Land Use Plan-1980-1990

CURRITUCK COUNTY
1980 - 1990 Land Use Plan
lease do not remove!!!!!
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Division of Coastal Management
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CURRFTUCK COUNTY
1980 - 1990 Land Use Plan
Board of Commissioners
Baxter Williams, Chairman
James M. Voliva, Vice -Chairman
Ernie Bowden
R. H. Ferrell
Stanley Griggs
Land Use Planning Advisory Committee
Stanley Griggs, Chairman
Ernie Bowden
Robert Byrne
Milton Etheridge
Alvin Keel
Tommy Moore
Travis Mooris
Tillie Powell
Jerry Wright
Consultants
Coastal Consultants, Ltd.
Southern Pines, N.C.
The preparation of this report 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 Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

x
INTRODUCTION
The 1980 Land Use Plan Update for Currituck County was prepared
by the Currituck County Land,Use Advisory Committee with technical
assistance by Coastal Consultants, Ltd. The purpose of the Plan Update
is to assist the citizens of the County, State and Federal governments
in making decisions concerning natural resources, facilities, services,
and growth of the County. Previous policies were reviewed to deter-
mine which policies were still desired, and what new ones were neces-
In sary.
Included in this update are analyses of special areas about
which information was developed in order for the Committee to determine
policies (e.g. mobile homes, Currituck Banks).
Currituck County is located in the northeastern corner of
North Carolina. It is bounded on the north by Virginia, on the east
by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by Camden County and the North
River. Currituck County is divided into three major land areas by
natural features. The main portion of the County is the peninsula
projecting between the North River and Currituck Sound, Knotts Island
is a peninsula that extends into Currituck Sound from Virginia, the
third portion is the Currituck Outer Banks, which extends from the
R
Virginia Line to Dare County.
V

I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
PAGE
I
PRESENT CONDITIONS.,., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Economy and Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems . . . .
11
Problems From Unplanned Development . . . . . . . .
11
Areas Likely to Experience Major land Use Changes
11
Areas of Environmental Concern . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Current Plans, Policies and Regulations . . . . . .
13
II
CONSTRAINTS; LAND SUITABILITY . . . . . . . . .
22
Hazard Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Soils . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
22
Groundwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
Fragile Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
Currituck Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Complex Natural Areas . . . . . . . . .
33
Areas That Sustain Remnant Species . . . . . . . .
36
Productive Agricultural Land . . . . . . . .
37
Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites . . . . . . . . .
38
Publicly Owned Forests, Parks, etc. . . . . . . . .
39
Historic Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
Recreational Opportunity . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .
39.
Inventory of Public and Commercial Recreation
Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
County Expenditures for Recreation . . . . . . . . .
43
Privately Owned Conservation Areas . . . .. . .
44
III
COMMUNITY FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Water and Sewer Services . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Other Facilities . . . ... . . . . . . . .
47

IV ESTIMATED DEMAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Population Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Future Land Use Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Consideration of Constraints . . . . . . . . . . 51
Standards for Land Use Projections . . . . . . . . . 53
Land Use Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Community Facilities Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
V
POLICY DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58
Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58
Flood Hazard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59
Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59
Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs)� . . . . . . .
60
Maritime Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
61
Cultural and Historic Resources . . . . . . . . . .
61
Hurricane Evacuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
Quality of the Currituck Sound . . . . . . . . . . .
63
Erosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
68
Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
Commercial Forest Lands . . . . . . . .
70
Mineral Resource Production . . . . . . . . . . . .
71
Commercial Forest Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
72
Mineral Resource Production . . . . . . . . . .
72
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries . . . . .
72
Off Road Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
74
Industrial Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74
Services to Development . . . . . . . .
74
Growth Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
79
Beach Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
79
Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
85
Redevelopment . ... . . . . . . .
94
Commitment to State and FederalPrograms . . . . . .
95
Energy Facility Siting and Development . . . . . . .
96
Mobile Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
96
.Public Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . .
97
VI
LAND CLASSIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
104
Relationship of Policies and Land Classification . .
106
Intergovernmental Coordination . . . . . . . . . . .
110
GENERAL
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On file
APPENDIX
A: PLANTS AND ANIMALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
with
APPENDIX
B: INVENTORY OF HISTORIC SITES . . . . . . . . . . .
County
L

APPENDIX C: BOAT ACCESS AND RECREATION AREAS . . . . . . . . On file
r_
APPENDIX D: HOUSING ANALYSIS (INCLUDING MOBILE HOMES) . . with
APPENDIX E: SANITARY AND BACTERIOLOGICAL SURVEYS . . . . . County
APPENDIX F: PUBLIC ATTITUDE QUESTIONNAIRE . . . . . . . .
ENCLOSURES: FACTOR MAPS

a, SECTION I
PRESENT CONDITIONS
The purpose of this section of the Land Use Plan Update is to
evaluate existing conditions within the County, specifically demo-
graphic and economic patterns.
nf%r%111 11TTA11
The consultant's planning approach involves a study of popula-
tion and housing, together with an understanding of their implications
on the use of the land, the capacity of the land to absorb the growth,
the capacity of major capital facilities to absorb the growth and
finally an adjustment of growth rates through management tools in order
to accomplish growth management goals. Because Currituck County had
special problems which would interfere with growth projections, it be-
came incumbent to deal with those problems first. Thus, Coastal Con-
sultants, Ltd. began their analysis with a study of the Outer Banks in
order to determine the growth policies towards the "subset". This was
necessary because any determination of a right of access and develop-'
ment would profoundly affect the projected population and the.need for
facilities. Having completed that analysis, we studied problems
attendant to -population.
The population of Currituck County was determined by the U.S.
Census of 1970 to be 6,976 people. By township, this population was

F
estimated as:
Fruitville 508
Moyock 1494
Crawford 2487
Poplar Branch 2487
Since 1970 The North Carolina Office of State Budget and
Management has attempted to estimate population changes. They esti-
mated that in 1978, the population had risen to 10,600 people. This
represents an estimated 5.3% annual growth rate. Furthermore, they
estimated that based -on the 1976 OBER series the population in 1990
would be approximately 24,400 people, with an annual growth rate from
1978 to 1990 of 7.3%. Until the 1980 census is completed, the County
will have to rely on estimated data. In order to check the State
estimates, we decided to physically count the number of structures
currently being used for residential purposes. We felt that this infor-
mation would offer us the most reliable gauge of growth.
We determined that as of March 1980, there were approximately
4156 housinq units in Currituck County. This rumber does not include
houses that are clearly not in residential use, structures that were
removed from the housing stock by fire or flood or collapse. By con-
sulting the property records in the county tax office, we were able to
determine when most of the houses were built. (We resorted to this
methodology because the county does not have a record of building starts
before 1978.) From this information, we determined that 671 units
were added within the last five years and 955 units
I*
y

3
were added between 1970 and 1975. One of the difficulties with
y this information is the necessity of counting mobile homes. New
additions to the housing stock from mobile homes were estimated to
be 298 between 1975 and 1980 587 between 1970 and 1975. In order
to count mobile homes, we were forced to presume that mobile home
additions came from the placement of new or relatively new mobile
homes on property (a risky assumption).
Furthermore, our method of analysis presumes that even among
inhabitable structures there is a 7% vacancy rate. The Office of
• State Budget and Management determined that the housing size in the
County in 1975 was 3.17 persons per household. We adjusted this rate
to reflect declining house sizes of new residents and the vacancy
rate and hence used a multiplier of 2.9 persons per house. For purposes
of comparison we used a lower vacancy rate of 3% and did not adjust
.for declining house size. This left us with a multiplier of 3.1
persons per household. The only way to determine the actual rate
would be to conduct a random sample of counted structures to measure
vacancy and house size. When we checked our results with the census
data, we found we had several hundred more people in the county in
1970;.this seemed to affirm our judgment that the methodology was
appropriate, the excess being seasonal residents.
Fur purposes of land use analysis, we have found that it is not
usually advisable to remove seasonal residents from the study. Seasonal

4
residents impact as much as permanent residC,;rs on the environment
and the land. Many facilities, particularly water and sewer, must
meet sustained peak demand occasioned by regular seasonal use. Other
facilities, such as fire and police, roads, and health, must plan to
meet seasonal capacity. In fact, only schools and welfare seem planned
to.permanent population (seasonal residents would be expected to send
their children to school in the area in which they are permanent residents).
We have attempted to indicate a percentage of seasonal use, although
there were too many problems in interpreting the data to use this pro-
jection reliably. When the 1980 Census is complete, we will again be
able to determine seasonal residents in mobile units and brick and
frame housing by subtracting the estimated population from the census
population.
The housing data on seasonal and permanent residents does not
include persons living in camper trailers or vehicles, nor does it
include possible "bulges" in house sizes from summer visitation and
passers -through. Given these reservations, we estimate the population
as follows: Although the growth rate for the nine year period was
estimated at 5.6%, the growth rate for the last 4 years was projected
at only 4.5%, representing some decline. This estimate is higher
however than the growth rate.projected by the State Office of Budget
and Management in that they projected a 3.5% annual increase.
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5
We should note that house size in ocean beach communities appears to
exhibit 4.5 persons per unit during peak season. Whether this applies
to soundside seasonal communities is not capable of determination.
Permanent housing stock and population should be expected to decrease
further in house size.
If we break this information into the township unit, we can
learn something about those areas of the County which are realizing
the most growth. In terms of net increase in population, Poplar Branch
township has shown the most growth, namely 549 new housing units
(approximately 1593 people) in the last ten years. On the other hand,
the highest rate of growth occurred in Moyock township where the
annual growth rate exceeded 7.3%
This information is set out in more detail in the table below:
POPULATION (1970-1980)
Rate of growth
Township 1980 1975 1970 1970-80 70-80 75-80
Fruitville 1360 1157 1056 304 2.9% 4.0%
Crawford 3602 3056 2184 1418 5.7 4.3
Moyock 2567 2056 1369 1198 7.3 5.5
Poplar Branch 4524 3836 2931 1593 5.0 4.2
TOTAL 12053 10105 7540 4513
Graphically, growth patterns appear as follows:

6
11,000
10,000
91000
8,000
7,000
1970 1975 .1980
Currituck County has incurred a strong growth rate since 1970
which has added an estimated 4500 persons to the total population
.since 1970. The.growth has been fairly evenly distributed throughout
the County except in Fruitville Township, which has the smallest popu-
lation as well as the slowest growth rate.
Currituck County does get a substantial amount of seasonal
visitors. (Approximately 25% of its peak population.) The Atlantic
flyway and winter resting place for waterfowl and the well-known bass
fishery of the Sound generate considerable early and late season
tourism, as well as longer term seasonal residents in campgrounds and
second homes. The effects of the increased seasonal population as
.well as the increased permanent population on land use and. services
are discussed in the sections on capacity, facilities and services.
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
Agriculture is themain economic activity within Currituck
County due to the climate, soil conditions and the working habits of
the people. The trend is increased value of agriculture products, with
fewer farms, mechanization and specialization, and less tenancy.
k

7
Agricultural1
No. of farms
191
Ave. size of farms (acres)
283
► Ave. value of land & bldgs.
$180,771 (per
farm)
Value of agric. prod, sold
Crops
$8,962,000
L/S Poultry
3,450,000
Forest prod.
20,000
TOTAL
$12,432,000
Tenure of Operators
Full owners
47%
Part owners
38%
Tenants
15%
' Estimated Farm Receipts
Crop
$10,478,585
L/S & Poultry
6,544,000
Forestry
414,000
TOTAL
$17,436,585
Farmland and Income
Acres
of Harvested and
Estimated
Idle Cropland
Farm Income
1965
38,7.14
$ 8,397,628
1966
38,699
7,794,928
1967
39,391
6,795,621
1968
38,550
7,888,630
1969
39,580
9,075,630
1970
39,154
6,621,000
1971
40,848
5,760,000
1972
39,471
7,173,000
1973
43,109
11,123,000
1Paul S. Stone, Coordinator,
Center for
Rural Resource Devel-
opment, North Carolina State University, 1979.
20ffice of State Budget and Management,
Profile, NC Counties,
1979..

(continuation)
Acres of Harvested any'
Estimated
Idle Cropland
Farm Income
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
Labor Force
Total Labor Force Rate
of Unemployment
1970
2,710
5.5%
1971
2,710
5.5%
1972
2,700
5.2%
1973
2,670
4.9%
1974
2,710
5.2%
1975
2,720
6.3%
1976
2,610
6.5%
1977
2,890
6.6%
1978
4,660
3.9%
Industrial Employment4
Total
Manufacturing
Other
1970
660
60
600
1971
740
110
630
1972
780
120
660
1973
930
160
770
1974
940
130
810
1975
1,010
120
890
1976
1,080
150
930
1977
1,110
180
930
1978
1,180
160
1,020
30ffice of State Budget and Management
4Office of State Budget and Management
11
MW

9
Sales
and Use Tax Gross Collegtions
and Gross Retail Sales
Fiscal
Sales and Use Tax
Retail Sales
1965-66
$ 97,224
$ 7,343,601
1966-67
95,987
8,029,093
1967-68
100,463
8,058,464
1968-69
109,280
8,791,866
1969-70
114,754
9,182,794
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
Industry --New and Ex2anded6
Investment
Cumulative Total for
(in 000s)
Employees
the Years
New Expanded
New Expanded
1960-1964
$950 $600
75 15
1965-1969
55 0
8 0
1970-1974
75 15
70 0
1975-1979
0 0 .
0 0
The majority,of
new growth in the County stems
from the in -
migration of persons
who work in the Norfolk -Portsmouth
area. In
.effect, the income to
the County derived from taxes
is from the
property taxes of the
"bedroom community" and the farms. The County
is also experiencing
an increase in the number of
retired persons.
Although industrial land
use continues to be a small
contributer of
County income, the tourist industry continues to be a large source of
50ffice of State Budget and Management
60ffice of State Budget and Management

10
income. The North Carolina Division of Tourism and Travel Promotion
reports that receipts from travel expenditur--s during.1977 amounted
i
to $2,619,000, and in 1978, the latest year figures were available,
$2,918,000 came into the County. This amounts to about 21% of total
ti
retail income in the County.
EXISTING LAND USE
The existing land use map included in this report shows
generally how the development (structures) are distributed throughout
the County. The purpose of this map is to indicate the scattered
development pattern of the County, with strip development along major
roads. This pattern emphasizes the difficulty of providing services ,
in an economical manner to all residents of the County. Pockets of
development are shown, especially trailer parks and growth centers
such as Moyock and Grandy, where public services are feasible with
appropriate densities. Development of the Currituck Banks continues
to progress slowly. Access problems, the state of the economy, and
the speculative nature of many of the lot sales are probable causes.
Furthermore, many lots were purchased by those who are waiting for
retirement before building.
In 1979, Howard T. Capps. PA, completed a land use inventory
of Currituck County at a scale of 1" = 2000' which served as a basis
for analysis of existing land use. On these maps are shown forested
areas, agricultural uses, roads, water, marshes, and types of �.
structures. Due to their size, they are not included in the report,
although they are available for review at the County Building Inspec-
tor's office.

Another source of land use information was obtained from the
NASA satellite. We obtained color infrared photography of the County
for 1979 from which we were able to determine extent of marshland,
forest resources, agricultural lands, and water turbidity.
SIGNIFICANT LAND USE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
Many compatibility problems such as commercial or industrial
activities in residential areas have been alleviated by enforcement
of regulations in the zoning ordinance. Other compatibility problems
are complaints about hog lots about odors, removal of fill from the
County (soil mining), and mobile home development. These problems
are discussed in Section V - Policy.
PROBLEMS FROM UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT
The primary land use problems in the County have arisen from
high density mobile home parks, and mobile home subdivisions which
have been located in areas which were previously agricultural. This
growth has occurred in a sprawl pattern which has made the provision
of facilities and services difficult. Development has taken place in
many areas which are environmentally unsuitable (e.g. soils unsuitable
for septic tanks, marshland, productive farmland).
AREAS LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE MAJOR LAND USE CHANGES
1 Much land which could be considered marginal for development
(e.g. wet soils, low-lying areas, marshes, shoreline areas) is being
developed for residential use, especially for mobile home development.
Some agricultural land is also being sold off so that profit can be

12
made for residential development. There is also pressure for develop-
ment of soundfront and Currituck Banks prope-•',y for retirement and
second homes.
If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Proposed Purchase of the Curri-
tuck Banks north of Corolla and associated wetlands is carried out, a
major land use change will occur for that area. The area, which is
presently platted with hundreds of lots would be turned into a wildlife
preserve.
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (AECs)
Currituck County has the following AECs within its boundaries:
Ocean hazard areas, estuarine shoreline, estuarine and public trust
waters, and AEC wetlands. (For descriptions of these AEC types see
DNRCD State Guidelines for Areas of Environmental Concern-15 North
Carolina Administrative Code, Subchapter 7H).
The ocean hazard area of Currituck County occurs along the
Currituck Banks, a peninsula jutting southward from Virginia into Dare
County. The Banks are about 23 miles long and range in width from
less than 2000 feet to.more than one mile.
Estuarine shoreline and waters of Currituck County include the
Currituck Sound, Albemarle .Sound, and parts of the North and the North-
west Rivers. These waters total nearly two hundred square miles.
Public trust waters in Currituck County include the upper
reaches of the North and Northwest Rivers, and a number of small
creeks (e.g. Tulls Creek, Landing Creek). Other water areas would
include the Atlantic Ocean offshore from Currituck Banks to the sea-
ward limit of State jurisdiction, and all other estuarine waters.

