Land Use Plan Update-1993

1993
GATES COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Gates County Board of Commissioners
L. Frank Rountree
Hollis F. Creecy
Gates Cou
Abram Saunders
Walter Harlow
Clifton Grimes
Locally Adopted:
Ratified by CRC:
Frances C. Eure
James W. Smith
Plannina Board
she Board
Mallory Buck
Murray Parker
T.C. Vaughan
April 5, 1993
May 28, 1993

gala C" 2993 Landvre vpdats -
1993
GATES COUNTY LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
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I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE.....................................................................1
SCHEDULE OF LAND USE PLANNING MEETINGS......................................................2
PREVIOUS POLICY ACCOMPLISHMENTS...................................................3
PRESENT CONDITIONS
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION...........................................................................................9
RACIAL COMPOSITION....................................................................................................11
AGEGROUPS...................................................................................................................12
SCHOOL -AGE COHORTS..................................................................................................13
FAMILYFORMING..........................................................................................................14
POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE..............................................................................................15
ELDERLY COHORT..........................................................................................................16
DEPENDENCY COHORT...................................................................................................17
SEXDISTRIBUTION..........................................................................................................18
RESIDENTIAL TRENDS....................................................................................................19
.
WATERSUPPLY .......................................... ........... ..................... ... ... ..........20
SOLIDWASTE..................................................................................................................20
FIRE................................................................................................................................20
RESCUESERVICE............................................................................................................20
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION...............................................................................................20
HOUSINGDEMAND..........................................................................................................21
EXISTING LAND USE PLAN.....................................................................21a
CURRENT PLANS AND POLICIES.............................................................2
2
Regulations........................................................................................................................22
Policies.............................................................................................................................23
Plans................................................................................................................................23
Studies..............................................................................................................................
24
POLICYISSUES.....................................................................................25
RESOURCE PROTECTION ISSUES: ............................................................
25
AEC's...............................................................................................................................25
SoilLimitations.................................................................................................................25
FloodProne Areas...............................................................................................................26
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gat" County 1993 LandVrs Vpdats -
Septic Tank Suitability... ........... ... .......................................................... ..27
FreshwaterSwamps, and Marshes ..................................... ...........................................28
Cultural and Historic Resources.......................................................... ......... .................28
Manmade Hazards and Nuisances................................................................ ......29
Protection of Potable Water Supply & The Use of Package Treatment Plants ............... ...............30
- Storm Water Run-off: Residential Uses.................................................................................31
StormWater Run-off: Agricultural Development.....................................................................31
Storm Water Run-off: Coastal Wetlands................................................................................32
Floating Home and Marina Development.. ...... ....... ....... ....................32
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES................................33
Productive Agricultural Lands ........... .................... ......33
Commercial Forest Land.................................................................................................33
Existing and Potential Mineral Production...............................................................................34
Commercial and Recreational Fishery......................................................................................34
Off -Road Vehicles..............................................................................................................35
Residential and Commercial Land Development on Any Resource................................................35
IndustrialImpact on Any Resource.........................................................................................36
Peat and Phosphate Mining Impact on Any Resource.................................................................36
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES...........................................37
Typesand Locations of Desired Industries................................................................................37
Local Commitment to Providing Services................................................................................37
Typesof Urban Growth Patterns Desired..................................................................................38
Redevelopmentof Developed Areas.........................................................................................39
Commitment to State and Federal Programs.............................................................................39
Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment. ..........................................................................
EnergySiting and Development., ...........................................................................................
40
40
Tourism, Waterfront Access, and Estuarine Access.....................................................................40
Types of Densities, Location of Anticipated Residential Development and Services
Necessary to Support such Development......................................................................41
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN ............................43
Storm Hazard Area.....................................................................................................................44
Vulnerability............................... ................. ...............................................................44
Policy Statement .................. ................................ ........45
...................................
Implementation Strategies..................................................................................................46
PostDisaster Recovery Plan........................................................................................................46
SupportTeam...........................................................................................................................47
Schedule of Activities................................��.......................................................'47
.. ....
COMPOSITE HAZARD MAP......... ... ... .49a
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM........................................................................................50
LandClasses............................................................................................................................50
Community :. ................ ................ ...................... .......... ..............50
..... ......
:....
RuralWith Service.............................................................................................................50
Conservation.......................................:..............................................................................
51
LAND USE CLASSIFICATION MAP................................................................51a
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL POLICIES AND CLASSIFICATION ..........................51
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION...........................................................................51
APPENDIX1..............................................................................................5
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Table of Content Page H

gates coaray 1993 Landv" Update
ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
This 1993 Gates County Land Use Plan Update relies heavily on the previous land use
planning documents prepared in cooperation with the N. C. Division of Coastal Management.
The 1976 Gates County Land Use Plan the initial Gates County CAMA Land Use
Document, provides a basis for measuring changes in most of the base studies. This plan
provided a great amount of base study information concerning the population, economy, and
physical land use constraints. The .1980 CAMA Land Development Plan Update for
Gates County presented the County's first attempt to articulate local policies concerning specific
land use issues. In The 1986 Gates County Land Use Plan Update the county attempted to
develop and to explicitly articulate policies for every category requested by the CAMA regulations
and that were deemed appropriate for the County.
Base information data was taken from a variety of State, Federal, and Local sources. Specific
quantitative data concerning land use and development changes were obtained from records
maintained by local county officials; particularly the records from the Gates County Tax
Supervisor's office and the office of the Gates County Building Inspector.
Interviews were conducted with the Gates County Manager, the County Building Inspector, the
County Water System Supervisor, the Superintendent of Schools, and various public officials. The
County Manager was particularly useful in supplying information to fill the gaps in local records. .
Monthly meetings were held with the Gates County Planning Board at their regularly scheduled
time of 3:00 in the afternoon on the last Tuesday of the month. Meetings were advertised in the
local newspaper in an effort to solicit citizen participation. Public notices were posted on the
community bulletin board in the county courthouse prior to each meeting. The notices were posted
at least a week in advance of each meeting. Special Meetings billed as Educational Forums were
scheduled in the evening at 7:00 pm on three different occasions. A questionnaire was prepared
and distributed through the elementary grades at the school system. Approximately 1,200
questionnaires were distributed; 287 were completed and returned A tabulation of responses to
the questionnaire is contained in Appendix 1 of this document.
The meetings focused on new issues and development pressures that were facing the county.
Three issues that seem to cause the greatest concerns among the county residents are the one -acre
minimum lot size, the unsuitability of most of the soils in the county for the installation of on -site
sewage disposal, the proliferation of mobile homes in the county.. Emerging issues that the
Planning Board is just beginning to grapple with are the incompatibility problem between large
livestock operations, particularly large hog operations, and residential land uses, and the protection
of the county's high quality water supply aquifer from excessive use by high volume users. Gates
County is a rural, traditional farming community and very hesitant about placing controls on
farming operations. This incompatibility issue is in the discussion stage with the Planning Board;
there has been no great public outcry demanding action by the Board. The aquifer protection issue
stems from interest expressed by neighboring governmental jurisdictions of purchasing land in
Gates County, installing wells and pumping large quantities of raw water to other jurisdictions for
treatment and sale.
The results of the questionnaire indicate a dissatisfaction of many of the respondents over the large
one -acre minimum lot size. Numerous comments were received noting that it doesn't take an acre
for a mobile home or a house. The minimum lot size was adopted as a measure of uniformity and
to basically be in agreement with Health District regulations regarding septic tank placement. The
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soils in Gates County require a minimum 40,000 square feet for septic tank installation. The
County felt it would be ridiculous to adopt a minimum lot size that could not be developed
Respondents to the questionnaire also were strongly in favor of developing controls for
hazardous storage facilities and developing more public riverine and estuarine access.
Respondents were strongly against adopting lot sizes any larger than one -acre.
A public Participation plan was followed during the planning process. Regular meetings were held
with the Planning Board. The Gates County Planning Board was charged with carrying out the
land use planning process. Public notices were posted in the Courthouse and were published in
the local newspaper prior to each meeting. Three educational forums were held in the evening
hours in an effort to provide greater access by county residents. The following is a schedule of the
public meetings held during the planning process.
Schedule of PlanningBoard Meetings
g
concerning the
Gates County Land Use Update
Meeting Type Time Place Date
Scheduled Planning Board Meeting 3:00 PM Gates County November 26, 1991
Courthouse
Scheduled Planning Board Meeting 3:00 PM Gates County December 31, 1991
Courthouse
Educational Forum 7:30 PM Gates County January 28, 1992
Courthouse
Scheduled Planning Board Meeting 3:00 PM Gates County February 25, 1992
Courthouse
Educational Forum 7:30 PM Gates County March 31, 1992
Courthouse
Scheduled Planning Board Meeting 3:00 PM Gates County April 28, 1992
Courthouse
Educational Forum 7:30 PM Gates County May 26, 1992
Courthouse
Scheduled Planning Board Meeting 3:00 PM Gates County June 30, 1992
Courthouse
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Previous Policv Achievements.
GATES COUNTY: RESOURCE PROTECTION
ISSUE: CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT: AEC's
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Gates County totally supports the efforts of the Division of Coastal Management in efforts to prevent the
further degradation of the Estuarine Resources of Gates County. Gates County has, during the process of
this Land Use Plan Update, adopted numerous policies and developed various strategies in order to assist in
these efforts. The County has adopted policies concerning the use of "Best Management Practices "in
forestry and agriculture. The County has developed various regulatory measures to mitigate the impacts
caused by new development on these areas of environmental concern. Gates County is committed to the
protection of its resources and will take what actions it deems desirable and financially feasible to protect its
resources as the need arises."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Gates County received benefits from the 5-year Albemarle/Pamlico Estuarine Study (APES). A program
was proposed and approved to assist a group of cooperating Gates County farmers to construct and
implement a planned set of Best Management Practices on their farms. The farms all drain into the
Bennees Creek watershed that includes Merchants Mill Pond State Park. This BMP program is being
continuously monitored and their effectiveness measured.
ISSUE: CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT: SOIL LIMITATIONS, SEPTIC TANK
SUITABILITY
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be Gates County's policy to minimize development on soils which may create hazards to health
and safety."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Soil conditions continue to be a major obstacle to development in Gates County. In a recent strategic
planning program, the Gates County Rural Leaders Program, initiated by The Center of Improved Coastal
Living at Elizabeth City State University, a group of community leaders in Gates County were organized
to identify community problems and to develop solutions or strategies to overcome the problems. The
major obstacle economic development or to the improved quality of living that was identified as septic
tank suitability or the lack there of.
The Hertford/ Gates County Health has received approval and encouragement from the NC Division of
Environmental Health to use alternative and non-traditional methods in an effort to make on -site treatment
available to existing residents who do not have plumbing facilities.
The Gates County School System is building two constructed wetland treatment systems to treat the
effluent from two of their schools. The District Health Department has approval to use this type of
technology on an individual homesite.
ISSUE: CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT: FLOOD PRONE AREAS
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"In order to reduce any unnecessary damages to lives and property because of flooding, it is the present
policy of Gates County to regulate development in those areas of the county that lie within the 100-year
Flood Hazard Areas, as designated on the Flood Hazard Boundary Maps provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.„
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The County is participating in the Federal Flood Insurance Program and enforcing the Flood Hazard
Regulations regarding construction in the 100-year Flood Hazard Areas:
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The Gates County Subdivision Regulations require that permanent elevation monuments be installed in all
major subdivisions in order to facilitate the enforcement of flood plain regulations during the permanent
phase of the Federal Flood Insurance Program.
The Gates County Subdivision Regulations require that a full contour drawing be prepared for all
subdivisions containing more than 25 lots.
ISSUE: FRESHWATER, SWAMPS, AND MARSHES
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It has been the policy of Gates County to cooperate with other local units of governments and with state
and federal agencies in efforts to identify sources of pollution which result in the annual algae bloom and its
inherent problems." (CAMA LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE FOR GATES COUNTY,
NORTH CAROLINA. FERRIN PLANNING GROUP, 1980).
ACCOMPLISHMENTS _
As has been noted previously, Gates County citizens are participating in a Best Management Practices
Program sponsored by the Albemarle/Pamlico Estuarine Study. The project is developing techniques to
mitigate the effects of nutrient and livestock run-off on surface waters. The study area is the basin that
drains into Merchant's Mill pond.
ISSUE: CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to preserve and protect to the maximum extent practical significant
cultural and historic resources."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Restoration has progressed on the Old Gates County Courthouse.
ISSUE MANMADE HAZARD AND NUISANCES
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to place adequate controls on development so as to mitigate
potential threats to public health and safety from manmade hazards."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The County is participating in the federal flood insurance program and enforces these regulations for all
construction located in a flood hazard area. The County through it Cooperative Extension Office provides
education services to warn citizens of the dangers of hazardous materials and to advise them on the proper
precautionary measures needed for storage of such materials.
ISSUE: PROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLY: & THE USE OF PACKAGE
TREATMENT PLANTS
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Subdivision or mobile home parks using package treatment plants shall meet the same density
requirements as all other subdivisions."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
During the previous planning process it was noted that 5 of the 6 Gates County schools were out of
compliance with their NPDES permits, this notation was in error, all of the Schools were out of
compliance with their permits. The NC Department of Corrections facility located on US 158 west of
Gatesville was also out of compliance with its permit. Since that time the NC Department of Correction
Facility has constructed a new lagoon and spray irrigation system. The Department of Corrections was also
mandated by the legislature to accept the sewage outflow from two of the Gates County Schools not in
compliance with their permit. The legislature appropriated $100,000 to pay for the pipe and pumps needed
to transport the waste from the Gates County High School and the Gates County Middle School. The
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AGE GROUPS
The following sections discuss those age segments of the population that generally require special or
more frequent types of services both from the private and from the governmental sectors and that in
their own way create certain types of development and service demands.
The age groups discussed here are as follows:
The School Age ( 0-18 year old sector)
This group naturally creates the demand for educational and recreational facilities and services.
The 0-5 Age segment is included for projection purposes.
The Family Forming Group ( 15-35 year old sector)
This group is generally responsible for new household formations and new offspring, thus
creating demands for new housing facilities and forming the base for future internal population
growth.
The Potential Labor Force ( 16 years and older)
This group is usually responsible for all the goods and services produced in an area: however,
not everyone in this group participates in the work force.
The Elderly ( 65 years or older)
This group spans the greatest number of ears and could be segmented further into additional
age groups ranging from aged to infirm, with each having very specialized and critical needs.
The Dependency Sector ( under 16 and over 65)
This group, only generally, measures those persons who are considered dependent on
P P
someone else for the major portion of their personal needs and economic support. There are, of
course, persons under 16 years of age and over 65 that are self-sufficient; however, they
generally are not numerous, and there are many persons not in these age groups that are, in
some ways dependent on outside support
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Gates County system has been approved by NC DEM to build two constructed wetlands type treatment
facilities at the Buckland and Sunbury Schools. Constructed Wetlands is an alternative type technology that
has been successful in other states. The two systems proposed are pilot systems for the state and will be
closely monitored. Because of their reported low cost and ease of operation, the Division of Public
Instruction has a keen interest in these systems. The two systems were funded by the Gates County School
System, NC DEM, NC DPI, and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.
ISSUE: STORM WATER RUNOFF: RESIDENTIAL USES
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to regulate residential subdivisions in order to prevent the
overburdening of existing waterways and drainage systems by excessive surface runoff."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
It is the policy of Gates County to require that a drainage plan be submitted for all major subdivision plats
before approval is granted. The County has adopted a county wide minimum lot size of one acre for
residential units, both mobile home and conventional.
ISSUE: STORM WATER RUNOFF: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to encourage farm operations in Gates County to avail themselves
of this grant assistance and, to the maximum extent practical, to incorporate the Best Management
Practices Program recommended by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service into their farming operations."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Gates County shall use what means it deems reasonable and necessary to encourage local farmers to use the
BMP as suggested by the US Soil Conservation Service. The APES Best Management Practice Project
has been previously noted
ISSUE: STORMWATER RUN-OFF COASTAL WETLANDS
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
It shall be the policy of Gates County to encourage farm operations in Gates County to avail themselves of
this grant assistance and, to the maximum extent practical, to incorporate the Best Management Practices
Program recommended by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service into their farming operations.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Gates County shall use what means it deems reasonable and necessary to encourage local farmers to use the
BMP as suggested by the US Soil Conservation Service. The APES Best Management Practice Project
has been previously noted. The County has adopted a county wide minimum lot size of one -acre.
GATES COUNTY: RESOURCE PRODLICTTON AND MANAGEMENT
ISSUE: PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Gates County does not feel that its productive agricultural lands are threatened by any unreasonable or
unmanageable growth, nor by negligent farming practices. It shall be the policy of the County, however,
to encourage land owners to keep their lands in productive agricultural use."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The County uses use -value tax treatment to encourage land owners to keep their lands in productive
agricultural and forestry use.
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ISSUE: COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Because the County does not consider protection of these forest lands a priority consideration, it has
chosen not to adopt a policy at this time."(1980 CAMA Update)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The County uses use -value tax treatment to encourage land owners to keep their lands in productive
agricultural and forestry use.
ISSUE: EXISTING AND POTENTIAL MINERAL PRODUCTION
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"No existing or potentially marketable deposits of any mineral have been identified in Gates County.
Therefore, no policy statement on this issue is needed." (1980 CAMA UPDATE)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
None.
ISSUE: COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHERY
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Although no policy statement on this issue is considered necessary, the County passively encourages
commercial fishing." (1980 CAMA UPDATE)
.ACCOMPLISHMENTS
None.
ISSUE: OFF -ROAD VEHICLES
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to urge operators of off -road vehicles to use the necessary
precautions, the required safety equipment, and common courtesy to make traveling on public thoroughfares
less dangerous and more convenient to other motorists and to the operators themselves."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
None.
ISSUE: RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT IMPACT ON ANY
RESOURCE
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to use the existing development controls that it now has to regulate
the development impacts on the county's resources. In the event that these controls seem insufficient, the
County shall adopt what additional controls it deems necessary."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The County has a adopted a county minimum lot size of one -acre.
The County Building Inspector continues to enforce the North Carolina Building Code, The Gates County
Mobile Home Park Ordinance, and the County's Subdivision Regulations.
The County relies on the North Carolina Divisions of Environmental Health and Environmental
Management to enforce regulations concerning wastewater disposal in the county.

