albemarle Sound (4) LC
•
Provide community boat ramp with parking spaces (4) KI
•
Upgrade and landscape public boat ramps (bulkhead, piers, floating dock, trash receptacles,
bathroom, emergency phone, paving for parking, maintenance for facility (2) KI
DUMP SITES
• Sufficient dump site for residents, current one is too small (1) GW
• Want manned dump site because we are paying for one (want to be treated like everyone else)
(0) GW
SENIOR CENTER
• Reopen senior citizens room at the school (6) KI
• Senior citizens' center on Knott's Island (2) KI
MISCELLANEOUS
• Vehicle and trailer parking off -road at the Brumley Road ramp (County buy land for ramps/parking) (7)
KI
• Post office for Gibbs Woods (2) GW
• Street lights on Puddin Ridge Rd, up to and including Quail Run (2) M
• Develop proper public facilities for visitors to outer banks at the lighthouse such as public restrooms,
changing room, and security/maintenance (2) CS
• More controlled access to the north beaches - better monitoring (2) CS
• Provide convenience center on the outer banks (2) CS
• Commissioners should provide more public services before approving any subdivision (i.e. fire, rescue
police, garbage) (2) GW
• Install golf course in Moyock (1) M
A manned library branch with computer access to the Albemarle Regional Library system and with the
capability to provide the public access to the Internet (1) KI
• Provide cable TV for all rural areas in the county (1) GW
• Keep local residents in mind when dealing with tourists and the provision of county services (1) M
• Centrally located full service medical facility (1) LC
103
1

• Pursue some other cable TV service on the mainland (0) G
• Establish a small emergency care medical clinic (0) M
• Request refuge to provide observation areas/blinds for photography and bird watches with
handicapped access (0) KI
• Convert some public parking Into public tennis courts (better distribution of public parking lots in
Whalehead Subdivisfon) (0) CS
• Provide cable TV to all county residents
Develo ment
• Hold tight on current codes that limit intensity of development or lesson (8) CS
• Large fees ($10,000 per house) for the developer to pay for each house before occupied (3) CC
• Develop outer banks as a residential community, remain as it Is (3) CS
• No further development of the preserve areas, no more trade-offs (2) CS
• Require developers to be responsible and pay for services that the developments are placing on the
county (schools, fire, rescue, etc.) (2) M
• Impacts fee of $1000 for every house built by out of state developers/contractors and subcontractors
should have to buy $1000 privilege license (1) M
• Require street lights and curbing in all subdivisions (1) M
• Prohibit private access subdivisions (1) GW
• Encourage open space developments (1) M
• Less development (i.e. PUDs) (0) CS
• Additional services required by new development (0) LC
• Allow developers alternatives to development (i.e. common open space subdivisions) to allow
people a chance to use their land (0) M
• Require developers to install curb and street lights (0) M
• Keep subdivisions rural (0) M
• Subdivisions of 10 or more lots shall contain a small playground (0) KI
• Do not change height restrictions
Density & Lot Dimensions
5 ACRES MINIMUM
• Increase the lot size to 5 acres throughout the county to limit growth (2) CC
• Minimum lot size of 1.5 acres countywide (0) GW
• No land restrictions for properties of 5 acres or more for individual property owners (0) GW
3 ACRES MINIMUM
• Limit size of new lots to no smaller than 3 acres (7) GW
• Minimum lot size in rural areas Increased to 2 to 3 acres (4) GW
• Increase all lot sizes throughout County to 3 acres (4) GW
• Get rid of 3 acre minimum lot size in A zoning (2) LC
• Rescind 3 acre minimum lot size requirement to less than 1 acre (1) LC
• Eliminate 3 acre provision since it is unfair
LOW DENSITY
• Limit the number of lots within subdivisions to maintain small community atmosphere (2) GW
• Limit number of lots per subdivision to 20 (2) M
• Require smaller lots (1) M
• Maintain current minimum lot size (0) CC
• Lower Density
GENERAL
• Consistency and fairness in establishing the same minimum lot size in all zoning districts (2) CC
104

Im
1
1
1
.1
• Developers provide 1 acre of land for public use for every 20 lots (0) GW
GENERAL
• Better control on drainage Issues and sewage/water supply (4) CS
• When ditches are cleaned the culverts should be cleaned also to allow for the flow of the ditches (1) KI
• Clear/clean main lead ditches from the highway/roadways for proper drainage (1) KI
• More enforcement of unproved drainage onto adjacent properties (0) CS
• Establish a master drainage plan county wide (0) CC
LOCATION
• Improve drainage on the outer banks (4) CS
• Better drainage on NC 12 and all other state roads (0) CS
MISCELLANEOUS
• Good positive commercial growth (5) M
• County needs to provide more support for economic development of mainland which will bring better
pay and good jobs (4) LC
• Solicit businesses to the county to provide employment to county residents (3) M
• County needs to be represented on Northeaster Economic Development Commission (3) CC
• Establish more commercial areas on mainland highway to keep money here in Currituck (2) CC
• County should encourage businesses and commerce to increase the tax base (2) M
• Develop a business zoning classification in accordance with the family destination area (2) CS
• Attract more hotel/motel operations with conference center (1) CC
• More businesses throughout Currituck (1) GW
• Recruit privately run prison in Currituck County (1) LC
• No more commercial zoning on the outer banks (1) CS
• Prohibit fast food chain restaurants (1) CS -
• Enhance and aid more businesses on the mainland (0) CC
• Attract more golf courses on the mainland (0) CC
• Continue as long as we can to keep out fast food places on the outer banks (0) CS
• No fast food restaurants
• Urge county government to become "business friendly"
BUSINESS SERVICES
• Need for shopping center(s), small retail businesses and service -related businesses (5) M
• More shopping centers and businesses (5) CC
• Shopping center In Moyock area (food, hardware stores, drug stores, etc.) (4) M
• Build shopping center in Moyock (4) M
• Provide more "service" businesses (grocery, hardware, gas stations, variety) in the county (3) CC
• Shopping center for Moyock area (1) LC
• Doctors and dentist offices (1) LC
• More restaurant facilities (0) LC
INDUSTRY.
• More aggressive attitude toward industrial recruitment (4) M
• Attract light industry/business operations which will provide local jobs (4) CC
• Bring more industry Into the county (3) GW
• Industry in the county to create a better tax base and jobs (2) M
105

'r4- I
• Promote Industry but maintain the small community atmosphere (1) GW
• Urge elected officials and economic development officials to vigorously seek light industry such as
assembly plants that require little or no water
F-711W.J111i
GENERAL PROTECTION
• Maintain natural resources (i.e. wildlife, vegetation, water quality, sea grasses, etc.) (1) CS
• Develop a water quality testing system for surface waters (sound, rivers, etc.) and ground water (0) M
WILDLIFE
• Enforce protection for the wild horse (1) CS
• Conserve wildlife, waterways, and farmland in the county (1) M
• Areas set aside for wildlife should be left alone, don't change zoning (1) CS
• Continue to protect the Corolla wild horses (1) CS
• Request the wildlife refuge to rebuild the tower at Marsh Causeway and provide parking (0) KI
• Land should be set aside by each new development with sufficient acreage to sustain small herds of
horses
• Never sell the Audubon Society sanctuary for development
• Keep and Protect Corolla wild horses
• Proffers charged to new subdivisions assessed based on the Impact that development will have on
the protected significant natural resources of the wild Spanish mustangs
VEGETATION
• Promote natural habitat (plant trees, shrubs, natural to the area (1) CS
DUNES
• Promote dune protection (educate community, provide programs for establishment of nourishment i.e.
branches, Christmas trees) (1) CS
• Preserve open areas, dunes, natural areas
Education
LOCATION
• County should plan for growth In Knotts Island and provide adequate schools for growth (2) KI
• Build school in lower Currituck as promised Instead of Moyock (1) LC
• Have closer schools (0) GW
• Build a school in Gibbs Woods (0) GW
IMPROVEMENTS
• Better school system to prepare our children for the future (4) G
• Expand existing schools or build new schools (no temporary units) (3) CC
• County must focus on schools, future of county, keep up with technology (3) KI
• Create a technical training facility to teach job skills here in Currituck (2) M
• Build additional schools and Increase teacher salaries (2) M
• Improve school system (limit number of school trailers (1) LC
• No trailers at any school (1) M .
• Business/school partnership (training to transition the workforce) (1) CC
• School representative come to Gibbs Woods on a regular basis and do programs for 3 and 4 year
olds (1) GW
• Increase funding to school band and Increase recognition of accomplishments (0) M
1
1
1J L
I
P
106
1

MISCELLANEOUS
• Maintain quality of school system (1) M
Smaller community schools (1) M
Growth
SLOW OR STOP GROWTH
• Slow growth and stop cutting so many trees (5) GW
• Slow growth on Knotts Island (5) KI
• Stop growth in Mansfield farms (4) GW
• Slow rate of growth in county, especially in Moyock area (3) M
• Slow growth (3) G
• Slow growth (2) LC
• Increase lot sizes to slow down growth (not approve subdivisions unless facilities are there to serve
them (i.e. roads, schools, fire/EMS) (2) KI
• Slower growth so the county can remain agricultural (0) GW
• Slow growth
GENERAL
• Good positive residential growth throughout county (no low Income housingl) (4) M
Allow county to grow, but in accordance with County's Land Use Plan (long range plan) (2) CC
• Continue to watch/monitor/control growth (2) LC
• Establish a growth plan for the county offices and staff (1) CC
• Carefully control growth and Its impact on secondary roads (1) M
COUNTY OFFICIALS
• The county should have a board or commission to oversee building construction/contractors that fail to
provide services to homeowners after home is complete (1) CC
• Planning Board and Commissioners need to be consistent and fair in every case and not bend the rules
for one and not for another
BEACH
• Permit system on beach, better control at ramp, effects on dunes, control hang gliding and other
commercial businesses on beach (5) CS
• Maintain family destination beach (4) CS
• Permit fee for nonresidential vehicle use of beach (atv, licensed and unlicensed vehicles) (1) CS
iMAINLAND
• Assign Gibbs Woods, Moyock or Currituck address rather than Knotts Island (5) GW
• Establish Gibbs Woods township (1) GW
COUNTY
• Better tax base; impact fees (4) G
• More jobs in County (3) G
• Collect back taxes (2) G
• County driveway regulations too restrictive - share driveway access (2) CC
• County should spend more money on the northern part of the county (1) GW
• County look into control of grasses in sound - bad smell (0) CS
ANIMAL CONTROL
107

