Land Use Plan Update-1985

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Division of C"stal 1'' =gement
1985
CURRITUCK COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN
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Prepared By
Talbert, Cox and Associates, Inc.
Crrriteck Apprerel 1/6/ 1986
CRC Certified 2/1/1986

1
1985
CURRITUCK COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Prepared By
CURRITUCK COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
and
CURRITUCK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Assistance By
TALBERT, COX & ASSOCIATES, INC.
"The preparation of this report (map, document, etc.) was
financed in part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which
is administered by the Office of Coastal Zone Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Currituck County Land Use Plan
1986 Update
Page No.
Information Base
1
Present
Conditions
2
1.
Population
2
Seasonal Population
4
2.
Economy
5
3.
Existing Land Use
9
a. Background on Land Use
9
b. Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems
10
c. Problems from Unplanned Development
10
d. Areas Likely to Experience Major Land
Use Changes
10
4.
Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
11
a. Summary of Existing Plans and Policies
Impacting Land Use
11
Local Plans
11
Local Regulations and Policies
12
Studies
14
Enforcement of Existing Local Ordinance
14
5.
Constraints: Land Suitability
14
a. Physical Limitations for Development
14
1. Man -Made Hazards
14
2. Natural Hazards
15
a. Flood Hazard Area
15
b. Soil Limitations
15
c. Water Supply
23
Groundwater System
23
Aquifers
24
Quality of Groundwater
24
Water Table Aquifer
24
Yorktown Upper Aquifer
25
Yorktown Lower Aquifer
25
Beaufort Aquifer
25
d. Slope Exceeding 12 Percent
33
6.
Fragile Areas
33
A. Coastal Wetlands
33
B. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
33
C. Public Trust Waters
35
D. Sand Dunes Along the Outer Banks
35
E. Complex Natural Areas
35
F. Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
37
G. Ocean Beaches and Shorelines
37
H. Unique Geological Formations
38
I. Registered Natural Landmarks
38
J. Scenic and Prominent High Points
38
K. Archaeologic Sites/Historic Sites
38
I

7.
s.
9.
10.
Page No.
Areas with Resource Potential
41
A.
Productive and Unique Agricultural Land
41
B.
Publicly Owned Forests, Parks, etc.
41
C.
Prime Farmland Identified Consistent with
Governor's Executive Order Number 96
42
D.
Valuable Mineral Sites
42
Estimated
Demand
42
A.
Population and Economy
42
B.
Future Land Needs
44
C.
Community Facilities Needs
44
1. Schools
44
2. Police/Fire Protection
45
3. Roads
45
4. Water and Sewer
45
Resource
Protection: Estuarine System
45
1. Areas of Environmental Concern
45
a. Coastal Wetlands
46
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine
Shorelines
46.
C. Public Trust Areas
47
d. Areas of Environmental Concern:
Ocean Hazard Areas
47
e. Constraints to Development
49
f. Flood Prone Areas
49
g. Local Resource Development Issues
49
h. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation
Needs and Plans
49
i. Protection of Possible Water Supplies
49
j. Use of Package Treatment Plants
49
k. Stormwater Runoff
50
1. Marina and Floating Home Development
50
M. Industrial Impacts of Fragile Areas
50
n. Development of Sound and Estuarine
System Islands
50
o. Maritime Forests
50
p. Commercial Forest Areas
51
q. Peat and Phosphate Mining
51
r. Off -Road Vehicle
51
S. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and
Beach Renourishment
52
t. Energy Facility Siting and Development
52
Goals, Objectives, and Local Land Use Policies
52
A.
Mobile Homes
52
B.
One -Half .Acre Lots
54
C.
Topsoil Mining
55
D.
Economic/Industrial Development
56
E.
Nodal Development vs. Strip Development
57
F.
Public Access to the Outer Banks and
Northern Banks
61
G.
Public Access to Ocean and Sound
62

IPage No.
H. Commercial Development on the Outer Banks
and Density of Residential Development 64
I. Protective Agricultural Land 66
J. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries 67
K. Redevelopment of Development Areas
68
L. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
69
M. Flood Hazard Areas
69
N. Wetlands
69
11.
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster
Recovery, and Evacuation Plans
71
12.
13.
Land Classifiction
Intergovernmental Coordination
84
87
14.
Public Participation
88
Bibliography
89
Boat Access Points 90
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TABLES
Page No.
Table I Population
2
Table II Growth Rate Compared to State and Other
Counties
3
Table III Population by Township
3
Table IV Population by Age Group
4
Table V Farmland and Income
6
Table VI Sales and Use Tax Gross Collections and
Gross Retail Sales
7
Table VII Labor Force
7
Table VIII Annual Average Labor Force Estimates
7a
Table IX Commuting Patterns for Currituck
8
Table X Building Site Development (Soils)
17-19
Table XI Sanitary Facilities (Soils)
20-22
Table XII Monitoring Wells at Whalehead Beach
29
Table XIII Results of Recovery Tests at
Whalehead Beach
30
Table XIV Water Quality from Test Wells
31
Table XV Schematic Diagram of Underlying Acquifiers
32
Table XVI Schematic Diagram of Water Table Aquifier
32
MAPS
Page No.
MAJOR LAND USE CHANGES'SINCE 1980
93
WETLAND MAP
94
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
95
FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDRY MAP
96
EXISTING LAND USE
Powells Point SE
97
Powells Point NE
98
Powells Point NW
99
Barco SW
100
Elizabeth City SE
101
Barco NW
102
Elizabeth City NE
103
Elizabeth City NW
104
Knotts Island
105
Creeds
106
Moyock
107
Lake Drummond SE
108
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
109
EXISTING LAND USE OUTER BANKS
110
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CURRITUCK COUNTY LAND USE PLAN
A. Information Base
The 1985 Land Use Plan Update for Currituck County has been
prepared in accordance with requirements of the North Carolina
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Specifically, this document
complies with Subchapter 7B, "Land Use Planning Guidelines," of
the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended, July 9, 1984.
The initial Land Use Plan was prepared for Currituck County
in 1976, and the first update in 1980. According to the Land Use
Planning Guidelines, the major purpose of periodic updating of
local land use plans is to identify and analyze newly emerging
community issues and problems. An additional element which was
not required in either the 1976 Plan or the 1980 Update is a
"Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Hurricane
Evacuation Plan," and is required to be included in the 1985
Update. This element is designed to help local governments coor-
dinate effective policies and actions relating to the impact of
hurricanes or other severe storms.
The guidelines further give the following objectives the
update should meet:
to further define and refine local policies and issues;
to further examine and refine the land classification
system and the land classification map;
-- to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use
plan and its implementation;
-- to further explore implementation procedures, and;
-- to promote a better understanding of the land use plan-
ning process.
Both the 1976 Land Use Plan and the 1980 Update provided
much of the needed information base for this update. However, in
many cases, new information had to be developed or has become
available since the 1980 Plan was completed. A number of data
sources were used during the preparation of this plan to prepare
updated analyses of population, housing, economics, (including
agriculture, fisheries, and forestry), and existing land uses.
Most of the data came from primary and secondary sources in the
form of direct contacts with representatives of various state and
federal agencies and/or previously published documents or reports.
Also, "windshield" surveys were conducted to obtain data on exist-
ing land use patterns. Interviews were conducted with various
County officials, and extensive effort was made before beginning
the planning process to obtain citizen input on issues of local
1 concern. Specifically, four citizen information meetings were
held throughout the County in November, 1984, to give citizens the
opportunity to become familiar with the planning process and to

receive their input on planning issues affecting Currituck
County.
B. Present Conditions
1. Population:
Currituck County is located in the northeastern most corner
of North Carolina and directly south of Tidewater Virginia. The
1980 census indicated that Currituck County had a population at
that time of 11,089 people which represents 4,113 more people than
the 1970 census of 6,976. Table I reflects the population and
growth rate for the County since the 1940 census and projected
population for 1985, 1990 and 1995 based on N. C. Department of
Administration estimates.
Table I
Number
Year Population Change % Change
1940 6,709 - -
1950 6,201 -508 -7.6
1960 6,601 +400 +6.5
1970 6,976 +375 +5 .7
1980 10,089 +4,113 +59.0
*1985 13,171 +3,082 +30.5
*1990 15,257 +2,086 +15.8
*1995 17,913 +2,756 +18.1
Source: U. S. Census information by ARPDC
Projections by N. C. Department of Administration
As shown in Table I, the increase in population from 1970 to
1980 of 4,113 people represents a 59.0% increase in population.
Based on N. C. Department of Administration projections, the
County can anticipate continued rapid population increase during
the 10-year planning period. Specifically, a 30.5% increase is
projected between 1980 and 1985, 15.8% from 1985 to 1990 and an
additional 18.1% increase between 1990 and 1995. If these pro-
jected population estimates come to fruition, Currituck County
will experience an additional population increase from 1980 to
1995 of 64.4% over this 15-year period which represents an in-
�.
crease in population from 10,089 to 17,913 by 1995.
As reflected in Table II, Currituck County is the second
fastest growing county in the State of North Carolina, second only
to Dare County.

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Table II
Growth Rate Compared to State and Other Counties
Under
Change 1970-80
18 yrs.
18-64
65 & Over
1.
Dare County
91.2%
23.2
64.1
12.6
2.
Currituck
59.0
28.6
59.6
11.8
3.
Brunswick
47.7
30.2
59.0
10.8
4.
Stokes
39.1
30.1
60.0
10.0
5.
Henderson
36.9
25.7
56.7
17.7
6.
Watauga
35.3
21.1
69.3
9.6
7.
Orange
33.5
20.6
71.9
7.5
8.
Wake
31.9
26.2
66.4
7.4
9.
Swain
30.8
29.1
56.4
14.5
10.
Davie
30.5
28.8
60.9
10.2
11.
Carteret
30.0
26.4
62.0
11.6
State of North Carolina
15.7%
28.2
61.6
10.3
Source: 1980 Census
As County officials prepare to accommodate this anticipated
growth in population, two factors are of utmost importance in this
planning process: 1. Which age groups are growing the fastest
based on current census information; and 2. Where in the County is
most of this growth taking place. As shown in Table III, the
largest increase in population between 1970 and 1980 has occurred
in the Moyock Township area. Specifically, the population in this
area had increased by 1,601 people during that 10-year period.
The second fastest growing area of the County is the Crawford
Township area which had increased from 2,487 people in 1970 to
3,974 people in 1980. It is worth noting that both of these areas
have easy access to the highway corridor to Tidewater, Virginia.
Table III
Population by Townshi
% of
% of
1970-80
Total
Total
Percent of
Popula-
Popu-
Popu-
Total
tion
Township
1960
lation
1970
lation
1980
Population
Increase
Moyock
1,207
18.3
1,494
21.4
3,095
27.9
1,601
Crawford
2,332
35.3
2,487
35.7
3,974
35.8
1,487
Poplar Branch
2,622
39.7
2,487
35.7
3,114
28.1
627
Fruitville
440
6.7
508
7.2
906
8.2
398
Total County
Population
6,601
100%
6,976
100%
11,089
100%
4,113
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Table IV I
Population
by Age
Group
Increase in
Percent
Age Group
1970
1980
Population
Increase
Under 5
541
790
249
46.0
5-9
669
816
147
22.0
10-14
741
926
185
25.0
15-19
628
1,011
383
(4)
61.0
20-24
447
924
477
(2)
107.0
25-29
393
891
498
(1)
127.0
30-34
339
779
440
(3)
130.0
35-39
364
735
371
(5)
102.0
40-44
428
566
138
32.0
45-49
50-54
362
414
531
640
169
226
46.7
54.6
55-59
435
597
162
37.2
60-64
390
580
190
48.7
65-69
296
525
229
77.4
70-74
240
354
114
47.5
75-79
156
219
63
40.4
80-84
82
121
39
47.6
85 and over
51
84
33
64.7
6,976 11,089 4,113 59.0
As illustrated in Table IV, the fastest growing segment of
the population between 1970 and 1980 has been the 15-39 year age
group. If this trend continues during the ten-year planning
period, the County can anticipate a heavy demand on schools and
the need for additional housing with all related services such as
fire and police protection, health care and social services if
local job opportunities can be developed for those local residents
in the lower age groups (15-19 age group).
Seasonal Population
In an effort to establish information on seasonal population
for Currituck County,'we contacted Mr. Bill Tillman of the State
Office of Management and Budget. Mr. Tillman indicated that this
type of information is not generated by their office. In an
effort to generate seasonal population information, we contacted
the manager of Hampton Lodge Campground. They typically have
approximately 200 campers each weekend during the June through
August vacation season. Camper occupancy ranges from 2 to 6 peo-
ple per camper. Using an average of 4 people per camper, the
County's population increases by approximately 800 people each
weekend during the summer months from this one facility. Based on
our windshield survey of the County, Bells Island has a similar
camp site which appears to contain less than 50 campers. Using
the same average of 4 per camper, this facility would generate a
seasonal population increase of approximately 200 people per
weekend.

Based on October, 1984, aerial photography of the Currituck
outer banks, we determined that there were at that time 514 dwell-
ing units on the outer banks. Based on information from the Coun-
ty Building Inspection Department, we have learned that 49 addi-
tional dwelling units have been constructed or are under construc-
tion as of May, 1985. Based on this information, we have estima-
ted that approximately 563 dwelling units exist on the outer banks
or will be ready for occupancy during the 1985 summer season. Mr.
Mickey Dozier of the County tax office, indicated that 90 to 95%
of all dwelling units on the outer banks are vacation homes.
Based on that information, we have estimated that 507 to 535 units
on the outer banks are used by seasonal residents. Using the 4.5
persons per unit used in the 1980 Land Use Plan, we estimate a
seasonal population for the outer banks of 2,268 to 2,407 people
during the peak summer season.
Unlike Dare County to the south, Currituck does not have
motels, hotels, and related facilities to draw seasonal visitors.
However, with a recently opened public road and approved PUD
developments with commercial use, this will probably soon change.
Although there are other facilities scattered throughout the
County used for seasonal purposes such as hunting, fishing and
summer vacations, it would be difficult to establish more precise
seasonal population information without a very detailed survey and
analysis of these facilities. The purpose of the information
provided in this report is to illustrate that a rather significant
seasonal population does impact on County facilities.
2. Economy.
As indicated in the 1980 Land Use Plan, agriculture was at
that time, and still remains, a very important part of Currituck
County's economy. However, as shown in Table V and based on the
most current information from the 1984 Profile of North Carolina
counties, Currituck County farmers experienced a reduction in farm
income during the 1982 farm season as compared to the 1981 season.
Also, worth noting is the fact that slightly more farmland was
available in 1982.
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Table V
Farmland and Income
Estimated
Year
Acres of Harvested and
Idle Cropland Farm Income
1970
39,154
$ 6,621,000
1971
40,848
5,760,000
1972
39,471
7,173,000
1973
43,109
11,123,000
1974
41,590
14,938,000
1975
38,914
13,013,000
1976
41,328
15,046,000
1977
38,545
11,672,000
1978
40,614
9,288,000
1979
41,500
12,432,000
1980
1981
52,500
18,078,000
1982
52,600
17,311,000
1983
1984
* Information not available in printed report
Source. 1984 Profile of North Carolina Counties
Table VI reflects Gross Retail Sales in Currituck County from
1969-1970 through 1982-1983 which is the last period information
is available. As shown in Table VI, there has been a substantial
increase in retail sales between 1979-1980 and 1982-1983. Speci-
fically, the County has gone from $44,862,970 in 79-80 to
$52,523,104 in 1982-83. Since the inflation rate has dropped
substantially during a portion of this period, these figures
represent a fairly sizeable increase in retail sales. Although �.
the sales data does not pinpoint the location of sales, it can be
assumed that a large percentage of these sales are made by retail
businesses along the 158/168 highway corridor and that these sales
will most likely continue to increase during the next ten years as
more development takes place on the outer banks of Currituck and
Dare and as people contiue to travel to those locations from Tide-
water Virginia.
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Table VI
Sales and Use Tax Gross Collections and Gross Retail Sales
Fiscal
Sales and Use Tax
Retail Sales
1970-71
$ 138,174
$ 11,149,289
1971-72
167,159
12,457,525
1972-73
212,806
17,205,298
1973-74
257,019
25,605,882
1974-75
298,907
34,084,482
1975-76
362,394
35,103,924
1976-77
393,884
39,362,049
1977-78
473,650
40,292,764
1978-79
547,412
40,168,364
1979-80
579,790
44,862,970
1980-81
612,046
46,432,333
1981-82
697,674
50,913,669
1982-83
757,291
52,523,104
As shown in Table VII, based on the most recent information
available, Currituck County had a labor force of 5,270 people in
1983 with an unemployment rate of 8.3% or 440 people unemployed.
As Table VIII shows of the remaining 4,830 people employed in
1983, 4,040 were non-agricultural wage and salary employees with
only 140:, being agricultural employees. Based on these figures, it
is apparent that farm income is being generated with fewer employ-
ees needed with retail and service jobs, including public sector
employment providing more and more of the employment opportunities
and, thereby, economic growth for the County.
Where are many
jobs being provided?
County residents in
employment. Of the
1980, 1,417 or 67.3%
employment.
Year
of these services, retail and manufacturing
As reflected in Table IX, 59.7% of employed
1980 were commuting outside of Currituck for
2,107 persons commuting outside the County in
were traveling to Tidewater, Virginia for
Table VII
Labor Force
Total Labor Force Rate of Unemployment
1975
2,720
6.3%
1976
2,610
6.5%
1977
2,890
6.6%
1978
4,660
3.9%
1979
4,880
4.9%
1980
4,760
6.9%
1981
5,110
6.7%
1982
5,120
7.0%
1983
5,270
8.3%
Source: Profile: North Carolina Counties, 1984
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TABLE VT_II
CURRITUCK COUNTY
ANNUAL AVERAGE LABOR FORCE ESTIMATES 1983-1974
1983
1982
1981•
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE 1/
5,270
5,100
5,110
4,980
4,880
4,820
2,970
2,86o
2,720
2,710
UNEMPLOYMENT, TOTAL
440
360
340
340
240
190
190
190
170
140
Rate of Unemployment
8.3
7.1
6.7
6.8
4.9
3.9
6.4
6.6
6.2
5.2
EMPLOYMENT, TOTAL
4,830
4,740
4,770
4,640
4,640
4,630
2,730
2,670
2,550
2,570
Agricultural Employment
140
140
16o
170
180
200
220
260
250
240
Nonag. Wage & Salary Employ.
4,040
4,060
4,110
4,010
4,010
3,990
2,270
2,150
2,050
2,100
All Other Nonag. Employment 2/
650
540
500
460
450
440
290
260
250
230
--------------------
-------
-----
------
INDUSTRY
-------------
EMPLOYMENT BY PLACE OF WORK
------
3/
------
------
------
------
Manufacturing 4/
100
80
120
150
150
16o
180
150
120
130
Nonmanufacturing
1,260
1,210 1,140
1,080
1,090
1,020
930
930
890
810
Construction
90
70 90
70
100
100
100
100
60
70
Trans., Comm., & P. Util.
40
40 40
40
40
30
40
30
20
30
Trade
370
340 310
290
300
280
230
240
250
210
Fin., Ins., & Real Estate
40
40 50
50
40
40
40
40
40
40
Service
170
16o 120
110
120
90
70
70
70
90
Government
550
56o 530
520
490
470
440
440
440
36o
Other Nonmanufacturing
0
0 0
0
0
10
10
10
10
10
1/
Data based on place of residence.
2/
Includes nonagricultural self-employed
workers,
unpaid family workers, and
domestic workers
in
private households.
Industry segments are not additive
to the "Nonag. Wage & Salary Employ." shown under "CIVILIAN
LABOR FORCE" since
labor force
data are by
"place
of residence."
4/
Includes Food; Textiles; Apparel;
Lumber & Wood;
Chemicals; Rubber; Stone,
Clay, & Glass;
Fab. Metals; and Trans.
Equipment.
Includes Agricultural Services and
Mining.
•
Data prior to 1978 not comparable
due to change
in developing place of residence ratios.
� � low ag OM go M1116#7 no
!jM