Csatus C=q 1993 LandUssVpdate
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GATES COUNTY: ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ISSUE: TYPES AND LOCATIONS OF DESIRED INDUSTRIES
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to provide assistance and support to the Gates County Industrial
Development Commission in their efforts to attract industrial employment to Gates County"
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Industrial Sites have been tentatively identified
ISSUE: LOCAL COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING SERVICES
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"The County is committed to providing the highest quality and greatest quantity of public services that its
tax revenues will allow. These services that are financed through County revenues shall be made available
equally to all citizens. Public services supported through user fees shall be extended to serve where
economically feasible and self supporting. Any development that will create burdens on the existing service
system without providing compensating revenues shall be discouraged."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
None.
.:ISSUE: TYPES OF URBAN GROWTH PATTERNS DESIRED
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"The County will limit development to that which can be accommodatedby existing water lines."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The County has adopted a county wide minimum lot size of one -acre for residential use.
The County shall enforce the minimum lot size requirements of its present subdivision regulations.
'ISSUE: REDEVELOPMENT OF DEVELOPED AREAS
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It will be the County's policy to do what is practical to ensure that all county residents have decent, safe,.
and sanitary housing."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The County has participated in several housing rehabilitation programs during the past five years. The
County participated in the Housing Initiative for Elderly Homeowners through the Division of Aging, two
Housing Preservation Programs through FmHA, and two Housing incentive Trust Programs through the
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.
ISSUE: COMMITMENT TO STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
'Me County shall continue to cooperate on all state and federal actions that would benefit the residents of
Gates County and shall let their objections be known should it feel that state and federal policies are not in
the best interest of its citizens."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The County participated with the State and the US Soil And Conservation Service to develop a County,
wide soil survey. The County is participating with the NC Division of Environmentqal Management and
the US Environmental Protection Agency to develop sewage treatment facilities for two elementary schools
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ISSUE: CHANNEL MAINTENANCE AND BEACH NOURISHMENT
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
This is not an issue in Gates County.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
None
ISSUE: ENERGY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"... No policy on this issue is considered necessary. However, should this become an issue in the future,
a policy will be developed at the appropriate time" (1980 CAMA Land Development Plan Update for Gates
County).
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
None
ISSUE: TOURISM, WATERFRONT ACCESS, AND ESTUARINE ACCESS
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
None
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
None
ISSUE: TYPESOF DENSITIES, LOCATION OF ANTICIPATED RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT NECESSARY TO SUPPORT SUCH DEVELOPMENT
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Gates County will continue to use its existing regulations to control development densities and extensions
of water service."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
None.
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Gates cowuy 1993 Land um VpdaAr
PRESENT CONDITIONS
SUMMARY OF PRESENT CONDITIONS
From 1930 to 1970, Gates County's population declined steadily. The post -depression years and the
rapid mechanization of the farming and forestry industries eliminated many job opportunities
traditional to Gates County's rural economy. Residents, particularly the young adults, left the county
in search of gainful employment. From 1970 to 1980, population has increased slightly as improved
prices for farm products has encouraged young people just entering the job market to remain in Gates
County and try to build a future. Employment in the Tidewater area of Virginia has also been
expanding rapidly offering Gates County residents job opportunities within easy commuting distance.
School -age and Family -forming age groups, two important population segments, have declined
steadily since 1970. The decline in these age groups when coupled with the decline in the County
fertility rate makes internal population growth unlikely during the planning period.
Age groups that have shown growth are the elderly, persons over 65 years and the Dependency group.
These two groups have special needs that often require governmental assistance.
There are no major manufacturing employers in Gates County. The only manufacturing employer in
the County is Dalure Fashions in Gatesville which employs less than 100 persons. For the most part
Gates County residents must look to other counties or to other states for job opportunities.
Since 1900, population growth in Gates county has alternated between increases and decreases. From
1900 to 1930, the population of the county increased by 138 persons or 1.3%. From 1930 to 1970
was a period of population decline for Gates County. Population during this period decreased by
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2,027 persons or 19.2%. After 1970, the population of Gates County has gradually increased. The
1980 census recorded Gates County population as 8,875 persons; in 1990 the population was 9,305.
The lowest population recorded this centurywas 8,524 in 1970, and the highest in 1930 when 10,551
persons resided in Gates County. Since 1970, the county population has begun to grow again. The
county's population has increased by over 4% during the past two census decades. Population
projections by the Department of Budget and Management indicate a continued increase in population
of almost 6% during the next two census decades (the preceding table demonstrates Gates County's
growth patterns).
4' WIN
1930 1940 1950 1960197019
80 1990 "` °k` k'>"E}}b�� b``??£ K
Gatesville 1.543 1.563 1.571 1,658 1,598 1.807 1.780
Hall 996 950 944 847 949 1.099 1.253 �€
Hazlett 1.143 1,053 929 904 767 839 1.020
Holly Grove 1.799 1,646 1.751 1,599 1.367 1.336 1,636::.;,.,,. .
Hunters Mill 1.937 1.812 1.539 1,568 1.339 1.339 1,269
Mintonsville 1,585 1.571 1,452 1.287 1.045 984 1,007 ,ti:„:;;.:.{.<.;:; ✓ Yr V .:.v. y {s.{ <;,n r � ;:
L:LL..:.,:•. , .
Re noldson 1.548 1.465 1.369 1,391 1.459 1,472 1,340 w.....k.....,;>L.......,..
Gates CountyI 10.551 10.060 9.555 9.254 8.524 8.875 9.305
100%
90 %
80%
70 %
60 %
50 %
40 %
30%
20%
10%
0%
o e o o 0 0 0
wy N ti wr m1 .., w.l
15 Reynoldson
El Mintonsville
17 Hunters Mill
® Holly Grove
0 Hazlett
❑ Hall
Gatesville
While the county's population is fairly evenly distributed among the seven townships in the county,
there has been a noticeable shift in settlement patterns. Since 1930, the Hunters Mill township, which
occupies the southeastern corner, of the county has shown a consistent decline in population and in its
proportion of the county population. In 1930, this township was the most heavily populated township
in the county. The Gatesville and Reynoldson townships, on the other hand, exhibited a consistent
pattern of growth in both actual population and in their proportional share of the county population up
through 1980; during the last decade both townships lost population. Gatesville Township is located
in the middle of the county, while Reynoldson Township is located in the northwestern corner of the
county.
The other townships have varying growth patterns. Holly Grove and Mintonsville townships,
both fluctuated in population in the early years of the 1900's. Their proportional share of the the
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county's population has fluctuated over the years ending in decline for both townships. Holly
Grove is located in the northeastern corner of the county and Mintonsville in the southeastern
corner. Hall Township has consistently declined in population throughout the century up until the
past two decades . Because of these recent increases, Hall has increased in its proportion of the
county's total population.
It is difficult to distinguish any particular pattern of growth within townships. Certainly
transportations corridor are playing a role as would the influence of a residential spill over from the
Tidewater area of Virginia. However, the fluctuating nature of the population does not indicate any
overriding locational preference.
RACIAL COMPOSITION
The non -white population in Gates County increased from 1980 to 1990 but had declined in its
proportion of the county's total population. In 1980, non -white residents accounted for 52.7% of the
county population and numbered 4,683 persons; by 1990, the proportion of non -white residents had
declined by almost 2% and made up 50.6% of the county population and numbered 4,711 persons.
Projections provided by the N.C. Department of Budget and Management indicate that this trend will
not continue at least through the five-year period covered by this document. The 2000 projections
estimate that 4,999 non -whites will reside in Gates County and will account for approximately 50.7%
of the county population.
�,}• �': k •,�Yfi k1 Y {
f�#rk het
:? ''<c>'>E
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1 I 1 1
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Tags 11