1
• Limit the number of dogs per house (5) GW
• Hunting dogs not permitted (0) CC
• Shut hunting dogs up after season and not running in the summer (0) GW
• Do something about loose dogs (the ones that chase and get after people (0) GW
• More regulations controlling cats (0) M
MISCELLANEOUS -
• Comprehensive zoning and planning that we stick to that promotes a stress free environment (8) CS
• Better response time during power outages (7) GW
• No toll fees to call local Virginia numbers from Gibbs Woods (6) GW
• More timely delivery of mail (5) GW
• Better distribution of public at public beach access (4) CS
• Drop long distance calling charges from Gibbs Woods to VA Beach and Knotts Island (4) GW
• Immediate pest control (mosquitoes) (3)GW
• Inspectors specializing in trades (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, insulation, building) not one
Inspector
for all inspections (3) CC
• Look into Insurance companies dropping people on Knotts Island (in hurricane area) (3) KI
• Reduction in taxes for senior citizens (3) CC
• High water control on north end of Backwoods Rd (2) M
• Land Use Plan adopt recommendations of the Highway Corridor Plan (2) G
• Lower insurance rates by increased fire protection (2) CS
• Faster response Item from the power company when the power goes out (1) GW
• Building codes too restrictive (1) CC
• Faster mail service (and have the COUNTY CORRECT its mailing list ... still getting mail from county for
address county changedil) (1) GW
• Legislation for impact fees to be aid by the developer (1) GW
• Better phone service -difficulty in connecting with 800#s (1) GW
'
• Lighten up (1) LC
• Tax breaks/incentives on parcels less than 10 acres that are currently given to 10 acre or larger parcels
(1)
• Needsto be a closer relationship between where money is collected and where it is spent (1) CS
• Don't use beautification district to add taxes without representation; not use money to put in public
facilities (bike path) (0) CS
• Continue to improve relations between the outer banks and the mainland (0) CS
• Additional supervision on ferry school bus runs (0) KI
• Contributions made to Chesapeake and Virginia Beach for the services they provide to the county (0)
GW
• Give Knotts Island and Gibbs Woods to Virginia Beach (0) GW
• Make sure fire insurance companies recognize Blackwater Fire Department in order to provide lower
rates (0) GW
• Make Currituck County entirely responsible for septic evaluations - no farming out to district health
department (0) GW
• Mosquito control (0) M
• Lower taxes (0) M
Housin
AFFORDABLE
• Affordable senior citizens apartment complex in Moyock (Not Low Income!) (2) M
• Developers should be required to provide affordable housing to lower Income persons within their
development (2) M
GENERAL
• Provide "garden apartments" for affordable housing (4) M
• More houses, especially apartments, so people do not have to move so far from home (1) M
108 1
1

Allow for any type of housing on individual lots (1) CC
• Rest Home/retirement village in the Moyock area (0) M
• No new trailer parks in the county (0) M
Law
Enforcement and Public Safety
Police
•
More police in Gibbs Woods (3) GW
•
Additional highway patrol during summer months patrolling US 158/NC 168 (2) LC
•
Increase police protection (2) M
•
Provide better control of vehicle use on the beach (2) CS
•
Maintain adequate law enforcement (2)CS
•
Keep hunters at least 300 ff from houses (2) M
•
County should double the size of the Sheriff's Department and Increase pay so they can make a living
(2) KI
•
Reduce traffic through residential communities (1) CS
•
Increase the number of deputies in the county to patrol (1) CC
•
Developers should be required to incorporate safety features for children (i.e. sidewalks, street lights,
etc.) within developments (1) M
•
Reduce speed limits and have the Highway Patrol patrol Tulls Creek Rd more often (1) M
•
Convert from Sheriff's Department to Police Department to get more enforcement powers (1) KI
•
House numbers and Emergency 911 (0) G
•
Have game wardens patrol area more frequently (0) GW
•
Enforce noise ordinance (0) GW
•
Added police protection on outer banks
Emergency/Medical Services
GENERAL
•
Paid Fire/EMS for the entire county; treat every area the same (4) KI
•
Paid Fire/EMS for the entire county; treat every area the same (4) KI
•
. Upgrade EMS and Fire Dept. services with equipment for which the volunteers are certified and work
toward paid staff (3) M
•
Upgrade EMS and Fire Dept. services with equipment for which the volunteers are certified and work
toward paid staff (3) M
•
Minor emergency medical care facility (2) CC
. <
County needs to upgrade existing equipment to current EMT status (people have more training than
current equipment will allow (2) LC
•
Need fire protection and more police protection (1) GB
•
Provide more control of open fires on the beach or not allow them (0) CS
•
Keep fire services up as area expands (i.e. fire hydrant, staff) (0) CS
LOCATION
•
Recognize fire and rescue on the outer banks for outstanding service to community (3) CS
•
Maintain adequate EMS services including more life guard staff for beaches (2) CS
•
Make law so EMS can enforce red flag "no swimming" rule (2) CS
•
Require permits for 4 wheel drive vehicle on beach property to restrict (1) CS
•
Bonfire permit on North Beaches (0) CS
•
Form Gibbs Woods Fire Department (0) GW
MISCELLANEOUS
•
Take moneys earmarked for airport and transfer to EMS funds (1) LC
•
Leash law for the entire county (including hunting dogs) (1) GB
•
Restrictions on public/private use of jet skis, atv's, etc. (1) CS
•
Leash law for dogs for the entire county (0) CC
•
County should limit how close fishing boats can come to shore like in Dare County (0) CS
109

1
Mid -County Bridge
• Support for mid -county bridge (4) LC
• No mid -county bridge (3) CS
• If bridge comes, set high toll to discourage day users, also provide for passes (3) CS
• High toll for mid -county bridge (1) CS
• Encourage bridge (0) CS
• Do not want mid -county bridge
Public Participation & Communication
SIGNAGE
• Post signs on West Gibbs Road "Children at Play" (1)
• Better signage on dunes to inform public how fragile they are (0)
COUNTYWIDE INFORMATION
• Provide more community/county/state Information to Gibbs Woods (0) GW
• County needs to get word out better for people in Knotts Island (Community info board, post office)
(0) KI
MISCELLANEOUS
• Increase frequency of county newsletter to once per month (3) GW
• Let people know what is going on (better publicity) (3) G
• All adjacent property owners should be notified by mail on all proposed commercial development (2)
CC
• Televise Commissioners meetings (2) G
• Get more people to participate in LUP process (i.e. higher number of mailouts) (1) LC
• County get cable channel on outer banks to get word out to visitors (i.e. rip tides; bonfire permit, etc.).
(1) CS
• Change way commissioners elected; people in township vote for their own representative (1) G
• Virginia Pilot needs to get NC section to Knotts Island (1) KI
• County take action on plans (0) CS
• County personnel expand so they can work more efficiently and coordinate services better; follow-up
on long range plans (0) CS
• Post ferry schedule at Sandy Point (it was removed) (0) KI
• Improve telecommunication services (telephone, cellular, cable (0) CS
• Welcome center at State line that will really "sell" Currituck County especially as a retirement place
Recreation
SPECIFIC TYPES
• Improve the recreational areas in the county (movie theater, bowling alley, roller/ice rink) (3) CC
• Need for a YMCA type of facility for recreational and family functions (2) M
• Need places for recreation, especially for children since they have no place to go (2) M
• Provide park areas in the county (2) M
• Provide a community recreation area including more accessible boat ramps (2) M
• Provide classes (recreation) for adults in the communities (1) M
• Additional outdoor recreation facility (unscheduled usage tennis courts, skateboard ramp, area for
rollerblading, mountain bike trails, etc. (1) KI
• Establishment of bike paths along all major roadways (1) CC
• Recreation facilities for younger children (bowling alley, swimming pools, game rooms) (1) LC
• Build YMCA for young people (0) CC
110

l
• Provide more aviation activities (0) M
• Request refuge to provide more trails for walking, biking and horseback riding (0) KI
SUBDIVISIONS
• Recreation facility in Shingle Landing area (2) M
• Establish a recreational department for Gibbs Woods (0) GW
• Have Mansfield Farms put in recreation area (ex. swingset) (0) GW
SOUND/BEACH ACCESS -SPECIFIC LOCATIONS
• Formal recreational committee to run public park at Whalehead Club and other replaces; have
organized recreational and educational activities for all citizens of county (use pool at Whalehead
Club) (4) CS
• More plans made for public recreation of the Whalehead Club property (2) CS
• More recreational facilities in Gibbs Woods (1) GW
• Children of Knotts Island need county sponsored organized recreation outside school activities (1) KI
• Supervised Public recreation areas on Knotts Island (1) KI
MISCELLANEOUS
• More recreational opportunities for the young people (4) CC
• Public recreation facility throughout county (2) M
• Centralized recreational area/facility to be utilized by all county citizens (2) LC
• More money for schools to supply recreation areas for adults and youth since we do not have a
recreation department (2) M
• More public recreation (1) CS
• User pay commercially operated recreation (1) G
• Need more parks and recreation areas and a recreation department (0) CC
• Establish recreation committees for the use of county facilities (0) GW
• No farris wheels and roller coasters
Solid Waste
DOOR TO DOOR PICKUP
• Provide universal door to door trash collection for the entire county (4) GW
• Free door-to-door trash collection for senior citizens (2) CC
• Door to door trash collection (2) M
• Like to see curb side trash pick-up (0) LC
• Door to Door garbage pick up
MISCELLANEOUS
• Need to evaluate and design a solid waste plan for Currituck outer banks where containers are
controlled (days put out, animal and wind resistant, put back when not in use (3) CS
• Manned dumpsite (3) GW
• Provide adequate recycling services for businesses (1) CS
• Improve trash collection (increase size of dumpster and frequency of collection) at public beach
access points (0) CS
Traffic Lights
• Place some traffic lights_ around the county for safety of residents (2) . LC
• Stop light at Maple (1) CC
• Need stop light on NC 168 at Puddiin Ridge Road (1) M
• Need stop light on NC 168 at Puddin Ridge Rd (1) M
• Coordinate time of stop lights in Moyock particularly during rush hour (1) M
• Provide more traffic lights in the county to permit access on the major highways (1) CC
• Stop light at intersection of Knotts Island Road and Marsh Causeway (1) KI
111

