Land Use Plan-1990

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Public Hearing: May 20, 1991
A4ted by Board of Commissioners: Tune 3, 1991
Certified by Coastaf Resources Commission: _7ufy 25, 1991
' Prepared B
P Y
CURRITUCK COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
I
the
CURRITUCK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
I- and the
I CURRITUCK COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
"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 Zone
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."

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1990 Currltuck County Land Use Plan
Table of Contents
Page No.
1.
INTRODUCTION
1
2.
POPULATION
9
3.
ECONOMY
16
4.
TRANSPORTATION
28
5.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
39
6.
LAND USE
49
7.
ENVIRONMENT
59
8.
COUNTY FACILITIES
77
9.
STORM HAZARDS
86
10.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN
97
11.
RECOMMENDED FIVE YEAR WORK PROGRAM
105
APPENDIX 1 PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS 132
APPENDIX 2 STATUS OF THE POLICIES ESTABLISHED
IN THE 1985 LAND USE PLAN 135
APPENDIX 3 CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND
REGULATIONS 143
APPENDIX 4 CURRITUCK COUNTY BOAT ACCESS AND
RECREATION AREAS 147
APPENDIX 5 RELATIONSHIP OF CAMA REQUIREMENTS
TO THE 1990 CURRITUCK COUNTY LAND
USE PLAN 150

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TABLES
Page No.
Table 2A
Population: 1940 - 2010
9
Table 2B
Currituck County's Population by Township
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Table 2C
Currituck County's. Population by
Township: 1980-2000
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Table 2D
Currituck County's Non -White Population
12
Table 2E
Currituck County's Population by Age
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Table 2F
Currituck County's 1990 Peak Seasonal
Population
13
Table 2G
Currituck County's Estimated Total
Population During Summer Season
14
Table 3A
Labor Force by Place of Residence in
Currituck County
16
Table 3B
Personal Income
16
Table 3C
Labor Force within Currituck County
17
Table 3D
Retail Sales within Currituck County
17
Table 3E
Agricultural Summary
20
Table 3F
Prime Agricultural Soils - Currituck County
21
Table 3G
Example of Federal Income Tax Deduction
26
Table 4A
Functionally Obsolete Bridges in
Currituck County (1988)
30
Table 5A
Location and Number of Subdivision
Lots Approved by Township: 1985-1990
40
Table 5B
Number of Residential Building Permits
Issued 1985-1990
41
Table 5C
Single -Family Building Permits by
Township 1985-1990
41
Table 5D
Number of Permits Issued for Single -Wide
Mobile Homes 1985-1990
42
Table 5E
Housing Survey, Currituck County,
April 1990
42
Table 6A
Land Use Allocation, Currituck County, 1990
49
Table 6B
Additional Land Needed for the Year 2000
53
Table 8A
Currituck County School Facilities
79

IFIGURES
IFigure Nos, Page No.
Figure 1 Vicinity Map 1
Figure 2 Relationship of the Land Use Plan
to Other Documents 5
Figure 3 Public Participation Program - 1990
' Land Use Plan 6
Figure 4 Currituck County Townships 10
Figure 5 Currituck County Population 14
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Figure 6 Employment by Place of Work,
Currituck County, 1988 18
Figure 7 Example of a Waste Management System
Used in Currituck County 22
Figure 8 Thoroughfare Plan, Currituck County 29
Figure 9 Currituck Outer Banks Major
Land Development Areas and
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Nature Reservations
36
Figure 10
Subdivision Lots Approved, 1985-1990,
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Figure 11
Currituck County
Location and Number of Subdivision Lots
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Approved by Township: 1985-1990
40
Figure 12
Recommended Residential Site Design
44
Figure 13
Example of Street Hierarchy System
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Figure 14
Existing Land Use Map
50
Figure 15
Estuarine System
61
Figure 16
Plant Species of CAMA Wetlands
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Figure 17
General Soils Map
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Figure 18
Flood Insurance Map
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Figure 19
Schematic of Wetland Types
72
Figure 20
Wetland Map
73
Figure 21
Currituck County Facilities and Services
Map
80
Figure 22
Currituck County Water System Map
83
Figure 23
Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale Ranges
88
Figure 24 Storm Surge Inundation Map 89
Figure 25 Land Use Plan Classification Map 104
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1. INTRODUCTION
Currituck
County
1990
Land Use
Plan
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
' In 1974, the State of North Carolina adopted the Coastal Area
Management Act or CAMA as it is commonly known. This Act requires
coastal communities to prepare land use plans as a means of guiding
I the development of land over a ten year period. According to CAMA
regulations, land use plans must be updated every five years. The
1990 Currituck County Land Use Plan will be the third update since
1976.
While required by the State for all coastal North Carolina
communities, establishment of a land use plan reflects sound planning
principles and should be prepared in all local jurisdictions regardless
of location. Land use plans are particularly critical for areas facing
' rapid growth, such as Currituck County; which, between 1980 and
1990, was the eighth fastest growing county in North Carolina. This
growth is attributed to the county's outstanding recreational water
resources and its proximity to the rapidly developing metropolitan
area of southeastern Virginia to the north and Dare County, North
Carolina's fastest growing county, to the south (Figure 1).
IFigure 1
Vtcctntty Map
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Description of a Land Use Plan
The Land Use Plan is an official public document adopted by the
Currituck County Board of Commissioners and approved by the Coastal
Resources Commission that contains information about the physical
development of the county as it exists today, what directions the
county should take in the future, and what steps need to be taken to
achieve desired goals. The plan will be used by local leaders to guide
decisions affecting land development in the county. Use of the plan
will lead to more efficient and economical provisions of public
services, the protection of natural resources, sound economic
development, and the protection of public health, safety, and welfare.
There are five principle characteristics of the 1990 Currituck
County Land Use Plan. They are as follows:
1. The plan contains County policies. These policies are
established through the identification of community goals
(broad statements describing the values of a community)
and strategies (courses of action to be taken to fulfill
community goals that help define the policies).
2. The plan is general in that its recommendations are
areawide rather than site specific. For example, instead of
recommending a specific site be used for commercial
purposes (zoning assigns uses to specific properties), the
land use plan would state that a certain amount of
residential development would require a certain amount of
commercial development to adequately serve that area.
3. The plan focuses on the physical development of the
county. It describes how, why, when and where to build,
rebuild or preserve the county. While the land use plan is
not a health plan, a social service delivery plan or an
economic development plan, it will encompass elements
contained in each.
4. The plan is comprehensive in that it includes all areas
within the county. Further, the plan includes all elements
that have a bearing on the physical development of the
county (i.e., environment, utilities, transportation, housing,
etc.).
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5. The plan is long range in that it projects an image of the I
county ten years into the future.
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' Fib, .rposes of a Land Use Plan
While the land use plan serves many functions, the primary
purposes are as follows:
I 1. Land use plans help communities answer questions about
how to coordinate the development of land to serve the
public interests. Elements affecting the public interests
' include:
A Health and Safety (i.e.. what areas of the community can
or cannot support higher concentrations of
' development?)
8 Convenience (i.e., where should streets be located to
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improve circulation?; are commercial areas adequate to
serve the need of a neighborhood?)
C. Efficiency (i.e., what land use arrangement is the most
efficient and least costly to the citizens and the
county?)
D. Environmental Quality (i.e., how should development be
handled along flood prone areas?)
E. Social Equity and Social Choice (i.e., in applying
densities and locations for residential development, will
there be adequate access and freedom of choice for
residents seeking housing opportunities?)
F. Amenities (i.e., while "attractiveness" means different
things to different can a consensus be reached
people,
on strategies to improve our surroundings such as
special appearance provisions along entrances into the
County?)
2. The land use plan provides a policy guide to decision
making. As can be seen in # 1 above, elements affecting
public interests can sometimes overlap (i.e., environmental
quality and amenities) and at other times may conflict (i.e.,
health and safety and efficiency). By identifying community
values and establishing goals based on those values,
appointed and elected officials can use the land use plan to
guide their decision making on matters related to the
physical development of the county. Typical decisions.
facing appointed and elected officials include rezoning
requests and proposals to change land use regulations.
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3. The land use plan provides a legal basis for decision making.
Article 19, Chapter 153A-341 of the North Carolina Statutes
states in part that "Zoning regulations shall be made in
accordance with a comprehensive plan . . .". Literal
interpretation of this language has been argued for decades
because zoning often occurred before the comprehensive
plan or land use plan was formulated or written. However,
clear' signals are being sent from the courts that when
challenged, development codes stand a better chance of
being upheld when they are based on a land use plan, as
opposed to evolving as a result of ad -hoc decisions as is true
in the absence of a land use plan.
4. The land use plan is used by the public, developers,
administrators, etc., to obtain facts about the county. For
example, land use plans are often used by existing
businesses to aid them in making future plans related to
expansions and by new businesses, who wish to assess the
desirability of locating in Currituck County.
5. The land use plan is used by state and federal agencies in
making decisions on issuance of various permits and to help
guide funding matters.
Relationship of the Land Use Plan to Other Documents
Land use plans are often confused with other documents, namely
zoning codes, subdivision regulations, and capital improvement plans.
Zoning codes (describing where certain land uses can locate in a
county), subdivision regulations (describing how to divide land) and
capital improvement plans (describing plans for growth by local
government - i.e., construction of a police station) are tools used by
counties to implement the goals and objectives found in the land use
plan (Figure 2). For example, the land use plan may establish a goal of
providing more recreational opportunities for residents in the county.
This goal may be achieved by: amending the zoning code to allow
commercial recreational uses in more zoning districts; adjusting
subdivision regulations to require the construction of recreational
areas in housing developments; and by setting aside money in the
capital improvements plan for such items as boat accesses.
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Figure 2
ReRatioanshAp of Land Use lean t® Other Documents
nts
Currituck Land Use Plan
Wstablishes goals and strategies for Currituck Coun4d
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Zoning Capital Subdivision
Regulations Improvement Regulations
Plan
JTwLs used to implement the goals and strateglesfound in the land use piaW
Preparation and Maintenance of the Land Use Plan
The key to success in implementing a land use plan is having
public input and acceptance. The first step in devising a Land Use Plan
that reflects the varied interests found in the county was to assign the
nine member Planning and Zoning Commission, with representatives
from each of the four townships, the responsibility of preparing the
plan. Staff assistance was provided by the Currituck County Planning
Department.
Realizing that not all interests are represented by the Planning
and Zoning Commission, the public was provided an opportunity to
participate in the development of the land use plan through
community meetings and public hearings. It was the opinion of the
Planning and Zoning Commission that attaining stated goals would only
be possible through an extraordinary effort to obtain public input
(Figure 3).
In keeping with that realization, a series of seven public
meetings was held around the County before drafting the plan to
identify the thoughts, concerns, and desires of County residents. All
totaled, these initial meetings were attended by over 300 residents.
Each person in attendance was given the opportunity to respond to
the question "What Does Currituck County Need To Do In Order To
Improve The Quality Of Life For It's Citizens Over The Next Ten
' Years?". Results from these meetings helped the Planning and Zoning
Commission identify issues important to residents of Currituck County
(see Appendix 1).
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While public attitudes were being assessed through community
meetings, the Planning Department was collecting data relating to
growth patterns, the economy, land use, the environment and other
matters affecting the physical development of Currituck County. This
data, along with information collected during the public input
meetings provided the foundation for preparing a draft land use plan.
Several meetings were held between the Planning and Zoning
Commission and the Board of County Commissioners while preparing
the plan to keep the Board informed of progress and to identify any
issues that may have been overlooked.
Figure 3
Pu b3icc ParUcAjpati®an Progmmm - 1990 Land Use Pl am
1. Planning andZoning Commission prepares LandUse Plan.
2.Over 70 notices mailedto various groups, organizations, and
churches advisingthem ofpublic meetings on landuse plan.
3. Sevenpublic meetings held around countyto obtainpublic
input on the landuse plan. Over 300 residents attend. A
mailing list of 100 interested citizens is developed.
4. The plan is drafted duringpublic meetings ofthe Planning
and Zoning Commission. Two public meetings heldbetween
Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners on land
useplan.
S. Draft copies of goals and strategies sent to 100 citizens on
mailing list along with dates of additional public meetings.
Over 70 notices mailedto various groups, organizations, and
churches advising thorn of follow-up meetir►gs on land use plan.
G. Five follow-up public meetings held aroundthe countyto obtain
feedback on draft goals andstrategies. Attendedby more than
90 residents.
7. Land Use Plan is revised duringpublic meetings of the Planning
and Zoning Commission to reflect additional comments from
the public and state.
8. Board of Commissioners holdpublic hearing and adopt 1990
Currituck County Land Use Plan.
Once a preliminary draft of the Land Use Plan was prepared, a
series of five follow-up meetings was held around the county to obtain
public comments on the recommended goals and strategies contained
in the draft. More than 90 residents participated in these meetings.
After final adjustments were made based on the follow-up public
meetings and comments received from the state, the Board of
Commissioners held a public hearing on the 1990 Currituck County
Land Use Plan May 20, 1991, before forwarding the Plan to the Coastal
Resources Commission.
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Now that the Land Use Plan has been adopted by the County
Commissioners and been certified by the Coastal Resources
Commission, ongoing maintenance of the Plan will be the
responsibility of the Planning and Zoning Commission. It is
recommended that the Land Use Plan be reviewed on an annual basis
' to determine if adjustments are warranted based on changing
conditions and to assess the attainment of recommended goals and
strategies. A thorough update of the Land Use Plan will occur in 1995
' in accordance with CAMA regulations.
Continued Public Participation
Involving the public during the preparation of the Land Use Plan
enabled the County to recommend goals and strategies consistent
with public attitudes. This involvement was seen as an essential first
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step towards eventual implementation of those goals and strategies.
While success in carrying out the Land Use Plan's goals and
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strategies is dependent on many factors, including among other
things, the local government's commitment to the Plan, accuracy of
the Plan, and economic conditions, continued public participation in
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land use planning issues will remain a critical component. Currituck
County acknowledges the importance of continued public participation
in land use planning. Every effort will be made to allow input not only
from interested citizens, but from all agencies involved in the
comprehensive planning program established over the next five years.
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GOAL 1.1: TO ENCOURAGE MAXIMUM PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 17V
THE LAND USE PLANNING PROCESS.
IStrategies:
1. Encourage the use of citizen advisory groups to help
formulate policies on land use issues facing the county;
2. Have all agencies with tasks outlined in the Land Use Plan
report on an annual basis to the Planning and Zoning
Commission on the status of implementing strategies.
3. Appointments to boards, commissions, and advisory groups
should be bipartisan and represent all age groups,
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geographical locations, sex and racial make-up of the County.
Organization of the 1990 Currituck County Land Use Plan
The 1990 Land Use Plan contains chapters on population, the
' economy, transportation, residential development, land use, the
environment, county facilities and storm hazards. Each chapter
provides an overview of these topics and contains long range County

goals where appropriate. All goals are followed by one or more
strategies, that have been identified, to help in achieving goals
established in the 1990 Currituck County Land Use Plan.
The Land Use Plan also contains a growth management plan that
includes a land classification map outlining recommended land use
patterns for Currituck County. Development patterns outlined on the
land classification map are consistent with goals that have been
established in preceding chapters.
The final chapter is a recommended five year work program
where all goals and strategies established in earlier chapters are
restated. To assist in the implementation of Land Use Plan
recommendations, each strategy stated in the work program is
assigned to one or more agencies and a time frame is established for
completion. The recommended five year work program reflects the
commitment of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of
Commissioners to achieve goals established in the 1990 Land Use
Plan.
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Cy
m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m

CHAPTER 2: POPULATION
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Currituck County was first settled in 1650 by families and
individuals from the Virginia colonies. Most of the homesteaders
received landgrants. Drawn by extensive shorelines, abundant wildlife
and fertile land, Currituck's population grew steadily over the next
200 years. By 1850, the County (which then included most of what is
Dare County today) had a population of 7,227, consisting of 4,600
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whites, 2,447 slaves and 180 free Negroes.
Over the next 120 years, Currituck's population fluctuated
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slightly. By 1970 the population was only 6,976.
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, Currituck County
experienced a phenomenal increase in population unequaled at any
time in Currituck's history. This steady influx of residents is expected
to continue well into the year 2000. It is attributed to several factors,
most notably the abundance of desirable shoreline property along the
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ocean, sounds, rivers and bays, as well as the proximity to the
metropolitan area of southeastern Virginia and Dare County, North
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Carolina's fastest growing county.
Between 1980 and 1990, Currituck's population has increased
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by 23.9%. This averages out to an annual population growth rate of
nearly 2.4% per year. Compared with current and expected increases
anticipated for northeastern North Carolina and the State (Table 2A),
it becomes evident just how rapid Currituck County is developing.
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Table 2A
P®puRatt>i®an: E 94 0 2020
(uarkw k %Cie
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Year Pbpu}atlon °.6 Qta[>ge Ec ft R' Slate
1940 6,709 - - -
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1950 6,201 -7.6 - -
1960 6.601 +6.5
1970 6,976 +5.7
1980 11,089 +59.0 - -
1990 13,736 +23.9 +13.9 +12.7
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2000" 18.516 +38.4 +14.6 +9.8
2010" 22,542 +21.7 +11.8 +7.1
'Region R consists of Camden. Chowan, Currituck. Dare, Gates, Hyde.
Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties
'• NC State Ofl%e of Budget and Management Projection
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Currituck County has four townships, which include Moyock,
Crawford, Poplar Branch, and Fruitville (Figure 4). As a percentage of
total population, Moyock Township has decreased between 1980 and
1990, while Poplar Branch Township has increased by more than 5%.
Crawford Township's population has remained at just over 35% of the
County's total population since 1960, while Fruitville Township's
population has increased from 6.7% to 8.3% of the County's total
population between the years 1960 and 1990 (Table 2B).
Figure 4
Cuirirttuck County Towanshtps
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MOYOCK \ FR[JrrVE LI
\ BURR I TWO, ^
* ♦ c
�. CRAWFORD i ,0
N
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ITable 2B
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(Cu irratu ck
Coul nty's
PopuallatAu n By TownshAp*
' T i yip
L96D F/0
LYA P/0 LCM P/C
ME MI
Moyock
1,207 (18.3)
1,494 (21.4) 3,095 (27.9)
3,091 (22.5)
Crawford
2,332 (35.3)
2,487 (35.7) 3,974 (35.8)
4,936 (35.9)
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Poplar Branch
2,622 (39.7)
2.487 (35.7) 3,114 (28.1)
4.507 (33.3)
FndvMe
440 Wl
508 721 906 (8.2)
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Total County
6.601 (100)
6,976 (100) 11,089 (100)
13.736 (100)
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Population
' 'Census Data
In absolute numbers, the population of Poplar Branch,
encompassing portions of the Outer Banks and the mainland, has
increased more than the other three townships in the County between
1980 and 1990. This reflects the desirability of living on the
Currituck Outer Banks and the continued popularity of the mainland
' area for commuters to Dare County. Based on existing population
trends, Poplar Branch will be the most populated township in the
County, overtaking Crawford by the year 2000 (Table 2C).
' According to the 1990 Census, Moyock Township lost
population in the 1980's. The number of new residential units
' constructed in Moyock Township over the last ten years (i.e., Quail
Run, Old South Landing and North Point Subdivisions) have been offset
by the reduction of mobile homes in Orchard Park, due to the
limitations of the sanitary sewer system. Population projections by
townships for the year 2000 have been adjusted to discount the loss of
population in Moyock Township related to Orchard Park.
' Table 2C
' cCuIlrrftu ck County
Popu Ra tAo n By T®wnslhhtp: 2,980-2000
' 1960 1990 Population 2000*
�3p RMWItko Pooddlon hxxase Population
Moyock 3,095 3,091
-4
3,736
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Crawford 3,974 4,936
962
6.437
Poplar Branch 3,114 4,570
1.456
6,841
Fruhl Me 906 1.138
233
1,502
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Total 11,089 13.736
2,647
18,516
*Currituck Planning Department Projection
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Throughout much of Currituck's history, the ratio of minorities
to the total population remained steady. However, between the years
1970 and 1990, minority population declined while the total
population increased dramatically. It is anticipated that this trend will
continue well into the year 2000. By the year 2010, the non -white
population will only account for 4.9% of the County's total population
as compared to 26.5% in 1970. This trend reflects the increased cost
of housing that characterizes coastal areas as well as the lack of
available employment opportunities in Currituck County (Table 2D).
Table 21)
cCu irirAtuck County's
No n-WhAte Popu RatAon
Total
Non -White
% Non -White
Year
DaNktion
Pomikdion
cunituck BegftR-
State
1970
6,976
1.847
26.5 -
-
1980
11,089
1,833
16.5 34.0
24.2
1990
13,736
1,685
12.3 29.7•+
24.2•'
2000'•
18,516
1.318
7.1 26.5
24.4
2010'•
22,542
1,105
4.9 23.8
24.5
*Region R consists of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank,
Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties
**NC State Office of Budget and Management Projection
A breakdown of population by age groups indicates some shifts
have occurred between 1970 and 1990. During that time, the 0-19
age group decreased while the 20-39 and 40-59 age groups increased.
The 60 and older age group continues to represent 17% of the
County's population, and it is anticipated that this age group will
remain stable through the year 2000 (Table 2E).
Table 2E
CUTIrAtucck (C®umays
Popu RatAon By Age
0-19 2,579 (37%)
3,543 (32%)
4,121 (300/6)
5,266 (29%)
20-39 1,543 (22%)
3,329 (30%)
4,258 (31%)
5,388 (29%)
40-59 1,639 (24%)
2,334 (21%)
3,022 (22%)
4,685 (25%)
60+ 1,215 (17%)
1,883 (17%)
2,335 (17%)
3,177 (17%)
*NC State Office of Budget and Management Projection
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Like other coastal communities, the summer season marks a
dramatic increase in population. On the mainland, an assortment of
campgrounds, cottages, tents and motels are available while the Outer
Banks offers rental housing units to seasonal guests.
To get an estimate of the average occupancy per rental housing
unit on the Currituck Outer Banks, five area Realtors were surveyed.
They indicated that each rental unit during a typical summer week is
occupied by between 10 and 15 persons. The high number of persons
occupying rental units reflects the size of dwelling units constructed
on Currituck's Outer Banks, which in 1990 averaged 3,332 square feet
per dwelling.
All totaled, the estimated peak summer population was 12,567
in 1990 (Table 2F).
Table 2F
Cumr-itucck Counnty'a L990
Peak Seasonal Population
Accommodations
MAINLAND*
1. Campgrounds
2. Cottages
3. Tents
4. Motels
OUTER BANKS**
1. Seasonal Housing
Occupancy
Seasonal
Units
Per Unit
Population
219
3.8
833
20
6.7
134
50
3.8
190
25
3.6
90
1,132
10.0
11,320
Total
Seasonal Population 1,962
12,567
*County of Currituck Mainland Water Facilities Study, December 1989
**Currituck County Planning Department
When the figure is added to a year round population of 13,736,
the estimated total population during the peak season in 1990 was
26,303.
In view of land use regulations prohibiting the expansion of
campgrounds, it is not anticipated the number of seasonal housing
units on the mainland will expand. However, construction of rental
housing units on the Outer Banks has remained steady, and it is.
anticipated that 1,600 new units will be built by the year 2000. When
considered with permanent population projections, it is anticipated
that the total peak seasonal population will be slightly over 47,000 in
the year 2000 (Table 2G).
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Table 2G
CU=Atuuck Couurnty's IEstAmated
Total Popu Ration During Summer Season*
Seasonal Population
Year Housing Units Seasonal Permanent Total
1990 1,962 12,567 13,736 26,303
2000 3,562 28,567 18,516 47,083
* Currituck Planning Department Projection
Summary
Throughout much of the 1900's, Currituck County's population
remained steady. However, the 1970's marked the beginning of a
tremendous population increase that is expected to continue well into
the year 2000 (Figure 5).
5
cCuu=ttuck County Popuullatt®nn
25000
20000
15000
Population
10000
5000
0 1 6 i ii V
'1940' '1950' '1960' '1970' '1980' '1990' '2000' '2010'
Year
Below is a summary of data presented in this chapter along
with possible implications of population growth in Currituck County.
- Currituck County has been and will continue to be one of
the fastest growing counties in the state due to its
proximity to the ocean.
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- Poplar Branch has been and will continue to be the fastest
growing township in the County followed by Crawford.
- The County's non -white population has declined by more
than 8% over the last 20 years while the overall population
has increased by 97% during the same period.
- The make-up of age groups within the County will remain
fairly constant. However, overall increases in the number of
residents points towards a need to expand County facilities,
such as schools and recreation areas particularly for the
i
elderly in the near future.
- In 1990, the County's population increased 91% during the
summer season. By 2000, it is anticipated that the County's
population will increase by 154% during summer months.
This points to a critical need for additional County services
on the Currituck Outer Banks.
Further implications of population growth can also be found in
Chapter 6, Land Use, and Chapter 8, County Facilities.
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CHAPTER 3: ECONOMY
Past Trends
Currituck County has long had an agricultural based -economy.
For many years to come, agriculture will continue to play a central role
in Currituck. However, over the last several decades the County has
taken on a new role in the region as a bedroom community. Many
residents of Currituck commute daily to such places as Chesapeake,
Virginia Beach, Elizabeth City and Dare County for employment
opportunities. The abundance of jobs in surrounding areas has
resulted in Currituck County having one of the lowest unemployment
rates in the State (Table 3A).
ITable 3A
Labor Fairce By Place Of Restde ncce
In CuarrAtu ck County *
Employment by
F4xeofReAjwm Im
M 1W 1968
Total Labor Force 6,920
7,284 7,603 7,799
Employed Labor Force 6,740
7,092 7.401 7,651
Unemployed Labor Force 180
192 202 152
Unemployment Rate (%) 2.6
2.6 2.7 1.9
*Employment Security Commission of NC
. Personal income in Currituck County has continued to grow over
tthe
years. Between 1984 and
1988, total personal income has
increased by 37% and per capita income
gained by 27% (Table 3B).
Table 3B
Peiraon.Il
Income
De Iptfnn LC4
1m M 1W 1968
Total Personal Income
(000's of $) 119,972
127,022 142,983 152.057 164.399
Per Capita Income (dollars). 9,292
9,831 10,695 11,102 11,757
*Bureau of Economic Analysis
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In 1988, there were 3,433 jobs in Currituck County (Table 3C,
Figure 6). Compared with the total employment figures by place of
residence for that year, only 44% of the County's total work force
actually worked in Currituck. By comparison, 47% of Currituck
residents found employment within the County in 1980. Of the
various job sectors within the County, retail trade employs the greatest
number of people. In view of Currituck's strategic location between a
major metropolitan area and the Outer Banks, it is understandable to
see why employment in the retail sector has grown by 128% between
the years 1980 and 1988 and gross retail sales have increased by 48%
between 1985 and 1989 (Table 3D).
Table 3C
]I aboi ° Farce WAthA n cCuurrAtuuck County
Employment By
Total Employment
2,344
2,409
2,694
2,954
3,433
Farm
404
385
368
314
293
Nonfarm
1,940
2,024
2,326
2,640
3,140
Ag. Serv., For., Fish, Other
94
118
N/A
N/A
162
Mining
0
0
0
0
0
Construction
217
215
312
353
477
Manufacturing
159
93
87
112
82
Transportation and Public Utls.
70
67
89
90
107
Wholesale Trade
70
92
64
50
46
Retail Trade
338
375
515
618
770
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate
117
115
N/A
161
206
Services
287
319
386
487
592
Federal, Civilian Government
39
38
37
35
56
Military
50
65
57
58
61
State and Local Government
499
527
538
541
581
*Bureau of Economic Analysis
Table 3D
Retafl Sades Wlthtan Currituck County *
DDO iDtion 1985 18e6 1987 L98S 1989
Gross Retail Sales
(000's of $) 65,369 65,839 70,175 75,404 96,583
Sales and Use
Tax Collections
(000's of $) 1,020 1,077
' N.C. Department of Revenue
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1.305 1,471 1,795 1
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I Figure
8
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I mpRoyme nt by Mace of Work
cCuurrituuck County, 1988
Farm
State and Local Gov.
Ag., For., Fish, and Others
€1799 :99a
�59g�
MilitaryMIM.
299
Fed. Civilian Gov.
'2� '?�=?'?=•����"?=.=. Construction
14%
179 Services
Finan. Insur. Real Estate
" w299
e
A A A AAA A•'•
w w w' 195
".22* '"w
Oee,OC : A% w A".AA . A
eeee,
oeso
eel A A A A A"AAA A A A A A
Retail
Manufacturing
Trans. and Pub. Utl.
Wholesale
' Next to retail sales, a rapidly growing service sector is the
second largest employment group followed closely by local and state
government and the construction industry. Some employment
sectors, such as farming, manufacturing, and wholesale trade have had
a dramatic loss of employees between 1980 and 1988.
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Economic Development
During the Land Use Plan public input meetings, economic
development and the recruitment of businesses was one of the highest
priorities voiced by the public. Loss of employees in the industrial and
wholesale trade sector between 1980 and 1988 is of great concern to
Currituck County. Also of concern is the fact that a higher percentage
of residents are finding employment outside Currituck County since
1980 (53% of residents employed outside Currituck in 1980; 56% of
residents employed outside Currituck in 1988).
Marketing for business recruitment and economic development
is highly competitive. . For Currituck County to be successful, it must
assess its strengths and weaknesses and focus energies on those
businesses that would be most attracted to what the County has to
offer.