gates county 1993 LandVa %tpdats
SCHOOL AGE COHORTS
Ate Groity 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
0 to 5 679 754 827 762 780
6 to 13 1652 : ` 1069 1044 1150 1090 >'
3500 14 to 18 1007 877 645 756 756
3000
# is {:• 4:S:x..'tiT `.5: S}•'iti:$ ?Wgib....; ... `x•,'„4ro
off% f '}. �:. tt:?,.:y" �' S'X'�2�"J' {:�•.:>�k�Y?$'
} r�;F+':kf,�: '� 1�5}q �1.S'•.w�• S '�,?{ �4�'�}: wC. )'�o },:x �cxi �Ec• $� ;:�:5•:SW.. A:: `ti+c
)$gg- `4��k:+ tiF.};> # :: '5::;}•';: ;:; :; .}, ...:5}';��}':g;#}ti`:.•+;°.•w:.;;�:5•,''''S`:.2.`"xx�t\1:g: >: }:
x} .•,':f;;wS:.: •;%•• '�"'S: ':{:';`.^:'i•'.{t;yc<}v+c• .. .�.4,?.}Sy?:Sk?;,
}iac•.,:.: Sv: \4 _•`y4• ••�•}>,r: •::>tit,..� v lS::.S;: f...., _}• .:\•.:::'2�Ri:x:i,,,+,�^�,. ,Y.
v, }.vv•}:vti• .`•�;': Ax: :}.':{'Ji: 'C-nyvJ :k�}{: x••vCvvA >)>0�}j•}}'{':'"r,{<:?}•}: F.
'. \�j;;:yv; f . ry{. •}h� {^�n�:4: .::<•:: vi+.:.: �. %;.` 4}.:: 4:•t'�`;:i4+,�`}J�{f)•'v:C;:;, . x k''.';.yn+::
t2,t:,..' ,}� ;?v'?1;;�..:; :•x- .�SvA.. � �tt {C:�}•;�'-x.?�,.:.£.'{-.,,:;.u..p;>S:Sy;•a'S.�C;t::�w�,;:::;cS:. }:••:
}•. a?� i;:•.::•4;�•: f>F'%'v:: •?}{:;: :�:n ,S :�••,t'{..;: xx k\;}^.:4•xhhii�. ,;; {.iuy:
2000
1500
1000
500 M 14 to 18
❑6to13
0
s0to5
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
SCHOOL AGE COHORTS
Projections indicate an increase in the school -age population cohorts (6 to 18 years old) during the
planning period. The persons in the 6-13 cohort numbered 1,652 in 1970; by 1980, the number of
school age children had increased to 1,868 persons but declined to 1,689 by 1990. Projections made
by the NC Department of Management and Budget indicate a substantial increase of 217 children in
the 6-18 Cohort by the year 2000.
The Gates County School is already preparing for this increase and has planned a $17,000,000
capital improvements program to improve two elementary schools, the high school and the middle
school. The program 1s scheduled to begin in 1996 with improvements to the two elementary, in
1998 the middle school, and in 2000 the high school.
Pass 13

gat" County 1993 Laad'U" Vpdats
FAMILY FORMING COHORT
Age Group1970
1980 1990
2000
2010
15-24 1383
1599 1232
1199
1502
25-34 830
1251 1549
1297
1380
Total Family 2213
2850 2781
2496
2882
f «
R
2500
2000
1500
1000
S00
0
■
■
#.:.
a,: -:a •taco ' p4�-.j �y1t,�;��ca- w,• .?:t• •:..:� � �xSi••�} `fi•:
Ytiz:.},z\�}`�4 f.'jSw�`•��•A:,.v}+.��'•nk�•�s
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 l I
FAMILY FORMING COHORT
This cohort showed positive and substantial growth during the 1970 to 1980 decade and a slight
decline in the 1980 to 1990 decade. Present population estimates projections for the future indicate a
decline in this cohort through 2000 and an increase through 2010.
Taos 14

Csaw County 19" LaaVss llpdati
POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE
Age Groups 1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
Yrs 16.64 4,804
5,525
5.809
6205
6743
Yrs 65+ 969
1,218
1.361
1416
1497
Total 5,773
6,743
7,170
7,621
8,240
9,000
9"111113 •.,
8,000
7,000
6,000
S,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000 -
0
�I
�I
MI
III
Eli
WE
I
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■I
■I
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Eli
■
[Elm
II
II11MIl
IIMI
II
■
■I
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■
Ml
■I
■
■11
1'
Mil
III��
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE
Yrs 16-64
>:> ;•::s::::v:; Yrs 65+
■ Total
Labor force participation grew faster than the potential labor force. The number of persons actually
working or seeking employment and living in Gates County increased by 634 persons or
approximately 21.6%. Labor participation among male residents decreased from 71.3% in 1980 to
70.8% in 1990. Labor participation among females on the other hand increased from 34.42% in 1980
Ito 36.41% in 1990.
The number of females in the labor force increased from 1230 persons in 1980 to 1410 persons in
1990, an increase of 180 persons The number of males in the labor force increased from 2334
persons in 1980 to 2865 in 1990, an increase of 331,people. However, the total number of males 16
and over increased by 542, thus resulting in an actual decline in the labor participation rate. The
increase in female participation in the Gates county labor force is typical of the national trend toward
more females and a greater proportion of women working outside of the home.
Page 15

ELDERLY COHORT
Age Groups 1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
65-74 624
819
813
788
969
279
330
456
628
706
�7S+
Total Elderly 903
1,149
1,269
1,416
1,675
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
■
■
.000 ■
■
■
F
M,'T'i�1S;
I
C1 OOO O
ELDERLY COHORT
The elderly age group has increased in number but as a proportion it is actually less than it was in
1980. In 1980, this group accounted for 13.7% of the county's population. By 1990, this group
comprised 13.6% of the county population . This cohort is projected to increase to 15.2% of the
population by 2010, with the greatest growth occurring in the over-75-years-old segment.
Ta a I6
6

gazes Couray 1993 Landuss Vpdats
DEPFENDENCY COHORT
Age Groups 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Yrs 0-15 2,751 2,193 2,135 2236 2181
Yrs 6S+ 969 1.218 1.361 1,416 1.675
Dependency Cohort 3,720 3,411 3496 3,652 3,SS6
vnfti:S'iy%F �•: �y�yvtri.2'� • YET} hfh • }:v ri'�T' <CLaS ry r }>M.
'r:'.
0*11
xMI
4,000
V\ A\v h
i; `BM
,,y::t+i. •'+'• .'OFF:' $�:8•F.. }}
SS
.`y\.?::5:•w:u:���.',cah`•.:•}<a`:: tiff:{y},•h,<`,.':",f,}'u�'.r: t:L'uhQi jSc%�''<
2, S O 0 ; :x i rnxtiic^ >•} 4e..:• ». ,tizF;':3v •;::
try`•. Ff4'v'+}.�C•$.''••p}v, .}:\^v::}}iv}}vT:'SfiS�,� //!•'}.}}��rk#
•} vi$� .{ :��ih• vrhv }.}}i'{r •vS w•v kSvvv �•:
..•a%:2:•;'''F<2,000
:rru::%i>•'•ky>`•'•t.f:<:{f'w'`}.#2.:
ry�
Xlx� ? :{ xh:.yn..v'vvv:4 S rv''!Sf JiAti{:\}+:'<�'•S:}:<1 i':;{44v Si}>
ri }+.. rS .T••i�': p..htih..4y.': J CS;\'}':!ri� }: 'y:•. v.
1, S O 0 FaeY:N¢ h o..::•}��>.x }}:>.r sxy
"•• h• '`' D1,000 Yrs 0.15
� ham•
Soo
4 0 Yrs 6S+
■ Dependency
ae O1 0 ••� Cohort
DEPFENDENCY COHORT
r
The dependency group is the population sector that typically derive a major portion of their economic
support from sources other than direct participation in the labor force. For the most part, this group
includes dependent children under 16 years of age and persons over 65 years who are retired and draw
a major portion of their, income from governmental transfer payments, such as Social Security, and
from pension programs. The dependency ratio is the ratio of persons not in these age ranges to those
that area
Theoretically, the lower the dependency ratio the more self-sufficient is the area. This measurement
provides a general indication of the number of additional persons that must be supported by the overall
economy. This measurement, however, usually under counts the number of persons who may be in
need of financial assistance or social services since it is based strictly on ages of individuals and not
on specific economic or social conditions.
Tags 17