TAB LE I X
COMMUTING PATTERNS FOR CURRITUCK
1980
COUNTY
OUT -COMMUTERS
IN -COMMUTERS
JOURNEY FROM
JOURNEY TO
COUNTY/CITY
CURRITUCK TO:
CURRITUCK FROM:
Beaufort
12
Bertie
3
Camden
Dare
57
283
57
20
Pamlico
8
Pasquotank
241
112
Perquimans
20
22
OUT OF STATE
Dade
FL 11
Warren
PA 14
Chesapeake City
VA 366
13
Hampton City
VA 9
.
Newport News City
VA 8
Norfolk City
VA 418
12
Portsmouth City
VA 247
Virginia Beach City
VA 369
50
Work At Sea
44
TOTAL REPORTED COMMUTERS
2,107
289
PERCENT OF EMPLOYED RESIDENTS 59.7%
PERCENT OF EMPLOYED IN
COUNTY
16.9%
NONCOMMUTING WORKERS 1,425
PERSONS WORKING IN COUNTY 1,714
EMPLOYED RESIDENTS 3,532
NET COMMUTING -1,818
WORKPLACE NOT REPORTED 289
Source: North Carolina Commuting Patterns, 1985
In summary, Currituck County's economy will most likely con-
tinue to expand, particularly in the tourist -related area with
more and more people traveling through and to the County. The
County's agricultural base will continue to be an important part
of the County's economy, but will continue to employ fewer and
fewer people. As the younger population continues to grow, it
will be extremely important for the County to work to expand
employment opportunities to keep young people in Currituck
County.
8

3. Existing Land Use
a. Background
The existing land use maps consist of the following sheets
that were originally prepared in 1979 by Howard T. Capps, P. A.
and updated in November, 1984, by Talbert, Cox & Associates,
Inc..
Powells Point S.E.
Powells Point N.W.
Powells Point N.E.
Barco Point S.W.
Elizabeth City S.E.
Barco Point N.W.
Elizabeth City N.E.
Elizabeth City N.W.
Knotts Island
Creeds
Moyock
Lake Drummond S:E.
This series of maps were prepared using the USGS quad maps as
a base at a scale of 1" = 2000'. The Currituck outer banks map
prepared by Howard T. Capps, P.A. in 1977 has been updated by TCA
using October, 1984 aerial photography.
Based on 1983 population projections found in the 1984 publi-
cation, Profiles: North Carolina Counties, Currituck County had a
density at that time of 43.9 persons per square mile. Large farms
and timber tracts account for the majority of land acreage with
most of the residential, commercial and institutional uses being
located along the County's major and minor thoroughfares. The
Ponderosa Trailer Court, located on the south side of 158 has
experienced substantial growth since 1979 when the initial land
use survey was conducted. Specifically, the mobile home park has
gone from 32 units in 1979 to 109 units in late 1984, which has
more than tripled the number of trailers in this park over a five
year period. Walnut Island, as shown on the Powells Point N.E.
quad sheet has experienced a substantial reduction in single -wide
trailers and a large increase in double -wide trailers. Since
1979, the outer banks has grown from approximately 166 dwelling
units in 1977 to over 514 dwelling units in 1984 based on a com-
parison of aerial photographs of this area taken in 1977 and 1984.
This area will continue to experience growth primarily due to the
recent opening of a public road to serve the southern portion of
the outer banks.
L
1
1
11

fl
Ib. Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems
1
1. During the public information meetings and during plan-
ning work sessions, it has become apparent that soil mining in the
county has the potential of creating tracts of land unsuitable for
future use if not properly monitored during soil removal. Since
this problem has been discussed at some length, the County has
established new policies to correct the problem.
2. Strip development occurring along the County's major
thoroughfare has a long-range potential to create turning movement
problems for drivers passing through the County.
3. The scattering of mobile homes throughout the County
during the past several years makes the effort to control and
direct mobile home and other growth more difficult. The County,
in an effort to better guide this type of development, has estab-
lished specific policies to address this issue.
c. Problems from Unplanned Development
The new Town section of Moyock was developed many years ago
in an area that was unsuitable for residential use because of soil
characeristics and flat topography. In 1984, the County applied
for CDBG funds to address these problems, but was not successful
in receiving funds. In late 1984, the. County sanitarian reviewed
the problems and determined that a central sewer system would be
needed to properly resolve conditions in this area. Because of
low densities in this section of the County, a central sewer sys-
tem would not be economically feasible. Therefore, occupants°will
continue to have problems with septic tanks and some privies until
a central sewer system can.be installed economically.
Mobile home parks throughout the County that were developed
prior to establishment of development guidelines have continued to
be a problem with inadequate lot sizes, inadequate street systems,
and water and sewer systems. Although these problems developed
many years ago in some cases, the County continues to work to
resolve these problems where they can. Development at the north-
ern section of the outer banks with no public access other than
driving on beach to reach this area continues to be a problem.
d. Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes
Three areas along the 158/168 highway corridor are likely to
experience major land use changes during the 10 year planning
period. The area between Moyock and the Virginia line is current-
ly a mixture of agriculture, residential and scattered commercial
uses. A large residential development is presently being planned
in the Moyock area which, in combination with other existing faci-
10

I
lities, will encourage the continued commercial development along
the highway corridor which is now zoned to permit commercial
development. The second area likey to experience major land uses
changes is located at both ends of the new Coinjock Bridge which
is presently under construction. This area is also presently
zoned to permit commercial development. The third area is located
along 158/168 at Point Harbor between the Wright Memorial Bridge
and State Road 1112 north of Harbinger. Again, this area is pre-
sently zoned for commercial development and is presently
experiencing spillover development from the Dare beaches.
Alongthe outer banks, Ocean Sands and Whalehead Club and n any
lands south of Corolla not presently subdivided will probably
experience substantial changes due to the recently opened public
road from the Dare beaches to Corolla.
4. Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
a) Summary of Existing Plans and Policies Impacting Land
Use
Local Plans
1980 CAMA Land Use Plan: The plan
sultants, Ltd., provided information on
economic conditions, policies and a land
on CAMA guidelines.
prepared by Coastal Con -
land use, population,
classification map based
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.
1981 Outer Banks Access Environmental Impact Statement: This
plan outlined alternative methods for access to the outer banks
and environmental impacts of each method. Since this study was
completed, the NCDOT has opened an existing road to public use
from Dare County to Corolla.
State Transportation Improvement Plan: This plan calls for
the construction of a new bridge at Coinjock which is now under
construction. The plan also calls for the widening of 158/168
from Barco to Point Harbor, a portion of which is under construc-
tion at the present time.
1973 Community Facilities Plan: This plan contains an inven-
tory and analysis of existing community facilities and makes esti-
mates of future needs based on population projections. The Divi-
sion of School Planning is presently updating information on
future facility needs for the school system, and this information
1
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1
11

1
1
1
1
I
should be available in July, 1985. Based on preliminary informa-
tion from Mr. Spencer, it appears that the County will need to
expand some facilities while constructing new facilities in other
areas during the 10-year planning period based on anticipated
growth of the school -age population.
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: SCORP is a
state-wide plan prepared to analyze existing supply of and demand
for recreation facilities in the State. Analysis is by region
with Currituck being located in Region R.
1984 Hazard Analysis Plan: 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 from those
potential hazards, and to provide an emergency management plan in
the event of a natural or man-made emergency.
1983 Emergency Management and Evacuation Plan: The purpose
of this plan is to provide an orderly and systematic means to
handle emergency aid and evacuation for County and non-resident
population in the event of an emergency. The plan was helpful in
identifying man-made hazard areas such as fuel storage areas and
other potentially dangerous substances.
Local Regulations and Policies
1984 Multi -Family Ordinance Amendment: This amendment was
approved in early 1985 and permits multi -family development in the
RA-40 and A-40 zone. This amendment was prepared and approved as
an outgrowth of the 1984-85 CAMA Land Use Planning Process.
1977 Off Road Policy as amended in 1985: The ordinance deals
with the operation of power -driven vehicles on the Outer Banks
Barrier Strand. This ordinance was amended following the opening
of a public road to Corolla.
1984 Flood Damaqe Prevention Ordinance: This ordinance
established regulations controlling the public and private losses
to property due to flood conditions in specific areas of the
County. Federal Flood Insurance maps became available in
November, 1984, which show the Zone A 100-year Flood Hazard Areas.
The County is now participating in the Federal Flood Insurance
Program.
1984 Subdivision Regulations: These regulations govern the
arrangement of lots and streets in new subdivision, and provide
guidelines for the provision of improvements. During the CAMA
Land Use Planning Process, this regulation was reviewed, and
several recommendations for change were discussed and incorporated
into the policy section of this plan.
11
12

1984 Zoning Ordinance: All of Currituck County is covered by
the ordinance. The ordinance regulates land use, building
heights, setbacks, etc., based on several land use zoning cate-
gories. Again, this ordinance has been carefully reviewed during
this Land Use Planning Process and several recommendations for
change have been incorporated into the policy section of this
plan.
Building Permits: The County has adopted the State Building
Code and enforces the Code through the services of a full-time
building inspector.
Septic Tanks Permits: Septic tank permits are required by
the County before on -lot sewage disposal systems can be used.
Federal and State Regulations: State and Federal permits and
regulations as administered by applicable agencies.
1
1
I
1
13 1

11
I
1
H
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 devel-
opment, possible need for hurricane evacuation, road network for
access, wastewater treatment and drinking water supply.
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 Salinitv Introductions upon Fish Habitat in
Currituck Sound: This study discusses the impact on commercial
and sport fishing in Currituck Sound and the impact on fresh and
salt water fish species if salt water were introduced into Curri-
tuck Sound by inlets in the Outer Banks.
Enforcement of Existing Local Ordinances
The zoning and subdivision regulations are enforced by.the
County Zoning Officer, Planning Board and County Board of Commis-
sioners.
The Flood Insurance Program and Building Code enforcement are
enforced by the County Building Inspection Department.
Septic tank review and approval is administered by the County
Sanitarian based on State Health Regulations and local application
and approval procedures.
The Dune Protection Ordinance is enforced by the County
Sheriff's Department.
Currituck County does not have a designated historic district
or regulations.
Currituck County does not have a nuisance ordinance,
sedimentation ordinance or environmental impact ordinance.
5. Constraints: Land Suitability
The primary purpose of this section is to determine the
general suitability of undeveloped land, giving consideration to
physical limitations, fragile areas and areas with resource poten-
tial. This information and analysis will be used in preparation
of the Land Classification Map.
a. Physical Limitations for Development
1. Man -Made Hazards. As indicated earlier in this plan,
the County, as part of its Emergency Management and Evacuation
Plan, has identified several areas of the County where potentially
hazardous material is used or stored.
r�
14

Potential Hazard Areas by Township I
Moyock Township: i
H. & W. Plastics, Fiberglass Plant
Currituck Grain, Inc., Farm
J. J. Flora Grain, Inc., Farm
Norfolk & Southern Railroad
Poyner Oil Company, Inc., Petroleum (Fuel)
Crawford Township:
Central Fertilizer, Inc., Farm
Patrick & Forbes Grain, Inc., Farm
Roberts Brothers, Inc., Farm
M. A. Guard Oil Co., Petroleum (Fuel)
Intercoastal Waterway, Misc.
Exxon Marina, Petroleum
Harrison's Texaco Marina, Petroleum Fuel
Poplar Branch Township:
Exxon, Coast Oil Co., Inc., Petroleum
Doxol Gas (Bottle Gas, Compressed Gas)
Bruce & Co., Fiberglass Plant
In addition to these facilities, the County has a public
airstrip located at Maple, North Carolina, at State Road 1244 and
US 158. The County proposes to use a portion of this property for
industrial development; which has the potential of introducing
other man-made hazards or substances into the County, depending on
the type of industry that might locate in this area.
2. Natural Hazards
a. Flood Hazard Area
In November, 1984, the detailed Flood Insurance Program maps
for Currituck County showing the 100-year Flood Area became avail-
able. The Flood Hazard Map shows the location of the "A" Zone
100-year flood. Any future development in this area would be
required to meet standards established by the County Building
Inspector as required by the County Flood Insurance Program. The
detailed flood insurance maps are available to the public upon
request.
b. Soil Limitations
09
In 1982, a detailed soil survey for Currituck County was .,
issued. This valuable information was not available for the 1980
Land Use Plan. The survey addresses building site development and
sanitary facility characteristics ranging from slight to severe.
15 1

Tables X and XI reflect the severity of the problem for each
desired condition by soil type. For example, the Corolla soil
type would have severe problems for shallow excavation for the
foundation of a house, while the Wando soil would have a slight
restriction for excavation of a foundation wall. Table XI shows
slight restrictions for a septic tank in the Conetoe soil with a
severe restriction in the Augusta soil because of wetness. In an
effort not to duplicate information already available in the
County, we have not included the detailed soils maps in this
report, however Tables X and XI are part of that detailed soils
report and do reflect the restrictions placed on each soil type by
proposed activity.
1
I
1 16

TABLE X.--BUILDING SITE DEVELOPMENT Soil survey
[Some terms that describe restrfctive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of
"slight," "moderate," and "severe." Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated]
Soil name and I Shallow I Dwellings I Dwellings I Small I Local roads I Lawns and
map symbol I excavations I without I with I commercial
I I basements I basements I buildin¢s I and streets i landscapin:,
--------I
AaA------- (Severe:'
I
(Moderate:
I
(Severe:
I
(Moderate:
1
(Moderate:
I
!Moderate:
Altavista I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I cutbanks
cave.!
I
I
1
At --- ------------- (Severe:
I
(Severe:
I
(Severe:
1
ISevere:
I
(Moderate:
I
[Moderate:
Augusta ! wetness.
1 wetness.
1 wetness.
I wetness.
I low strength,
I wetness.
wetness.
I
BN: I
I
I
I
I
1
Beaches. 1
I
I
I
I
I
!
Newhan---------- ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
cutbanks
cave.1 slope.
i slope.
I slope.
I
I slope.
I droughty.
BoA-------------- ISevere:
(Slight ---------
(Moderate:
I
IS11 ht---------
6 (Slight ---------
I
I Modera iEi
Bo]ac I cutbanks
I
cave.)
I
I wetness.
I
1
I
I drouWy.
Ca---------------
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere,
ISevere:
Cape Fear wetness.
I flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding,
I low strength,
I wetness.
I
1
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I
Cb---------------
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
ISevere:
Conaby wetness.
( flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding,
I wetness.
I wetness,
wetness.
i wetness.
i wetness.
i
i excess humus.
CnA--------------- ISevere:
ISllght---------
IS11ght--------- IS11ght---------(Slight-------- (Moderate:
Conetoe cutbanks
I
cave.)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I droughty.
CoB-------------- ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
I
(Moderate:
I
ISevere:
Corolla I cutbanks
cave,l flooding.
1 flooding,
I flooding.
I flooding,
I droughty.
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
I
CrB: I
I
I
I
I
I
Corolla ---------- ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
(Moderate:
ISevere:
I ctbanks
cave,l flooding.
I flooding,
I flooding.
I flooding,
I droughty.
I weutness.
I
I
I
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
1
Duckston-------- ISevere:
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
cu
I tbanks
cave,l flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding.
I droughty,
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
I
wetness.
wetness.
1
flooding.
Cu-------------- ISevere:
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Currituck cutbanks
cave,l flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding,
I wetness,
I excess humus, I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness,
I wetness.
I flooding,
I wetness.
I
I low strength.
[
I
I low strength.
I
I excess humus.
Da --------------- ISevere:
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Dare I excess humus,•( flooding.
I flooding,
I flooding,
I wetness,
I excess humus,
I wetness.
I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness,
I low strength.
I wetness.
I
I low strength.
I
I low strength.
I
I
Do--------------
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
ISevere:
Dorovan excess humus, I floodin B.
I flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding,
I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness,
I wetness.
I flooding,
I
I
I low strength.
1
!
I low strength.
I
I excess humus.
Ds-------------- ISevere:
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
1
ISevere:
I
(Moderate:
I
Moderate:
Dragston wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
Iwetness,
I cutbanks
I
cave.
I
I
I
I droughty.
e
Dt--- --o---------- ISvere•s
Severe:
ISevere:
ISevere:
Duck tn cutban
!Sevore:
cave,floding,
flooding,
1Sefvoere:
loding,
I flooding.
I droughty,
I wetness.
I wetness.
1 wetness.
I
I wetness.
I
1
I
I flooding.
Du -
I
Dune land
I
I
I
I
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
Wh

1
1
1
1
I
1
TABLE
X.,nBUILDZNG
SITE
DEVELOPMENT --continued
Soil name and I Shallow
I Dwellings I
Dwellings ( Small I Local roads I lawns and
map symbol I excavations I without I
with
I commercial I and streets I landscaping
ND: I
I
I
I
I
I
Dune land.
I
Newhan----------(Severe:
I
!Severe:
I
(Severe:
I
!Severe:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I cutbanks
cave,! slope.
1 slope.
I slope.
I elope.
I droughty,
I slope.
I
I
I
I
I slope.
Mu--------------- ISevere:
IModerate:
ISevere:
(Moderate:
I (Moderate:
IModerate:
Munden cutbanks
cave,! wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I
I
I
I
I
I
NeC-----------__ISevere:
I
IModerate:
I
IModerate:
I
ISevere:
1
IModerate:
I
ISevere:
Newhan I cutbanks
cave.) slope.
I slope.
I slope.
I slope.
I droughty.
NIX: I
!
I
1
I
I
Newhan---------ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:.
1 cutbanks
I
cave.) slope.
I
I slope.
I
.1 slope.
I
I.slope.
I droughty.
Corolla-------
ISevere:
!Severe:
ISevere:
I
!Moderate:
I
!Severe:
I cutbanks
cave,) flooding.
I flooding,
I flooding.
I flooding,
I droughty.
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
I
I
No ------------- --ISevere:
I
!Severe:
I
ISevere:
i
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
i
ISevere:
Nimmo I cutbanks
cave,) wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
wetness.
Os-- --------- ----ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Osier I cutbanks
cave,! flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding,
1 wetness,
I wetness,
1 wetness.
I
I wetness.
wetness.
II
I wetness.
flooding.
I flooding.
CuB-------------- ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
i
[Severe:
I
ISevere:
Ousley I cutbanks
cave,] flooding.
I flooding,
I flooding.
I flooding.
I droughty,
I wetness.
I
1
I
I wetness.
I
I
I flooding.
Pa— ---------- --ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
1
ISevere:
I
IModerate:
I
IModerate:
Pasquotank I wetness.
I
I wetness..
I
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
Po--- ------------ I
]Severe:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
1Severe:
Ponzer excess humus, I flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding,
1 wetness,
I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness,
I wetness.
1 wetness,
I low strength.
I excess humus.
low strength.
I
I low strength.
I
I
PL------------_ISevere :
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Po rtamouth I cutbanks
cave,) flooding,
I flooding,
I flooding,
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
I wetness.
1 wetness.
I
I
Ro--------------ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
1
ISevere:
Roanoke I wetness.
I flooding,
i flooding,
Iflooding.
I low strength,
I wetness,
I
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
1 wetness,
I flooding.
(
1
flooding.
StA------------ ISevere:
I
(Slight --------- IModerate:
I I
ISlight -- ------ IModerate:
ISlight.
State I cutbanks
I
cave.)
I
I wetness.
I
I lox strength.
I
StB------- — --- --ISevere:
I
ISlight--------- IModerate:
I
IModerate:
I
IModerate:
I
ISlight.
State I cutbanks
i
cave.)
I
I wetness.
I slope.
I low strength.
I
To --------- ----- ISevere:
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Tomotley i wetness.
i wetness.
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
I
I wetness.
Ud. I
1
I
Udorthents I
1
I
I
I
I
I
Wa-___�_________-ISevere:
I
ISevere:
1
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
i
ISevere:
1
ISevere:
Wahee I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I low strength,
I wetness.
I
I
I
I
I
1
I wetness.
I
WnB-------------- ISevere:
I I I
ISlight-----_-__ISlight--------ISlight--------ISlight---------IModerate:
I
Wando cutbanks
I
cave.!
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I droughty.
I
I

TABLE X.---BUILDING SITE DEVELOPMENT --continued
Soil name and I Shallow I ,Dwellings I Dwellings I Small I Local roads I Lawns and
map symbol I excavations I without I with I commercial I and at
I landscaping
I I basements I basements 1 buildln s I I
I I I I I I
Ws -------------(Severe: ISevere: ISevere: ISevere: ISevere: ISevere:
Waeda I wetness. I flooding, I flooding, I flooding, I wetness. I wetness,
I I wetness. I wetness. I wetness. I I excess humus.
19