13
That is --public trust waters include all surface waters except those
in privately -owned lakes up -stream of the point of impoundment (e.g.
farm ponds at the head of a watershed). Approximately 40% of the
County's geographic area is occupied by public trust water and subject
to all regulations appertaining to such waters.
Coastal wetland in Currituck County is extensive. The largest
area of Coastal wetland occurs along the Currituck Banks (about 11,000
acres.) Other areas include areas of Knotts Island within Mackay
Island Refuge, areas along the North and Northwest Rivers, Maple Swamp
and other areas as shown on the included AEC wetlands map.
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
STATE AGENCY PLANS
Transportation Improvements Program, 1980-1986: Prepared by the N.C.
Department of Transportation, is a statewide schedule of highway
improvements to be undertaken during the seven year period 1980-1986.
The following projects are proposed for Currituck County.
Project R-520: Widen existing two land roadway of U.S. 158
to a four -lane (five -lane in some areas) divided facility.from Barco
to Point Harbor. The project will include removal of existing Intra-
coastal Waterway bridge at Coinjock and replacement with a four -lane
65 foot high bridge. The project is planned for construction in fiscal
year 1984,.with a total cost of 34,000,000 dollars. In addition,
project K-710 planned for fiscal year 1985 includes a rest area
included with the R-520 improvements.
Project W-711: NC 34 from .1 miles north of SR 1232 to NC
168.. Project includes construction of 2 foot paved shoulders on NC

14
34 and installation of side road warning signs near NC 1234.
Feasibility Study of State Acquisition of 'tho Private Road From Dare
County to Corolla, September 1, 1979. This study describes the
problems with public access to Corolla from bare County and the alter-
natives to this action. The conclusion reached was that the only
financially feasible and environmentally sound action which could be
undertaken in the near future was the State taking of the road from
Duck to Corolla. An environmental impact analysis is currently under-
way to determine if significant environmental impacts will be expected
from the proposed action.
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP): The purpose
of the SCORP is to compile and analyze the existing supply of and
16
demand for recreation facilities in the State. The SCORP analysis is
by regions, and has no specific analysis for each County. Currituck
County is in Region R, along with Camden, Chowan, Dare, Gates, Hyde,
Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties.
North Carolina Water Resources Framework Study: The Study was com-
pleted in 1977 by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic
Resources. The purpose of the Study was to identify.water resource
needs for River Basins of North Carolina. Currituck County is in the
Chowan-Pasquotank River Basin. Resources indicated for protection
are: 1) Coastal Marshes in the County, 2) designation of the North
River as a public fishing stream, and 3) establishment of a Moyock
Creek small flood control project, 4) designation of a wooded swamp
conservation area along Northwest River.

15
LOCAL PLANS
Outer Banks Development Plan (1973): This plan discusses
development of the Outer Banks and recommends 1) protection of the
marshes and dune systems, 2) State acquisition of historic and recrea-
tion sites, 3) "cluster" design schemes and water and sewer utilities•
in new developments, and 4) ferry access from the mainland.
Community Facilities Plan (1973): This plan contains an inven-
tory and analysis of existing community facilities and makes estimates
of future needs based upon anticipated population growth and planned
land use patterns.
County Development Guide (1974): The Guide designates future
land use in various areas as Residential, Employment,.Agricultural
Production, Timber Production or Conservation. The Guide proposes a
limited access scenic coastal highway through the County. Initial
access to the Banks is to be provided by a ferry across from Adylett
and Corolla.
Feasibility Study on Water and Sewer Facilities (1974): This
study explores requirements, cost estimates, and proposes a financing
plan for water and sewer utilities for the Banks and Mainland through
1990.
Currituck County Schools Master Plan (1974): The Plan out-
lines school construction needs during the period 1975-1985.
Currituck County Economic Development Plan (1975): This plan
analyzes population growth and the County economy and proposes recom-
mendations to improve the economy: 1) formulate policies concerning
the development of County facilities and services 2) establish -a -County
Recreation Commission and create a Recreation Department within county

16
government 3) establish an economic development commission 4) create
an expanded vocational education program wi+':in the County school
system.
Currituck County Land Use Plan (1976): This Plan was pre-
pared to meet State regulations of the 1974 Coastal Area Management
Act. The Plan included background material and analyses, and identi-
fied land use issues and discussed alternative solutions to solving
land use related problems.
HUD 701 Planning Program (1978): This program compiled a list
of potential projects for the County which indicated project purpose,
sponsor, benefits and assistance.
A Fiscal Impact Assessment of Development on the Currituck
Banks (1979): This report assess the likely fiscal impacts (the
public costs of serving development contrasted with the potential tax
revenue that. would be generated) would be on Currituck County if the
Outer Banks are developed (and preserved) in different ways.
FEDERAL
Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the Proposed National
Wildlife Refuge on the Currituck Outer Banks (1979): The Draft State-
ment discusses the proposal of the Fish and Wildlife Service to
protect and preserve approximately 15,880 acres of Barrier Beach in
Currituck County. Alternatives are addressed, as well as the ecologi-
cal impacts of present and proposed development along with the pro-
jected socioeconomic implications if acquisition were to occur.
Maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway: The Army Corps of
Engineers is working with the State in the proposed bridge replacement

17
in Coinjock. The Corps has held in abeyance plans for maintenance
of project depth of the Intracoastal Waterway through Currituck County
due to problems in determining suitable sites for dredged disposal.
LOCAL LAND USE REGULATIONS
The land use regulations listed below are in effect in Curri-
tuck County:
Zoning Ordinance: The entire county is covered by the ordinance.
The ordinance separates the County into districts and regulates and
restricts the use of land, buildings, and structures within these
districts.
Subdivision Regulations: The regulations govern the arrange-
ment of lots and streets in new subdivisions, and the provision of
improvements.
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.
Flood Protection: Provision for flood protection is incorpor-
ated in the zoning ordinance. The ordinance requires proposed new
construction or substantial improvements to be designed to prevent
flood damage and that utilities be designed to prevent flood damage..
Ordinance Regulating, Restricting, and Prohibiting the Use of
Power Driven Vehicles on the Outer Banks Barrier Strand: This Ordi-
nance, passed in 1977, regulates the use of power driven vehicles on
public property, and regulates their speed and manner of operation.

Um
STATE LICENSES AND PERMITS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Department of Natural Resources - Permits to discharge to surface
and Community Development waters or operate waste water
Division of Environmental treatment plants or oil discharge
Management permits;'NPDES Permits, (G.S.
143-215).
Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development
Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development
Division of Earth Resources
- Permits for septic tanks with a
capacity over 3000 gallons/day
(G.S. 143-215.3).
- Permits for withdrawal of sur-
face ur ground waters in capacity
use areas (G.S. 143-215.15).
- Permits for air pollution
abatement facilities and sources
(G.S. 143-215.108).
- Permits for construction of com-
plex sources; e.g. parking lots,
subdivisions, stadiums, etc.
(G.S. 143-215.109).
- Permits for construction of a
well over 100,000 gallons/day
(G.S. 87-88).
- Permits to dredge and/or fill in
estuarine waters, tidelands,etc.
(G.S. 113-229).
- Permits to undertake development
in Areas of Environmental Concern
(G.S. 113A-118).
NOTE: Minor development permits
are issued by the local
government.
- Permits to alter or construct a
dam (G.S. 143-215.66).
- Permits to mine (G.S. 74-51).
- Permits to drill an exploratory
oil or gas well (G.S. 113-381).
- Permits to conduct geographical
exploration (G.S. 113-391).
A
le
i

19
- Sedimentation erosion control
plans for any land disturbing
activity of over one contiguous
acre (G.S. 113A-54).
Department of Natural Resources
- Permits to construct an oil
and Community Development
refinery.
Secretary of NRCD
Department of Administration
- Easements to fill where lands are
proposed to be raised above the
normal high water mark of navi-
gable waters by filling (G.S.
146.6(c)).
Department of Human Resources
- Approval to operate a solid
waste disposal site or facility
(G.S. 130-166.16).
- Approval for construction of any
,.
public water supply facility
that serves at least 15 connec-
tions for year-round residences
or 25 or more year-round
residents.

20
FEDERAL LICENSES AND PERMITS
Army Corps of Engineers - Permits required under Sections
(Department of Defense) 9 and 10 of the Rivers and Har-
bors of 1899; permits to construct
in navigable waters.
- Permits required under Section
103 of the Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries Act
of 1972.
- Permits required under Section
404 of Lhz Federal Water Pollu-
tion Control Act of 1972;
permits to undertake dredging
and/or filling activities.
Coast Guard - Permits for bridges, causeways, -
(Department of Transportation) pipelines over navigable waters;
required under the General
Bridge Act of 1946 and the
Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
- Deep water port permits.
Geological Survey Permits required for off -shore
Bureau of Land Management drilling.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
- Approvals of OCS pipeline
corridor rights -of -way.
- Licenses for siting, construction
and operation of nuclear power
plants; required under the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 and Title II
of the Energy Reorganization Act
of 1974.
A
a
- Permits for construction, opera-
tion and maintenance of inter-
state pipelines facilities
required under the Natural Gas
Act of 1938. .,

21
- Orders of interconnection of
electric transmission facili-
ties under Section 202(b) of
the Federal Power Act.
- Permission required for aban-
donment of natural gas pipe-
line and associated facilities
under Section 7C(b) of the
Natural Gas Act of 1938.
— Licenses for non-federal hydro-
electric projects and associated
transmission lines under Sections
4 and 15 of the Federal Power
Act.

ti
SECTION II
CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY
HAZARD AREAS: MAN-MADE
Currituck County leases from the State a large tract of land
on US 158 and SR 1244. This property includes a concrete air strip.
Plans are being made to designate this area for industrial develop-
ment. The County landfill at this site is under study for expansion.
r
Potential groundwater pollution will be determined before the State
will permit expansion.
HAZARD AREAS: NATURAL
SOILS:
The soils in Currituck County are generally unsuitable for
septic systems. However, there are varying degrees of unsuitability,
and the areas of unsuitability are site specific and depend.on the
level of detail used for planning purposes. The mapping of soils
presented in this plan follow the detailed soil mapping units and the
recommendations for their use limitations by the US Soil Conservation
Service.

23
Mainland
Depth to
'Reason
Soil Unit
Water Table
Rating
Altavista fine sandy loam
1.5-2.5
severe
wet, floods
Ballahack fine sandy loam
0-1
"
Barclay very fine sandy
1.5-2.5
"
Bertie fine sandy loam
1-2
"
Bibb fine sandy loam
0-1
"
Cape fear loam
1/2-1
"
Marshland
0-1
"
Conetoe loamy sand
6
slight
-
Dare Muck
0-1
severe
wet, floods
Dogue fine sandy loam
0-2 1/2
"
wetness
Dorvan soils
0-1/2
wet, floods
Dragston fine sandy loam
0-1
wet, ground-
water contam-
ination
Hyde loam
1/2-1.5
wet, floods
Johnston mucky loam
0-1.5
"
Nixonton silt loam
3-5
moderate
wet
Ogeechee fine sandy loam
0-1
severe
wet
Pasquotank silt loam
1-2
Ponzer muck.
0-1
wet, floods
Portsmouth fine sandy loam
0-1
wet
Roanoke fine sandy loam
0-1
wet, floods
State fine sandy loam
6
slight
"
Wando loamy sand
6
severe
inadequate
filtration
Wahee fine sandy loam
0-1
severe
wet, floods
Wasda muck
0
wetness.
Weeksville silt loam
0-1
"
Wickham fine sandy loam
5
slight
-
Rumford loamy sand
6
11-
Currituck Banks
Beach-foredune
Beach 0-3
v. severe
flood
Foredune 6
Corolla fine sand
1.5-3
severe
wet, poor
filtering
Corolla-Duckston
1-3
"
"
Duneland
6
severe
unstable
Currituck
0-3
v. severe
wet, flood
Newhan fine sand
6
slight
poor filter-
ing .
U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Currituck Co.
1
a
I.

24
It is apparent that few suitable soils exist either on the
mainland or the banks for on -lot se01 wage disposal without potential
for health or environmental degredation. Even the more suitable soils
pose special problems due to their extreme permeability which will
allow effluent to enter the groundwater or adjacent water bodies.
By overlaying the map showing past residential growth with
the man showing soils suitable for septic systems, we notice that past
growth utilized many of the more suitable soils. However, present and
future growth will probably utilize many of the more marginal and
unsuitable soils. Furthermore, the past growth was generally rural
residential and occurred at distances furtherest from the Sound, where-
as future growth is likely to be commuter residential and recreational
and occur near the Sound.
GROUNDWATER SYSTEM$
Surficial clay, sand, and gravel deposits of post -Miocene age
extend over the entire County. The surficial deposits range in thick-
ness 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 topographic features.
The surficial deposits are underlain throughout the County
by the upper Miocene Yorktown formation. This formation consists of
clays, sands, shells, and limestones. The Yorktown formation generally
increases in thickness progressively in the direction of its strati -
$Moore, Gardner and Associates, Inc. Report on Currituck
County Comprehensive Study as to�Po ulation; Econorhy and Water and
Sewerage Requirements to 1990, 1970.

25
graphic dip to the southeast. The Miocene units thicken from about
660 feet in the western part of the County t- more than 800 feet at
Church Island. Miocene sediments are underlain unconformably through-
out the County by the Beaufort Formation of the Paleocene Age.
The water level in the surficial sands is generalb 1/2 foot
to 8 1/2 feet below the land surface. North of Aydlett, water from
the water rable 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
influence in the cone of depression near Moyock. It is about 9-14
feet below the surface at Point Harbor. Annual fluctuations of water
levels in the Yorktown upper aquifer are not nearly as large as in the
overlying watertable aquifer. The surface of the groundwater aquifer
is highest in September -October and lowest in March -May.
Aquifers
Potable water is obtained from the watertable aquifer a-nd
the Yorktown aquifer throughout the County. However the Yorktown
}
lower aquifer is utilized for domestic water supplies only in the
southern part of the County. Surficial sands of the watertable
aquifer furnish more water to wells in the County, and in particular

26
the central and southern parts of 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 watertable aquifer and the Yorktown upper aquifer
and in some areas the Yorktown lower aquifer. Much of this water con-
tains objectionable amounts of iron or hardness -causing constituents,
but water which is satisfactory for most purposes is available in a few
localities.
Watertable Aquifer
The watertable aquifer generally contains the least minera-
lized water in Currituck County. Sums of dissolved mineral consti-
tuents vary from about 35 to 1,000 ppm, but most water tables conta t
less than.500 ppm total dissolved 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 watertable wells yield water which is
classified as soft. These soft waters are from localized sandy zones
that contain little shell material and no real pattern or areal dis-
tribution can be established for them.
Yorktown Upper Aquifer
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

27
as calcium carbonate ranged from 78 to 524.
Yorktown Lower Aquifer
Few wells are known to produce water from the Yorktown Lowe^
Aquifer in Currituck County. Fresh water can probably be obtained from IV
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
Currituck Sound remain high. ($1.00 to $2.00 per 1000 gallons)9
Potable water is obtainable from the watPrtable aquifer and
the Yorktown aquifer throughout the County.10 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.11 Most private wells in the County rely on the Surficial
9River and Associates, Greenville, NC.
10Moore, Gardner and Associates, p. 13.
11DNRCD, Office of Water Resources.
t

28
aquifer. Since densities remain low in the County, and yearly rain-
fall 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 24, "Relation of the Water Table to Physio-
graphic Features," indicates areas on the Currituck Beach Barrier Spit
as having 7.4 and 8.5 feet water table above mean sea level. Their
locations are possible sources of water table well fields.l2
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 inches 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 con-
siders the theoretical 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 unit systems. The Ocean Sands development, utilizing
horizontal collectors has been shown to pump over 200 gpm for a 24
hour period.13 The major problem in using the shallow well horizontal
12Moore, Gardner and Associates, Figure 5.
13DNRCD. Office of Water Resources.

29
system is the potential which exists for contamination from on -lot
sewage disposal systems or other contaminant, 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 Caro l i;ia 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
720 ft. to 4000 ppm at 300 ft. The maximum standard for chlorides is
250 ppm. Under certain development circumstances, potable water can
be obtained from de-salination of such water.14 (Ocracoke, for example
has such a system, but costs are high at $2.00 per 1000 gal.)
SLOPES
The Currituck mainland is generally flat. Rising gradually
toward the north and west, it varies in elevation between sea level
and about 25 feet. The Currituck Banks have a mean elevation of about
six feet, but a few of the dunes rise above 70 feet. Less than ten
percent of the County's area occurs in gradients of more than two
percent.l5
FRAGILE AREASI6
Areas defined as Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) by the
State are fragile areas in Currituck County. These areas include k
14DNRCD, Office of Water Resources.
15North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development,
Land Potential Study, Currituck County, NC, 1966, p. 15.
16North Carolina DNRCD, Currituck County Land Use Plan, 1976.

30
ocean hazard areas, estuarine shoreline, estuarine and public trust
J. waters and AEC wetlands in Currituck County. (See Section I, p. 11
for general location of areas and Section V regarding policy). Other
r
areas considered fragile, but are not designated as AEC are discussed
below.
The Outer Banks: Sand Dunes,ROcean Beaches, Shoreline
Sand dunes are barren, partly vegetated deposits of windblown
sand. Although the largest, so-called barrier dunes, occur immediately
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.
Ocean and estuarine beaches and shorelines occur along the
entire coast. These are land areas without vegetation, consisting of
unconsolidated 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 consti-
tutes 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

31
range in width from less than 2,000 feet to more than one mile.
Approximately 6,000 years old, the banks wer- the product of wind and
I
sand and water. Theories concerning their origin vary. They may have
been born when a mainland ridge was surrounded by rising sea levels.
It is possible that they were generated by the elongation of a coastal
sand spit. Another possibility is that they were formed by th, gradual
rise of an offshore bar. However, it is clear that they envolved 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
L.
Currituck's length, only to be reclosed by sands setting from long -
shore currents. Still evident on the banks is oceanic overwash, a
process which drives them slowly landward. Vegetation is the stabi-
lizing.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 governed by wind exposure, water supply, and
the sands' nutrient supply and'salt content.
CURRITUCK SOUND
Because of its biological importance, Currituck Sound deserves
special attention here. The sound covers approximately 166 square
miles. It is of very low salinity and is fringed with marsh land.