• Stop light a Pudding Ridge Rd and any other residential road feeding onto 168/158 (0) M
• Need for traffic light at Puddin Ridge Road (0) M
BYPASS
• By-pass for problem traffic areas (1) M
• More loop roads or cross roads connecting secondary roads (0) CC
STREET PAVING, SIZE & MAINTENANCE
• Highway 12 Improvements for safety and recreational purposes (i.e. widen shoulders of road for
bikers, joggers, etc. ) (6) CS
• Finish hard -surfacing all roads in Gibbs Woods (5) GW
• Pave dirt roads countywide (4) GW
• "Fix" Long Lane (3) GW
• State needs improvements on causeway (i.e. lights at bridge, clean up roads) (2) KI
• Pave all rural dirt roads (2) GW
• Pave all roads in Currituck County (2) KI
• Pave dirt roads (1) M
• Require NC DOT to Improve the maintenance of Tulls Creek Rd (1) M
• Grade dirt roads (1) KI
• Provide road and bridge connecting the communities of Carova, Knotts Island, and Gibbs Woods (0)
GW
• Better roadside maintenance (i,e. clearing/cutting ditches by NC DOT (0) GW
ROAD WIDENING
• Widen US 158 from Barco to Elizabeth City (3) LC
• Some roads need to be widened (i.e. Brumley Road) (1) KI
• Mandate Virginia to 4-lane Highway 168 and Hwy 17 (0) GW
• Provide a wider paved shoulder on the roadways for bike traffic or jogging (0) M
• Widen NC 12 to four lanes
BRIDGES
• Build bridge to connect Gibbs Woods to mainland (8) GW
• Work with State to build a bridge to Knotts Island, Carova Beach and Swan Beach (2) CC
• Build bridge from Currituck to Knotts Island to Swan Beach/Carova (0) LC
• Provide safer bridge area on Marsh Causeway (pull -off area, to prevent safety hazard) (0) KI
• Bridge from Swan Beach to Knotts Island (0) G
GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS
• Problem with intersection of NC 615 and Blackfoot Road shrubs/bushes, high bank on blind curb (5) KI
• Relocate NC 615 to Woodleigh Road (2) KI
• Road from Corolla to Swan Beach (2)
• Provide more routes for evacuation (1) GW
• Put Swan Haven Roads on state system (1) KI
• Need for a public transportation system (0) LC
• Road from Corolla to Swan beach (0) G
• Provide an alternative to get out of Puddin Ridge Road (i.e. pave Cooper Garret Road) (0) M
MISCELLANEOUS
• Snow Goose Lane taken back over by the state (45 people, 14 families) (6) KI
• Provide better view (remove shrubs in right-of-way) of Blackfoot Road and Knotts Island Road (3) KI
• As developments strip out along major roads, limit curb cuts/driveways (2) CC
• Bike paths on NC 615 (2) KI
• Street lights, curb and gutter for all new subdivisions at developers expense (2) GW
• Street lights at all intersections (Brumley Road, Blackfoot Road, Wards Road, Ferry Dock Road) (1) KI
• Name highway 168 and 158 (1) GW
• Provide adequate road base, jogging, and bike paths (1) CS
• Provide local collector roads to major highways (1) M
• Additional ferry runs for students participating in after school activities (1) KI
112

•
Establish a Inter -county transportation system whereby you don't have to travel outside county (1) GW
•
Transportation for students and senior citizens from the ferry to schools and senior citizens facility (0) KI
•
Provide a setback for fences and shrubs from roads especially at intersections (0) KI
•
Street lights throughout county (0) M
•
No road leading from NC 12 into Whalehead (not another access road) (0) CS
•
Two lane road with less than 45 mile per hour speed limit throughout outer banks
•
Beach access by 4 wheel drive vehicles allowed only by permit only with the exception of property
owners
•
Old beach access in Ocean Hill should only be allowed to be used in emergencies
Ufflitle
SEWER
•
Need for county wide sewer (4) M
•
•
If development occurs, developers should be made to put in sewer treatment systems (3) GW
Centralized sewer treatment facility for Moyock (1) M
•
Sewer treatment facility for the county (1) CC
•
Establish mini -sewer systems within future subdivisions (0) CC
•
Start planning for county wide sewer system (0) CC
•
Sewer system for Gibbs Woods (0) GW
•
County wide sewer system (0) LC
•
Need to be thinking about sewage treatment system (developers put in private systems that will be
tied together in the future) (0) M
•
Get land bank for parks and pumping stations for sewage (0) CC
WATER
• Adequate water and sewer for outer banks (5) CS
•
Improve quality of county water (5) CC
•
Provide water to outer banks (4) CS
•
Need to work with surrounding counties to establish a regional water authority (3) CC
•
Continue to work with Dare County and Virginia to secure water for the entire county (3) CC
•
Extend county water to southern part as promised (3) LC
•
Water in Lower end of county, then sewer (3) G
•
Create a Gibbs Woods water system (3) GW
•
Water and sewer for everyone on the outer banks (2) CS
•
Furnish water to lower Currituck County (2) LC
•
Establish a centralized water system (1) GW
•
Analysis of well water and septic systems prior to development of land to ensure no contamination or
no wells run dry at developers expense (1) GW
•
Pursue Lake Gaston Water (1) G
•
Take steps to maintain and improve water quality In the Currituck Sound and watersheds (1) M
•
Support Lake Gaston Project (1) LC
•
Residents need to know where they can get water checked (HD tests only on Doctor's orders) (0) KI
•
Work with Virginia on a compromise for water to serve needs of Currituck mainland and Outer Banks (0)
M
•
Regional water commission (0) LC
•
Water use management monitor water usage (0) CS
•
Expand water system and Improve quality (0) M
•
Immediate study and resolution of outer banks water problem
MISCELLANEOUS
•
Improve utility repairs (POWER COMPANY) (3) GW
Whalehead
Club
•
Continue to control east/west access from Monteray Shores to Whalehead (1) CS
•
Set.definite time for completion of plan for Whalehead Club, Lighthouse and beach property In terms
of recreation and development (1) CS
•
Pre -planning for events at Whalehead Club, such as parking, traffic, and security (0) CS
113

Relationship
.Appendix 2
of LAMA Requirements
to the
1990 Gurrituck County Land Use Plan
Below Is an outline of information that must be addressed in the 1996 Land Use Plan according to
Subchapter 7B - Land Use Planning Guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act. Appropriate
Land Use Plan chapter references, page numbers and goal numbers have been indicated in bold
italics after each item required by CAMA guidelines. Please note that items may be addressed
directly in a goal or be a specific strategy listed for that goal. Further, the County has established
some goals not required by CAMA guidelines but which have been deemed important to maintain a
high quality of life in Currituck County.
I. Executive Summary (Separate Document)
II. Introduction (Chapter 1)
III. Data Collection and Analysis
A) Establish an information base (incorporated throughout plan)
B) Evaluate present conditions
' 1. population and economy (Chapters 2 &3)
2. existing land & water use (Chpater 5)
3. current plans, policies and regulations (Appendix 7)
C) Analyze the general suitability of undeveloped land
1. discuss physical limitations for development (Chapter 6)
2. identify fragile areas (Chapter 6)
3. identify areas with resource potential (Chapter 3)
D) Determine capacity of County to provide basic community services to meet anticipated
demand (i.e., water and sewer plants, transportation, schools, landfills, police & fire
protection, bridges, roads, public administrative services) (Chpater 4 for Transportation,
Chapter 7 for other facilities)
E) Estimate future demand
1. population and economy (Chapter 2 and 3)
2. future land needs (Chapter 5)
3. community facilities and services demand (Chpater 7)
' IV. Policy Statements
A) State policies of those land use issues that will affect ' the county during the ten year
planning period policies must be consistent
B) Resource protection
1. discuss areas of environmental concern (AEC) (pg. 47)
2. policy statements on:
a. constraints to development (6.9)
b. development issues related to AEC's and Outstanding
Resource Waters(6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5)
c. protection of wetlands (6.4, 6.6, pg. 55)
d. other hazardous or fragile areas (6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.10, 6.11)
e. protection of water supply (7.4)
f. sewage treatment (6.9,)
g. storm water run-off (6.1, 6.9)
114

V.
h. marina and floating home development (5.3, 5.4)
i. industrial Impacts on fragile areas (3.1)
J. development of sound and estuarine system islands (5.5)
k. restrictions of areas up to five feet above mean high water (6.9)
I. upland excavation for marina basins (5.4)
m. damage to marshes by bulkhead Installation (5.6)
n. water quality problems and measures to protect (6.1, 6.11)
C) Resource production and management
1. importance of agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries, and recreational resources
(Chapter 3)
2. policy statements on:
a. agricultural lands (3.2)
b. commercial forests (3.6)
c. existing and potential mineral production areas (3.3)
d. commercial and recreational fisheries (3.5)
e. off -road vehicles VA 4.5))
f, residential, commercial and industrial impacts on any resource
g. peat or phosphate mining impacts on resources (3.3)
D) Economic and community development
1. types of development to be encouraged (residential, commercial, Industrial,
institutional.) (Chapter 3, 5, and 7_
2. policy statements on:
a. desired industries (pg. 16-17, 3.1)
b. provision of services to development (Chapter7)
c. growth patterns desired (Chapter 19)
d. redevelopment of developed areas (5.1, 5.2)
e. commitment to state and federal programs (throughout the plan)
f. assistance to channel maintenance and beach nourishment
programs (6.3)
g. energy facility siting and development (5.7)
h. tourism (3.4)
I. public beach and waterfront access (4.3)
E) Public participation in land use planning (1.1)
F) Storm hazard mitigation, post disaster recovery and evacuation plans (Cheater 8)
Future Land Use Map Classification (Chppter 9)
1
1
115

-1
WATER SUPPLY PLAN
FOR
MAINLAND CURRITUCK COUNTY
APPROVED BY CURRITUCK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
DEVELOPED BY CURRITUCK COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
Star Route 45
Maple, NC 27956
919-453-2155
WATER SUPERINTENDENT, LELAND GIBBS
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Currituck County Mainlano Water Department is located in the North p
Aibermarle region of North Carolina, The Water Department is bordered to
the North by the State of Virginia, the East by Currituck Sound, the South by
Dare County, and the West by Camden County. Located in the Albermarle
Sound river basin, the Currituck County Mainland water system provides
water for a population of 7,280 in 1992. Agriculture drives the economy of
Currituck County Mainland Water..The Mainland is supplied water from 18
wells. These wells are between 70 and 200 feet deep and draw water out of
the Surficial and Yorktown aquifers. See Exhibit i for locations of service
area, wells, and water treatment plant.
WATER USE
The average annual daily water use for Currituck Mainland in 1992 was
.4526 mgd. The maximum monthly average water use was .530 mgd in July.
The minimum monthly average water use was .393 mgd in February. The
maximum daily water use for 1992 was .617 mgd and occured on May 25.
Total water use from Currituck Mainland Water System can be broken down
as follows:
Residential use- 73.47
Commercial use 19.7 o
!nstitutional use- 6.9F
1