One of the strengths Currituck County has to offer perspective
businesses is a high quality of life. Few locations provide the variety of
natural amenities such as the sounds, the rivers and the ocean. To
keep this competitive advantage. Currituck must be careful not to
attract development that would degrade these important natural
resources.
Today, there are potential industrial sites in the central (airport
property) and southern parts (Harbinger Commercial Park) of the
County. Potential industrial sites in the northern part of the County
are limited to areas adjoining Highway 168. Consideration should be
given to allowing light industrial, wholesale and warehousing activities
in the northern section of Currituck remote from Highway 168
provided such activity does not have a negative impact on surrounding
areas.
GOAL 3.1: EXPAND THE ECONOMIC BASE OF CURRITUCK COUNTY
TO RKPROVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUMTZES WHILE ENSUR17VG
ADEQUATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
Strategies:
1.
Establish an economic development authority in order to
formalize a plan for expanding the economic base of
Currituck County;
2.
Hire an economic development coordinator to promote
economic development and carry out the plans adopted by
the Economic Development Authority;
3.
Recruit only those industries that will not have a negative
impact on Currituck County's fragile environment (i.e.,
minimal effect on water quality, no excessive smoke and
,
noise, etc.);
4.
Have the Board of Adjustment issue conditional use permits
for heavy industry uses and request disclosure from the
industries on environmental impacts and hazardous
5.
materials to be used;
Involve the Agricultural Extension Office in
promoting
economic development in Currituck;
6.
Consider the location of light industrial, wholesale and
warehouse activities in the northern part of the County
r
adjacent to as well as remote from Highway 168 provided:
- transportation facilities are adequate to meet the needs
of the use and would not place an undue burden on
local roads;
- the use is adequately buffered by physical and natural
barriers from residential and agricultural uses and
would not detract from the quality of life enjoyed by
neighbors;
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the use would not detract from the rural character of
the area;
the use has adequate access to utilities and, preferably,
has County water available;
the use does not locate in an area that is
environmentally sensitive.
Agriculture
As was noted at the beginning of this chapter, agriculture has in
the past and will continue to be an integral part of Currituck's
economy. However, like other rural areas across the country, the role
of agriculture in the economy is shrinking. Between 1982 and 1987,
the number of farms in Currituck County has decreased by 26% and
the amount of land in farms has decreased by 12% (see Table 3E).
Table 3E
AgiricuRtulra ll Summary*
*
on _ Um
Number of Farms
143
106
Land in Farms (acres)
53,909
47.69
Average Size of Farm
377
447
Farms by Size
1 to 9 acres
9
17
10 to 49 acres
36
13
50 to 179 acres
28
21
180 to 499 acres
33
26
500 to 999 acres
22
14
1,000 acres or more
15
15
'Census of Agriculture
Much of the farmland being taken out of production has been
converted into residential subdivisions to accommodate growth.
Between 1985 and 1990, more than 710 acres of farmland has been
subdivided for residential development.
As the County's population continues to grow, conversion of
farmlands to residential subdivisions will persist. Among the concerns
this trend raises is the loss of prime agricultural farmland. According
to Currituck's soil survey, slightly over 6% of the County meets the soil
requirements for prime farmland. These soils are among those. best
suited for septic tank absorption fields; the only type of sanitary
facilities located on the mainland (except Walnut Island, Orchard Park,
and Wedgewood Lakes Mobile Home Parks). All totaled, prime
agricultural soils represent 28% of the soils best suited for
development in the County. Many tools exist to help preserve prime
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agricultural farmland including land banking, conservation easements,
cluster subdivisions and transfer of development rights to name a few.
Table 3 F
PIl"Ame AgrIIcL°ultural eSoLs - C.blllt'IC$tuelk County
8oi M= Amount in Currituck (%l
Altavista fine sandy loam 1.6
Bojac loamy sand 1.4
Munden loamy sand 1.2
State fine loamy sand (0-6% slope;) 2.0
'
*Soil Survey of Currituck County, North Carolina
Of the various tools available to preserve farmland, cluster
subdivisions hold great promise for Currituck County. The cluster
concept allows development of land at or slightly above conventional
densities for the entire tract, but permits construction to be clustered
into a portion of the property. For instance, instead of having 40 one -
acre lots covering an entire tract, it would be permissible to have 40
one-half acre lots covering only half of the tract while leaving the
remaining 20 acres perpetually available for farming or open space.
This would allow a farmer to receive a return on the land while -at the
same time preserve the most productive agricultural lands or perhaps
important wildlife habitat. Further, clustering will help to maintain
the rural atmosphere by providing permanent open space in the
community.
A second tool used to preserve farmland and other fragile areas
that may be useful in Currituck County is transfer development rights.
This is a concept where the "development rights" are separated from
the land in which a community wishes to limit development, and
permits them to be sold for use in an area desirable for higher density
development. As with cluster housing described above, transfer
development rights would allow a land owner to receive a return from
the land while preserving the property for farming purposes, use as
wildlife habitat or some other type of public purpose.
Establishing a transfer development right program will be
complex in that decisions must be made on how much development
credit will be applied to a particular piece of property. In addition,
the community will have to identify areas that are suitable for high
density development. However, due to rapid development in the
County, transfer development rights mayprove to be a useful tool in
preserving an important part of Currituck County's heritage.
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Environmental impacts of farming continue to receive a great
deal of attention. Concern centers around the run-off of pesticides
and fertilizers into surface waters and high erosion rates. The results
include sedimentation, nutrient enrichment and the introduction of
toxic substances into surface waters.
Currituck County has been fortunate in that local farmers have
always shown a deep respect for the land. As a result, agricultural
pollution to the sounds and rivers has been minimized. For instance,
many local farms have used forms of conservation tillage, mainly no -till
(plant new crops in between stalks from previous year), to stop run-off
from cultivated land.
Other Best Management Practices (BMP's) that have been used
in Currituck County include water control structures, critical area
seeding (i.e., along ditches) and waste management systems such as
hog lagoons (Figure 7). All of these BMP's reduce sediment delivery
which in turn keeps nutrients and pesticides from entering water
bodies. With the use of proper farming techniques and Best
Management Practices, agricultural pollution of surface waters in
Currituck County will be minimized.
Figure 7
IExampRe of a Waste M=age a nt System
Used Li cCunrAtuck County
ApplyWasteto Pasture
orCmpland
Livestock
Housing
Waste Lagoon 1 't 1
Pump Sprinklers
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GOAL 3.2: CON77NETE TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURAL USES IN THOSE
AREAS BEST SUITED TO BE FARMED AND TO PROMOTE
AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES THAT ARE SENSITIVE TO THE
ENVIRONMENT.
Strategies
1. Promote the use of cluster development (Planned
Residential Development - PRD, Open Space Subdivisions,
Planned Unit Development - PUD) in order to preserve the
land best suited for farming;
2. Promote the use of Best Management Practices and to
encourage less dependence on chemicals;
3. Explore potential of Transfer Development Rights (TDR's)
to preserve open space.
Extraction Activities
With the rapid growth Currituck County is experiencing,
employment in the construction industry has grown by 120% between
1980 and 1988. Associated with this increase in growth has been an
expansion of extraction activities, namely the mining of clay and sand, '
to support area construction projects. (Note: there are no peat and
phosphate mines in Currituck County.)
As of January 1990, there were 23 mining sites in Currituck
County listed as active or inactive by the State of North Carolina (Note:
mines operated in association with contracting companies thereby
accounting for no mining employment in Table 3C). While the
expansion of extraction activities has affected the local economy,
concern has been raised over the impacts these activities have on
adjoining properties and Currituck's environment.
Presently, both the State and County regulate extraction
activities: the County through a rezoning process and conditional use
permit and the State through a mining permit process administered
by the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
Many of the substantive regulations are not addressed by the County to
avoid duplication of State regulations. However, the State has limited
resources to enforce their regulations. The agency responsible for
enforcement of the mining standards is also responsible for the ,
inspection of dams and administration of State erosion control
regulations.
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When violations to mining permits are noted, it is often difficult
for the State to respond expeditiously. If the County were to have
regulations directed more at the daily operation of extraction
activities, monitoring of mining operations would be improved
thereby minimizing the impact to the environment and adjoining
properties.
GOAL 3.3: TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE EXTRACTION OF
MINERALS TO SUPPORT GROWTH PROVIDED EXTRACTION
ACTIVITIES HAVE A MINIMUM DWACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
AND SURROUNDIIVG PROPERTIES.
Strategies:
1. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to limit the
negative impacts mines have on the environment and
surrounding properties (i.e., drainage, erosion, noise, visual
impact, etc.) and allow timely enforcement by the County in
the event of violations.
Tourism
As was previously mentioned, retail trade in Currituck County
has risen significantly in the 1980's. This increase is related to the
growth of the tourism industry in Currituck County. With the natural
amenities the County has to offer and its location between the Outer
Banks and a major metropolitan area, the role of tourism in Currituck's
economy is expected to grow.
According to the Currituck County Thoroughfare Plan, there
were an average of 11,646 vehicles in 1987 traveling along Highway
158 each day during the summer season. On weekends, peak traffic
counts reached over 23,000 vehicles per day. Most of these vehicles
contain families from out-of-state who are traveling to the Outer Banks
* for vacations. If information were made available to these families
about areas of interest in Currituck County, such as the Lighthouse and
the Old County Jail, the result. would be further increases in tourist
dollars being spent in Currituck County.
Perhaps one of the most important projects under consideration
at this time in terms of tourist attraction and preservation of a rich
heritage, is the Currituck Wildlife Museum. A site has already been
identified and architectural plans prepared. In addition, acquisition of
exhibits is well underway. The museum will provide visitors a glimpse
of the major part wildlife has played in Currituck's history.
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GOAL 3.4: CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE ROLE TOURISM. PLAYS IN
CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies
1. Support the establishment of the Wildlife Museum through
monetary means and staff resources;
2. Establish a visitors' center at the proposed Wildlife Museum
to advise tourists on areas of interest in Currituck County;
3. Request the State provide a manned information center on
NC 168 just south of the Virginia state line at the time the
roadway is expanded;
4. Provide information about Currituck County at the existing
State rest stop facility south of Coinjock.
Commercial and Recreational Fishing and Hunting
An important part of the tourism industry in Currituck County is
recreational fishing and hunting; activities that also have a significant
commercial impact on the County. For decades, people from all over
the country have been coming to Currituck County to hunt and fish.
Exclusive hunting clubs, such as the Whalehead Club and the Currituck
Shooting Club, were constructed on islands and on the Outer Banks.
Residents continue to earn money today as guides for hunting parties
and as caretakers for club properties.
While fishing and hunting still remain an important aspect of life
in Currituck, long time residents describe how waterfowl and fish
populations have been declining over the years. Some of the decline is
associated with natural processes while part of it can be attributed to
the development of land causing a reduction in water quality and a loss
of wildlife habitat.
Protection of the County's sounds and adjoining tributaries from
pollution is critical to hunting and fishing activities. Increased water
turbidity due to construction activity, run-off of agricultural pesticides
and fertilizers and removal of vegetative buffers between development
and water bodies are just a few activities that have an adverse impact
on wildlife and aquatic species alike.
One tool used to protect the natural.environment is conservation
easements. The purpose of a conservation easement is to establish
limits on the development of sensitive lands (i.e., land providing
wildlife habitat; land which filters -out, pollutants of water before
reaching the sound). If a conservation easement were to exist, the
property owner would relinquish rights to developing that land in
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return for some monetary relief by way of reduced taxes (federal, state,
county, estate taxes).
Table 3G
IExanplle of Federal H nco me Tax Deduction
1
Land value ® highest development potential
(current fair market value) $40,000
Less Value after granting conservation
easement _36.000
Value of easement 4,000
Yearly adjusted gross income 15,000
30% of yearly income (maximum deduction
allowed by IRS) 4,500
Total income tax deduction allowed due to
granting of conservation easement $4.000
The extent of waterfowl and fish population decline that is
attributable to growth is unknown. What is known is that development
sensitive to water quality and mindful of wildlife habitat can affect
maintaining the historical and economic significance hunting and
fishing has had in Currituck County.
1 GOAL 3.5: MAINTAIN THE ECONOMIC AND HISTORICAL
SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHING
AND HUIVTJ7VG IN CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies
1. Improve the quality of the sounds and adjoining tributaries;
2. Encourage the preservation of wildlife habitat by promoting
cluster development;
3. Explore the potential of establishing conservation
easements allowing a landowner to maintain title to the
property but prohibit development of sensitive areas in
exchange for financial consideration.
Commercial Forestry
Commercial harvesting of timber is a major activity in eastern
North Carolina including Currituck County. Given the vital functions
forests serve in coastal areas, such as maintaining high water quality
and providing wildlife habitat, it is critical that commercial timber
harvesting be done in 'a responsible manner.
The North Carolina Forest Service has established Best
Management Practices (BMP's) to ensure commercial forestry
activities are sensitive to the environment. These practices include
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guidelines on such issues as erosion, pesticides, fertilizer applications,
shading of water bodies, rehabilitation of sites and haul road
construction to name a few. Failure to comply with BMP's could result
in the Forest Service assessing substantial fines.
In addition to establishing BMP's, the Forest Service implements
a program to encourage reforestation of cleared land. Through this
program, the Forest Service offers to pay 40% of the costs for
reforesting properties that are commercially logged.
The federal government is also involved in commercial timber
harvesting in some cases. When timbered land contains 404 wetlands,
the Corps of Engineers is responsible for ensuring logging practices
do not conflict with 404 wetland regulations.
GOAL 3.6: TO ENSURE COMMERCIAL TIMBER HARVESTING IS
DONE IN A MANNER THAT HAS MINIMAL IMPACT TO THE
ENVIRONMENT.
Strategies:
1. Commercial timber harvesting shall adhere to best
management practices established by the North Carolina
Forest Service and comply with 404 wetland regulations.
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I CHAPTER 4: TRANSPORTATION
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Introduction
Currituck County's rapid growth over the last two decades
combined with the Outer Bank's increasing popularity has placed a
tremendous strain on the local transportation network. This is
particularly true about Highways 158 and 168 serving as the only link
to the Outer Banks for people traveling from the north and west. On
any given summer weekend, traffic is likely to be backed -up for miles
along this stretch of highway. Currituck residents must plan activities
well in advance to avoid weekend traffic jams along the Highway
158/ 168 corridor.
Thoroughfare Plan and Transportation Issues
In June of 1988, the North Carolina Department of
Transportation prepared the Currituck County Thoroughfare Plan.
This plan examined existing road systems and analyzed growth trends
in the County. Based on data collected, a recommended thoroughfare
plan was prepared describing the function roads should serve
throughout Currituck. (Figure 8). Roads in Currituck are classified as:
minor arterials (links cities, towns and major resorts and generally
serve as interstate travel corridor); major collectors (connect
populated areas to the arterial system); and minor collectors (provide
links for local traffic). Design principles are discussed for each type of
road system, thereby providing guidance to decision makers
addressing land use issues.
In addition to discussing roadway systems, the thoroughfare plan
also assessed the status of bridges in the County. (Table 4A)
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N I A
T. I
v
>
.... ......
A t:7.
—41
Pi
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,11 ell
"N
Figure 8
RECOMMENDED THOROUGHFARE PLAN
'Tim
O
CURRITUCK COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
NORTH CAROLM DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
A.D ft5"K. §.1 K.

ITable 4A
FIl.u]Inctta naRly Obaa® ete BzId gee
din cCu mttuuck cCouunnty Q 1988)
LIFE (YEARS) LOCATION
3 SR 1245 @ Coinjock Bay
8 SR 1222 @ Tulls Creek
28 SR 1242 ® Currituck Sound
28 NC 615 ® Currituck Sound
10 SR 1313 ® Shingle Landing Creek
12 NC 615 ® Creek
5 NC 168 @ Cowell's Creek
9 NC 168 ® Buckskin Creek
10 SR 1228 ® Shingle Landing Creek
8 SR 1222 ® Shingle Landing Creek
10 NC 168 @ Roland Creek
10 SR 1232 ® Tulls Creek
10 SR 1217 ® Canal
Development along thoroughfares has a significant impact on the
capacity of road systems. If development is intensive on both sides of
the road, lots have small widths and/or each lot has several driveways,
the efficiency of that road system will be greatly diminished. If the
road has limited development, wide lots and/or driveways that are
carefully placed, that road system will be better equipped to move
traffic effectively. When combined with an increase in commercial lot
widths (see Chapter 6, Lund Use), well -designed driveway regulations
jsystem.
will help improve the efficiency and safety of Currituck's thoroughfare
Transportation systems should not only be designed to
accommodate motor vehicles, but should also provide areas for bicycle
traffic. Not only is bicycling one of the most popular recreational
activities in the country, but it also provides a viable transportation
alternative to motor vehicles. Establishing extra roadway width to
accommodate bicycles at the time roads are improved is a cost
effective way to provide safe riding areas for cyclists and needed relief
of motoring traffic. As a tourist area, Currituck County residents and
guests alike could benefit greatly by having road systems that
accommodate bicycle traffic.
Although not directly related to roadway improvements,
providing vehicular access for the elderly and financially disadvantaged "
is a transportation issue of great concern to Currituck County. As a
rural area, residents must travel miles to obtain basic necessities such
as food or receive health care. Many of Currituck's elderly and poor
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residents have to rely on others to provide needed transportation. For
some, these transportation needs are not met.
GOAL 4.1: TO HAVE A TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT
EFFECTIVELY, EFFICIENTLY AND SAFELY MOVES MOTORJNG
AND BICYCLE TRAFFIC THROUGHOUT CURRITUCK COUNTY AND
THAT ASSURES ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION FOR THE
ELDERLY AND FINANCIALLY DISADVANTAGED.
Strategies:
1. Implement the recommendations listed in the 1988
Thoroughfare Plan:
2. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance in order to
establish regulations for driveways on individual property j
and within subdivisions;
3. Request that the Department of Transportation widens the
following roads to accommodate bicycle traffic:
a) Highway 158 from Belcross (Camden County to
Barco),
b) Along NC 12 on the Currituck Outer Banks,
c) On the Mid -County Bridge,
d) NC 615 on Knotts Island,
e) Highway 168 from the Virginia state line to Barco,
f) Tulls Creek Road (SR 1222);
4. Establish financially
a system to ensure all elderly and
disadvantaged residents in Currituck County have access to
transportation:
5. Request the Board of Transportation make site specific
improvements on Highway 168 (i.e., left turn lanes,
deceleration lanes, stop lights, etc.) until roadway is
widened according to the Transportation Improvement
Plan.
Transportation Improvement Program
The Department of Transportation adopts a Transportation i
Improvement Program (TIP) each year. This plan establishes a six
year funding program for road projects across the State. The 1991 -
1997 TIP recommended the following roadway projects for Currituck
County:
1. Planning, right Memorial Bridge (repair and install parallel bridge). l
Design, Right -of -Way Acquisition by 1991:
Construction: 1991-1994.
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Planning: 1993-
2.
Corolla Mid -County Bridge (construct).
1996; Design: begin in 1996 (Note: according to project
schedules of Highway Divisions 1 thru 6 for the years 1990
to 2004, Right -of -Way Acquisition will occur between 2001
and 2003, Construction will occur in 2003 and beyond).
3.
NC 168 Barco to Virginia (widen to multi -lane facility).
j
Planning: 1991-1992; Design: 1993-1997+; Right -of -Way
Acquisition: 1994-1997+; Construction: 1997-1999+.
4.
Coinjock Bay Bridge (replace). Right -of -Way Acquisition:
1995; Construction 1996.
5.
Study the feasibility of upgrading NC 12.
6.
SR 1228 (install automatic warning devices). Install in
1991.
7.
NC 158 from west of SR 1204 in Camden County to NC
168 (widen to a multi -lane facility). Planning: 1998;
Design: 2000; Construction: 2002-2004+ (Note: according
to project schedules of Highway Divisions 1 thru 6 for the
years 1990 to 2004).
Himiy am
158/ 168 Corridor
Highways 158 and 168 form a strategic 43 mile long corridor
running from the Virginia state line to the Outer Banks of Dare County.
In 1990, the State completed five-laning Highway 158 from Barco to
the Wright Memorial Bridge. As a result of these improvements,
building construction along this upgraded section of highway has
increased as have the number of rezoning requests.
Currituck County can expect to see similar changes along
Highway 168 from the Virginia state line to Barco when the State
begins widening this roadway in 1996, although such changes may be
j somewhat limited due to poor soil conditions. Without adequate
provisions for development, the capacity of the entire 158/ 168
corridor will be seriously undermined, travel will become increasingly
hazardous and the full economic benefits Currituck County could
realize would be jeopardized.
jAs was stated previously, carefully drafted driveway regulations
combined with wider commercial lot widths will improve the road
capacity of Highways 158 and 168. But driveway and lot width
regulations are not the only elements affecting the capacity of this
strategic corridor. Development patterns (i.e., Strip Development vs.
Nodal Development) also have a significant impact on the roadway
system.
The 1980 and 1985 Land Use Plans recommended a policy of
promoting commercial nodal development; i.e., commercial
development at strategic locations instead of stretched -out along the
entire length of roadways. While the nodal concept has been carried
32
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out successfully in some areas (i.e., Shawboro, Knotts Island),
attainment of nodal development along the 158/ 168 corridor has not
been achieved.
Over 64% of the land fronting on Highways 158 and 168 contain
at least one side of non-residential zoning, a majority of which is
designated as GB, "General Business" (41% of Highway 168 has non-
residential zoning; 82% of Highway 158 has non-residential zoning).
The significant amount of non-residential zoning along this corridor,
coupled with a recent study showing approximately 88% of Currituck's
"General Business" zoning as vacant, indicates the County faces some
difficult issues regarding future development patterns along Highways
158 and 168.
The nodal development concept recommended in the 1980 and
1985 Land Use Plans should be continued into the near future.
However, given existing development patterns, current zoning
designations and improvements that have already been made and are
going to be made to the 158/ 168 corridor, it is felt that a detailed
plan should be prepared to guide future development along this
stretch of highway. This plan should not only look at highway safety
and development patterns, but also at the corridor in terms of its
ability to promote economic development.
GOAL 4.2: ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS ON HIGHWAY t
1581168 THAT WILL ENHANCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN
THE COUNTY, WILL BE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, AND WILL
PROVIDE FOR SAFE AND EFFICIENT MOVEMENT OF TRAFFIC.
Strategies:
1. Continue nodal development patterns along the Highway
158/ 168 corridor. This strategy should be reviewed after
completion of a corridor study. Recommendations from
that study should be considered for implementation;
2. Prepare a highway corridor study for identifying measures
that will promote economic development and safe and
efficient traffic movement along Highway 158/ 168. The
report should also contain recommendations for improving
the appearance of the Highway 158/ 168 corridor.
Mid -Coon y Bridge
One of the most critical transportation issues in Currituck
County's future is the proposed construction of a mid -county bridge.
According to the State's TIP program, planning will begin in 1993,
design in 1996, right-of-way acquisition between 2001 and 2003, and
33