I
1
1
TABLE XI., -SANITARY FACILITIES
[Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of
"slight," "moderate," "good," "fair," and other terms. Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was
not rated]
Soil name and 1 Septic tank I Sewage lagoon I Trench 1 Area I Daily cover
map symbol I absorption I areas I sanitary I sanitary I for landfill
AaA---- -------------ISevere:
ISevere:
Altavista I wetness.
I
I wetness.
At ------------------ ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Augusta I wetness.
I
I wetness.
i
RN.: I
I
Beaches. I
I
Ne whan-----------_ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I poor filter.
I
I seepage.
I
--°oA----------------(Moderate:
ISevere:
Dojac I wetness.
I seepage.
I
Ca ----------------- ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Cape Fear I wetness,
I seepage,
I Peres slowly.
I flooding,
wetness.
Cb_—_______________ISevere:
ISevere:
Conaby I wetness.
I seepage,
I
I flooding,
I
I excess humus.
CnA_________________(Slight----------- ISevere:
Conetoe I
1 seepage.
COB_____I____________Severe:
ISevere:
Corolla wetness,
I seepage,
I poor filter.
I flooding,
I
I wetness.
I
Cre
I'
Corolla ------------ ISevere:
ISevere:
I wetness,
I seepage,
I poor filter.
I flooding,
ISevere:
Iwetness.
Duckston----------
ISevere:
I flooding,
I seepage,
I wetness,
I flooding,
1 poor filter.
I wetness.
Cu_----------------- ISevere:
Currltuck I flooding,
ISevere:
I seepage,
I wetness,
I flooding,
I poor filter.
I excesa humus.
I
Da_ ---------------- ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Dare I wetness,
I flooding,
I Peres slowly.
I excess humus,
wetness.
Do__________________ISevere:
Dorovan I flooding,
ISevere:
I flooding,
I wetness,
I excess humus,
I poor filter.
I
I wetness.
1
See footnote at end of table.
ISevere:
ISevere:
(Fair:
I wetness,
I wetness..
I wetness.
ISevere:
ISevere:
I
(Fair:
I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness.
Iseepage.
I
I
1
1
ISevere:
I
I
ISevere:
I
I
(Poor:
seepage.
I seepage.
I seepage,
I
I Y•
I too sandy.
ISevere:
ISevere:
(Fair:
I wetness,
I seepage.
I thin layer.
I seepage.
;
1
ISevere:
ISevere:
I
(Poor:
I wetness,
I seepage,
I too clayey,
I too clayey.
I wetness.
I hard to pack,
I
1 wetness.
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
(Poor:
I seepage,
I seepage,
I wetness,
i wetness.
I wetness.
I thin layer.
I
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
IPoor:
Iseepage.
I seepage.
I seepage.
ISevere:
ISevere:
IPoor:
I wetness,
I seepage,
I seepage,
I seepage.
I wetness.
I too sandy.
I
ISevere:
1
ISevere:
I
IPoor:
I wetness,
I seepage,
I seepage,
I seepage.
I wetness.
I too sandy.
ISevere:
ISevere:
1 -
IPoor:
I flooding
1 flooding,
I seepage,
I wetness,
I seepage;
I too sandy,
Itoo sandy.
I wetness.
I wetness.
ISevere:
ISevere:
IPoor:
I flooding,
I flooding,
I seepage,
I seepage,
I seepage,
I too sandy,
1 wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
ISevere:
ISevere:
IPoor:
I seepage,
I wetness.
I excess humus,
I wetness,
I
I wetness.
I excess humus.
I
I
I
ISevere:
I
LSevere:
I
IPoor:
1 flooding,
I flooding,
I wetness,
I seepage,
I wetness.
I excess humus.
I wetness.
I
I
I
I
I
1
20

TABLE XI. --SANITARY FACILITIES --continued
Soll name and
I Septic tank
I Sewage lagoon
I Trench
I Area
Daily cover
map symbol
1 absorption
I
I areas
I sanitary
I sanitaryI
1 for landfill
fields
I
( landfill
I landfill
I
Da
I
Sever::
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
i
ISevere:
I
(Poor:
Drageton
I wetness,
1 wetness,
I wetness,
I wetness,
I wetness,
I poor filter.
I seepage.
I seepage.
1
I seepage.
1
I thin layer.
Dt-------__
—ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
1
(Poor:
Duckston
I floodl
I seepage,
I flooding,
I flooding,
I seepage,
I xetneasg�
I poor filter.
I flooding,
I wetness.
I wetness,
I too Band y•
I seepage,
wetness.
I too sandy,
I
I
I
I
wetness.
Dug. I
I
I
Dune land '•
j
I
DrD+:
I
Dune land.
i
Newhan------____ISevere:
i
Severe:
ISevere:
I poor filter,
I seepage.
I slope,
slope.
i
i too sandy.
i
Mu--------_—_----ISevere:
1
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Munden I wetness.
I seepage,
I seepage.
wetness.
I wetness.
NeC—_------------ ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
Newhan i poor filter.
i seepage.
i too sandy.
NhC+: I
I
I
Newhan----------- ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
I poor filter.
i seepage.
i too sandy.
Corolla ------------ ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
I wetness,
I seepage,
I wetness,
I poor filter.
I flooding,
I seepage.
wetness.
I
No-- Ise es.
ISevere:
Severe:
Nimmo wenes
seepage,
I seepage,
1
I
I wetness.
I wetness.
Os--------------- ISevere:
I
I Severe
I
ISevere:
Oster flooding,
I seepage,
I flooding,
I wetness,
I flooding,
I seepage,
I poor filter.
I wetness.
I wetness.
OuB------------___Severe:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
Ousley flooding,
I seepage,
I flooding,
1 wetness,
flooding,
I seepage,
I poor filter.
I wetness.
I wetness.
Pa----------------ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
Paaquotank I wetness.
I seepage,
I seepage,
wetness.
I wetness.
Po-------------ISevere:
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
Ponzer I wetness,
I flooding,
Iwetnesn.
I peres slowly.
I excess humus,
I
wetness.
I
Pt------------------ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
Portsmouth I wetness,
I seepage,
I seepage,
I poor falter.
I flooding,
I wetness,
I
I
I wetness.
I
I too sandy.
I
See footnote at end of table.
ISevere:
I seepage,
I slope.
I
ISevere:
I seepage,
1 wetness.
I
ISevere:
I seepage.
ISevere:
I seepage.
I
ISevere:
I seepage,
I wetness.
I
I
ISevere:
I seepage,
I wetness.
ISevere:
I flooding,
I seepage,
I wetness.
ISevere:
I flooding,
I seepage,
1 wetness.
I
ISevere:
I wetness.
I
ISevere:
I wetness.
I
I
ISevere:
I seepage,
wetness.
I
Poor:
seepage,
too sandy,
slope.
Fair:
wetness,
thin layer.
Poor:
seepage,
too sandy.
Poor:
seepage,
too sandy.
Poor.
seepage,
too sandy.
IPoor:
I wetness,
thin layer.
IFoor:
I seepage,
I too sandy,
I wetness.
Poor:
seepage,
I seepage,
I too sandy.
Poo r:
wetness.
Poor:
wetness.
I wetness.
I
I
I
IFoor:
I seepage,
I too sandy.
I wetness.
I
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
I
21 1

TABLE XI. -,SANITARY FACILITIES ---continued
Soil name and I Septic tank I Sewage lagoon I Trench I Area I Daily cover
map symbol 1 absorption I areas I sanitary I sanitary I for landfill
I
Ro-------- —----- --ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
IPoor:
Roanoke I flooding,I
ng•
flooding.
I flooding,
i flooding,
I hard to pack,
1 peres slowly,
I
I wetness,
I wetness.
I too clayey,
I wetness.
I
I
1
I too clayey.
I
I wetness.
SLA, StB------------ (Moderate:
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
(Moderate:
I
(Fair:
State- I wetness.
I seepage.
I seepage,
_
I wetness.
I too clayey,
I
I
i wetness.
i
i thin layer.
To ---------------- ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
IPoor:
Tomotley I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I wetness.
I peres slowly.
I
I
I
I
Udi. I
I
I
I
I
Udorthents I
I
I
I
I
I
Wa--------------- --ISevere:
1
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
(Poor:
Wahee I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness,
I wetness.
I too clayey,
I peres slowly.
I
I too clayey.
I
1 hard to pack,
1
I
I
I
I
I wetness.
--------ISevere
WnB------- Severe:
ISevere:
1
ISevere:
I
ISevere:
I
(Poor:
Wand; poor filter.
I
I seepage..
I
I seepage.
I
I seepage.
I
I seepage.
Ws-- -------------- ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
ISevere:
I
IPoor:
Wasda I wetness.
I flooding,
I wetness,
I wetness.
I wetness,
I
I excess humus,
I seepage.
I
I excess humus.
I
I
I wetness.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
See description of the map unit
for composition
and behavior characteristics
of the
map unit.
22

c. Water Supply
During 1984 and 1985, Currituck County officials have given
citizens the opportunity to sign up for the proposed County water
system. As this plan is being prepared, the County does not have
the necessary users to make the system financially feasible, and
County citizens continue to use private wells for water supply
with Universal Park and Ocean Sands on the Outer Banks having a
central water system. The 1980 Land Use Plan covered the issue of
water supply very comprehensively based on earlier studies done by
Moore, Gardner and Associates, Inc., River and Associates and
information furnished by DNRCD, Office of Water Resources. Since
this information and conditions remain applicable, we have incorp-
orated this data into this 1985 update.
■
"Groundwater Systeml
Surficial clay, sand, and gravel deposits of post -
Miocene Age extend over the entire County. The surficial
deposits range in thickness from about 30 feet in the
northern part to about 110 feet along the North River in the
southern part of the county. Sand ridges are conspicuous
topography features.
The surficial deposits are underlain throughout the
county by the upper Miocene Yorktown formation. This forma-
tion consists of clays, sands, shells and limestones. The
Yorktown formation generally increases in thickness progres-
sively in the direction of its stratigraphic dip to the
southeast. The Miocene units thicken from about 660 feet in
the western part of the County to more than 800 feet at
Church Island. Miocene sediments are underlain uncomformably
throughout the County by the Beaufort Formation of the
Paleocene Age.
The water level in the surficial sands in generally 1/2
foot to 8 1/2 feet below the land surface. North of Aydlett,
water from the water table aquifer discharges directly into
Currituck Sound from a peat bed at the base of the cliff
formed by the Aydlett "Narrow Shore Ridge."
Water in
the Yorktown upper and lower aquifers occurs
under artesian conditions. (Water under some pressure) The
surface of the Yorktown upper aquifer ranges from about 15
feet in the northwestern part of the County to about 5-10
feet along most of the Pungo-Powells Point Ridge to mean sea
level along the sounds and major rivers. This surface is
slightly below mean sea level in the pumping area of
1Moore, Gardner and Associates, Inc. Report on Currituck County
Comprehensive Study as to Population, Economy and Water and
Sewerage Requirements to 1990. 1970.
23 1

influence in the cone of depression near Moyock. It is about
9-14 feet below the surface at Point Harbor. Annual fluctua-
tions of water levels in the Yorktown upper aquifer are not
nearly as large as in the overlying water table aquifer. The
surface of the groundwater aquifer is highest in September -
October and lowest in March -May.
Aquifers
Potable water is obtained from the
water table aquifer
and the Yorktown aquifer throughout the County.
However the
Yorktown lower aquifer is utilized for
domestic
water sup-
plies only in the southern part of the
County.
Surficial
sands of the water table aquifer furnish
more water to the
County, than any other aquifer. Wells
range in
depth from 3
to 40 feet, and yield from 2 to 10 gpm.
Quality of Groundwater
In Currituck County, fresh ground water can be obtained
in most areas from the water table aquifer and the Yorktown
upper aquifer and in some areas the Yorktown lower aquifer.
Much of this water contains objectionable amounts of iron or
hardness -causing constituents, but water which is satisfac-
tory for most purposes is available in a few localities.
Water Table Aquifer
The water table aquifer generally contains the .least
mineralized water in Currituck County. Sums of dissolved
mineral constituents vary from about 35 to 1,000 ppm, but
most water tables contain less than 500 ppm total dissolve
solids. Chloride concentrations in the aquifer range from
4.5 to 316 ppm, and are less than 100 ppm except in some
areas adjacent to the brackish rivers and sounds. Iron
ranges from .05 to 15 ppm. Hardness as calcium carbonate
ranges from 8 to 621 ppm. Many water table wells yield water
which is classified as soft. These soft waters are from
localized sandy zones than contain little shell material and
no real pattern of distribution can be established for them.
1 24

Yorktown Upper Aquifer I
The chemical quality of the ground water in the upper
Yorktown aquifer in Currituck County is not uniform. Sums of
dissolved mineral constituents ranged from 187 to 1,620 ppm.
Chloride concentrations range from 12 to 818 ppm. Iron
ranges from .01 to 6.4 ppm. Hardness as calcium coarbonate
ranged from 78 to 524.
Yorktown Lower Aquifer
Few wells are known to produce water from the Yorktown
Lower Aquifer in Currituck County. Fresh water can be
obtained from this aquifer throughout most of the County.
Beaufort Aquifers
No wells are known to produce water from the Beaufort
aquifers in Currituck County. It is believed that there is
no possibility of obtaining fresh water from these
water -bearing zones.
Surficial water is not available in sufficient quantities
to be considered a source of supply in Currituck County. At
the present time, the cost of treating brackish water such as
the North River or Curr tuck Sound remain high. ($1.00 to
$2.00 per 1000 gallons)
Potable water, is obtainable from the water able aquifer
and the Yorktown aquifer throughout the County. The
aquifer at Shawboro appears to be the best source for a
proposed County water supply system, since sufficient
quantity is available, as well as relatively low chlorides.
Test wells show that the chloride content of water from deep
wells ]lessens from the north part of the County to the
south. - Most private wells in the County rely on the
surficial aquifer. Since densities remain low in the County,
and yearly rainfall about 50 inches per year, surficial
aquifer recharge.is generally sufficient for private wells.
However, due to the use of shallow wells, groundwater
contamination from on -lot sewage disposal systems is a
problem, especially in denser areas. In growing areas such
as Moyock and Grandy, a public water system will probably be
required in the next ten to twenty years.
The figure on page 22, "Relation of the Water Table to
Physiographic Features," indicates areas on the Currituck
2 River and Associates, Greenville, NC
4 Moore, Gardner and Associates, p. 13
DNRCD, Office of Water Resources
25 1

Beach Barrier Spit as having 7.4 and 8.5 feet water table
above mean sea level. Thei� locations are possible sources
of water table well fields.
The surficial aquifer on the Currituck Banks is recharged
by rainfall. It is estimated that precipitation in excess of
potential evapotranspiration losses results in about 20 inch-
es of surplus water. Because runoff is negligible, all of
this water is used to charge the groundwater system. The
amount of recharge is considerable if one considers the theo-
retical amount of water the rainfall represents. Twenty
inches of recharge, falling over the 9000 acres of the Banks
is about 5 billion gallons or on a daily average, about 14
million gpd. The recharge water is, however, relatively
thinly layered. Extensive horizontal collectors are required
to obtain sufficient pumping for more than single units sys-
tems. The Ocean Sands development, utilizing horizontal
collectors has been shown to pump over 200 gpm for a 24 hour
period. The major problem in using the shallow well hori-
zontal system is the potential which exists for contamination
from on -lot sewage disposal systems or other contaminants
such as from an oil spill or other chemical -material entering
the surface aquifer. Such systems are only feasible if large
amounts of space are left open for groundwater recharge and
prevention of contamination.
Wells drilled deep (100-300 ft.) by the North Carolina
Office of Water Resources have shown availability of water in
large quantities in the Duck area. Chloride contents are
high, ranging from 680 ppm at 120 ft. to 4000 ppm at 300 ft.
The maximum standard for chlorides is 250 ppm. Under certain
development circumstances, rtable water can be obtained from
desalination of such water. (Ocracoke, for example has
such a system, but costs are high at $2.00 per gallon).
Subsequent to completion of the 1980 Land Use Plan, several
additional reports have been completed that address the unique
conditions found on the outer banks as they relate to water supply
and future development. First, in 1981, the Outer Banks Access
Environmental Impact Statement prepared by Eco/Sciences Environ-
mental Group of Vienna, Virginia was completed. Although the
primary purpose of the study was to address alternative methods of
access to the outer banks, the study did briefly address water
supply and its impact on permitting or restricting future develop-
ment in this area. On page 113 of the report is discussed the
fact that if complete use of all lots presently on the market was
implemented, it would generate population levels
5 Moore, Gardner and Associates, Figure 5.
6 DNRCD. Office of Water Resources
7 DNRCD. Office of Water Resources
26

of 14,000 north of Corolla, and 21,000 south of Corolla. This
buildout population on lots already on the market would be well
above levels which can be reasonably assumed to be safety served
by the only known water supply source, the surficial aquifer. As
also pointed out in the study, this aquifer is a thin freshwater
lens which lies above saltwater and use of this aquifer beyond its
recharge capacity will result in saltwater intrusion and destruc-
tion of dune vegetation. The study further stated on Page 113
that in the opinion of the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) team
studying groundwater aquifers in North Carolina, no deep aquifers
exist below the Currituck outer banks (Walder, 1980). A March,
1984, Water and Sewer Study, prepared by McDowell and Associates,
P.A. seems to confirm that fresh water exists above saline water.
Specifically, Exhibit W-3, Section 1.4.4 C, Tables XII, XIII, and
XIV indicated that chloride concentration and specific conductance
increase with depth. This suggests that fresh water beneath
Whalehead Beach sits atop saline water. This fresh water lens has
formed as a result of rainfall recharge at the surface and is
buoyed by the density difference between fresh and salt water.
The study further indicates that the most serious potential
impact at Whalehead Beach and potentially other areas of the outer
banks is the possibility that saline water lying beneath the
fresh -water lens will upcone into the water supply. One type of ,
water supply that minimizes the possibility of upconing of salt
water in a thin aquifer is the infiltration gallery. This type of
supply reduces the impact of withdrawals by spreading it over a
much greater area than does a vertical well. An infiltration
gallery is the recommended source of water supply at Whalehead
Beach to minimize the potential of upconing.
I
27 1

PREPARED FOR
COASTAL ZONE RESOURCES 1
TITLE
' LOCATIONS OF l
TEST HOLES p
1 'WHALEHEAD BEACH 1 ;
Currituck County. North Carolina
C04jjb ED DT DATE
1 AWIL! I Geraghty & Miller, Inc. Sept. I993
paawM BT %ves, P�Im Rcuch...'lurids N[ns D 2 ¢3 f'
PO. Smith I
CSCBT SCALE Ae Shown FIGURE
T.L.. Ts�sler
Source: 1984 Water & Sewer Capacity 4 1
Study of Ocean Sandsby
McDowell and Associates, P.A. D
i =
. 0
co
5¢
• I
.L 1�
U I �
i CD
1 M.
• l 11
ti
/ s I
7 1
a
28

Well *
Well ld
Well ld
Well lwt
Well 2
Well 3
Well 4
Well 5s
Well 5wt
Well 6s
Well 6wt
Well 7s
Well 7wt
Well 8s
Well 8wt
TABLE XII
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF
MONITORING WELLS
WHALEHEAD BEACH,
CURRITUCK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Approximate
Land Surface Elevation **
+9.0
+9.0
+9.0
5.25
11.0
25.0
18.0
18.0
16
16
9.0
.9.0
10.0
10.0
Total Drilled
Screened
Depth ***
Interval ***
168
75 - 85
50
45 - 50
12
7 - 12
60
17 - 22
63
12 - 17
63
14 - 19
63
58 - 63
24
19 - 24
83
70 - 75
22
17 - 22
63
41 - 46
23
18 - 23
63
50 - 55
23
18 - 23
* All wells are similarly constructed of 1.25-inch-diameter PVC
casing and 1.25-inch-diameter, 0.008-inch slot screens.
** Estimated from topographic map provided by Coastal Zone
Resources.
*** Reported as depth below land surface, in feet.
Source: 1984 Water & Sewer Capacity Study of Ocean Sands by
McDowell and Associates, P.A.