32
Formerly saline, it has become a fresh water body since the closing
r
of the Currituck Banks in the 1800's. An extensive and productive bass
fishery has developed, and its marshes are a critical link in the
Atlantic Flyway, providing food for great numbers of migratory water-
fowl. It is probably the most productive hunting and fishing area in
North Carolina, and it serves as a rookery for many .shore birds.
It is fed by the Northwest and North Rivers, numerous farm
drainage.ditches, and by Virginia's Back Bay. It receives much swamp
drainage. Much of this influx is slightly acid and low in oxygen.
The sound and its marshes form a complex community of inter-
dependent plants and organisms in an aquatic environment. Through an
Y
intricate system of cycles, the community members share vital resources
such as nutrients and energy. The sun is the ultimate energy source,
while decaying marsh vegetation and water grasses are the supplier of
nutrients.
The mechanism through which nutrients and energy are shared
is the food chain. Plants utilize the sun's energy, in the formation
of organic matter. These plants are in turn eaten by herbivorous
animals, while flesh -eating carnivores occupy the final links in the
chain.
Energy flows through the system in only one direction. Thus
the sound community requires a continuous input of sunlight. Nutrients.,
however, must often be recycled. Decay organisms, primarily bacteria
1 and fresh water worms, provide this feed back mechanism, breaking down
organic debris into forms utilized by the plant community.
Currituck is a very special sound. It is low in salinity.
It is not.affected by lunar tides. And it is very shallow. This

33
uniqueness, however, makes it especially vulnerable to external
influences.
y.
The sound has been abused and has reacted accordingly.
Extensive dredging has induced high turbidity and harmful siltation in
its waters. Sporadic wind tides are insufficient to flush this turbi-
dity from the sound and serve only to resuspend settled silt, thus
increasing the water's murkiness. The sound's all important grasses
have been adversely affected.
Salt water is an effective remedy for excessive turbidity,
causing suspended sediments to settle to the bottom. Thus, many per-
sons have advocated returning the sound to a saline condition. These
persons also contend that a salt sound would be a greater benefit to
the Currituck County economy.
COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS
Complex natural areas are lands that support native plant and
animal communities and provide habitat conditions or characteristics
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 natural areas or their
scientific or educational value.
Complex natural areas provide the few remaining examples of
conditions that existed within the coastal area prior to settlement
by Western man. Often these natural areas provide habitat conditions.
These areas help provide an historical perspective to changing
natural conditions in the coastal area and together are important and _
irreplaceable scientific and educational resources.

34
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 capacilities of the soil and the
lack of sufficient drainage ways 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 management.could
still provide refuge for the big game, deer and bear, found in the

35
county. However, bog converted to agricultural use would have less
value for wildlife purposes; in fact, it wr,:d be deleterious to
certain wildlife communities, particularly deer and bear.
Wooded swamps in the county cover approximately 22,000 acres
in the lowlying 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 growing 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 usefulness 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.
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 manage-
ment is not likely to decrease the value of swamps for wildlife. With t
some planning, proper forestry practices could actually enhance their
usefulness as refuge areas.

36
AREAS'THAT SUSTAIN REMNANT SPECIES
r�
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 condittons necessary for
the survival of existing populations or communities of rare or endan-
gered 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 specie they
support are a valuable educational and scientific resource.
The North Carolina Endangered Species Committee, convened by
the Department.of Natural and Economic Resources, has compiled a list
of endangered plants and animals in North Carolina. The list provides
a knowledge of those plant and animal species in North Carolina that
are threatened with extinction. In many cases, such as the Venus Fly-
trap, Shortia and the alligator, these are species that lend -character
to our state and that should never be allowed to disappear from our
native flora and fauna. In some cases, the threats to the species are
not related.to man's activities. In others, however, through his
destruction of the species' habitat, man is inadvertantly dooming the
species to extinction. By identifying species so endangered, and by
identifying projects and actions that threaten the species' habitat,
State agencies should be able to develop action programs to protect
the species and insure their perpetuation. In addition, many of these

37
species are especially useful as livi.ng monitors of environmental
quality in our state and it is important th:'- they be protected for
that reason. (See Appendix A for listing.)
PRODUCTIVE AND UNIQUE AGRICULTURAL LAND
Corn, soybeans, and hogs are presently the County's principal
agricultural outputs and are likely to remain so in view of the con-
stantly increasing demand for them.
Soils in the north central part of the County, and in the
northwest section adjacent to the Dismal Swamp are particularly well
suited to soybean, corn, and Irish potato production. Since the
Dismal Swamp is actually a bog (a wetland with a highly organic muck
soil), there would be an excellent crop potential if parts of it were
drained and converted to agricultural use. Muck soils, when properly
drained and prepared, can give very high yields of corn and soybeans.
The sandy loam soils in the areas stretching from Barco, near the mid-
dle of the peninsula, to Point Harbor, at the southern tip, are quite
suitable for growing vegetables and fruits. The most important of
these crops were.snapbeans, peaches, cabbage, cantaloupes,cucumbers,
sweet corn, tomatoes and watermelons. The commercial acreage planted
in these crops is expected to decrease because of labor and marketing
conditions.
Growing and marketing fresh produce is one of the main com-
mercial retail enterprises in the county. Many residents have taken
advantage of the busy tourist flow to and from the Dare County outer
banks during the summer season and have erected small roadside produce
stands from which they sell produce at retail prices. Often the grower-

KN
can more than double the return for his crop by retailing it himself
rather than by selling it to produce buyers. The gross return from
r truck crops is almost equal to that of either soybeans or corn. How-
ever, the acreage used for truck crop production is less than one -fifth
the amount used for the two major crops.
Agricultural workers and farmers expect a modest increase in the
production of truck crops in Currituck for roadside marketing. The main
reason is that the available market is relatively unlimited. As it is
currently operated, the market serves primarily tourists and local resi-
dents. Very few farmers sell their produce to commercial wholesalers,
and very little contract farming is done. Contract farming offers the
best possibilities for a large increase in commercial truck crop produc-
tion. If vegetable processing is begun in the general region of which
Currituck is a part then farmers in the County might find it profitable
to enter into contractual arrangements to help provide part of the needed
vegetable supply. At the present time, however, the acreage devoted to
these crops will probably increase as a function of the increase in
tourist traffic using the County.
Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites
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.
Recent interest in the use of peat for energy source could cause future
interest in its use. (See Section V, Policy).
The Country has been experiencing the removal of soil materials
for use in other areas. This mining activity is a County concern. (See
Section V. Policy).

39
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 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 leased
land. These occupy several thousand acres of land. The Commission
also operates two water access (boat launching) areas: one near
Corolla on the Sound side of the Outer Banks; the other at Coinjock.
There are several commercial camping grounds in the County
and numerous duck blinds. 4
The County itself operates no recreation facilities other than
those which are part of its public school property.
HISTORIC SITES
The Twin Houses at Shawboro, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
at Corolla on the Currituck Banks, and the County Courthouse and Jail
are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (See Appen-
dix B for additional historic sites.)
17
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Without having a county recreation department, a considerable
amount of public recreation services are provided in the County. A
17Coastal Consultants, Ltd. and Ronald D. Johnsen, Recreation
and Open Space, Currituck County, 1980.

40
significant Community Schools program is provided by the Board of
Education. Jointly funded by the State, Board of Education budget
and other county funds, programs are held at all public schools in the
county, and include the following activities:
Adult Basketball - 4 gyms
Adult Slimnastics
Crafts, including ceramics, flower arranging, macrame,
crocheting, quilting, needlepoint and flower making 3-D
art, photography and cake decorating
Interior Decorating
Disco and square dancing
Youth Baseball (Community Schools pays umpires and field
maintenance), T-Ball and Babe Ruth Leagues
Day Camp .(Free lunch provided), summer program
Knott's Island Elementary School, 1/2 days, 5 days/wk.
Griggs Elementary School, 1/2 days, 2 days/wk.
High School, 3 days per week
Open Gym Program, Sundays at H.S. and Moyock Elementary
Gymnastics for school children
In addition, schools are available for rent by community
groups. No charge is made when there is "school or county benefit."
The program director reports they attempt to do small things widely,
rather than conduct large programs at a.central location. He reports
that boys and girls are in all school -sponsored programs and that
there is good non -white participation.
The Agricultural Extension program in the county appears to
provide more recreation -related services than most. The most unique

41
of these is the operation of the Coleman Youth Camp. Seen by some
as a 4-H camp, no restrictions are placed on rar-ticipation. Children
are bussed from their home areas alternating transportation between
north and south county routes. Children can attend with private trans-
portation also. An attendance of 5,000 was reported for 1979. Life-
guards are hired by the County. Through the good will of the camp
owner, the county enjoys a cost-free lease until 1985. Taxes continue
to be paid on the property. Facilities at the camp, which is located
near Moyock, include two tennis courts, a swimming area, recreation
hall, and a rather poor boat ramp used for canoe launching only. A
horsemanship ring is provided; lessons are offered. County residents
are reportedly free to use the area at other than day camp times. The
camp is located on the North West River, across from the state game -
land. Seven staff members are employed during the summer. The 4-H Ski
and Outing Club, now a family activity, is unique. Other farm and home
improvement and 4-H activities typical to Ag. Extension are also pro-
vided. The program is jointly financed by federal, state and county
government.
A four -county library system operates in the County, with a
facility located near the high school. The County pays for utilities,
maintenance and salaries for three full time staff, one of whom
operates the bookmobile. The staff conducts a story hour and summer
program consisting of movies, reading program and puppet shows; an
average of 30 elementary students attend once a week. The meeting
room receives extensive use by Agricultural Extention and other groups,
including uses for art exhibits, 4-H sewing, needlepoint, writers' -
workshop, craft workshop, Girl Scout training, self defense classes

42
and senior citizen clubs. The librarian reports circulation between
30,000 and 40,000 per year.
Ruritan Clubs in the County are reportedly very active,
several churches have adjacent ball fields and basketball standards
(although some are very poorly maintained), and Currituck Athletic
Association and an adult softball association function in the county.
INVENTORY OF PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL RECREATION PLACES
Twenty recreation facilities, and additional support businesses
were listed in the September 1979 bulletin, "Welcome to Currituck
County." Except for the Coleman Youth Camp, facilities listed cater
primarily to non-residents. The Maple Picnic area is a highway rest
stop. School grounds are not included in the list. (See Appendix C
for list.)
In addition to facilities listed, Currituck County owns.a 30
acre strip, 400 feet wide, immediately north of Corolla stretching
from Sound to Atlantic Ocean. On the sound side, there is very little
land not fronted by marsh. The County also owns 40 acres of marsh at
Ocean Hill, and approximately four acres of scattered lots in Whale -
head, south of Corolla. One lot was deeded to the .county by the
Coastland Corporation.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reports
licensing 737 waterfowl hunting blinds on the sound; hunt clubs have
additional blinds. Most hunting access is by boat across the sound.
Deed restrictions imposed on the NCWRC at the time of acquisition of
Poplar Branch Access Area require provision of slips for use by guides.
Both fishing and hunting guides use the 37 slips.

43
To many, the state ferry operating between Currituck and
Knott's Island is a recreational facility, of which is worth a
N
detour. To others, the free ferry provides access to recreation
(hunting or fishing) on Knott's Island. The ferry operator reports
near maximum use from Memorial Day through Labor Day. ~
Twenty-three miles of ocean beaches are also public property
below the mean high water mark. Issues related to this are discussed
later in the report.
The Twin Houses at Shawboro, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse,
the County Jail and Courthouse are listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, and are recreation resources. (See Appendix B for
additional historic sites.)
COUNTY EXPENDITURES FOR PUBLIC RECREATION
The Fiscal Year 1979-1980 county budget included items for
the following:
Library: $29,459
Community Schools: 11,028
Camp Coleman
Operations: 5,000
Rebuild Pier: 2,500
Total: $47,987
Some may question including the library budget within recrea-
tion expenditures; none can argue about the significance of leisure
time spent reading.
The County has previously funded other recreation -related
projects. Funds were provided for ball field lights at the Knott's
Island Elementary School. A year ago, the County matched a State

44
grant to the county arts council.
`r PRIVATELY OWNED CONSERVATION AREAS18
Swan Island Hunt Club --The Swan Island Hunt Club was recently
purchased by the Nature Conservancy. It consists of 812 acres of beach
and dune, with a conservation easement on the remaining 5095 acres of
shoal and marsh. The clubhouse on an island in the.Sound remains in
private ownership.
Monkey Island --Monkey Island Tract was the second of the
recent purchases by the Nature Conservancy. It is an undeveloped tract
of about 775 acres.
Pine Island Area --This involves the southern four miles of
the Currituck Banks. Primary ownership includes private owners and the
National Audubon Society.
�M
L
18U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Draft Environmental Impact
Statement of the Proposed*National,Wildlife—Refuge on the Curr tuck
Outer Banks, 1980,pp.173-74.

SECTION III
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
a
14ATER AND SEWER SERVICE
Currituck County owns and maintains one community water and
sewer system in Ocean Sands subdivision on the Currituck Banks. This
system, however, is restricted to that particular development at the
present time. Other developments using a "package type system" are
the prison unit at Maple, and the public schools.
Other than Ocean Sands, the water well systems throughout the
County are private. The use amounts of the systems and approximate
persons served are listed below.19
Use Persons
Griggs Elementary School 4500 gpd 300
Central Elementary 6500 gpd 430
Knotts Island K-8 2000 gpd 130
Moyock Elementary 4500 gpd 300
J.P. Knapp Jr. High 6000 gpd 400
Currituck High 10000 gpd 650
Tulls Bay Colony 2000 gpd 50
Universal Park 100000 gpd 900
19Division of Water Resources, NCDNRCD

46
Use Persons
Camp Lazy B 1800n gpd 180
Victor Sawyers -Ponderosa 12000 gpd 120
Maple Prison Unit 11000 gpd 200
Capacities of each system are variable and information is lacking in
many cases. Generally, however,the wells are at an average of fifty
feet and deliver potable water with little treatment necessary at.
about 20 to 60 gpm.
The Ocean Sands sewer and water system was put into operation
in July, 1978. Presently, 63 units are on the system. The sewer system
is presently designed for 100,000gpd with a 24 hour retention. The water
pumping system is designed with two wells pumping 50gpm.. The wells use
a horizontal collector system. The water system incorporates a 50,000
gallon storage area. The water and sewer system. is operating at the
present time at about 25% of capacity. Presently, about 10 to 15 units
are planned for next year. It will probably be another 10-15 years be. -
fore the present system is at capacity. The wells have been shown.by
the engineers to be capable of pumping over 200gpm without salt -water
intrusion. Six other wells in the area have been explored and could
be added to the system in the future. The sewer system is designed for
expansion (1,500,000gpd is possible), however, such expansion would
require Ocean outfall. (Presently not permitted, but being studied as
part of the Dare County Sewer Project).20
20Telephone interview with Jack Sheri.11, Coastland Corp.

47'
r.
OTHER FACILITIES
Police and fire protection, along with health services are
available in the County. Police protection is provided by the County
Sheriff's Department and by the State Highway Patrol. The Outer Banks
is presently serviced by a deputy sheriff.
Four volunteer fire departments, located throughout the
County, provide fire.protection. The Outer Banks has limited fire
protection in the southernmost section through cooperation with Dare
County volunteers, and some fire protection in the north from Virginia.
However this service is from such distance it is of questionable use in an
emergency. Rescue squads on the Currituck mainland provide emergency
} health.services, although no regular ambulance service is available.
The nearest hospital is in Elizabeth City. Two local doctors and two
dentists provide general medical care to Currituck County residents.
Currituck County operates six schools. The following table
shows registration and acreage of facilities:
School 3/80 Registration Acreage
Griggs Elementary 299 13.38
Central Elementary 431 51.87
Knotts Island K-8 132 11.46
Moyock Elementary 305 10.51
J.P. Knapp Jr. High 410 46.1
Currituck High 651 90
The Virginia Electric and Power Company is the local service.
for electrical power. No natural gas supplier is available to the
County. The major fuels available are oil and liquid petroleum gas.

The primary road system in Currituck County consists of U.S.
158, NC 3, NC 34, and NC 68, which are two 1:.r!e highways, except for
some segments.of U.S. 158. The roads were designed with a maximum
capacity of 7,500 vehicles per day. Capacity problems have occurred
at approximately 5,000 vehicles per day. U.S. 168-158 is the most
direct route from Virginia to resort areas of the Outer Banks, and
during peak periods, traffic volume far exceeds the road capacity. In.
1978, 13,586 vehicles per day was the estimated volume for an average
Saturday in July.
To alleviate the traffic volume, U.S. 158 will be widened to
four lanes (five in some areas) from Barco to Point Harbor. In addi-
tion, the two lane swing bridge at Coinjock over the Intracoastal
Waterway will be replaced by a four lane high span bridge.
Solid waste is provided by an arrangement with a private con-
tractor. The County provides dumpsters at Spot, Moyock, and Corolla.
The private contractor charges for dumpster use at businesses and
institutions. The contractor also provides house to house pickup,
although this service is scheduled to end soon. Other residents must
haul their own trash to the County landfill at Maple. The landfill is
presently near capacity and the County has asked the State for a permit
to expand. The County will be studying the potential for groundwater
pollution from the landfill in the 1980 fiscal year.

r
SECTION IV
ESTIMATED DEMAND
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
The North Carolina State Office of Budget and Management
projections are as follows:
Year Population
1980 11,900
1985 18,100
1990 24,400
The above projections were based on 1970 and previous census informa-
tion. Based on recent economic trends and an analysis of housing and
school enrollments, we believe the projections may be too high. The
following table shows school enrollments:
Year Students
1959-60 1446
1964-65 1677
1969-70 2646
1979-80 2300
The methodology used to incorporate the housing analysis into
the population projections is detailed in Section' I, pp. 2-4 and
Appendix D, Housing Analysis. In order to project this information
into our planning period (1980-1990) we extended the more recent
trends and the trends of the past decade. Our projection represented

50
tabularly and graphically is as follows:
Year
Population
1980
12,052
1985
15,825
1990
20,781
Population
20,000
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
Year 1980 1985 1990
5.6% Growth
A projected population by Township is as follows:
Township Growth Rate 1980 1985 1990
Fruitville 2.9% 1360 1569 1810
Crawford 5.7% 2602 4752 6270
Moyock 7.3% 2567 3651 5193
Poplar Branch 5.0% 4524 5774 7369
All Townships.are showing a strong growth rate except Fruitville. The
slower growth rate in this Township is probably due to the problem of
access, since a great deal of the Township is made up of Knotts Island
and the Currituck Banks north of Corolla. If the proposed US Fish and
Wildlife Purchase of the Cur rituck Banks north of Corolla is carried
out, the growth rate of Fruitville would be expected to fall somewhat.
Although growth rates are strong, they are not as problem inducing as

51
the rates of some areas of Dare County which show rates at 12% per.
year. The County should be able to provide services and facilities
to the planning period expected populations without serious difficulty.
However, certain areas (such as dense development on poor soils) will
present.problems for water and sewer if allowed to continue to develop
without land use control. (See Policy Section V).
.....,
FUTURE LAND NEEDS
The following analysis is presented to project the amounts of
land needed to accomodate the projected population to 1990. The analy-
sis is intended to serve as a general indicator of amounts of land
which could be used given general standards for land consumed for
various development uses. A brief discussion follows of the kinds of
uses or factors through which areas were "removed" from potential
development in the land use projection model. The policies and methods
of implementation for those uses which were removed from development
potential in the model are addressed in Section V. The purpose of the
analysis is to determine if enough land areas exists to accomodate the
planning period development in areas suitable for development given
the areas which the County wishes to constrain with policies indicated
and implemented.
CONSIDERATION OF CONSTRAINTS
Sewer: The model makes no provision for a County sewer
system being built within the ten year planning period. The provision
of sewer by developers under PUD would increase the ability of an area
to accomodate population.