71
The largest water user for the Mainland is the Department of Corrections,
using 0.0161 mgd.
SOURCES
Ground Water Suooly,
The system has 18 wells for regular use and are located as shown on the
map in Exhibit 1. Of these wel Is, five withdraw from the Yorktown aquifer
The remainina thirteen withdraw from the Surficial aauifer. The current
combined 12 hour yield of the wells is 0.5178 mg. The treatment facility
has a capacity of 1.0 mgd. The limiting factor of the water supply system,
at this time, is the well output. The following table lists the safe yield,
pumping capacity, and averaqe withdrawal for each well.
Well Number
Weli Yield
Ave. Withdrawal
Days
1
.024
.013
36-6
2
.030'
.0188
366
3
.108
.054
219
4
.022
.011
366
5
.034
01 ;'
366
6
108
.054
219
7
.026
.013
366
8
. ! 08
.054
219
9
.108
.054
219
10
.022
.011
366
11
.044
.022
366
12
.058
.029
366
13
.06
.03
366
14
.108
.054
210
15
.082
.041
366
16
.028
.014
366
17
.028
014
366
18
.028
.014
366
1
117

WASTEWATER DISCHARGE INFORMATION
All water service connections are served by septic tank, low pressure pipe
or other private wastewater facilities. Currituck Mainland -Water does not
operate a County wide wastewater treatment facility. Currituck County has
a permit to discharge backwash from the Mainland Water Treatment Plant
into drying beds. The permit capacity is .05 mgd and the average annual
daily discharge Is .02 mgd.
FUTURE CONDITIONS
In the future, agriculture will remain the major influence on the economy of
Currituck Mainland.
The following table shows the projected population and water demand for
the years 2000, 2010, and 2020 as well as the current figures.
Year
1992
Population
7280
Ave. Day Total
.4526
Peak Day
.617
2000
9531
.667
.900
2010
1O031
.702
.948
2020
10531
.737
.995
A peak factor of 1.35 was multiplied to the average day total to calculate
the peak day amount.
Exhibit 2 is a graph of water demands and the total well capacity: it
indicates that Currituck Mainland will need a new source in the near future..
Water quality is declining due to high chloride levels in the 5 deep wells,
which withdraw from the Yorktown aquifer.
We have reached the 12-hour safe yield of the present wells. However, we
are adding 2 wells this year and expect to add another 5 wells next year.
This will allow adequate supply until about 1997. By that time, a new well
field west of the airport should be ready to begin operation.
Currituck recognizes the need to develop potential sources of furture
supply. Development of another well field in the area's marked A and B will
provide for an adequate supply until about the year 2003.
An assessment of Mainland Currituck's source water is underway at the
present time.
IN

1
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF FUTUR SUPPLY
Mainland Currituck has two wells which will come on line at the end of
1993. Both are expected to have an average withdrawal of 0.144 mgd each.
Currently, a study is underway for constructing five additional wells on the
airport property across from the water plant. See attachments 5A and 56. It
is expected that these wells will average 0.0216 mgd each and will
hopefully be on line in the summer of 1994.
FUTURE WASTEWATER DISCHARGE INFORMATION
Currently, Currituck Mainland has no plans to provide sewer service. ,
ASSISTANCE NEEDED
Mainland Currituck has received assisitance fromi the Division 4f Water
Resources in developing this water supply plan and would like this
assistance to continue.
Mainland Currituck needs assistance with a water loss and leak detection
program. We would also like assistance in locating a source of good quality
water in our area.
1
I
)19

1"Z
ME
WATER SUPPLY AND PROJECTED WATER DEMAND
jL 1/
1.03 tj L. u C."', (",\c I
... ..... .. . .... ..... .
"14 F,
7
`fir
.131
. .......... . .. ..........
4 cp-2
1992 2000 2010
YEAR
2020

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,7 I �� '+ ' ' , Y. � 1't• r r,' I '� � 1 �1�. ! i 1' `" ii yl 1,1 1' 1 . .�{. i � N'• � 1
,H 6 1�' ' f +}'. '{}� �•'i} It' .., '(d �l..5 �; l / '' 1 •<•',«' I / i..,rv; �
1 N � 1 ;'t� ! y1 h Y, 1 �•kt'• •1, Ir'.F,1.11'I}..,:�,3j�(" r �r•�;►,
y�'r � V � r r,1,�� , �• � !'• � I�S'ih6.�'jVi �•, ( � �;yl,�,.,♦ �� � •j'��trl'
.� Y � 1 J�t !1'•l,I.'��' 1 . R. ��� :: i.11 �li�il'...►,�•..•F.��IS' \• �!}"�: � \
h I •
I
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: ! !tn �• � i �� "'fir-,
' j � or"1 / ql• /.er.. F� J%`•,\�� �s1O;� + '1,i1 ��J.� .
- �\ yam.+.,/ �"~ - � �`.` `� I / I , •'' / •
UIA
ua
Lo
,� i yr! C L%' \� !�� �• ' �•'_-
\\CREri7 OIS.IAL SWAMP +�
1!
rru
i "�� � �., :� •a + — '� �• /�/ ter. �;
o..ee.r � — — ��
1
1K ._•:

!;IV
WELLS AVG DAILY AVG DAILY
AVG DAIL CONSUMPTION HRS PUMPED
MGD MGD
1990 JAN
7.94
0.29
7.79
FEB
8.69
0.32
7.89
MAR
10.6
0.34
8.5
APR
10.8
0.36
8.6
MAY
12.6
0.4
9.7
JUN
13.39
0.44
10.63
JUL
14.83
0.48
11.4
AUG
14.24
0.46
10.95
SEP
13.8
0.46
11
OCT
13.3
0.43
10.28
NOV
12.1
0.41
12.6
DEC
11.8
0.38
13.1
1991 JAN
11.98
0.39
12.1
FEB
10.94
0.39
12.6
MAR
12.8
0.39
12.4
APR
12.2
0.41
12.9
MAY
14.88
0.48
13.0
JUN
15.16
0.51
12.9
JUL
16.1
0.52
12.4
AUG
15.18
0.49
11.7
SEP
14.8
0.49
12
OCT
14.7
0.48
11.3
NOV
13.6
0.45
10.8
DEC
13.67
0.44
10.7
1992 JAN
12.9
0.416
9.87
FEB
11.84
0.41
9.73
MAR
13.13
0.42
10.1
APR
12.95
0.43
10.3
MAY
14.14
0.46
10.9
JUN
14.95-
0.5
11.9
JUL
15.91
0.51
12.2
AUG
15.28
0.49
11.6
SEP
14.5
-0.48
11.5
OCT
13.69
0.44
10.6
NOV
12.7
0.42
10.1
DEC
13.25
0.43
10.2
1993 JAN
13.4
0.43
10.6
FEB
11.9
0.42
10.2
MAR
13.53
0.44
10.4
APR
13.63
0.45
10.8
MAY
15.36
0.5
11.7
JUN
15.6
0.54
12.9
JUL
17.2
0.54
13
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
12,y
DEC
AVG DAILY HIRS PUMPED
Lul 4
0.
13 ................... ... ....... .............................
................. .... .. . ....... .. ......
tL12
cro
.... ... ...
0:11 .... .... .... .... ...... . . ... . ... .......
}10....... ..... ....................... .......... .......
9 ...... ........... ....................... . ..............................
........................................................... . ....... .
J A m - i i i m tj n v A V ';;Q 9: Dm t a I', , i' R M 't� Ll A U
199D-IM
AVG DAILY CONSUMPTION!
0.6
70.4
0
0.2.
AN JUNNOV
�"d FEB JUL DEC MAY
OV APR
1990-1993
TOTAL GALS PUMPED
AVG MONTHLY
................... ........... .... ....... . ........ ..
. .... ...... . ... ..
..... . ......... . .......... ...... .. ........ ......
IfS.%
........................................................................
............. ........................................ ...............
J A N JUN Nib V­ APR FEB llUz WE ICI I MAY
199D- 1993

@v
8/17/93
curwelev
SHALLOW DEEP
WELLS WELLS
CAPACITY CAPACITY
13 5
SHALLOW WELL= 30GPM= 21600 GPD 2808W
DEEP WELL=75GPM= 720DO GPD 270000
CURRENT WELLFIELD CAPACITY= 5W,000GPD(12 HRS PUMPING)
connect
new
per cent
pop.
total
at yr end
connect
change
2.6 peop
DEMAND
per cones
gpd
1991
2692
6999
480131
1992
2769
77
3%
7199
493851
1993
2869
100
4%
7459
522130
1994
3004
135
5%
7810
546728
1995
3179
175
6%
8265
57M
1996
3354
175
6%
8720
610400
1997
3529
175
5%
9175
642250
1998
3704
175
5%
9630
67410D
1999
3879
175
5%
10085
7D5950
20DO
4054
175
5%
10540
737800
2001
4229
175
4%
10995
769650
2002
4404
175
4%
11450
801500
2003
4579
175
4%
11905
833350
2004
4754
175
4%
12360
865200
2005
4929
175
4%
12815
897050
WELLS VS CONSUMPTION
9000m
............................ -.
v00000 .........................
N -
060m.............................................
¢,,00000.........................................
a000ao
1991 1994 1997 2000 2003
s DEMAND 13 WELLS--]
I . 2,5-
TOTAL NEW
CAPACITY WELLS
GPD
Sol#
sell
IM
li

AQUIFER WATER REMOVAL HISTORY
NOV. 1989 - JUNE 30, 1993
Total gallons pumped from lower aquifer:
Total gallons pumped from upper aquifer:
Total gallons pumped from the Maple site:
JULY 1, 1992 - JUNE 30, 1993
Total gallons pumped from lower aquifer:
i otal iiai ions purnped from upper dgUifer:
Total gallons pumped from the Maple site:
JUNE 30, 1993
WELL PP'ODUCTiO14
1.
4, , 19,100
'' 0 `' Gil
_ .
1 1534,Z 0
4.
4,961,100
5.
55';Jt8,�,00
6.
1 5, 1 45, 1 00
?.
5,'-05,100
U.
19 970,000
'�.
20,031,600
10.
5,410,400
11.
7,8G 1,900
12.
1 "2,276,600
13.
1,741,200
14.
r,248,000
15.
15,677,1 00
16.
..3,731,400
17.
r-, n
,1,39,300
18.
73,200
Total
16 ,644,700
235,991,700
327.090.800
563,082,500
7 '?, ,00
95, 70 7.000
168,t-544,700
iiETE^' P`EADING
17,418,500
2'� i, l 38,800
54,102,000
16,765,700
22,064,700
56,287,700
18,199,700
61,134,600
45,807),200
1 7,569,100
1.50,132,400
42,396,000
42,081,000
18,664,000
49,794,300
11,514,000
17,711,500
563,062,500
us