I
construction will begin in 2003. The bridge is considered essential
for Currituck County based on the need to:
1.
Provide safe and timely evacuation of the Currituck Outer
Banks, which now contains over 7,800 platted lots within
14 developments.
2.
Provide enhanced emergency medical services. Long
delays of several hours or more during peak traffic times
are common on the Outer Banks.
3.
Enhance law enforcement on the Outer Banks.
4.
Improve transportation of school age children on the
Currituck Outer Banks. Presently these children attend
schools in Dare County and face up to four hours of travel
time per day.
5.
Provide better access to governmental services, including
the Health Department, Inspections, Planning and Public
Works, to name a few.
6.
Enhance revenues of businesses located on the
mainland, particularly those related to the building trade.
7.
Allow greater accessibility for service workers on the
mainland. This would also benefit some of the counties
west of Currituck who have high unemployment rates.
Currituck County believes that the mid -county bridge project
should start immediately based on the concerns mentioned above, in
addition to the rapidly increasing cost of land on the Outer Banks. It
is believed that the mid -county bridge would be a benefit not only to
Currituck County, but to all of Northeastern North Carolina.
GOAL 4.3 TO PROVIDE FOR TIMELY EVACUATION OF RESIDENTS
AND GUESTS ON THE CURRITUCK OUTER BANKS DURING
MAJOR STORM EVENTS AND IMPROVE THE ACCESSIDILITY OF
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND AVAILABILITY OF COMMUNITY
SERVICES.
Strategies:
1. Support construction of a mid -county bridge in the next
five years;
2. Operate satellite County offices as needed on the Currituck
Outer Banks.
I
1 34
I

North Beaches I
Of all the transportation issues facing Currituck County, perhaps
none is more complex or as controversial than providing access to the
North Beaches. Today, improved access is available from Dare County
to Corolla. However, north of this improved access are over 3,000
platted lots containing 270 residential structures. The only access
available to this area is by way of the beach.
These lots were platted in the late 1970's in anticipation of a
road from Virginia serving the area. However, there is a National
Wildlife Refuge and a State Park in this section of Virginia and no
access road will be available (access through the refuge and park is
limited to a small number of people who have historically used this
access and their permits cannot be passed on to others).
An interior access road to the north beaches from Corolla is not
possible at this time due to the location of several wildlife refuges and
an estuarine research reserve (Figure 9). Such an access road would
be contrary to the purposes these programs serve.
The lack of an improved north beach access poses obvious
problems to the County and residents of the area. These problems
include timely evacuation during storms, the provision of basic County
services such as solid waste pick-up, schooling and emergency
services and increased traffic along recreational beaches. However,
environmental concerns of providing a north beach access cannot be
overstated. Careful thought and analysis must be done on this sensitive
issue to best serve the needs of all concerned.
35
I
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I
1
1
1
1
I
1
t
cCunnitu ck Outer Banks
Ma, oir Land Development leas
and Nature ReservatAo ns
L,6.,,ct aoy � x' 0
n. .
,
MACKAY
wwe
NATURE 34
CONSERVANCY a o
OCEAN HILL
VILLAGES AT
OCEAN HILL
Corti=
SHIPS WATCH
OCEAN SANDS
c
E
O—
c� -
rri
n
2
BACK BAY N.W.R.
FALSE CAPE
STATE PARK
CAROVA BEACH
N. SWAN BEACH
MISC. PVT. OWNERSHIP
CURRITUCK NAT'L.
WILDLIFE REFUGE
SWAN BEACH
SEAGULL
MISC. PVT. OWNERSHIP
OCEAN BEACH
CURRITUCK BANKS
NAT'L. WILDLIFE
REFUGE
CURRITUCK BANKS
NAT'L. ESTUARINE
RESEARCH RESERVE
COROLLA VILLAGE I
COROLLA LIGHT
WHALEHEAD I
MONTERAY SHORES
SPINDRIFT
CURRITUCK / PINE
ISLAND SHOOTING
CLUBS
NATIONAL AUDUBON
SOCIETY - PINE
ISLAND SANCTUARY
PINE ISLAND

GOAL 4.4: TO PROVIDE A SAFE MEANS OF ACCESS NORTH OF
COROLLA THAT WILL HAVE A NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT ON THE
ENVIRONMENT.
Strategies:
1. Prepare an access feasibility study for areas north of
Corolla addressing both short range and long range needs
which addresses the following:
a) identify issues relating to north beach access;
b) review historical developments of access to northern
beaches;
c) analyze growth trends of the northern beaches; and,
d) identify available alternatives.
Related to the issue of beach access is the use of off -road
vehicles. With increased construction on the Outer Banks and the
growing popularity of the north beaches, off -road vehicle traffic could
increase to a point where public safety is being compromised.
GOAL 4.5: TO ALLOW THE USE OF OFF -ROAD VEHICLES IN A SAFE
AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER ON THE CURRITUCK OUTER
BANKS.
Strategies:
1. Continue to enforce the existing Outer Banks Vehicular
and Barrier Strand Ordinance.
County Airport ,
Road improvements are not the only transportation
recommendations contained in the TIP for Currituck County. The
State, in response to a detailed master plan prepared in September
1988 by Talbert, Cox and Associates, Inc., has recommended funding
the following airport improvements in the TIP:
1. 1990 - safety fence and electrical service.
2. 1991 - installation of runway lights, rotating beacon and
wind cone.
3. ' 1993 - expand aprons and install tie -downs, conduct
obstruction survey. I
4. 1994 - install non -directional radio beacon.
37 r
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1
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1
i
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1
The County is fortunate to have such a facility available and
wishes to promote its usage. As airport facilities are improved and
usage increases, it will be necessary to have a group oversee its daily
operations.
GOAL 4.6: TO ENCOURAGE GREATER UTH..MTION OF AIRPORT
FACIL Z S.
Strategies:
1. Appoint an Airport Authority to oversee the operation of
the airport;
2. Carry -out the recommendations established in the
Airport Master Plan.
38

I
5. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER 5: RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
Between 1985 and 1990, Currituck County experienced a
tremendous increase in the number of residential subdivisions
reviewed. Within that period, there were 2,169 residential lots
approved within 38 subdivisions. Most of the growth occurred
between the years 1988 and 1989 (Figure 10).
Fig= to
SuubdAvAato n Lots Approved
1985 - 1990
cCuunrltuuck County*
C"Z07
1989
1985
1987
1988
'Currituck County Planning Department
By far, the largest portion of the subdivisions approved between 1985
and 1990 have occurred in the Outer Banks section of Poplar Branch
Township (Table 5A, Figure 11).
cm

Table 5A
Location
and Number
®f
SubdMatoan Lots
Approved
by Township:
E985 -
1990*
Year Im
3995
Im
Im
Im
LC Total
Location
F-KI
0
0
0
0
57
0 57
F-OB
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
M - M
45
0
54
34
28
86 247
M-GW
0
0
0
0
0
8 8
C
61
33
0
86
0
0 180
PB-M
47
10
15
87
188
75 422
FDW
IZ7
64
18
998
47
121 1255
Total 280 107 87 705 700 290 2169
F-KI
Fruttville-Knotts Island
F-OB
Fruitville-Outer Banks
M-M
Moyock-Mainland
M-GW
Moyock-Gibbs Woods
C
Crawford
PB-M
Poplar Branch -Mainland
PB-OB
Poplar Branch -Outer Banks
*Currituck County Planning Department
Figure 11
Location and Number of SunbdMsAo n Lots Approved
by Township: 2985 - 1990*
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
F-KI F-OB M-M M-GW C PB-M PB-OB
*Currituck County Planning Department
1985
❑ 1 986
1987
® 1988
0 1989
01990

I
A review of residential building permits issued between 1985
and 1990 indicated that there were 1,446 single family dwellings
constructed, 372 double -wide mobile homes approved and 95 multi-
family units built for a total of 1,913 residential units (Table 5B).
Nuumbeir ®f Reatdential Buuflding Ike=Ats �aauued
1985
207
68
6
1986
298
69
13
1987
249
61
19
1988
233
78
40
1989
261
47
12
1990
Im
42
,5
Total
1.446
372
95
*Currituck County Planning Department
An analysis of building permit data indicates that 51% (737
units) of the single-family dwellings constructed between 1985 and
1990 were built in Poplar Branch Township -Outer Banks (Table 5Q.
Both Poplar Branch Township -Mainland (208 units) and Moyock
Township -Mainland (196 units) accounted for 140/6 each of the single-
family dwellings constructed during this period. Moyock Township -
Gibbs Woods had the least amount of residential development as it
accounted for only less than 1% (9 units) of the single-family dwellings
constructed between 1985 and 1990.
Table 5C
Stngle-FamtRy Buufldi ng Peens by T®wnshIp
11985 - 2990*
'
Year •
LCM
M
E87
1m
LM
IffiQ
Total
Location
F-HI
4
8
10
6
10
6
44
F-OB
13
16
16
15
16
11
87
M-M
9
54
27
33
31
42
196
M-GW
3
2
2
0
0
2
9
C
19
39
28
27
24
28
165
PB-M
18
58
27
37
36
32
208
1340E3
141
121
139
115
144
77
737
Total
207
2%
249
233
261
198
1.446
I
41

With respect to single -wide mobile homes, there were 235
placed in mobile home parks, 227 placed in mobile home subdivisions
and 73 placed on individual lots in the County (Table 5D).
Table 51)
Number ®f Permtts Hssu ed For
3LmgRe-Wtde M®Me Homes
Year 1Mobdle Home Park Mobile Home SubdlvWm Private Lot
1985 51 57 12
1986 48 52 4
1987 36 50 20
1988 45 23 16
1989 34 29 15
1990 1 X -L
Total 235 227 73
Housing Stock
A detailed housing survey was conducted in connection with the
1990 Land Use Plan. Part of the survey included a visual identification
of the housing stock condition. Houses were listed as standard (good
condition), substandard (livable condition but in need of some repairs)
and dilapidated (unlivable condition) (Table 5E).
Table 5E
1H ouust ng Survey
CuunTAtuuck County, Aprll 2 990
xoustng Type
Niunber of
Rmfturft
% of Total
HozLng
Housing Cmditim (0/6)
SUL Sub. Sal. nft,
Single -Family
4,774
65.2
90 7 3
Double -wide
Mobile Home
706
9.6
86 14 <1
Single -wide
Mobile Home
1.646
22.5
61 34 5
Apartments/
1
27
Totals
7,327 100.00/0
83% 14% 3%
3
30�

Livability in Residential Nei�hhborhoods
' In part, due to Currituck's low population density of 50.3
persons per square mile, livability standards within the County have
remained quite high. However, with the rapid increase in growth over
the past 20 years and anticipated future growth, it is essential that the
County have adequate land use controls in place to ensure quality
development.
Much discussion during the land use plan update process
centered around the minimum lot size requirement for Currituck
County. Current ordinances set the minimum lot size for conventional
development on the mainland at 30.000 square feet with a 125 foot
frontage requirement for existing state maintained roads and 100 foot
frontage requirement on all other roads (min. 40,000 sq.ft. lots in the
R01 Outer Banks zoning district running from the Dare County line to
the Fruitville Township line: min. 120,000 sq.ft. lots for the RO2 Outer
Banks zoning district running from Virginia to the Poplar Branch
' Township line: see Figure 4).
It has been determined that 30,000 square foot lots for
conventional developments will allow densities that are suitable for the
Currituck County mainland (existing minimum lot sizes for R01 and
RO2 districts are deemed acceptable). Further, it is recommended
that lot widths for conventional residential subdivisions be set at 125
feet for all lots, regardless of what type of street they front on, to allow
for appropriate spacing between structures.
Adherence to proper site design principles is essential if
Currituck is to maintain a high quality of life for its citizens. For
example, subdividing residential lots along state maintained roads, in
particular, collector streets, should be discouraged. . While
improvement costs are minimal to the developer, the resulting
development reduces the capacity of that road to handle traffic and
creates less desirable residential property than if the lots were served
by internalized roads. Where it is not possible to provide internalized
traffic, at minimum, the sharing of driveways should occur (Figure 12).
Other design principles that should be followed include prohibiting
high density or commercial traffic to go through low density
residential areas, avoidance of developing ecologically sensitive areas
/i and protection of existing vegetation to name a few. Design principles
■ are more fully discussed in Chapter 6, Land Use.
� 43

Figure 12
Recommended ResAdentiaR SAte DeaAg n
Desirable ■ Acceptable . Undesirable
■��loin
,;
State Road
I
In Chapter 3, it was suggested that cluster subdivisions could be
used to preserve agricultural land. This is not the only benefit cluster
housing has, as it also promotes better utilization of land in addition
to lowering costs for providing infrastructure (i.e., streets, water, etc.).
However, cluster development should not be used in a manner that '
circumvents regulations or creates development patterns that are
undesirable in the community. For instance, it is important that open
space for cluster development include usable area and not only those '
lands that are unsuitable, such as wetlands. In addition, maximum
densities of up to three units an acre should be discouraged in remote
areas of the county where infrastructure (i.e., county water, roads, etc.)
is inadequate to accommodate such densities.
When clustering development into smaller land areas, the
provision of centralized sewer will be necessary. This presents an
environmental advantage over individual septic tanks and allows for
better monitoring by health officials. There are a variety of methods
available for centralized sewer systems, such as low pressure pipe
systems (or LPP's) and constructed wetlands (man-made, engineered,
marsh -like area that uses the physical, chemical, and biological
processes in nature to treat wastewater instead of mechanical
systems). If cluster housing is to be encouraged, it will be necessary
for the County to work with the development community to identify
cost effective centralized sewer systems.
The surroundings of residential developments affect the
livability in neighborhoods. Current regulations permit residential I
development in the light manufacturing and heavy manufacturing
zoning districts. With this type of development pattern, conflicts are
sure to arise between the two uses. The frequency with which these I
44 1

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at
conflicts occur will increase as the County continues to grow a rapid
pace.
Road designs in residential subdivisions have an impact on the
quality of the neighborhood and the surrounding community. Poor
road design could lead to through traffic, lack of order in the
neighborhood, and over design of streets. Thoughtful road design will
lead to quiet, • safe, and efficient movement of traffic in residential
neighborhoods.
Streets carrying large amounts of traffic should be required to
� g g q
meet higher design standards. Streets intended to accommodate
i
fewer vehicles should be subject to less stringent design standards. In
other words, roads should be designed according to the function they
serve. A hierarchical street pattern reflects thoughtful design and
'
separates streets that carry through traffic from streets providing
access to neighborhood residents (Figure 13).
I
Figure 13
11
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IExampIle of Street 1 erarcchy System
II�
h1 I NO2
A M T- U P I A L.
--) F !--
M IN o 2 A fLT E R 1 A L_
45

GOAL 5.1: TO ENCOURAGE A VARIETY OF RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENTS OFFERING A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE FOR
RESIDENTS AND HAV31VG LIMITED NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE
ENVIRONMENT.
Strategies:
1. Keep the minimum lot size for conventional subdivisions in
Currituck County at 30,000 square feet except in the R01
zoning district where the minimum lot size is 40,000
square feet and R02 zoning district where the minimum lot
size is 120,000 square feet (excluding PUD's, PRD's);
2. Encourage cluster development by continuing to utilize
existing Planned Unit Development (PUD), Planned
Residential Development (PRD) and Open Space Subdivision
regulations. Require open space to include usable land and
discourage undesirable development patterns such as high
density PRD's and PUD's in remote areas without proper
infrastructure;
3. Explore the options available for centralized sewer systems
within developments and make the information available to
the development community;
4. Explore feasibility of a county -wide or community -wide
sewage treatment system;
5. Remove residential development from the list of permitted- ,
uses in the LM "Light Manufacturing" and HM "Heavy
Manufacturing" zoning district;
6. The Unified Development Ordinance should be amended to
promote hierarchical street patterns based on traffic
function and proper setting for residential neighborhoods;
7. Where appropriate amend the Unified Development
Ordinance to encourage the use of proper design principles
when developing residential subdivisions and to minimize
the number of curb cuts along state maintained roads.
Consideration should be given to providing incentives for
excellence in design.
Affordable Housing
As a coastal community, Currituck County has experienced a
tremendous increase in land values and housing prices. Today, lots
30,000 square feet in area without water access typically sell for
between $17,000 to $22,000. In 1980, the average construction
price of housing in Currituck County was $35.420; whereas, in 1990 it
is $91,288. Given land and construction costs of today, it is difficult to
find housing that is affordable to the average family.
1
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1
11
1
Multi-family/townhouse development is one housing alternative
that is often more affordable than conventionally built single-family
dwellings. Now, apartments/townhouse development represents only
2.7% of the housing stock in Currituck County. One of the concerns
raised during a review of the Unified Development Ordinance was that
it permitted only 2, 3, or 8 dwelling units per multi -family building. If
multi -family housing is to be considered a viable cost effective
alternative to conventional single-family housing, then additional
design flexibility must be provided in County regulations.
Another affordable housing alternative to conventionally built
single-family dwellings is mobile homes. Currituck County permits
double -wide mobile homes meeting certain appearance criteria (i.e.,
masonry foundation, roof pitch, etc.) in all residential zoning districts.
Class "B" mobile homes (built after July 1, 1976) are permitted in
existing mobile home parks and on large lots in limited circumstances
and for temporary replacement of a condemned home. Class "C"
mobile homes (built before July 1, 1976) are no longer permitted in
Currituck County.
Planned Unit Development (PUD's), Planned Residential
Development (PRD's) and Open Space Subdivision regulations provide
additional tools that can be used to help reduce the cost of housing.
There are two ways that housing costs can be lowered. First, Planned
Unit Developments and Planned Residential Developments allow
higher densities (3 units per acre) than do conventional subdivisions
(1.45 units per acre) thereby reducing land costs. In addition, PUD's,
PRD's and Open Space Subdivisions allow dwellings to locate on
smaller lots that helps to reduce infrastructure costs (shorter roads,
shorter water lines, less lighting, etc.). These savings can in turn be
passed along to homeowners.
GOAL 5.2: ENCOURAGE TIE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE
HOUSING.
Strate ies:"
1. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to allow greater
flexibility in the design of multi -family housing;
2. Continue the present mobile home policy of allowing
double-wides meeting specific appearance criteria by right
in all residential zoning districts; allowing Class "B" mobile
homes (built after July 1, 1976) in existing mobile home
parks and on large lots in limited circumstances and for
temporary replacement of a condemned home; and
prohibiting class "C" mobile homes (built before July 1,
1976);
47

3. Continue to promote Planned Unit Developments (PUD's),
Planned Residential Developments (PRD's) and Open Space
Subdivisions. '
An'_ important part of providing affordable housing to the
community is the revitalization of existing neighborhoods that are in a ,
state of decline. By providing monies and technical assistance, many
homes identified as substandard in the Land Use Survey could be '
upgraded to standard condition.
The County is already involved in providing needed '
Infrastructure (water/sewer) improvements in the Newtown
neighborhood of Moyock Township. Additional grant funding should
be sought to help upgrade residential structures in the area. In
addition, other residential areas in the County that would qualify for '
assistance should be identified and residents should be informed as to
the availability of various housing improvement programs.
GOAL 5.3: TO CONTINUE TO REVITALIZE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENTS IlV ORDER TO PROVIDE SAFE AND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING FOR THE RESIDENTS OP CVRRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. Agricultural Extension Office to hold seminars around "the .
County advising residents of available housing rehabilitation ,
as well as new construction programs;
2. Continue infrastructure improvement efforts in Newtown,
Moyock Township;
3. Apply for a grant to rehabilitate homes in Newtown, Moyock
Township;
4. Prepare a study to determine housing needs and identify
areas that qualify for housing grants.
t
1
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CHAPTER 6: LAND USE
Introduction
Life in Currituck County historically has revolved around small
communities, such as Coinjock, Sligo, Corolla, Powells Point, and
Currituck, to name a few. These areas typically contained a post office,
a school, churches, boat docks, country stores, and perhaps an
industry such as a lumber mill. Over the years, businesses and people
came and went from these communities but they still remain a vital
part of life in Currituck: However, development patterns around the
County are beginning to change the focus on local communities.
Subdivisions built to the minimum lot size are located far from existing
communities. Towards the southern end of the County, it's difficult to
see where one community stops and another starts along the US 158
corridor. This chapter contains a discussion of existing development
patterns, design principles the County encourages and future land use
needs for Currituck County. In addition, this chapter will also
establish goals for specific types of land uses.
Development Patterns
As part of the 1990 Land Use Plan, a
survey was prepared (Figure 14). Results
following amounts of land occupied by use:
Table 6A
detailed existing land use
of the survey indicate the
ILamd Use Ahocatio n, cCurrItucck County, 2990
Type Use
Acres
M
Residential
4,875
(78)
Commercial
409
(7)
Industrial
54
(1)
Recreational
237
(4)
Government/Utilities
638
(10)
Total
6,213
(100)
Currituck County is heavily influenced by the metropolitan area
of southeastern Virginia to the north and Dare County to the south. As
the cost of living in these areas continues to escalate, residents will be
attracted to Currituck's lower cost of living and rural character.
Employment figures in Chapter 3 indicate that over half of Currituck's
residents find employment outside the County. It is likely the County
will continue to act as a bedroom community to southeastern Virginia
and Dare County over the next ten year planning period.
M

LAND USE MAP
(EXISTING LAND USE)
LEGEND
Residential/Recreational
Commerical
+�
Industrial
Governmental
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH ,
CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL MANAGEMENT
ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.

Another major force shaping development in Currituck County is
the 158/ 168 highway corridor. This roadway provides the only link to
the Outer Banks from the north. Development along 168 from the
Virginia state line to Barco has remained fairly well clustered around
the existing communities of Moyock, Currituck, Maple and Barco.
However, .with the widening of this road. proposed by the Department
of Transportation, Highway 168 may well resemble the strip
development of Highway 158 at the southern end of the County
without proper safeguards.
While much vacant land remains along US 158 south of Grandy,
development patterns have been well established based on existing
land use and zoning patterns in the area. The 158/ 168 corridor study
(See Strategy 2 listed for Goal 4.2) should address recommended infill
development strategies for this section of highway to promote safe
traffic movement and economic development.
Within the last two years, the County has begun to see an
increase of sound front subdivisions on both the mainland and Knotts
Island (i.e., Swan Haven, Parkers Landing, Hunters Field, Currituck
Landing). If adequate provisions are not made, public access to the
sound could be severely limited in the future.
Of all the areas experiencing change, none has been so dramatic
' as the Outer Banks. This area consists of two distinct sections: North
of Corolla to the Virginia line (Fruitville Township) and from Corolla to
the Dare County line (Poplar Branch Township).
Development north of Corolla is limited with only 270 dwellings
in the area. This is due to no centralized utility system or improved
' access road serving the area. However, with over 3,000 platted lots
mostly under individual ownership along the North Beaches, the
potential for intensive development in the future exists.
' The area from Corolla to the Dare County line has seen the
greatest amount of development activity in Currituck County over the
' last five years. Large Planned Unit Developments (PUD's) have been
approved in this area with densities ranging between two to three
units an acre. The housing units are upscale and a vast majority are
used for rental purposes. However, with the continued development
of existing subdivisions, it is anticipated that over 300 new dwellings
with full time residents will be constructed on the Outer Banks in the
' next ten years.
. One. aspect of PUD's that has a. significant impact on the
Currituck Outer Bank's character is the commercial portion. of the
' development. As part of the approval process, developers must show
the location of commercial areas (not to exceed 10% of the total
development area). This ensures the development of commercial
51