52
Water: The model does not consider waterto be a constraint
given the projected population in the ten yP:r planning period on a
County -wide basis. However, only if policies indicated and implemented
occur will this be a viable consideration.
Wetlands: Coastal wetlands which meet AEC definition were con-
sidered as constraints and removed from development potential. Other
wetlands would be virtually removed from development by implementing
the proposed additions to the subdivision regulations which would not
permit dredging or filling for development. Currently, the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers is enforcing 404 jurisdiction over wetlands.
Soils Unsuitable for On -lot Sewage Disposal: Implementation
of proposed subdivision regulations would require one acre minimum lot
size on soils unsuitable for on -lot sewage disposal. The model first
removes these soils entirely from development potential to determine
if theoretically enough land area is available to develop without
resorting to use of.these soils. (No such implementation strategy is
actually included). Then the model "puts back" these areas with the
one acre minimum lot size as the only restriction.
Ocean Hazard Areas: Ocean hazard areas regulated by the
State as AECs were removed from potential development in the model by
virtue of the restrictions regulating these areas.
Estuarine Shoreline: --Although the rules and regulations
which apply to these areas do not restrict development completely,
the areas approximately 100 ft. from the shorelines were removed from ,
development potential in the model due to the possibility of develop-
ment being denied a permit.
Woodlands: Other than woodlands which are included in Coastal

53
marshes, woodlands were not considered a constraint.
r Flood Hazard Areas: Currituck County is currently not
enforcing flood hazard regulations since no detailed study has been
done for the County and no elevations are available. Even should such
a study be completed during the planning period, the regulations would
require certain development standards, but would not prevent develop-
ment from occurring.
Zoning: Zoning was considered a constraint to the. extent that
permitted densities were used in the analysis.
State and Federally Owned Land: Areas owned by governmental
agencies for recreational and other purposes are constraints to develop-
ment. Areas on the Currituck Banks considered under the proposed Fish
and Wildlife purchase were considered a constraint (e.g. the model
considers assumption of implementation of proposed policies).
Developed Areas: Areas already developed with structures,
roads, etc. were removed from development potential.
Hurricane Evacuation: The projected population with policies
from the Plan implemented caused the consideration of evacuation to
not be a constraint to development.
STANDARDS FOR LAND USE PROJECTIONS
Land Use
Residential
Commercial
Institutional
Recreation
Industrial
Land Consumed per Person (acres)
.3333
.0020
.0026
.0035
.0120

54
In developing the above standards, residential use was
descriptive of the actual situation. For o+°A?r uses, we consulted
national standards and used our experience from similarly situated
Counties.
PROJECTIONS
To project the amount of land that would be neededto meet the
1990 population, we used standards below to estimate the need. The
equation for determining land use requirements is as follows:
L90 = L80 + P80-90 (Kh + Kr + Kc + Ki + Kt)
Where:
L90 = Land required for urban uses in 1990
L80 = Land required for urban uses in 1980; therefore L80-90 is land
required for urban uses from additions to the population during
h
these years
P90 = Population added to County between 1980 and 1990
Kh = Standard requirement for residential use
Kr = Standard land requirement for recreational use
Kc = Standard land requirement for commercial use
Ki = Standard land requirement for institutional use
Kt = Standard land requirement for industrial use
Projected population increase to 1990 = 8729. (See p. 38.)
Land Acreage Needs 1980 to 1990:
Residential 2909.6
Commerical 17.5
Institutional 22.7

55
Recreational 30.6
Industrial 104.7
Total 3085.1
Land suited for development with constrained areas considered
= 5500 acres. Thus, enough land is available to handle the 1990 growth .
without using constrained areas. However, by the year 2000, the
,R
suitable areas would be used up without public sewer and water. If we
consider the more realistic approach in the model that soils unsuitable
for septic tanks will be used (we should note that these soils in many
cases will support development with modifications and may receive sep-
tic tank permits, but are considered not developable in the first appli-
cation of the model, and in the second application, one acre minimum
lot size is the constraint as proposed in the plan) the following
analysis results:
Land suited for development with constrained areas considered
for plan implementation: = 30,000 acres.
This analysis indicates that various land controls can be
implemented without significantly reducing development potential or
limiting area choice.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES NEEDS21
Schools: Although school enrollments declined this past year,
the trends would indicate that the Currituck County schools may have an
additional 1500 students by the year 1990. Present facilities can
accomodate approximately 400 additional students. Therefore, addition-
al facility space and faculty must be considered.
21Currituck County Service Departments

Health and Social Services: Additional population and more
stringent regulations by governmental agenci--, indicate an increase
of staff and equipment by 50% for 1990. A new office building should
be considered to house these services.
Police and Fire: 1990 population projections indicate a
need to increase the police department budget and manpower by SO% for
both Sheriff activities and County jail operations. Increases in
seasonal visitors require that police protection must meet peak needs.
If the US Fish and Wildlife proposal is carried out, one additional
policeman would probably be able to handle development in the planning
period. However, should this policy not be implemented and access
from"the mid -county or north be instituted, police protection needs
would increase greatly.
Fire protection is presently adequate for the mainland, but
not for the Currituck Banks. The volunteer fire protection on the
mainland plans on an incremental basis, and as population increases,
the department responds with more manpower and equipment on a volun-
teer basis. However on the Currituck Banks, the full time population
base is insufficient to support a station. Since this is not a
County provided service, the residents must take it upon themselves
to provide adequate fire protection.
Sewer and Water: The County has not made specific plans for
provision of sewer or water to residents in the planning period.
With the population densities anticipated in the planning period, it
is anticipated that residents should continue to be able to obtain
groundwater and septic tank permits in most areas of the County,
other than those areas constrained by law. Implementation of the

57
proposed zoning and subdivision changes to carry out policy (see
Section V, Policy) should allow development throughout the planning
period without significantly harming the health, safety and welfare
of County residents. However, failing to implement control strategies
could cause many problems to occur in areas settled densely. Although
a County -wide water system is not considered feasible during the
planning period, efforts are underway to plan for public water in
limited areas, such as the upper Currituck area.
Solid Waste: Solid waste removal could continue to be a
problem throughout the planning period, but is generally not considered
to be a limitation to development, since it is a matter of priority of
County expenditure. A study will be underway in the next fiscal year
to determine alternatives to handling the problem. Disposal sites
should not be a problem technically, since a number of suitable sites
exist, however actually finding sites acceptable politically is
another matter. The County will have to allocate more money during
the planning period to provide for dumpsters and pick-up contracts to
allow better and more reliable service. Maintaining good solid waste
removal service on the Currituck Banks will continueto be an expensive
proposition.
10

r
IP
SECTION V
POLICY DISCUSSION
Resource Protection
SOILS
The soils in Currituck County are generally poor for develop-
ment and especially the use of on -lot sewage disposal systems due to
either wetness or poor filtering capacity (see Section II, p.23 ).
However, the areas of unsuitability are site specific and there are
many general areas (such as along NC Route 158) which are suitable.
The County considered the following alternatives for dealing with
this problem: (1) not allowing development on soils unsuitable for
development, (2) restricting development on such soils to. large mini-
mum lot sizes (3 acres or more), (3) providing for greater distances
of vertical separation than presently required, (4) status quo.
Selected Policy: Restrict new lot development to a minimum
lot size of one acre on soils shown on the Currituck County Soil
Survey and rated by.the U.S. Soil Conservation Service as.unsuitable
for on -lot sewage disposal.
Implementation: Revise the zoning and subdivision regulations
to (1) require.minimum lot size of one acre for new development on
soils rated unsuitable for on -lot sewage disposal systems, (2) change
boundaries of zoning districts to provide for lower densities on poor
soils and higher densities on good soils.

59
FLOOD HAZARD
Currituck County is still in the preliminary phase of the
Federal Flood Program. Therefore, a detailed flood study has not
been done for the County in which flood elevations are given. The
County Building Inspector is currently not implementing flood hazard
area restrictions due to the lack of information. The following alter. -
natives were considered: (1) allow no development in flood hazard
areas, (2) attempt to determine from topographic maps where flood
boundaries and estimated elevations exist, and require structures to
be used for habitation to be elevated above this estimated elevation,
(3) status quo.
Selected Policy: The County determined that until a detailed
w
flood study was completed in Currituck County by the Federal government,
enforcement of any regulations could not be carried out. The County
will adopt appropriate regulations and comply with the Federal Flood•
Program when the studies are made.
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 necessary or 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,

60
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 CAMA and Corps of Engineers
404 permits.
Implementation: Amend the zoning and subdivision regulations
to restrict development in wetlands except in accordance with the above
policy.
AECs
Currituck County has the following AECs within its boundaries:
Ocean hazard areas, estuarine shoreline, estuarine and public trust
waters, and AEC wetlands. The County recognizes the importance of
these resources and supports the State's regulations and standards
governing the use of these areas. Alternatives considered in dealing
with these areas included (1) listing specific uses which would be
appropriate in each of the AECs, (2) allowing no development in AECs,
(3) attempting to enforce more stringent regulations than the current
State regulations on AECs.
Selected Policy: The County has determined that present State
regulations on AECs are sufficient to protect them from significant
damage. However in the case of Coastal Wetlands designated as AECs,
the proposed policy on freshwater wetlands also includes the Coastal
Wetlands. Uses allowed in the AECs would be those permitted under the
zoning and subdivision regulations. The County proposed to amend the
zoning and subdivision regulations to effect greater environmental
protection (see Proposed Management Tools for Currituck County, Coastal
Consultants, Ltd., 1980) in doing so, AEC areas will have more

61
protection (e.g. poor soils on estuarine shoreline, water quality of
surface waters). For example, no residentir development is permitted
in any wetland areas under the proposed subdivision regulation revi-
sions. The policy to support the proposed Fish and Wildlife purchase
will further protect important AEC areas on the Currituck Banks. The
major thrust of protecting estuarine and public trust waters is to
reduce density on soils unsuitable for on -lot sewage disposal, and to
prohibit development on adjacent wetlands. Coliform counts in Curri-
tuck Sound, however, do not correlate very well with densely developed
areas (see Appendix D). High coliform counts could be due to wildlife
populations and pollution from Virginia's Back Bay. Currituck County
wishes to try to prevent additional coliform from septic tank
effluent as much as possible.
MARITIME FOREST
Forest resources on the Currituck Banks are considered to be
resources which are associated with other resources such as coastal
marshes and land areas considered valuable in conjunction with the
proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife purchase. Therefore the County pro-
poses no additional policy on these areas other than expressed in
conjunction with protection of associated resources.
CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
The County has a considerable number of historic resources,
some of which are on the National Register of Historic Places (see
P. and Appendix B). Since most of the structures are in private -
ownership, the County relies upon owners to take advantage of tax

_ 62
benefits and owner's desires to work toward protecting these resources.
Until the State and Federal governments provide a site specific list
of archaeological resources, County government cannot effectively
plan to protect these resources from small scale private actions.
The County considered these alternatives: (1) requiring all developers
to file an archaeological analysis before development permits were
given, (2) zoning some areas of cultural value against development.
Selected Policy: The County, before taking development action
for County projects (e.g. creating a new landfill, school) will inves-
tigate the site for possible archaeological significance. The County
will conform to all applicable laws regarding archaeological and
other historic sites. The County supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
proposal, by which potential historic sites can be preserved (e.g.
Monkey Island Hunt Club, U.S. Coast Guard Station on the Swan Island
tract, potential archaeological sites).
Implementation: County government will issue.a directive to
County agencies asking for historical and archaeological review.of
construction sites before County actions are taken.
HURRICANE EVACUATION
Currituck County recognizes the threat of hurricanes to the
County and has adopted a Hurricane Evacuation plan to address the
problem. The key to its success is early warning and early evacuation.
Residents are directed to leave the area by routes leading west and
north from the.County. Bank residents will leave south through Dare
County and then west across the Currituck Bridge. School buildings
are designated as shelters for those who cannot leave the County in

63
time. The following alternatives were discussed: (1) prohibiting
further growth on the Currituck Banks until A:r access from the mainland
is in effect, (2) limiting growth to lots already platted until access
is achieved.
41
Selected Policy: Hurricane evacuation has been discussed
with Civil Preparedness Coordinators of Currituck and Dare Counties.
The Counties believe that plans are sufficient to allow for safe
evacuation if people respond properly to early warnings. Police
officers at the intersection of Duck Road and 158 will be aware of
traffic moving south from the Currituck Banks and will provide for
orderly flow of traffic. Given buildout estimates during the planning
period, the County does not feel that hurricane evacuation should be
a limit to growth. Currituck County will conduct ari exercise annually
to test the hurricane evacuation plan. The County will continue to
10
work with Dare County to insure cooperation and coordination. Since
the future development scheme of the County is spelled out in this
plan, the State must insure that transportation plans for improvements
take into consideration hurricane evacuation.
QUALITY OF THE CURRITUCK SOUND
The Currituck Sound is a marsh fringed estuary of extremely
low salinity. Though once saline, it has become a fresh water aquatic
system. An extensive and productive bass fishery has developed, and
its marshes are a critical link in the Atlantic Flyway, providing food
for great numbers of migratory water -fowl.
It is fed by the Northwest and North Landing Rivers, numerous
drainage ditches, and by Virginia's Back Bay. It receives much swamp

64
drainage and much of this influx is slightly acid and low in oxygen.
Because of its high nutrient load shallowness, and slow movement, the
sound is suffering from eutrophication. Each year a continuing trend
of more milfoil hinders recreation and altered the successful bass
fishing methods.
Portions of the Currituck Sound (from Webster Creek north, see
Appendix B) have been closed to the taking of fresh water clams due to
high coliform bacteria counts. There have been destructive algae
blooms. Large agricultural developments, including livestock operations
can increase nutrient loads. Drainage canals may lower salinities and
introduce pollutants into the Sound.
The control over potential problems in the Sound rests in a
collection of overlapping government controls. The Commission of
Health Services sets standards for use of septic systems which are
enforced by the County Health Department. The CHS makes regular reports
on the quality of shellfishing. The Environmental Management Commission
sets standards for wastes and water quality parameters.. The EMC moni-
tors water quality in each of the river basins discharging into the
Sound. The counties and the municipalities therein are responsible
for controlling land use, and among other things, preventing high
density of development on unsuitable soils adjacent to the Sound.
Although man-made pollution from industry, commerce and residential
development can be controlled by some layer of government, agricultural
uses have been exempted by the State from almost all direct and
indirect control.
In their 1979 Water Quality Management Plan, the N.C. Depart-
ment of Natural Resources and Community Development noted that it is

65
highly probable that many streams and coastal waters are degraded but
undetected at this time due to a lack of wat,.• quality monitoring.
v
DNRCD is concerned with several water pollutants, namely oxygen demand-
ing substances, bacteria, sediment, nutrients and toxics. Wastes from
all sectors of development pose demands on oxygen in the water --an 4
essential to aquatic life. Generally a level of 5mg/l of dissolved
oxygen is required to sustain acceptable biological activity. Patho-
genic bacteria can be found in both domestic wastewater and runoff
from animal feedlots. Pathogens which are most frequently transmitted
through water are those which cause infections of the intestinal tract,
namely typhoid, and paratyphoid fevers, dysentery and cholera. Live-
stock operations may cause bacterial contamination of shellfish.
Also extensive ditching (agricultural, construction, and residential)
can cause bacteria to enter estuaries.
As we noted before, sediment loads have served an important
function in the sound, especially by interfering with photosynthesis
and preventing algae bloom despite ample presence of nitrogenous
materials. Sedimentation in the coastal area is largely the result of
erosion from agricultural use and urban use construction activities.
Sediments in the Sound and streams disrupts the food chain. At moderate
concentrations, fish cannot spawn; at high concentrations, gills of
fish clog and they die. Sediments also cover up bottom food for fish.
Fish starve or move away.
Nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) are required by plants in
order to grow. However, if these levels become too high, algae blooms
occur. Excessive nutrient inputs may occur from wastewater discharges,
septic tank leachate, heavy concentrations of wildlife, rainfall runoff

from agriculture and residential areas.
r The Currituck Sound has been shown to have high fecal coliform
counts by both the Commission for Health Services and an independent
study (Groundwater Transport Study At Carova Beach Subdivision, 1977,
Moore Gardner and Associates). The Moore, Gardner study observed the
following background fecal coliform levels in Currituck Sound adjacent
to Carova Beach:
Location Fecal Coliform/100ml
Currituck Sound, 2 mile south of 54,000
Carova Canals
Currituck Sounds, 2 mile north of 138,000
Carova Canals
It is also important to note that the dieoff rates for fecal
coliform in fresh water are considerably less than that for salt water.
The following data is excerpted from the Waccamaw 208 Regional,Plan-
ning Report. The fecal coliform die -off rates were compared in
Waccamaw River fresh water and Intercoastal Waterway seawater. -
Fecal Coliform (Count/100ml)
Time (hours) Fresh Water Salt Water
0 10,000 10,000
6 9,050 2,865
12 8,200 820
18 7,400 235
24 6,700 67
48 4,500 1
Class Standard (colonies/ml.)
Class A-1 waters 50/100 ml
Class A-2 waters 1000/100ml
Class B and SB waters (fecal) 200/ml
Class C and SC waters (fecal) 1000/ml
Class SA waters (shellfishing) 70/ml