Gars Cmatry 1993 LandVu 4lpdats
SEX DISTRIBUTION
v a
:Y�: .tii.a:.,a: +�`•r�)',\ is .: QQ F4\ J, � ��•}:c,iti;
:,1\\ita.\4``�,•'t: \"Yttit:\�OT'a.�Y���'+:A�4. tv�'Av K\
85+
80-84
........ ..............
70-74
60-64
75-79
55-59
50-54
45-49
40-44
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
EMale O Female 10-14
5-9
.500 -400 -300 -200 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500
SEX DISTRIBUTION
The ratio of men to women in Gates County is approximately one male to 1.004 females, a
percentage population split of 49.9% males and 50.1% females. Population projections from the
N.C. department of Budget and Management indicate a slightly less even distribution by 1990, with
males accounting for 50.63 of the population and females for 49.37.
The population pyramid above presents an overall view of the Gates County population as it was
distributed by sex, and age in 1990.
Pa s IS
8

gaw C=*j 19" Lan,(Vsd Vpdats
Residential Trends
HOUSING UNITS: GATES COUNTY 1960, 1970, 1980
1970 1980 1990
99
CONVENTIONAL HOUSING 2,354 2,815 2,633
MOBILE HOMES 116 409 1,063
TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 2,470 3,224 3,696
% MOBILE HOMES 4.7 % 12.7 % 28.8 %
The increasing use of mobile homes has caused significant concern among Gates County residents
and local government officials. Depressed property values and an increased public service use
without compensating tax base increases are the most noted reasons for concern. Most of the
development pressures from mobile homes are occurring around the Corapeake area in northeastern
Gates County near the Virginia line. Much of the mobile home development in this area of the county
can be attributed to the difference in locally imposed development costs between Suffolk, Virginia, and
Gates County. Costs for development of a mobile -home lot in Suffolk will typically run $1,500
higher than in Gates County. Gates County also has the attraction of less costly water service and
property taxes.
The Building Inspector reports that during the 5-years form 1987 through 1992 717 permits for new
dwelling units were issued. Mobile -homes accounted for 578 of the permits; new homes for 139.
1960119701 1980 11990
Conventional
2,448
2,354 2,815 2.63
Mobile Homes
8
116 409 1,06
Total Units
2,456
2,470 3,224 3,69
3'o Mobile Homes
1 0.35. 1
4. 9ol 12.79. 28.85
Gatesville
'
Hall
Haslett
Holly grove
Hunters Mill
Mintonsville
Re noldson
1980 1990
% Mobile
%
Total
Mobile
Homes
Total
Mobile
Mobile
Units
Homes
Units
Homes
Homes
623
68
10.9%
676
170
25.1%
438
78
17.8%
530
145
27.4%
315
57
18.1%
387
153
39.5%
516
53
10.3%
649
216
33.3%
471
49
10.4%
495
113
22.8%
358
33
9.2%
403
92
22.8%
503
7
1.4%
556
174
31.3%
3.224 345 10.7% 3,696 1,063 28.8%
Tags 19

' gaw Coeuay 1993 LmdVa Vpdau
■ 'WATER SYSTEM
I
I
n
1
I
I
The Gates County Water System Currently has 2,549 connections and is treating a daily average of
500,000 gallons per day pumping 8 hours per day.. The Plant's Capacity is 1,440,000 gallons per
day or approximately three times the average daily usage.
Annual consumption has grown from 147,864,000 gallons in 1987 to 206,748,000 in 1992. This is a
40% increase in five years while the county population only increased by less than 5% during the last
Census decade from 1980-1990. The county population is only expected to grow by approximately
6% during the next ten years. It appears that the water plants treatment capacity is adequate to handle
any needs generated by population growth during the next decade.
Gates County Water Usage: July 1987- November 1992
Gallons psrmonth
1987.1988
1988.1989
1989-1990
1990.1991
1991.1992
1992-1993
July
15,016,000
17,765,000
16,604,000
18,977,000
17,422,000
16,120,000
August
15,257.000
15,422,000
15,845,000
16,306,000
16,323,000
21,134,000
September
14,484,000
16.453,000
18,088,000
19,870,000
20,163,000
16.838,000
October
12,275,000
14,405,000
16.439,000
14,330,000
16,766.000
17,235,000
November
12,647,000
13,113,000
11.916,000
14,692,000
16,552.000
16,834,006
December
11,651,000
12,402,000
13,318,000
13,665.000
13,055,000
January
13,974,000
14,708.000
18.197,000
16.277,000
19.979,000
February
13,286,000
11,605.000
13,346.000
15.704,000
16,918,000
March
10,562.000
11.684,000
13,731,000
12.783,000
17,700,000
April
13,695,000
14,331,000
13,685,000
14,448,000
14.120,000
May
13,936,000
13,909,000
_ 14,951,000
14,596,000
19,282.000
June 1
15,048,000 1
15175 000
14 314 000 1
22,383,000
18,468,000
'�2�i.f��i��.�x,'::::�:i[:�`:��s�.:�"�:EG$:;:`
.... ....... ..
��•l'�\3`2a�L'`'
.. .....:.. #►:�'?:;:#::Sli:.��:�
�:�:�>.;
a:;:.r:.i:<''�
'cgs#>�t����.t�#::.
: ::: ; : < :::
;...�.f�,:���.:i��.�:....g�
.: .:�.fx:1>:+#:9:�E?
7eany cyrowtu 9.141.UUU 9.46z'000 13,Sy7.000 12.717,U00
Tementage 7'earfy Growth 5.65% 5.53% 7.54% 1 6.55%
SOLID WASTE
NC Senate Bill 111 mandates that all unlined landfills shall be closed by January 1,1998 and that
all solid waste after that date will be disposed of in a manner and in a facility that meets the
requirements of EPA 40 CFR 258 (Sub Title D). The Senate Bill also mandates that all counties
shall reduce the waste stream entering their landfills by 25% by 1993.
Subtitle D Landfills are required to be lined and equipped with a leacheate collection system and
treatment facility to process the leacheate. Such land fills are very expensive to construct and
maintain. They must be developed in a series of cells with an expected life of 5-years at which
time a new cell is made available for use and the old cell undergoes proper closure. The closure
requirements include continual groundwater monitoring and testing, another expensive procedure.
A recent study of solid waste disposal in ten counties in North Carolina's Region R, which
includes. Gates County, estimated that it would cost $3.8 Million to develop and take five years to
develop a Subtitle (D) landfill cell to handle the waste generated by Perquimans, Chowan, and
Gates County who currently share a landfill site located in Perquimans County. At the end of five
years the cell would have to be closed and a second cell opened at a cost of an additional $2.8
Tags 20

Batts Cmq 1993 LandU" Vpdats
Million. The average cost per ton to operate and retire the debt on such an operation would cost
more than $50 per ton.
The study also indicated that their would be a considerable cost savings if several counties would
form a Solid Waste Authority and collect and dispose of the trash on a Regional basis. Gates
County is now a member of a small regional landfill along with Chowan and Perquimans
Counties. These three counties are now in negotiations with five other counties to organize and
establish a Regional Solid Waste Authority in an effort to find a more cost effective method to meet
the mandates of SB 111.
The Regional Solid Waste Authority is studying several alternatives, the vertical expansion of their
existing facility and the future construction of a Sub Title D landfill in the region, Contracting with
a private landfill operation in now under construction in Bertie County, and contracting with
SEMSA a public solid waste disposal organization serving the tidewater area of Virginia.
The Tri-County land fill serving Gates County has been permitted for vertical expansion and will
have the capacity to dispose of the Regions solid waste until 1997.
FIRE
Five volunteer fire fighting units, located in Gatesville, Sunbury, Gates, Eure, and
Hobbsville, now provide fire protection in the County. The County at this time does not
anticipate the creation of paid fire fighting force but will continue to rely on volunteer
services for the planning period. The County will continue to fund a portion of the
expenses of the volunteer units.
' RESCUE SERVICE
The rescue squad consists of five ambulance attendants and twent-two EMTs. Fifteen of
the EMTs are eligible for retirement in 1987. The squad operates on a volunteer basis
with only two paid staff members. The County does not fund any of the Rescue Squads
expenses. All support is the result of fundraising, citizens donations, and grant
assistance.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The County is totally committed to the County Manager System of Government and will
continue to operate with a full-time managerial staff.
HOUSING DEMAND
Based a projected ten year growth of 552 persons and assuming a household size of two persons the
county can anticipate approximately 226 new housing units, primarily mobile homes. Under current
subdivision regulations 226 acres of land would have to be converted to residential use.
Water demand is generally estimated to 40 gallons per person per day. Using this rate the water
system can expect to have an increased daily demand from population growth of 22,080 gallons per
day. Well within the system's capacity.
' 'Page 21

�;A4V
l}'
...•. ...........
1
•t
I.%
lA
:x y
1
�fr
Land Use Categories `
Developed
Wooded Swamps & Wetlands
Forests
Farms
1992
E I ST i i'�'G LAND USE ► IAP
Gates County, North Carolina
A
It
Gates
a
i
Gatesville
Buckland
MC i/
Pond
M3j
1A
SA
44*
HOSVille
Corapeake
s
Sunbury
Swamp
r _ �
1M pwratim of thk 1" t . fiM is fst two a
put VWM by tM oath amen fb W Naagad Act
of NZ a MM" *M it arieittw/ by tM office of
IM VA Clow R, 1, NaMl t, NItW On*
ad Abnork ahwastim

gausCoumy 1993 Land'!!n Vpdats
CURRENT PLANS AND POLICIES
Gates County relies on six basic regulatory tools to control development in the county:
1) Mobile Home and Mobile Home Park Oninance
2) North Carlin Buikkng Code
3) Gates County Subdvision Regulations, 1986
4) Emergency Phase of the National Flood Insurance Pmgnvn
5 Rules and Regulations of the Gates County WaterSystem
6) County Health Department Septic Tank Permits
The County does not attempt to control land use by assigning particular uses to particular lands.
REGULATIONS
Mobile Home and Mobile Home Park Ordinance
i The Gates County Mobile Home and Mobile Home Park Ordinance, adopted in 1973, is the
■ County's first attempt at imposing locally mandated development controls. This ordinance
establishes specific development standards for siting mobile homes, including minimum lot
size, yard dimensions, access, and public utility services. The ordinance does not identify
particular areas for mobile home development; the emphasis of the ordinance is orderly
development rather than any spatial arrangement.
1
1
I
ij
Ij
North Carolina Building Code
In July of 1985, the County employed its first full-time building inspector to enforce all
elements of the North Carolina Building Code. The Building Code, of course, regulates all
new construction and the installation of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical services, as well
as mobile home installations. Gates County is in the 100 mph wind velocity zone.
Construction and mobile home installation standards for this zone are enforced.
Gates County Subdivision Regulations, 1986
In January 1986, Gates County adopted subdivision regulations. This ordinance like the
mobile home park ordinance, emphasizes orderliness of development.The ordinance, in
addition to assigning decision -making responsibilities, establishes applications and permit
procedures and amendment and appeal mechanisms; it defines the term subdivision and
establishes minimum development standards including lot size, set backs, lot width, yard
dimensions, access, roadway standards, drainage requirements, and public facility services.
Emergency Phase of the National Flood Insurance Program
Gates County is participating in the Emergency Phase of the National Flood Insurance
Program and enforces the required precautionary regulations required by this program. The
County uses the Special Flood Hazard Boundary Maps provided by the Federal Emergency
Tags 22

gates County1993L ays*Vpdau
Management Agency and imposes specific construction standards in these flood hazard areas.
The County entered into the regular phase of the flood insurance program in 1987.
POLICIES
Rules and Regulations of the Gates County Water System
The Rules and Regulations of the Gates County Water System, in addition to governing the
operation of the system, formally state the County's policy concerning waterline extensions
and expansion of water services. The system generally provides water service to all areas of
the county.. These Rules and Regulations indirectly impose some spatial guidance for
development intensity, as the heavier users of water must be serviced by larger sized water
lines. These rules also provide a method of controlling development timing by imposing limits
to the number of customers of various use intensities that can be served by a specific size
water line.
County Health Department Septic Tank Permits
The County Health Department, in addition to the subdivision regulations and the Mobile
Home Park Ordinance, regulates development density in Gates County. The regulations of
this agency establish minimum lot sizes and minimum soil conditions for the installation of on -
site sewage disposal systems of less than 3,000 gallons. The minimum lot size for septic tank
approval in the county is 15,000 square feet for lots served by public water and 20,000 square
feet for those using on -site water supplies. These standards are county -wide minimums and
are contingent on certain soil conditions and drainage characteristics of the building site.
PLANS
CAMA Land Use Plan for Gates County, 1976
The 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan wasthe initial county land use plan prepared under the
Coastal Area Management Act. The plan provides valuable base data for referencing changes
in land uses, development patterns, and development trends in Gates County. The plan also
provides a land classification scheme for the county.
1981 CAMA Land Development Plan Update for Gates County, North Carolina, The
Ferren Planning Group, Greenville, NC
The CAMA Land Development Plan Update for Gates County was the fast five-year update
of the 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan. The plan describes the changes that took place in the
county during the five years following the 1976 plan, updates the land classification map, and
formally articulates county policy concerning specific development issues.
1986 CAMA Land Development Plan Update for Gates County, North Carolina, The
Albemarle Commission, Hertford, NC
The CAMA Land Development Plan Update for Gates County was the second five-year
update of the 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan. In preparing this plan the County attempted to
develop and articulate a policy for all issues required in the CAMA regulations which the
Tago 23