nodes as opposed to strip commercial development. In addition, site
plans are reviewed for compliance with the master plan' and County
regulations by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of
Commissioners before developing commercial areas.
Currituck County continues to encourage development patterns
that: compliment the prominence local communities have played
throughout the County's history, promote safe traffic movement,
provide convenient access to necessary goods and services and that
minimize the negative impact development has on the surrounding
properties and existing transportation routes.
Design Principles
While preparing the land use plan, citizens voiced support for
growth in the County provided such growth did not detract from the
quality of life residents now enjoy. In keeping with that concern,
Currituck County recognizes development can be of high quality and
thereby be an asset to the community if certain design principles are
followed. It is the County's desire to encourage development that
incorporates the design principles listed below into their
development scheme. While the list is not exhaustive, it does
highlight issues of importance to Currituck County.
- avoid development in critical areas such as wetlands,
significant dunes, important wildlife habitat, flood prone
areas, etc.
- take appropriate measures to minimize storm water run-off
- build roads which follow existing topography
- provide adequate setbacks from the ocean, sound and other
water bodies
- use the site's natural amenities such as views, vegetation,
water access and topography for the benefit of the
maximum number of residents
- be sensitive to historical and scientifically important areas
- avoid development that will negatively impact the quantity
or quality of potable water supplies
- establish functional recreation areas such as ball fields, boat
launches, and walking trails; avoid designating only land
unsuitable for development for recreation and small
noncontiguous open space areas; place high nuisance
recreation areas away from residential units
- avoid building on soils that are unsuitable for septic systems
or that cannot adequately support buildings where sewage
is pumped to good soils
- limit the amount of impermeable surfaces in close
proximity to water bodies to avoid excessive run-off and
potential pollution sources
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- preserve existing vegetation to the maximum extent
possible (for visual enhancement, wildlife habitat, noise
buffers, soil stabilization, watershed protection, moderate
climate, etc.)
- develop land that is sensitive and compatible with
surrounding uses (i.e., limit noise, limit impact of lighting,
'
soften the visual impact, etc.)
- promote development that will not detract from the visual
appearance of the County
- minimize the drive cuts along state maintained roads to
enhance traffic safety
- provide good circulation patterns that separate roads and
'
people to the maximum extent possible and that promotes
the creation of neighborhood units; limit through traffic in
residential areas
- construct roads that meet anticipated needs: avoid over -
design of streets: connect with surrounding properties
where appropriate
- promote the placement of utilities underground for visual
enhancement; buffer those utilities that are above ground
(i.e., power stations, transmission towers, etc.)
- minimize damage to the site while under construction (i.e.,
'
protect vegetation, prevent erosion)
- encourage internal circulation for developments;
discourage the location of residential dwellings along
'
access streets which reduce the capacity of the roads and
provide less desirable lots
'
Future Land Needs
If construction of new housing units continues the same pace as
1985 thru 1990. and assuming current ratios of residential land area
to nonresidential land area will remain constant, it is anticipated that
the following land area will be needed to accommodate growth in
Currituck County:
Table 6B
AddAtio nal I[amd Needed f®i° the Year 2000
Land Use
Acres Needed
Residential
2.313
Commercial
206
Industrial
25
Recreational
113
Government/ Utilities
303
Total
2,960
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1
The Currituck County Soil Survey was referred to to obtain a
conservative estimate of how much land that can be developed is
available assuming on -site septic systems are utilized (the only method
of sewage disposal used except in PUD's on the Outer Banks and
mobile home parks on the mainland). According to the survey, of the
174,720 acres in Currituck County, 22% or 38,438 acres is listed as
being suitable to provisionally suitable for on -site septic systems.
Assuming all 6,213 acres of developed land in the County is on suitable
to provisionally suitable soils, 32,225 acres of soil capable of accepting
on -site septic systems is available for future development. Therefore,
there is ample developable land to accommodate growth anticipated
by the year 2000 (note: figures provided are conservative since not all
developed land is on suitable to provisionally suitable soils; some areas
listed as unsuitable for septic systems may be deemed provisionally
suitable based on an on -site evaluation; it is possible to build on land
unsuitable for septic systems and pump sewerage to soils that are
suitable - i.e., using Low Pressure Pipe systems).
Growth Concerns
L7
Currituck County and its citizens are concerned with the effect
future development will have on the quality of life, the environment
and the provision of County services. To address some of these
concerns, it is recommended that the minimum lot width be
increased for conventional residential development (to 125 feet for all
lots) and non-residential development (to 200 feet for all lots) to
ensure proper spacing between structures.
During the public input meetings for the Land Use Plan, some
residents raised the issue over the speed at which development is
occurring in Currituck and the ability to provide County services to the
community. As State and Federal governments have been requiring
counties to provide more services, it has become clear that revenues
will have to increase to keep up with expenses. One method of raising
revenues that is available to local governments is to establish impact
fees.
An impact fee is a one time assessment imposed on new
development. It is used by local governments to help offset the costs
of providing services to that development (i.e., added recreational
facilities that will be needed to serve a development). Much time and
effort are necessary in establishing procedures to determine what
actual impacts a particular development has on the community.
However, if properly implemented, impact fees could be a much
needed source of income for providing County services without
imposing on existing taxpayers.
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GOAL 6.1: TO ENSURE THAT RAPID DEVELOPMENT OCCURRING IIV
CURRITUCK COUNTY WILL NOT DETRACT FROM THE gUALZTY
OF LIFE NOR CAUSE A LOSS IN gUALITY OF PROVIDING
COMZKU.NITY SERVICES.
Strategies:
1. All residential lots shall have 125 foot of frontage along
streets except in Planned Unit Developments, Planned
Residential Developments, and Open Space Developments.
Further, all commercial lots shall have a minimum road.
frontage of 200 feet;
2. Establish an impact fee system to have new development
help offset the cost of expanding community facilities
attributed to that development;
3. Assess development trends in the community to determine
if federal, state and the Unified Development Ordinance
regulations are promoting development consistent with
County long range goals.
GOAL 6.2: TO ENSURE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES OCCUR IN
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND TO
PURSUE STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS THAT WILL
ENHANCE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF WATER RESOURCES.
Strategies:
1. Continue to work with the Division of Land Resources and'
Division of Environmental Management in reviewing and
implementing erosion control plans and storm. water
control plans, respectively;
2. Continue to apply for CAMA, Wildlife Resources, and related
' grants for ocean and sound accesses, boat ramps, piers,
navigational dredging and the like.
1 Availability of Water
' Availability of water supplies will greatly influence development
in Currituck County. During the droughts in the mid -to -late 1980's,
many wells pumped up brackish waters. This is an area of particular
' concern for the Outer Banks and Knotts Island (note: County water
system also discussed in Chapter 8)
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GOAL 6.3: TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL NOT
NEGATIVELY IMPACT POTABLE WATER SUPPLIES IN TERMS OF
WATER QUAI. 77AND QUANTTIY.
Strategies
1. Make sure all developments indicate well locations on their
lots and adjoining lots to ensure 100 foot separation from
septic systems;
2. Explore the feasibility of a County -wide or community -wide
sewage treatment system;
(STATED IN 5.1)
3. Determine the volume of potable water supplies on the
Outer Banks by establishing and monitoring test wells.
Specific Use Requirements
Given Currituck County's geographical location, establishment of
goals associated with water -related use is particularly important.
Below are goals and related strategies associated with water uses. In
addition, this subsection will address the County's position on offshore
drilling activities and energy facilities.
FLOATING HOME DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 6.4: TO PROFIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FLOATING HOME `
DEVELOPMENT
Strategies:
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1. Maintain provisions in the Unified Development Ordinance '
that prohibit the use of floating home development.
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MARINA DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 6.5: .. TO PERMIT MARINA DEVELOPMENT (INCLUDING
MARINAS ASSOCIATED WITH RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS)
ONLY WHEN IT CAN CLEARLY BE SHOWN THAT THE MARINA
HAS NO SIGNg7CANT IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC TRUST WATERS,
ESTUARINE AREAS AND SURROUNDING PROPERTIES.
Strategies:
1. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to permit
marinas subject to established design principles such as the
following:
a) Marinas shall be planned in such a manner as to
minimize the risk of water pollution.
b) Marinas shall be located in areas where there is a high
rate of water "turnover" (the time required for tidal
action or water flow to replace water of a boat basin
with new water from another source). Ideally, marinas
should have a water turnover rate of 2 to 4 days.
c) Marinas in upland areas shall be encouraged.
d) Marina access channels shall be designed to maximize
circulation and avoid dead-end spots.
e) 'narina designs must incorporate facilities for the
proper handling of sewage, waste, and refuse.
f) Marinas shall minimize alteration of existing shoreline.
configurations and disturbance of vital habitat areas.
g) Dredging operations shall not occur during critical
periods of fish migration and breeding.
h) The method of dredging shall be chosen that will have
the least environmental impact and, all dredged
materials shall be placed in a manner so as not to
pollute surrounding areas.
i) Proposals for marina development shall be accompanied
by a modeling study indicating expected flushing.
2. Permit marinas as an accessory use to residential
development. Marinas not associated with residential
developments and dry stack storage facilities shall only be
permitted in accordance with the Unified Development
Ordinance.
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ISLAND DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 6.6: TO ALLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLANDS THAT
WOULD BEST PROMOTE THE PUBLIC INTERESTS.
Strategies:
1. Allow, island development that complies with the County's
zoning regulations;
2. Permit the development of Monkey Island for the purpose
of public education or research and related purposes.
GOAL 6.7: TO PERMIT TIE USE OF BU.LE71EADS FOR STABILIZING
NON -OCEAN SHORELINES.
Strategies:
I
1. Require all bulkhead installations be done according to '
CAMA regulations.
ENERGY FACILITY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT
As was stated in Chapter 3, Economy, the County desires to build
on its tourism industry. It is felt that any proposed offshore drilling
activities off North Carolina's coast, including exploration, would be
contrary to this goal. The County is opposed to any such activities. In
addition, Currituck is opposed to locating any support or processing
facilities associated with offshore drilling within the County. Any
energy generating plant shall be located in accordance with the
provisions of the Unified Development Ordinance.
GOAL 6.8 TO PROTECT THE FRAGILE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT
FROM NEGATIVE LM PACTS OF ENERGY FACL TIIFS.
Strategies:
1. Oppose all drilling off the coast of North Carolina and
oppose the location of any associated support or processing
facilities within Currituck County;
2. Allow energy generating plants in accordance with the
provisions of the Unified Development Ordinance as long as
it is consistent with environmental protection, health, and
welfare of the community.
58
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CHAPTER 7: ENVIRONMENT
Introduction
Between the years 1970 and 1990, Currituck County's
population has grown from 6,976 to 13,736. Construction associated
with that growth has raised public concern over the impacts
development has on the environment, particularly with respect to
water quality (Appendix 1).
However, development need not be detrimental to the
environment. Responsible construction can occur with negligible
impact on the County's natural resources. This chapter recognizes the
positive effects growth has in Currituck County and recommends
actions to continue growth in a manner that is sensitive to the
environment.
I$ualitp of Sounds
The Currituck and Albemarle Sounds are critical to the well
being of Currituck County and Northeastern North Carolina. The
Currituck Sound is particularly significant due to unique
characteristics that have resulted in its being one of the most highly
1 productive areas in North Carolina. It is characterized as having
excellent fishing, provides an important link in the Atlantic flyway for
waterfowl and serves as a rookery for many shore birds.
Currituck Sound is approximately 166 square miles in area and
has historically shifted from a near freshwater environment to a near
saline environment. Increase in salinity levels have occurred due to
iinlet formation and ocean overwash. The Currituck Sound has been a
freshwater body since the closing of the last inlet in the early 1800's.
Below normal rainfall in the mid-1980's contributed to increases in
salinity levels affecting vegetation and the fish population. However,
above normal rainfalls in the late 1980's have again begun to reduce
salinity levels.
In addition to being a freshwater body, the Currituck Sound is
also distinguished by its shallowness and not being effected by lunar
tides. The characteristics of being a near freshwater environment/near
saltwater environment, dependence on wind tides and shallowness
make the Currituck Sound extremely susceptible to outside influences.
Development of land can effect the quality of surface water in
many ways. Rainwater run-off from streets and parking lots can carry
pollutants into surrounding waters. Liquid waste from underground
59

septic systems could seep into rivers or sounds and discharge from
certain land uses into waterbodies may alter fragile balances of nature
needed to support fish and vegetation. However, with proper
planning, the impact - of development on the environment can be
minimized.
The Currituck Sound is located within the Albemarle Sound
Drainage basin. Therefore, waters reach the sound from urbanized
areas of southeastern Virginia through the Northwest and North
Landing Rivers, Back Bay and numerous farm drainage ditches. This
being the case, it is important that any efforts to maintain and improve
water quality involve all communities within the drainage basin area,
including those in Virginia.
Several projects are now in progress that could potentially have
significant long range implications on the water quality of the
Currituck Sound. The first project is associated with the Albemarle
Pamlico Estuarine Study (APES). As part of the APES program, a
comprehensive environmental management plan is being prepared for
the Currituck Sound Drainage Basin. The second project involves a
monitoring program to assess the impact of opening canal #2 in
Virginia Beach that drains water from a heavily urbanized area into the
Currituck Sound. Concern has been raised over water quality and
salinity levels of waters coming from drainage canal #2. Both of these
reports should be studied carefully after they are completed to
determine if actions could be taken to help improve surface water
qualities in Currituck County.
Citizens of the County acknowledge the economic, recreational,
and social significance the sounds and rivers have in Currituck.
Protection of water resources was one of the top five priorities
identified at the Land Use Plan public input meetings. Therefore, it is
essential that developments be designed in such a manner as to
ensure compatibility with surrounding waters and the environment as
a whole.
GOAL 7.1: TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE WATER SUAUTY IN
THE CURRITUCK AND ALBEMARLE SOUNDS.
Strategies:
1. Request the state to reevaluate the stream classification of the
Currituck Sound and associated tributaries to see if they
warrant upgrading, thereby affording a higher level of
protection by the state. (Note: the Currituck Sound and
associated tributaries were last evaluated by the state in 1961
at which time they were classified as "SC" waters. This
1
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I
idesignation affords the least amount of protection with
respect to allowable discharges);
2. Review results from the Albemarle Pamlico Estuary Study
(APES) and implement suggested environmental management
strategies for improving and maintaining the quality of the
Currituck Sound and associated tributaries where
appropriate;
3. Develop communication channels with southeastern Virginia
communities in order to inform them of the status, concerns
and programs being undertaken relating to the water quality
of the Currituck Sound;
4. Continue to oppose discharges from water and wastewater
treatment facilities;
5. Discuss with the state the feasibility of allowing wastewater
from water treatment plants to be injected into the ground as
opposed to being discharged into surface water bodies.
IAreas of Environmental Concern
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) establishes
protection measures for certain areas by designating them as Areas of
Environmental Concern (AEC's). In Currituck County there are two
categories of AEC's. These are the estuarine system made up of
estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines, public trust waters and coastal
wetlands (Figure 15), and ocean hazard areas consisting of ocean
erodible areas and high hazard,flood areas.
1 F1g= 15
I
fl
1
Estuarine System
Estuarinnee Waters
Al. .1 . A•♦• A A A A A A A A
Estuarine Shoreline
Coastal Wetlands
75'
Coastal Fishing Waters
Public Tnist Waters
Inland Fishing Waters
• ww
w � w"w w w w•
A A
w" n"
61

Below is a discussion of where these AEC's are located and
recommendations for the appropriate type of land use for these areas.
ESTUARINE SYSTEM
Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine waters include "all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean
within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the bays,
sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line
between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set
forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources
Commission and the Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development" [now called the Department of
Environment, Health, and Natural Resources].
The estuarine water system's productivity depends on the water
circulation that is subject to tidal flows, mixture of saltwater and
freshwater flows and water depth. Circulation of estuarine waters
helps cleanse pollutants, affects salinity, moves sediment, spreads
fish and shellfish and transports nutrients and plankton.
Estuarine shorelines include all land that is 75 feet landward of
the mean high water level, or normal water level, of estuarine
waters. While these areas generally remain dry, they are critical to
the estuarine system. If improperly developed, degradation of the
estuarine waters and coastal wetlands would result. These areas
are also subject to erosion and periodic flooding.
I
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I
In Currituck County, estuarine waters and estuarine shorelines
include the Currituck/Albemarle Sounds, adjacent bays, and the
lower reaches of the North and Northwest Rivers.
GOAL 7.2: TO MAINTAIN THE HIGH 9UALITY OF ESTUARINE i
WATERS AND TO PROMOTE APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT
ALONG ESTUARINE SHORELINES SO AS NOT TO DEGRADE THE
ESTUARINE SYSTEM.
Appropriate development for estuarine waters includes low
impact recreational uses that do not interfere with the vital
functions of estuarine waters such as raised walkways, docks,
bulkheads, boathouses, etc., and other uses that comply with CAMA
regulations and are in keeping with the provisions of the Unified
Development Ordinance. Appropriate development for estuarine
shorelines includes those uses listed as being permitted in the
Unified Development Ordinance and that comply with CAMA
regulations. Compliance with CAMA, Health Department and
62

Unified Development Ordinance setback regulations for structures
and septic systems shall be adhered to to provide appropriate
Iprotection for the estuarine system.
Public Trust Waters
Public Trust Waters include waters and submerged lands in the
coastal region where the public has rights of use and/or ownership,
including the rights of navigation and recreation. These areas
overlap with the estuarine waters AEC, but they also include inland
fishing waters that are not estuarine waters AFC's.
iIn Currituck County public trust waters include all estuarine
waters, upper reaches of the North and Northwest rivers, a
number of small creeks (i.e., Tulls Creek, Landing Creek) and the
Atlantic Ocean.
GOAL: 7.3 KEEP ALL PUBLIC TRUST WATERS OPEN FOR
NAVIGATION INCLUDING THOSE AREAS UNDER THE
JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
Appropriate development in public trust waters includes limited
recreational uses such as docks and piers and other uses permitted
by CAMA regulations that comply with the provisions of the Unified
Development Ordinance.
Coastal Wetlands
I
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Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh
subject to regular or occasional flooding by the tides (including
wind tides). This category does not include freshwater swamps or
inland wetlands that are discussed elsewhere in the chapter.
Coastal wetlands can be identified by the occurrence of plant
species listed below (Figure 16)
Figure 16
Plant Species Of (LAMA Wetlands
63
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i
. fn.0

These areas are critical to the well being of the coastal system.
Coastal wetlands act as filters that remove sediments that are
harmful to marine life. Vegetation within coastal wetlands has a
stabilizing effect that helps reduce erosion and turbidity. Further,
coastal wetlands serve as important nursery areas and habitats for
fish and shellfish as well as habitats for other wildlife and waterfowl.
Within Cumtuck County, coastal wetlands can be found in the
Cumtuck Sound, the North River and along the western section of
the Outer Banks. Significant amounts of coastal wetlands are
located on the west side of Mackey Island, between Churches
Island and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Northwest River at Tulls
Bay and along the North River on the western side of Currituck's
mainland.
GOAL 7.4: TO PROTECT COASTAL WETLANDS SO THAT THEY CAN
CONTINUE TO SERVE THEIR VITAL FUNCTION IN THE
ENVIRONMENT.
Appropriate development for coastal wetlands includes low
impact recreational and utility uses that do not interfere with the
vital functions of wetlands such as raised walkways and common
open space and uses that comply with CAMA regulations and the
Unified Development Ordinance.
OCEAN HAZARD AREAS
Ocean Erodible Areas
Ocean erodible areas cover the beaches and lands adjacent to the
ocean that have a substantial possibility of long term erosion and
significant shoreline changes. Its boundaries are defined as
containing an area 60 times the long-term average annual erosion
rate for a particular stretch of shoreline, plus an additional distance
where significant erosion can be expected during a major storm.
Virtually all of Currituck County's oceanfront coastline is located
within the ocean erodible area.
GOAL 7.5: TO ALLOW LIMITED DEVELOPMENT IN THE OCEAN
HAZARD AREA THAT IS SENSITIVE TO THE FRAGILE
ENVIRONMENT.
Appropriate development in the ocean hazard areas shall be that
which conforms to the Unified Development Ordinance and CAMA
regulations.
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High Hazard Flood Areas
High hazard flood areas cover land subject to flooding, wave
action and high velocity wind currents during a major storm and
are identified as Zones V1 to V30 on the flood insurance rate maps
prepared by the Federal Insurance Administration. , Currituck
County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program that is
administered through the Inspections Department.
Other Era
Zge Areas
Currituck County has several environmentally fragile areas in
addition to Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) within its
jurisdiction. These include swamps, petrified and maritime forests,
significant dunes and shorelines. Below is a brief summary of each
with associated goals and strategies where appropriate.
SWAMPS
Currituck County has three large swamps and several smaller
ones located within its boundaries. The large swamps include the
Dismal Swamp in the northeast section of the County, the Great
Swamp near the Maple Airport and the Maple Swamp between
Aydlett and Grandy.
These swamps contain extensive forest areas and provide
needed habitat for wildlife, including black bears. They also serve
as important components of the County's hydrology. Swamp areas
have faced little development pressures, although logging and
alteration of drainage patterns could pose threats in the future and
should be monitored.
GOAL 7.6: PROTECT SWAMPS FROM ENCROACHING DEVELOPMENT
12V ORDER TO PRESERVE VEGETATION AND THEIR FUNCTION
AS AN IMPORTANT HABITAT FOR VALDLIFE.
Strategies:
1. Continue to review development proposals for location of 404
and CAMA wetlands.
65

MARITIME AND PETRIFIED FOREST I
The Outer Banks of Currituck County contain maritime and
petrified forests. According to a recent report from CAMA, the
Currituck Outer Banks has the largest amount of maritime forests in
North Carolina at approximately 5,000 acres (Lopazanski and Evans,
1988). With rapid development occurring in this area as indicated
in Chapter 5, these fragile and unique features are threatened.
Given the historical significance of the petrified forests and the
important functions served by maritime forests (i.e., stabilize j
barrier islands, protection from storms, conserve groundwater,
provide habitat for wildlife), it is important that these unique
features be afforded protection. ,
GOAL 7.7: TO PROTECT MARITIME AND PETRIFIED FORESTS FROM
ENCROACIMVG DEVELOPMENT.
Strategies:
1. Delineate boundaries of maritime forests and establish local
regulations for their protection instead of guidelines: ,
2. Identify the location of petrified forests and establish local
regulations for their protection.
DUNES
Currituck County has a unique geological feature in the way of
significantly large dunes (over 25 feet in height). Significant dunes
include Lewark's Hill and Three Sister's Hill. Realizing the
importance of these unique features, Currituck County adopted
provisions in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to protect
significant dunes. The UDO indicates that all improvements shall
be located seaward in view of the landward migratory movement of
significant dunes. Further, development should not occur unless
unusual factors exist that prohibit reasonable use of property. If
development does occur near or at a significant dune, then a
geological analysis is required and mitigation plans must be
implemented.
It should be noted that CAMA regulations also provide protection
for dunes that are located within Ocean Hazard AEC's by limiting
construction and other disturbance activities such as vegetation ,
removal.
1
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SHORELINES
The Currituck Outer Banks is approximately 23 miles long and
its width varies anywhere from 6,000 feet to under 1,000 feet.
There are over 7,800 platted lots on the Outer Banks with over
1,400 homes already constructed or under construction.
Shorelines along the Outer Banks are extremely fragile features
of the environment due to their susceptibility to storms and
constantly shifting sands from winds and moving water. While the
beach itself is tolerant to intensive recreation, the primary dune is
intolerant of any activities by man. Foot traffic over dunes greatly
enhances the chances for the destruction of the dune. Vegetation
is imperative to the stabilization of dunes as are raised beach
accesses.
Stabilization of shorelines with permanent structures such as
seawalls and bulkheads is prohibited by CAMA regulations due to
their adverse impact on the natural sand migration process.
Therefore, coastal communities must look toward beach
nourishment programs for stabilization of beaches. Today,
Currituck County does not have any structures facing imminent
destruction from erosion. However, the beach does provide needed
access to areas north of the improved road ending in Corolla.
During storm events this means of access becomes unusable.
GOAL 7.8: TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS CONTINUOUS ACCESS TO
AND FROM THE BEACHES NORTH OF COROLLA WHERE NO
ZMPROVED ROAD EXIST.
Strategies:
1. Support a beach nourishment program only for enhancement
of beach traffic in the event a north beach access road is not
provided and erosion is sufficient to limit access along the
beaches.
Constraints to Development
All development should be sensitive to constraints of the land.
Land constraints discussed in this subchapter include soils, flooding,
drainage, inland wetlands, vegetation and wildlife and primary nursery
areas. In addition to these natural constraints, manmade constraints.
will also be discussed. Other natural constraints to development, such
as the availability of drinking water, are discussed in the County
Facilities chapter.
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SOILS I
A detailed soil survey was prepared for Currituck County in ,
1982. This survey indicates that 88% of the County is unsuitable
for on -site septic systems and therefore unsuitable for
development. Figure 17 shows a general soils map using
information from the 1982 soil survey. It should be noted that the
general soils map shown in Figure 17 is intended to compare the
suitability of large areas for general land uses. Because of its small
scale, it should not be used for selecting a specific site for
development. For that purpose, the detailed maps of the Soil
Survey for Currituck County should be referred to- and site ,
evaluations should be conducted by the Currituck County Health
Department.
Soils in the Conetoe-Dragston-Munden and the Newhan-Corolla-
Duckston group are shown as suitable for development. The
Conetoe-Dragston-Munden group is characterized as being nearly
level and gently sloping, well drained and moderately well drained
soils that have a sandy surface layer and a loamy subsoil. The
Newhan-Corolla-Duckston group is characterized as being nearly
level to sloping, excessively drained, moderately drained, and
poorly drained soils that are sandy throughout.
Soils in the Roanoke-Tomotley group are shown as being
marginally suitable for development. This group is characterized as
being nearly level, poorly drained soils that have a loamy surface
layer and a loamy or clayey subsoil.
Soils in the Portsmouth-CapeFear-Wasda, Dare-Ponzer,
Currituck, and Dorovan group are listed as being poor for
development purposes. Generally these soils are nearly level, very
poorly drained, have a mucky surface layer and a sandy or loamy
underlying material.
From an environmental standpoint, it is generally preferable to
have properly operated centralized sewer systems as opposed to
having individual septic systems. As such, Currituck County
supports the development of Open Space Subdivisions, Planned
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68 1

FW= 17
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH
CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL MANAGEMENT
ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
GENERAL SOILS MAP
(SOIL SUITABILITY FOR SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION)
LEGEND
Suitable
Marginally Suitable
Poor

Unit Developments and Planned Residential Developments using
centralized sewer systems. This type of development could allow
clustering of buildings on soils unsuitable for septic absorption ,
fields while waste water is pumped to portions of the property that
can safely treat sewerage.
FLOODING j
Due to its low elevation, Currituck County is very susceptible to
flooding (Figure 18). In 1984, the County began participating in
the National Flood Insurance program. The program is
administered by the Inspections Department. Any construction
proposed within the 100 year Flood Area as delineated on Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) will have to have the first floor
elevation certified as being above the 100 year flood elevation. As
can be seen in Figure 18, a majority of Currituck County lies within
the 100 year flood elevation.
Sea level rising due to global warming is a significant issue facing
all coastal communities. Most estimates indicate there will be a
1.6-6.6 foot rise in sea level over the next century (R. Paul Wilms).
If the sea was to rise five feet, it is estimated that over 50% of
Currituck County will be inundated (R. Paul Wilms). Currituck
County is not opposed to construction in areas up to five feet above
sea level. Currituck County will enforce flood regulations as a
means to minimize the impact of sea level rise.
DRAINAGE
During the Land Use Plan public input meetings, proper
drainage was one of the top five priorities identified. Given
Currituck's low lying elevation and generally poor soils, it is
understandable why residents have so much concern over drainage
in the County.
At the present time, through the subdivision review and site
plan review process, drainage and erosion control falls under the
review of the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health,
and Natural Resources. The County supports related state
regulations as well as CAMA guidelines that help limit the negative
impact of construction activities and storm water run-off have on
water bodies.
The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) has taken an active role in
the drainage issue by obtaining grants to improve drainage in
different sections of the County and by reviewing subdivision plats.
In the future, the SCS should be involved in monitoring the
implementation of approved erosion control and storm water run-
off plans.
70 1