1
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
TABLE XIII
RESULTS OF RECOVERY TESTS
WHALEHEAD BEACH,
CURRITUCK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Screened
Pumping
Apparent
Well
Interval *
Rate **
Transmissivity ***
Well
lwt
7 - 12
28
1,300
Well
is
45 - 50
8.2
6,000
Well
ld
75 - 85
7.5
2,000
Well
2s
30 - 35
15
3,300
Well
3wt
12 - 17
60
160,000
Well
4wt
14 - 19
25
38,000
Well
5wt
19 - 24
30
40,000
Well
5s
58 - 63
Well
6s
17 - 22
10
7,100
Well
7wt
18 - 23
30
17,000
Well
7s
41 - 46
12
21,000
Well
8wt
19 - 24'
13
3,600
Well
8s
50 - 55
8.3
11,000
* Reported as depth below land surface, in feet.
** Reported as gallons per minute.
*** Reported as gallons per day per foot.
Source: 1984 Water and Sewer Study of Ocean Sands by McDowell and
Associates, P.A.
30

TABLE XIV
WATER QUALITY FROM TESTED WELLS
AND SURFACE WATER
WHALEHEAD BEACH,
CURRITUCK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Approximate
Static Water
Screened
Level
Chloride Con-
Specific Con -
Well
Interval *
Elevation **
centration ***
ductance ****
Well
lwt
7
- 12
+3.97
66
360
Well
is
45
- 50
+1.18
940
4,200
Well
ld
75
- 85
+0.40
11,000
8,000
Well
2s
30
- 35
1.24
66
480
test
depth
20
- 25
ND
180
875
Well
3wt
12
- 17
6.84
60
420
test
depth
20
- 25
ND
120
600
Well
4wt
14
- 19
11.29
22
240
Well
5wt
19
- 24
9.61
37
140
Well
5s
58
- 63
4.60
330
2,200
Well
6wt
17 -
22
6.54
30
130
test
depth
70
- 75
ND
3,600
8,000
Well
7wt
18 -
23
2.31
120
400
Well
7s
41 -
46
2.26
120
360
Well
8wt
19 -
24
3.94
23
160
Well
8s
50 -
55
4.08
150
450
Currituck water
Sound surface ND 970 5,500
* Reported as depth in feet below land surface.
** Referenced to estimate of topographic elevation.
*** Reported as milligrams per liter.
**** Reported as micromhos per centimeter.
ND means "not determined".
Source: 1984 Water and Sewer Capacity Study of Ocean Sands by
McDowell and Associates, P.A.
31

1
1
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
TABLE XV
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF UNDERLYING AQUIFERS
(in cross section)
MAINLAND CURRITUCK
OUTER BANKS
UPPER (YORKTOWN) AQUIFER
LIMESTONE
AQUIFER
LOWER AQUIFER
TALE xVT
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF WATER TABLE AQUIFER
(in cross section)
OCEAN
SOUND SIDE
SIDE
SURFICIAL,
WATER TABLE
SALTWATER
INTERFACE
1
Note: the shape of the lens varies with location on the
Currituck Outer Banks 32
SEA
LEVEL
x
U
.r{
� rl
U �
.0
1 •ri
rG b)
4-3 Z
m
rd
•P M
•r�
m -P
C : •r1
Uri
U r-�
44 -H
C-1 O x
•ri • ri
-P N
C% U
cr) U
a, U) �D
to
U �4
$a O r�
fa
O �1 rf
Er_Oa

The Carrying Capacity Study for the Currituck County outer i
banks prepared in 1983 by the Department of City and Regional
Planning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also
concluded on page 59 of the report that the surficial, or water
table, aquifer as shown in Tables XV and XVI occurs as a
lens -shaped body overlying saltwater. It is pointed out in the
study that this aquifer supplies water to all wells drilled on the
Currituck outer banks.
Obviously, with the recently opened public road to the
southern portion of the outer banks and the development pressure
this event will surely bring, it is apparent that water supply is
a critical issue that must be addressed. The County is well aware
of this potential problem and has begun the process of addressing
this complex issue.
D. Slope Exceeding 12 Percent
Like other coastal counties, Currituck's topography is flat;
however, in several areas such as Waterlily, there are steep
slopes along the Currituck Sound.
6. Fragile Areas
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by
inappropriate or poorly planned development. There are several
fragile areas in Currituck County including those areas identified
as Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs), including coastal
wetlands, estuarine waters, public trust waters, and ocean hazards
areas. Other areas considered fragile, but not designated as
AECs, are sand dunes along the outer banks, complex natural areas
and areas that sustain remnant species.
A. Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands or marshlands are defined as any salt marsh
or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides,
including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the
marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses),
provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides.
Coastal wetlands in Currituck County are located in Currituck
Sound and along the western side of the Currituck outer banks. A
substantial amount of wetlands exist on the west side of Mackey
Island and are part of the Mackay Island National Wildlife refuge.
A substantial amount of wetlands existing between Church Island
and the intercoastal waterway at Coinjock as well as along both
sides of North West River at Tull Bay and along the North River.
B. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine waters are defined in G. S. 113A-113(b)(2) as "all
the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Caro-
33 1

`I
lina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tribu-
taries thereto seaward of the dividing line between coastal fish-
ing 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 filed with the Secre-
tary of State, entitled "Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial
Fishing -- Inland Fishing Waters," revised to March 1, 1965."
Estuarine shorelines are those non -ocean shorelines which are
especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse
effects of wind and water and are intimately connected to the
estuary. This area extends from the mean high water level or
normal water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish
waters as set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife
Resources Commission and the Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development, for a distance of 75 feet landward.
As an AEC, Estuarine shorelines, although characterized as
dry land, are considered a component of the estuarine system
because of the close association with the adjacent estuarine
waters. Estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines make
up the most significant components of the estuarine system in
Currituck County. The significance of the estuarine system is
that it is one of the most productive natural environments of
North Carolina. It not only supports valuable commercial and
sports fisheries, but is also utilized for commercial navigation,
recreation and aesthetic purposes. Species dependent upon estu-
aries include menhaden shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs. These
species make up over 90 percent of the total value of North Caro-
lina's commercial catch. These species must spend all or part of
their life cycle in the estuary. The preservation and protection
of these areas are vitally -important. The estuarine waters and
adjacent estuarine shorelines are vast in Currituck County, as
noted in the 1980 Plan Update, and includes the following:
As discussed in the 1980 Land Use Plan, Currituck Sound is a
very unique environment with its marsh areas serving as a critical
link in the Atlanta Flyway, providing food for migratory water
fowl.
The area is fed by the Northwest and North Rivers, numerous
drainage ditches and by Virginia Back Bay. It is worth noting
that both macrophytes (such as milfoil) and phytoplankton have
been noted in numerous locations. The addition of nutrients from
wastewater effluents to the waters of these areas could cause the
growth to be accelerated and in some cases, water quality standard
contraventions (for chlorophyl a for instance) may be predicted.
The Sound is not affected by lunar tides, is very shallow and
low in salinity which all together make it vulnerable to external
influences such as dredging, agricultural drainage and residential
and commercial drainage since adequate flows are not present to
flush the Sound periodically. As discussed in the 1980 LUP, this
unique Sound was at one time saline in character prior to the
1 34

1800's, but since has become a fresh water body since the closing
of the Currituck Banks in the 1800's. As referred to earlier in
this Plan, a study was completed in 1984 which analyzed the impact
of introducing salinity back into the Sound. The policy section
will address this issue and reflect the position of local offic-
ials.
C. Public Trust Waters
Public Trust Waters are partially defined as all waters of
the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high
water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural
bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands there-
under to the mean high mark; all navigable natural bodies of water
and lands thereunder to the mean high water level.or mean water
level, as the case may be. In other words, public trust areas are
waters and adjacent lands, the use of which benefits and belongs
to the public. Public Trust Waters in Currituck County include
Currituck Sound, Northwest River, North River and Albemarle
Sound.
Currently, all development and development -related activities
within the designated AECs in Currituck County are regulated by
the CAMA permit process and are guided.
D. Sand Dunes Along the Outer Banks
Sand dunes are barren, partly vegetated deposits of windblown
sand. Although the largest, so-called barrier dunes occur immedi-
ately inland from the ocean beach, dunelands (lands influenced by
windblown sand deposition) extend from the inland base of the
barrier dunes to the line of estuarine water on the Sound side.
Dunes and dunelands comprise a major portion of the outer banks
and barrier islands and constitute a protective barrier between
the ocean and the sounds, marshes and mainland. Although dunes
and dunelands.are found along the entire coast, the largest dunes
occur in Dare and Currituck Counties.
E. Complex Natural Areas
Complex natural areas are lands that support native plant and
animal communities and provide habitat conditions or characteris-
tics that have remained essentially unchanged by human activity.
Such areas are surrounded by landscapes that have been modified
but that do not drastically alter the conditions within the natu-
ral areas or their scientific or educational value.
Complex natural areas provide the few remaining examples of r
conditions that existed within the coastal area prior to settle-
ment by Western man. Often these natural areas provide habitat
conditions suitable for rare or endangered species or they support ,
plant and animal communities representative of pre -settlement
conditions. These areas help provide an historical perspective to
rl
35 1

1
1
H
1
I
changing natural conditions in the coastal area and together are
important and irreplaceable scientific and educational resources.
In a broad but real sense, most of Currituck County is a
complex natural area: the vast.expanse of water, the outer banks,
the wetlands, Coastal wetlands (fresh marshes) are discussed else-
where in this report: this section deals with two other wetland
types, bogs and wooded swamps. A close relationship exists
between these lands and the areas that sustain remnant species
(discussed below) for the swamps and bogs are the preferred --
indeed, necessary -- habitat for many rare and endangered plant
and animal species.
Bog land, nearly 14,000 acres of it, occurs in the northwest
corner of the County and extends into Camden County. Nomenclature
is confusing for the bog is known as the Dismal Swamp (wooded
swamps are discussed below). Bog land is the result of poor
drainage. Large areas of the Dismal Swamp are higher in elevation
than the surrounding land, but the high water retention capabili-
ties of the soil and the lack of sufficient drainageways have
acted to create the wetland. Bog soils are usually moist to.
water-logged and are often flooded in the winter: Over time, bogs
become overlaid with a layer of organic soil formed by decaying
plants and plant materials. It is not uncommon for fallen trees
to become embedded in the muck. With proper drainage, bog land
can be converted to fertile farm land, although the range of
suitability for crops is somewhat limited. Some tracts of bog in
Currituck are being drained and converted to farm land or to more
extensive use as timber land. Principal tree species include pond
pine and loblolly pine'. It is probable that much of the existing
bog land in the County will be used for one of these two purposes
in the future. Bog used for timber land under intensive manage-
ment could still provide refuge for the big game, deer and bear,
found in the County. However, bog converted to agricultural use
would have less value for wildlife purposes: in fact, it would be
deleterious to certain wildlife communities, particularly deer and
bear.
Wooded swamps in the County cover approximately 22,000 acres
in the low lying areas bordering the streams and water courses.
The largest swamp areas adjoin the North River. They are often
flooded, especially in the winter, by more than a foot of water.
These areas tend to dry up during the growing seasons, when grow-
ing plants greatly increase the demand for the available water.
The dense shade of trees (gum, cypress, and oak) growing in the
swamps restricts the growth of aquatic plants that serve as food
for ducks and muskrats. Because swamps lie in what is usually
termed flood plain areas, they have very little potential useful-
ness as agricultural lands. They serve as refuge areas for a
variety of wildlife and are excellent areas for growing certain
types of timber. Modern engineering practices make it possible to
fill swamps and convert such land to other uses, but the expense
is very great and there is little demand for filling swamp land.
u
36

Currituck will probably retain its swamp land intact for many
years to come. In time, it is probable that swamps will be
managed much more extensively for timber purposes than they have
been in the past. The land will continue to provide refuge for
wildlife in keeping with its present function. More intensive
forest management is not likely to decrease the value of swamps
for wildlife. With some planning, proper forestry practices could
actually enhance their usefulness as refuge areas.
F. Areas That Sustain Remnant Species
Areas that sustain remnant species are those places that
support native plants or animals, rare or endangered, within the
coastal area. Such places provide habitat conditions necessary
for the survival of existing populations or communities of rare or
endangered species within the County.
The continued survival of certain native plants and animals
in the coastal area that are now rare or endangered cannot be
assured unless the relatively few well defined areas providing
necessary habitat conditions are protected from development or
land uses that might alter these conditions. These habitats and
the species they support are a valuable educational and scientific
resource.
The Mackey Island National Wildlife Refuge, Monkey Island
Track and Swan Island Track and Audubon Society - Pine Island
Sanctuary on the outer banks are considered identified areas that
sustain and support native plants and animals.
G. Ocean Beaches and Shorelines
As indicated in the 1980 Currituck Land Use Plan, ocean and
estuarine beaches and shorelines occur along the entire coast.
,
These are land areas without vegetation, consisting of unconsoli-
dated soil material that extends landward from the mean low tide
to a point where vegetation occurs or there is a distinct change
in predominant soil particle size or there is a change in slope or
'
elevation which alters the physiographic land form, and thus con-
stitutes the transition into dunes or wetlands.
The Outer Banks portion of Currituck County is a slim, elon-
gated peninsula jutting southward from Virginia Beach into Dare
County. Slightly less than 8800 acres in area, they are 23 miles
long and range in width from less than 2,000 feet to more than one
mile. Approximately 6,000 years old, the banks were the product
of wind and sand and water. Theories concerning their origin
vary. They may have been born when a mainland ridge was surround-
ed by rising sea levels. It is possible that they were generated
by the elongation of a coastal sand split. Another possibility is
that they were formed by the gradual rise of an offshore bar.
,
37 1

�:l
' However, it is clear that they evolved into a shifting string of
barrier islands.
' The Currituck Banks are composed of highly mobile sand parti-
cles. Constantly eroded and redeposited by the forces of wind and
moving water, the particles form a matrix of shifting beaches,
dunes, sand hills, plains, and wetlands. Though the strand's mean
elevation is only six feet above sea level, a number of the
migrating hills tower 75 feet above their surroundings. Inlets
have periodically pierced Currituck's length, only to be reclosed
by sands setting from longshore currents. Still evident on the
banks is oceanic overwash, a process which drives them slowly
landward. Vegetation is the stabilizing element in this dynamic
environment. Grasses, shrubs, and scrub forest tracts capture the
migrating sands, and the plants' root systems stabilize the porous
soils, reinforcing dune systems. The plants' distribution is
1 governed by wind exposure, water supply, and the sands nutrient
supply and salt content.
H. Unique Geological Formations
Penny's Ridge is the only unique geological formation located
on the Outer Banks of Currituck.
I. Registered Natural Landmarks
No known registered natural landmarks in Currituck County.
J. Scenic and Prominent High Points
Penny's Ridge, which is located on the Outer Banks of Curri-
tuck, is considered to be the second tallest sand due on the east
coast of the United States.
K. Archaeologic Sites/Historic Sites
Historic and archaeologic sites information was obtained from
' the 1980 LUP and updated information from the Division of Archives
and History. As of October, 1985, Currituck County has a total of
38 known archaeological sites with 22 being entered into the State
Computer inventory. Since the 1980 list was prepared three
additional sites have been added. Specifically, Culong on SR
1147, Baum site and Whalehead Club sites have been added since
1980.
INVENTORY OF HISTORIC SITES
Name of Identity Location
of Site Township Highway Description of Site
' Twin Houses Crawford Shawboro, No known date. Two
NC 168 identical frame
houses which are
joined by a hallway.
38

INVENTORY OF HISTORIC SITES (Cont'd
Name of Identity
Location
of Site
Township
Highway
Description of Site
Forbes House
Crawford
Shawboro
ca. 1920. Two story
Vicinity,
house with a gable
NC 168
roof and a shed
porch around three
sides.
Currituck County
Crawford
Currituck
ca. 1766. An early
Jail
Courthouse
jail.
NC 34
Pilmore Methodist
Crawford
Currituck
1928. On the site
Church
Courthouse
of the first Metho-
NC 34
dist sermon deliver-
ed in North Carolina
in 1722.
Swan Island Club
Fruitville
Currituck
Old Sportsman Club
Sound
Indian Town
Crawford
Indian
Undeveloped site.
Academy
Town
Vicinity
Ballance Site
Crawford
Bell
Undeveloped arch -
Island
aeological site
SR 1245
found projectile
points and stone
axes.
Goose Site
Poplar
Gray
Undeveloped arch -
Branch
Vicinity
aeological sites
SR 1245
found to be possi-
Church's
ble site of large
Island
Indian village.
McKnight
Crawford
Indian
Undeveloped. 1st
Shipyard
Creek-
in North Carolina.
North
River
Waterlily Site
Poplar
E. Shore
Undeveloped arch -
Branch
of
aeological site.
Currituck
Pen.
39

r_,
IINVENTORY OF HISTORIC SITES (Cont'd.)
Name of Identity
Location
of Site
Township
Highway
Description of Site
Currituck Beach
Poplar
Corolla
1875. A brick tower
Lighthouse
Branch
Outer
158 feet tall. Built
Banks
to fill a dangerous
gap between Cape
Henry to the north
and Bodie Island to
the south.
Currituck
Poplar
Currituck
Private Sportsman
Shooting
Branch
Sound,
Club, 1870.
Club
Outer
'
Banks
Caffey's Inlet
Poplar
Duck
ca. 1890. An
Lifesaving &
Branch
vicinity
excellent prototype
Life Boat Station
Outer
of stations built
Banks
in 'the period.
Whaley Site
Poplar
Albemarle
Undeveloped
Branch
Sound
archaeological site.
Harbinger Site
Poplar
1/3 mile
Undeveloped arch -
Branch
sq. an SW
aeological site.
shore of
Currituck
Pen.
Sampson Point
Poplar
Sampson
Undeveloped arch -
Site
Branch
Point
aeological site.
vicinity
US 158
Wright Brothers
Poplar
US 158
Located at the west -
Memorial Bridge
Branch
ern terminus of the
Site
bridge. Undeveloped
archaeological
site.
Baum Site
Location & Published
Culong
Shawboro
Also called Thomas
Area
Cooper Ferebee House
Whalehead
Corolla
Club
Area
Source: 1980 LUP which
used reprint from An
Appraisal of
Potential Outdoor Recreation, Currituck County,
NC, SCS, USDA,
'
Currituck, N. C., 1973
and information provided by Division of
Archives & History dated
October
16, 1985.
rj
1 40

7. Areas With
'
Resource Potential
A. Productive and Unique Agricultural Land
In August, 1983, the Governor of North Carolina issued a
formal policy declaration (Executive Order 96) concerning the
State's desire to promote the "Conservation of Prime Agricultural
,
and Forest Lands" in support of and to assist with compliance of
the Federal Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1980. The declara-
tion of Executive Order 96 recognized the fact that in many areas
of the State, prime agricultural and forest lands were defined as
those lands" . . which possess the best combination of physical
and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, fiber
(including forest products), forage, oilseed, and other agricul-
tural products (including livestock), without intolerable soil
erosion."
The
,
Governor directed the Secretary of the State Department
of Natural Resources and Community Development to assume the
responsibility of carrying out the order. The program proposed in
the Executive Order involved the identification of and mapping of
prime agricultural and forest lands by the Soil and Water Conser-
vation Commission through the assistance of local soil and Water
Conservation Districts. Also, by means of the existing State
,
Clearinghouse review process, the impact of any development pro-
posed on prime agricultural or forest lands would have to be
assessed beginning January 1, 1984.
'
The recently completed details soils map for Currituck County
had a special section on prime farmland and identified specific
soils that should be included.
B. Publicly Owned Forests, Parks, etc.
The 7,000-acre Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is
located on Knott's Island in the Currituck Sound. It is owned and
operated by the Bureau of Sports and Fisheries and Wildlife of the
U. S. Department of the Interior.
,
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission operates the
North River and Northwest River Wildlife Management Areas on leas-
ed land. These occupy several thousand acres of land. The Com-
mission also operates two water access (boat launching) areas; one
near Corolla on the sound side of the outer banks; the other at
Coinjock. Also, the Swan Island Tract and Monkey Island Tract on
the Outer Banks have been set aside for protection.
There are several commercial camping grounds in the County ,
and numerous duck blinds.
The County itself operates no recreation facilities other ,
than those which are part of its public school property. There
are public and private boat access and recreation areas available
in the County (See Appendix "A" at back of plan). ,
41