=x=MMxMi,
APPENDIX # 4
CURRITUCK COUNTY BOAT
ACCESS AND RECREATION AREAS
Name and Acreage. 'Boat Launch Ramp Parking Comments
Iacsflm iTndeveioQed hnpvvec! C�arnec�r
1 !.
1. Brumley Road, X SR 1257. Road End; road
KnotisLstnidparking only
2. Coinjock NC WRC Access 5 X 30 Boat launch. inaccessible
AM when tmound is saturated
tv 3. Corolla Sound Access Area. 5 30 car . Handicapped accessible
NMM 9 RV
4. Currituck County Tennis Courts, Currituek County High
Banco (Joint use by County and School %TAem) Sd1W
5. Currituck County Softball Fields. Behind Knapp Jr. High
C urthu9c (Knapp Jr. HiM Three ball fields
6. End of SR 1106. Swimming -Sound access
Fu{Hat w
7. Indian Creek. X 6-8 Canoe/cartop boat launch
S d4kmrm FM
8. Newberns Landing X 6-8 Dirt road. shallow draft
Nodh Myer. Prwvclls Point
9. Northwest River Game Land, 1251 Hunting and fishing
NWET' .
10. North River Game Land. 8430 Bear Preserve - no access
C1n"NCMW Swann

Name and Acreage. Boat Launch Ramp Parking Comments
loa dm UndePeloped In uDyei Qu>a�iv
PUBLIC - Cont.
11. Mackay Island 700 ? Access from Knotts Island.
Wildlife Refuge (1) natural trail; and. (1)
hiking trail. Interpretative
programs. hunt ing/flshIng.
12. Monkey Island 12 Access by water only. It has
been proposed that the
island be set up as a natural/
cultural resoune center
N 13. Maple Airstrip leased by County from State
(gyp BWY 156&SR 1246 of NC
14.
Midway Marina. Coiniock - docking and
dockside services on Intracoastal Waterway
15.
Poplar Branch NC WRC 4
A msAna
X 20
(10) boat slips, boat launch
ra= U=M local use
16.
Whalehead Beach Accessways
Approx. 30
(4) walkways are handicapped
Dolphin Street, Marlin Street,
per ramp
accessible beach accessways
Sailfish Street. Coral Street.
within two
Bonito Street. Mackerel Street,
blocks of
Perch Street, Herring Street.
each walkway
Barracuda Street. Sturgeon
Street_ and Tura Street
17.
Whakbeatd a%Md Ass
X
At the Whak-bead Club
18.
PRIVATELY OWNED - jQ=O=d 1
The Anchor.
X 100
Approx. 100 camp sites
HWY615 Kn�tfslslar d
Private Christian Camp
19.
Barnes Marina & Camp.
KrnlisWard
X 10
ML �, fir 1% dlm� s4 OW EAU a$

Name and Acreage. Boat Launch Ramp Parking Comments
Lamm Improved Q
PRIVATELY OWNED - (Campgrounds - con't.)
20. Bay Villa Marina & Camp. ?
Knottsis]"
21. BeU!s Island 14 X 40 150 campsites; other private
Ord facillttes
22. Currituck Campshores Resort. 75 X ? Tennis, swimming. boating
SAY (suPm!Td r e.)
23. Hampton Lodge Campground. 110 (2) 200+ 200 campsites, recreation.
24. Sandy Point Resort. X 300 300 tent sites. plus 54 with
N HWY615,KnoltsL4and full hookups
PRIVATELY OWNED - (Landings / Marinas / Sports)
25. Coilljock Esso and Gulf Marinas - docking and dockside services on Intracoastal Waterway
26. Currituck Sports. X 9 Boat ramp. Coinjock Bay
Mk access
27.
Tulls Bay Marina. 3
Ma�[ic
X 10 - 15
10 - 12 slips
28.
Pine Island Racquet Club.
CwAa
15 - 20
Indoor tennis and racquet
ball
29.
Williams Lodge.
Krndshh-d
X ?
SR 1260. Road end
30.
Walnut Island Restaurant & Hotel
X 20
Boats for rent. fishing and
huniLng
31.
Riveria Lodge,
S.
X 10 - 15
Access to North River and
Intracoastal Waterway

Appendix 5
STATUS OF THE 1-9g0 LAND USE PLAN GOALS
AND STRATEGIES
Below Is the five year work program and current status for the goals and strategies established in the
1990 Land Use Plan for Currituck County. Each strategy listed was assigned to one or more agencies
for Implementation. All strategies had a recommended time frame listed for completion.
' ONGOING PROGRAMS
Encourage the use of citizen advisory groups to help formulate policies on land use issues facing the
county;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Have all agencies with tasks outlined in the Land Use Plan report on an annual basis to the Planning
and Zoning Commission on the status of implementing strategies;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES: Agricultural Extension Office, Soil Conservation Service, Health Department,
and Emergency Services
Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Advisory Groups should be bipartisan and represent all
age groups, geographical locations and racial make-up of the County.
' RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Recruit only those industries that will not have a negative impact on Currituck County's fragile
' environment (i.e., minimal effect on water quality, no excessive smoke and noise, etc.);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Economic Development Authority/Coordinator
Have the Board of Adjustment issue conditional use permits for heavy industry uses and request
disclosure from the industries on environmental impacts and hazardous materials to be used;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Adjustment
' Involve the Planning Department in promoting economic development in Currituck.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Planning Department
Promote the use of cluster development ,(Planned Residential Development - PRD, Open Space
Subdivisions, Planned Unit Development - PUD) in order to preserve the land best suited for farming;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Encourage the preservation of wildlife habitat by promoting cluster development;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
Promote the use of Best Management Practices and to encourage less dependence on chemicals.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Soil Conservation Service
Commercial timber harvesting shall adhere to best management practices established by the North
Carolina Forest Service and comply with 404 wetland regulations.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: North Carolina Forest Service and Corps of Engineers
Implement the recommendations listed in the 1988 Thoroughfare Plan;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: North Carolina Department of Transportation
130

Request that the Department of Transportation widen the following roads to accommodate bicycle
traffic:
a) Highway 158 from Belcross (Camden County to Barco,
b) Along NC 12 on the Currituck Outer Banks,
c) On the Mid -County Bridge,
d) NC 615 on Knotts Island,
e) Highway 168 from the Virginia state line to Barco,
f ) Tuils Creek Road (SR 1222);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Request the Board of Transportation make site specific improvements on Highway 168 (i.e., left turn
lanes, deceleration lanes, stop lights, etc.) until roadway is widened in accordance with the
Transportation Improvement Plan.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Continue nodal development patterns along the Highway 158/168 corridor. This strategy should be
reviewed after completion of a corridor study. Recommendations from that study should be
considered for implementation;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Support construction of a mid -county bridge in the next five years;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Continue to enforce the existing Outer Banks Vehicular and Barrier Strand Ordinance.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Carry -out the recommendations established in the Airport Master Plan.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners and Airport Authority
Keep the minimum lot size for conventional subdivisions in Currituck County at 30,000 square feet
except in the RO1 zoning district where the minimum lot size is 40,000 square feet and R02 zoning
district where the minimum lot size is 120,000 square feet (excluding PUD's and PRD's);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Encourage cluster development by continuing to utilize existing Planned Unit Development (PUD),
Planned Residential Development (PRD) and Open Space Subdivision regulations. Require open
space to include usable land and discourage undesirable development patterns such as high
density PRD's and PUD's in remote areas without proper infrastructure;
Continue the present mobile home policy of allowing double-wides meeting specific appearance
criteria by right in all residential zoning districts; allowing Class "B" mobile homes (built after July 1, 1976)
in existing mobile home parks and on large lots In limited circumstances and for temporary
replacement of a condemned home; and prohibiting class "C" mobile homes (built before July 1,
1976);
Continue to promote Planned Unit Developments (PUD's), Planned Residential Developments (PRD's)
and Open Space Subdivisions.
Continue to work with Division of Land Resources and the Division of Environmental Management in
reviewing and implementing erosion control plans and storm water control plans, respectively;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department and Soil Conservation Service
Continue to apply for CAM& Wildlife Resources and related grants for ocean and sound accesses,
boat ramps, piers, navigational dredging and the like.
131

1
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
Make sure all developments indicate well locations on their lot and adjoining lots to ensure 100 foot
separation from septic systems;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department and Health Department
Maintain provisions in the Unified Development Ordinance that prohibit the use of floating home
development.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
Permit marinas as an accessory use to residential development. Marinas not associated with
residential developments and dry stack storage facilities shall only be permitted in accordance with
the Unified Development Ordinance.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
Allow island development that complies with the County's zoning regulations;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Permit the development of Monkey Island for the purpose of public education or research and
related purposes.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners and Board of Education
Require all bulkhead installations be done in accordance with CAMA regulations.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Inspection Department and Division of Coastal Management
Oppose all drilling off the coast of North Carolina and oppose the location of any associated support
or processing facilities within Currituck County;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Allow energy generating plants in accordance with the provisions of the Unified Development
Ordinance.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
' Continue to oppose discharges from water and wastewater treatment facilities;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Continue to review development proposals for location of 404 and CAMA wetlands.
' RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
Support a beach nourishment program only for enhancement of beach traffic in the event a north
' beach access road Is not provided and erosion is sufficient enough to limit access along the
beaches.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Prohibit development requiring sewage treatment on soils that are unsuitable for on site septic
P q 9 g P
systems unless sewerage can be pumped to soils that are suitable;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Health Department
Continue participating in the National Flood Insurance Program;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Inspection Department
132

Encourage package treatment plants for Planned Unit Developments (PUD's), Planned Residential
Developments (PRD's) and Open Space Subdivisions. Use of alternative sewerage disposal
disposal systems that are environmentally safe should be encouraged (i.e. constructed wetlands);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Commissioners
Encourage funding of recreational programs through private funds, grants and public funds (i.e.,
Impact fees);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Parks and Recreation Department
Continue to require dedication of land In large developments (20 lots or more) for public purposes
and allow the payment of fees in lieu of dedication where appropriate.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Commissioners
Establish additional County recreational and boating facilities in Currituck:
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
Support a regional waste facility;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: County Manager's Office
Comply with provisions of Senate Bill 111 by emphasizing recycling and properly disposing of
materials considered hazardous.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
Implement the recommendations contained in the Mainland Water Facilities Phase II/III Study
prepared by Black and Veatch in 1989;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Complete installation by 2010
Continue to support underwater power lines.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
County to assist individuals who want to have their structures listed on the National Register,
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR) to review
development plans that require CAMA permits;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: DEHNR
Support the Century Farm Family recognition program administered by the Department of
Agriculture.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Agricultural Extension Office
Emergency Services to educate all agencies involved during major storm events of their proper
roles.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY Emergency Services
Planning Department to inform residents of housing rehabilitation and new housing construction
programs.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
1991
Request the state to re-evaluate the stream classification of the Currituck Sound and associated
tributaries to see if they warrant upgrading, thereby affording a higher level of protection by the state.
133