Gates cmay 1993 Landum vpdats
County deemed as pertained to the County. For those issues the County deemed not applicable
to Gates County it was so stated
Gates County Soil and Water Conservation District Long Range Plan,
Gates County Soil and Water Conservation District.
This plan provides valuable data concerning the use of non -developed lands in the county. In
Gates County, this represents most of the county's land area. The plan provides an inventory
of the agricultural and forested areas of the county, their productive potential, and their inherent
weakness. The plan also includes a general soils map of the entire county and addresses the
' county's water management, erosion, and drainage problems.
STUDIES
Comprehensive Water and Sewer Study for Gates County,
Rivers and Associates,1970
This study provide valuable information concerning the geological structure underlying Gates
County and the availability of quality ground water supplies. The study also provides a cost
estimate for providing water and sewer services for the county and establishes minimum usage
' criteria for feasible operations of the system. This plan stresses development of water and
sewer services for several of the small crossroads communities in the county.
County -Wide Water System Study,
Rivers and Associates
This is a follow-up study for providing water service in the county. This plan establishes the
feasibility of providing water service on a county -wide basis rather than by the more limited and
segmented approach used in the first study.
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GATES COUNTY: RESOURCE PROTECTION
ISSUE: CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT: AEC's -
' FINDING:
Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shoreline are the only categories of Areas of Environmental
Concern under state permitting jurisdiction located in Gates County. Other areas of
environmental concern include Fragile Areas, identified previously as the Great Dismal Swamp
and Merchants Millpond.
Of greatest concern is the Chowan River, its shoreline, and the deep wooded swamps and
wetlands that border the river. Except for Public Trust Waters, the Chowan is the only
estuarine body of water located in Gates County and the Chowan and its attendant wetlands
and shore represent all the AEC's in the County
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Gates County totally supports the efforts of the Division of Coastal Management in efforts to prevent the
further degradation of the Estuarine Resources of Gates County. Gates County has, during the process of this
Land Use Plan Update, adopted numerous policies and developed various strategies in order to assist in these
efforts The County has adopted policies concerning the use of "Best Management Practices "in forestry and
agriculture. The County has developed various regulatory measures to mitigate the impacts caused by new
' development on these areas of environmental concern. Gates County is committed to the protection of its
resources and will take what actions it deems desirable and financially feasible to protect its resources as the need
arises."
' CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as 1986 Policy.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County has recently adopted subdivision regulations governing the entire county. One of
' the requirement of this ordinance is that a certificate be placed on the face of the plat
acknowledging whether the subdivision is located totally or partially within as AEC and
requiring a CAMA permit before any construction of improvements may begin.
ISSUE: CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT: SOIL LIMITATIONS
' FINDING:
Except for the Wagram and Norfolk soils, principally located in the northern part of the county,
all of the soils in Gates. County present some limitations to development. Approximately 72%
of the land area in the county has limitations ranging from severe to moderate for light industry
development and street and road construction. The primary limitation is the extreme wetness of
' the soils, either because of a high water table or because of frequent flooding.
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ga u Cmay 19" LandUss Update
Slopes in excess of 12% do exist in the county. These generally occur along creek banks.
Erosion is not a major problem in the county, but is present and affects approximately 5,100
acres of cropland, roughly 10% of the county's total cropland.
' PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be Gates County's policy to minimize development on soils which may create hazards to health and
safety."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
' It shall be Gates County's policy to minimize development on soils which may create hazards to health and
safety; however, it shall also be the policy of the County to pursue solutions to the severe septic tank
limitation imposed by the soils in the county and shall encourage the use of alternative and non traditional
solutions to the county's sewage disposal problems.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will coordinate its subdivision permitting process with the U.S. Soil Conservation
Service and seek that agency's assistance for proper soils management.
The County shall require that all developments on soils with limitations rated as severe be
built using the most responsible construction design and management techniques possible.
' The County shall cooperate with the NC Sedimentation Control Commission to regulate
erosion control standards on construction projects in subdivisions that clear, alter, or excavate
land in excess of one acre.
ISSUE: CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT: FLOOD PRONE AREAS
FINDING:
Flooding is a severe problem in approximately 40% of the county. The affected areas exist
primarily in the flood plain of the Chowan River, along the major drainage ways feeding into
the River, and in the Dismal Swamp. Depression -like areas, while not as large or continuous as
the flood plains, intermittently exist in the upland plain area of the county.
' PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"In order to reduce any unnecessary damages to lives and property because of flooding, it is the present policy of
' Gates County to regulate development in those areas of the county that lie within the 100-year Flood Hazard
Areas, as designated on the Flood Hazard Boundary Maps provided by, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency."