11
C. Prime Farmland Identified Consistent with Governor's
Executive Order Number 96.
The soil survey report for Currituck County was completed in
August, 1982, and included a section identifying prime farmland.
Specifically, the report stated that 10,362 acres or nearly 6% of
Currituck meets the soil requirements for prime farmland. Soils
included are Altavista fine sandy loam, Bojac loamy sand, Munden
loamy sand and State fine sandy loam.
D. Valuable Mineral Sites
As discussed in the 1980 Land Use Plan, the mineral resources
of Currituck County are few. Small quantities of titanium oxide,
used in paint manufacture occur along the shore of the Currituck
and Albemarle Sounds. Because of their small quantity and low
grade, they have not attracted commercial interests.
There are large quantities of peat in the Dismal Swamp area;
however, based on recent experiences in Hyde and Tyrrell County,
this resource does not appear economically feasible to mine..
The County has been experiencing the removal of soil materials
for use in other areas. This mining activity is a County concern
and is discussed in more detail in the policy section of this
plan.
8. Estimated Demand
A. Population and Economy
18,000
17,000 17,913
P 16,000
0 15,000 �� 15,257
P 14,000
U 13,000 �� 13,171
L 12,000
A 11,000
T 10,000
I 9,000
0 8,000 10,089
N 7,000 6,976
6,000 .-6; 60
5,000
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995
Source: North Carolina Department of Administration
42

As discussed earlier, Currituck County experienced a 59% ,
population increase between the 1970 and 1980 census. As the
graph above shows, this accelerated growth rate is projected to
continue during the ten year planning period. Also, discussed in
the first section of this plan is the fact that much of this anti-
cipated growth may continue to be in the younger age groups if
1970-1980 trends continue, which will impact on schools, roads and '
other public services and facilities.
Seasonal population projection information was not available
from the Department of Administration. As discussed in earlier
,
sections, several campground facilities exist on the mainland and
generate a seasonal influx of visitors to the County of approxi-
mately 1,000 additional people per weekend during June through
August. Based on the size and present utilization of these faci-
lities, we do not anticipate a significant increase in seasonal
population from these facilities. The primary source of future
increases in seasonal population will come from vacation homes
presently in place on the outer banks and potential new homes that
may be constructed on the outer banks during the 10 year planning
period. As discussed earlier, from 1977 to 1984, the outer banks
grew from 166 d.u. to 514 in late 1984. Based on May 24, 1985
Building Inspection Department information, the outer banks has
experienced the following growth rate since January, 1983.
Date Outer Banks Construction Permits
1983 63
,
1984 99
January -March, 1985` 34
April, 1985 7
'
Through May 24, 1985 8
Total Units to Date in 1985 49
Using current construction trends for 1985 and previous '
activity in 1983 and 1984, we have estimated the following season-
al population growth during the planning period.
1983 63 Actual Permits
1984 99 Actual Permits
1985 100 Estimated Permits
262
Three factors will primarily affect seasonal population '
growth on the outer banks. Improved road access to Whalehead
Beach and Corolla, adequate supplies of water and federal tax
policy, now being discussed that would cap deductions for second
homes at $5,000 annually. If this proposed tax reform measure is
approved, it could impact on vacation home development during this
Il
43 1

10 year planning period. For estimating purposes, we have used an
estimated 100 units per year for the 10 year planning period which
would create 1,000 d.u. of which 90% or 900 would be vacation
homes. Using the 4.5 people as discussed in an earlier section,
this would generate an additional seasonal population on the outer
banks of approximately 4,050 people during the vacation season by
the end of this 10 year planning period.
Several of the approved PUD's on the outer banks presently
have been approved for commercial development. This commercial
development approval permits hotel and motel development based on
the current zoning ordinance. At present, there is no reasonable
way to project when and if such devlopment will take place during
the 10 year planning period; however, if it should, it will
obviously add additional seasonal population.
B. Future Land Needs
By 1990, it is estimated that the County will have a popula-
tion of 15,257 people and 17,913 by 1995. This projection repre-
sents a population increase of 4,842 more people in the County by
the end of this ten year planning period. Using 2.8 people per
household, this population increase represents approximately 1,729
more dwelling units by 1995. The County zoning ordinance present-
ly requires 40,000 square feet of lot for every dwelling unit
constructed in the County. This translates to approximately 1,587
more acres of land in residential use by 1995. With the County's
low density of aproximately 43 persons per square mile, this pro-
jected population increase should be easily accommodated. A
recently approved amendment to the County Zoning Ordinance will
permit multi -family housing and could substantially reduce the
projected acreage required for residential use if multi -family
housing is found to be an acceptable housing alternative.
C. Community Facilities Needs
1. Schools
The Division of School Planning is finalizing recommendations
for the school board on future school expansion needs. Tentative
information from Mr. Spencer of this office shows that school
population is expected to grow during the planning period.
K-5 6-8
84-85 1,119 587
88-89 1,348 590
93-94 * 720
*Information not available
Source: Division of School Planning
9-12
Total
595
2,301
651
2,589
827
44

Recommendations for school expansion have not been finalized,
but school population is expected to grow and decisions will need
to be made concerning replacement, relocation or construction of
facilities.
2. Police/Fire Protection
Fire protection is provided on a voluntary basis and consi-
dered adequate for future growth. Police protection is also ade-
quate with the possible exception of the outer banks and night
patrols on the mainland. During community information meetings on
the outer banks, citizens expressed concern about police protec-
tion and the need for more officers in the area. This concern has
been expressed following the road opening to Corolla and easier
access by the public to an area that has been difficult to reach.
The County should give consideration to increasing patrols in this
area as the area continues to grow and increased staff during
evening hours to provide more than one officer on duty at night.
3. Roads
The 158/168 thoroughfare is presently being improved and
should be adequate during the 10 year planning period.
4. Water/Sewer
The County continues to work toward the goal of establishing
a County water system. Until that system is in place, individual
wells should be adequate to serve individual needs. Ocean Sands
water system should be -adequate during the planning period.
Because of low density, development in the County, citizens
will continue to utilize septic tanks for sewage disposal. The
County should continue to encourage nodal development to make
providing an economical sewage treatment facility as density in
nodal areas such as Moyock, Grandy, Corolla or Point Harbor
increase. As population and density increases, it will become
more and more important that this type of facility be provided to
protect ground water and adjacent estuarine water and fish
habitat.
9. Resource Protection: Estuarine System
1. Areas of Environmental Concern: Currituck County recognizes
the primary concern of the Coastal Resources Commission, in terms
of protecting resources, as managing Areas of Environmental Con-
cern (AECs). The County also shares this concern for the protec-
tion and sound management of these environmentally sensitive lands
and waters. The AECs which occur in Currituck County were identi-
fied on Page 33 of this Plan. In terms of developing policies,
the Estuarine System AECs, which include Coastal Wetlands, estuar-
1
45

ri
11
1
1
ine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, and Public Trust areas, will be
treated as one uniform grouping since they are so closely interre-
lated. Another reason for grouping these AECs together is the
fact that the effective use of maps to detail exact on -ground
location of a particular area, sometimes pose serious limita-
tions.
Currituck County's overall policy and management objective for
the Estuarine System is "to give the highest priority to their
protection and perpetuate their biological, social, economic,
and aesthetic values and to ensure that development occurring
within these AECs is compatible with natural characteristics so as
to minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property
and public resources." (15 NCAC 7H. 0203) In accordance with
this overall objective, Currituck County will permit those land
uses which conform to the general use standards of the North Caro-
lina Administrative Code (15 NCAC 7H) for development within the
Estuarine System. Generally, only those uses which are water
dependent will be permitted. Specifically, each of the AECs with-
in the Estuarine System is discussed below.
a. Coastal Wetlands
The coastal wetlands or "marsh" in Currituck County, as
discussed on Page 33 and shown on the wetland map, are located
mainly on the western side of the Outer Banks and along the North
River, and a substantial amount is present at Mackey Island.
Also, a substantial amount of wetlands exists between Church
Island and the Intracoastal Waterway at Coinjock. The first
priority of uses of land in these areas should be the allowance of
uses which promote "conservation" of the sensitive areas, with
conservation meaning the lack of imposition of irreversible damage
to the wetlands. Generally, uses which require water access and
uses such as utility easements, fishing piers and docks, will be
allowed, but must adhere to use standards of the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA: 15 NCAC 7H).
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
The importance of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine
shorelines in Currituck County was discussed on pages 33 and 34 of
this document. Although there are no "hazardous" estuarine shore-
lines in Currituck County subject to severe erosion, the County is
very much aware that protection of the estuarine waters and adja-
cent estuarine shorelines is of paramount importance to fishing,
both commercially and for recreation. Currituck County recognizes
that certain actions within the estuarine shoreline, which is
defined as the area extending 75 feet landward of the mean high
waterline of the estuarine waters, could possibly have a
substantial effect upon the quality of these waters.
40

In order to promote the quality of the estuarine waters,
Currituck County will permit only those uses which are compatible
with both the estuarine shorelines and which protect the values of
the estuarine system. Residential, recreational, and commercial ,
uses may be permitted within the estuarine shoreline, provided
that:
1. A substantial change of pollution occurring from the ,
development does not exist;
2. Development does not have a significant adverse impact on
estuarine resources; '
3. Development does not significantly interfere with existing
public rights or access to, or use of, navigable waters or
public resources.
c. Public Trust Areas
Currituck County recognizes that the public has certain estab-
lished rights to certain land and water areas. (For definitions
and geographic locations of public trust areas, see Page 35 of
this Plan). These public areas also support valuable commercial ,
aesthetic value. Currituck County will continue to promote the
conservation and management of public trust areas. Appropriate
uses include those which protect public rights for navigation and '
recreation and uses permitted under CAMA regulations.
d. Areas of Environmental Concern: Ocean Hazards Areas '
Oceans Hazards Areas of Environmental Concern are the second
broad category of ADCs occurring in Currituck County. These are
areas along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline which have a special '
vulnerability to erosion or other adverse effects of sand, wind,
and water. Because of this vulnerability, improperly managed
growth and development could expose life and property to unreason- '
able levels of danger. The Ocean Hazards in Currituck County
include the ocean erodible area, and the high hazard flood area.
However, in the conventional sense of "hazards," the only Ocean
Hazards area is the high hazard flood areas, or "V" zones, i.e. '
high velocity areas identified on Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
As discussed in the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood '
Insurance Study for Currituck County, the U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers has established the 3-foot breaking wave as the criter-
ion for identifying coastal high hazard zones. This was based on '
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a study of wave action effects on structures. This criterion has
been adopted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the
determination of V Zones. Because of the additional hazards
associated with high-energy waves, the National Flood Insurance
Program regulations require much more stringent floodplain manage-
ment measures in these areas, such as elevating structures on
piles or piers. In addition, insurance rates in V Zones are high-
er than those in A Zones with similar numerical designations.
The location of the V Zone is determined by the 3-foot break-
ing wave as discussed previously. The detailed analysis of wave
heights performed in the flood insurance study allowed a much more
accurate location of the V Zone to be established. The V Zone
generally extends inland to the point where the 100-year flood
depth is insufficient to support a 3-foot breaking wave.
' For both the ocean erodible and high hazard flood area, devel-
opment of any type is prohibited or tightly controlled by existing
regulations and enforcement provisions. It is the susceptibility
to change from the constant forces of waves, wind, and water upon
the normally unstable sands that form the shore, which causes
these areas to be considered "hazardous." These forces are magni-
fied during storms and can cause significant changes in bordering
' land forms (such as dunes and beaches), as well as to any struc-
tures located on them. It is the flexibility of these land forms
(dunes and beaches), however, which also lends protection from the
magnified energies of wind and water as a first line of defense
for development located behind them. The important, basic and
essential function of the beach and dunes is their capacity for
storing sand, serving to absorb and thereby dissipate the initial
impact of excessive wind and waves.
Currituck County policy, as it relates to the Ocean Hazard
areas, is to enforce the CAMA regulations as they pertain to this
area through the Currituck County CAMA Permit Officer. The provi-
sions of the Flood Insurance Program to manage this area, is
enforced by the County Building inspector and the management
procedure will continue to be County policy as it relates to Ocean
Hazards Areas.
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e. Constraints to Development ,
Soils
As discussed in the Natural Hazards section of the Plan, '
Currituck's 1984 Detailed Soil Survey discusses soil types found
in Currituck and the severity of problems for different land uses. '
This soils report has also identified prime farmland. Current
policy is to allow the County Health Department to regulate the
approval of septic tanks based on State regulations and. this '
will continue to be County policy. As mentioned earlier, the
report identified prime farmland; however, local officials ques-
tion the rational for the selection of prime farmland and do not
wish to establish local policy to regulate the use or development
of prime farmland.
f. Flood Prone Areas I
As discussed in an earlier section of this Plan, Currituck
received the detailed Flood Insurance Program maps in November, '
1984. County policy is that all future development shall meet the
requirements of the County Flood Insurance Program as administered
by the County Building Inspector.
g. Local Resource Development Issues
Of primary concern to Currituck County citizens is the proper '
utilization and protection of the Currituck Sound and the Outer
Banks. Each of these issues has been addressed under the Commer-
cial and Recreational Fisheries, Public Access to the Banks and
Commercial Development on the Outer Banks Policy Section. '
h. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans
This area will be treated in a separate section of this Land '
Use Plan, which will include policy statements on hurricane and
flood evacuation as well as storm mitigation and post disaster '
recovery policies.
i. Protection of Potable Water Supplies
As stated in the discussion on ground water resources, above
ground development poses no immediate threat to the water supply
with reduced densities now required on future PUD's and with low ,
density development on the Currituck mainland.
j. Use of Package Treatment Plants '
Currituck County policy is to require package treatment plants
of all PUD developments. Other developments utilize septic tanks
as aproval by the Health Department. This policy will continue '
49 1