1
(note: the Currituck Sound and associated tributaries were last evaluated by the state In 1961 at
which time they were classified as "SC" waters. This designation affords the least amount of
protection with respect to allowable discharges);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: (COMPLETED;THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PASSED A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE
STATE TO RE-EVALUATE THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE CURRITUCK SOUND AND ASSOCIATED
TRIBUTARIES ON JULY 2, 1990. THE STATE DETERMINED NOT TO RECLASSIFY THE CURRITUCK SOUND AND
-ASSOCIATED TRIBUTARIES.
' Establish a system to ensure all elderly and financially disadvantaged residents in Currituck County
have access to transportation;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to establish agency
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
Operate satellite County offices as needed on the Currituck Outer Banks.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: County Manager's Office
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
Establish an economic development authority in order to formalize a plan for expanding the
economic base of Currituck County;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to appoint
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
' Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to limit the negative Impacts mines have on the
environment and surrounding properties (Le., drainage, erosion, noise, visual impact, etc.) and allow
timely enforcement by the County in the event of violations,
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
Request the State provide a manned information center on NC 168 just south of the Virginia state line
at the time the roadway is expanded;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
iProvide information about Currituck County at the existing State rest stop facility south of Coinjock.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: County Manager's Office
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
Amend the Unified Development Ordinance in order to establish regulations for driveways on
9 Y
individual property and within subdivisions; ' , RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1991 (REFERRED TO THE HIGHWAY CORRIDOR COMMITTEE; WAS INCLUDED IN THE
HIGHWAY CORRIDOR PLAN; THE CURRITUCK COUNTY PLANNING BOARD WILL BE CONSIDERING A
DRIVEWAY ORDINANCE)
Appoint an Airport Authority to oversee the operation of the airport,
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
' TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
Remove residential development from the list of permitted uses in the LM "Light Manufacturing" and
HM "Heavy Manufacturing" zoning district;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
134

Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to encourage the use of proper design principles when
developing residential subdivisions and to minimize the number of curb cuts along state maintained
roads. Consideration should be given to providing Incentives for excellence in design.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
Continue infrastructure improvement efforts in Newtown, Moyock Township;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Albemarle Commission
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
All residential lots shall have 125 foot of frontage along streets except in Planned Unit Developments,
Planned Residential Developments, and Open Space Developments. Further, all commercial lots
shall have a minimum road frontage of 200 feet;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1991 (ORIGINALLY WAS NOT ADOPTED AS PART OF THE UDO UPDATE IN 1992. IT WAS
DETERMINED THAT WIDER LOT WIDTHS WOULD REQUIRE ADDITIONAL PAVING WHICH IN TURN WOULD
INCREASE RUNOFF AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS. THE DRAWBACKS OF INCREASING LOT WIDTHS
OUTWEIGHED THE BENEFITS. HOWEVER, IN FEBRUARY OF 1995 THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
INCREASED LOT WIDTHS TO 125' FOR CONVENTIONAL SUBDIVISIONS AT THE TO REDUCE DENSITY IN THE
COUNTY)
Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to permit marinas subject to established design
principles such as the following:
a) Marinas shall be planned in such a manner as to minimize the risk of water pollution.
b) Marinas shall be located in areas where there is a high rate of water "turnover" (the time
required for tidal action or water flow to replace water of a boat basin with new water from
another source). Ideally, marinas should have a water turnover rate of 2 to 4 days.
c) Marinas In upland areas shall be encouraged.
d) Marina access channels shall be designed to maximize circulation and avoid dead-end
spots.
e) Marina designs must incorporate facilities for the proper handling of sewage, waste and
refuse.
f) Marinas shall minimize alteration of existing shoreline configurations and disturbance of vital
habitat areas.
g) Dredging operations shall not occur during critical periods of fish migration and
breeding.
h) The method of dredging shall be chosen that will have the least environmental impact and
all dredged materials shall be placed in a manner so as not to pollute surrounding areas.
i) Proposals for marina development shall be accompanied by a modeling study
Indicating expected flushing;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
Develop procedures for County review of drainage and storm water control plans and establish a
system to verify plans have been implemented in the field;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department, County Engineer and Soil Conservation
Service
TIME FRAME: 1991 (IMPLEMENTED - PLANS SENT TO SCS OFFICE FOR REVIEW AND ON -SITE INSPECTION)
Continue ordinance provisions requiring the planting of vegetation in developments and to
encourage the preservation of existing vegetation, particularly along water bodies.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
135

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1 r...
1
Establish a Recreation Committee to assess the recreational needs of Currituck County and to make
recommendations for developing a county -wide comprehensive recreational program;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to appoint
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
The County shall identify sites for the jail facility, social services building and Senior Citizens Center,
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
The County shall proceed with finalizing plans and establishing a location for an administrative
' building;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1991 (COMPLETED)
' Develop communication channels with southeastern Virginia communities in order to inform them of
the status, concerns and programs being undertaken relating to the water quality of the Currituck
Sound;
' RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1991 (IMPLEMENTED - PLANNING STAFF HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH CHESAPEAKE,
VIRGINIA BEACH AND THE SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION)
Board of Commissioners to keep in touch annually with North Carolina Power and Virginia Power to
assess the best way to service the Outer Banks and upgrade facilities;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners"
TIME FRAME: 1991 -1995 (COMMUNICATIONS ARE ONGOING)
Prepare a highway corridor study for the purpose of identifying measures that will promote economic
development and safe and efficient traffic movement along Highway 158/168. The report should
also contain recommendations for improving the appearance of the Highway 158/168 corridor.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1991-1992 (COMPLETED IN 1994; IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOW
UNDERWAY)
1992
The County shall prepare a capital improvements plan to guide the expansion of all county facilities;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1992 (FINANCE DEPARTMENT HAS IDENTIFIED COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. SCHOOL
BOARD HAS ALSO IDENTIFIED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. )
Review results from the Albemarle Pamlico Estuary Study (APES) and implement suggested
environmental management strategies for improving and maintaining the quality of the Currituck
Sound and associated tributaries where appropriate;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1992 (COMPLETED; NO ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE)
' Establish a Parks and Recreation Department to implement recommendations of the Recreation
Committee;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1992 (RECREATION REPORT FINALIZED IN MARCH 1993. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
DETERMINED NOT TO CREATE A RECREATION DEPARTMENT. INSTEAD, THE EXISTING COMMUNITY
136

l ('�n
SCHOOLS PROGRAM WILL COORDINATE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES; IN OCTOBER OF 1995, BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS BEGAN REVIEWING RECREATIONAL OPTIONS)
Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to allow greater flexibility in the design of multi -family
housing;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1992 (COMPLETED)
Hire an economic development coordinator to promote economic development and carry out the
plans adopted by the Economic Development Authority;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1992 (COMPLETED)
Prepare an access feasibility study for areas north of Corolla addressing both short range and long
range needs which addresses the following:
a) identify issues relating to north beach access;
b) review historical developments of access to northern beaches;
c) analyze growth trends of the northern beaches; and,
d) identify available alternatives.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1992-1993 (IN PROGRESS. PROPERTY TITLE SEARCH HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR
STATE/NONPROFIT LANDS NORTH OF COROLLA. BUILDING /SUBDIVISION DATA THROUGH 1994 IS
COMPLETE. REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD IN 1996)
Explore the options available for centralized sewer systems within developments and make the
information available to the development community;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department and Health Department
TIME FRAME: 1992 (INFORMATION ON NEWTOWN ROAD SEWER SYSTEM TO IS AVAILABLE TO
DEVELOPERS)
The Unified Development Ordinance should be amended to promote hierarchical street patterns
based on traffic function and proper setting for residential neighborhoods;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1992 (CURRENT UDO PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN DEEMED ACCEPTABLE)
Delineate boundaries of maritime forests and establish regulations for their protection instead of
guidelines;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department and North Carolina Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources
TIME FRAME: 1992 (MARITIME FOREST MAPPING HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THE BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS DECIDED TO KEEP THE MARITIME FOREST GUIDELINES IN 1993 INSTEAD OF REGULATIONS
SINCE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN COMPLYING WITH RECOMMENDATIONS)
Inventory all potential ocean and sound access points and establish a priority rating for funding as
part of a comprehensive recreation program;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Recreation Committee
TIME FRAME: 1992 (THE RECREATION REPORT DID NOT CONTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS ON POTENTIAL
OCEAN AND SOUND ACCESSES)
Establish a solid waste task force committee to formulate a long range plan addressing the disposal
of solid waste in Currituck County;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to make appointments
TIME FRAME: 1992 (COUNTY HAS JOINED A REGIONAL WASTE AUTHORITY TO ADDRESS SOLID WASTE
DISPOSAL)
137

j
Apply for a grant to rehabilitate homes in Newtown, Moyock Township;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Albemarle Commission
TIME FRAME: 1992-1993 (INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO ROAD AND SEWER WERE COMPLETED
IN LATE 1992. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE ELECTED TO NOT PURSUE HOUSING REHAB. GRANTS IN
THE NEWTOWN AREA AT THIS TIME)
1993
A long range facilities plan shall be prepared for Currituck County schools.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
' TIME FRAME: 1993 (COMPLETED)
Establish an impact fee system to have new development help offset the cost of expanding
community facilities attributed to that development,
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1993-1994 (INFORMATION HAS BEEN COLLECTED ON IMPACT FEES FROM ACROSS THE
COUNTRY. IN 1995, THE COUNTY'S REQUEST FOR STATE AUTHORIZATION TO ENACT IMPACT FEES WAS
NOT INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE; THE COUNTY WILL CONTINUE TO VIGOROUSLY PURSUE STATE
AUTHORIZATION TO ENACT IMPACT FEES).
Assess development trends in the community to determine if federal, state and the Unified
Development Ordinance regulations are promoting development consistent with County long range
goals
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
' TIME FRAME: 1993 ( COMPLETED; THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IN FEBRUARY 1995 REDUCED DENSITY
TO SLOW THE SPEED OF GROWTH AND MAINTAIN A RURAL ATMOSPHERE)
M 'Explore the potential of having a wildlife inventory prepared for Currituck County.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1993 (STAFF WAS UNABLE TO FIND GRANT FUNDS TO. PREPARE WILDLIFE INVENTORY;
STAFF WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR GRANT FUNDS)
' Discuss with the State the feasibility of allowingwaste water from water treatment plants to be
injected into the ground as opposed to being discharged into surface water bodies.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners and,County Manager
TIME FRAME: 1993 (COMPLETED; STATE HAS DENIED THE REQUEST TO ALLOW GROUND WATER
INJECTION OF TREATED WASTE WATER)
' Identify the location of petrified forests and establish regulations for their protection.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1993 (PETRIFIED FORESTS WERE IDENTIFIED AT THE SAME TIME AS MARITIME FORESTS.
SINCE THE PETRIFIED FORESTS WERE LOCATED ON STATE PROPERTY BELOW THE MEAN HIGH WATER
MARK, REGULATIONS OR GUIDELINES WERE NOT NECESSARY FOR PROTECTION)
' Monitor the availability of water on the Outer Banks using test wells.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Public Works Department
TIME FRAME: 1993 (COMPLETED; OUTER BANKS WATER SUPPLY STUDY WAS COMPLETED AND TEST
WELLS DUG; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ARE PRESENTLY CONSIDERING ALTERNATIVES TO PROVIDE
CENTRALIZED WATER TO ALL RESIDENTS OF THE OUTER BANKS IN POPLAR BRANCH TOWNSHIP)
138
1