67
The County believes that there is no conclusive evidence
which indicates the exact cause of coliform rollution of the Sound.
Probable causes are wildlife, pollution from Back Bay, runoff of agri-
cultural pollutants, and on -lot sewage disposal systems. At this time,
the County's attempts at addressing water quality are.limited to
decreasing septic tank densities and considering methods to increase
salt content of the Sound. The following alternatives were considered:
(1) allow no septic tanks on soils unsuitable, (2) restrict develop-
ment on unsuitable soils to large minimum lot sizes, (3 acres or more),
(3) provide for greater distances of vertical separation than present
required, (4) allow new development only with public sewer, (5) allow
no septic tanks closer than 1000 feet of estuarine shoreline, (6) status
quo.
Selected Policy: Restrict new lot development to a minimum
lot size of one acre on soils shown on the Currituck County soil Survey
and rated by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service as unsuitable for
on -lot sewage disposal. Restrict all new lots on the Currituck Banks
to one acre minimum lot size on all soils for single family development.
All PUD development must be provided with public sewer by developers.
The County supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife purchase proposal to
reduce total density on the Currituck Banks. The County will study
methods to determine a feasible way to introduce greater salt content
in Currituck Sound.
Implementation: Revise zoning and subdivision regulations to
(1) require minimum lot size of one acre for new development on soils
unsuitable for on -lot sewage disposal systems, (2) change boundaries
of zoning districts to provide for lower densities on poor soils and
higher densities on good soils, (3) include a provision for the

68
Currituck Banks to require minimum lot size of one acre for single family
development, and PUD development to have sewer provided by the developer.
EROSION
Factors which seem to affect the rate of erosion most signifi-
cantly are fetch, exposure, wind tides, soils, bank height and land use.
Northeast and southeast exposures seem to be the most severe. Major
storms of long duration occurring with high tides generally produce
the greatest erosion rates. Soils, bank height, and land use appear to
have the slightest effect.22
The Currituck Banks ocean front is subject to varying degrees
of erosion. The recommended recession line varies from 60 feet at
the Dare County border to 200 feet at Corolla.23
V.
Estuarine shoreline erosion occurring in Currituck County indi-
cates that recession lines should vary from twenty to thirty feet
along Currituck Sound and the mouth of the North River. The most ero-
sion occurs along the southwest tip of the County which borders the
Albemarle Sound, where recommended recession rates are about forty feet.24
In addressing the problem of erosion, the County considered
the following alternatives: (1) allow no development within 100 feet
of a water body, (2) adopt a policy to build erosion control structures,
(3) require all developers to build erosion control structures when
developing shoreline areas, (4) status quo.
22USDA--Soil Conservation Service, Shore Erosion Inventory, 1975.
23U.S. Fish and Wildlife
24USDA--Soil Conservation Service

Selected Policy: Amend the zoning and subdivision regulations
to require plans for development to address .rosion mitigation. The
County relies on the enforcement of CAMA permits and the standards
therein in applicable areas, as well as adherence to the NC Sedimenta-
W
tion Pollution Control Act.
Implementation: Revisions in the zoning and subdivision regula-
tions.
Resource Production and Management
/11. I1T /+11� Tllfif
Prime agricultural lands are difficult to locate due to the
absence of a universally acceptable definition. Although some soil
types are better than others for agricultural production, markets and
management are often more important to agricultural protection than
t i t measure of rime agricultural lands ma be deter -
he soil e. One e
YP PY
mined from the County generalized soil interpretations. The Wagram-
Ocilla-Dragston Association are the only soils in the County which are
rated as good for such crops as peanuts, and corn soybeans, small
grains and truck farming. These soils occupy about 15% of the County's
land area. Soils good for corn, soybeans, small grain and truck
farming in addition to those above occupy about 40% additional area.
The best soils occupy the central portion of the Currituck mainland
peninsula to Coinjock,border the Sound north to Tull Bay, and include
areas around Moyock and Shawboro, as well as the eastern edges of
Church and Knotts Islands. (See agricultural map included.) These
soils are also best for development, and much of the areas mentioned

70
above are used for residential purposes. Soils which are rated poor
for agriculture are generally those which are wet or frequently flooded.25
Agricultural production is an important source of income in
Currituck County. (See pp. 6-7.) Soybeans, corn, and truck crops
r
are the most important crops.
The County considered the following alternatives regarding
agriculture: (1) limit growth by requiring large lot sizes (25 acres)
for residential development in order to prevent.agricultural land from
being used for development, (2) requiring mobile homes (the form of
housing growing at the fastest rate) to locate in mobile home parks
to prevent scattered development in agricultural areas, (3) status
quo.
Selected Policy: By 1990, it is estimated that mobile homes
will reach 43% of the total housing stock. Since mobile homes are the
greatest threat to encroachment of agricultural land, County policy
is to restrict mobile home developments in agricultural lands except
as allowed by law as an accessory to farm use. The County supports
the State farm use tax program.
Implementation: Restrict mobile homes to a special use which
requires the mobile home to replace a stick and brick house of grade
D or E condition,or an existing mobile home.
COMMERCIAL FOREST LANDS
Over one-half of the total land area in Currituck County is
in forest and wooded wetlands. In colonial times, longleaf pine in the
County was commercially valuable for pitch and turpentine. When these
25USDA--Soil Conservation Service

71
trees were harvested, second and third growth trees of less value took
their place. Generally, commercial forestla,.J 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 gener-
ally occurred on the Currituck peninsula along major routes. The County
currently has about 75,000 acres of forest land. About 70% is in
private ownership, about 15% in commercial ownership, and the remain-
ing 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. About 2000 cords of
wood are harvested for pulpwood.26
Regarding commercial forestry operation, the County considered
the following alternatives: (1) adopt a severance tax on harvesting
(2) adopt strict regulations regarding draining of lands and placement
of spoil, (3) adopt an ordinance providing for reclamation and
replanting of cleared areas.
Selected Policy: The County supports the various County, State
and Federal programs for managing forest resources.
MINERAL RESOURCE PRODUCTION
Although mineral resources are limited in the County, potential
exists for the mining of sand,"peat in the Dismal Swamp, and soils to
be used as fill in adjacent communities (see p. 30).
The County considered the following alternatives: (1) adopting
a mined land reclamation ordinance, (2) prohibiting mining in the County,
(3) status quo.
26DNRCD, Forest Resources Division.

72
Selected Policy: Mining is considered an undesirable land use
r in the County and is to be restricted.
Implementation: Revise the zoning ordinance to allow mining
operations only as a special use which would include performance Stan-
dards restricting the operation of mining and providing for reclamation.
COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL RISHERIES
Commercial fisheries are a significant resource in Currituck
County. The following species and respective pounds and values were
reported in 1979:27
Species Pounds Value
Blue 51,000 $ 7,500
Catfish 48,000 9,000
Eel 77,000 62,000
W. Perch 40,000 12,000
Crab 630,000 105,000
Other 74,000 16,500
Total 920,000 $212,000
Six processor companies are located in Currituck County. There
are 90 full time fishermen, 200 part time, and 60 persons who have
commercial licenses but fish for personal use.
The Bass fishing is the most popular recreational fishing in
Currituck Sound. Sales of fishing licenses in the County last year
reached 4,000.
The DNRCD Marine Fisheries Division has noted that the dissolved.
oxygen (DO) levels in Currituck Sound are found in many areas to be
less than 4ppm. (Generally, 5ppm is needed for good fisheries health).
27DNRCD, Marine Fisheries Division.

73
Generally, the entire Albemarle Basin system is undergoing
increasing eutrophication. Alteration of drainage patterns causing
y
higher peak loading, septic tanks, and lack of inlets for salt water
have contributed to this condition.
K
The DNRCD Marine Fisheries Division has indicated that forma-
tion.of an inlet to Currituck Sound would vastly improve the water
quality as well as improve commercial fisheries. More valuable species
could then enter the Sound.
Recreational fisheries could be increased with more attention
to general recreational improvements for the County. (See policies on
recreation and tourism.)
The County considered the following alternatives regarding
commercial fisheries: (1) make plans to construct a public sewer
system to eliminate possible organics from septic tanks, (2) establish
large lot (3 acres or more) sizes to slow growth and reduce septic
tank densities, (3) develop a County drainage plan which would attempt
to limit high drainage peaks into the Sound, (4) prevent development
within 300 feet of shorelines to help reduce sedimentation and organic
pollutants which enter the Sound, (5) status quo.
Selected Policy: (a) slow growth by restricting mobile home
development, (b) require a minimum lot size on one acre on poor soils
for septic tanks, (3) require a minimum lot size for single family
development on the Currituck Banks on land not yet platted of one acre
minimum, (d) require developers of PUDs to install public water and `
sewer, (3) support the proposed US Fish and Wildlife purchase to reduce
total density on the Banks, (f) work with the State to determine a
suitable method to introduce greater salt content in Currituck Sound.

74
Implementation: Amend the zoning and subdivision regulations
r to require minimum lot sizes as stated above, add requirements for PUDs
as noted above with an increased requirement for open space, and
prohibit mobile homes from agricultural districts except as allowed by
law for associated farm use. Work with the state and federal govern-
ment to support the purchase, and to determine a suitable method to
increase the salt content of the Sound.
OFF ROAD VEHICLES
The County has determined that the use of power driven vehicles
on the Currituck Banks must be regulated to insure public safety and
protection of the environment. The County has in effect an ordinance
which regulates and restricts the use of power driven vehicles on the
Currituck Banks. The ordinance essentially prohibits the operation of
power driven vehicles on the Currituck Banks on areas other than a,
"cartway, a neighborhood public road, a dedicated right-of-way, or
on the foreshore or beach strand." Furthermore, the ordinance restricts
speed limits and careless operation.
Economic and Community Development
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
Significant industry in Currituck County is practically non-
existent. Small industry in Currituck County includes the manufacture
of fiberglass, plastics, and liquid fertilizer, as well as agriculture,
forestry, and fisheries.28
28N.C. Department of Commerce, Industrial Development Division.

75
Over half of the labor force of Currituck County commutes
from the County to jobs. About 40% commute 1.o the Norfolk -Portsmouth
area. The total industrial employment is about 1200, with about 150
in manufacturing. It is unlikely that the County will be able to
attract significant industry during the planning period. Although an
industrial site area has been identified near Maple, without hewer and
water it will be difficult to attract industry. The County considered
the following alternatives: (1) develop a County water and sewer
system to help promote industry, (2) establish an industrial develop-
ment committee, (3) set up an industrial development fund to set
aside monies to develop an industrial park.
Selected Policy: The dominant economic activities in the County
are agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. The County does not desire
the location of heavy industry in the Countv. However, the County
would welcome some form of small manufacturing operation which does
not pollute the water and air, but does capitalize upor. the available
work force in the County.
Implementation: Continue to seek out light industry to locate
in the County.
SERVICES TO DEVELOPMENT
Services currently provi'ded by the County are schools, health
and social services, police, and to a limited extent sewer and water
(Ocean Sands) and solid waste (County landfill and some dumpsters)
(see pp. 42-43).
Increasing costs and the general economic picture for the
planning period indicates that maintaining existing levels of services

76
may prove difficult. It is not anticipated that increased services
nor additional major facilities (County -wide sewer, water, recreation
programs, County community building, etc.) can be provided in the plan-
ning period.29 However, the County intends to maintain existing levels
R
of service to the population increase during the planning period. (See
p. 38.) Planning is underway for a limited water system in northern
Currituck.
A number of policy alternatives were discussed which would specify.
increasing and adding a number of services and facilities (e.g., a
commitment to beginning development of public sewer and water, imple-
mentation of a recreation program).
Selected Policy: Continue to maintain the existing level of
services to accommodate the population increase. Work toward develop-
ment of public sewer and water for the Moyock and Grandy areas for
the future as these areas grow large enough to make such services
feasible. If the economy improves to the extent that surplus funds
are available, seek to implement expansion of services, facilities
and recreational goals. Require developers of PUDs to provide sewer
and water.
Implementation: Revise the zoning ordinance and subdivision
regulations to change zoning boundaries and densities.to guide develop-
ment around Moyock and Grandy. Require developers to provide for
construction and maintenance of sewer and.water in PUDs. Planning is
underway for a limited water system in northern Currituck where water
problems exist.
29Webb Fuller, Currituck County Finance Officer.

77
GROWTH PATTERNS
Selected Policies and Alternatives:
Currituck County is primarily a rural County with a number of
small communities or nodes of development, as well as scattered develop- ,
ment along transportation routes. The County wishes to continue the
nodal concept, but desires to reduce the scatteration. Moyock and
Grandy should develop as the primary nodes for the County. The County
desires a slow growth concept (3 to 5%) population increase per, year.
The County desires to reduce the number of inobile homes in the County,
and make provisions for some multi -family development on the mainland.
On the Currituck Banks, the County wishes to maintain the
nodal community of Corolla, but supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
purchase proposal to reduce total densities on the Banks. The County
has determined that it is in their best interest to allow development
of the Banks south of Corolla in order to maintain the tax base and allow
access to the Banks for public and private use. On lots already platted,
the County relies on the County sanitarian to insure that septic tanks
meet proper requirements before permits are issued. The County encour-
ages replatting to larger lot sizes, but does not feel that forcing a
replatting is feasible. On areas not yet platted, the County wishes
to allow flexibility in the development pattern by allowing for single-
family development on one acre minimum lot size, and for PUD develop-
ment, multi -family, and condominium development, the developer must
provide sewer and water. The County considered the alternative of
attempting to prevent development on the Banks through application of
of growth control devices such as Transfer Development Rights, Land
Banking and other slow growth devices. Consideration was given

78
to zoning measures such as eliminating any form of multi -family
development and requiring 25 acre minimum.lot sizes. The County wishes
to emphasize the point that the intent of the support of the proposed
wildlife refuge on the Banks, while at the same time supporting
growth in.the area south of Corolla is to reduce the total density of
the entire Banks, since this would provide for a very low density north
of Corolla, whereas under the existing situation, the density of the
entire Banks could be high in the future.
The County considered direct purchase of large areas. These
alternatives were rejected. The policies selected above rely on the
proposed Fish and Wildlife purchase being implemented. The County
believes that the natural resources of the Currituck Banks cannot
support development of the entire Banks. If the proposed purchase is
not implemented, the County will study growth timing devices and
implement appropriate controls (e.g. a moratorium on building until
availability of public sewer and water).
Implementation of the above mentioned policies will occur
through revisions in.the zoning and subdivision regulations which
will change boundaries and densities to promote growth around Moyock
and Grandy, limit mobile home development throughout the County,
require minimum lot sizes of one acre on the Currituck Banks for
single-family development, require the provision of water and sewer by
developers for PUD, multi -family development, require open space
dedications and public access to the ocean beach.
The County has reviewed the NC DOT study on access to the
Currituck Banks from Dare Co. and has determined that the.most desirable
access to the Banks is a ferry or a bridge from mid -County, and the

79
State taking of the road from Duck to Corolla. Although other alter-
natives were considered (e.g. northern acr-:;s by ferry or bridge, a
state parallel road from Duck to Corolla; they were rejected.) The
support of the state taking of the road from Duck to Corolla is based
upon the preliminary assessment by the DOT that no significant environ-
mental impacts will result. The DOT is currently undertaking an
environmental impact study of this proposal. If the study should
conclude that significant environmental impacts will result from the
State taking of the road, the County will result from the State taking
of the road, the County will determine what actions are necessary
based on the severity of impacts determined.
'BEACH ACCESS
Currituck Outer Banks, with exception of some nodes, are
essentially undeveloped. No public transportation is available so
that the area is inaccessible to the general public. Present use
is almost exclusive to landowners, renters and their guests. Develop-
ment of a road, public beach facilities and information about them
will induce visitation, perhaps increasing annually for at least the
first five years by 20 percent. Hammocks Beach State Park,.in Onslow
County, with only passenger ferry access, has experienced a growth
rate in visitation averaging 1'2.9 percent for the last four years.
It is a wilderness beach with a bathhouse, and 30,000 uses. If a
1979 visitation of 20,000 visitor days can be assumed, a projection
can be made. (If 509 residents used the beach every day for 60 days,
30,540 visitor days would be recorded.) It is likely actual visitation

is higher, not counting hunting and fishing -:ses. A rate of 10.percent
increase is shown:
1979 20,000 visitor days
1980 22,000
1981 24,200
1982 26,620
1983 29,282
1984 32,270
1985 35,497
At least a 120 day season can be assumed, with weekend use before and
after.summer vacation period. If access was.provided by road, several
thousand cars per day could be expected with an average of 2.5 persons
per car. New free ferry access, for pedestrians only, perhaps operating
from Aydlett to the Corolla area, could easily generate 24,000 visitor
days per year. Half of these would be on the weekends. Most of the
users would be from outside the County. A fee applied would reduce
demand considerably, but not use. Less affluent residents would become
content with an annual visit; outsiders would use up carrying capacity.
With the above discussion provided as an example, several
alternatives appear, just on the passenger ferry issue. If access.is
to be provided for a determined use level, then ferry size can be
determined. Ferries could be operated by the County or State., they
could be owned by a public agency and leased to a concessionnaire, or
the boats could be owned and operated by a concessionnaire. Docking
facilities would be needed. Mainland parking needs could be pre-
determined. Comfort stations and information services would be needed.
Access to the ocean beach from the ferry dock is necessary. An emer-
gency plan is needed for Banks evacuation in the event of impending
disaster. Channel dredging, buoy maintenance, fuel supply facilities,

:l
ship -to -shore communications, safety equipment, dockside shelters and
signs would be needed. Personnel salaries: snsurance and contract
maintenance costs would have to be assumed --by a public agency or
concessionnaire. Depreciation and replacement costs would have to
be accommodated.
On the beach, depending on the level of use, there may be need
for a public safety officer and a maintenance person. The Sheriff's
Deputy at Corolla would probably satisfy the former. With an increase
in both day users and vacation housing, it is expected that there will
be some conflict between those who want beach access and .those who would
like to restrict it.
Beach Access Policies and Public
Use Rights
Chapter 7B, .0320 of the North Carolinw Administrative Code
defines ocean beach as follows: "land areas without vegetation cover-
ing, consisting of unconsolidated soil material that extends landward
from the mean low tide to a point where any one or a combination of
the following occur: (1) vegetation, or (2) a distinct change in
.predominant soil particle size, of (3) a change in slope or elevation
which alters the physiographic land form.
Section .0301 of the same chapter, a declaration of general
policy on shorefront access policies, reads as follows:
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State
of North Carolina to foster, protect, improve and
ensure optimum access to recreational opportunities
at beach areas consistent with public rights, rights
of private property owners and the need to protect
natural resources from overuse. These policies
reflect the position that in areas other than State
Parks, the responsibility of providing adequate beach
access rests primarily with local units of government.