' during the planning period unless conditions warrant change in
policy.
' k. Stormwater Runoff
Currituck County shares the concern of the State Division of
' Environmental Management (DEM) that stormwater runoff from urban-
ized areas may be contributing to declining surface water quality
in some areas. Maintenance of water quality is of utmost concern
' to Currituck County. The County recognizes the value of water
quality maintenance both in terms of protecting commercial and
recreational fishing resources and providing clean water for other
recreational purposes.
Currituck policy related to stormwater runoff has been
included under Commercial and Recreational Fisheries policy.
' 1. Marina and Floating Home Development
The County zoning officer has received and reviewed an ordi-
nance dealing with Marina and Floating Home Development as it
relates to New Hanover County. To date; this type of development
has not taken place in Currituck and present CAMA regulations as
' they relate to marinas and AECs would regulate this type of
development. The County Planning Board will review this ordinance
and make a recommendation to the Currituck County Board of Commis-
sioners. Currituck County policy to deal with this issue will be
formulated after this study by the Planning Board and County Com-
missioners.
M. Industrial Impacts of Fragile Areas
The Moyock Lumber Company property is located adjacent to the
Moyock Run and runoff from this facility go directly into Moyock
Run which feeds into the Northwest River. Specific adverse
impacts are not known, but there may be potential adverse impacts
on fragile areas.
n. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
The County does not wish to control island development other
than through zoning/existing CAMA and federal regulations.
' o. Maritime Forests
Mr. David H. Rackley, Acting Field Supervisor of the U. S.
' Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, indicated
that some maritime forests do exist on the Outer Banks of
Currituck, but not of significant size such as that found at Nags
Head Woods and Bogue Banks. Plant species such as Red Maple,
' Black Willow, Wax Myrtle, and Live Oak are present and do provide
high value wildlife habitat for migrating birds; however, not of
high quality or quantity. Many areas of shrub thickets do exist
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and efforts should be made to identify, map, and establish guide-
lines to protect these areas as they develop.
Commercial Forest Lands
As discussed in the 1980 Land Use Plan, over one-half of the
total land area in Currituck County is in forest and wooded wet-
lands. In colonial times, longleaf pine in the County was commer-
cially valuable for pitch and turpentine. When these trees were
harvested, second and third growth trees of less value took their
place. Generally, commercial forestland has been decreasing in
the County due to clearing for agricultural use. The clearing has
occurred at a rate of about 1 to 2% per year. The clearing has
generally occurred on the Currituck Peninsula along major routes.
In 1980, the County had about 75,000 acres of forest land with
66,469 acres in 1984 based on the 1984 Forest Statistics for the
Northern Coastal Plain of North Carolina. About 73% is in private
ownership, about 15% in commercial ownership, and the remaining in
governmental ownership. For commercial production, most of the
wood harvested is soft wood such as yellow pine for saw timber,
and soft hardwoods (maple, gum) for veneer plywood.
Regarding commercial forestry operation, the County
the following alternatives: (1) adopt a severance tax
ing, (2) adopt strict regulations regarding draining of
placement of spoil, (3) adopting an ordinance providing
reclamation and replanting of cleared areas.
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on harvest- '
land sand
for
Selected Policy: The County supports the various County,
State, and Federal programs for managing forest resources.
Peat and Phosphate Mining
Currituck County does not have any known phosphate mining
potential and a policy is not required at this time.
As discussed earlier, although Currituck does have large quan-
tities of peat, it does not appear economically feasible to mine
at the present time or in the near future. If peat mining does
become feasible in Currituck, County officials will review and
establish policy at that time.
Off -Road Vehicle
Currituck County adopted an Off -Road Ordinance for the Outer
Banks on July 18, 1977. The ordinance was amended on April 1,
1985 and restricts off -road vehicles on the Outer Banks as speci-
fied in the ordinance. This ordinance shall remain the local
policy of Currituck County until amended.
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' Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Renourishment
' Proper maintenance of channels, particularly the Atlantic
Intra-Coastal waterway, is very important to Currituck County
because of the impact of commercial and recreational fisheries and
general boating. Currently, Currituck County does not provide
' direct assistance to the Corps by helping to obtain or provide
spoil sites. The Corps of Engineers appear to have adequate spoil
easements in Currituck County; however, the County will provide
' indirect assistance, as requested, and if feasible, aid in channel
maintenance.
Currituck County would welcome assistance from the U. S. Army
Corps of Engineers in the event beach renourishment is required in
the future.
' Energy Facility Siting and Development
At present, Currituck County is not aware of any plans to
construct an energy facility in the County. County policy to deal
with such a facility will be formulated if such a facility is
proposed. Current zoning ordinance requirements -would dictate the
siting of -...such a facility.
10. Goals, Objectives and Local Land Use Policies
A. Mobile Homes (Background)
In 1976, the Land Use Plan stated that 26% of housing stock
for Currituck County were mobile homes. The plan at that time
established a goal that no additional mobile home parks be devel-
oped and existing parks not be permitted to expand. In the 1980
Land Use Plan, mobile homes were still a concern and the plan
recommended, and the County implemented a change in the zoning
ordinance which required that all new lots platted for mobile
homes contain at least 40,000 sq. ft. These two policies, no
additional mobile home parks (1976 Plan), and one -acre lots for
mobile homes (1980 Plan), have not had any appreciable affect on
slowing the influx of mobile homes into the County.
Based on a meeting with the Chesapeake, Virginia Planning
Director, we confirmed that much of this mobile home growth during
the last several years has come about because of Chesapeake's
stringent mobile home regulations, causing families to locate in
Currituck County where controls are not as tight. Since that
meeting, the County Planning Board and County Board of Commission-
ers have reviewed and approved a change to the zoning ordinance
which permits multi -family housing which is a positive outgrowth
of the 1985 land use planning process.
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Issue: Continued Growth of Mobile Homes as Part of Currituck '
County Housing Stock
a. Issue - The use of mobile homes for housing has continued '
to increase through utilization of lots previously approved in
existing mobile home parks and subdivisions. Also, the County has
seen an increase in scattered single lot mobile homes since the '
zoning requirement was passed following the 1980 Land Use Plan.
b. Goals and Objectives - In an effort to regulate growth in
the County and specifically the location of mobile homes, the
'
County has restricted mobile homes on single 40,000 sq. f t. lots
to the RA-40 district. This zoning change has permitted the scat-
tering of mobile homes in this zoning district and could create
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the very conditions the County was trying to avoid in both the
1976 and 1980 Land Use Plan by restricting the use of mobile homes
in the County. The primary goal of the County is to permit the
'
use of mobile homes and at the same time, control their location.
The County also wishes to provide opportunities for other forms of
housing such as multi -family housing.
'
c. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
1. Do nothing and continue to permit mobile homes on
scattered sites in the RA-40 Zone.
2. Prepare and adopt a mobile home park and mobile home '
subdivision ordinance that requires a high standard of
quality such as underground electric service, paved streets,
parking and landscape buffers. Determine appropriate zones '
where mobile home parks and subdivisions would be permitted
in as a conditional use.
3. Require that all future mobile homes locate in mobile
home parks and subdivisions as permitted by a revised zoning
ordinance.
4. Revise zoning ordinance to permit multi -family hous-
ing as a conditional use in the RA-40 Zone or other zones the
County determines appropriate.
5. Rezone the large area presently zoned RA-40 on the
eastern side of Knotts Island to eliminate the availability
of so much land for mobile home development in close proxi-
mity to tidewater Virginia.
d. Policy and Implementation Strategy Selected - All future '
mobile homes shall locate in mobile home parks and subdivisions as
permitted by revised zoning ordinance.
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Revise zoning ordinance to permit multi -family housing as a
conditional use in the RA-40 and A-40 zones. Revise zoning ordi-
nance to permit mobile home parks and mobile home subdivisions in
' designated areas and as a conditional use (Multi -family housing
has been implemented during this planning process).
B. One -Half Acre Lots (Background)
Based on the 1980 Land Use Plan, the County Zoning Ordinance
was revised to require a minimum of 40,000 square feet for resi-
dential development. Since that time, several citizens in the
County have expressed a concern that this minimum requirement has
eliminated the possibility of a small land owner deeding property
to family members. Based on public information meetings held
throughout the County during the month of October, it was made
very apparent that the majority of those attending the meetings
wanted to maintain this 40,000 square foot minimum lot size.
However, local officials are sensitive to the desire of small
property owners to permit family owners to build or locate an
additional dwelling unit on a 1/2 acre lot adjacent to their pro-
perty.
Issue: One -Half Acre Lots
a. Should the County create a special zone in which 1/2 acre
lots are permitted.
b. Goals and Objectives - The County is sensitive to prob-
lems created for small land owners that wish to provide a small
lot for family members: Requiring lots of 40,000 square feet each
has been established based on County soil conditions, access to a
water supply, and considering the wide use of septic tanks for
sewage disposal. Requiring lot sizes that are adequate to accom-
modate future growth using septic tanks and individual wells or
the County water system when constructed is the primary goal of
the County. _
c. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
1. Leave minimum lot requirement at 40,000 square feet.
2. Permit residential infill districts that allow one-
half acre lots in designated areas.
3. Designate the following areas as residential infill
districts: Wilson Town, Sawyer Town, New Town and Oldes
Hill.
4. The zoning ordinance shall be revised to permit one-
half acre lots if individual to use one-half acre is a direct
family member and joint septic tank use or individual septic
tank use is approved by the County Sanitarian.
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d. Policy and Implementation Strategy Selected - After much
discussion and consideration of this issue, the County determined
that the current policy requiring a minimum 40,000 square foot
lot for future development is the most appropriate policy consid-
ering County soil conditions and the extensive use of septic tanks
for sewage disposal. However, the County Planning Board and
County Board of Commissioners will continue to study the possible
designation of infill districts that permit 1/2-acre lots as a
conditional use.
C. Topsoil Mining (Background)
During public information meetings, County officials confirm-
ed that numerous soil mining operations are taking place through-
out the County. Currently all mining operations one acre or lar-
ger require a state mining permit. However, mining operations of
less than one acre do not require a permit or reclamation plan.
County officials are concerned that a natural resource, topsoil,
is being lost at an increasing rate with minimum control at the
State level due to lack of adequate State personnel to monitor
this activity.
Issue: Topsoil Mining
a. Only mining operations of one acre or more require a
permit and reclamation plan. Although the State requires a permit
for mining of one acre or more, they do not require that the per-
mit be posted making it difficult for County officials to know if
mining operations are approved or not.
b. Goals and Objectives - In an effort to better regulate
mining operations in the County, County officials will establish
local regulations to control future mining operations.
C. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
1. Allow State to continue monitoring mining operations
using current system.
2. Allow State to continue present monitoring of mining
operations of one acre or more and amend present County ordi-
nance to require posting of permit on site and filing of
reclamation plan with County.
3. Establish standards for mining operations in condi-
tional use section of zoning ordinance. Establish a time
limit for completion of reclamation following completion of
mining operation.
d. Policy and Implementation Strategy Selected - State will
continue present monitoring and County will amend present County
ordinance to require posting of permit on site and filing of
reclamation plan with County. The County will amend current ordi-
nances to establish specific standards for mining operations.
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D. Economic/Industrial Development (Background)
Currituck has been and remains a very rural County with many
area residents traveling outside the County for employment oppor-
tunities. The 1976 LUP recommended that efforts be made in co-
operation with the State to develop the Maple Airport site for
industrial development. The 1980 LUP recommended that efforts be
made to encourage the location of small industries in the County
which do not pollute the water and air, but could capitalize on
the available work force in the County. In an effort to take
maximum advantage of the airport property, the County wishes to
improve the facility with lighting and other improvements to meet
present and anticipated aviation needs. Availability of safe and
adequate airfield facilities could enhance the County's efforts to
expand the industrial base of Currituck.
Issue: Economic/Industrial Development
a. Issue - Providing job opportunities for County citizens
while protecting the environmental integrity of the County is a
primary concern of County officials. Encouraging some industrial
development will help increase the County tax base.
b. Goals and Objectives - The County would like to expand
the existing tax base to provide job opportunities for County
citizens.-- The County established a goal in the 1980 Land Use Plan
to encourage industrial development. This plan provides specific
recommendations to implement the continued goal of encouraging
industrial development.
C. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
1. Do nothing and allow many of the County's citizens to
continue travelling outside Currituck for job opportunities.
2. Work with the State's Industrial Development Section
to encourage the utilization of the Maple Airport site for
development as an industrial park and upgrade existing air-
port facilities.
3. Establish an Industrial Development Committee to
determine the types of industry the County should encourage.
4. Investigate the possible establishment of a Foreign
Trade Zone Industrial Park using tidewater Virginia ports as
the point of import or export.
5. Establish an Industrial Revenue Bond Authority and
list of industries the County would like to encourage locat-
ing in County.
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6. Establish an Industrial Development Fund using Rev-
enue from lease of farm land on Maple Airport property.
Revenue from lease would go into new Industrial Development
Fund to promote industrial development.
7. Develop detailed site plan and apply for grant funds
to improve existing airport facilities with lighting and
other safety features to improve the utilization of the faci-
lity.
d. Policy and Implementation Strategy Selected - The County
will encourage industrial development that will not adversely
impact the environment of Currituck, but will provide job oppor-
tunities for County citizens. The following approach will be used
to begin the process of encouraging industrial development.
Establish an Industrial Revenue Bond Authority and list of
industries the County would like to encourage to locate in Curri-
tuck .
Establish an Industrial Development Fund using revenue from
lease of farmland on Maple Airport property. Revenue from lease
would go into new Industrial Development Fund to promote indus-
trial development.
Develop detailed site plan and apply for grant funds to
improve existing airport facilities with lighting and other safety
features to improve airfield utilization.
E. Nodal Development'vs. Strip Development (Background)
The 1976 Land Use Plan stated that future growth should be
limited and gradual. The 1980 LUP indicated a desire to continue
the nodal concept of development and a reduction in the scattering
of development. The plan recommended Moyock and Grandy as the two
points in the County where development should be encouraged to
concentrate. However, based on a review of the County Zoning Map,
it was determined that 32.6% of the 158/168 thoroughfare north of
the Coinjock bridge and 49.8% south of the bridge is currently
zoned for commercial use. This current zoning pattern is in
direct conflict with the County's stated goal to encourage a con-
,
centration of development in the Moyock and Grandy areas. The
County will need to review this zoning pattern very carefully and
possibly consider down zoning a portion of these currently unde-
veloped commercially zoned parcels to implement the County's de-
sire to prevent the scattering of development along the 158/168
highway corridor.
Issue: Nodal Development vs. Strip Development
a. Issue - At present, over 41% of the U.S. 158/168 corridor
is zoned for business use. This zoning pattern is in conflict
7
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11
with the 1980 goal of encouraging development in the Moyock and
Grady areas. To address this conflict, the County should look at
the zoning patterns and consider the possibility of down zoning in
some areas, or give consideration to encouraging nodal develop-
ment, leaving business zoning pattern as presently defined and
reducing the number of approvals for business zones outside the
designated nodal areas.
b. Goals and Objectives - The primary objective is to en-
courage nodal development and reduce the likelihood of strip de-
velopment taking place.
c. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
1. Do nothing and continue to allow commercial develop-
ment to occur along much of the 158/168 corridor.
2. Consider down zoning some undeveloped property pre-
sently zoned for business to reduce the availability of land
for commercial development and thereby reduce the potential
for strip development.
3. Increase the minimum lot size requirements for com-
mercial use to allow for more landscape screening and buffer-
ing.
4. Establish site plan review for all future commercial
development and better landscape and buffer area improvement
regulations.
5. Increase minimum lot width from 125 feet to 200 feet
to reduce the potential number of developments and thereby
curb cuts along the 158/168 corridor.
i d. Policy and Implementation Strategy Selected - The County
will continue.to follow the policy as stated in the 1980 Land Use
Plan concerning encouraging nodal development in the Moyock,
Grandy, Point Harbor, and Corolla areas. The County will review
current zoning and subdivision regulations to determine if special
incentives can be established and implemented to encourage future
development to take place in identified nodal communities. The
County will also set specific boundary limits for nodal develop-;
ment areas.
jThe County will establish a site plan review procedure for
all future commercial development and improved landscape and
buffer area improvement regulations.
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Nodal Development vs. Strip Development
Advantages and Disadvantages
Nodal Development
Advantages Disadvantages
Nodal development would encourage the
concentration of more urban type
development i.e. Commercial, Instit-
utional and higher density residen-
tial in designated communities (Ex.:
Moyock, Grandy, Point Harbor and
Corolla)
Nodal development will slow the pace
at which agricultural and wooded areas
are converted for commercial or
residential use.
Concentrating high density uses in
nodal areas will help retain the
asthetic and rural quality of the
County.
Development of a central sewer system
and water system will become more
economically feasible by concentrat-
ing high density uses in nodal
areas.
Traffic flow management through the
158/168 thoroughfare will be improved
for an extended period by encouraging
nodal development through zoning
pattern and commitment*of local
officials and citizens to the nodal
development concept.
Property owners outside
nodal areas will not be
encouraged to develop
their property with high-
er density uses such as
subdivisions, commercial
or industrial uses not
already zoned for such
uses.
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Nodal Development vs. Strip Development
Advantages and Disadvantages
Strip Development
Advantages Disadvantages
Short term commercial growth
and development will be
enhanced.
Property owners fronting the
158/168 corridor will be able
to develop property commer-
cially.
Long term traffic congestion,
billboards and other signage
will reduce the attractiveness
of the County,.
Strip development will remove
agricultural land from produc-
tion.
Strip development will reduce
the aesthetic quality of the
County primarily along the
158/168 corridor for present
and future generations.
Strip development makes exten-
sion of water and sewer lines
more costly to develop than
serving concentrated develop-
ment in nodal communities.
Acquisition of land for future
widening of the 158/168 corri-
dor will be more expensive if
strip development is permitted
to continue.
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F. Public Access to the Outer Banks and Northern Banks
t
a. Issue - Better public access to the outer banks has been a
concern to Currituck County citizens and local officials since the
first land use plan was prepared. Effective Nov. 1, public access
is now available from the Dare County line to Corolla, however,
citizens living north of Corolla (Northern Banks) still must drive
along the beach and around the Nature Conservancy - Monkey Island
Tract to get to Swan Beach, Seagull and.Ocean Beach and points
north.
b. Goals and Objectives - Providingbetter e access to the
banks south of Corolla (Southern Banks) has been a primary goal of
Currituck County. At a minimum, the County desires to improve
access to the northern banks to permit the evacuation of the
northern beach area in the event of a major storm or other natural
emergency. The County also wishes to establish a bridge connec-
tion between the mainland and Corolla area of the outer banks.
c. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
'
1. Take no action and continue to permit access to the
area north of Corolla by way of beach access with no upland
access.
2. Discuss with Nature Conservancy the possibility of
vehicular access across their property utilizing a minimum
width easement and a paving surface such as Grassroad Pavers
or other pavers that permit percolation of storm water into
the soil. This "cart path" access could be restricted by a
restrictive covenant setting a maximum usage of the "cart
path" and permitting closing by the Nature Conservancy when
this maximum usage is reached.
3. Discuss with Nature Conservancy the possible use of an
easement to provide a cart path to be used for "emergency
evacuation only". Open pavers would be utilized to permit
percolation of water into the soil and to have as little
environmental impact as possible.
4. The County will work with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service to establish a 100-foot upland dedicated public right-
of-way across the Monkey Island and Swan Island Tracts to
provide free, public access and evacuation corridor for nor-
thern Currituck Banks residents.
5. Work with DOT in establishing bridge connection from
mainland to Corolla on State's 8-year highway plan.
6. Provide ferry boat access from Gibbs Woods and/or
Knotts Island to the Northern Banks of Currituck.
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d. Policy and Implementation Strategy Selected
1. The County will work with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service to establish a 100-foot upland dedicated public right-
of-way across the Monkey Island and Swan Island Tracts to
provide free, public access and evacuation corridor for nor-
thern Currituck Banks residents.
2. Work with DOT in establishing bridge connection from
mainland to Corolla on State's 8-year highway plan.
3. Provide ferry boat access from Gibbs Woods and/or
Knotts Island to the Northern Banks of Currituck.
G. Public Access to Ocean and Sound
Background Information: Many area residents on the Outer Banks
desire to have designated public access to the ocean and sound at
this time. The Currituck Outer Banks is very unique in the fact
that until November of 1984, much of this area was not easily
accessible by the general public. As the area primarily south of
Corolla experiences more visitations by the general public, it
will become more and more important that beach and sound access is
made available to prevent or at least reduce the problem of tres-
passing on private property.
Based on a review of the County's subdivision regulations
pertaining to water access, the ordinance presently requires that
20,000 square feet of access be provided for property owners of
developments 20 lots in size. or larger. The ordinance does not
permit or,require that some access be made available for the pub-
lic as well as property owners. The County may need to consider a
policy and means to require public access as new PUD's or larger
subdivisions are being planned.
a. Issue - The County zoning and subdivision ordinance does
not currently require public access to the ocean and sound. Since
the 1976 Land Use Plan, access to the ocean and sound has been of
great concern to County citizens and officials. As the waterfront
areas develop, the County working with developers and State or
federal agencies, must work together to provide adequate ocean and
sound access.
b. Goals and Objectives - Providing more and better ocean,
sound, and beach access for the public is a primary goal of
Currituck County officials.
M

c. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
1. Leave current ordinances as presently written.
2. Revise the zoning ordinance to require developers to
provide property owner and public access in proportion to the
scale of development. The larger the development, the more
water access area required.
3. Work with Nature Conservancy or future owners of this
land in an effort to establish a public access beach in this
area.
4. Work with the Audubon Society to establish a public
access beach and sound access on the Pine Island property.
This access, if arranged, should be used for passive recrea-
tion only.
5. Work with State or others as required to establish a
public boat dock at the site of the former Corolla State dock
as suggested by outer banks citizens.
6. Existing public street right-of-way that dead ends at
the oceanfront will be designated as public beach access using
CRC Beach access signs (e.g., Whalehead - 4 points, Swan Beach
- 5 points, North Swan Beach - 4 points, Corova beach - 12
points). Designation of these streets will be done subsequent
to local or State funds being made available for maintenance
and when patrol of these public access ways can be assured by
the County Sheriff's Department.
d. Policy and Implementation Strategy Selected
1. Work with State or others as required to establish a
public boat dock at the site of the former Corolla State dock
as suggested by outer banks citizens. Also, work with State,
private land owners or federal agencies to establish a public
boat access point in the northern part of the Currituck main-
land.
2. Existing public street right-of-way that dead ends at
the oceanfront will be designated as public beach access using
CRC Beach access signs (e.g., Whalehead - 4 points, Swan Beach
- 5 points, North Swan Beach - 4 points, Corova beach - 12
points). Designation of these streets will be done subsequent
to local or State funds being made available for maintenance
and when patrol of these public access ways can be assured by
the County Sheriff's Department.
63

I
H. Commercial Development on the Outer Banks and Density
of Residential Development
a. Issue - Currituck County now has a policy which permits
PUD developers to designate 10% of their land area for commercial
development. At present, the only area zoned for business deve-
lopment on the outer banks is located at Corolla. In addition,
21.3 acres at Ocean Sands and 1.86 acres are approved at Corolla
Light for additional commercial development under the PUD ordi-
nance. County officials must determine: 1) if it is in the
County's best interest to permit a 10% designation for commercial
development; and 2) what type of commercial development is appro-
priate on the outer banks considering an apparent limited supply
of water and limited sewage treatment facilities. Also, the
County needs to review current policy on residential density.
b. Goals and Objectives - The County wishes to establish a
policy which permits commercial development to serve the needs of
the area and, at the same time, is sensitive to the fragile
environment of the outer banks.
C. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
1 No policy change and continue to allow PUD develop-
ments of 50 acres or more to designate 10% of their land area
for commercial development.
2. Increase the minimum PUD size from 50 acres to 100
acres before a designation for commercial use will be permit-
ted. Reduce designation for commercial use from 10% to 5%.
Present Requirement's Proposed Re uirements
50 acres x 10% = 5.0 acres 50 acres No designation
100 acres x 10% = 10.0 acres 100 ac. x 5% = 5.0 acres
200 acres x 10% = 20.0 acres 200 ac. x 5% = 10.0 acres
3. Zoning ordinance (pages 22 and 8) presently permits
uses allowed under the B-40 District Zone. These uses may be
too broad for the outer banks, therefore, the County will
establish a new commercial zone to govern PUD and other com-
mercial areas on the outer banks.
4. Until adequate water and sewage treatment facilities
are available on the outer banks, the County will change
existing ordinances to permit hotels and motels as a condi-
tional use on the outer banks and not a permitted use as
presently stated in the County zoning ordinance.
During the early planning process and prior to establishing
policy statements, the results of a questionnaire prepared and
circulated by the Currituck Light Civic Association was
tabulated by the consultant and reviewed during a Planning
Board and County Commission work session. Recommended policy
issues and statements pertaining to commercial development and
hotel/motel development were generated based on the results of
64

this questionnaire and comments made during a
public
information meeting held on the Outer Banks.
The four
questions and responses in the questionnaire dealing
with
commercial and residential development were:
Question # Question
Yes
No
1 Are you in favor of only single
86
5
family lots?
2 Are you in favor of planned unit
17
22
development?
5 Do you want more commercial
13
81
development in your area?
6 Do you want hotel/motel units in
3
94
your area?
Although this questionnaire reflected the feelings of less
than 100 people, they live on the Outer Banks of Currituck and
would be most directly affected by future development policy.
Although residential density and PUD's were addressed in the
questionnaire, no policy chages were discussed or recommended
during the early work sessions. Also, during the final public
hearing process, no comments were made to change current
County policy pertaining to PUD's. However, during a final
joint meeting of the Planning Board and County Commissioners,
the desire to eliminate PUD's in Currituck County was
discussed after a petition was presented by an Outer Banks
resident with a request that PUD's no longer be permitted in
Currituck. Following this request, the County Board of
Commissioners directed the consultant to revise the policy
statement to show a change in County policy that, when
implemented by revisions to the existing ordinance, will
eliminate future PUD's in Currituck.
d. Policy and Implementation Strategy Selected
1. Due to the fragile environment of the Outer Banks, the
large number of residential and commercial developments
already approved under the PUD ordinance and the unknown long
term adverse affects of continuing to permit PUD's in such a
fragile environment, the Currituck County Board of
Commissioners feel that it is in Currituck County's best
interest to consider the elimination of future PUD's in the
County.
2. Zoning ordinance presently permits uses allowed under
the B-40 District Zone. These uses may be too broad for the
outer banks, therefore, the County will establish a new
commercial zone to govern commercial areas on the outer
banks.
3. Until adequate water and sewage treatment facilities
are available on the outer banks, the County will change
existing ordinances to permit hotels and motels as a condi-
tional use on the outer banks and not a permitted use as
presently stated in the County zoning ordinance.
65