CatesCmwj 19" L=dllssVpdata
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County is participating in the permanent phase of the Federal Flood Insurance Program.
' All necessary legislation for the program has been adopted, and all regulations are being
enforced.
The Gates County Subdivision Regulations require that a full contour drawing be prepared for
all subdivisions containing more than 25 lots.
ISSUE: SEPTIC TANK SUITABILITY
FINDING:
' Approximately 72% of the land area of Gates County is covered with soils which exhibit
moderate to severe limitations for septic tank usage. The primary limiting factor is the extreme
wetness of the soils, either because of the seasonally high water table or because of frequent
flooding or both. Another 4% of the county's land area has soils that drain excessively fast,
with very little filtering or absorptive capacity. Septic tanks draining into these soils pose
threats of pollution to the ground water and to nearby surface waters.
Gates County has the dubious distinction of having the greatest number of residential units
with out indoor plumbing. The solution to this problem is not easily attainable since most of
the soils in the area cannot be permitted for a septic tank. Under current State Health
' Department regulations homes with out septic tanks cannot be hooked -up to permanent water
supplies. All water discharged from the home, either "gray water" or sewage must be treated.
' PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to avoid any further contamination of the ground waters or the surface
waters in the county through negligent or faulty construction and placement of septic systems and agricultural
lagoons."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
' Gates county will continue to protect the quality of its ground water supplies particularly in
areas of primary recharge. The County will also investigate alternative technologies to use for
on -site septic treatment systems and will rely on the Division of Enviromental Health and the
Division of Environmental Management through their permitting and monitoring to safeguard
Gates County's ground and surface waters.
' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
Permits for installing septic systems must be obtained from the County Health Officer, who
shall investigate the proposed site and make an assessment as to soil suitability, space
trequirements, construction requirements, and placement of the proposed system.
The county will work closely with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service and the Division of
Environmental Management to coordinate the construction and placement of all agricultural
lagoons in the county.
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The county shall require that all requests for Subdivision Permits be submitted to the County
Health Officer and to the Soil Conservation Service for review and comment before the
tPlanning Board takes any action.
ISSUE: FRESHWATER, SWAMPS, AND MARSHES
' FINDING:
' Swamps and Marsh lands comprise approximately 40% of the County's total land acreage.
These lands are primarily in use as forests, with occasional agricultural use. These lands
present constraints to any type of development because of almost constant inundation. These
lands are integral components of the county drainage system, functioning as retaining basins
' for excess surface runoff.
In the Chowan River Basin, these swamps and marshes are traversed by streams and
waterways that have been declared nutrient sensitive by the N.C.Department of Environmental
Management. These lands are heavily forested by Gum and Cypress trees, which create a
heavy loading of nitrogen and phosphorous into the Chowan Basin. The naturally occurring
' high levels of nutrients because of this forestation reduce the dissolved oxygen content of these
waters, thus making them extremely susceptible to additional nutrient loads from urban or
agricultural uses.
' PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It has been the policy of Gates County. to cooperate with other local units of governments and
' with state and federal agencies in efforts to identify sources of pollution which result in the
annual algae bloom and its inherent problems." (CAW LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE FOR
GATES COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. FERRIN PLANNING GROUP,1980).
' CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
"Same as previous policy."
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
Gates County shall work with the N.C. Department of Environmental Management to avoid, if
possible, the location of any point source of nutrient loading in the Chowan River Basin. If
avoidance is not possible, the county will cooperate in efforts, as far as practical, to mitigate the
impact of the point source.
ISSUE: CULTURAL. AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
IFINDING:
At present the following four buildings and sites in Gates County are listed on the National
' Register.
The Old Gates Courthouse
Elwood Plantation
' Merchant's NO Pond
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Buckland
Eighty -six additional sites have been placed on the state study list for potential nomination to
' the National Register.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
' "It shall be the policy of Gates County to preserve and protect to the maximum extent practical significant
cultural and historic resources."
' CURRENT 1986 POLICIES:
Same as 1986 Policy.
' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will encourage and support the efforts of local historic preservation activities. A
recent inventory of potentially eligible structures in the county has been completed
ISSUE: MANMADE HAZARD AND NUISANCES
' FINDING:
The most prevalent manmade hazards in Gates County are related to the county transportation
network: the points of access and egress to this network; the intersection of various
components of the network; and the circulation within the network.
The manmade hazards that are second in frequency of occurrence and of degree of distribution
within the county are storage facilities for fuel, fertilizer, chemicals, and gram. Livestock
operations can be nuisances, particularly if located in close proximity to more densely
' developed residential areas.
Respondents to the 1993 land use survey overwhelming supported the development of set back
regulations as a means of mitigating the dangers of facilities storing hazardous materials.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to place adequate controls on development so as to mitigate potential
threats to public health and safety from manmade hazards."
' CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
The county will investigate the possible use of special setback requirements as a means of protecting residential
developments from the dangers associated with hazardous materials storage facilities
' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
It shall be the policy of Gates County to encourage necessary precautions at all storage sites of
' hazardous materials to ensure that nearby residents and the general public are adequately
warned of the dangers involved and, if possible, restricted from close contact with the storage
facility.
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Gates County will consult with other counties who are also experiencing the conflict between
residential uses and large livestock operations to see if anyone has developed an equitable and
acceptable solution to this problem.
ISSUE PROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLY: & THE USE OF PACKAGE
TREATMENT PLANTS
FINDING:
Failing sewage treatment systems at the schools and the prison are being remedied and should
gain compliance with their permits during the planning period All waters in Gates County that
drain into the Chowan River have been declared Nutrient Sensitive by the Division of
Environmental Management. The stated policy for the Chowan River Basin is that no point
source discharges will be permitted in this basin. All package treatment plants permitted in
Gates County must discharge into the Pasquotank River Drainage Basin.
All areas of the county are served by the Gates County Water System. The water from the
deep wells of this system is not threatened by septic effluent or discharge from package
treatment plants.
Development pressures from within the county do not at this time pose any great threat to
the County water supply. However, recent interest shown by neighboring jurisdictions in
purchasing land, installing wells and pumping facilities to transport water out of the county
to be used in other areas does cause the County great concern.
PREVIOUS 1986. POLICY:
"Subdivision or mobile home parks using package treatment plants shall meet the same density requirements as
all other subdivisions."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Gates County will use what legal means necessary to prevent large scale users, public or
private, from using an unregulated volume of water from any of the county's aquifers.. The
county will investigate and pursue regulations so the county may regulate the amount of water
removed from its aquifers from locations within the county.
The County has no policy regarding package treatment plants. If the discharge system can be
properly permitted and maintain compliance with its discharge permit.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The Gates County Planning Board shall enforce the existing provisions of the County's
Subdivision Regulations and its Mobile Home Park Ordinance.
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ISSUE: STORM WATER RUNOFF: RESIDENTIAL USES
FINDING:
Surface runoff from residential areas is not a significant problem in Gates County at this time.
The county is primarily rural, with the largest and only incorporated area being Gatesville with
a population of less than 500 persons. Almost all residential uses are located on lots of one-
half acre or more, with all having lot coverage of less than 50%. Additional drainage is often
required to lower the water table for septic tank approval These drainage ditches do collect
surface runoff, but because of the almost level terrain in the county, they often function as
holding ponds rather than storm sewers. Maximum housing density in the county as been
established at housing unit per acre
I
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PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to regulate residential subdivisions in order to prevent the overburdening
of existing waterways and drainage systems by excessive surface runoff."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as 1986 Policy.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
It is the policy of Gates County to require that a drainage plan be submitted for all major
subdivision plats before approval is granted.
ISSUE: STORM WATER RUNOFF: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
FINDING:
Agricultural runoff is the major non -point source contributor of additional nutrient loading in
the Chowan River Basin. (How much and to what extent runoff of agricultural development
in Gates County contributes to the problem has not been determined.) Indications are that
there is non -point source loading from agricultural activities in Gates County.
The Soil Conservation Service is accepting applications from farmers in the Chowan River
Basin to participate in a cost sharing grant program to reduce the impacts of agricultural runoff
in the Chowan River Basin. Last year 27 farmers in Gates County had an allocation of
$50,000 to continue this effort.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to encourage farm operations in Gates County to avail themselves of
this grant assistance and, to the maximum extent practical, to incorporate the Best Management Practices
Program recommended by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service into their fanning operations."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as 1986 Policy.
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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
■ Gates County shall use what means it deems reasonable and necessary to encourage local
farmers to use the BMP as suggested by the US Soil Conservation Service.
■ ISSUE: STORMWATER RUN-OFF- - COASTAL WETLANDS
FINDING: 17
There are no Coastal Wetlands in Gates County. This is not an issue. The Chowan River is
classified as an inland river from 300 yds. south of the US 17 Bridge outside of Windsor north
to the Virginia Line. All wetlands and swamps in Gates County are inland swamps.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
It shall be the policy of Gates County to encourage farm operations in Gates County to avail themselves of this
grant assistance and, to the maximum extent practical, to incorporate the Best Management Practices Program
recommended by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service into their farming operations.
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as 1986 Policy.
M IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
Gates County shall use what means it deems reasonable and necessary to encourage local
■ farmers to use the BMP as suggested by the US Soil Conservation Service.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None
ISSUE: FLOATING HOME AND MARINA DEVELOPMENT
FINDING:
■ The county does not consider floating homes an issue at this time.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Not an issue."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
The County, however, would be supportive of a marina development on the Chowan River
■ providing its waste disposal system could be permitted
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GATES COUNTY: RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
ISSUE: PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND
FINDINGS:
According to the Long Range Program, published by the Gates County Soil and Water
Conservation District, approximately 57,000 acres in Gates County can be considered Class 1
and Class II soils, both of which are suitable for cultivation. This is roughly 26% of the
county's land area and 16% more acres than there were harvested in 1981,the most productive
farming year since 1979.
iAny development of rural lands diminishes the land for continued agricultural use, and
generally the most desirable land for development is also the most desirable for productive
agricultural use. While some productive agricultural lands, no doubt, have been lost to
residential development, development pressures have not been severe and pose no
unreasonable or unmanageable threat to the county's productive farm lands.
While erosion is a slight problem in Gates County, there is no evidence of a significant loss of
productive agricultural lands due to negligent farming practices. The US Soil Conservation
Service regularly provides educational workshops to keep farmers informed of Best
Management Practices needed to control erosion and maintain fertility.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Gates County does not feel that its productive agricultural lands are threatened by any unreasonable or
unmanageable growth,nor by negligent farming practices. It shall be the policy of the County, however, to
encourage land owners to keep their lands in productive agricultural use."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as 1986 Policy.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
jThe County will use preferential tax treatment to encourage land owners to keep their lands in
productive agricultural use. The County will encourage the use of "Best Management
Practices" recommended by the Gates County Soil Conservation District as an ongoing
program to maintain land productivity.
ISSUE: COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND
FINDINGS:
Urban development pressures do not significantly threaten the commercial forests in Gates
County. Conversion of forest land to agricultural production is not a factor at present. The
amount of total forest land in Gates County has remained almost constant at 159,000 acres
over the past five years. The commercial forests are well managed, and reforestation is a
regular management practice.
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Gates county 1993 Lo dum vpdats
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Because the County does not consider protection of these forest lands a priority consideration,
it has chosen not to adopt a policy at this time."( 1980 CAMA Update)
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
"Same as 1986 policy."
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None
ISSUE: EXISTING AND POTENTIAL MINERAL PRODUCTION
FINDINGS:
Sands in the Beach Sand area of Gates County along the northern reaches of the Chowan River
are the only known potential mineral resource in Gates County. This resource is not actively
mined and is not threatened by urban development.
Residential or urban types of development are almost impossible in this Beach Sand area
because the low filtering capacity and high porosity of these soils make them unsuitable for
septic tank installation. Effluent perks too rapidly for filtration to take place.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"No existing or potentially marketable deposits of any mineral have been identified in Gates
County. Therefore, no policy statement on this issue is needed." (1980 CAMA UPDATE)
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
"Same as above."
ISSUE: COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHERY
FINDINGS:
Recreational fishing is popular in Gates County and provides some potential as an economic
asset. Recreational fishing licenses sold in Gates County have numbered between 850 to 1250
annually over the past 10 years, with approximately half of these licenses being sold to state
fishermen. The number of licenses sold vary greatly from year to year, and no clear growth
trend is evident.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Although no policy statement on this issue is considered necessary, the County passively
encourages commercial fishing." (1980 CAMA UPDATE)
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ga "Coway 1993 LandVssVpdam
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
"Same as previous plan."
ISSUE: OFF -ROAD VEHICLES
FINDINGS:
Off -Road vehicles are a necessary and ever present occurrence in Gates County. Tractors,
combines, cottonpickers, and four-wheel drive vehicles are essential tools for modern farming
operations.
While these vehicles frequently use the public road system and often create obstacles to traffic,
their use of the road system is necessary and an accepted practice in most counties in the state.
Motorist are aware of their use of the public thoroughfares in rural areas and should take the
necessary precautions.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
i "It shall be the policy of Gates County to urge operators of off -road vehicles to use the necessary precautions,
the required safety equipment, and common courtesy to make traveling on public thoroughfares less dangerous
and more convenient to other motorists and to the operators themselves."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as 1986 Policy.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will work with the State Highway Patrol and local agricultural agencies to inform
local operators of the proper equipment needed and necessary precautions to be taken while
using the State Road System.
ISSUE: RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT IMPACT ON ANY
RESOURCE
FINDINGS:
Residential and commercial development has been rather limited in Gates County. Farm land,
commercial forest lands, the swamps, and the shoreline are not threatened...However, the
significant growth in the Tidewater Region and the comparatively low cost of land and taxes in
Gates County has caused some local concern about increased development pressures near the
Virginia state line.
Responses in the 1993 Landuse survey indicate a general feeling among respondents that
Zoning is needed.
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GATES COUNTY: ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ISSUE: TYPES AND LOCATIONS OF DESIRED INDUSTRIES
FINDINGS•
Residents of Gates County are not anxious to become a major industrial center, however, they
do recognize moderate industrial growth as a desirable growth policy. Respondents in the
1993 land use survey expressed mixed emotions about industrial growth. While most wanted
job growth they also preferred the rural nature of the county.
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to provide assistance and support to local and regional organizations
recruiting and promoting industrial growth in the area"
ISSUE: LOCAL COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING SERVICES
FINDINGS:
Water service is the only public service provided by Gates County that is paid for by user fees.
All other county services are available and provided to all county residents.
,
Rules and Regulations of the Gates County Water System dictates the county' s policy
toward the expansion of this service. Developments that cannot be served by existing lines are
required to install their own lines.
Restrictions are placed on the number of users that can be located along the various sized lines.
In some ways, such restrictions help to guide growth since the greatest amount of growth can
best be accommodated by the larger water lines.
Roads, schools, solid waste collection, and other services provided by the county have
sufficient capacity to accommodate growth expected over the next ten years.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"The County is committed to providing the highest quality and greatest quantity of public services that its tax
revenues will allow. These services that are financed through County revenues shall be made available equally
to all citizens. Public services supported through user fees shall be extended to serve where economically
feasible and self supporting. Any development that will create burdens on the existing service system without
providing compensating revenues shall be discouraged."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
The County is committed to providing the highest quality and greatest quantity of public services that its tax
revenues will allow. These services that are financed through County revenues shall be made available equally
to all citizens. Public services supported through user fees shall be extended to serve where economically
feasible and self supporting. Any development that will create burdens on the existing service system without
providing compensating revenues shall be discouraged. The County is also committed to protecting those
natural resources that make the provision of these services possible with every available legal means.
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qaW Counh! I993 LandVse'tlpdate
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Gates County to use the existing development controls that it now has to regulate the
development impacts on the county's resources. In the event that these controls seem insufficient, the County
shall adopt what additional controls it deems necessary."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Gates County shall investigate the need of a Zoning ordinance to control incompatibility
problems among competing land uses.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County Building Inspector shall continue to enforce the North Carolina Building Code,
The Gates County Mobile Home Park Ordinance, and the County's Subdivision Regulations.
The County will rely on the North Carolina Departments of Health and Environmental
Management to enforce regulations concerning waste water disposal in the county.
ISSUE: INDUSTRIAL IMPACT ON ANY RESOURCE
FINDINGS:
The major industries in Gates County are fanning and forestry. Both are being managed to maintain
future productivity. Industrial development impact on resources is not an issue in Gates County. The
only major manufacturing operations in the county is Dalure Fashions with 70 employees, located in
Gatesville. This plant at Gatesville causes no negative impact on any resource.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"rbis is not an issue."
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as 1986 Policy.
ISSUE: PEAT AND PHOSPHATE MINING IMPACT ON ANY RESOURCE
FINDING:
Presently, neither peat nor phosphate mining are taking place in the county. If this should
become an issue in the future, steps will be taken at the appropriate time to address this issue.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
This is not an issue.
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as 1986 Policy.
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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County Manager shall continue to administer the the rules and regulations of the county
water system.
ISSUE: TYPES OF URBAN GROWTH PATTERNS DESIRED
FINDINGS:
Gates County residents do not articular) desire anurban growth,regardless of its pattern.
In every land use plan and update prepared for Gates County, has been the expressd desire
of Gates County to maintain and preserve the uncomplicated rural character of the county.
Gates County has several factors working in its favor that assist in maintaining the rural
character of its development:
1) Low population densities leave an abundance of space for scattered single-family
residential development.
2) Soil limitations and subdivision regulations limit the size of lots to a minimum of
40,000 square feet.
3) The extensive paved secondary and primary mad system in the county provides more
than adequate all-weather access to scattered rural type developments.
4) The availability of public water service to all areas of the county encourages an even
distribution of development.
5) The Rules and Regulations of the Gates County Water System controls the number of
users that can be served by the differently sized waterlines in the System.
Development may tend to concentrate in or near existing crossroad communities since
these communities are served by larger water lines. Allowable development densities,
however, are the same for all areas of the county.
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
"The County will limit development to that which can be accommodated by existing water lines."
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County Manager will continue to administer and enforce diligently the "Rules and
Regulations of the Gates County Water System."
The County shall enforce the minimum lot size requirements of its present subdivision
regulations.
Subdivision densities shall not increase through the use of package treatment plants.
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Gates County also strongly supports the following Federal and State programs:
Community Development Block Grant
Rural Development Agency
Farmers Home Administration
Soil and Conservation Fund
ISSUE: CHANNEL MAINTENANCE AND BEACH NOURISHMENT
FINDINGS:
This is not an issue in Gates County.
ISSUE: ENERGY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT
FINDINGS:
Gates County considers very remote the possibility that an energy facility would be located in
Gates County. The water discharge from such facilities would not be permitted in the
Chowan River Basin and the water needs could not be supplied from the Pasquotank River
Basin.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
.. No policy on this issue is considered necessary. However, should this become an issue
in the future, a policy will be developed at the appropriate time" (1980 CAMA Land
Development Plan Update for Gates County).
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as in previous plan.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None needed
ISSUE: TOURISM, WATERFRONT ACCESS, AND ESTUARINE ACCESS
FINDINGS:
The Gates County waterfront consists of about three miles of deep, wooded swamp along the
Chowan River. Septic tanks cannot be permitted in most of the area. It lies within the flood
plain, it contains an AEC, and it contains 404 wetlands. The likelihood of any
development occurring along the waterfront is severely limited
Tourism in Gates County is not a major factor in the local economy. Attractions include fishing
and hunting, local historical sites, and Merchant's Millpond State Park. Merchant's Millpond
State Park is basically undeveloped and is not a major tourist attraction. However, the master
plan for.the park proposes facilities to accommodate 1,750 day users and 800 overnight users
per day.
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Should development pressures increase in particular areas, the county will consider zoning
controls, large lot agricultural zones, and whatever other regulations it deems necessary to
maintain its preferred rural character.
ISSUE: REDEVELOPMENT OF DEVELOPED AREAS
FINDINGS:
The developed communities in Gates County are very small, and generally most buildings
being used are well maintained. There are, however, a number of vacant buildings that have
suffered from neglect and a few occupied dwelling units in each community that could stand
some repairs and improvements.
Concentrated areas in need of redevelopment are very small and generally do not create any
great eyesores in the communities.
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
"It will be the County's policy to do what is practical to ensure that all county residents have decent, safe, and
sanitary housing."
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The county will consider requesting a planning assistance grant from the Division of
Community Assistance to assess the extent of needed redevelopment and its location.
The County Building Inspector shall enforce all applicable regulations of its North Carolina
Building Code.
ISSUE: COMMITMENT TO STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
FINDINGS:
Gates County currently uses several federal and state programs. It is difficult to. see how the
county tax base could maintain existing services and facilities without state and federal
assistance. Gates County, however, claims the right to pick and choose the non -mandatory
federal or state programs in which it shall participate and to express its criticism of mandatory
programs it does not feel are in the best interest of its residents.
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
"The County shall continue to cooperate on all state and federal actions that would benefit the residents of
Gates County and shall let their objections be known should it feel that state and federal policies are not in the
best interest of its citizens."
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
Support the North Carolina Department of Transportation in their efforts to upgrade US 13,
US 158, NC 32 and 37 in Gates County and strongly supports any efforts to construct an
interstate link between Norfolk and Raleigh that is easily accessible to county residents.
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' gates county 1993 Landva vpdab
The North Carolina Department of Wildlife now maintains a public boat ramp at the end of
unimproved State Road 1111. The only other existing public access point to the Chowan River
is at the end of State Road 1131 (the discontinued segment of old US 13 across the river from
Winton, North Carolina).
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
"Where access is available, it is available to the public. Therefore, Gates County considers it
unnecessary to adopt a policy on water access" (1980 C"A Land Development Plan
Update for Gates County).
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as 1981 Policy statement
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None needed
ISSUE: TYPES OF DENSITIES, LOCATION OF ANTICIPATED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
NECESSARY TO SUPPORT SUCH DEVELOPMENT
FINDINGS:
Development densities are controlled by the Health Department and the Gates County
Subdivision Regulations. For development not controlled by the Subdivision Regulations, the
minimum lot size in the county is one acre This lot minimum is uniform all over the county and
controls septic tank installations of less than 3,000 gallons. The Department of Environmental
Management controls developments with greater wastewater discharges; however, the
minimum lot size will not be less than one acre.
The Gates County Subdivision Regulations require minimum lot sizes of not less than one
acre. This is also a uniform policy enforced in all portions of the County.
Water service is available to all portions of the county. No new extensions are planned. All
new development must provide for their own water supply, either by developing their own or
by tapping on to the County System. New subdivisions wishing to use County Water Service
must install their own water lines to serve their developments.
PREVIOUS 1986 POLICY:
"Gates County will continue to use its existing regulations to control development densities and extensions of
water service."
■ CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
Same as previous policy.
( IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
Gates County will continue to enforce the provisions of its Subdivision Regulations.
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Data ca may 1993 LandVss vpdatr
The County Manager will continue to enforce and administer the "Rules And Regulations of the
Gates County Water System".
The County will continue to rely on the County Health Officer to regulate the densities of
development not covered by existing County regulations.
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STORM HAZARD MITIGATION,
POST=DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN
The purpose of this section is two fold:
1) to assist the county in managing development in those areas most likely to suffer
damages from a severe storm or hurricane and
2) to reduce the risk to life and property from future hurricanes.
High winds, flooding, intense wave action, and coastline erosion are the four physical forces of a
severe storm or hurricane that create threats to life and property. Flooding claims the most lives
during severe storms or hurricanes; high winds cause the most property damage. Only by identifying
those areas in the county most likely to suffer damage from any of these forces or combination of
these forces can a community develop a meaningful storm mitigation plan.
Using the planning scenario recommended in BEFORE THE STORM: Managing Development
to Reduce Hurricane Damages, by McElyea, Brower,and Godschalk, the community can identify
the areas most likely to sustain storm damages and make a vulnerability assessment of the identified
storm hazard area. The vulnerability assessment includes the severity and magnitude of risk in each
storm hazard area. The following chart taken from BEFORE THE STORM outlines the procedure
and the sequence of steps used in the storm hazard mitigation process.
Mapping Hazard Area
a
Vulnerability
ntify Severity of Risk I (Identify Magnitude of
In Each Hazard Area in Each Hazard Are:
Inventory Land Use Assess
Inventory Structure
Identifying Mitigation Needs
evlewing
Current Measure
Poor Coveranel 113oor Enforcement
IReviewing I
Alfarneflua Monett•
Implementation I
Monitoring
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STORM HAZARD AREA
The following Composite Hazard Map indicates those areas in Gates County most likely to sustain
damage from flooding and other water related hazards, such as wave action and shore erosion. The
map is a composite of the flood hazard areas indicated on Slosh Maps prepared by NC Division of
Emergency Management and of identified Areas of Environmental Concern located in the county. All
of the county is assumed to be susceptible to wind damage, so this area is not mapped.
VULNERABILITY
Vulnerability of an area is measured by both the severity and magnitude of risk. The severity ranking
is based on the number of physical forces likely to affect a particular identified storm hazard area. The
rankings suggested by McElyea, Brower, and Godschalk is a scale from 1 to 4. Areas likely to receive
damage from all four physical forces of a hurricane are ranked as 1; those receiving only wind
damage are ranked as 4. The magnitude of risk is based on the population and the number and value
of developed properties in the storm hazard areas. ,
Severity of Risk
The table below ranks the severity of risk associated with the identified storm hazard areas in
the county and the physical forces affecting the different areas.
RISK TABLE FOR HAZARD AREAS
EXPOSURE TO DAMAGING FORCES
HAZARD AREA
SEVERITY1 EROSION I WAVE IFLOODING1
HIGH
RANK ACTION
WIND
PUBLIC TRUST
WATERS
4 +
+
FLOOD HAZARD
AREA
3 0 +
+
REST OF
COMMUNITY
4
+
Exposure Level. (+) High, (0 ) Moderate, (#) Low
Magnitude of Risk
As the Risk Table shows, severe storms and hurricanes most seriously affect the special flood
hazard areas in the county. The boundaries of these designated areas are only temporary.
Gates County is in the emergency phase of the National Flood Insurance Program. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency has notified the County that elevation maps for the
regular phase of the Program are being prepared and should be available before the end of the
year. The county sustains damages from high winds, flooding and erosion. Damage to
property from flooding will be negligible as most of the flood hazard areas are located in deep
wooded swamps essentially uninhabited. Property damage is much more likely to be inflicted
by wind damage. The most recent storm damage suffered in Gates was in 1985 when a series
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of tornados touched down in the county. According to the county manager wind damage from
these tornados was estimated at $5,000,000, with much of the damage being timber losses.
Flood Hazard Areas
The special flood hazard areas designated by FEMA in Gates County are the wooded swamps
and marsh areas along the Chowan River and the bottom land surrounding the major creeks
and streams in the county. These areas are essentially undeveloped except for an occasional
abandoned agricultural building. Forests and forestryare the primary land uses and activities
in these areas. Occasional flooding will not damage the forests and will cause only minor
inconveniences or delay to most forestry activities.
Public Trust Waters
Public trust waters are the only areas of environmental concern in the county. Merchants Mill
Pond State Park is one component of this AEC category that could be greatly altered by severe
storm flooding. However, storms and flooding are natural occurrences that, no doubt, had a
great deal of influence on the development of the Mill Pond; so to say that NO Pond would be
damaged may be the wrong terminology. The worse that could happen to the pond is that it
would again be altered.
The Rest of the Community
High winds cause most of the property damage in Gates County, simply because they affect all
properties. Damage is of two types: 1) direct wind damage, and 2) indirect wind damage from
downed trees, wind -born debris, and downed utility lines. Wind damage potential increases
almost exponentially as the number_ of mobile homes in the county increases.
Evacuability
There are no evacuation problems in Gates County. The county has no Emergency
Management Evacuation Plan at this time; however, an Emergency Management Coordinator
has recently been appointed to prepare such a plan.
Shelters
The County provides shelter for evacuees from areas where forced evacuation has
occurred. The County. Designated Emergency is the Cates County Community Center.
POLICY STATEMENTS: STORM HA7.ARD MITIGATION
ISSUE: Mitigation of Storm Damage From High Winds , Flooding, Wave Action, and Erosion
FINDINGS:
County areas affected by the various storm hazards are as follows:
Hazard Area Affected
High Wind Entire County
Flooding 100-year Flood Hazard Area / Public Trust Waters
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Erosion Shorelines of Public Trust Waters & Flood Hazard Areas
The greatest collective damage is from wind damage because the whole county is affected. Most
seriously affected developed areas are those with property improvements in flood plains areas.
Greatest risk potentials are the Flood Hazard Areas.
CURRENT 1993 POLICY:
"It will be the policy of Gates County to enforce all controls and regulations it deems
necessary to mitigate the risk of severe storms and hurricanes to life and property."
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
1) High Winds
Gates County will follow and support the N.C. State Building Codes and their requirements
regarding design for high velocity winds. The County also supports requirements for mobile
homes such as tiedowns that help reduce wind damage. Gates County enforces construction and
mobile home installation standards for 100-mph winds.
2) Flooding
Gates County will support the hazard mitigation elements of the National Flood Insurance
Programs. Gates County supports regulations regarding elevation and flood -proofing of buildings
and utilities. The county also supports CAMA and 404 Wetland Development Permit processes.
3) Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion
These are not issues.
POST DISASTER AND RECOVERY PLAN
Gates County proposes the following Disaster Recovery Plan as a general outline of the procedures the
County will follow in the event of a major disaster. The plan.includes a timetable for carrying out
recovery activities and a list of personnel who will be responsible for each component of the plan.
PURPOSE:
This plan has been developed to provide for an orderly and coordinated recovery and
reconstruction of areas of Gates County suffering the effects of a major disaster. The
underlying goals of this plan are to minimize the hardships to affected residents, to restore and
initiate reconstruction in a timely manner, and to reduce or eliminate any bottlenecks in securing
Federal or State Disaster Assistance.
ORGANIZATION:
The Board of County Commissioners will function as the Gates County Recovery Task Force.
The mission of the task force is to direct and control recovery activities and to formulate
recovery policies as needed
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SUPPORT TEAM:
The County Commissioners will designate the following Recovery Support Team to assist in
the implementation of this plan. The mission of the support team is to provide personnel and
resources for the implementation of recovery activities as directed by the Recovery Task Force.
SUPPORT TEAM COMPOSMON AND RESPONSTBiLITTES:
Gates County Manager: To manage, control, and coordinate the efforts of the support
team.
Sheriff: To provide additional surveillance in the disaster area; to locate obstructions to
traffic; and to advise the County Manager of the location of downed transmission lines,
ruptured water lines, etc.
' Tax Supervisor: To provide and direct personnel in carrying out damage assessment; to
prepare damage assessment reports for the Recovery Task Force; and to revise
property records.
Building Inspector: To assemble personnel and to conduct a survey of structural conditions
in the disaster area; to coordinate actions with the Tax Supervisor, and to prepare
structural damage reports and classifications of damages.
Social Services Director: To provide personnel to assist in fording shelter for persons
who are homeless; to assist applicants in requesting aid from various state and federal
agencies providing disaster relief.
County Health Officer: To conduct damage assessment of on -site water supplies and
sewage disposal systems; to prepare damage reports; and to make recommendations
concerning restoration and reuse of on -site systems.
Water Service Director: To conduct assessment of public utilities; to assemble personnel
j for clean up; and to organize and direct the restoration of public utility service.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Recovery activities will consist of two types: preplanned activities that can begin immediately or as
soon as is reasonably possible after the storm has passed; and long-term, permanent reconstruction
activities that will be begun once the extent of the damage is known.
_IMMEDIATE ACTION:
1) Declare a moratorium on all repairs and development
2) Begin clean-up and debris removal
3 Coordinate the restoration and repair of electrical service to affected areas
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(;ausCm ay 19" LandUmVpdats
4)
Begin Emergency repairs of essential public facilities
5)
Maintain additional surveillance and extra security measures in affected areas
6)
Deploy assessment teams
7)
Prepare assessment reports
These immediate actions should be completed within ten days of the storm event.
LONG TERM
RECONSTRUCTION ACTIONS:
8)
Evaluate, classify, and map damages
9)
Review of moratorium decision
10)
Establish priorities for public facilities repair
11)
Submit damage report to State and Federal agencies
12)
Notify affected property owners of damage classifications and required repairs
13)
Lift moratorium on repairs not requiring permits
14)
Lift moratorium on siting of replacement mobile homes
15)
Lift moratorium on conforming structures requiring major repairs
16)
Assist affected property owners with damage registration and filing request for
disaster relief
17)
Negotiate with owners needing improvements to on -site water and sewage
g PmP�i' g P g
systems
18)
Lift moratorium on repairs and new development
The duration of the reconstruction and recovery period will depend on the nature and extent of the
storm damage.
Repairs of minor structural damages should be able to commence. within two weeks of
the storm event.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
As soon as possible after the storm, the assessment teams will be deployed to measure the extent and
nature of the damages and to classify structural damages to individual structures. The inspection teams
'will consist of the County Building Inspector, the County Health Officer, and the Director of the
County Water System.
The assessment will not be detailed, but will provide an initial overview of the scope of storm
damages, an inventory of affected properties, and preliminary assessments of the extent of damages to
individual structures. Detailed inspections are being sacrificed in an effort to save time in beginning
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Gates Cmmty 1993 LaadU" -Updaw
restoration activities and in securing disaster relief from various State and Federal Agencies offering
financial assistance.
DAMAGE CLASSIFICATIONS
Structural damages will be classified in the following manner.
Destroyed if estimated repair costs exceed 75% of assessed value
Major Repairs if estimated repair costs exceed 30% of assessed value
Minor Repair if estimated repair costs are less than 30% of assessed
value
RECONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
In general, all units requiring major repairs and all new construction shall comply with all
development regulations in force at the time repair or new construction is initiated. This shall include
compliance with all provisions of the building code governing construction in 100 mph wind velocity
zones, all regulations concerning development in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas, and all
Health Department Regulations regarding on -site septic systems.
The lone exception to this general rule concerns the application of development restrictions on affected
residential lots smaller than one acre (the minimum lot size required by the County Health Department).
Where structures on these substandard sized lots have been classified as either "destroyed" or requiring
"Major Repair" as a result of the storm damage, the County shall make a determination concerning
reconstruction and reuse with or without improvements to the on -site disposal system on a case basis.
DEVELOPMENT MORATORIA
The immediate development moratoria will remain in effect until the assessment reports are completed
and the scope and nature of the storm damage has been fully reviewed by the County Commission.
The County Commission at that time may rescind or extend the duration of the moratoria based on
their assessment of the situation. Such decisions of the Commission may affect all or any portion of
the county.
The purpose of the immediate moratoria is basically to relieve the work burden of the support team
during the initial phase of the recovery period.
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1992
COMPOSITE HAZARD MAP
Gates County, North Carolina
Gates . ;
Gatesville
r—T
FLOOD HAZARD ZONE
Corapeake
r
i Great
Dismal
Sunbury
`�111�1: ilk.
1 and
Swamp
�� j
it f� of We n"t m floral L /rt tio�
lle gut pow q tr Wth mono MW 1rr�rt Act
of Wz v UWK *M i. �trw by tr offla of
deem ■d CMW f WPUML Ir i" NorMe
(- � ad dho�phdie AMntetrettea.