Section .0302 adds the possibility that the beach may extend to the
point where riparian owners have specifically and legally restricted
access above the Mean High Water line:
This is intended to describe those shorefront areas
historically used by the public. Whether or not the
public has rights in the defined areas above the MHW
mark can only be answered by the courts. The public
does have clear rights below the MHW mark.
The Coastal Resources Commission, following a public hearing
on January 12, 1979, adopted eight policy statements on shorefront
access:
(a) Development shall not interfere with the public's
right of access to the shorefront where acquired
through public acquisition, dedication, or customary
use established by the courts.
(b) The responsibility of insuring that the public can
obtain adequate access to public trust resources
of the ocean, sounds, rivers and tributaries is
primarily that of local governments to be shared
and assisted by state and federal government.
(c) Public beach area projects funded by the State and
Federal government will not receive initial or
additional funds unless provisions are made for
adequate public access. This must include access
rights, adequate identification and adequate parking.
J (d) Policies regarding State and Federal properties with
shorefront areas intended to be used by the public
must encourage, permit and provide public access and
adequate parking so as to achieve maximum public.use
and benefit of these areas consistent with establishing

legislation.
(e) State and Federal funds for beach access will be provided
only to localities that also provide protection of the `
frontal dunes.
(f) The State should continue in its efforts to supplement and
improve highway, bridge and ferry access to and within the
twenty county coastal area consistent with the approved
local land use plans. Further, the state should,where
practical, work to add public fishing catwalks to appro-
priate highway bridges and should incorporate catwalks in
all plans for new construction and for remodeling bridges.
It is the policy of the State to seek repeal of ordinances
preventing fishing from bridges except where public safety
would be compromised.
(g) In order to avoid weakening the protective nature of
frontal dunes, no development will be permitted which would
involve the removal or relocation of frontal dune sand or
frontal dune vegetation (15 NCAC .7H.0306 (c). The sands
held in the frontal dune are recognized as vital for the
nourishment and protection of ocean beaches.
(h) All land use plans and state actions to provide additional
shorefront access'must recognize the need of providing
access to all socio-economic groups.
At the County level, access or open space dedication is
"suggested" in the subdivision ordinance, but not required. An informal
dedication procedure may have been working in the past, where a developer
may have deeded land to the County in order to receive subdivision

M
approval. Except for one parcel, county -owned land on the Outer Banks
would not fill .the need for recreation space. There is no plan by
developers to accommodate day users on the beach; access is usually
provided those who purchase lots. Property owners are not required
to allow access across one's property unless another's land has access
blocked. Where more than one owner is involved, it may require judicial
action to determine the party who is to provide an easement or other
access.
To encourage landowners to allow recreational use of their land.
Article 10B was added to Chapter 11B of the General Statutes of North
Carolina. Immunity from tort liability is provided owners or lessees
who allow others to hunt, fish, trap, camp, hike or use for other recrea-
tions, whether permission was granted or not. It does not relieve
owners' responsibility when a fee is received from other than a govern-
mental unit, or when there is failure to maintain a safe place or issue
a warning about it to those securing permission who are subsequently
injured.
Selected Policies: The County supports the State policies
mentioned above regarding beach access. The County desires public
access to the ocean beach as well ason the Currituck Sound.
Implementation: Amend the subdivision ordinance to require
developers to set aside public access to the,ocean and sound when
subdividing land contiguous to the Ocean and Sound. The County will
Y continue to work with the State Boating Division to obtain a boat
landing at the Corolla Lighthouse area, as well as additions and
improvements to the existing Wildlife ramps in the County.

DrrDCATTMI
Time off from work is to many a status symbol equal to amount r
of income earned and the material possessions it brings. Yet, the
shorter work week earlier predicted is not arriving on the scene as
rapidly as expected. Many, however, have three day weekends and thirty-
five to forty hour work weeks. Many people see the meaningful portion
of their lives as the hours spent in recreation; work merely supports
this. We have sprung from the Protestant work ethic into a recreation
culture. In spite of increasing amounts of time spent watching tele-
vision, people are spending more time in museums, attending plays and
concerts, reading, jogging, cycling, walking, boating, camping, swimming
and in rugged wilderness experiences. Robert C. Lucas predicts that
wilderness uses will increase 359 percent between 1960 and the year
2000.30 Hiking was predicted to increase by 368 percent, camping
by 447 percent, nature study by 180 percent.
These are recreation activities that few farmers enjoy; wilder-
ness is something to be conquered in order to live. While the number
of farm families in Currituck County is not significantly decreasing,
the percentage of farm families because of in -migration can be expected
to be no more than five percent in the 1980 census. In rural areas
such as this, recreation attitudes and activities are often in the
process of accelerated change during a planning process, making
trend applications difficult.31
Factors affecting recreation in Currituck County in the next ten
yearswill be population migrations, land use patterns, trends in rural
30Robert C. Lucas, "Natural Amenities, Outdoor Recreation and 1
Wilderness," Ecology -Economics -Environment, 1971.
31Frederick 0. Sargent, Rural Environmental Planning, 1976.

and transportation. Tourism pressure will come as an expansion of the
Nags Head resort area, as capacity is reached or as access to Cape
Hatteras National Seashore is blocked by repairs to or loss of the
Oregon Inlet bridge. Currituck County is next.
Local Interests
Paraphrasing a statement from Rural Environmental Planning,
rural recreation planning must be sensitive to local attitudes, insti-
tutions and values, land ownership goals, and citizen participation.
Moderate income people, who usually are not included in the planning
process, are often the majority of rural residents and they need to
be accommodated.32
Results of the Currituck County Land Use Questionnaire (see
Appendix F) indicate the following:
1. '77% -favor transportation to the Currituck.Banks; first
and second choices of method found 46% favoring the
Duck -Corolla road and 49% favoring ferry access. Purpose
of access was not identified; recreation is judged as
having been a major influence. 32% were undecided on a
method.
2. 57% approved high density zoning which would allow open
space adjacent; 32% were undecided.
3. 83% favor_ zoning of some lands for recreation and conser
vation use only; 3% had no opinion.
4. Respondents were asked to identify, in priority order,
inadequacy of County recreation facilities. "Ocean Beach
Access" was written in by respondents. Of the first through
32Sargent.

fourth priorities, those judged to have been most
important, the following results ;ere obtained by
averaging choices:
Local Opinions on Recreation Facility Inadequacy
Facility Priority of Need
Ocean beach access 1 (Least
adequately
provided)
Swimming. 2
Fishing Access 3
Golf Course 4
Tennis Courts 5
Playgrounds 6
Walking Trails 7
Camping Areas 8
Hunting Areas 9
Picnic Areas 10
Ball Fields 11
5. 71% indicated they would pay an additional five cents tax
per $100. valuation to provide for the recreation facility
they listed as most inadequate.
Local interest was also expressed in development of two specific
areas: Expansion of the N.C. Department of Transportation rest stop
near Maple was seen as desirable. Installation of more picnic tables
and trails at this location, and,development of a similar area south of
Coinjock to give trail access to the North River Game Land Black Bear
Preserve were proposed to serve both residents and travelers, and foster
roadside businesses. The NCWRG has indicated they are not interested
in building trails into the game lands, but that local government could
contact the Wildlife Resources Commission requesting FErmission to build

88
locally -financed facilities. It is seen as having too low a priority
in this study to be included as a recommendation.
Anticipated Demand
Need and interest, coupled with ability to pay costs necessary
for participation, identify demand. Demand may exist for a facility
or activity unable to be provided because of climate or other environ-
mental condition. As an example, there is a demand in Currituck
County for skiing. Because a ski and outing club has been provided
through the 4-H program, demand is easily measured at the level of
present costs. It is surprising that more than 100 nine to eighteen year
olds and families pay $200 to $300 per year per person. Skiing goes
R on elsewhere, with trips to North Carolina resorts and even to Vermont.
This is a good example showing obviously non-traditional values
and goals surfacing, perhaps from an individual interest and promotion;
and it may be an example of self-fulfilling projections discussed in
the section on trends. It identifies the difficulty one might have in
identifying various demands in urbanizing rural areas such as Currituck.
Sargent suggests that attitude surveys in rural areas be sent to 10.0
percent of the citizens. He suggests that nation-wide standards are
not applicable because of the dynamic changes in attitudes and
preferences.
With exception of walking for pleasure, watching television,.
swimming and a few other leisure activities, only a small minority of
any given population can be expected to have an interest in a specific
recreation activity. The ski club mentioned has attracted about one
percent of Currituck population. It provides a life -enriching experi-
ence to those involved, just as other types of activities have the same

potential. Demand analysis would not show a need for the activity;
neither will trend projection or urban plann'.!;g standards.
Unincorporated urbanizing areas reach a point in development
where provision of typical municipal service is sought. If there is
no other vehicle than county government either incorporation is sought
or the County is expected to provide the service. A look at population
projections.suggests the time is coming when municipal recreation
services including provision of open space will be required. A supply
of facilities will create a demand, just as the Coleman Youth Camp
has.
Private sector demand and that for sizable urban areas used
larger numbers lending themselves to analysis. It is not part of this
study to estimate such demand. It is anticipated, however, that such
a study would show potential for a marina with significant dry storage;
camping and cabin facilities on the Outer Banks and.a modest amount of
commercial recreation enterprises discussed in the SCS Report mentioned
earlier. It is likely that a golf course would be self-supporting if
one could be located close enough to Nags Head, on the peninsula. A
given recreation resource within easy reach of a large number of people
is potentially a more valuable resource than a similar area located far
from users. Demand, however, is dependent upon a number of inter-
related variables; population, incomes, urbanization, mobility,.
leisure time and estimates of the future based on judgment. Extent of
development, road (travel) quality and intensity of advertisement are
other affecting conditions. A price or money outlay per unit of recrea-
tion is needed in order to construct a demand schedule; the lower the
cost, the higher the demand. There is a different demand curve for

r
.0
every income group. In outdoor recreation, the natural resource alone
has little or no productivity unless it is combined with capital, labor
and management.
When considering the tourist market, the following population
information is of interest:
SMSA 1979 Population Estimate
Raleigh 495,016
Norfolk 814,600
Richmond, VA 601,873
People living in the above areas have the option of many competing attrac-
tions. The primary competition for Currituck County attractions is Dare
County. Dare County summer population is informally estimated to..be
100,000± with many miles of ocean beach and other attractions, and with
significant amounts of promotion. Population projections are often
the basis for attendance projections, consumption projections which
imply some relation of demand to supply, increases in demand and expand-
ing levels of supply.
Statistics developed by the North Carolina Department of Trans-.
portation show increases in traffic going into Dare County. On both
the Currituck Sound Bridge (Highway U.S. 158) and the Alligator River
Bridge (U.S. 64), an average six percent annual increase can be
expected. Included in the data base for the averages was a 9.5 per-
cent drop in Highway 158 traffic and a two percent drop in Highway 64
counts during 1974. 1978 Currituck Sound traffic was 25 percent higher
than 1975 traffic and 72.5 percent higher than -in 1970. 1979 figures
are expected to show a one.percent decrease for Highway 158, and 22 percent
drop on the other two. 40 percent of all monthly traffic occurs on the

91
weekends. Weekend traffic on Highway 158 during June, July and August.,
1978, increased ten percent over 1977, at a '..me when the average daily
traffic count increased only four percent.
The Oregon Inlet Bridge regularly receives 38 percent of the
total traffic coming into the county. More than 60 percent of the
traffic stays closer to Nags Head. The Inlet bridge count was signif-
icantly less than the closer locations during the 1974 recession/gasoline
shortage; a 52 percent drop in traffic was recorded.
July 1978 weekend day traffic averages were as follows:
Highway 64 3,345 (combines east and west traffic)
Oregon Inlet Bridge 6,560
Highway 158 Bridge 13,532
In general, itappears that principal demand for attractions in the
Currituck area comes from north or west of the County. There is an
increasing demand, reduced somewhat by economic conditions and gasoline
prices or supply, for potential recreation resources in Currituck
County. There must be an awareness of opportunity and a feeling on
the part of potential users that facilities are attractive and cost is
reasonable.
It is likely, therefore, that with development of similar
attractions, promotion and other affecting conditions in Currituck,
Dare County beaches and attractions would lose some or share increases
in use with.Currituck County beaches.
As indicated earlier, as conditions change in Dare County,
either from growth or adversity, Currituck County can expect additional
tourist pressure. Some assumptions and projections with demand rela-
tionships were included in the trend section earlier. Both public and
private outdoor recreation organizations must make plans to acquire land
10

M
relatively early in relation to need. For user -oriented areas, play-
grounds and neighborhood parks, location of sites must be near the
users. For major county parks, campgrounds and intermediate -type
areas, location is more flexible, but quality factors are dominant --
woods, waters, vistas. For seashore, wilderness and other resource -
based areas, the quality factor is very dominant, for there is no
substitute for unique areas if lost, and no marketable demand, even
to residents.
A detailed analysis of open space and recreation is available
through the document Open Space and Recreation, Currituck County,
1980, Coastal Consultants, Ltd. and Ronald Johnson.
Selected Policies: Although alternatives mentioned above as
well as 27 recommendations proposed by the recreation study were
discussed, the County feels that in view of the many needs of the
County, recreation expenditures must be held in abeyance until
other needs are met. However, there are many actions which can be
accomplished without significant expenditures. The following recom-
mendations from the Open Space and Recreation Plan will be implemented
during the planning period:
A. Identify school ground facilities, which if repaired
or improved would add to leisure opportunities. Imple-
mentation -Work with the Board of Education to identify
needs.
B. Contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
to request improvement of the Coinjock Access. Area.
- Implementation -Work with the North Carolina Resources
Commission.

93
C. Locate a private concessionnaire to provide a passenger
ferry service to the Currituck Bn.iks. Implementation -
A
Seek out through advertisement and State agency assistance
a suitable concessionaire. Request the State to provide
docking facilities and channel maintenance.
D. Secure voluntary easements along the ocean beaches from the
boundary of the proposed National Wildlife Refuge south to
the County line to allow legal access Darallel to the coast
at time of high tide. Permanent easements ten feet wide
above the Mean High Water Mark are proposed as realistic
minimum. An alternative would be to secure easements to a
point two feet above Mean High Water Mark elevation.
Implementation -Begin an ongoing program to contact landowners
to discuss the easements.
E. Establish water access points on the Sound and ocean. Future
subdivision approval will be contingent upon dedication of
road rights -of -way to the water. Implementation -Revise
subdivision regulations.
F. Establish a requirement of dedication of land for public
recreation or a cash payment to the County for subdivision
approval. Recreation facilities for exclusive use of residents
will not be a substitute. Implementation -Revise the sub-
division regulations.
G. Establish bike and canoe trails throughout the County.
Implementation -Ask for assistance from the State agencies.
H. Establish a County Parks and Recreation Commission.
Implementation -Seek volunteers to participate.

94
I. Establish voluntary programs for recreation and special
�- events in the County. Implementation -Utilize the volunteer
time of a Parks and Recreation Commission.
REDEVELOPMENT
At the present time, the County does not have significant areas
in need of redevelopment. However, some areas have numbers of
dilapidated structures. Some of these structures could have historic
and cultural value. In some areas, dilapidated mobile homes exist.
Alternative policies included setting aside County funds to assist
in improving structures, and maintaining the status quo situation of
M no particular actions.
Selected Policy: Before structures are destroyed or rebuilt,
a determination will be made by the County if the structures have
historic or cultural value. If potential exists, an attempt will be
made to place such structures on the State and National register of
historic places. The County will work toward identifying natural
areas (e.g. Pennys Hill) which could have historic or cultural
.significance:
Implementation: Amend County regulations to require a permit
before destruction of buildings. Before a permit is issued, require
a historic and cultural analysis to determined potential.. The Planning
Board will be required to review land areas in the County which could
• have. cultural and historic significance and work toward methods to
preserve these areas.