1
I. Productive Agricultural Land (Background)
The 1980 Land Use Plan addressed prime agricultural land based
on farm management techniques rather than soil characteristics.
This approach was based on the lack of a detailed soils map in
1980 to identify prime agricultural land. In 1982, the County
Detailed Soils Survey was published and specifically addressed
prime farmlands. On August 23, 1983, Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.
approved Executive Order 96 which addressed the need to conserve
prime agricultural land in the State through cooperation of the
Soil and Water Conservation District of North Carolina.
The 1982 Soils Report identified four soils comprising
approximately 10,362 of the County's acres as prime farmland.
Prime farmland includes Altavista fine sandy loam,, Bojac loamy
sand, Munden loam sand and State fine sandy loam.
a. Issue - Protection of Prime Farmland in Currituck County
is a Goal of Currituck County Officials.
Conversion of prime lands to irreversible non -farm users may
ultimately reduce food and fiber production capacity, thus forcing
a reliance on marginally productive lands that would result in
greater soil erosion, higher energy and fertilizer requirements
and possible increased environmental damage.
b. Goals and Objectives - The County wishes to establish a
policy to protect prime farmland and reduce as much as possible
the loss of this natural resource.
c. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
1. Take no action and permit prime farmland to be
converted to non -farm uses as the market dictates.
2. The Planning Board and County Commissioners will
review proposed major non -farm uses as they relate to the prime
farmland map to determine if there will be a significant adverse
effect on prime agricultural land. The zoning and subdivision
regulations will be amended to permit denial of a major non -farm
use if it is determined that a significant adverse effect will
occur.
3. Local officials will cooperate with the Soil & Water
Conservation Commission and Soil and Water Conservation District
as they review the impact of County, State or Federal actions on
farmland in the County.
d. Policy and Implementaion Strategy Selected
1. Local officials will cooperate with the Soil & Water
Conservation Commission and Soil and Water Conservation District
as they review the impact of County, State or Federal actions on
farmland in the County.
1 66

17,
J. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries (Background)
The 1980 LUP discussed the importance of both commercial and
recreational fishing on the local economy and measures that need
to be taken to improve the Currituck Sound environment. Since the
1980 LUP was prepared, the DNRCD Marine Fisheries Division has
identified and mapped spawning areas and a study has been comple-
ted which analyzed the impact of salinity introductions upon fish
habitat in Currituck Sound. Since 1980, several measures have
been implemented in an effort to improve the water quality of
Currituck Sound. Specifically, the County has established a
40,000 square foot minimum lot requirement, and required new PUDs
to provide a water and sewer system. The 1980 Plan indicated that
the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the Sound at that time was 4 ppm and
based on DNRCD information the (DO) levels are approximately the
same five years later. County officials must now determine if
additional steps need to be taken to improve the habitat
environment of the Sound.
a. Issue: Should the County Take Additional Steps to Improve
the Habitat Environment of the Currituck Sound?
b. Goals and Objectives: Local officials are aware
that
Currituck Sound is a significant natural and economic resource.
The County's primary goal is to help protect and improve
this
resource.
c. Policy and Implementation Options Considered
i
1. Take no additional action on the local level
and coop-
erate with State and Federal agencies in their efforts to
monitor
and improve the.Sound's environmental quality.
2. Support efforts of local commercial fishermen
to
create a manmade inlet on the outer bank as discussed in
the
August, 1984 Salinity Study in an effort to improve water
quality
and increase oyster and blue crab habitat.
3. Have the Soil Conservation Service prepare a drainage ..
plan for those areas adjacent to known fish spawning areas. Areas
identified by the Elizabeth City office of DNRCD Marine Fisheries
Division will be used. Plans will be used in an effort to reduce
urban and farm runoff into identified spawning areas.
4. Use recently completed details soils map to identify '
marginal soils or areas subject to frequent flooding. Have Plan-
ning Board with assistance from the Soil Conservation Service and
Elizabeth City Marine Fisheries Division, identify areas where
additional set backs from the waterfront will be required to
reduce posssible effluent from reaching the Sound due to flooding
or septic tank failure.
67 1

I
5. Continue to study the financial feasibility of a
County sewer system in an effort to reduce the potential adverse
impact of septic tank effluent reaching the Sound.
6. The County will work with the Extension Service, Soil
Conservation Service and Elizabeth City Marine Fisheries Division
to provide educational material to owners of hog operations per-
taining to the impact of drainage operations on adjacent sounds
and other bodies of water.
7. The Health Department should identify houses in the
County with septic tank problems or houses lacking septic tanks or
indoor plumbing. This information should be submitted to the
County Manager for his review and review by the County Commission-
ers. Health Department staff should become familiar with alterna-
tive systems that can meet State standards and function in margi-
nal County soils.
d. Policy and Implementation Strategy Selected
i1.
Have the
Soil Conservation Service prepare a
drainage
plan for those areas
adjacent to known fish spawning areas.
Areas
identified by the Elizabeth
City office of DNRCD Marine
Fisheries
Division will be used.
Plans will be used in an effort
to reduce
urban and farm runoff
into identified spawning areas.
2. Continue
to study the financial feasibility
of a Coun-
ty sewer system in an
effort to reduce the potential adverse
impact of septic tank
effluent reaching the Sound.
3. The County will work with the Extension Service, Soil
Conservation Service and Elizabeth City Marine Fisheries Division
to provide educational material to owners of hog operations per-
taining to the impact of drainage operations on adjacent sounds
and other bodies of water.
4. The Health Department should identify houses in the
County with septic tank problems or houses lacking septic tanks or
indoor plumbing. This.information should be submitted to the Coun-
ty Manager for his review and review by the County Commissioners.
The Health Department staff should become familiar with alterna-
tive systems that can meet State standards and function in margi-
nal County soils and then make this information available to
citizens.
K. Redevelopment of Development Areas
In 1984, the County identified those areas with concentra-
tions of substandard dwellings in need of rehabilitation. In that
same year, an application was prepared and submitted to the State
in an effort to receive grant funds to address identified needs.
68

same year, an application was prepared and submitted to the State
in an effort to receive grant funds to address identified needs.
Although the County was not successful in receiving approval of
the application, the County will continue to make efforts to
,
improve these areas if funding sources can be identified. The
County shall continue to consider and utilize any State or Federal
program that can help in the redevelopment of substandard areas of
the County including housing programs, water and sewer utility
programs and any other programs County officials consider bene-
ficial to County citizens.
L. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
The County supports State and Federal programs in the County
which include some programs required by law (e.g. CAMA permits).
The County supports State highway improvements, dredging and main-
tenance of the Knotts Island Ferry route, and maintenance of the
Intracoastal Waterway. The County also supports State and Federal
efforts on erosion control and assistance for any of the above
mentioned projects during the planning period. The County will
work with State and Federal agencies to obtain easements and.spoil
areas for necessary work. County officials and agencies will
assist State and Federal agencies, upon request to work with pri-
vate landowners as requested to implement State and Federal pro-
grams considered beneficial to Currituck County citizens.
M. Flood Hazard Areas
Currituck County received the Detailed Flood Hazard Maps
since the 1980 LUP was adopted. As of November 1, 1984, these
more detailed flood hazard maps have been available and show the
,
location of areas affected by the 100-year flood and referred to
as the A Zone. Much of the land area of Currituck County is
located in this A Zone. The primary exception is the land area
along and including the 158/168 corridor from Currituck Courthouse
south. Although these maps have been available since late 1984,
local officials have raised questions about accuracy in certain
parts of the County. Local officials and Federal Flood Insurance
Program officials should work together to resolve any questions
pertaining to the accuracy of these maps and make necessary revi-
sions if warranted.
Selected Policy: The County Building Inspector will use
these flood hazard maps to establish finished floor elevations at
which new structures are to be built and in an effort to reduce
future damage from flooding in the County.
N. Wetlands
The County has determined that the wetlands in the County are
a valuable resource. Since many other areas exist for development
and wetlands are also poor for on -lot sewage disposal, filling of
wetlands for development is neither necessary nor desirable. The
County considered the following alternatives to the selected

policy: (1) requiring large lots on wetlands, (2) requiring
submission of an environmental impact statement before developing
wetlands, (3) status quo.
Selected Policy: Allow no development on areas designated as
wetland which would require dredging or filling except for farm
uses, placement of utilities, or uses which would require the
interface of wetland areas with water uses (such as marina
development) and only with adherence to rules and regulations of
CAM and Corps of Engineers 404 permits.
I
1
1 70

1
11. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Plans
The entire North Carolina Coastal region, including Currituck
County, faces strong threats of damage each year from hurricanes,
Northeasters, or other major storms. For nearly 20 years, there
was a marked "slowdown", or "lull", in hurricane activity along
the State's coast. Predictions were that a major storm could
strike the State at any time during the hurricane season, since
such a storm was "long overdue". And then, in September, 1984,
the "waiting" ended. Hurricane Diana, with some of the strongest
sustained winds ever recorded, rammed into the Southeast coast
near Wilmington. Although damage was extensive, the potential
destruction was much greater and the damage would have been great-
ly escalated had the storm hit land at a slightly different loca-
tion. This time the State and the Southeast coastal area were
relatively fortunate. Next time the coastal area may not be as
fortunate.
Notice the excerpt below from, Before the Storm: Managing
Development to Reduce Hurricane Damages, Mc Elyea, Brower, &
Godschalk, 1982, concerning development in coastal communities:
"At the same time, development along the coast has
grown by leaps and bounds. Unless this development is
wisely located and built to withstand hurricane forces,
North Carolina's coastal communities will face massive
destruction. Local governments, as the primary protect-
ors of the public health, safety, and general welfare,
have a responsibility to reduce the risk of property '
damages and .loss of life attending coastal development.
They also have a responsibility to ensure that recon-
struction following a major storm can occur quickly and
leave the community safer from disaster in the future.
These are the goals of a hazard mitigation and
reconstruction planning." (p.iii)
The purpose of this section of the 1985 CAMA Land Use Plan
Update, is to assist Currituck County in managing development in
potentially hazardous areas by establishing hazard mitigation
policies to reduce the risks associated with future hurricanes.
By developing post -disaster reconstruction/recovery policies, and
reviewing the adequacy of current evacuation plans, the County
will hopefully reduce the risks associated with future hurricanes. ,
"Hazard mitigation includes any activity which
reduces the probability that a disaster will occur or
minimizes the damage caused by a disaster. Hazard miti-
gation includes not only managing devlopment, but also
evacuation planning and other measures to reduce losses
of life and property. Reconstruction involves the full
range of repair activities in the wake of a disaster
which seek to return the community to a "normal" level
71 1

of operations." (McElyea, Brower, & Godschalk, p.
iii).
With this introduction, the following pages will present the
storm hazard mitigation and post -disaster recovery policies, and
review of the existing evacuation plan along with appropriate
jdiscussions and maps.
1. _Storm Hazard Mitigation: Discussion
Hazard mitigation, or actions taken to reduce the probability
or impact of a disaster could involve a number of activities or
policy decisions. The starting point, however, is to identify the
' types of hazards (including the relative severity and magnitude of
risks), and the extent of development (including residential,
commercial, etc.) located in storm hazard areas.
Hurricanes are extremely powerful, often unpredictable forces
of nature. The two most severe effects are fatalities and pro-
perty damage, which are usually the result of four causes: high
winds, flooding, wave action, and erosion, each of which are dis-
cussed briefly below:
a. High Winds
High winds are the major determinants of a hurricane, by
definition, i.e., a tropical disturbance with sustained winds of
at least 73 miles per hour. Extreme hurricanes can have winds of
up to 165 miles per hour, with gusts up to 200 miles per.. hour.
These winds circulate around the center or "eye" of the storm.
r 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 powerlines, and destroy
crops. Also, tornadoes can often be spawned by hurricane wind
patterns. Wind stress is an important consideration in storm
hazard mitigation planning. Because of 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.
b. Flooding
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 property damage and deaths
by drownings. (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.
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 All flood areas according to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency Maps. Based on recently completed
72

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. 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. (See Flood Hazard Boundary Map).
Flooding can not only cause damage
water flooding can cause serious damage
what took place in the Albemarle region,
County in 1954 and 1955 from Hurricanes
Ione (McElyea, Brower, & Godschalk, pp.
on the following page. Consideration of
important to Currituck County's efforts
tion policies.
to buildings, but salt -
to croplands, which is
including Currituck
Hazel, Connie, Dianne, and
2-8, 9). Notice Figure 1
potential flood damage is
to develop storm mitiga-
t
I
Ll
I
1
ri
73
11

Li
FIGURE 1
AlbemarleFlooding in the
Hurricanes Hazel, Connie, Diane, and Ione
(.1954-1935)
SALT WATER FLOOojxQ
FRES..:..
PAS
• • / rWAVE ACTIO*d
• t£ ,�,;
•.
•
•i�i�i �� •j��i • �5�.���.� t�Y a .. «�.�� i Lei
� • `r. �1.. 'C�S"�i
Source: N. C. Council of Civil Defense, 1955.
74

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 resi-
dential development in or near the estuarine shoreline area and
developed 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,
are sufficiently inland from an open coast so that the wave energy
is dispersed and diffracted, mainly by the proximity to forested
areas. Figure 1, page 70, also shows the pattern of wave action
damage in Currituck County from the hurricanes of 1954 and 1955.
d. Erosion
The final in
major consideration 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 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 part 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.
e. Summary: Storm Hazard Mitigation Considerations
In summary, all four of the major damaging forces of a hurri-
cane, i.e., high winds, flooding, wave action, and shoreline ero-
sion could have a potential impact upon Currituck County in the
event of a major storm. The degree of susceptibility to losses
and/or damages was generally alluded to in the previous discus-
sions. However, Table XVII provides a better projection of the '
percent of the County's building structures (residential and com-
mercial, etc., subject to the potentially devastating effects of a
major storm:
75 1

' T X * Structures Table VII Percent of uctu es Subject to Storm Damage
Factors, Currituck County
Storm Impact Percent Structures Possibly Affected
1. High winds 100%
2. Flooding 50%
3. Wave Action 67%
Based on preliminary estimates derived from examination of the
1985 Existing Land Use Map and Flood Hazard Boundary Map as
prepared by Talbert, Cox & Associates.
The information in the Table above is an estimate and is not
intended to convey the impression that every single structure
1 possibly affected by damaging factors would be affected, only that
the potential is there. Knowing that the potential is there forms
the basis for setting forth storm hazard mitigation policies,
keeping in mind that "mitigate" means actions which may reduce the
probability of disaster, or minimize the damage caused by a
disaster (McElyea, Brower, & Godschalk, p. iii).
1 f. Policy Statements: Storm Hazard Mitigation
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the
effects of a hurricane or other major storm, Currituck County pro-
poses the following policies.
1. High Winds
Currituck County enforces the N. C. State Building
Code, particularly requirements of construction
I 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.
2. Flooding
Currituck County is supportive of the hazard mitiga-
tion elements of the National Flood Insurance Pro-
gram. 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
supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404
Wetlands development permit processes in areas
potentially susceptible to flooding.
1 76

P
What is at Risk on the Outer Banks
,
Although there is a relatively small amount of development on
the Currituck Outer Banks compared to other North Carolina coastal
areas, what is in place would be in jeopardy if and when a major
storm hit in the area. Of the approximately 514 dwelling units on
the outer banks, approximately 257, or 50%, appear to be in the
Zone A Flood Hazard area. Also, the Ocean Sands Package Treatment
Plant would be adversely affected by major flooding or an ocean
overwash, which did occur in this area in 1962. This one means of
egress from this area could be flooded or washed away by an ocean
overwash leaving those north of any overwashed road without a hard
surface road for use as an evacuation route.
On the mainland over 3/4 of all homes and businesses in the
Moyock area are located in the Zone A area. Along the 158/168
highway corridor at Coinjock and the area north of Currituck is
located in the Zone A area. All shorefront development on the
mainland and fronting on the sound is located in the Zone A Flood
Hazard Area. Based on the 1985 Existing Land Use Plan, it appears
that approximately 50% of all commercial and residential develop-
ment along rivers and sounds would be affected by a 100-year
flood.
I�
I
Ci
77 1

�J
t3. Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion
Currituck County is supportive of the CAMA development permit
process for estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite develop-
ment standards which encourage both shoreline stabilization and
facilitation of proper drainage. The County is aware of potential
' overwash areas on the outer banks and these areas have been
identified in the 1983 Carrying Capacity Study by the Department
of City and Regional Planning of Chapel Hill.
g. Implementation: Storm Hazard Mitigation
1. Currituck County has adopted a Flood Damage Preven-
tion Ordinance for the Regular Phase of the National
Flood Insurance Program. This ordinance requires
basic floodproofing for all new construction, includ-
ing all first floor elevations being 2' above the
base flood elevations. 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 County Building Inspection Department.
2. The County will continue to support enforcement of
State and Federal programs which aid in mitigation of
hurricane hazards, including CAMA and the U. S. Army
Corps of Engineers 404 permit process.
1
1
1 78

3. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
Currituck County recognizes that in the event of a major
storm, it will be very important to have, at a minimum, a general
recovery and reconstruction plan. This section of the Land Use
Plan Update will address this issue.
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 Chair-
man 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. County Finance Officer
2. Emergency Management Coordinator (Team Leader)
3. County Sheriff
4. County Building Inspector
5. Director of Social Services
6. Local realtor or building contractor
The Emergency Management Coordinator 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 County Courthouse). The Disaster Recovery Team will be
responsible for the following:
1. Establishing an overall restoration schedule.
2. Setting restoration priorities.
3. Determining requirements for outside assistance and
requesting such assistance when beyond local capabi-
lities.
4. Keeping the appropriate County and State officials
informed.
5. Keeping the public informed.
6. Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken
and expenditures and obligations incurred.
7. Recommending to the Chairman of the Board of Commis-
sioners to proclaim a local "state of emergency" if
warranted.
1
11
79

1
1
P
11
I
S. Commencing and coordinating cleanup, debris removal
and utility restoration which would include coordina-
tion of restoration activities undertaken by private
utility companies.
9. Coordinating repair and restoration of essential
public facilities and services in accordance with
determined priorities.
10. Assisting private businesses and individual property
owners in obtaining information on the various types
of assistance that might be available to them from
federal and state agencies.
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 roads and bridges.
c. Long 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.
1. 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 Committee (DAC), consisting of the Build-
ing Inspector, Emergency Management Coordinator, a
local realtor or building contractor, and appropriate
personnel from the Currituck County tax department.
The DAC 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 cri-
teria shall be utilized:
a. Destroyed (repairs would cost more than 80
percent of value).
.E

1
2.
b. Major (repairs would cost more than 30 percent of
i
the value).
c. Minor (repairs would cost less than 30 percent of
,
the value, but the structure is currently uninhabit-
able).
d. Habitable (some damage,
minor with repairs less
than 15 percent of the value).
Each damage assessment will be documented according
to County tax records. Also, County tax maps (inclu-
ding 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.
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 mitiga-
tion policies, i.e., with basic measures to reduce
damage by high winds, flooding, wave action or ero-
sion, must be redeveloped according to those poli-
cies. 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 Build-
ing Code and County storm hazard mitigation policies,
'
shall be issued automatically, all structures suffer-
ing 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 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 not meet current
septic tank requirements as of date damage or
destruction occurred.
Development Moratoria I
Currituck County, because of a lack of densely popu-
lated areas, does not foresee the need to prohibit '
any and all development for any specified period of
time. 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 Disas-
ter Recovery Team will coordinate with the State
1-1
81 1

11
Building Association and other home construction
organizations in assembling a list of qualified con-
tractors interested in assisting with reconstruction.
4. Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
The following schedule of activities and time frame
are proposed with the realistic idea that many
factors of a hurricane may render the Schedule
infeasible.
Activity
Time Frame
a) Appoint Damage Assessment 6 hours after storm
Committee
b) Complete and Report Damage Two weeks after storm
Assessments
c) Begin Repairs to Critical As soon as possible
Utilities and Facilities after storm
d) ' Permitting of Reconstruction Two weeks after damage activities for all damaged assessments are
structures ("minor" to pre -storm complete
original status, "major" to State
building code and hazard
mitigation standards
5. Agency Responsible for Implementation The Chairman of the Currituck County Board of Commis-
sioners, as chief elected official of the County,
will serve as overall Chairman of Control Group. The
Board Chairman will delegate the oversight of the
reconstruction and recovery effort and implementation
1 of the plan.
6. Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities
At present, Currituck County does not have a water
and sewer system. However, the County is presently
considering installing a water system in a portion of
the County.
4. Hurricane Evacuation Plan
Currituck County has an official "Emergency and Evacuation
Plan," which was revised in June, 1983. A brief review of this
plan indicates that it is generally adequate with the exception of
one area as noted from a review of the November, 1984 Flood Hazard
M

Maps. Specifically, the Moyock School which is to serve as an '
evacuation shelter for residents of Ranchland, Moyock, Universal
Park and Gibbs Woods, is located in the 100-year flood zone as '
shown on the Flood Hazard Maps. Also, the County may want to
coordinate with Chesapeake and Virginia Beach for sheltering
residents of Gibbs Woods. Because residents of this area must
drive through low areas in Virginia before heading south back into
Currituck, it may be better to provide shelter for them in closer
proximity to the residences which would be in Chesapeake or
Virginia Beach.
1
1
J
83 1

11
I
12. Land Classification
The land classification system has been developed as a means
of assisting in the implementation of selected policies. By de-
lineating land classes on a map (See maps appended) the County can
specify those areas where certain policies (local, state, and
federal) will apply. It must be remembered that land classifica-
tion is merely a tool to help implement policies and not a strict
regulatory mechanism.
The following classes have been determined to apply in Curri-
tuck County:
IDEVELOPED
1
17,
The purpose of the developed class is to provide for continu-
ed intensive development of areas currently at or approaching a
density of 500 dwellings per square mile that are provided with
the usual municipal or public services including at least public
water, sewer, recreational facilities, police and fire protection.
Although Currituck County has no municipalities within its bound-
aries, three areas generally meet the above criteria. These areas
are Universal Trailer Park in Moyock Township, Walnut Island in
Poplar Branch Township and Ocean Sands on the Outer Banks. These
areas have a water and sewer system and are densely developed with
mobile homes in the case of Universal Park and Walnut Island and
single family and multi -family homes at Ocean Sands.,
TRANSITION
The purpose of the transition class is to provide for future
intensive development within the ensuing ten years on lands that
are most suitable and that will be scheduled for provision of
necessary public utilities and services. The transition lands
also provide for additional growth when additional lands in the
developed class are not available or when they are severely limit-
ed for development. Areas in the County classified as transition
include the community of Moyock and the land on each side of NC
168 to the Virginia line, along NC 158 from Barco to just south of
the new Coinjock Bridge. The Maple Airstrip site just north of NC
158 has been designated transition based on the Counties stated
goal to develop this site for industrial development during the
planning period. The Grandy area has been retained as a transi-
tion area primarily along the NC 158 highway corridor. Point
Harbor north to the intersection of State Road 1112 with NC 158
has been designated transition in anticipation of continued
commercial and residential growth in this area.
M.

