Land Use Plan-1976

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HYDE COUNTY
Land Use Plan
LAMA
1976
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P&SI-351
Memorandum
To: Planning and Special Issues Committee
From: John Crew
Subj: Hyde County Land Use Plan Amendment
Date: 8 January 19.91
At its 7 January 1991 public hearing the Hyde County Board of Commissioners
voted to amend their 1987 CRC approved land use plan.
The amendment dealt with a change to the Rural land classification definition.
The change adds language to include various public uses within the rural class
as long as the environmental integrity of a particular site is maintained. The
local amendment adds the following language to the rural definition. "Other
valid public uses such as solid waste disposal sites, energy generating
facilities, health care facilities, airports etc. are also appropriate within
the rural class when sited in an environmentally suitable fashion in accordance
with applicable state and federal environmental regulations."
The amendment is being sought to accommodate a proposed rural health care
facility. The language being proposed by the county is similar to that which is
presently included in the current planning guidelines.
Staff recommends certification of this plan amendment.

P&sI-348
Memorandum
To: Planning and Special•Issues Committee
rom: John Crew
Subj: Hyde County Land Use Plan Amendment
Date: 5 November 1990
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services proposed Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife
Refuge will affect parts of several coastal counties including Hyde. The Hyde
County Board of Commissioners has decided that continued federal wildlife refuge
expansion will have some negative effects on its tax base, and has developed a
policy in opposition to continued expansion.
At its local public hearing held on 5 November the Hyde County commissioners
adopted the following policy on the issue:
"The county recognizes the importance to the region, state and nation of the
Federal Wildlife Reserves within Hyde County. These reserves provide habitats
for nuerous species of animals and plant lifeand contribute to the local tourist
economy. However, the county also recognizes that additional takeover and
management of economically productive lands such as agricultural and forest
lands for additional or expansion of wildlife reserves could take lands out of
the local ad valorem tax base, and the county is concerned of the possible
effect this may have on the local tax base. For this reason the County's policy
is that of opposition to any expansion of federal wildlife reserves that preempt
economically productive lands within Hyde County."
Staff has reviewed the amendment and finds it within the policy options
available to local governments and recommends certification of this locally
adopted land use plan amendment.

r�5i - Ilya
Memorandum
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fb: Planning & Special Issues Committee
From: John Crew
Subj: Hyde County LUP Amendment: OCS Activities
Date: 11 September 1989
As you know, the Hyde County Land Use Plan consists of two parts, one for
Ocracoke and one for the mainland. The Hyde County Board of Corroissioners held
a public hearing on 21 August 1989 in both Swan Quarter and Ocracoke to consider
an amendment to its land use plan. The amendment deals with a change to two
required policies; types and location of desired industry and energy facilities
siting.
The amendment is being sought in response to proposed OCS activities by Mobil Oil
and is identical to the amendment Dare County recently adopted, and CRC certified
at the July meeting.
At its 5 September meeting, the Hyde County Commissioners voted to approve the
amendment for Ocracoke Island only. No change was made to the mainland portion
of the plan. The amendment as adopted is as follows:
Hyde County is opposed to the development of any petrochemical energy facility
or related improvement within its jurisdictional lands or waters. This includes
all structures., operations, and activities associated with petrochemical energy
facility development, such as, but not limited to, on -shore support bases for
off -shore exploration activities, staging areas, transmission and/or production
pipelines, pipeline storage yards, and other similar structures, activities,
and improvements related to petrochemical energy facility development, exploration,
or production. Hyde County supports research and development of non -fossil
fuel alternatives for energy production.
Staff has reviewed the locally adopted amendment, found it consistent with Land
Use Planning Guidelines and within the county's policy options for these issues.
Staff recommends certification of the amendment.

P&SI-216
4/3/86
Memo To: Planning & Special Issues Committee
From: John Crew
Re: Hyde County Land Use Plan Amendment
Date: 25 March 1986
On 24 March 1986 the Hyde County Board of Commissioners adopted an amendment
to its 1981 land use plan. The amendment was a land classification map change
from the rural to the transition class. The site is located in the eastern
part of the county adjacent to White Plains Marina and the portion to be
developed is approximately 34 acres.
The amendment is being sought to acccnanodate a 144 multi family unit development
known as White Plains Hunting Club. The proposal includes the provision of county
water and a private package waste treatment system.
This amendment deals with a reclassification to permit higher intensity development
which necessitates urban type services. As such a service demand supply analysis
will be discussed at the April meeting.