Figure 18
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH
CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL MANAGEMENT
ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
0
FLOOD INSURANCE MAP
LEGEND

1
INLAND WETLANDS
As mentioned in the above, wetlands serve a variety of functions
in the environment. They provide habitat for wildlife including
waterfowl and migratory birds, buffer floodwaters, recharge
groundwater and help filter out pollution (Figure 19).
Figure 19
.—IL11 IAM L "
I./.UUNLi. A IL11
DISCIIAN(.E SINE AM
Schematte of Wetland Trines
NONTIDAL WETLANDS TIDAL WETLANDS
UPLAND
UPLAND
WAIE11 IAUIE wAIf NfIAUIE
SEEPAGE WETLAND UVERFLUW OVERFLOW OEPRESSIONAL
ON SLOPE WETLAND WETLAND WETLAND
DEEPWArER
HADITAT
UPPER LOW MAHSIt
IIIUH MAHSH h K .,
U.1 AND
E%IMML Sp UII/G
_ IIIGII HUES
OAII Y IIIGII IIOE
oAILY InW tiai_
Generally, three characteristics are looked at to determine if
wetlands are present. They are the soil type (i.e., presence of
hydric soils), inundation of soil by surface or ground water for at
least part of the year under normal circumstances and the
prevalence of wetland plants (i.e., hydrophytic vegetation). Wetland
areas are, for the most part, off limits to development and may only
be filled according to permits issued from the Corps of Engineers
(404 wetlands) and the State (CAMA wetlands) . However, some
limited development such as water related recreational uses and
utilitieg' may be deemed acceptable subject to compliance with
applicable state and federal regulations.
In Currituck County, 79.3% of the soil types are hydric or have
hydric soils as a major component. Therefore, development
potential in Currituck County could be severely limited depending
on water table height at a particular location and the presence of
wetland plants (also see Chapter 6 for a discussion of land available
for development).
It should be noted that Figure 20 indicates only the approximate
boundaries of major wetland areas as identified on the National
1
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1

-approximate location of wetlands.
On site evaluation needed for each
lot to determine presence of wetlands"

1
Wetlands Inventory Maps prepared by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Individual site evaluations should be made of all properties
to determine actual existence of wetlands.
VEGETATION & WILDLIFE
Like wetlands, vegetation also serves a variety of purposes for the
environment. It reduces erosion by stabilizing the soil, provides
habitat for wildlife, helps recharge groundwater, helps purify the
air we breathe and provides shade thereby reducing ambient air
temperature.
The many benefits of vegetation are recognized by Currituck
County. Provisions in existing codes establish requirements for
planting vegetation between different land uses and along newly
created streets. The Unified Development Ordinance also contains
guidelines for protecting trees during construction.
A variety of wildlife can be found in Currituck County, including
black bear, raccoon, deer, and fox. In addition, a large number of
migratory birds and waterfowl frequent the area as it is a major link
in the Atlantic Flyway. Hunting and wildlife conservation has deep
roots in Currituck. However, the increasing development pressures
are reducing wildlife habitat.
Currituck County supports the use of cluster development as a
means of directing construction away from vital wildlife habitat and
for the preservation of vegetation. Currituck continues to support
provisions requiring the planting of vegetation contained in existing
regulations. The County particularly encourages the protection of
vegetation in all developments along waterways due to their
significance as filtering devices and habitat providers.
GOAL 7.9: TO INSURE DEVELOPMENT IS SENSITIVE TO THE
PHMCEIL CONSTRAINTS OF THE LAND.
Strategies: j
1. Prohibit development requiring sewage treatment on soils
that are unsuitable for on site septic systems unless sewerage
can be pumped to soils that are suitable;
2. Continue participating in the National Flood Insurance
Program;
3. Encourage package treatment plants for Planned Unit.
Developments (PUD's), Planned Residential Developments
(PRD's) and Open Space Subdivisions. Use of alternative
sewerage disposal systems that are environmentally safe
should be encouraged (i.e.. constructed wetlands);
74

4. Explore the potential of having a wildlife inventory prepared
for Currituck County;
5. Develop procedures for County review of drainage and storm
water control plans and establish a system to verify plans have
been implemented in the field;
6. Continue ordinance provisions requiring the planting of
vegetation in developments and to encourage the
preservation of existing vegetation, particularly along water
bodies.
MANMADE HAZARDS
The Emergency Services Department has identified several
operations that handle one or more potentially hazardous materials.
These operations include:
1.
Department of Transportation Bridge Maintenance Facility,
Point Harbor
2.
US Fiberglass, Harbinger
3.
Griggs Packing Shed, Powells Point
4.
Coast Oil Company, Grandy
5.
Bruce and Company, Powells Point
6.
Ferrell Gas Company, Grandy
7.
M.A. Guard Oil Company, Coinjock
8.
Department of Transportation Maple Facility, Maple
9.
DOT Ferry Operations, Currituck
10.
Greg Barco (furniture refinishing), Shawboro
11.
Poyner Oil Company, Moyock
12.
H & W Plastics, Moyock
13.
14.
Currituck Grain, Moyock
W. S. Clark and Sons, Shawboro/Gregory
15.
Central Fertilizer, Shawboro
16.
Patrick Forbes Grain Company, Shawboro
17.
Synergy Gas, Grandy
18.
Currituck County Landfill, Maple
19.
Mini -Gallon Fuel Oil Service, Maple
The Currituck County Airport ort is also identified as a manmade
hazard area in addition to businesses/operations listed above. The
major
concerns with airport operations involve safety and aircraft
noise.
Development plans for future construction near the above listed
operations
should be reviewed for. compatibility. Residential
development should. be discouraged within proximity to manmade
hazards.
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PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS
Three areas were recently designated as primary nursery areas
(PNA). They are: Deep Creek - 158 acres on eastern side of North
River south of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway; Lutz Creek - 154
acres on eastern side of North River west of Bertha; and Tulls Bay -
2,522 acres on west side of Currituck Sound at the mouth of the
Northwest River including the Northwest River and its tributaries
located within North Carolina.
Primary nursery areas are those areas in the estuarine system
where initial post -larval development takes place and whose
populations include very early juveniles. Currituck County
recognizes the importance of these areas to commercial and
recreational fishing activities and supports State measures to
ensure their protection.
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S. COUNTY FACILITIES
11
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t CHAPTER 8: COUNTY FACILITIES
j
IIntroduction
II
11
As a rural area, development of county facilities has been slow.
Given the lack of growth between 1850 and 1970, this is
understandable. For the most part, Currituck County maintained only
the courthouse, the landfill and school facilities. However, with the
population growth Currituck has experienced over the last two
decades, demand for more county facilities is increasing. The public
voiced concern over this issue during the public input meetings. This
chapter will examine the present and future state of county facilities.
Recreation
The single most important priority of the public based on the
land use plan input meetings was the establishment of more county
recreational facilities. This issue was cited by a better than 2 to 1
margin over the next most discussed topic that was also related to
recreation (Appendix 1).
Today, improved county recreation areas consist of ball fields,
tennis courts and playgrounds located at each of the various school
facilities. However, it is clear from public sentiment that more
recreational areas are needed and that the County should take
advantage of the abundant natural amenities. A recreation committee
made up of citizens should be formed to prepare a comprehensive
recreation plan that meets the needs of all residents. To carry out
that plan, it is recommended that a recreation department be formed.
GOAL 8.1: TO PROVIDE ENOUGH RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO
MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL CITIZENS AND TO TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF TIE NATURAL AMENITIES OF CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. Establish a Recreation Committee to assess the recreational
needs of Currituck County and to make recommendations
for developing a county -wide comprehensive recreational
program:
2. Establish a Parks and Recreation Department to implement
recommendations of the Recreation Committee;
3. Encourage funding of recreational programs through private
funds, grants and public funds (i.e., impact fees);
77

4. Continue to require dedication of land in large
developments (20 lots or more) for public purposes and
allow the payment of fees instead of dedication where
appropriate.
Coastal and Estuarine Beach Access
The second most talked about topic at the land use plan input
meetings was the establishment of more public sound and beach
accesses. Over the past several years, the County has established 14
ocean accesses and 2 sound accesses on the Outer Banks. On the
mainland, there are three public boat launches and numerous private
boat access and recreation areas (Appendix 4).
The County supports increasing the number of boat and
recreational facilities in Currituck and encourages boat and recreation
facilities in residential subdivisions for use by residents and the public
where appropriate.
The Currituck Outer Banks have no public restroom facilities
now. It is recommended that at least three facilities be located
throughout the Outer Banks to adequately meet the needs of the
visitors.
GOAL 8.2: TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC BEACH AND
SOUND ACCESSES AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES.
Strategies:
1. Inventory all potential ocean and sound access points and
establish a priority rating for funding as part of a
comprehensive recreation program;
2. Apply for CAMA, WRC (Wildlife Resources Commission)
and applicable land and water conservation funds to
establish more ocean and sound accesses in the County on
the Outer Banks and the mainland;
3. Establish three public restroom facilities on the Outer
Banks, one near the Dare County line, one in Corolla and
one in Carova Beach;
4. Establish additional County recreational and boating
facilities in Currituck.
Government Administrative Services and Schools
As Currituck's population continues to grow, greater pressure is
being exerted on county facilities. Already the County is faced with
78

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11
having to address immediate needs of expanding jail facilities and
social services offices. In addition, space for administrative offices in
the courthouse is no longer available as mobile units are now being
used. A need for a Senior Citizens Center adds a further strain to the
situation.
Given the unique geographical shape of Currituck County, it is
often difficult to adequately serve remote sections of the County such
as Knotts Island, Gibbs Woods and the Outer Banks. To help alleviate a
portion of the problem, the County has approved renting satellite
office space on the Outer Banks for fiscal year 1990/91. If county
administrative facilities are not expanded, additional satellite facilities
may be needed on Knotts Island and the northern and southern ends
of the County.
County schools are also facing increasing pressure as well. While
none of the schools have reached their capacity, if growth continues at
its current pace, modifications to school facilities will be necessary
within the next ten years (Table 8A). Figure 21 identifies County
school sites and other governmental facilities.
Table 8A
cCURR1ITU CK COUNTY SCHOOL FACH LITHES
CURRENT CURRENT NUMBER OF NUMBER OF STUDENTS
ENROLLMENT MEMBERSHIP CLASSROOMS AT CAPACrrY
Knotts Island
Elementary 127
119
10
224
Moyock
Elementary 620
552
29 + gym
668
Central
Elementary 363
345
20 + mobile
414
J. P. Knapp
Jr. High 404
368
25 + gym
Griggs
Elementary 458
399
25 + autor'm
526
Currituck
County High 668 "
576'
47 inc. aut'm
750
TOTAL 2640
2359
156
Extended Day:
- 54 membership
- 84 enrollment
The number of students at capacity was calculated by the number of homeroom teachers
multiplied by 26 students in primary grades and 30 students in intermediate and above.
• Currituck County Central Office
"Extended Day included ,
79

Figure 21 1
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH
CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL MANAGEMENT
ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
�- 6
•7 I •
>
9 • c� W D
12 C
Z
1 q
14 I� I� 1
c
16 ' t
7 r
L- 4 n
� Q
1 O b
� p-% O
CURRITUCK COUNTY
FACILITIES AND SERVICES MAP
m
1. Knotts Island Vol. Fire Dept.
2. Knotts Island Elementary School
3. Carova Beach Vol. Fire Dept.
4. Corolla Vol. Fire Dept./ Currituck Co. Rescue Squad
5. Ocean Sands Water Treatment Plant \ z
6. Moyock A.B.C. Store
7. Moyock Elementary School �
8. Moyock Vol. Fire Dept./ Currituck Co. Rescue Squad `
9. Crawford Vol. Fire Dept./ Currituck Co. Rescue Squad (Sligo) 21 ` f
10. Currituck County Courthouse/County Jail/Sheriffs Dept.
11. Currituck County Health Dept./WIC
12. Knapp Jr. High School
13. County Water Plant ,
14. Crawford Vol. Fire Dept.(Maple) �
15. Central Elementary School
16. Currituck County High School
17. Currituck County Library
18. Griggs Elementary School
19. Lower Currituck Vol. Fire Dept./ Currituck Co. Rescue Squad (Grandy)
20. Grandy A.B.C. Store
21. Lower Currituck Fire Dept./ Currituck Co. Rescue Squad (Powelis Point)

GOAL 8.3: TO PROVIDE THE RESIDENTS OF CURRITUCK THE
HIGHEST LEVEL OF COUNTY SERVICES AND TO ENSURE THAT
ADEQUATE FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET CURRENT AND
LONG RANGE NEEDS OF TIID COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. The County shall identify sites for the jail facility, social
services building and senior citizens center;
2. The County shall proceed with finalizing plans and
establishing a location for an administrative building;
3. The County shall prepare a capital improvements plan to
guide the expansion of all county facilities;
4. A long range facilities plan shall be prepared for Currituck
County schools.
Solid Waste Dis osal
With the adoption of Senate Bill 111. all communities, including
Currituck County, are having to take a hard look at the disposal of solid
waste. This bill establishes strict timetables for the County to meet
concerning what can be placed into landfills and establishes design
guidelines for creating new landfills. A major emphasis of this bill is
on recycling.
Presently the County operates one landfill at the Maple Airstrip.
This land is leased by the County from the state and contains enough
area to continue its use for another 15 years. However, as part of that
lease, the County has agreed to look for another landfill site in the
near future.
�. In response to Senate Bill 111, efforts have already been made to
prohibit the disposing of tires at the landfill. Tires brought to Maple
are now being hauled to Virginia for recycling. Further, the County has
established three unmanned recycling sites. These sites are being
monitored to determine feasibility for complying with recycling
requirements established in Senate Bill 111.
Given the far reaching impacts of Senate Bill 111, it is felt that a
regional approach to the solid waste issue would be in the best
interests of northeastern North Carolina.. Lands chosen for a regional
disposal site should be primarily based on the ability of the land to
safely handle solid waste. Discussions are already underway to
determine the feasibility of a regional solid waste program.
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GOAL 8.4: TO ENSURE THAT SOLID WASTE MATERIALS ARE
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY AND TO ENCOURAGE RECYCLING.
Strategies: I
1. Establish a solid waste task force committee to formulate a
long range plan addressing the disposal of solid waste in
Currituck County;
2. Support a regional waste facility;
3. Comply with provisions of Senate Bill 111 by emphasizing
recycling and properly disposing of materials considered to
be hazardous.
Cognty Water
In 1990, Currituck County began operating the county water
system serving the northern and central portions of the mainland.
The system, constructed at a cost of $9.7 million, has a treatment and
storage capacity of 1 million gallons per day. There are three elevated
storage tanks (Currituck - 300,000 gallons, Moyock - 100,000 gallons,
Grandy - 100.000 gallons) and over 150 miles of pipe have been laid.
All totaled there will be approximately 3,100 users on-line.
Raw water for the system is obtained from 18 wells ranging in
depth from 60 feet to 175 feet. The wells are located on County
leased property in Maple.
In December of 1989, a mainland water facility study was
prepared for the County. The study contained a detailed analysis of
available water supplies and future water needs. The study
recommended a twenty-year phased expansion program of the water
system (Figure 22). It is felt that a similar study should be prepared
for Knotts Island and Gibbs Woods to have a comprehensive water plan
for all of Currituck County.
It is recommended that the County participate in a program to
determine the volume of potable water supplies on the Outer Banks.
As a result of hydrology reports submitted for developments on the
Outer Banks, it appears that potable water is available in larger
quantities at the Dare County line and gets progressively smaller as you
go north. A comprehensive study of water supplies is essential for the
Outer Banks and should be completed well before establishing a mid -
county bridge.
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M.

Figure 22
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH
CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL MANAGEMENT
ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
I
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• P
•
Vb.
1
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c
CURRITUCK COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
r
MAP
'• 1
LEGEND
r \
..••.„•. Phase I (Existing)
• • • • • • • • Phase II (10 Years)
' ' • • • Phase III (20 Years)

Now, the County has established 20 test wells along the Outer
Banks with four more recommended within the next year. The wells
along with community water and sewer systems will be monitored by
the State on a regular basis to determine the effects water usage has
on underground water supplies.
The County should also look into the possibility of having water a
and sewer systems now on the Outer Banks under centralized control.
GOAL 8.5: TO PROVIDE CENTRALIZED WATER THROUGHOUT TIC
COUNTY.
Strategies.
1. Implement the recommendations contained in the
Mainland Water Facilities Phase II/III Study prepared by
Black and Veatch in 1989;
2. Prepare a study on the potential for having water and sewer
services under central control for the entire Outer Banks;
3. Prepare a plan to provide centralized water to Gibbs Woods,
Knotts Island and the Currituck Outer Banks;
4. Monitor the availability of water on the Outer Banks using
test wells.
Electrical Service
Electrical service to the Outer Banks has presented problems in
the past with frequent power outages. As development continues on
the Outer Banks, these problems will no doubt become more severe.
GOAL 8.6: TO ENSURE THE C URRIT UCK OUTER BANKS IS
PROVIDED WITH SUITABLE ELECTRICAL SERVICE.
Strategies:' I
1. Board of Commissioners to keep in touch annually with
North Carolina Power and Virginia Power to assess the best
way to service the area and upgrade facilities;
2. Continue to support underwater power lines.
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IHistorical and Cultural Sites
Currituck County has eight properties listed in the National
Register of Historic Places. Some of these include:
Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Northern Outer Banks, 0.5 miles
South of Corolla
Currituck County Courthouse - East side of SR 1242, Currituck
Currituck County Jail - (same as Courthouse)
Currituck Shooting Club - West side of Outer Banks, South of
Corolla, opposite of Poplar Branch
Twin Houses - NC 168 at Junction of SR 1203 and SR 1147
Whalehead Club - 0.02 miles southwest of Currituck Beach
Lighthouse
In addition to these sites, there are 58 recorded historic and
prehistoric archaeological sites in Currituck County primarily located
along the sound and river shorelines. One of these sites, known as
'The Baum Site" is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
GOAL 8.7: TO ENCOURAGE THE PRESERVATION OF SIGNIFICANT
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES.
Strategies:
1. County to assist individuals who want to have their
structures listed on the National Register;
2. North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural resources to review development plans that require
CAMA permits;
3. Support the Century Farm Family recognition program
administered by the Department of Agriculture.
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M� M� m M v r Mao M r mwm M M M M r

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CHAPTER 9: STORM HAZARDS
Introduction
All coastal communities, including Currituck County, face the
threat of hurricanes, northeasters and other major storm events.
Unfortunately, people have a tendency to overlook the massive
destruction these storms can cause, particularly after extended
periods of time between major storm events. However, Hurricane
Hugo, which hit the South Carolina coast in 1989, again brought to
light the devastation that could occur during a major storm event.
Currituck County acknowledges that a major storm event will
affect the area. The purpose of this chapter is to assist Currituck
County in managing development in potentially hazardous areas by
establishing storm hazard mitigation policies to reduce .the risks
associated with future hurricanes. Further, this chapter establishes
post -disaster reconstruction/recovery policies. Finally, current
evacuation plans will be reviewed for their adequacy.
Storm hazard Mitigation
Storm hazard mitigation, or actions taken to reduce the impact
of a disaster, involve a number of activities and policy decisions.
However, before discussing those activities and policies, it is
important to identify the types of hazards (including the relative
severity and magnitude of risks) and the extent of development
located in storm hazard areas.
Hurricanes are extremely powerful
nature. The two most severe effects
damage, which are usually the results
flooding, wave action and erosion, each
below:
a High Winds
often unpredictable forces of
are fatalities and property
of four causes: high winds,
of which are discussed briefly
High winds are the major force of a hurricane that, by definition,
is a tropical disturbance with sustained winds of at least 74
miles per hour. Extreme hurricanes can have winds of up to
165 miles per hour, with gusts up to 200 miles per hour. These
winds circulate around the center or "eye" of the storm.
Although the friction or impact of the winds hitting land from
the water causes some dissipation of the full force, there is still a
tremendous amount of energy left to cause damage to buildings,
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overturn mobile homes, down trees and power lines and destroy
crops. Also, tornadoes can often be spawned by hurricane wind
patterns. Wind stress is an important consideration in storm
hazard mitigation planning. Because of Currituck's location and a
hurricane's size and power, it is likely that all of Currituck
County would be subject to the same wind velocity in the event
of a storm.
POLICY: Currituck County enforces the N. C. State Building
Code, particularly requirements of construction standards to
meet wind -resistive factors, i.e., "design wind velocity." The
County also enforces provisions in the State Building Code
requiring tie -downs for mobile homes, which helps resist wind
damage.
b. Floodin I
Flooding, on the other hand, may not affect all areas with equal
force. The excessive amounts of rainfall and the "storm surge"
that often accompany hurricanes can cause massive coastal and
riverine flooding causing excessive property damage and deaths
by drownings. (More deaths are caused by drowning than any
other cause in hurricanes.) Flooding is particularly a problem in
ocean coastal areas because of the storm surge and low-lying
areas. The amount of flooding a particular area receives is
related to storm strength (Figure 23 and 24). However,
flooding can cause extensive damage in inland areas also, since
many coastal areas have low elevations and are located in high
hazard or "Zone A" flood areas according to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
According to flood insurance maps prepared for Currituck
County, much of the County is classified as being in the 100-year
"high hazard" flood zone, or Zone A (see "Flood Hazard Map,"
figure 18). Because of low elevation, much of the County would
be subject to flooding during a severe hurricane. There are,
however, "pockets" of areas classified as "Zone C" such as, in the
500-year "minimally flooded" area. In severe storms, Zone C
areas would also likely be flooded, but risks are not as severe as
for Zone A areas.
Flooding can not only cause damage to buildings, but saltwater
flooding can cause serious damage to croplands, which took
place in the Albemarle region, including Currituck County in
1954 and 1955 from Hurricanes Hazel, Connie, Dianne, and Ione
(McElyea, Brower, & Godschalk, pp. 2-8, 9).
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POLICY: Currituck County is supportive of the hazard mitigation
elements of the National Flood Insurance Program. The County
1 has had the Flood Insurance Rate Maps since November 1, 1984,
and all references to Flood Hazard Areas in the Land Use Plan
refer to flood hazards as identified by these maps. Currituck
1
County also supports continued enforcement of CAMA and 404
Wetlands development permit processes in areas potentially
susceptible to flooding.
Flgwe 23
1 Safffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale Ranges
Scale
' Number Ce bnl Pressure Winds Winds Damage
Category Millibars Inches (Mph) (Kts)
1
> 980
28.94
74 - 95
64 - 83
Minimal
2
965 - 979
28.50 - 28.91
96 - 110
84 - 96
Moderate
3
945 - 964
27.91 - 28.47
111 - 130
97 - 113
Extensive
4
920 - 944
27.17 - 27.88
131 - 155
114 - 135
Extreme
5
< 920
< 27.17
> 155
> 135
Catastrophic
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Figure 24
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH
CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL I.IANAGEI.IENT
ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF COASTAL I.IANAGEI.IENT, NATIONAL
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
I
• •i.... ..:w. n t;;.;;� C
C'I
COMPOSITE MAP:
_
EXISTING LAND USE '
AND STORM SURGE INUNDATION
LEGEND
'
e
Residential/Recreational • c \
• Commerical
+ Industrial \
= Governmental \�
Category 1 - 2 Surge Area
Category 3 Additional Surge Area
Category 4 - 5 Additional Surge Area