1994
Explore the potential of establishing conservation easements allowing a landowner to maintain title
to the property but prohibit development of sensitive areas in exchange for financial consideration.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1994 (STAFF HAS OBTAINED INFORMATION FOR ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION
EASEMENTS; IMPLEMENTATION WILL OCCUR IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMENDMENT TO COMMON OPEN
SPACE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS)
Prepare a study to determine housing needs and identify areas that qualify for housing grants.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1994 (A REVIEW OF HOUSING CONDITIONS IDENTIFIED THE NEED FOR A SCATTERED
REHABILITATION GRANT; THE COUNTY WAS AWARDED $514,656 FOR REHABILITATION OF HOUSES;
IMPLEMENTATION IS NOW UNDERWAY)
A plan shall be prepared that outlines the County's policies on reconstruction after a major storm
event.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Emergency Services, Currituck County Planning Department and Board of
Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1994 (A GRANT WAS OBTAINED TO PREPARE THE REPORT; DRAFT REPORT IS
COMPLETED AND WILL BE FINALIZED IN 1996)
Assess public attitude towards growth and incorporate into the 1995 Land Use Plan.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1994 (GRANT WAS AWARDED; PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS COMPLETED; MAIL -OUT SURVEY
WILL BE SENT BEFORE JANUARY 1996)
Prepare 1995 Land Use Plan.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1995 (IN PROGRESS)
Support the establishment of the Wildlife Museum through monetary means and staff resources;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck Wildlife Guild
TIME FRAME: 1995 (COUNTY PURCHASED WHALEHEAD CLUB FOR A WILDLIFE MUSEUM)
Establish a visitors' center at the proposed Wildlife Museum to advise tourists on areas of interest in
Currituck County;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1995 (INFORMATION ON THE AREA WILL BE AVAILABLE ONCE THE WILDLIFE MUSEUM IS
OPEN)
Explore feasibility of a county -wide or community -wide sewage treatment system;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department, Public Works Department and County
Engineer
TIME FRAME: 1995 (THERE ARE NO PLANS TO PREPARE THIS STUDY PRIOR TO UPDATING THE 1995 LAND
USE PLAN; THIS PROJECT WILL BE RE-EVALUATED AS PART OF THE LAND USE PLAN UPDATE)
139

1
' Establish three public restroom facilities on the Outer Banks, one near the Dare County line, one in
Corolla and one in Carova Beach;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: 1995 (ONE PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITY IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION NEAR THE DARE
COUNTY LINE; A SECOND PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITY IS BEING CONSIDERED IN COROLLA VILLAGE AT THE
LIGHTHOUSE IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE WILDLIFE MUSEUM -THERE IS NO TIME LINE OR BUDGET
' ESTABLISHED; NO PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITY IS PLANNED IN THE CAROVA BEACH AREA AT THIS TIME)
Prepare a study on the potential for having water and sewer services under central control for the
entire Outer Banks;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Public Works Department
TIME FRAME: 1995 (THE COUNTY IS PRESENTLY WORKING ON A PLAN TO HAVE CENTRALIZED WATER
PROVIDED TO THE ENTIRE OUTER BANKS WHICH MAY INCLUDE HAVING ALL SYSTEMS UNDER
CENTRALIZED CONTROL; THERE ARE NO PLANS AT THIS TIME TO HAVE ALL CENTRALIZED SEWER
SYSTEMS UNDER ON CONTROL)
Prepare a plan to provide centralized water to Gibbs Woods, Knotts Island and the Currituck Outer
' Banks;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to authorize study
TIME FRAME: 1995 (GRANT WAS AWARDED FOR REPORT IN NOVEMBER 1995; PROJECT WILL BE
' COMPLETED IN 1996)
140

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
APPENDIX (p TABLE 1
THOROUGHFARE PLAN STREET TABULATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR CURRITUCK APPENDIX .
EXISTING RECOMMENDED
X - SECTION CAPACITY X - SECTION
DIST*RDWY*ROW CURRENT 1987 2010 RDWAY * ROW
FACILITY & SECTION MI * FT *FT (FUTURE) ADTS ADTS (ULT) *(ULT)
SR 1137
FR SR1136-MP0280
12.801
181
601
21001
5041
10001
(L)
I ADQ
MP0280-MP0340
1 .601
161
601
18001
2001
4001
(L)
I ADQ
MP0340-CURR SOUND
11.301
161
601
18001
2001
4001
(L)
I ADQ
SR'1139
i
FR SR1137-SR1140
1 .301
181
601
21001
4001
6001
(L)
I ADQ
SR
1140
FR SR1137-MP0020
1 .201
181
601
21001
1701
3001
(L)
I ADQ
MP0020-US158
11.701
181
601
21001
5331
8001
(L)
I ADQ
1
SR
1147
I I
I
I
I
I
I
I
FR NC34-MP0380
13.801
181
601'
21001
5001
9001
(L)
I ADQ
MP0380-CAMDEN CO
1 .401
181
1
601
21001
3501
8001
(L)
I ADQ
SR
1205
I I
I
I
I
I
FR NC34-SR1147
1 .101
181
601
21001
1201
5001
(L)
I ADQ
SR
1222
NC 168 - SR 1228
14.421
181
601
21001
8001
15001
(L)
I ADQ
SR 1228 - NC 168
16.801
181
601
21001
16001
40001
(L)
I ADQ
FR SR1222-SR1273
1 .101
201
601
1
23101
401
4000I
(L)
I ADQ
SR
1227
I I
I
I
I
1
FR NC168-MP0209
12.091
181
601
21001
8371
16001
(L)
I ADQ
MP0209-SR1218
11.801
201
601
23101
3001
5001
(L)
I ADQ
SR
1242
FR NC168-NC168 CURRITUCKI .601
221
601
25801
5001
10001
(H)
1 .70
SR
1251
i
I I
I
I
I
1
I
I
FR VIRGINIA - SOUND
11.401
161
601
18001
4001
8001
(L)
I ADQ
PROPOSED BRIDGE
I I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ADYLETT - COROLLA
15.201
i
--I
--I
----I
---I
80001BRIDGE
1 ---
jql

APPENDIX J'� TABLE 1
THOROUGHFARE PLAN STREET TABULATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR CURRITUCK APPENDIX
EXISTING RECOMMENDED
X - SECTION CAPACITY X - SECTION
DIST*RDWY*ROW CURRENT 1987 2010 RDWAY * ROW
FACILITY & SECTION MI * FT *FT (FUTURE) ARTS ADTS (ULT) *(ULT)
US
158
1 1
1 1
1
1
1
FR
CAMDEN-NC 168
18.411
2411001
23101
36001
80001
NC
168 - MP 1095
12.541
641 801
280001
57821
160001
MP
1095 - MP 1281
11.861
4811501
192001
64581
160001
MP
1281 - NC 3
14.431
241 801
96001
64581
160001
NC
3 - SR 1125
12.551
6011001
240001
63071
180001
SR
1125 - MP 2131
11.521
6411001
280001
70001
180001
MP
2131 - MP 2342
12.011
2411001
80001
70001
180001
MP
2342 - MP 2480
11.381
2211001
80001
70001
180001
MP
2480 - MP 2563
1 .831
2411001
96001
70001
180001
MP_2563
- MP 3073
15.101
2211001
80001
70001
200001
MP
3073 - MP 3109
1 .361
2411001
96001
72841
220001
MP
3109 - SR 1102
11.261
2211001
80001
72841
260001
SR
1102 - MP 3306
1 .711
241AB01
96001
*70001
350001
MP
3306 - DARE CO
11.541
201A801
65001
70001
450001
NC
3
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
FR
US 158 - MP 221
12.271
201 601
65001
4501
10001
NC
34
1 1
1 1
1
I
1
FR
NC 168 - SR 1203
13.101
2211001
80001
22501
45001
SR
1203 - CAMDEN CO
13.261
2211001
80001
18001
38001
NC
615
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1
1
1
I
1
1
FERRY X-ING-SR 1260
1 .311
201 601
65001
6001
11001
SR
1260 - SR 1265
12.731
161 601
50001
6001
22001
SR
1265 - VA STATE LINE
1.7.221
181 601
50001
6001
11001
NC
12
I I
I I
FR
DARE CO -,SR 1185
110.91
20 1 --1
65001
16001
53001
NC
168
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
FR
US 158 - MP 12
1 .121
6411001
280001
57821
160001
MP
12 - VA STATE LINE
118.21
2411001
96001
61001
246001
SR
1142
I 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1
1
I
1
1
1
FR
SR 1141-MP0095
1 .951
201 801
23101
7001
14001
MP
0095-.MP0340
12.451
181 601
21001
6001
12001
MP
0340- CURR SOUND
12.901
161 601
18001
4501
9001
SR
1131
1 1
1 1
1 I
1 I
I
1
I
FR
US 158-NC3
12.501
181 601
21001
11591
18001
SR
1135
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
FR
SR1136-SR1131
1 .651
181 601
21001
4651
10001
Iyv
B
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
1 200
1 ADO
I ADO
ADO
I ADO
I ADO
I ADO
I ADO
I ADO
I ADO
ADO
ADO
I ADO
I ADO
(L) I ADO
(L) I ADO
(L) I ADO
(L) I ADO
(L) I ADO
(L) I ADO
I 1 60
D I ADO
D I ADO
I
(L) I ADO
(L) I ADO
(L) I ADO
(L) I ADO
(L) I ADO
J
1