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A. LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
FOR
HYDE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
MAY, 1976
IN ACCORDANCE WITH:.
THE 1974 NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL.AREA'MANAGEMENT ACT
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THE PREPARATION OP THIS DO UMENT.-.WA .FINANCED IN PART 'THROUGH
A PLANNING G ANT PROM `FHE`�ATIONAL V.CEANOGRAPHIC AND
ATMOSPHwER4C . rDMI N I STRATI.ON
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THIS REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR THE RESIDENTS OF
HYDE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
BOARD OF COMA SS IONERS
J. B. Berry, Chairman
Eddie O'Neal Mitchell P. Newman
Clifford Swindell, County Coordinator
LAND USE COORDINATING COMITTEE
Leon Ballance
Charlie Carawan
Howard Clayton
Bennett Emory
Hank Harvey
H. L. Ballance
Kirby Ballance
Billy Batchelor
John H. Brickhouse
Robert Bryant
Carl Cahoon
Joyce Carawan
Roy Clarke
Edward Lee Clayton
Scot Coble
Jimmy Dunbar
Alex Eley
David Esham
C. J. Gibbs
Lee Dale Gray
June Liverma.n
Richard Mann
David O'Neal, Sr.
Betty Potter
COUNTY LAND USE COMMITTEE
Don Green
Phillip Greene
Morgan Harris
Donald Harris
Wade Hubers
Al Hubers
Elmer Hubers
Tommy Jones
Bill Lawrence
Pat Leigh
Leewood Lupton
Dan McInnis
George O'Neal
James Roberts
PROJECT STAFF:
Robert H. Loomis, Community Planner
Debra Ingalls, Secretary
Mary Noe, Secretary
Patricia Sheppard, Secretary
Danny Smith, Draftsman
Mike Yount, Draftsman
Roger Shannon
Joe L. Simons
Ben Simmons
Leonard Smith
Ross Smith
Ben Smith
Betty Spencer
Gratz Spencer
Roger A. Spencer
R. S. Spencer
Roland Tooley
Frank Wardlow
Thurman Whitley
Joe Williams
Jack Willis
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• TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC
Cover Page
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Maps
+ List of Figures
Introduction
Existing Conditions
Population
Economy
Existing Land Use
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Implications for the Future
Areas Likely to Experience Growth -
Current Plans and Policies
Water Facilities
Transportation
Recreation
Open Space
Land Use Plans
Land Use Policies-
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Zoning Ordinance
Subdivision Regulations
Floodway Ordinances
Building Codes
Septic Tank Regulations
Historic District Regulations
Nuisance Regulations
Dune Protection Ordinances
Sedimentation Codes
Environmental Impact Statement Ordinances
Public Participation
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Future Population, Economic Trends,,
Housing and Services
Conservation of Natural Resources
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PAGE
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34
37
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39
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Protection of Natural Environments
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Land Use Objectives, Policies and Standards
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Public Participation Program
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Constraints Upon Development
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Physical Limitations
69
Natural Hazard Areas
70
Soil Limitations
74
Water Supply Areas
79
Fragile Areas
82
Coastal Wetlands
83
Estuarine Waters
87
Public Trust Waters
90
Remnant Species
94
Complex Natural Areas
97
Areas With Resource Potential
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Prime Agricultural Lands
98
Drainage
101
Mineral Sites
112
Public Forests and Parks
113
Capacity of Community Facilities
117
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Sewage System
118
Water Facilities
119
School Facilities
120
Primary Roads
124
Estimated Demand
127
Population Projections
127
Carrying Capacity
131
Economic Projections
132
Future Land Needs
136
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Residential
136
Commercial
138
Industrial
139
Agricultural
140
Forestry
140
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Future Community Facilities
142
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Plan Description 145
Land Classification System 146
Areas of Environmental Concern
Coastal Wetlands
Estuarine Waters
Public Trust Waters
Natural Hazard Areas
Complex Natural Areas
9 Conclusion
Bibliography
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167
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Number
Page Number
TABLE I
HYDE COUNTY POPULATION 1900 - 1970
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TABLE II
HYDE COUNTY 1970 POPULATION
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DISTRIBUTION
TABLE III
POPULATION BY TOWNSHIP AND AGE GROUP
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TABLE IV
MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME
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TABLE V
FAMILIES BY POVERTY STATUS
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TABLE VI
COUNTY .LABOR FORCE
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TABLE VII
HYDE COUNTY HOUSING UNITS
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TABLE VIII
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION 1960 - 1970
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TABLE IX
HYDE COUNTY RETAIL SALES
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TABLE X
HYDE COUNTY COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND
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TABLE XI
HYDE COUNTY SOIL INTERPRETATIONS
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TABLE XII
HYDE COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS
128
TABLE XIII
HYDE COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS
129
BY TOWNSHIPS
TABLE XIV
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE, PERCENT
133
EMPLOYMENT BY ACTIVITY
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LIST OF MAPS
Map Number
Description
Page Number
MAP
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LOCATION OF HYDE COUNTY
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MAP
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TOWNSHIPS WITHIN HYDE COUNTY
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MAP
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WATER SERVICE AREAS
41
MAP
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FISHING WATERS OF HYDE COUNTY
56
MAP
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SHORE EROSION FOR HYDE COUNTY
72
MAP
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COUNTY SOILS DISTRIBUTION
76
MAP
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FRAGILE AREAS
84
MAP
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CLOSED FISHING WATERS
88
MAP
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STREAM CLASSIFICATION
92
MAP
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WILDLIFE REFUGE IDENTIFICATION
115
MAP
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COYMNITY FACILITIES
121
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LIST OF FIG'ORES
Figure Number D SS K tien Page Number
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FIGURE 1 T7`PICAL ARTIFICIAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM 105
FIGURE 2 SEASONAL GROUND WATER FLOW CONDITIONS 107
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INTRODUCTION
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HYDE COUNTY
Location Map
MAP 1