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c. Wave Action
Damage from wave action is connected very closely to the storm
surge, i.e., wind -driven water with high waves moving to
vulnerable shoreline areas. Areas most likely to be affected are
ocean hazard areas and estuarine shoreline areas. There are
extensive estuarine shoreline areas (75 feet inland from the
mean high water mark of estuarine waters) in the County and
ocean hazard areas along the Outer Banks. Wave action damage
would have the most significant impact along the Atlantic Ocean
beach front and sound shoreline. As the existing land use map
and the Flood Hazard Boundary Map show, there is a significant
amount of residential development in or near the estuarine
shoreline area and development continuing along the Outer
Banks. Wave action can cause erosion as well as push possible
flood waters to areas not reached by the storm surge itself. The
estuarine shoreline along Currituck's riverine shores, i.e.,
Shingle Landing Creek at Moyock, is sufficiently inland from an
open coast so that the wave energy is dispersed and diffracted,
mainly by the proximity to forested areas.
d. Erosion
The final major consideration in storm hazard mitigation is
severe erosion, caused by high winds, high water, and heavy
wave action. Again, in Currituck County, the area most
susceptible to storm -related erosion is the estuarine shoreline
AEC (Area of Environmental Concern) along the Currituck Sound
and the ocean front. This is essentially the same area potentially
affected by the action of damaging waves and described in "c"
above. Shoreline erosion could lead to loss of property through
portions of waterfront lots being washed into the Sound and
ocean or even actual structural damage to buildings. Erosion
potential is an important factor to consider in developing storm
hazard mitigation policies.
POLICY: Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion: Currituck County is
supportive of the CAMA development permit process for
estuarine shoreline and ocean front areas and the requisite
development standards that encourage both shoreline
stabilization and facilitation of proper drainage. The Unified
Development Ordinance contains provisions providing some
level of protection for significant dunes.
e. Implementation: Storm Hazard Mitigation
1. Currituck County has adopted a Flood Damage Ordinance for
the Regular Phase of the National Flood Insurance Program.
This ordinance requires basic floodproofing for all new

construction, to the base flood elevation. The base flood
elevation, as shown on the flood insurance maps, is the
elevation of the 100-year flood. This program is administered ,
by the County Building Inspection Department.
2. The County will continue to support enforcement of State and
Federal programs which aid in mitigation of hurricane
hazards, including CAMA and the U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers 404 permit process.
,
Development at Risk
Like all coastal communities, Currituck County has development
'
that would be susceptible to major storm events "Figure 24 is a
composite map showing the relationship of existing land use to storm
surges likely to occur depending on storm strength. As can be seen
on the composite map, almost the entire Outer Banks and all of Gibbs
Woods would be inundated by a category 1 to 5 storm surge. On the
mainland and Knotts Island, most of the development adjacent to the
Currituck and Albemarle Sounds and rivers and bays would be affected
by a category 1 to 5 storm surge. The only locations likely to be
outside storm surge areas on the mainland and Knotts Island are along
t
major highways and in the northwest quadrant of the mainland.
Post Disaster and Recovery Plans
If anything can be learned from the events surrounding
Hurricane Hugo, it is the importance of having post disaster and
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recovery plans before a major storm event. Establishing such plans
would be in keeping with Currituck County's goals.
GOAL 9.1: TO ENSURE THE COUNTY CAN EFFECTIVELY HANDLE A
MAJOR STORM EVENT IN TERMS OF IMMEDIATE NEEDS AND
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LONG RANGE RECONSTRUCTION.
Strategies: I
1. Emergency Services to educate all agencies involved during
major storm events of their proper roles;
2. A plan shall be prepared that outlines the County's policies
on reconstruction after a major storm event.
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' This portion of the land use plan establishes a general recovery
and reconstruction plan.
' a. Appointment of a "Post Disaster Recovery Team"
In the event of a major storm having landfall near Currituck
County, when evacuation orders are issued, the Chairman of the
current County Board of Commissioners shall appoint a "Post
Disaster Recovery Team." This team shall consist of all the
members of the Evacuation Plan Support Group as identified in
the Currituck County Evacuation Plan, and others whom the
Chairman may appoint. The total team may consist of the
following: _
1. Emergency Services Director (Team Leader)
'
2. County Finance Officer
3. County Sheriff
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4. County Building Inspector
5. Director of Social Services
6. Local realtor or building contractor
7. County Health Department
The Emergency Services Director will serve as the Team Leader
and will be responsible to the Chairman of the Board of
Commissioners. The base of operations will be the Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) identified in the County Evacuation
Plan. The EOC is responsible for the following:
1. Establishing an overall restoration schedule.
2. Setting restoration priorities.
'
3. Determining requirements for outside assistance and
requesting such assistance when beyond local
capabilities.
4. Keeping the appropriate County and State officials
'
informed.
5. Keeping the public informed.
'
6. Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken and
expenditures and obligations incurred.
7. Recommending to the Chairman of the Currituck County
Board of Commissioners to proclaim a local "state of
'
emergency" if warranted.
8. Commencing and coordinating cleanup, debris removal
and utility restoration that would include coordination of
'
restoration activities undertaken by private utility
companies.
9. Coordinating repair and restoration of essential public
facilities to determined
and services according priorities.
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10. Assisting private businesses and individual property '
owners in obtaining information on the various types of
assistance that might be available to them from federal ,
and state agencies.
11. Monitor health conditions of water supplies and sewer
systems.
b. Immediate Clean -Up and Debris Removal
As soon as practical after the storm, the Post Disaster Recovery
Team will direct appropriate County personnel, and as
necessary, request State and/or Federal assistance to begin ,
clearing fallen trees and other debris from the County's roads
and bridges.
c. Long Term Recovery/Restoration I
The Post Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for
overseeing the orderly implementation of the reconstruction '
process after a major storm or hurricane in accord with the
County's policies. The County would contact State and Federal
agencies to request financial assistance to repair or reconstruct
damaged or destroyed property. If funds are available, the
County would consider purchasing lands in hazard areas as a
mitigation measure.
1. Damage Assessments
Damage assessments will be necessary to quickly determine a
realistic estimate of the amount of damage caused by a
hurricane or major storm. Information, such as the number
of structures damaged, the magnitude of damage and the
t
estimated total dollar loss, will need to be developed to assess
storm impact.
I
As soon as practical after the storm, i.e., clearance of major
highways and paved roads in the County, the Post Disaster
Recovery Team Leader shall set up a Damage Assessment
,
Committee (DAC), consisting of the Public Works Director,
Building Inspector, Emergency Services Director, a local
realtor or building contractor and appropriate personnel from
,
the Currituck County tax department. The DAC will
immediately begin to make "windshield" surveys of damaged
structures to initially assess damages and provide a
'
preliminary dollar value of repairs or replacement. The
following general criteria shall be used:
'
a (repairs Destro ed would cost more than 80
Y
percent of value).
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b. Major (repairs would cost more than 30 percent of
the value).
c. Minor (repairs would cost less than 30 percent of
the value, but the structure is currently
uninhabitable).
d. Habitable (some minor damage, with repairs less
than 15 percent of the value).
Each damage assessment will be documented according to
County tax records. Also, County tax maps (including aerial
photographs) and/or records may be used for identification
purposes. The total estimated dollar value of damages will be
summarized and reported to the Post Disaster Recovery Team
Leader.
2. Reconstruction Development Standards
Generally, reconstruction shall be held at least to the same
standards as before the storm. However, developed
structures that were destroyed and which did not conform to
the County's storm hazard mitigation policies, i.e., with basic
measures to reduce damage by high winds, flooding, wave
action or erosion, must be redeveloped according to those
policies. In some instances, this may mean relocation of
construction or no reconstruction at all. Building permits to
restore destroyed or damaged structures, which were built in
conformance with the State Building Code and County storm
hazard mitigation policies, shall be issued automatically and
all structures suffering major damage will be repaired
according to the State Building Code. All structures suffering
'
minor damage, regardless of location, will be allowed to be
rebuilt to the original condition before the storm. The County
Sanitarian and Building Inspector will consider permitting
reconstruction (between 30-80% of value of damaged homes
requiring a septic tank) on a case by case basis if soil type
does meet current septic tank requirements as of the date of
damage or the time destruction occurred.
3. Development Moratoria
Currituck County, because of a lack of densely populated
areas, does not foresee the need to prohibit any development
for any specified period of time. Residents shall be allowed to
proceed with redevelopment and reconstruction as soon as
practical and in accord with the various levels of State and
Federal disaster relief provided to them. The Post Disaster
Recovery Team will coordinate with the State Building
Association and other home construction organizations in
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assembling a list of qualified contractors interested in
assisting with reconstruction.
4. Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
The following schedule of activities and time frame are
proposed with the realistic idea that many factors of a
hurricane may render the Schedule infeasible.
a) Appoint Damage Assessment
Committee
b) Complete and Report Damage
Assessments
c) Begin Repairs to Critical
Utilities and Facilities
d) Permitting of Reconstruction activities
for all damaged structures ("minor" to
pre -storm original status, "major" to
State building code and hazard
mitigation standards
6 hours after storm
Two weeks after storm
As soon as possible
after storm
Two weeks after
damage assessments
are complete
5. Agency Responsible for Implementation:
The Chairman of the Currituck County Board of
Commissioners, as chief elected official of the County, will
serve as overall Chairman of the Control Group. The Board
Chairman will delegate the overseeing of the reconstruction
and recovery effort and implementation of the plan.
6. Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities and Infrastructure:
The Public Works Director and the Health Department
Director shall coordinate all activities with the State relating
to the repair and replacement of the county water system and
the water/sewer system at Ocean Sands (all other utilities on
the Outer Banks are under private control). The County will
work with the State to establish a north south access in the
event NC 12 sustains damage. The County will consider the
relocating of public infrastructure where changes in natural
features warrant relocation. All measures will be taken to
assist. NC and Virginia Power in providing a swift return of
electrical services damaged during a major storm event.
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IHurricane Evacuation Plan
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Currituck County has an official "Emergency and Evacuation
Plan," that was revised in February, 1989. All activities relating to
evacuation shall be coordinated through the Emergency Services
Director. A brief review of this plan indicates that it is adequate to
meet the emergency needs of the County. The County should
coordinate with Chesapeake and Virginia Beach for sheltering
residents of Gibbs Woods and Knotts Island.
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CHAPTER 10:
GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN
Introduction
The Growth Management Plan establishes a land classification
system as a means of helping to attain the goals stated in the land use
plan. By showing land classes on a map, Currituck County can specify
those areas where certain policies (local, state and federal) will apply.
The land classification system is intended to be supported and
complemented by zoning, subdivision and other local growth
management tools. These local tools should be consistent with the
classification system as much as possible. Although specific areas are
outlined on a land classification map, it must be remembered that a
land classification system is merely a tool to help achieve the goals
established in the land use plan and not, in the strict sense of the
term, a regulatory mechanism such as a zoning map.
There are seven different land classifications established in the
land use plan. They are: Developed, Urban Transition, Limited
Transition, Community, Rural, Rural with Services, and Conservation.
This chapter will describe what each of these land classifications
represents. In addition, a land classification map has been prepared
to indicate preferred development patterns.
Land Use Classification Descriptions
Developed
I Purpose. The purpose of the developed class is to provide for
continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing
cities, towns, and their urban environs.
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Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of the
developed classification are currently urban in character where
minimal undeveloped land remains and has in place, or are
scheduled for the timely provision of, the usual municipal or
public services. Urban in character includes mixed land uses
such as residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and
other uses at high to moderate densities. Services include
water, sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police
and fire protection. In some instances an area may not have all
the traditional urban services in place but, if it otherwise has a
developed character and is scheduled for the timely provision of
these services, it still meets the intent of the developed
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classification. Areas developed for predominantly residential
purposes meet the intent of this classification if they exhibit:
(i) a density of 3 or more dwelling units per acre; or,
(ii) a majority of lots of 15,000 square feet or less, which
are provided or scheduled to be provided with the
traditional urban services; and/or,
(iii) permanent population densities are high and
seasonal populations may swell significantly.
Location. The developed land classification can be found ih
Moyock, Orchard Mobile Home Park and Grandy. These areas
were designated as such because they are heavily developed, of
high density and little property is available.
Urban Transition
Purpose. The purpose of the urban transition class is to provide for
future intensive urban development on lands that are suitable
and that will be provided with the necessary urban services to
support intense urban development.
Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of the
transition classification are presently being developed for urban
purposes or will be developed in the next five to ten years to
accommodate anticipated population and urban growth. These
areas are in, or will be in an urban "transition" state of
development going from lower intensity uses to higher intensity
uses and as such will eventually require urban services.
(i) Areas classified urban transition will provide lands
for intensive urban growth when lands in the
developed class are not available. Urban transition
lands must be able to support urban development by
being generally free of physical limitations and be
served or readily served by urban services. Urban
development includes mixed land uses such as
residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and
other uses at or approaching high to moderate
densities. Urban services include water, sewer,
streets and roads, police and fire protection that will
be made available at the time development occurs or
soon thereafter. Permanent population densities in
this class will be high and the seasonal population
may swell significantly.
(ii) In choosing land for the urban transition class, such
land should not include: Areas with severe physical
limitations which would make the provision of urban
services difficult or impossible, lands which meet
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the definition of conservation, lands of special value
(unless no other alternative exists) such productive
and unique agricultural lands, forest lands,
potentially valuable mineral deposits, water supply
watersheds, scenic and tourist resources including
archaeological sites, habitat or important wildlife
species, areas subject to frequent flooding, areas
important for environmental or scientific values,
lands where urban development might destroy or
damage natural systems or processes of more than
local concern or lands where intense development
might result in undue risk to life and property from
natural or existing man-made hazards.
(iii) It should be understood that even though AEC
standards occasionally permit urban transition type
development on a lot by lot basis within the various
AEC's, this classification should generally not be
applied to any AEC.
(iv) Areas that are predominantly residential meet the
intent of this class if:
(I) they are approaching three dwelling units per
acre; or,
(II) a majority of the lots are 15,000 square feet or
less and will be provided with essential urban
services to support this high density
development; or,
(III) are contiguous to existing developed municipal
areas.
Location. The urban transition areas are located along Highway 168
just north and south of Moyock and in Ocean Sands on the Outer
Banks. The area along Highway 168 was designated as such due
to its proximity to Virginia and to Moyock. Ocean Sands was
designated as urban transition due to approved plans for high
density development, including a high rise motel.
Limited Transition
Purpose. The purpose of the limited transition class is to provide
for development in areas that will have some services, but are
suitable for lower densities than those associated with the urban
transition class, and/or are geographically remote from existing
towns and municipalities.
Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this
class will experience increased development during the
planning period. They will be in a state of development
requiring some municipal type services. These areas are of
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modest
densities and often suitable for the provision of closed
water systems rather than individual wells.
(i)
Areas classified limited transition will provide
controlled development with services, but may not
be on lands that are suitable for traditional high
intensity urban development normally associated
with sewers or other services. These may be lands
with physical limitations or areas near valuable
estuarine waters or other fragile natural systems.
Sewers and other services may be provided because
'
such services are already in the area or readily
available nearby, because the lands are unsuitable for
septic tanks or cumulative impact of septic tanks
`
may negatively affect significant public resources.
The limited transition class also includes those areas
that may not have water and sewer services at this
time, but are suitable for higher intensity uses due to
frontage along Highways 158/ 168 and the potential
for County water in the near future.
(ii)
The limited transition class is intended for
residential development with densities of three units
per acre or less, or the majority of lots are 15,000
square feet or greater. Clustering or development
associated with Planned Unit Developments and
Planned Residential Developments are appropriate
in the limited transition class. This class also
'
contains nonresidential areas along major
transportation routes.
(iii)
Areas that meet the definition of conservation class
should not be classified limited transition.
Location. This designation can be found on the outskirts of
Moyock, between Barco to an area just south of Coinjock along
158, from Grandy to the Wright Memorial Bridge on 158 and in
approved PRD's (mainland, south of Moyock), PUD's (Outer
Banks) and in Carova. These areas were chosen due to the
availability of water (in most cases), existing land use and zoning,
in some cases sewer and road access. It is important to note
that along 158/ 168 it is not intended that the urban transition
area be used as strip commercial development.
Recommendations in the Transportation Chapter indicate
provisions for alleviating problems associated with strip
development and advocate a policy of nodal development.
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Community
Purpose. The purpose of the. community class is to provide for
clustered, mixed land uses at low densities to help meet the
housing, shopping, employment and other needs in rural areas.
Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of the
community class are presently developed at low densities that
are suitable for private septic tank use. These areas are
clustered residential and/or commercial land uses which
provide low intensity shopping and housing opportunities, and
provide a local social sense of a "community." Very limited
municipal type services such as fire protection and community
water may be available, but municipal type sewer systems are not
to be provided. In some unusual cases, sewer systems may be
possible, but only to correct an existing or projected public
health hazard. Areas developed in a low density fashion in small,
dispersed clusters in a larger rural landscape with very limited
or no water and sewer services meet the intent of this class.
Location. The community classification includes Shawboro, 158/
SR 1147 intersection, Currituck, Coinjock, Poplar Branch, Sligo
and Maple. These areas have small shops, banks, community
buildings and churches located within their boundaries. It is
intended to promote this type of development that characterizes
Currituck's historical development.
Rural
Purpose. The rural class is to provide for agriculture, forestry,
mineral extraction and other allied uses traditionally associated
with an agrarian region. Other land uses, due to their noxious or
hazardous nature and negative impacts on adjacent uses may also
be appropriate here if sited in a manner that minimizes their
negative effect on surrounding land uses or natural resources.
Examples include: energy generating plants, refining plants,
airports, transmission towers, sewage treatment facilities, fuel
storage tanks and other industrial type uses. Low density
dispersed residential uses on lots of approximately one unit per
gross acre with on site water and sewer are consistent with the
intent of the rural class. Development in this class should be as
compatible with resource production as possible.
Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this
classification are appropriate for or presently used for
agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction, and other uses, that
due to their hazardous or noxious nature, should be located in a
relatively isolated and undeveloped area. Low density dispersed,
single family residential uses at a gross density of approximately
one unit per acre are also appropriate within rural areas where
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lot sizes are large and where densities do not require the '
provision of urban type services. Private septic tanks and wells
are the primary on site services available to support residential
development. Population densities will be very low.
Location. This classification contains a majority of land in Currituck ,
County (next to the Conservation class) from Knotts Island to
Point Harbor. These are low density areas that are mostly used
for farming and occasionally mining purposes. +,
Rural with Services
Purpose. The rural with services class is to provide for low density ,
land uses including residential use where limited water services
are provided to avert an existing or projected health problem.
Development within this class should be low intensity to
maintain a rural character. Rural water systems, such as those
funded by Farmers Home Administration, are or may be available
in these areas due to the need to avert poor water quality
problems. These systems, however, should be designed to serve
a limited number of customers and should not serve as a catalyst
for future higher intensity development.
Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this
class are appropriate for very low intensity residential uses with
a gross density of approximately one unit per acre, where lot ■
sizes are large and where the provision of services will not
disrupt the primary rural character of the landscape. Private
wells and septic tanks, services such as sheriff protection, rural
or volunteer fire protection and emergency rescue, etc., are also
to be available.
Location. This area is low density and land is generally used for
farming purposes. The rural with services classification is
located north of Grandy due to the presence of county water.
Conservation I
Purpose. The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for
the effective long-term management and protection of
significant, limited or irreplaceable areas. Management is
needed due to the natural, cultural, recreational, scenic or
natural productive values of both local and more than local
concern.
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Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this
classification include:
(i) AEC's, including but not limited to public trust waters,
estuarine waters, coastal wetlands, etc. as identified in 15
NCAC 7H;
(ii) Other similar lands, environmentally significant because of
their natural role in the integrity of the coastal region and
include but are not limited to bottom land hardwoods,
pocosins, swamp forests, areas that are or have a high
probability of providing wildlife habitat, forest lands that
are essentially undeveloped and lands that otherwise
contain significant productive, natural, scenic, cultural or
recreational resources.
Location. Like the rural classification, the conservation class takes
in a vast area of Currituck County. Included in this class are
AEC's (excluding lands landward of the applicable Erosion
Setback Line), all Federal and State reserves, all swamp and
wetlands (coastal and inland), islands, marshes and other areas
where soils are poor for development. If land is developable, it
should be done at densities of less than one unit per gross acre.
Land Use Classification Map
The attached map (Figure 25) indicates recommended
boundaries for each of the seven land use classifications. The purpose
of this map is to indicate preferred land development patterns over a
ten year planning period. As had been alluded to previously, this map
is not to be confused with a zoning map that has the force of law. The
land use classification map represents desired development patterns
and can be referred to by the public and elected officials in the day to
day decision making process.
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FIgure 25
Land Use Plan Classification Map
VIRGINIA
LAND USE PLAN
CLASSIFICATION MAP
LEGEND
Developed
Urban Transition
Limited Transition
Community
®
Rural With Services
Rural
�I� =-
Conservation
Currituck
Currituck National
Wildlife Refuge
Swan Beach
Ocean Beach
Villages at Ocean Hill
D--1
r-
D
Z
-'1
C�
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C)
m
' D
Z
Ocean Sands

� 11. RECOMMENDED FIVE YEAR
� WORK PROGRAM
' To Do
�ssom lss5
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CHAPTER 11: RECOMMENDED FIVE YEAR
WORK PROGRAM
Below is a recommended five year work program that has been
established to help achieve the goals stated in the 1990 Land Use Plan
for Currituck County. Each strategy listed has been assigned to one or
more agencies for implementation. All strategies have a
1 recommended time frame listed for completion. Please note that
there may be additional strategies not listed in the work program that
may help to achieve stated goals. It is intended that the Planning and
Zoning Commission monitor progress on the work program and advise
the Board of Commissioners on making additions or deletions as
deemed necessary.
PUBLHC PARTH(CHPATH®N .
IGOAL 1.1: TO ENCOURAGE MAXIMUM PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN
THE LAND USE PLANNING PROCESS.
Strategies:
1. Encourage the use of citizen advisory groups to help
' formulate policies on land use issues facing the county;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
1 TIME FRAME: Ongoing
2. Have all agencies with tasks outlined in the Land Use Plan
1 report on an annual basis to the Planning and Zoning
Commission on the status of implementing strategies;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES: Agricultural Extension
Office,
Soil Conservation Service, Health Department, and
Emergency Services
TIME FRAME: Annually
3. Appointments to boards,
commissions and advisory
groups
should be bipartisan
and represent all age
groups,
geographical locations,
sex and racial make-up
of the
County.
t
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
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ECONOMY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 3.1: EXPAND THE ECONOMIC BASE OF CURRITUCK COUNTY ,
TO IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WHILE ENSURIlKG
ADEgVATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
Strategies:
1. Establish an economic development authority in order to '
formalize a plan for expanding the economic base of
Currituck County:
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to appoint
TIME FRAME: 1991
2. Hire an economic development coordinator to promote
economic development and carry out the plans adopted by
the Economic Development Authority:
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1992 '
3. Recruit only those industries that will not have a negative
impact on Currituck County's fragile environment (i.e., '
minimal effect on water quality, no excessive smoke and
noise, etc.):
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY:
Authority/Coordinator
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
Economic Development 1
4. Have the Board of Adjustment issue conditional use permits
for heavy industry uses and request disclosure from the
industries on environmental impacts and hazardous
materials to be used;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Adjustment
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
5. Involve the Agricultural Extension Office in promoting
economic development in Currituck.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Agricultural Extension Office
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
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6. Consider the location of light industrial, wholesale and
warehouse activities in the northern part of the County
adjacent to as well as remote from Highway 168 provided:
- transportation facilities are adequate to meet the
needs of the use and would not place an undue burden
on local roads;
- the use is adequately buffered by physical and natural
barriers from residential and agricultural uses and
would not detract from the quality of life enjoyed by
neighbors;
- the use would not detract from the rural character of
the area;
- the use has adequate access to utilities and,
preferably, has County water available;
- the use does not locate in an area that is
environmentally sensitive.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
AGRICULTURAL LANDS
GOAL 3.2: CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURAL USES IN
THOSE AREAS BEST SUITED TO BE FARMED AND TO PROMOTE
AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES THAT ARE SENSITIVE TO THE
ENVIRONMENT.
Strategies
1 1. Promote the use of cluster development (Planned
Residential Development - PRD, Open Space Subdivisions,
Planned Unit Development - PUD) in order to preserve the
iland best suited for farming;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
j TIME FRAME: The Unified Development Ordinance already
has provisions for cluster development
2. Promote the use of Best Management Practices and to
encourage less dependence on chemicals.
1 RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Soil Conservation Service
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
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3. Explore potential of Transfer Development Rights (TDR's) '
to preserve open space.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1994
MINERAL EXTRACTION
GOAL 3.3: TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE EXTRACTION OF
MINERALS TO SUPPORT GROWTH PROVIDED EXTRACTION
ACTIVITIES HAVE A MINIMUM IMPACT ON THE
ENVIRONMENT AND SURROUNDING PROPERTIES.
Strategies: ,
1. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to limit the
negative impacts mines have on the environment and
surrounding properties (i.e., drainage, erosion, noise, visual
impact, etc.) and allow timely enforcement by the County in
the event of violations.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
t
TIME FRAME: 1991
TOURISM
GOAL 3.4: CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE ROLE TOURISM PLAYS IN
CURRITUCK COUNTY.
'
Strategies
1. Support the establishment of the Wildlife Museum through
g
monetary means and staff resources;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck Wildlife Guild
TIME FRAME: 1995
2. Establish a visitors' center at the proposed Wildlife Museum
to advise tourists on areas of interest in Currituck County;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1995
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3. Request the State provide a manned information center on
NC 168 just south of the Virginia state line at the time the
roadway is expanded;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1991
4. Provide information about Currituck County at the existing
State rest stop facility south of Coinjock.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: County Manager's Office
TIME FRAME: 1991
COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHERIES AND
HUNTING
GOAL 3.5: MAINTAIN THE ECONOMIC AND HISTORICAL
j
SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHING
AND HUNTING IN CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies
1. Improve the quality of the sounds and adjoining tributaries;
(POLICY STATED IN ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER)
2. Encourage the preservation of wildlife habitat by promoting
cluster development;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: Cluster development is already permitted in
the Unified Development Ordinance
3. Explore the potential of establishing conservation
easements allowing a landowner to maintain title to the
property but prohibit development of sensitive areas in
exchange for financial consideration.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1994
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COMMERCIAL FORESTRY ,
GOAL 3.6: TO ENSURE COMMERCIAL TIMBER HARVESTING IS
DONE IN A MANNER THAT HAS MINIMAL IMPACT TO THE
ENVIRONMENT.
Strategies:
1. Commercial timber harvesting shall adhere to best
management practices established by the North Carolina
Forest Service and comply with 404 wetland regulations.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: North Carolina Forest Service and
Corps of Engineers
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
GENERAL
GOAL 4.1: TO HAVE A TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT
EFFECTIVELY, EFFICIENTLY AND SAFELY MOVES MOTORING
AND BICYCLE TRAFFIC THROUGHOUT CURRITUCK COUNTY AND
THAT ASSURES ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION FOR THE
ELDERLY AND F17VANCI4LLY DISADVANTAGED.
Strategies: I
1. Implement the recommendations listed in the 1988
Thoroughfare Plan; I
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: North Carolina Department of
Transportation j
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
2. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance in order to
establish regulations for driveways on individual property
and within subdivisions;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1991
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3. Request that the Department of Transportation widens the
following roads to accommodate bicycle traffic:
a) Highway 158 from Belcross (Camden County to
Barco),
1 b) Along NC 12 on the Currituck Outer Banks,
c) On the Mid -County Bridge,
d) NC 615 on Knotts Island,
' e) Highway 168 from the Virginia state line to Barco,
f ) Tulls Creek Road (SR 1222);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
iTIME FRAME: A resolution requesting the above noted
improvements be added to the State's Transportation
Improvement Program was sent to DOT September 5,
1990. Further follow-up on bikeway improvements shall
be the responsibility of the Recreation Committee.
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4. Establish a system to ensure all elderly and financially
disadvantaged residents in Currituck County have access to
transportation;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to
establish agency
TIME FRAME: 1991
5. Request the Board of Transportation make site specific
improvements on Highway 168 (i.e., left turn lanes,
deceleration lanes, stop lights, etc.) until roadway is
widened according to the Transportation Improvement
Plan.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing

HIGHWAY 158/168 CORRIDOR I
GOAL 4.2: ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS ON HIGHWAY '
I581I68 THAT WILL ENHANCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN
THE COUNTY, WILL BE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING AND WILL
PROVIDE FOR SAFE AND EFFICIENT MOVEMENT OF TRAFFIC. '
Strategies:
1. Continue nodal development patterns along the Highway ,
158/ 168 corridor. This strategy should be reviewed after
completion of a corridor study. Recommendations from
that study should be considered for implementation;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing i
2. Prepare a highway corridor study for identifying measures
that will promote economic development and safe and '
efficient traffic movement along Highway 158/ 168. The
report should also contain recommendations for improving
the appearance of the Highway 158/ 168 corridor.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1991-1992
MID -COUNTY BRIDGE
GOAL 4.3 TO PROVIDE FOR TIMELY EVACUATION OF RESIDENTS
AND GUESTS ON THE CURRITUCK OUTER BANKS DURING
MAJOR STORM EVENTS AND EKPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND AVAILABILITY OF COMMUNITY
SERVICES.
Strategies:
1. Support construction of a mid -county bridge in the next five
years;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
2. Operate satellite County offices as needed on the Currituck
Outer Banks.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: County Manager's Office
TIME FRAME: 1991
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I ACCESS TO NORTHERN BEACHES
'
GOAL 4.4: TO PROVIDE A SAFE MEANS OF ACCESS NORTH OF
COROLLA THAT WILL HAVE A NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT ON THE
ENVIRONMENT.
'
Strategies:
1. Prepare an access feasibility study for areas north of Corolla
'
addressing both short range and long range needs which
addresses the following:
a) identify issues relating to north beach access;
'
b) review historical developments of access to northern
beaches;
c) analyze growth trends of the northern beaches; and,
'
d) identify available alternatives.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
t
Department
TIME FRAME: 1992
OFF -ROAD VEHICLES
GOAL 4.5: TO ALLOW TEE USE OF OFF -ROAD VEHICLES IN A SAFE
AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER ON THE CUR.RITUCK OUTER
BANKS.
Strategies:
' 1. Continue to enforce the existing Outer Banks Vehicular and
Barrier Strand Ordinance.
' PROVISIONS ARE ALREADY ADDRESSED IN THE COUNTY
CODE
COUNTY AIRPORT
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GOAL 4.6: TO ENCOURAGE GREATER UTHI ATION OF AIRPORT
FACHITIES.
Strategies:
1. Appoint an Airport Authority to oversee the operation of the
' airport;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
' TIME FRAME: 1991
' 113

2. Carry -out the recommendations established in the 1
Airport Master Plan.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners and 1
Airport Authority
TIME FRAME: Ongoing 1
RESMENTHAL 1
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
1
GOAL 5.1: TO ENCOURAGE A VARIETY OF RESIDENTIAL 1
DEVELOPMENTS OFFERING A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE FOR
RESIDENTS AND HAVING LIMITED NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE 1
ENVIRONMENT.
Strategies:
1. Keep the minimum lot size for conventional subdivisions in 1
Currituck County at 30,000 square feet except in the R01
zoning district where the minimum lot size is 40,000 '
square feet and R02 zoning district where the minimum lot
size is 120,000 square feet (excluding PUD's and PRD's):
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Already Addressed '
TIME FRAME: N/A
2. Encourage cluster development by continuing to utilize
existing Planned Unit Development (PUD), Planned
Residential Development (PRD) and Open Space Subdivision '
regulations. Require open space to include usable land and
discourage undesirable development patterns such as high
density PRD's and PUD's in remote areas without proper 1
infrastructure:
REGULATIONS ARE NOW IN PLACE TO ALLOW CLUSTER 1
DEVELOPMENT
3. Explore the options available for centralized sewer systems '
within developments and make the information available to
the development community;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning '
Department and Health Department
TIME FRAME: 1992 '
114 1

' 4. _ Explore feasibility of a county -wide or community -wide
sewage treatment system:
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department, Public Works Department and County
Engineer
TIME FRAME: 1995
' 5. Remove residential development from the list of permitted
uses in the LM "Light Manufacturing" and HM "Heavy
Manufacturing" zoning district;
' RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1991
6. The Unified Development Ordinance should be amended to
promote hierarchical street patterns based on traffic
' function and proper setting for residential neighborhoods;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
' Department
TIME FRAME: 1992
7. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to encourage
the use of proper design principles when developing
residential subdivisions and to minimize the number of curb
cuts along state maintained roads. Consideration should be
given to providing incentives for excellence in design.
' RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck. County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1991
' GOAL 5.2: ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE
HOUSING.
' Strategies:
1. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to allow greater
' flexibility in the design of multi -family housing;
' RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1992
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2. Continue the present mobile home policy of allowing
double-wides meeting specific appearance criteria by right
in all residential zoning districts; allowing Class "B" mobile
homes (built after July 1, 1976) in existing mobile home
parks and on large lots in limited circumstances and for
temporary replacement of a condemned home: and
prohibiting class "C" mobile homes (built before July 1,
1976):
PROVISIONS ARE ALREADY IN THE UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
3. Continue to promote Planned Unit Developments (PUD's),
Planned Residential Developments (PRD's) and Open Space
Subdivisions.
PROVISIONS ARE ALREADY IN THE UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
REDEVELOPMENT
GOAL 5.3: TO CONTINUE TO REVITALIZE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENTS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE SAFE AND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING FOR THE RESIDENTS OF CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. Agricultural Extension Office to hold seminars around the
County advising residents of available housing rehabilitation
as well as new construction programs;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Agricultural Extension Office
TIME FRAME: Start in January 1991 and meet semi-annual
2. Continue infrastructure improvement efforts in Newtown,
Moyock Township;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Albemarle Commission
TIME FRAME: 1991
3. Apply for a grant to rehabilitate homes in Newtown, Moyock
Township;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Albemarle Commission
TIME FRAME: 1992-1993
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4. Prepare a study to determine housing needs and identify
areas that qualify for housing grants.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1994
LAND DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 6.1: TO ENSURE THAT RAPID DEVELOPMENT OCCURRING IN
CURRITUCK COUNTY WILL NOT DETRACT FROM THE QUALITY
OF LIFE NOR CAUSE A LOSS IN QUALITY OF PROVIDING
COMMUNITY SERVICES.
Strategies:
1. All residential lots shall have 125 foot of frontage along
streets except in Planned Unit Developments, Planned
Residential Developments, and Open Space Developments.
Further, all commercial lots shall have a minimum road
frontage of 200 feet;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1991
2. Establish an impact fee system to have new development
help offset the cost of expanding community facilities
attributed to that development;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1993
3. Assess development trends in the community to determine
if federal, state and the Unified Development Ordinance
regulations are promoting development consistent with
County long range goals.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1992
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GOAL 6.2: TO ENSURE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES OCCUR IN '
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND TO
PURSUE STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS THAT WILL
ENHANCE THE ACCESSIBII.I'I'Y OF WATER RESOURCES.
Strategies: I
1. Continue to work with Division of Land Resources and the
Division of Environmental Management in reviewing and
implementing erosion control plans and storm water
control plans, respectively;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department and Soil Conservation Service
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
2. Continue to apply for CAMA, Wildlife Resources and related '
grants for ocean and sound accesses, boat ramps, piers,
navigational dredging and the like.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning Department
TIME FRAME: Ongoing ,
AVAILABILITY OF WATER '
GOAL 6.3: TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL NOT
NEGATIVELY IMPACT POTABLE WATER SUPPLIES IN TERMS OF '
WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY.
Strategies:
1. Make sure all developments indicate well locations on their
lot and adjoining lots to ensure 100 foot separation from '
septic systems;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning ,
Department and Health Department
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
2. Explore the feasibility of a County wide or community wide '
sewage treatment system;
(STATED IN 5.1) ,
3. Determine the volume of potable water supplies on the
Outer Banks by establishing and monitoring test wells. '
(STATED IN 8.5)
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FLOATING HOME DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 6.4: TO PROHWIT THE ESTABLISM1E1VT OF FLOATING HOME
DEVELOPMENT.
Strategies:
1. Maintain provisions in the Unified Development Ordinance
that prohibit the use of floating home development.
PROVISIONS ARE ALREADY IN THE UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
MARINA DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 6.5: TO PERMIT MARINA DEVELOPMENT (INCLUDING
MARINAS ASSOCIATED WITH RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS)
ONLY WHEN IT CAN CLEARLY BE SHOWN THAT THE MARINA
HAS NO SIGNIFICANT LVIPACT ON THE PUBLIC TRUST WATERS,
ESTUARINE AREAS AND SURROUNDING PROPERTIES.
Strategies:
1. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to permit
marinas subject to established design principles such as the
following:
a) Marinas shall be planned in such a manner as to
minimize the risk of water pollution.
b) Marinas shall be located in areas where there is a high
rate of water "turnover" (the time required for tidal
action or water flow to replace water of a boat basin
with new water from another source). Ideally, marinas
should have a water turnover rate of 2 to 4 days.
c) Marinas in upland areas shall be encouraged.
d) Marina access channels shall be designed to maximize
circulation and avoid dead-end spots.
e) Marina designs must incorporate facilities for the
proper handling of sewage, waste and refuse.
f) Marinas shall minimize alteration of existing shoreline
configurations and disturbance of vital habitat areas.
g) Dredging operations shall not occur during critical
periods of fish migration and breeding.
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h) The method of dredging shall be chosen that will have
the least environmental impact and all dredged
materials shall be placed in a manner so as not to '
pollute surrounding areas.
i) Proposals for marina development shall be accompanied
by a modeling study indicating expected flushing;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1991
2. Permit marinas as an accessory use to residential '
development. Marinas not associated with residential
developments and dry stack storage facilities shall only be
permitted in accordance with the Unified Development '
Ordinance.
PROVISIONS ARE ALREADY IN THE UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE f
ISLAND DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 6.6: TO ALLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLANDS THAT
WOULD BEST PROMOTE THE PUBLIC INTERESTS.
Strategies:
1. Allow island development that complies with the County's ,
zoning regulations;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
2. Permit the development of Monkey Island for the purpose i
of public education or research and related purposes.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners and Board ,
of Education
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
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BULKHEADS
GOAL 6.7: TO PERMIT THE USE OF BUL101 ADS FOR STABILIZIlITG
NON -OCEAN SHORELINES.
Strategies:
1. Require all bulkhead installations be done according to
CAMA regulations.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Inspection
Department and Division of Coastal Management
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
ENERGY FACILITY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 6.8 TO PROTECT THE FRAGILE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT
' FROM NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF ENERGY FACI LE;S.
Strategies:
1. Oppose all drilling off the coast of North Carolina and
oppose the location of any associated support or processing
facilities within Currituck County;
1
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RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
2. Allow energy generating plants in accordance with the
provisions of the Unified Development Ordinance as long as
it is consistent with environmental protection, health, and
welfare of the community.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
121

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Quality of Sounds
GOAL 7.1: TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE WATER gUAuTY IN
TIE CURRITUCK AND ALBEMARLE SOUNDS.
Strategies:
1. Request the state to reevaluate the stream classification of
the Currituck Sound and associated tributaries to see if they
warrant upgrading, thereby affording a higher level of
protection by the state. (Note: the Currituck Sound and
associated tributaries were last evaluated by the state in
1961 at which time they were classified as "SC" waters.
This designation affords the least amount of protection with
respect to allowable discharges);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: The Board of Commissioners passed a
resolution requesting the State to reevaluate the
classification of the Currituck Sound and associated
tributaries on July 2, 1990.
2. Review results from the Albemarle Pamlico Estuary Study
(APES) and implement suggested environmental
management strategies for improving and maintaining the
quality of the Currituck Sound and associated tributaries
where appropriate;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: The current Unified Development Ordinance
prohibits such discharges.
3. Develop communication channels with southeastern Virginia
communities in order to inform them of the status,
concerns and programs being undertaken relating to the
water quality of the Currituck Sound;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Planning and Zoning Commission
and Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1992
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4. Continue to oppose discharges from water and wastewater
treatment facilities;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1991
5. Discuss with the State the feasibility of allowing wastewater
from water treatment plants to be injected into the ground
as opposed to being discharged into surface water bodies.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners and
County Manager
TIME FRAME: 1993
ESTUARINE WATERS AND ESTUARINE SHORELINE
GOAL 7.2: TO MAINTAIN THE HIGH QUALITY OF ESTUARINE
WATERS AND TO PROMOTE APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT
ALONG ESTUARINE SHORELINES SO AS NOT TO DEGRADE THE
ESTUARINE SYSTEM.
PUBLIC TRUST WATERS
GOAL: 7.3 KEEP ALL PUBLIC TRUST WATERS OPEN FOR
NAVIGATION INCLUDING THOSE AREAS UNDER THE
JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
COASTAL WETLANDS
GOAL 7.4: TO PROTECT COASTAL WETLANDS SO THAT TREY CAN
CONTINUE TO SERVE THEIR VITAL FUNCTION IN THE
ENVIRONMENT.
OCEAN HAZARD AREAS
GOAL 7.5: TO ALLOW LIMITED DEVELOPMENT IN THE OCEAN
HAZARD AREA THAT IS SENSITIVE TO THE FRAGILE
ENVIRONMENT.
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SWAMPS I
GOAL 7.6: PROTECT SWAMPS FROM ENCROACHING DEVELOPMENT
IN ORDER TO PRESERVE VEGETATION AND THEIR FUNCTION
AS AN IMPORTANT HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE.
Strategies:
1. Continue to review development proposals for location of
404 and CAMA wetlands.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
MARITIME AND PETRIFIED FORESTS
GOAL 7.7: TO PROTECT MARITIME AND PETRIFIED FORESTS FROM
ENCROACHING DEVELOPMENT.
Strategies:
1. Delineate boundaries of maritime forests and establish local
regulations for their protection instead of guidelines;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department and North Carolina Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources
TIME FRAME: 1992
2. Identify the location of petrified forests and establish local
regulations for their protection.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1993
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BEACH NOURISHMENT
GOAL 7.8: TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS CONTINUOUS ACCESS TO
AND FROM THE BEACHES NORTH OF COROLLA WHERE NO
IDIPROVED ROAD EXIST.
IStrategies:
1. Support a beach nourishment program only for
enhancement of beach traffic in the event a north beach
access road is not provided and erosion is sufficient to limit
access along the beaches.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: As needed
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 7.9: TO INSURE DEVELOPMENT IS SENSITIVE TO THE
1
PHYSICAL CONSTRALNTS OF THE LAND.
Strategies:
1. Prohibit development requiring sewage treatment on soils
that are unsuitable for on site septic systems unless
sewerage can be pumped to soils that are suitable;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Health
Department
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
2. Continue participating in the National Flood Insurance
Program;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Inspection
Department
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
3. Encourage package treatment plants for Planned Unit
Developments (PUD's), Planned Residential Developments
(PRD's) and Open Space Subdivisions. Use of alternative
sewerage disposal systems that are environmentally safe
should be encouraged (i.e., constructed wetlands);
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Planning and Zoning Commission
and Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
125

4. Explore the potential of having a wildlife inventory prepared
for Currituck County;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1993
5. Develop procedures for County review of drainage and storm
water control plans and establish a system to verify plans
have been implemented in the field;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department, County Engineer and Soil Conservation
Service
TIME FRAME: 1991
6. Continue ordinance provisions requiring the planting of
vegetation in developments and to encourage the
preservation of existing vegetation, particularly along water
bodies.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1991
(COUNTY FA(CIIIIaII7CII1ES
RECREATION `
GOAL 8.1: TO PROVIDE ENOUGH RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO
MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL CITIZENS AND TO TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF THE NATURAL AMENITIES OF CTRRITUCK COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. Establish a Recreation Committee to assess the recreational
needs of Currituck County and to make recommendations
for developing a county -wide comprehensive recreational
program;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to appoint
TIME FRAME: 1991
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2. Establish a Parks and Recreation Department to implement
recommendations of the Recreation Committee;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1992
3. Encourage funding of recreational programs through private
funds, grants and public funds (i.e., impact fees);
iRESPONSIBLE
AGENCY: Parks and Recreation Department
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
4. Continue to require dedication of land in large
developments (20 lots or more) for public purposes and
allow the payment of fees instead of dedication where
appropriate.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Planning and Zoning Commission
and Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
I COASTAL AND ESTUARINE WATER BEACH ACCESS
GOAL 8.2: TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC BEACH AND
SOUND ACCESSES AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES.
Strategies:
1. Inventory all potential ocean and sound access points and
establish a priority rating for funding as part of a
comprehensive recreation program;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Recreation Committee
TIME FRAME: 1992
2. , Apply for CAMA, WRC (Wildlife Resources Commission) and
applicable land and water conservation funds to establish
more ocean and sound accesses in the County on the Outer
Banks and the mainland;
LISTED UNDER COMMITMENT TO FEDERAL AND STATE
PROGRAMS
127

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3. Establish three public restroom facilities on the Outer
Banks, one near the Dare County line, one in Corolla and one
in Carova Beach;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: 1995
4. Establish additional County recreational and boating
facilities in Currituck.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND SCHOOLS
GOAL 8.3: TO PROVIDE THE RESIDENTS OF CURRITUCK THE
HIGHEST LEVEL OF COUNTY SERVICES AND TO ENSURE THAT
ADEQUATE FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET CURRENT AND
LONG RANGE NEEDS OF THE COUNTY.
Strategies:
,
1. The County shall identify sites for the jail facility, social
services building and senior citizens center;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1991
2. The County shall proceed with finalizing plans and
'
establishing a location for an administrative building:
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1991
3. The County shall prepare a capital improvements plan to
guide the expansion of all county facilities;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1992
4. A long range facilities plan shall be prepared for Currituck
County schools.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1993
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I SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
GOAL 8.4: TO ENSURE THAT SOLID WASTE MATERIALS ARE
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY AND TO ENCOURAGE RECYCLING.
' Strategies:
1. Establish a solid waste task force committee to formulate a
long range plan addressing the disposal of solid waste in
Currituck County;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to make
appointments
TIME FRAME: 1992
2. Support a regional waste facility;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: County Manager's Office
TIME FRAME: Immediately
3. Comply with provisions of Senate Bill 111 by emphasizing
recycling and properly disposing of materials considered to
be hazardous.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
COUNTY WATER
GOAL 8.5: TO PROVIDE CENTRALIZED WATER TBROUGHOUT THE
COUNTY.
Strategies:
1. Implement the recommendations contained in the
Mainland Water Facilities Phase II/III Study prepared by
Black and Veatch in 1989;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Complete installation by 2010
2. Prepare a study on the potential for having water and sewer
services under central control for the entire Outer Banks;.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Public Works Department
' TIME FRAME: 1995
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3. Prepare a plan to provide centralized water to Gibbs Woods,
Knotts Island and the Currituck Outer Banks;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners to
authorize study
TIME FRAME: 1995
4. Monitor the availability of water on the Outer Banks using
test wells.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Public Works Department
TIME FRAME: 1993
ELECTRICAL SERVICE
GOAL 8.6: TO ENSURE THE CURRITUCK OUTER BANKS IS
PROVIDED WITH SUITABLE ELECTRICAL SERVICE.
Strategies:
1. Board of Commissioners to keep in touch annually with
North Carolina Power and Virginia Power to assess the best
way to service the area and upgrade facilities;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1991 - 1995
2. Continue to support underwater power lines.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Board of Commissioners
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
GOAL 8.7: TO ENCOURAGE THE PRESERVATION OF SIGNIFICANT
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES.
Strategies:
1. County to assist individuals who want to have their
structures listed on the National Register;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Currituck County Planning
Department
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
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2. North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources (DEHNR) to review development plans
that require CAMA permits;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: DEHNR
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
3. Support the Century Farm Family recognition program
administered by the Department of Agriculture.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Agricultural Extension Office
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
GOAL 9.1: TO ENSURE THE COUNTY CAN EFFECTIVELY HANDLE A
MAJOR STORM EVENT IIV TERMS OF IMMEDIATE NEEDS AND
LONG RANGE RECONSTRUCTION.
Strategies:
1. Emergency Services to educate all agencies involved during
major storm events of their proper roles;
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Emergency Services
TIME FRAME: Ongoing
2. A plan shall be prepared that outlines the County's policies
on reconstruction after a major storm event.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Emergency Services, Currituck
County Planning Department and Board of
Commissioners
TIME FRAME: 1993
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■w �.r � � �s � r �•s A +�•� r r r•s ••t �.r r� r � r

I
I AppEND1R # 1
IPUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS FEBRUARY 1990
During the month of February, the Planning Department held seven
meetings to obtain public input on the 1990 Currituck County Land
Use Plan. The Land Use Plan is an official public document adopted by
the County Commissioners and the Coastal Resources Commission that
contains information about the physical development of the County as
it exists today, what directions the County should take in the future
and what steps need to be taken to achieve future goals. Information
collected at these public meetings was used by the Planning and
Zoning Commission in drafting the County's 1990 Land Use Plan. The
meetings were held at the following locations:
Griggs Elementary School - February 15
Corolla Fire Department - February 17
Powells Point Fire Department - February 21
Currituck County Courthouse - February 22
Carova Fire Department - February 24
Moyock Elementary School - February 26
Knotts Island Elementary School - February 27
All totaled, these meetings were attended by over 300 people with
288 actively participating.
At each meeting the public was asked to get into small groups
j (between 2 to 5 groups depending on the total attendance). The
participants were then asked to respond to the following question:
"What Does Currituck County Need To Do In Order To Improve The
Quality Of Life For Its Citizens During The Next Ten Years"
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After allowing sufficient time to respond to the question, all
participants were given an opportunity to present their views to the
group. Each comment presented was written on a large sheet of
paper and hung on the wall. Once all suggestions had been made, each
member of the group was asked to vote for the five most important to
him or her. Due to time constraints, not all suggestions were able to
be presented. In those cases, participants provided copies of their
comments to the planning staff for inclusion in the public input.
Below is a summary of the results of the public input meetings.
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TOP FREQUENCY RESPONSES AND VOTES
FROM FEBRUARY, 1990 PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS
TOPIC
NUMBER OF
NUMBER OF
TIMES THE
VOTES
TOPIC WAS
TOPIC
MENTIONED
RECEIVED
-More recreational opportunities
-More sound/beach access
-Protect water resources/wetlands
-Improve public participation/communication
-Better drainage in County
-Bring in new industry/economic development
-Expand/establish water system
-Control growth in County
-Provide greater variety of commercial uses
-Establish the Mid -County Bridge
-Establish a County sewer system
-Enhance police protection/enforcement
-Expand school facilities
-Increase affordable housing opportunities
-Make improvements to the transportation system
-Establish County/State satellite facilities
-County become involved in recycling
-Pave dirt roads
-Remove junk vehicles/clean-up properties
-40,000 square feet minimum lot size
-Lower density development in the County
-Better protection of the environment
-Control mosquitoes
-Enhance emergency services
-More control over mining
-Clean-up roadways
-Develop an impact fee system
-Widen Highway 168 to Virginia
-30,000 square feet minimum lot size
-Improve access to Northern Beaches
-More control over animals
-Better quality regulations for commercial development
-Less government restrictions
-Fewer/prohibit mobile homes
-Dogr-to-door trash pick-up
-Do not bring in wastes from outside the County
46
24
19
18
18
18
18
15
15
15
15
14
14
13
12
11
11
10
10
10
9
9
9
8
8
8
7
7
7
7
7
7
109
68
59
16
71
41
31
48
24
46
32
31
29
25
36
16
16
6
11
29
14
34
30
19
13
31
20
14
20
11
10
10
13
10
38
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1
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i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
TOPIC
NUMBER OF
NUMBER OF
TIMES THE
VOTES
TOPIC WAS
TOPIC
MENTIONED
RECEIVED
-Bypass for beach traffic
6
30
-Need new County facilities
6
11
-Control the removal of vegetation by development
6
5
-Better maintenance of roads
6
30
-Put up railroad signals
6
3
-Treat all people equal
5
14
-Develop good evacuation plans
5
4
-Allow mobile homes with restrictions
5
14
-Remove outdoor advertising signs
4
10
-Improve airport facilities
4
9
-Fight off -shore drilling
4
0
-Higher density development in County
3
5
-Protect wildlife
3
3
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I APPENDIX#Z
STATUS OF THE POLICIES
ESTABLISHED IN THE 1985 LAND USE PLAN
A. MOBILE HOME POLICIES
■
"All future mobile homes shall locate in mobile home parks and
subdivisions as permitted by revised ordinance."
Comment: The UDO places mobile homes in one of three
categories:
"Class A"- double -wide built after 1976 with appearance criteria;
permitted in A, RA, R, RR, GB, LB, LBH, LM, HM districts.
"Class B" - built after 1976 but not meeting Class "A" standards;
permitted in existing mobile home parks and subdivisions; permitted
in A and RA district on a minimum 3 acre lot containing a
iconventionally
built home with conditional use permit issued by the
Board of Adjustment granted annually when occupied by a family
member; permitted as a replacement home in the event a building
inspector condemns a house with a conditional use permit issued by
the Board of Adjustment granted annually and subject to appearance
criteria.
"Class
C" - built before 1976; permitted in existing mobile home
parks and mobile home subdivisions; no class C mobile home can be
1
brought into Currituck County as of June 5, 1989.
No new mobile home parks are permitted in Currituck County.
"Revise
zoning ordinance to permit multi -family housing as a
conditional use in the RA-40 and A 40 zones."
Comment: Multi family townhomes and apartments are listed as
special uses in the A, RA, and GB districts. Further, multi family
conversions are listed as permitted uses in the GB district and as
special uses in the A and RA.
"Revise zoning ordinance to permit mobile home parks and
mobile home subdivisions in designated areas and as a conditional
use ' -
iComment:
No new mobile home parks are permitted in
Currituck County
135