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gat" Cmmty 1993 LandUse Update
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND MAP: GATES COUNTY
The policy statements and implementation strategies stated in this plan are then applicable to areas
of the county containing resources that have been identified for protection or development. The land
classification system is not a regulatory instrument, but a general application guide for the county's
growth policy.
Land Classification Map
The land classification map provided here gives local governments and the general public a
convenient reference for identifying those geographic areas of the county designated for specified
types, levels, and patterns of development.
Land Classes
The CAMA land classification system contains seven broad development classifications:
developed, urban transitional, limited transitional, community, rural, rural with services and
conservation. This system emphasizes the timing of development of growth rather than the
establishment of severe use restrictions. Only three classes apply to Gates County
Land Classes in Gates County
Community:
Rural With Services:
CAMA regulations define the community district as mixed use,
low -intensity, clustered development generally associated with
rural crossroads communities.
In Gates County, the areas designated as community are all
existing crossroads communities that exhibit clustering; this is
essentially all land areas with more than three adjacent
minimum -sized lots of record. The minimum lot size in the
county is one acre.
These areas include all existing crossroads and platted
subdivisions not included in the developed or transitional
classifications.
The stated purpose of the rural with Services district is "to
provide for very low density land uses ... where limited
water services are provided to avert an existing or projected
health problem."
All County lands not designated as Conservation or
Community are designated as Rural with Services. The
County has provided public water service, generally, to all
areas of the county.
Page 50