In 1980 the County anticipated the purchase of the Outer '
Banks north of Corolla by the Federal Government and for that
reason all of this area was included in the Conservation Class.
Although two tracts have been purchased for conservation north of '
Corolla since 1980 much of the area north of Corolla is privately
owned and some limited development is anticipated for this area.
Also, the County has established a policy to work toward Ferry '
Access to the area from Knotts Island with no upland road access
to this area from Corolla. Carova Beach, North Swan Beach, Swan
Beach, Seagull and Ocean Beach have been included in the transi-
tion classification. Corolla Village, Whalehead Club, and an
undeveloped tract just north of the Dare County line have also
been included in the transition classification.
COMMUNITY
The purpose of the community class is to provide for cluster- '
ed land development to help meet housing, shopping, employment and
public service needs within rural areas of the County. The lands
shown on the classification map are those in the rural areas of
the County characterized by small groupings of mixed land uses,
(residences, general store, church, school, etc.) and which are
suitable and appropriate for small clusters of rural development
not requiring municipal sewer service (e.g. Currituck, Shawboro, '
Aydlett, Poplar Branch, Powells Point and Knotts Island.)
RURAL
The purpose of the rural class is to provide for agriculture,
forest management, and'other low intensity uses. Residences may
be located in rural areas where urban services are not required '
and where natural resources will not be permanently impared. In
Currituck County, most of these areas are in agricultural use.
CONSERVATION ,
The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for ef-
fective long term management of significant limited or irreplace-
able areas. This management may be needed because of its natural,
cultural, recreational, productive or scenic value. In Currituck
County, this class is applied to major wetlands, state and federal
recreation and wildlife conservation areas and the Swan Island
Tract, Monkey Island Tract and Audubon Society Tract on the Outer
Banks. Also, all navigable water bodies are included. '
Relationship of Policies and Land Classification
Developed: Universal Park, Walnut Island and Ocean Sands
have been designated developed based primarily on existing and/or
anticipated densities and the provision of water and sewer.
i
85 1

Transition: Areas designated as transition areas represent
sections of the County where development has been taking place
since the 1980 plan was prepared and areas where the County antic-
ipates development continuing during the planning period. On the
mainland, all transition areas are found along the NC 158/168
highway corridor with the exception of the Maple Airstrip site.
All future development in these areas as well as those on the
Outer Banks will be guided by the County Zoning Ordinance. As
discussed earlier Carova Beach, North Swan Beach, Swan Beach,
Seagull, Ocean Beach, Corolla Village and Whalehead Club have been
included in the transition classification based on current and
anticipated growth in these areas.
The opening of a public paved road from Dare County to
Corolla will probably increase development pressure in this sec-
tion of the Outer Banks. Although lack of access by road to the
area north of Corolla will continue to make development in this
area much slower, development will most likely continue. The
County has established a policy to work with DOT in establishing a
' ferry access point between Knotts Island and the Outer Banks north
of Corolla Village, with no road access north of Corolla Village,
in an effort to prevent the over development of the Outer Banks.
' COMMUNITY: Community areas serve a useful function in a rural
County by serving as focal points for rural residences and provid-
ing limited services such as a store, post office, church, etc.
Although the County recognized the need for these small communi-
ties, it is not County policy to support or encourage their
growth. The County wishes to concentrate facilities and services
in designated transition areas; however, because of the County's
geographic configuration it may require extending water and event-
ually sewer lines past or through designated Communities in an
effort to have enough users of the system to make its operation
' economically viable.
RURAL: The rural class includes areas used primarily for agricul-
ture, or contain forrest areas. County policy is to keep these
areas in agriculture by implementing zoning regulations.
Appropriate uses in these areas are farming, forestry, rural
1 residential and utility lines and pipes.
CONSERVATION. The conservation class, which includes all wet-
lands, state and federal recreation and wildlife protection areas,
and AEC areas which include ocean hazard areas, estuarine shore-
line, coastal wetlands, estuarine and public trust waters, are
intended for long-term management to maintain these resources.
' The overall policy concept and the major thrust of implementation,
is to manage development so that the location and density of de-
velopment is steered away from areas where associated results of
development (e.g. septic tank pollution, erosion) will be of less
' possible harm to conservation class areas. The County feels that
island development can adequately be protected by zoning, CAMA
regulations, and federal regulations, and does not wish to
' establish additional regulations.
1 86

Uses
in this class would include water dependent uses
such as
marinas,
fish hatcheries and fish ponds, game preserves, lodges,
public or
private parks, single family detached dwellings,
and
utility lines
or pipes. The location and construction of
any of
'
the above
uses would be subject to other standards in the
zoning
and subdivision
regulations as well as CAMA regulations.
13.
Intergovernmental Coordination
During the planning process, County staff and consultant met
with adjacent municipalities, as well as State and Federal agen-
cies to discuss planning issues and other items of mutual inter-
est. As the County goes from planning to implementation County
staff will continue to coordinate with adjacent officials on
issues and concerns of mutual interest.
F1
I�
I.

' 14. Public Participation
' Currituck County officials recognize that an important ele-
ment in developing and implementing any local policies or plans
regarding the use of land in the County, must involve the County's
citizens. From the initial stages of development of this 1985
' update of the County's CAMA Land Use Plan, County officials have
sought to provide open opportunities for citizen input. A "Public
Participation Plan" was developed for the plan updating process,
' outlining the methodology for citizen involvement. The plan sta-
ted that public involvement was to be generated primarily through
the County Planning Board and through "public information" meet-
ings, advertised in local newspapers and open to the general pub-
lic. The Planning Board meetings also are open to the general
public.
Specifically, the County held four public information meet-
ings in early November to outline the purpose of the plan and to
gain information and discuss land use as well as other issues.
Following this process, a group of citizens from the Currituck
outer banks prepared a land use questionnaire for distribution.
This information was received and tabulated and reviewed by the
Planning Board and County Commissioners. Many of the issues and
' policies incorporated into the plan were a direct result of this
questionnaire and concerns raised at public meetings. The Plan-
ning Board and Board of Commissioners have held six planning work
' sessions which have been open to the public. On several occa-
sions, these meetings have been attended by the public.
' As draft policy statements and issues were completed, drafts
were provided to the local newspaper with a request to publish
articles dealing with the land use planning process. Also, draft
copies of the plan will be distributed throughout the County to
these citizens expressing an interest in reviewing a draft prior
to the June public information meeting.
' In June, a public meeting was held to review the draft LUP
update prior to submittal of the plan to the Coastal Resources
Commission. Citizens.were given the opportunity to submit written
comments on the plan to Mr. Wallace O'Neal during the month of
' July. Following formal adoption of the Plan, copies will be
retained at the County Manager's office, Zoning Officer's office,
and County library. Prior to official adoption of the Land Use
Plan update, a public hearing will be held to review the plan and
receive public comment. Citizens may request revisions to the
plan following CAMA review and approval requirements anytime dur-
ing the five year planning period. All subsequent updates of the
plan will be done in compliance with public participation require-
ments.
It is the belief of the Currituck County Board of Commission-
ers that all citizens be afforded adequate opportunities to parti-
cipate in the governmental and planning decisions which affect
' them. Therefore, citizens input will continue to be solicited,
primarily through the Planning Bo rd with advertised and de uate-
ly publicized public meetings held to discuss special land use
issues, and to keep citizens informed.
88

Bibliography and References
'
N. C. Department of Administration - Population Projections
'
1980 Census - Population
1984 Profile of North Carolina Counties - Economic information for
Currituck County, Labor Force, Retail Sales, and Commuting
'
Patterns
Employment Security Commission - Labor Force Estimates
'
1976 Land Use Plan - Previous Issues and Policies
1980
Land Use Plan - Previous Issues and Policies
1983 Emergency Management & Evacuation Plan - Identified Potential
Manmade Hazards in County
'
1983 Soil Survey of Currituck County, North Carolina
'
Report on Currituck County Comprehensive Study as to Population,
Economy and Water and Sewerage Requirements to 1990, Moore,
Gardner and Associates, Inc.
'
1984 Water and Sewer Capacity Study of Ocean Sands, McDowell and
Associates, Inc.
'
1983 Carrying Capacity Study, Currituck County, Outer Banks,
Department of City and Regional Planning, UNC Chapel Hill
'-
'
Division of School Planning School Population Projections
1984 Flood Insurance Study of Currituck County - Federal Emergency
'
Management Agency
1984 Currituck County Zoning Ordinance
'
1984 Subdivision Regulations, Currituck County, North Carolina
1981 Outer Banks Access, Environmental Impact Statement
1984 - The Impact of Salinity Introductions Upon Fish Habitat in
Currituck Sound, by David A. Adams, Department of Forestry and
University Studies, North Carolina State University. Margery F.
'
Overton, Department of Civil Engineering and North Carolina
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, Office
of Water Resources
,
Maritime Forests Information from Mr. David H. Rackley, Acting
Field Supervisor of the U. S. Department of Interior, Fish and
'
Wildlife Service by telephone interview 10/14/85
89 1

1
Currituck County Boat Access
and Recreation Areas
'
Name and Acreage, Boat Launch
Ramp Parking
Comments
Location if known Unimproved
Improved Capacity
1. Indian} Creek
Canoe &
'
S. of Shawboro
X 6-8
Cartop
launch on
road ROW
2. Newberns Landing
Dirt Road,
No. River, Powells Pt. X
6-8
Shallow
r3.
Ski Lagoon Motel X
-
Road park -
End SR 1102
ing only
'
"Motel Guests
only"
'
'
4.
S.
6.
End of SR 1106
Point Harbor
Hog Quarter X
Landing, Spot
Walnut Island
Trailer Court,.Grandy
X
-
-
20
"For Prop -
erty Owners
and Guests"
(Swimming)
7-8 Slips,
Dirt Ramp
Boats for
rent
7.
Waterview Shores X
-
Presumed
Grandy
private
8.
Poplar.Branch 4
X
30
Heavy Local
'
NC WRC Access Area
use
9.
Rivera Lodge
Access to N.
S. of Coinjock
X
10-15
River &'Intra-
coastal Water-
way
10.
Stoney's Fish 2.5 X
25-30
6 camp sites,
Camp, Coinjock
ICW dockside
services
11.
Coinjock, NC 5
X
50
Inaccessible
WRC Access Area
when grounds
'
are wet
12.
Hampton Lodge 110
X
4-50
200 camp sites,
Campground, Coinjock
Recreation Bldg.
'
13.
Currituck Bait
X
9
Barn, Maple
J

Currituck County Boat Access and Recreation Areas '
Name and Acreage, Boat Launch Ramp Parking Comments
Location if known Unimproved Improved Capacity '
14... Bell's Island 14 X 40 150 Camp
Campground sites;
other pri-
vate fac-
ilities
15. Tull's Bay 3 X 10-15 10-12 Slips
Marina, Moyock
16.. Coleman Youth X 10-15 Canoe launch
Camp, Moyock
only, swim-
ming, tennis
17. Barnes Marina & Camp, Knotts Island ?
18. Williams Lodge X ? SR 1260
Knott's Island
_ Road end
19. Bay Villa Marina & Camp, Knott's Island ?
20. Brumley Road X
Knotts Island
21. Back. Bay Ramp
N. Knotts Island
SR 1257
Road end;
road park-
ing only
X 25-30 In Virginia;
access
through
Knotts Is.
22.
Corolla Beach Access 5
Not Access -
Area, NCWRC
ible except
by boat (to
gen'1 pub.)
23.
Coinjock Esso and
Gulf
Marinas - docking
and dockside
services on Intracoastal Waterway.
24.
Mackay Island Nat'l.
Access from
Wildlife Refuge
700
Knotts Is.
25.
North West River
1251
Game Land, NCWRC
26.
North River Game
8430
10 Bear Pre -
Land, Coinjock
serve
27. Maple Airstrip
HY. 158 & SR. 1246
Leased by
county from
State of NC
1
1
1

'
Currituck County
Boat Access
and Recreation Areas
Name and
Acreage,
Boat Launch
Ramp Parking
Comments
'
Location
if known
Unimproved
Improved Capacity
28. Camp
Lazy B. Hy. 81
X 10-15
300 tent
615,
Knotts Is.
sites, plus
54 with full
hookups.
r
92

Th. preparation of this map was fi .... ad in part through a Arent
ded 67
_the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds to d b
Coastal
.. to, - , Act of 19,2. " ....d:d.nwhich in d,Lni stared
by 0.
Zfoz: Management
I I'll " d
.M. . &at& ma:a9mamnt, National 0� ... i Atmospheric Administration.
'omm*rcial development Infill between
Moyock and Virginia line.
;A
YlCaar %
" eo
.
W—
—am's aa
a.
Pondorosa Mobil* Home Park from
32 units to 109 units In 1984
Road widening and bridge
construction at ColnjocL5--�
Commercial development at C
1t ago.
Iloo a —
am a ad
.14 A
r
Swan Island and Monkey Island
tracts secured for conservation.
'.a
.;a, Opening a public road from Dare
County to Corolla In late 1984
O� }\ 0
W tm
o
Commercial development Spillover
from Dare Beach area
MAJOR LAND USE CHANGES SINCE 198
1985 LAND USE PLAN
CURRITUCK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
93'
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1985 LAND USE PLAN
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
1985 LAND USE PLAN
CURRITUCK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLNA
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
UNIVERSAL PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT (PRIVATE)
SOL ID WASTE DISPOSAL SITE (CONTAINERSI SI9• MOYOCK ELEM. SCNOOL
•. MYOCK FIRE DEPARTMENT
S. H_TN DEPT.
.• COUNTY COURT NO
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•. PLE AIpPORT
9. CRAWFORD FIRE DEPARTM XT
10. MAPLE LAND FILUCONTA HERS SITE
ll. CENTRAL ELEMENTARY
11 CURRITUCK NIC•N SCHOOL
IS: COUNTY LIBRARY
1f. GRIGGS ELEM. SCHOOL
13. LOWER CURRITUCK FIRE DFPARIMENT
1.. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SITE (CONTAINER)
1f. KNOTTS ISLAND ELEM, SC—L
I. KNOTTS ISLAND FIRE OE PART WENT
19. COROLLA FIRE DEPARTMENT
10. CORLLA SUCH FIRE STATION 95
Talbert, Cox & Associates, Inc

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. ...............
96
(FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY MAP)
1985 LAND USE PLAN
CURRITUCK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Talbert, Cox & Associates, Ina

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Currituck County,North Carolina = ,!!Yw
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HOWARD T. CAPPS,P. A.
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107

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Board of Commissioners
issioners
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2V11101NIA
NORTH CAROL
1979
50
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1985 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
By
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Talbert, Cox & Associates Inc.
,
LAKE
DRUMMOND SE
MOWARDT.CAPPS.P.A.
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108
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The preparation of this map was financed in part through a Arent provided by
the Narch Grolina Coastal Management Program, thsouRh Lunde provided by the
GastaI Zone Management Act of 1972. as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
League
1100 M••Mer1 ReN Me�eka,e
Nara awfeced Reed
Uewrfased Need
-- {INe Llee
—• CwMY L1ee
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_..... terry RON"
Chesapeake ) Virginia leach
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ISLEGEND
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CONSARVATION
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RURAL Mainl 7
COMMUNITY %�•• • �'
® TRANSITION
ei e' O
- DEVELOPED f� O
,,,.• d • \
paint Herber
YGIEI .
FOR PURPOSES OF FUTURE UTILITY EXTENSIONS ALL CONSERVATION DISTRICT
AREAS SHOWN ON LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP {EGIN 100 FEET IN EACH
DIRECTION AS MEASURED FROM THE CENTER LINE OF EXISTING ROADS SHOWN
IN CONSERVATION AREA. THIS 13 TO PERMIT EXTENSION OF WATER OR
SEMER LINES WITHIN 100 FEET OF EXISTING. ROADS AND THROUGH APEAS
DESIGNATED AS CONSERVATION WITHOUT REQUIRING AN AMENDMENT TO PLAN.
ALL SURFACE WATERS INCLUDING THE CURRITUCX SOUND, ALSERMARLE 4
SOUND, NORTH RIVER AND NORTH WEST RIVER ARE PART OF THE CONSERVATION
CLASSIFICATION.
109
1985 LAND USE PLAN
CURRITUCK COUNTY{ NORTH, CAROLINA
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP(__
{sole M Yi1N
Talbert, Cox & Associates, kx.

IN
Currituck Sound
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I
no preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant prve,ded by
the North Carolina Coastal Management program, through funds provided by the
coastal UrHt Management Act of 1972. ea amended, which is administered by the
office of Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
AtlanTic Ocean
AlfouBONSOClTTTRACT I
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1985 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
,--N\
� I Currituck County Outer Banks
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• `� � :" tom•.^' q'
• mn•••r •n�r.��u rw..w••inn nec•ual
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1985 UPDATE
BY wn.
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EXISTING LAND USE ""`E °�°° r
I-IKnerh
\I prepared for 'Dole G A I b
Board of Commissioners HOWARD T. CAPPS SKEEW Na
Currituck County, North Carolina LANDSCAPEARCHITECT tL/g1
PLANNING CONSCLTANT
R'ILSON W SNOWDEN, OUIRMAN JERRY L. OLD
ERNIE BOWDEN PRANCES P WALKER Carterrarlpa�
BARRY C NELMS BILL RICHARDSON OWNTY MGR jg'ilnr: m'ulkr-,
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