B. ONE-HALF ACRE LOTS I
"After much discussion and consideration of this issue, the
County determined that the current policy requiring a minimum
40,000 square foot lot for future development is the most appropriate
policy considering County soil conditions and the extensive use of
septic tanks for sewage disposal. However, the County Planning and
Zoning Commission and County Board of Commissioners will continue
to study the possible designation of infill districts that permit 1/2 acre
lots as a conditional use."
Comment: On May 16, 1988, the zoning ordinance was
amended to reduce the minimum lot size in the County from 40,000
to 30,000 square feet.
C. TOPSOIL MINING
"State will continue present monitoring and County will amend
present County ordinance to require posting of permit on site and
Ming of reclamation plan with County. The County will amend current
ordinances to establish specific standards for mining operations."
Comment: Specific mining regulations were adopted when the
Unified Development Ordinance was approved on April 2, 1989.
These regulations covered minimum lot size, setbacks, buffers, hours
of operation, etc. The Planning Department recommended additional
mining standards during the January 9,1990 meeting of the Planning
and Zoning Commission. That proposal calls for additional
clarification on buffers/setbacks, posting of signs and fencing for safety
precautions.
D. ECONOMIC/INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
"The County will encourage industrial development that will not
adversely impact the environment of Currituck, but will provide job
opportunities for County citizens. The following approach will be used
to begin the process of encouraging industrial development.
Establish an Industrial Revenue Bond Authority and list of
industries the County would like to encourage to locate in Currituck:'
Comment: The Industrial Revenue Bond Authority was
established , on September 4, 1986. To date, no list of desirable
industries has been prepared. However, the Authority is seeking to
find a recycling operation that is willing to locate at the airport. j
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"Establish an Industrial Development Fund using revenue from
lease of farmland on the Maple Airport property. Revenue from lease
will go into new Industrial Development Fund to promote industrial
development."
Comment: The County no longer leases farmland at the Maple
Airport. The Industrial Authority does have a budget funded with
monies allocated by the County and from grants received.
"Develop detailed site plan and apply for grant funds to improve
existing airport facilities with lighting and other safety features to
improve airfield utilization."
Comment: A preliminary land use plan for the airport area was
prepared by McDowell & Associates October 10, 1989. The Industrial
Authority is pursuing a potential project with East Carolina University
to prepare a master plan for the airport property. The Industrial
Authority pursues grants for improving the airport property on an
ongoing basis.
E. NODAL DEVELOPMENT vs. STRIP DEVELOPMENT
"The County will continue to follow the policy as stated in the
1980 Land Use Plan concerning encouraging nodal development in
the Moyock, Grandy, Point Harbor, and Corolla areas. The County will
review current zoning and subdivision regulations to determine if
special incentives can be established and implemented to encourage
future development to take place in identified nodal communities.
The County will also set specific boundary limits for nodal
development areas."
Comment: Section 2407 of the UDO recommends that
nonresidential zoning districts not be extended along major arterial
streets except upon a showing of public need and only then, when it
involves the expansion of an existing adjacent zone.
"The County will establish a site plan review procedure for all
future commercial development and improve landscape and buffer
area improvement regulations."
Comment: The County has established site plan review
procedures. Small developments obtain approval from the Planning
Department. Larger developments obtain approval from the Planning
Department and technical review staff (i.e., NCDOT, Public Works,
CAMA, Health Department, etc.). The UDO also gives the zoning
administrator discretion to forward site plans over 30,000 sq. ft. in
area to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of
Commissioners.
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The County has adopted specific requirements for landscaping
and buffering. Nonresidential development must establish landscape
buffers along all property lines except when they adjoin vacant
property. Buffers are more intensive when the potential conflict
between two uses is great (for example, more buffer is required when
commercial property adjoins residential property than when
commercial property adjoins other commercial property). The UDO
also requires that 2096 of parking lots be shaded.
F. PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE OUTER BA
NKS AND NORTHERN BANKS
"The County will work with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to T
establish a 100 foot upland dedicated public right-of-way across the
Monkey Island and Swan Island Tracts to provide free, public access
and evacuation corridor for northern Currituck Banks residents."
Comment: The only access to the northern shores of Currituck
is along the beach.
"Work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation in
establishing bridge connection from mainland to Corolla on State's
eight year highway plan:'
Comment: A feasibility study and/or right-of-way protection is
noted in North Carolina Department of Transportation's 1988-1996
Transportation Improvement Program for the proposed bridge.
"Provide ferry boat access from Gibbs Woods and/or Hnotts j
Island to the Northern Banks of Currituck:'
Comment: No ferry service is available from Gibbs Woods and/or `
Knotts Island to the northern banks of Currituck. The Board of
Commissioners have endorsed providing ferry service from Currituck
to Corolla until a bridge is constructed.
G. PUBLIC ACCESS TO OCEAN AND SOUND
"Work with State or others as required to establish a public boat
dock at the site of the former Corolla State dock as suggested by Outer
Banks citizens. Also, work with State, private land owners or federal
agencies to establish a public boat access point in the northern part of
the Currituck mainland:'
Comment: The boat dock has been completed. The County is
working towards preparing a grant for the northern part of Currituck
mainland.
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"Existing public street right-of-way that dead ends at the ocean
front will be designated as public beach access using CRC Beach access
signs (e.g., Whalehead - 4 points, Swan Beach - 5 points, North Swan
Beach - 4 points, Carova Beach - 12 points). Designation of these
streets will be done subsequent to local or State funds being made
available for maintenance and when patrol of these public access ways
can be assured by the County Sheriffs Department."
Comment: Whalehead currently has I3 beach access points
along with a vehicle access. The County will be seeking additional
grant monies as they become available.
H. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE OUTER BANKS AND
DENSITY OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
"Due to the fragile environment of the Outer Banks, the large
number of residential and commercial developments already approved
under the PUD ordinance and the unknown long term adverse affects
of continuing to permit PUD's in such a fragile environment, the
Currituck County Board of Commissioners feel that it is in Currituck
County's best interest to consider the elimination of future PUD's in
the County:"
Comment: PUD's are permitted on the Currituck Outer Banks
from the Dare County line to the Poplar Branch-Fruitville Township
Line.
i"Zoning ordinance presently permits uses allowed under the B-
40 District Zone. These uses may be too broad for the Outer Banks;
therefore, the County will establish a new commercial zone to govern
commercial areas on the Outer Banks."
Comment: Only the commercial uses listed in the LB and LBH
zoning district may be located within a PUD. Ten percent of a PUD
may be designated for LB or LBH development.
"Until adequate water and sewage treatment facilities are
available on the Outer Banks, the County will change existing
ordinances to permit hotels and motels as a conditional use on the
Outer Banks and not a permitted use as presently stated in the County
zoning ordinance."
I Comment: Hotels are listed as a conditional use on the Outer
Banks within a PUD.
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I. PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND (Background) I
"Local officials will cooperate with the Soil & Water Conservation
Commission and Soil and Water Conservation District as they review
the impact of the County, State or Federal actions on farmland in the
County"
Comment: The Soil Conservation Service receives copies of all
pints considered by the County for review.
J. COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHERIES (Background)
Have the Soil Conservation Service prepare a drainage plan for
those areas adjacent to known fish spawning areas. Areas identified by
the Elizabeth City office of DNRCD Marine Fisheries Division will be
used. Plans will be used in an effort to reduce urban and farm run-off
into identified spawning areas.'
Comment: This program has not been implemented. The SCS
office provides ongoing assistance to farmers on matters related to
drainage among others. They also help administer the Agricultural
Cost Share Program to encourage the use of "Best Management
Practices".
"Continue
to study the financial feasibility of a County sewer
system in an effort to reduce the potential adverse impact of septic
tank effluent reaching the Sound."
Comment: At the present time, there is no study being done on
the financial feasibility of a County sewer system.
"The County will work with the Extension Service, Soil
Conservation Service and Elizabeth City Marine Fisheries Division to
provide educational material to owners of hog operations pertaining to
the impact of the drainage operations on adjacent sounds and other
bodies of water."
Comment: The SCS provides ongoing assistance and educational
material to all farmers regarding sediments, nutrients, and pesticides.
'The Health Department should identify houses in the County
with septic tank problems or houses lacking septic tanks or indoor
plumbing. This information should be submitted to the County
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Manager for his review and review by the County Commissioners. The
Health Department staff should become familiar with alternative
systems that can meet State standards and function in marginal County
soils and then make this information available to citizens.'
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Comment: The Health Department from time to time may do an area
assessment when the need arises. However, surveying existing septic
tank systems is not their primary responsibility. The Health
Department staff does provide information on alternative systems
when the need arises. The State is in the process of preparing a
handout on alternative systems.
K. REDEVELOPMENT OF DEVELOPMENT AREAS
"In 1984, the County identified those areas with concentrations
of substandard dwellings in need of rehabilitation. In that same year,
an application was prepared and submitted to the State in an effort to
receive grant funds to address identified needs. Although the County
was not successful in receiving approval of the application, the County
will continue to make efforts to improve these areas if funding sources
can be identified. The County shall continue to consider and utilize
any State or Federal program that can help in the redevelopment of
substandard areas of the County including housing programs, water
and sewer utility programs and other programs County officials
consider beneficial to County citizens:'
Comment: The County has one ongoing redevelopment project
that is to upgrade the Newtown area (Moyock Township) through
infrastructure improvements. The total cost of the project is
$577,000 ($522,000 grant and $55,000 funded by County). The grant
money will be used to pay for sewer improvements and County funds
will be used to provide County water to the area. It is intended that
after infrastructure improvements have been installed that additional
grant monies will be requested for housing rehabilitation in the
Newtown area.
L. COMMITMENT TO STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
"The County supports State and Federal programs in the County
which include some programs required by law (e.g., CAMA permits).
The County supports State highway improvements, dredging and
maintenance of the Knotts Island Ferry route and maintenance of the
Intracoastal Waterway. The County also supports State and Federal
efforts on erosion control and assistance for any of the above
mentioned projects during the planning period. The County will work
with State and Federal agencies to obtain easements and spoil areas
for necessary work. County officials and agencies will assist State and
Federal agencies, upon request to work with private landowners as
requested to implement State and Federal programs considered
beneficial to Currituck County citizens."
141

Comment: The County continues to support the State and
Federal programs listed above.
M. FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
"The County Building Inspector will use the flood hazard maps to
establish finished floor elevations at which new structures are to be
built in an effort to reduce future damage from flooding the County."
Comment: The County Building Inspector uses the Flood
Insurance Rate Maps to establish finished floor elevations.
N. WETLANDS
"Allow no development on areas designated as wetland which
would require dredging or filling except for farm uses, placement of
utilities or uses which would require the interface of wetland areas
with water uses (such as marina development) and only with
adherence to rules and regulations of CAMA and Corps of Engineers
404 permits."
Comment: The County does not allow development in
designated wetlands except for water uses. When water uses locate in
wetland areas, they are subject to CAMA and Corps of Engineers 404
permits.
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C UM22N t T Pl&ffo0 Y019c,72909 ARID MOU1 &Tg oow@
LONG RANGE PLANS
1985 CAMA Land Use Plan: This plan was prepared by Talbert, Cox
and Associates, Inc. It documented existing conditions, identified
environmental constraints, enumerated goals and objectives, and
contained a land classification map.
1980 CAMA Land Use Plan: The plan prepared by Coastal Consultants,
Ltd. provided information on land use, population, economic
conditions, policies and a land classification map based on CAMA
guidelines.
1976 CAMA Land Use Plan: This plan was prepared to meet State
regulations of the 1974 Coastal Area Management Act. The plan
included background material and analysis and identified land use
issues.
County of Currituck Mainland Water Facilities Phase II/III Study: This
report was completed by Black and Veatch in December 1989. The
document projects the needs of the Currituck County mainland water
system through the year 2010. Shallow well fields and expanded
conventional treatment represents the most cost effective water
supply and treatment systems. If the yields are not adequate to serve
the needs of Currituck, deep wells and a reverse osmosis (RO) system
becomes more cost effective. Financing facilities is also discussed.
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Currituck County Airport Master Plan: Prepared by Talbert. Cox and
Associates, Inc. in September 1988, this plan reviews existing
conditions, analyzes future demands and capacity, identifies facility
alternatives, overviews environmental constraints and recommends
development plans for expansion of airport facilities over the next
twenty years.
Currituck County Community Facilities Plan: This plan was prepared
by Howard T. Capps and Associates in 1978. It contained an inventory
of existing facilities and discussed future community facility needs.
Sources of revenue were also identified.
Currituck County Thoroughfare Plan: This plan was prepared by the
Department of Transportation in June 1988. It analyzes growth
patterns, traffic conditions, and recommends improvements to the
County's thoroughfare
system.
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1990 - 1996 State Transportation Improvement Plan: The plan calls
for the planning and design (1995) of a mid county bridge. It also
calls for construction to begin in 1995 on Highway 158 widening from j
Barco to the Virginia state line. Finally, the 1990 - 1996 TIP calls for ■
the construction of a bridge parallel to the Wright Memorial Bridge to
begin in 1991 and be completed by 1994. The aviation element of the
TIP calls for the following at the Currituck County Airport in Maple.
1990 - Install safety fence, electrical service.
1991 - Install runway lights, rotating beacon, and
wind cone.
1993 - Expand apron and install tiedowns, conduct
obstruction survey.
Recreation and Open Space Plan: Prepared in 1980, this plan
identified the recreational needs of Currituck County and suggested
recommendations for open space and recreational facilities.
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: SCORP is a
statewide plan prepared to analyze existing supply of and demand for
recreation facilities in the State. Analysis is by region with Currituck
County being located in Region R.
ADOPTED ORDINANCES & POLICIES, REQUIRED PERMITS,
FEDERAL & STATE REGULATIONS
Building Permits: The County has adopted the State Building Code and
enforces the Code through the services of Building Inspections
Department.
Enforced by the Building Inspections Department.
Currituck County Outer Banks Vehicular and Barrier Strand Ordinance:
The ordinance deals with the operation of power -driven vehicles on
the Outer Banks Barrier Strand. This ordinance was last amended in
1986.
Enforced by the Sheriffs Department.
Currituck County Water System Policies: Establish County policies on
connections, billing, water quality, areas of responsibility, suspension
of service, installation of lines in subdivisions, and administration.
Federal and State Regulations: State and Federal permits and
regulations as administered by applicable agencies. These regulations
include, but are not limited to, CAMA requirements, mining
regulations, air and land quality standards, 404 Wetland requirements,
and solid waste disposal regulations.
144

Minimum Housing Standards: This ordinance, as amended in 1988,
authorizes the Building Inspector to investigate the conditions of
I
dwellings and provides the power to require repair, closing and/or
demolition of dwellings determined to be unfit for human habitation.
Enforced by the Building Inspections Department.
Multi -Hazards Plan: Adopted in September 1988, the purpose of this
plan is to provide information on major potential hazards affecting the
area, to develop a plan of action to protect the population from those
1
potential hazards and to provide an emergency management plan in
the event of a natural or man-made emergency.
IAdministered
by the Emergency Services Department.
The Sand Dune Protection Ordinance of Currituck County: This
ordinance was adopted in December 1971. It contains provisions to
preserve and promote the protection of the Outer Banks by controlling
the disturbances to sand dunes.
Enforced by the Sheriffs Department.
Septic Tank Permits: Septic tank permits are required by the County
before on -lot sewage disposal systems can be used. Building permits
will not be issued until adequate sewage disposal has been provided.
Enforced by the County Health Department.
Unified Development Ordinance: In April 1989, Currituck County
adopted the Unified Development Ordinance. This ordinance
contains:
ia
Zoning regulations (controls land use, defines setbacks,
establishes administrative mechanisms, regulates
mobile homes, controls PUD's and multi -family
development, etc.).
b. Subdivision regulations (controls arrangement of lots
and streets when dividing land).
c. Floodway/floodplain regulations (establishes guidelines
for developments located within floodways and
floodplains and contains provisions for storm water
management).
Enforced by the Currituck County Planning Department, Building
Inspections Department, Planning and Zoning Commission and
the Board of Commissioners.
NOTE: Currituck Count does not have historic preservation,
y c p ese vatton,
nuisance, sedimentation, or environmental impact ordinances]
145

STUDIES I
1983 Currituck County Outer Banks Carrying Capacity Study: This
study analyzed five factors dealing with the capacity to absorb growth
on the Outer Banks: suitability of land for development, possible need
for hurricane evacuation, road network for access, wastewater
treatment, and drinking water supply.
Currituck Sound Resource Management Project: This project
consisted of the following reports: "Water Quality, Salinity, and
Fisheries in Currituck Sound" (December 1980); "The Impact of
Salinity Introductions Upon Fishing Habitat in the Currituck Sound"
(April 1983); "Socioeconomic Status and Potential of the Commercial I
Fishery of Currituck Sound" (March 1982); "Socioeconomic Status and
Potential of Trapping, Sport Fishing, and Hunting in Currituck Sound"
(February 1983); "Currituck Sound Bibliography' (October 1982).
1983 North Carolina Anadromous Fisheries Management Program:
This report identifies spawning areas of Alewife and Blueback Herring
in the Currituck Sound area.
1984 Impact of Salinity Introductions upon Fish Habitat in Currituck
Sound: This study discussed the impact on commercial and sport
fishing in Currituck Sound and the impact on fresh and salt water fish
species if salt water was introduced into Currituck Sound by inlets in
the Outer Banks.
Soil Survey of Currituck County, North Carolina: The survey, issued in
1982, identifies different soil types, reviews uses and management of
soils, analyzes soil properties and identifies soil locations in Currituck
County.
Transportation Access Over Currituck Sound; A Feasibility Study: This
study was prepared in February 1989 for the North Carolina
Department of Transportation by Howard, Needles, Tammen and
Bergendoff. It discusses accessibility problems on the Currituck Outer
Banks, identifies alternatives and makes recommendations. One of the
conclusions of this report is to build a second bridge adjacent to
Wright Memorial immediately and build a mid -county bridge
(WaterbIly to Corolla preferred) after a thorough analysis. The report
discusses environmental concerns of a mid -county bridge and
identifies secondary concerns, that being an increase in development
activity on the Currituck Outer Banks.
l
146

No� M � � no M M w r�' M� M� � M i r
APPENDIX # 4
CURRITUCK COUNTY BOAT
ACCESS AND RECREATION AREAS
Name and Acreage,
1003tim
Boat Launch Ramp Parking
ITndevelaped jnWMved Csn@ty
Comments
1.
PUBLIC
Brumley Road,
KnottsWard
X
SR 1257, Road End; road
parking only
2.
Coinjock NC WRC Access 5
pt
X 30
Boat launch, inaccessible
when eround is saturated
3.
Corolla Sound Access Area, 5
1c,Wic
30 car
9 RV
Handicapped accessible
4.
Currituck County Tennis Courts,
u.,rco (Joint use by Counjy_and School %mjenil
Currituck County High
Sd hoj
5.
Currituck County Softball Fields.
Cur4i ck (Knagp Jr High)
Behind Knapp Jr. High
Three ball fields
6.
End of SR 1106.
RbntHadac
Swimming -Sound access
7.
Indian C�.,=
uc C�,iav��y7i
X 6-8
C-ya�n�oe/cartop boat launch
Ir�,,e.�ek,
8.
Newberns Landing
North RMm Powells Point
X 6-8
Dirt road, shallow draft
9.
Northwest River Game Land, 1251
N VW-
Hunting and fishing
10.
North River Game Land, 8430
RC
Bear Preserve - no access
a8m
147

Name and Acreage. Boat Launch Ramp Parking Comments
lams n jhgkM )oiled Im2Mnd Qwdty
PUBLIC - con't.
11.
Mackay Island 700
?
Access from Knotts Island.
Wildlife Refuge
(1) natural trail; and, (1)
hiking trail. Interpretative
programs hunting/fishing
12.
Monkey Island 12
Access by water only. It has
been proposed that the
island be set up as a natural/
cultural resource center
13.
Maple Airstrip
Leased by County from State
HWY 158&SR 1246
of NC
14.
Midwav Marina. Coiniock - docking and
dockside services on Intracoastal Waterway
15.
Poplar Branch NC WRC 4
X 20
(10) boat slips, boat launch
ALoeq&Ama
ramp Hm4[ local use
16.
Whalehead Beach Accessways
Approx. 30
(4) walkways are handicapped
Dolphin Street, Marlin Street,
per ramp
accessible beach accessways
Sailfish Street, Coral Street,
within two
Bonito Street, Mackerel Street,
blocks of
Perch Street. Herring Street,
each walkway
Barracuda Street, Sturgeon
Street. and Mgm Street
17.
Whalehead Sound Access
X 33
At the Whalehead Club
PRIVATzLy OWNED - (Campgrounds)
18.
The Anchor,
X 100
Approx. 100 camp sites
HWY 615. Knits Wand
Private Christian Camp
19.
Barnes Marina & Camp,
Knadsig"
X 10
148

M �� W M M. M M M G M M M r M M W r a"
Name and Acreage. Boat Launch Ramp
IocedOn j ndeveioped brimayed
Parking
CMDKILy
Comments
20.
PRIVATELY OWNED - (Campgrounds - con't.)
Bay Villa Marina & Camp,
KrxdtsLsi"
?
21.
Bell's Island 14 X
QEWUXrl
40
150 campsites; other private
facillties
22.
Currituck Campshores Resort, 75 X
?
Tennis, swimming, boating
(supmd2g i rec.)
23.
Hampton Lodge Campground. 110 (2)
QAJQds
200+
200 campsites, recreation.
bu11cftv
24.
Sandy Point Resort. X
HWY615 KnottsLsland
300
300 tent sites, plus 54 with
full hookups
PRIVATELY OWNED - (Landings / Marinas / Sports)
25.
Coiniock Esso and Gulf Marinas - docking and
dockside services on Intracoastal
Waterway
26.
Currituck Sports,
IVi r�•
X
9
Boat ramp, Coinjock Bay
access
27.
Tulls Bay Marina, 3
WE&
X
10 - 15
10 - 12 slips
28.
Pine Island Racquet Club.
C M-b
15 - 20
Indoor tennis and racquet
ball
29.
Williams Lodge,
Kmtisl bid
X
?
SR 1260, Road end
30.
Walnut Island Restaurant & Hotel
X
20
Boats for rent, fishing and
hurl
31.
Riveria Lodge,
S d'CoWodc
X
10 - 15
Access to North River and
Intracoastal Waterway__- -- - _ -
IMF

1
I
I
APPENDIX # 5
Relationship of CAMA Requirements to the
1990 Currituck County Land Use Plan
Below is an outline of information that must be addressed in the
1990 Land Use Plan according to Subchapter 7B - Land Use Planning
Guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act. Appropriate Land
Use Plan chapter references, page numbers and goal numbers have
been indicated in bold italics after each item required by CAMA
guidelines. Please note that items may be addressed directly in a goal
or be a specific strategy listed for that goal. Further, the County has
established some goals not required by CAMA guidelines but which
have been deemed important for the well being of Currituck County.
L Data Collection and Analysis
A) Establish an information base (incorporated throughout plan)
B) Evaluate present conditions
1. population and economy (Chapters 2 & 3)
2. land use (Chapters 4, 5 & 6)
3. current plans, policies and regulations (Appendix 3)
C) Analyze the general suitability of undeveloped land
1. discuss physical limitations for development (Chapter 7)
2. identify fragile areas (Chapter 7)
3. identify areas with resource potential (Chapter 7)
D) Determine capacity of County to provide basic community
services to meet anticipated demand (i.e., water and sewer
plants, schools, landfills, police & fire protection, bridges,
roads, public administrative services) (Chapter 8)
E ) Estimate future demand
1. population and economy (Chapters 2 & 3)
2. land needs (Chapter 6)
3. community facilities demand (Chapter 8)
H. Policy Statements
A) State policies of those land use issues that will affect the
county during the ten year planning period - policies must be
consistent
B) Resource protection
1. discuss areas of environmental concern (AEC) (Chapter 7)
2. policy statements on:
a constraints to development (7.9)
b. development issues related to AEC's and Outstanding
Resource Waters (7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, p. 76)
c. other hazardous or fragile areas (7.6, 7.7, 7.9)
d. hurricane and flood evacuation (Chapter 9)
e. protection of water supply (6.3)
150

f
f. sewage treatment (5.1, 7.1, 7.9)
g. storm water run-off (7.9)
h. marina and floating home development (6.5)
i. industrial impacts on fragile areas (3.1)
J. development of sound and estuarine system
islands (6.6)
k. restrictions of areas up to five feet above mean
high water (7.9)
1. upland excavation for marina basins (6.5)
m. damage to marshes by bulkhead installation (6.7)
C) Resource production and management
1. importance of agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries,
and recreational resources (Chapter 3)
2. policy statements on:
a agricultural lands (3.2)
b. commercial forests (3.6)
c. existing and potential mineral production areas (3.3)
D)
E)
F)
d. commercial and recreational fisheries (3.5)
e. off -road vehicles (7.9)
f. residential, commercial and industrial impacts on
resource (3.1, 5.1)
g. peat or phosphate mining impacts on resources (p.
Economic and community development
1. types of development to be encouraged (residential,
commercial, industrial, inst.) (Chapters 5 & 6)
2. policy statements on:
a desired industries (3.1)
b. provision of services to development (8.3, 8.4, 8.5,
c. growth patterns desired (5.1, p. 49-53, 6.1)
d. redevelopment of developed areas (5.3)
e. commitment to state and federal programs (6.2)
f. assistance to channel maintenance and beach
nourishment programs (7.9)
g. energy facility siting and development (6.8)
h. tourism (3.4)
i. coastal and estuarine water beach access (8.1, 8.2)
J. land use types, densities and location (5.1, 5.2,
p. 49-54, 6.1, Chapter 10)
Public participation in land use planning (1.1)
Storm hazard mitigation, post disaster recovery and
evacuation plans (9.1)
151
I