Gatei County 1993 LandVis'Updats
Conservation:
The stated purpose of the conservation class is "to provide for
effective long-term management and protection of significant,
limited, or irreplaceable areas" [NCAC 15: 7B .0204 (d)
(5)(A)].
In Gates County, conservation areas include all areas of
environmental concern designated by CAMA, all 404 wetlands,
all Storm Hazard Areas identified on the Composite Hazard
Map, and all areas below the 100-year flood elevation.
All land uses that can be perrlritted under the existing regulations
of the various state, federal, and local governmental agencies
with jurisdiction are allowed in the conservation district.
The Great Dismal Swamp is under federal control over which
the county has no jurisdiction; therefore no land classification
area is assigned
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
LOCAL POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
All policies developed during this planning process and formally stated in this document have
consistently emphasized the County's intent of relying on existing local development regulations and
on the various state and federal agencies with jurisdiction.
The land classification system provided in this document makes no restrictions on land use. Any
development is permitted on any site if such development complies with existing local regulations and
with the various permit requirements of the state and federal agencies with jurisdiction.
INTER -GOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
The Gates County land use update also establishes the policies and the land classification system for
the Town of Gatesville.
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Appendix 1
LAND USE OPINION SURVEY
Gates County is in the process of updating its land use plan. This plan is intended to provide a
framework to guide decisions concerning future growth and development, land use, public facility
expansions, and public service delivery. Your answers to this survey will be used in formulating
this plan.
Total Responding 287
OPINION SURVEY
Gates County, 1991-1992
Background Information
1. In which township do you live? (Check One)
(72) Gatesville (35) Hall (25) Haslet (60) Holly Grove
(18) Hunters Mill (23) Mintonsville (39) Reynoldson
2. What is your Zip Code?
3. What is your, race,
and age group?
159 White
116 Black
Age Group
0 15-19
179 30-39 17 60-64
4 20-24
54 40-55 65-70
35 25-29
0_55-59 75+
4. How large is your household?
1 Person 21 2 Persons
191 3-4 Persons 75 5 or more persons
5. How long have you lived in Gates County?
47 Less than 5 years
38 5-10 years
196 More than 10 years
6. Do you live in a mobile home? 114 Yes No
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gar" co" 1993 f="Uss'Updau
7. Where are you employed?
76 Gates County 20 Franklin, Va 31 _ Suffolk, Va.
3_ Hertford County 3 Pasquotank Co. 5 Chowan County
18 Newport News, Va 67 Other 6 Unemployed
8. Are you self employed? 20 Yes No
9. Do you farm? 6_ Yes No
10. If you do farm, is farming your primary source of income? 2_Yes No
Land Use Questions
Indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following questions
Strongly Strongly
agree Disagree
11. Gates County should preserve the 1 2 3 4 5
uncomplicated rural character of the 115 50 81 17 13
county.
Strongly
agree
12. Commercial development should be 1
concentrated in existing crossroad 73
communities.
Strongly
13. Commercial development should be
agree
1
permitted at any location along US 158,
81
US 13, NC 32 and NC 37.
Strongly
14. The County's existing 1 Acre
agree
1
minimum lot size for residential lots
83
establishes the appropriate residential
density for Gates County.
Strongly
15. The 1 Acre minimum lot size is too
agree
1
small and needs to be increased.
49
Strongly
16. Residential density should be
agree
1
established by Health Department
75
regulations governing septic tank
installations rather than an arbitrary
minimum.
Strongly
Disagree
2
3
4
5
46
88
20
22
Strongly
Disagree
2
3
4
5
46
77
21
40
Strongly
Disagree
2
3
4
5
50
71
27
42
2 3
27 45
2 3
46 89
Strongly
Disagree
4 5
44 112
Strongly
Disagree
4 5
23 39
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gazes coway 1993 Lardvae 4lpdats
Strongly
agree
17. A county wide standard lot size of 1 1
Acre is inappropriate; a lower density of 40
3 to 5 acres may be more appropriate
for some areas of the County.
18. Gates County should develop zoning
districts to establish the appropriate
densities for the differing areas of the
county and to direct commercial and
industrial development to the most
appropriate locations.
19. Gates County should provide some
means to protect residential areas from
the nuisance and hazards of large live
stock operations.
20. Gates County should provide some
means to protect large livestock
operations from the intrusion of
residential subdivision development:
21. Gates County should establish
special setback regulations for
hazardous storage facilities.
22. Gates County should provide
additional public access to its rivers and
waterways for recreational use.
23. Septic tank suitability of the soils in
the county is the greatest limitation to
housing development. The County
should explore alternative methods of
sewage treatment and disposal.
Strongly
Disagree
2 3 4 5
45 67 29 94
Strongly
Strongly
agree
Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
89
65
69
18
26
Strongly
Strongly
agree
Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
95
60
83
22
22
Strongly
Strongly
agree
Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
97
68
74
20
11
Strongly Strongly
agree Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
172 50 40 9 7
Strongly Strongly
agree Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
131 43 67 24 15
Strongly Strongly
agree Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
139 52 54 15 19
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24. The aquifer supplying the Gates
County Water System is the highest
quality in the state. The raw water
requires very little treatment prior to
distribution. The County should
establish special methods to protect
areas where recharge of this aquifer
occur.
25. Gates County should investigate what
legal methods are available to prevent
excessive use of this water supply from
other private or public entities.
Strongly Strongly
agree Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
133 74 54 7 2
Strongly Strongly
agree Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
110 73 67 13 9
26. Existing Subdivision Regulations require a minimum lot size of one acre, a minimum lot width o:
100 feet at the building line, and minimum side yards of 10 feet. These minimum lot dimensions often
result in 100X430' lots. Frequently structures wider than 70' are erected or placed on the lots leaving ve
Narrow side yards. These side yards may also contain drainage ditches required for septic tank placeme
too often the result is side yards too narrow for adequate accessibility by fire fighting equipment.
Which of the following remedies do you think is most appropriate for the problem described above?
(Check One)
79 A. Require wider lots.
19 B. Require wider lots.
3- C. Require wider side yards.
118 D. Require a combination of wider side yards and wider lots.
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