95
COMMITMENT TO STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
The County supports state and federal programs in the County .,
which include some programs required bylaw (e.g. CAMA permits). The
County supports the Proposed National Wildlife Refuge on the Currituck t
Banks, state highway improvements, the State taking of the road from
Duck to Corolla (in the absence of significant environmental problems if
determined.by the ongoing environmental analysis by NCDOT) dredging
and maintenance of the Knotts Island Ferry, and maintenance of the
Intracoastal Waterway. The County also supporLs state and federal
attempts at erosion control and beach nourishment. The County however,
does not find that County financial assistance for any of the above
mentioned projects will be available during the planning period. The
County will work with state and federal agencies to obtain easements
and spoil areas for necessary work. County government and agencies will
assist state and federal agencies upon request to work out with
private landowners necessary arrangements.
ENERGY FACILITY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT
Currituck County wishes to continue to be rural in nature and
continue to be oriented toward agriculture, fisheries and tourism.
The County does not support the locating and development of energy
facilities.
MOBILE HOMES
In the past ten years, mobile homes grew from about 20% of the
housing stock to about 36%. (See Appendix D for analysis). In the
past five years, the mobile homes as a percentage of total housing

starts was about 45%. If this percentage continues, over 1200 mobile
homes could be added to the housing stock by 1990.
Mobile homes are found throughout the County, and many are found
in mobile home parks. About 1500 mobile homes exist in the County,.
with about 550 located in mobile home parks. The largest.park,
Universal Park in Moyock Township, has about 380. Another large
park, the Camp Lazy B, has 60. Mobile homes are Tocated in 14 other
mobile home parks.
In terms of grade and condition of the mobile home stock, we
find that compared to the total housing stock, mobile homes are rated
by the tax assessors as higher overall in condition and grade... Most
of the mobile homes in the County are taxed as personal property, and
therefore for thesquare footage of living space which mobile homes
have compared to "stick and birck" housing, generally pay about an
equal amount of tax as a stick and brick house in the same overall
condition and grade. However, the upcoming revaluation could cause a
considerable change in this pattern, with stick and brick housing valua-
tions exceeding that of mobile homes. Furthermore, it is widely held
that police and social services calls to mobile homes are substantially
higher than calls to stick and brick type housing,33 thereby causing a
higher.degree of expense.
Ignoring the aspects of revenue generation, costs, and long
term effects on housing quality (mobile homes generally appear to be
considerably depreciated after about 15 years), it.is likely that
33Currituck County Sheriff's Department and Health Department.

97
encouraging mobile home building in areas with poorest housing quality
will, if coupled with enforcement of the hoi,--ing code, most likely
result in the immediate improvement of the quality of life in terms
of housing. The overall proliferation of mobile homes in terms of
revenue generation, costs, and long term effects on the housing stock
appears to be generally detrimental.
Alternatives: The County considered the following: (1) encour-
age mobile homes, (2) allow mobile homes only in mobile home parks,
(3) require large (5 to 10 acre) minimum lot sizes for mobile homes,
(4) allow mobile homes only in one small zone, (5) .require extensive
anchoring, skirting, foundations, etc. for mobile homes, (6) do
nothing.
Selected Policy: Restrict mobile homes to a special use which
allows a mobile home to replace a stick and brick house of Grade D or
E and poor condition as determined by the County tax assessor. The
County will continue to work with the state and Federal governments,
and private developers to provide alternate housing.
Implementation: Revise the zoning ordinance to provide for the
above selected policy.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A. Objectives:
The public participation program is designed as an integral
part of the planning process. The following objectives are to be strived
for during this process:
(1) to develop an understanding among citizens and the organized
private interests in the community of the principal physical

98
problems and needs of the area and the role of planning
in dealing with them and bringing about a more liveable
environment;
a (2) to cultivate a practice among civic leaders and interest
groups of sharing in the planning process;
(3) to overcome the lack of, or problems of, established
political mechanisms so as to reach segments.of_the popu-
lation not adequately represented in the.planning and
decisionmaking process;
(4) to serve as a forum for communicating the concerns of
interested citizens and interest groups;
(5) to educate the public in technical matters; to keep
them well informed on matters in controversy, proposed
and existing laws, policies and regulations and the
rationale behind them;
(6) to reflect changes in the public perception of their
area, its needs and resources, and the best.use of these
resources.
B. Approach:
The approach of the public participation program is to combine
an educational process with issue raising sessions, questionnaires
and public meetings. In order to assure participation of appropriate
groups, a sector analysis will be prepared to determine what publics
exist and their relative makeup of the community's population -and
importance.

99
DETERMINATION OF PUBLICS
It is important to recognize that the public is made up of many "
sectors. These sectors vary in the time they spend in the community,
the degree and role they play in the political process, their economic
and social importance and their interrelationship with each other.
In Currituck County, we have attempted to identify many of these
groups according to political and economic -social interests.
Groups Arranged By Political Interests:
A. Permanent residents who participate in the electoral
process;
B. Permanent residents who do not participate in the electoral
process;
C. Temporary residents (summer inhabitants, monthly and
weekly residents, day users); 3
D. Interested non-residents (absentee landowners, land
speculators, absentee landowners).
Groups Arranged By Economic -Social Interests
A. Builders and Contractors H. Low Income Persons
B. Realtors and Developers I. Retirement Persons
C. Commercial Fishermen J. Farmers
D. Commercial Fishermen,. K. Laborers
E. Sport Fishermen L. Industrialist
F. Beach Users M. Military Personnel
G. Government Workers N. Environmentalists
In order to involve all these publics in the planning process, the
Planning Board has identified persons who represent these interests. -

Specific invitations have been given to persons in these groups to
attend meetings during which issues of interest to them would be
addressed. Educational material was mailed to them and questionnaires
to elicit their response to community issues were mailed to them.
The Planning Advisory Committee and the County Manager deter-
mined representative publics for Currituck County. Individuals were
k w
selected to represent various publics. Through this process, a list
of publics was prepared.
Education Process
A. Newspapers
In order to prepare citizens for the input process, a number
of newspaper articles were run in newspapers regarding planning -issues.
Many general problems were mentioned, such as transportation, water and
sewer, and environmental problems.
B. Forum
A public forum was held with specific invitations to various
interest groups in the community. The first part of the forum was
educational; the second part sought to elicit community issues and
problems, as well as a ranking of the issues.
C. Meetings: The planning process has been developed through
the presentation of papers on various subject areas which served as
discussion material through which policies were formulated. Members
of the public as well as the Advisory Committee attended the meetings
and helped in the formulation of ideas.

101
Public Input
A. Advisory Committee on Land Use
The Committee served as the decision -making group in determining
policies. Because many of the members are elected officials, decisions
were. considered to be reflective of the citizens who they represented.
The Consultant presented information, analyses, alternatives, and advice
to this Committee, and through discussion, decisions on policy were
formulated by the Committee.
B. Issue Forum
The issue forum was designed to elicit planning issues from the
community. Special invitations to representatives from selected inter-
est groups as well as the general public were invited. In addition to
determining issues, a ranking of issues was accomplished. These issues
were used to design the informational questionnaire which helped the
Committee in policy formulation. In order to determine the issues
and priorities, a modified nominal group method was used.
C. The Method
The process began when the Committee welcomed the citizens to
the forum and explained the purpose. (To solicit citizen's ideas
about community problems, goals, priorities). It was explained that
no attempt would be made at the forum to arrive at solutions at that
time.
Thereafter, the participants were given introductory instruction
about what land use means, as well as a discussion of how services,
I �
budgeting, and special issues relate to the planning process. At
this point an identifiable example from a different situation (not

102
relating to Currituck County) indicating the type of responses desired .
(issues, not subject areas) was shared with the audience.
The citizens were instructed to work individually and silently
on compiling a list of issues of concern to them regarding problems
in the County. Each individual was asked in a "round-robin" fashion
for one of his statements of an issue. Each response was recorded on a
blackboard. No debate, rewording, or combining of items was allowed.
.The purpose of this phase was to get as many responses as possible
listed without the immediate burden of defense.
This process was continued until each participant had the
opportunity to enumerate all of his concerns. After this phase was
completed, participants were separated into groups of about five
persons each. The subgroups were asked to discuss the issues and agree
on the five issues of highest priority on the list. Then the members
of each subgroup were asked to vote silently and privately on each of
the five most important issues before the subgroup. The voting was done
by setting weights on problems selected. The votes on each item were
tallied within each subgroup. When all subgroups had completed the
voting, a.member of the subgroup was asked to report the tallies on
each item. These tallies were placed on the blackgoard beside each
item. When the tallies from each subgroup on each item were totalled,
a score for each item was indicated, showing priorities.
Following a brief discussion of the results, the citizens
were informed about the use of their concerns in drafting the ques-
tionnaire, as well as policy formulation.
In drafting the questionnaire, the priorities from the issue
forum were used to design questions in order to determine how the

103
general public viewed the problems which the Advisory Committee on
Land Use would be considering during the pro -ass of completing the
Land Use Plan Update. Since the persons answering the questionnaire
would not have the advantage of the monthly meetings to review
information, the Committee used the results of the questionnaire as an
indicator of public attitude, rather than a "vote" on the isSL!eS. When
the time came for making policy on the issues, the answers on the ques-
tionnaire were discussed and included in the alternative discussions.
The public was notified at the beginning of the process of the
monthly meetings of the Committee and the public was invited to par-
ticipate in the process. Many from the general public attended ini-
tial meetings, but the attendance fell off through the process. Gener-
ally, at least two meetings per month were held.
A copy of the questionnaire and results are included in
Appendix F.
For continued and better participation, the following alterna-
tives were considered: (1) issue a monthly newsletter to all residents
of the County informing them of modifications of the land use plan and
attempts at implementation, (2) hold monthly meetings to discuss
possible plan revisions and implementation, (3) purchase television
and radio time to discuss pertinent land use issues and implementation
strategies.
Selected Policy: The planning board will hold a special land
use meeting annually to discuss the land use plan and implementation.
Before the meeting, the County will attempt to get newspaper articles
printed to announce the meeting and briefly discuss issues and imple-
mentation.

SECTION VI
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The land classification #system has been devel-oped as a means
of assisting in the implementation of selected policies. By delineat-
ing land classes on a map (see maps appended) the County can specify
those areas where certain policies (local, state, and federal) will
apply.
The following classes have been determined to apply in Curri-
tuck County:
DEVELOPED
The purpose of the developed class is to provide for continued
intensive development of areas currently at or approaching a density
of 500 dwellings per square mile that are provided with usual munici-
pal or public services including at least public water, sewer, recrea-
tional facilities, police and fire protection. Although Currituck
County has no municipalities within its boundaries, two areas gener-
ally meet the above criteria. These areas are Universal Trailer Park
in Moyock Township, and Walnut Island in Poplar Branch Township.
These areas have a water and sewer system and are densely developed
with mobile homes.
TRANSITION.
The purpose of the transition class is to provide for future
intensive development within the ensuing ten years on lands that are

105
most suitable and that will be scheduled for provision of necessary
public utilities and services. The transitir-, lands also provide for
l
additional growth when additional lands in the developed class are not
available or when they are severely limited for development. Areas in
the County classified as transition include the communities of Moyock L
and Grandy, and the Currituck Banks.south of Corolla (not including
AEC areas). Through implementation of policies selected in the plan,
the areas around Moyock and Grandy are expected to grow to the extent
that the provision of public water and sewer may be feasible by the
end of the decade. The area south of Corolla is the area which the
County hopes will develop to allow for public access as well as
increase the County tax base. Developers will be required to provide
water and sewer. (See next section for policy and land use tie-ins).
COMMUNITY
The purpose of the community class is to provide for clustered
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 appended 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 appro-
priate for small clusters of rural development not requiring municipal
sewer service (e.g. Point Harbor_, Bertha, Shawboro).
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 impaired. In Currituck County,

106
most of these areas are in agricultural use.
CONSERVATION
The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for effec-
tive long term management of significant limited or irreplaceable
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, all land north of Corolla and wetland
south of Corolla included in the proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife
National Wildlife Refuge, and all AEC areas.
RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND
CLASSIFICATION
Developed: The trailer parks indicated as developed, Univer-
sal Park and Walnut Island are classified in this manner due primarily
to the densities, and the provision of sewer and water. They are not
considered as areas where the County wishes to have additional growth.
As indicated previously, these areas have a high demand for services,
especially police and social services, and therefore have been con-
sidered in the services needs for 1990. The .County policy is to reduce
mobile home development. It is anticipated that due to changes in'.
zoning and subdivision regulations,no more such trailer parks will be
permitted. It is not probable that any other areas which could be
classified as developed will occur during the planning period, although
it is hoped that the designated growth areas of Moyock and Grandy will
.approach such a stage in the next ten year planning period.
y Transition: Two of the three general areas designated as
transition, Moyock and Grandy, are hoped to be the major growth centers

107
of the'County in the future. These areas are located along the major
transportation routes through the County, and presently have the land
use mix (stores, residential, institutions) appropriate to a potential
municipality. The area south of Corolla is expected -to develop with a
mix of single-family and multi -family, with public water and sewer
provided to multi -family.
Community: Community areas serve a useful function in a rural
County by serving as a focal point for rural residences and praviding
limited services such as a store, post office, church etc. As shown on
the classification map, the County has many community areas which serve
this function. Although the County recognized the need for these
small communities, it is not County policy to support the growth of all
of them. The County wishes to consolidate its facilities and services
in the future to make them more cost effective. In the attempt to 10
reduce sprawl development, implementation of zoning and subdivision
changes (larger lot sizes on poor soils, revision of zoning boundaries)
will serve to concentrate growth in the transition classification areas.
Developed, Transition, and Community
Appropriate Uses
Appropriate uses in these areas are those which could be con -
side red "urbanized uses," that is residences, commercial, institutional,
and industrial. The zoning ordinance will determine the specific uses
allowed as well as densities. The exceptions are the areas presently
indicated in the developed classification. As noted previously, these
areas are not intended to represent "municipality" type uses of land
which would include the urbanized uses noted above. instead, they are
only high density residential use.

w
Rural: The rural class includes areas used primarily for
agriculture, or contain forest areas. County policy is to keep these
areas in agriculture by implementing zoning and subdivision changes
which would limit mobile home use (which in the past has utilized
agricultural land in many instances).
Appropriate uses in these areas are farming, forestry, and
rural residential. Other appropriate uses would be industrial, mineral
extraction, and utility lines and pipes. Changes in the present zoning
ordinance would place standards on the industrial, mineral extraction,
or utility use.
Conservation: The conservation class, which includes all wet-
lands, state and federal recreation and wildlife protection areas, the
proposed Currituck Banks Wildlife Refuge, and other AEC areas which
include ocean hazard areas, estuarine shoreline, 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 development 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. Furthermore,
proposed changes in zon.ing and subdivision regulations will impose.
These areas also have soil conditions in and around the areas which
could support a gradual increase in densities. Once appropriate densi-
16, ties are reached, it would then be feasible to serve these areas with
sewer and water, and serve as concentrated nodes for provision of
4 services. The major method to implement this policy is through changes
in the zoning and subdivision regulations. Proposed changes (see Man-
agement Tools; Currituck County) would change district boundaries and

It•
and densities to provide for lower densities throughout much of the County,
and allow higher densities around Moyock and ;,randy. In this way, the
intent is to alter the present sprawl pattern of development to a nodal
concept. The purpose is not only to allow for more efficient provision
of services, but also to protect the environment by reducing development
on marginal soils and in environmentally sensitive areas.
On the Currituck Banks south of Corolla, the third general area
designated as transition, the intention is to provide for some develop-
ment and public access on the Banks. The County has determined that a
compromise concept of environmental protection and development is neces-
sary for the Banks. The policy support of the proposed National Wild-
life Refuge will mean that a large portion of a County resource will
be given up to federal control. The Refuge will be closely controlled
by the federal government, and very minimal human use will be permitted.
In the area south of Corolla (other than wetlands included in the pro-
posal and AEC areas) it is proposed that the County allow for flexi-
bility of development by the private sector. Transition classification
is indicated because implementation of the policy will require developers
of PUD, multi -family development to provide sewer and water. The
County is committed to provide other services to the area to the
same degree that it is provided to mainland residents. It must be
noted, however, that in keeping with the flexibility concept, that
development of the area in single family detached use could occur.
This could happen due to a number of reasons: (1) developers may not
' A
be able to provide sewer and water due to inability to find enough
water for proposed development, (2) their proposed package plants may
a
not meet County and state and federal requirements for a permit,

4
110
(3) the costs of providing the services, as well as the requirement to
__ give up open space and provide for public access may not be cost effec-
tive to make high density development worthwhile. Single family
detached -units will be required to locate on minimum lot sizes of one
acre. Even so, many lots may not be able to meet septic tank require-
ments, and therefore some areas may not be able to be developed. It
is the intention of the County, then, to rely on governmental controls
to provide standards which will control development, but allow the
private sector to attempt development.
Standards proposed in the management tools would control
development. For, example, filling of wetlands for development would
be prohibited. (See Management Tools, Currituck County). The proposed
zoning changes would include a new zoning district, conservation, which
would have the boundaries of the class of conservation on the classifi-
cation map.
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. Minimum lot size for a single family detached use
would be ten acres. 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 other restrictions such as CAMA regulations
on standards in AECs.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
During the planning process, the County contacted adjacent
municipalities, as well as state and federal agencies to discuss

111
alternatives and exchange information. For example, potential problems
of hurricane evacuation were discussed with the Dare County Civil
Preparedness Coordinator, meetings with the NCDOT were held to discuss
road improvements, the Army Corps of Engineers was contacted regarding
the bridge at Coinjock and dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway, `
municipalities in Virginia were contacted to discuss mobile home con-
trol, and many other agencies on various issues pertinent to.the Land
Use Plan Update. The same consultant who helped to prepare the Curri-
tuck County Plan also assisted the Town of Southern Shores and other
Dare County Beach Communities. A continuous dialogue and flow of
information between the municipalities was therefore made possible.
The County will continue to maintain intergovernmental
coordination by exchange of plan documents, and through attendance
of meetings by County officials on issues of mutual interest.
ri
k

•
r
10
1
A
7
GENERAL REFERENCES
Albemarle Regional, Overall Economic Development Plan, Hertford, 1977.
Brower, David J., et al., Access to the Nations Beaches: Legal and
Planning Perspectives, UNC-SG-77- 8, Ra eigh, 1978.
Capps, Howard T. and Assoc., Land Use Element, Currituck County,
Elizabeth City, NC, 1978.
Coastal Consultants, Ltd. and Ronald D. Johnson, Recreation and Open
Space, Currituck County, Southern Pines, 1980.
Proposed Management System, Currituck County, Southern
Pines, 1980.
Envirotek, Inc., The Currituck Plan, NCSU, Raleigh, 1972.
Moore; Gardner & Associates, Inc., Report on Currituck County Compre-
hensive Study as to Population, Economy and Water and Sewerage
Requirements to 1990, Greensboro, 1974.
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development,
Land Potential Study, Currituck County, Raleigh,. 1966.
Land Use Plan, Currituck County, Raleigh, 1976.
North Carolina Water Resources Framework Study, Raleigh,
977.
, Statewide Comprehensive Recreation and Open Space Plan,
Raleigh, 979.
North Carolina Department of Transportation, Feasibility Study of State
Acquisition of the Private Road from Dare County to Corolla,
Raleigh, 1979.
Transportation Improvement Program, Raleigh, 1979.
North Carolina. Office of State Management and Budget, Profile, North
Carolina Counties, Raleigh, 1979.
Pilkey, Orrin H. Jr., et al., From Currituck to Calabash, N.C. Science
and Technology Research Center, Research Triangle Park, N.C.,
1978.