1
Appendix 7
Current Plans, Policies $ Regulations
LONG RANGE PLANS
1990 CAMA Land Use Plan: The 1990 Land Use Plan was prepared by the Planning Department and
contained data and policies on the following issues: population; economy; transportation;
residential development, land use; environment; county facilities; storm hazards; and growth
management. The plan also contained an implementation plan.
1985 CAMA Land Use Plan: This plan was prepared by Talbert, Cox and Associates, Inc.. 'It
documented existing conditions, identified environmental constraints, enumerated goals and
objectives, and contained a land classification map.
1980 CAMA land Use Plan: The plan prepared by Coastal Consultants, Ltd. provided information on
' land use, population, economic conditions, policies and a land classification map based on CAMA
guidelines.
1976 CAMA Land Use Plan: This plan was prepared to meet State regulations of the 1974 Coastal Area
Management Act. The plan included background material and analysis and identified land use
Issues.
County of Currituck Mainland Water Facilities Phase II/III Study: This report was completed by Black
and Veatch in December 1989. The document projects the needs of the Currituck County mainland
water system through the year 2010. Shallow well fields and. expanded conventional treatment
represents the most cost effective water supply and treatment systems. If the yields are not
adequate to serve the needs of Currituck, deep wells and a reverse osmosis (RO) system becomes
more cost effective. Financing facilities is also discussed.
' Currituck County Airport Master Plan: Prepared by Talbert, Cox and Associates, Inca in September
1988, this plan reviews existing conditions, analyzes future demands and capacity, identifies facility
' alternatives, overviews environmental constraints and recommends development plans for
expansion of airport facilities over the next twenty years.
' Currituck County Community Facilities Plan: This plan was prepared by Howard T. Capps and
Associates in 1978. It contained an inventory of existing facilities and discussed future community
facility needs. Sources of revenue were also identified.
' Currituck County Thoroughfare Plan: This plan was prepared by the Department of Transportation in
June 1988. It analyzes growth patterns, traffic conditions, and recommends improvements to the
County's thoroughfare system.
Storm Hazard Mitigation and Reconstruction Plan (1995): This plan outlines what steps should be
taken by the county in order to minimize damage during major storm events. The plan also outlines
procedures the county should adopt to assist in reconstruction after the storms.
U.S. Highway 158 & N.C. Highway 168 Corridor Plan (1994): This plan outlined recommendations for
development along US 158 & NC 168 in order to promote economic development, enhance safety
and improve appearance. The corridor plan won the 1995 NCAPA Outstanding Comprehensive Plan
Award.
143

1997- 2003 State Transportation Improvement Plan: The plan recommends Improvements to roads,
the airport and bicycle/pedestrian accommodations for Currituck County. Recommendations
Include, among other things: completion of widening NC 168 by 1998; construction of a mid -sound
bridge to start in 2001; identify need to widen US 158 from Barco to Camden; repair to the Barco runway
in 2000; and widening of NC 12 NC 168, US 158 and NC 615 for bicycle and pedestrian needs.
Growth Financing Plan (1996): Prepared by Tischler & Associates, this plan forecasts population
growth in Currituck County, determined the costs of providing services based on projected growth,
and recommended alternative financing to help pay for services. Among the recommendations
were establishing impact fees and explore increasing the occupancy tax.
Currituck County Hurricane Evacuation Plan: This 1988 plan establishes hurricane evacuation
procedure for Currituck County including: authority; organization; warning and alert systems;
evacuation areas; re-entry; responsibilities; and public information.
Currituck County School Facilities Needs Analysis and Long Range Capital Improvements Plan:
Prepared by PMA Consulting Services in 1992, this plan provides an analysis of current school
facilities, , projects future enrollment, and recommends a capital improvements plan to
accommodate growth.
Currituck County Water Supply Plan: The Water Supply Plan for the southern Currituck Outer Banks,
prepared by Stroud and Associates in 1994, surveyed existing central water systems, analyzed areas
without central water and provided suggestions on how to serve them, and recommended ways to
manage water supplies.
ADOPTED ORDINANCES & POLICIES, REQUIRED PERMITS, FEDERAL 8Z
STATE REGULATIONS
Building Permits: The County has adopted the State Building Code and enforces the Code through
the Panning & Inspections Department.
Enforced by the Planning & Inspections Department
Currituck County Outer Banks Vehicular and Barrier Strand Ordinance: The ordinance deals with the
operation of power -driven vehicles on the Outer Banks Barrier Strand. This ordinance was last
amended in 1986.
Enforced by the Sheriffs Deoartment
Currituck County Water System Policies: Establish County policies on connections, billing, water
quality, areas of responsibility, suspension of service, installation of lines in subdivisions, and
administration.
Federal and State Regulations: State and Federal permits and regulations as administered by
applicable agencies. These regulations include, but are not limited to, CAMA requirements, mining
regulations, air and land quality standards, 404 Wetland requirements, and solid waste disposal
regulations.
Minimum Housing Standards: This ordinance, as amended in 1988, authorizes the Building Inspector
to investigate the conditions of dwellings and provides the power to require repair, closing and/or
demolition of dwellings determined to be unfit for human habitation.
Enforced by the Building Inspections Department
Multi -Hazards Plan: Adopted in September 1988, the purpose of this plan is to provide information on
major potential hazards affecting the area, to develop a plan of action to protect the population
144

from those potential hazards and to provide an emergency management plan in the event. of a
natural or man-made emergency.
' Administered by the Emergency Services Department.
The Sand Dune Protection Ordinance of Currituck County: This ordinance was adopted in December
' 1971. It contains provisions to preserve and promote the protection of the Outer Banks by controlling
the disturbances to sand dunes.
Enforced by the Sheriffs Department.
' _Septic Tank Permits: Septic tank permits are required by the County before on -lot sewage disposal
systems can be used. Building permits will not be issued until adequate sewage disposal has been
provided.
' Enforced by the County Health Department,
Unified Development Ordinance: In April 1989, Currituck County adopted the Unified Development
' Ordinance. This ordinance contains, among other things:
a. Zoning regulations (controls land use, defines setbacks, establishes administrative
' mechanisms, regulates mobile homes, controls PUD's and multi -family development,
adequate public facilities standards; etc.).
b. Subdivision regulations (controls arrangement of lots and streets when dividing land).
c. Floodway/fioodplain regulations (establishes guidelines for developments located within
' floodways and floodplains and contains provisions for storm water management).
Enforced by the Currituck County Planning & Inspections Department Planning Commission
and the Board of Commissioners.
(NOTE: Currituck County does not have historic preservation ordinance. State sedimentation and
stormwater regulations apply to Currituck County)
' STUDIES
1983 Currituck County Outer Banks Carrying Capacity Study: This study analyzed five factors dealing
' with the capacity to absorb growth on the Outer Banks: suitability of land for development, possible
need for hurricane evacuation, road network for access, wastewater treatment, and drinking water
supply.
' Currituck Sound Resource Management Project: This project consisted of the following reports:
"Water Quality, Salinity, and Fisheries in Currituck Sound" (December 1980); "The Impact of Salinity
Introductions Upon Fishing Habitat in the Currituck Sound" (April 1983); "Socioeconomic Status and
Potential of the Commercial Fishery of Currituck Sound" (March 1982); "Socioeconomic Status and
Potential of Trapping, Sport Fishing, and Hunting in Currituck Sound" (February 1983); "Currituck Sound
Bibliography" (October 1982).
1983 North Carolina Anadromous Fisheries Management Program: This report identifies spawning
areas of Alewife and Blueback Herring in the Currituck Sound area.
' 1984 Impact of Salinity Introductions upon Fish Habitat in Currituck Sound: This study discussed the
impact on commercial and sport fishing in Currituck Sound and the impact on fresh and salt water fish
species if salt water was introduced into Currituck Sound by inlets in the Outer Banks.

Soil Survey of Currituck County, North Carolina: The survey, Issued in 1982, identifies different soil types,
reviews uses and management of soils, analyzes soil properties and identifies soil locations in
Currituck County.
Transportation Access Over Currituck Sound; A Feasibility Study: This study was prepared in February
1989 for the North Carolina Department of Transportation by Howard, Needles, Tammen and
Bergendoff. It discusses accessibility problems on the Currituck Outer Banks, Identifies alternatives
and makes recommendations. One of the conclusions of this report is to build a second bridge
adjacent to Wright Memorial immediately and build a mid -county bridge (Waterlilly to Corolla
preferred) after a thorough analysis. The report discusses environmental concerns of a mid -county
bridge and identifies secondary concerns, that being an increase in development activity on the
Currituck Outer Banks.
Currituck County Outer Banks Water Supply Study (1991): This study was prepared by DEHNR Water
Resources and looked at several models to determine the impact development was having on
water supplies on the Currituck Outer Banks, The study recommended, among other things,
Interconnection of water and wastewater systems, adoption of water conservation measures, and
further study of the Outer Banks water supply.
Currituck County Southern Outer Banks Water Study: Prepared by Stroud Engineering, this 1994 report
was a follow-up to the 1991 study by DEHNR. The study surveyed existing water treatment systems
and provided recommendations on how best to manage water supplies on the Currituck Outer
Banks.
Ocean Sands Water and Sewer District Master Plan Update (1996): This study, prepared by McDowell
and Associates, outlines recommendations for meeting future water and sewer demands for Ocean
Sands Subdivision, an outer banks planned unit development consisting of 2,200+ dwellings and
428,000 sq. ft. of commercial floor area.
Currituck Sound Outstanding Resource Waters Evaluation (1994): Prepared by the Water Quality
Section of DEM, this report analyzed the potential of classifying the Currituck Sound as an Outstanding
Resource Water (ORW). The report concluded that the Currituck Sound did not qualify as an ORW
because of chronic algae blooms and high nutrients. '
Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge Alternatives Study Report (1995): This study reviewed alternative
alignments for the proposed mid -sound bridge as well as the no -build alternative. No specific '
alignment was recommended in this report.
APES Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP - 1994): The CCMP contains '
management strategies recommended to preserve and protect the natural resources of the
Albemarle -Pamlico sounds watershed.
Currituck County Recreation Study: Prepared in 1992 by Currituck County, this plan identified the '
recreational needs of Currituck and suggested recommendations for recreational facilities.
Regional Water Study For The Albemarle Water Resources Task Force (June 1996): This study '
outlines issues related to regional solutions to water, particularly for Elizabeth City, Pasquotank
County, Currituck County, Dare County and Camden County.
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