113
How to Live with an Island, N.C. Department of Natural
and Economic Resources, Raleigh, 1975.
Roberts and Eichler Associates, Inc., A Fiscal Impact Assessment of
Development on the Currituck Outer Banks, Decatur, 1979.
Sargent, Frederick 0., Rural Environmental Planning, University of
Vermont, 1976.
Stephens Associates, Currituck County Economic Development Plan, Raleigh,
1973.
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service,
Outdoor Recreation Potential, Currituck County, Currituck, 1973.
, Shoreline Erosion Study, Raleigh, 1975.
, Soil Survey, Currituck Count, Currituck, 1979.
United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service,
Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Proposed National Wildlife
Refuge on the Currituck Outer Banks, Newton Corner, MA, 1979.
s

SNOWDEN
SL16O
CORNER 8UM
GREGORY
0
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
1980
DEVELOPED
TRANSITION
OCOMMUNITY
CONSERVATION (INCLUDES ALL SURFACE WATERS)
L� RURAL
1
1
,
I
I
I JAR�ISBUR6
1
POWELLS POINT
,
I �
I
J
l
1
1
1
I
1
l
�J +
4000 0 4000 8000
sew <ss.
C URRI TUCI( COUNT Y

NND USE MAP
76
LEGEND:
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Transportation,
Communication,
& Utilities
Government &
Institutional
Cultural,
Entertainment,
& Recreation
Undeveloped
Land
Agriculture
Forestland
Water
Wetland
Barren
(BEACHES)
FICATION MAP
76
LEGEND:
I
Developed
Transition
Community
Rural
Conservation
( INCLUDES ALL
SURFACE WATERS)

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Currituck County has had an active land use planning pro-
gram since 1963 when the "Currituck Resources Council" was
established by the Board of Commissioners. A County Planning
Board was later organized. The Planning Board completed a
Land Potential Study in 1966. The County adopted Subdivision
Regulations in 1965 and a Zoning Ordinance in 1967. The Plan-
ning Board was also actively involved in preparing the Outer
Banks Development Plan (known as "The Currituck Plan") in
1973, and water and sewer facilities plans in 1974.
In spite of the Board's activity over the years, there has been
very little active citizen participation in identifying land use
issues, goals and objectives. The Planning Board and County
Commissioners have been forced to do this important job them-
selves. Many people have appeared at public hearings on
zoning changes, and their cumulative voices amount to con-
siderable citizen input; however, zoning controversies have
focused on the mobile home issue, rather than land use in
general. Public hearings on the Outer Banks Development Plan
were well attended, but many people subsequently complained
that their involvement was only superficial.
In March, 1975 a Citizens Advisory Committee on Land Use
Planning was appointed by the County Commissioners as part of
the coastal management planning process. This Committee was
composed of twenty-one members including men and women,
minority group members, and someone from each community
in the County. The Advisory Committee was asked "to secure
the views of a wide cross section of citizens representing not
only different geographical areas of the County, but the varying
economic, social, ethnic, and cultural interests as well, on the
goals and policies for Land Use Planning."
The Advisory Committee has used community meetings and a
questionnaire to solicit citizen input.
Four concurrent community meetings were held at Moyock,
Currituck, Poplar Branch, and Knotts Island on June 10, 1975.
A second series of seven concurrent community meetings was
held on October 2, 1975 at Knott's Island, Moyock, Shawboro,
Currituck, Coinjock, Grandy, and Powells Point.
In late September, 1975, a questionnaire was mailed to 850
households in the county (a 28% sample). As of November 6,
1975, 220 questionnaires had been returned. Seventy-three
percent of the respondents favored "continuation of an Agri-
cultural Based Economy" (as opposed to emphasis on residen-
tial or industrial development). Fifty-nine percent were opposed
to a central water or sewer project, at least at the present time.
In answer to the question "What do you think are the major
development and transportation problems facing the county?",
the most frequent responses were:
(1) The need to "four -lane" NC 168/NC 34/US 158.
(2) The influx of mobile homes into the county.
(3) Complaints about secondary roads.
(4) Outer Banks Access.
(5) A need for limited industrial development.
Major Land Use Issues 1975-1985
Through the community meetings and questionnaires de-
scribed above, and with data from earlier studies, the Com-
mittee identified six major land use issues facing the County
over the next ten years.
MOBILE HOMES:
At present there are nearly one thousand mobile homes in
Currituck County, amounting to 26% of the housing stock.
(Compared to about 7% in the State and 8% in the Albemarle
region.) Most of the population increase from 6900 in 1970 to
9500 to 1975 is attributable to mobile homes. Specific com-
plaints about mobile homes are:
"They are unsightly and depreciate property values."
"They don't pay their fair share of taxes." Mobile homes
are taxed as personal property and mobile homes owned
by non-resident servicemen cannot be taxed here. The
value for taxation of the average mobile home is about
28% of the value of the average house. Mobile homes
depreciate in value: most homes increase in value.
Mobile home parks and subdivisions can be developed
quickly, creating sudden demands for schools and other
services that are difficult to meet.
RESENTMENT ABOUT GROWTH:
This issue includes all of the concerns evoked by rapid growth
and development. The county has two kinds of growth pressure:
(ii) "Spillover growth" from the adjacent metropolitan area,
especially mobile homes; and (ii) retirement home, and recrea-
tion home development. Many people feel that the natural
amenities of the county and its pastorale way of life are
threatened. They resent increased taxes and overcrowded
schools. There is a strong sentiment in the county that growth
should be limited and gradual. In that way, demands for addi-
tional services do not cause burdensome and sudden tax in-
creases. Growth should pay for growth —that is, wherever possi-
ble, developers should pay for community facilities that their
new home owners demand.
TRAFFIC ON U.S. 158, N.C. 34, AND N.C. 168:
There has been much discussion about whether the heavy
seasonal traffic on the highways in the County is an asset or a
liability. Many residents derive most or all of their income from
service stations, restaurants, produce stands, antique shops and
other businesses oriented to the tourist traffic. They feel even
more should be done to cultivate tourist -oriented business.
Other people, however, are bothered by the heavy traffic, con-
gestion in many business areas, delays at the Coinjock Bridge,
and frequent accidents. In 1975 schools were opened before
Labor Day, but forced to close temporarily because of the
danger of operating buses in the heavy holiday traffic.
ACCESS TO SOUND AND OCEAN:
This issue has been frequently mentioned. It is the one major
area in which there is a clear concensus, that is: There is a need
for more beaches, parks, boating ramps and other public access
to the sound and ocean.
OUTER BANKS ACCESS:
The search for a F tanent acces ute to the Currituck
County Outer Banks has gone on since the 1930's.
In 1939 a road from Duck to Corolla was added to the Secon-
dary road system, and to the official hit;hwav maintenance
maps. However, the "road" was actually just criss-crossing sandy
tracks, negotiable only by off -road vehicles; and it was never
regularly maintained. In 1974, the Division of Highways finally
disclaimed anv responsibility for the road; although it was never
officially abandoned or deleted.
In 1949 and again in 1965, local acts were introduced author-
izing a turnpike authority to build a road between Duck and
Virginia Beach. On both occasions, the legislation was found
unconstitutional before any serious evaluation was made of the
project.
The Outer Banks Development Plan recommended that "ini-
tial access (to the outer banks) should be by a ferry which can
carry passengers in large numbers and vehicles in small num-
bers." The plan recommended two ferry routes: one between
Knotts Island and Corova Beach, and another between Aydlett
(or Waterlily) and Corolla. The objectives of the access scheme
in the Plan were to "create a destination beach" (avoiding a
thoroughfare highway along the outer banks strand), and to
"connect the outer banks with the mainland for cultural and
economic reasons."
In January 1974, a "Transportation Philosophy for Currituck
Banks" was cosigned by the County and the Secretaries of Natu-
ral and Economic Resources, Transportation, Human Resources,
and Administration. Th- "Transportatir philosophy" was a mu-
tual endorsement of tF,, urrituck Plat. kept. In the spring of
1974, marine engineers from the Department of Transportation
visited the county to study possible sites for a ferry terminal;
and State engineers prepared preliminary cost estimates for a
ferry project.
Outer Banks developers offered the state $1 million in land
and/or cash toward the implementation of a ferry system: no
response was ever made to the offer.
Access to the Outer Banks has also been discussed in con-
junction with the proposed False Cape (Va.) State Park. The
park land lies between the N.C.-Va. State Line and the Back Bay
Wildlife Refuge. Planners are seeking a route to provide access
to the park without disturbing the Refuge. One route could be
via Knotts Island. This would also be a means of access to the
Currituck Outer Banks.
Access to the beach via Knotts Island is an alternative favored
by the Outer Banks Civic League, a group which represents
many Currituck Outer Banks residents and property owners. The
County Commissioners have opposed a "northern route" fearing
that it would lead to a thoroughfare highway down the beach,
and to an unmanageable development situation.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT:
At community meetings, the most controversial growth issue
was the desirability of encouraging industrial development in
the county. A need to diversify the tax base, and a need to
provide jobs in the �munity hav ?en cited in favor of
encouraging industry. More rapid growtn due to industry locat-
ing here, concern about the environment, and a realistic
appraisal of the County's limited locational advantages have
been cited in oppositon to the encouragement of industry.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES. After careful considera,-
tions, the Committee recommends that the following goals, ob-
jectives and policies be established to deal with the issues
identified above.
Mobile Homes. By 1985 mobile,homes should be reduced from
26% of the County's housing stock to 14%.
No more mobile home parks should be permitted in the
county. Existing parks should not be expanded.
All mobile homes should be properly tied down and skirted.
In mobile home subdivisions there should be standards for
the type, placement, and number of outside storage build-
ings.
Mobile homes shou. .Je excluded fi _.,i areas where there is a
clear community concensus. Local community meetings
should be held to "fine-tune" the zoning regulations.
The County should ask nearby Virginia localities to relax their
restrictive treatment of mobile homes.
All mobile homes should display a decal indicating that the
mobile home has been registered (and is paying taxes, if
appropriate).
Growth: Zoning, Subdivision Regulations, Utility Policies, and
Permit -Letting under the Coastal Management Act should be
directed toward the Maintenance of a rural, agriculturally -
oriented community.
In reviewing proposed subdivisions particular scrutiny should
be applied to proposals to develop marginal land. Much of
the recent growth in the County has been due to the availa-
bility of cheap lots, carved from low-lying land with poor
soils.
Plans for water and sewer utilities should be held in abeyance
for several years.
A "chamber of commerce" promotional mentality should be
avoided.
Major Thoroughfares:
The NC 168/NC 34/US 158 Corridor should be four-laned.
The first phase of the project should be in the Grandy area.
Plans for the proposed high span bridge at Coinjock should in-
clude relocation assistance to tourist -oriented businesses.
A causeway should `built from F is Island to the Outer
Banks.
Ferry service between Currituck and Knotts Island should be
increased to allow Knotts Island residents to participate in
County affairs and to provide access to the Outer Banks via
Knotts Island.
To provide access to the Outer Banks via Knotts Island.
Access to Sound and Ocean.
The State should acquire a public beach area on the Outer
Banks.
County subdivision regulations should require public access
ways to the beach every 1500' in ocean front developments.
The State and/or County should establish additional boating
access points, with adequate parking facilities and picnic
areas.
Industrial Development.
The County, with State assistance, should try to encourage
appropriate industries to locate in Currituck.
Development of the airport industrial site is recommended.
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Land Classification Map (over) is the heart of the plan. It
is a statement of county policy regarding future growth and,
therefore, the use of our land and water resources. Specifically,
the map indicates:
Where new development should take place.
The general kind o velopment i auld be.
How much development should be encouraged over the next
ten years.
The Land Classification Map is intended to improve county
government in several ways: (1) the state and federal govern-
ments are required to respect the county's development objec-
tives as expressed in the plan; (2) the county will be better able
to evaluate the effects of large-scale developments; (3) the
county will be in a stronger legal position to enforce its zoning
and subdivision regulations, to improve its tax program, and to
employ other modern development controls.
Briefly, the Land Classification system works like this: all land
in the county is placed into one of five classes according to its
ability to absorb growth, and according to the county's ability to
provide the public services needed by that development (police
and fire protection, water and sewer, etc.)
The five classes are defined as follows:
DEVELOPED —Lands where existing population density is
moderate to high; and where there are a variety of land uses
which have the necessary public services, including water and
sewer.
TRANSITION —Lands where local government plans to ac-
comodate moderate to high density development during the
following ten-year period. Water and sewer and other public
services will be provided to accommodate that growth.
COMMUNITY —Lands where low density development is
grouped in existing settlements, or will occur in such settle-
ments during the next ten years, and which will not require
extensive public services now or in the future.
RURAL —Lands whose highest use is for agriculture, forestry,
mining, water supply, etc., based on their natural resource
potential.
CONSERVATION —Fragile, hazard and other lands necessary
to maintain a helthy natural environment and necessary to
provide for the public health, safety, or welfare. These lands
should be maintained in essentially their natural state.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
Currituck County contains certain land and water areas which
are especially sensitive to development. They are physically or
biologically fragile and could easily be damaged or destroyed by
poorly -planned or inappropriate development. Some or all of
these might be designated by the Coastal Resources Commis-
sion as "Areas of Environmental Concern" (AEC's) in 1977.
In order to determine the types of uses permitted in such
AEC's and specific locations, the Coastal Resources Commission
has initiated an intensive study of each category. Listed below
are the kinds of fragile areas found in Currituck and the types of
uses which may be made of them. Before any official designa-
tion, a public hearing, specifically for the County, will be held.
Please take time to study this and any subsequent information
in order to present your opinion.
Coastal Wetlands.
Maintain in its natural state; marinas, docks and other uses
requiring water access.
Estuarine Waters.
Navigation facilities; bulkheads, piers, etc.; maintenance of
commercial and sports fishing.
Aquifers.
Any use which will not damage the aquifer as a source of
drinking water.
Complex Natural Areas.
Uses compatible with plant and animal communities which
have not previously been changed by human activity.
Areas that Sustain Remnant Species.
Uses which will not jeopardize the continued existence of
rare plant and animal species.
Public Trust Water.
Uses which will not interfere with the public right of naviga-
tion or other public rights in surface water.
Sand Dunes.
Uses which do not reduce the dunes ability to protect islands
from storm damage.
Ocean Beaches.
Uses which do not interfere with the right of the public to use
and enjoy the beach area.
Ocean Erodible Areas.
Uses which do not lead to unreasonable public expenditures
to protect property or maintain safe conditions.
Estuarine and River Erodible Areas.
Recreational, rural, and conservation uses are appropriate
where the shoreline has not been stabilized; all other uses
are inappropriate if the shoreline has not been stabilized.
GROWTH VS. LIMITED RESOURCES
Much of Currituck County is characterized by physically and
biologically "fragile" land and water areas. These could easily
be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or poorly planned
development. They include, among others, the marshes, the
Sound and rivers, the sand dunes and beaches. The anticipated
growth of the county in coming years is likely to have consider-
able impact upon these resources.
Probably the clearest growth/resources conflict facing the
county is the use of individual wells and septic tanks on small
lots on the Outer Banks. The County's engineers have stated
that such facilities cannot be used indefinitely: septic tank
effluent will eventually contaminate the wells, though no one
knows precisely when this will happen.
At present, the County has neither a public water supply nor
sewage disposal system. County regulations require developers
to provide them at their expense, in accordance with State
standards. In its planning for the future, however, the County
has had prepared preliminary plans for each service, including
cost estimates and financing. When water supply and sewage
disposal problems begin to occur, the County and affected
property owners will review the various methods by which the
needed services can be provided.
IMPLEMENTATION
"Implementation" is the means by which the plan is carried
out, or made to work. Currituck County has already adopted
several of the most important implementation tools including a
zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and a dune protec-
tion ordinance.
The permit system for development in Areas of Environmental
Concern and the public investment philosophy fostered by the
Land Classification System will be major new tools exercised
jointly by the County and the State.
PLAN REVISIONS
The Coastal Zone Management Act requires local govern-
ments to update their plans every five years. This is to account
for changing conditions, new technology, and your opinions on
any subsequent issues. Your constant participation in the plan-
ning process is needed; not just every five years, but as a contin-
uous voice in a changing community.