Introduction
This document is the Land Use Development Plan for Hyde
County, North Carolina, resulting from legislation enacted by
the North Carolina General Assembly, G.S. 113A-100, The Coastal
Area Management Act of 1974. Upon enactment, responsibility for
directing the land use planning efforts within the twenty
coastal counties of the state was delegated to the Coastal
Resources Commission and the Coastal Resources Advisory Council.
i The purpose of the Coastal Area Management Act is to develop
a comprehensive plan for the protection, preservation, orderly
development, and management of the coastal area. The Act requires
that each coastal county develop a land use plan, incorporating
long-range goals and methods by which needed or desired growth
may occur, at the same time recognizing the capacity of the land
and water to sustain such growth. The Coastal Resources Com-
mission adopted the State Guidelines for Local Planning in the
Coastal Area under the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974.
Hyde County is located in the coastal plain of North Carolina,
encompassing the southeast quadrant of the peninsula which
separates the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds. More specifically,
the county is bounded by the Pungo River and Beaufort County on
the west, Washington and Tyrrell and Dare counties on the north,
and the Pamlico Sound on the south and east. Unlike most counties,
however, Hyde consists of two distinct sections, the mainland
portion, previously described, and the Island of Ocracoke.
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Located approximately thirty (30) miles southeast, across
Pamlico Sound from the mainland, Ocracoke forms a portion of
the famous Outer Banks of North Carolina. A majority of the
island's area is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 0
The county, therefore, represents divergent and complex land
use patterns and interests.
Public Participation
In January, 1975, the local planning effort was initiated.
The published guidelines stressed the concept of public partici-
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pation, emphasizing a desire of the process was to achieve the maximum +
possible degree of public participation by residents in the
design and development of the plan. Therefore, residents of the
county have been encouraged to make the basic determinations 0
regarding future land use policies of the county based upon their
perceptions of the county's future requirements and existing
inadequacies. To coordinate the county's effor-h, the Board of 9
County Commissioners contracted with the North Carolina Depart-
ment of Natural and Economic Resources' Division of Community
Assistance for a professional planner. Preliminary discussions
were held to discuss with the elected officials and community
leaders methods by which the plan could be developed. In ac-
cordance with the guidelines the role of the professional planner 9
was designated as a facilitator for public participation,
organizing citizens, providing technical assistance and serving
as an interpreter of the Coastal Resources Commission's 0
guidelines.
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• In anticipation of the guidelines' requirements for sub-
stantial public participation, the County Board of Commissioners
designated that a county -wide citizen organization be established
A named the Hyde County Land Use Committee. This group evolved to
become the nucleus of the citizen planning effort in the county.
Early in the planning process, it became apparent that it
. was impractical to assume that one person would have a specific
knowledge of the entire county; thus, the committee was divided
into subcommittees, along township lines. The role of the sub-
' committees was to develop and recommend adoption of the county-
wide standards and policies.
While the township committees became the focal point of the
• planning effort, this was not to the exclusion of the remaining
county residents. The planner, along with members of the township
committees met, with local civic organizations,_single purpose
groups and open public meetings to discuss the planning effort,
the benefits of a land use plan; and the concept that a land use
plan is a flexible foundation for the future development and
conservation of the county's natural resources.
Recognizing the time constraints established by the Com-
mission's guidelines and the limitations upon individual com-
mitments, a county -wide coordinating committee was formed. Two
members from each township planning committee were selected to be
members of the coordinating committee. The role of the committee
was to provide input to the planner about the issues raised at
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their local meetings and to interchange these ideas with the
representatives from the other townships. Thus, there was a
continual flow of information.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
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* Existing Conditions
The purpose of this section of the Land Use Development
. Plan is to evaluate existing conditions within the county,
specifically demographic and economic patterns.
Population
It is significant to note that the population of the
county has been declining since the turn of the century. This
trend is not unique to only Hyde County but for a majority of
rural counties and communities as well. The primary cause for
this steady decline in population is due to the desire of young
adults to relocate. As they complete their education, many have
left the rural atmosphere seeking the amenities and life style
of the city. The Hyde County experience is consistent with
that phenomenon. It is noteworthy that during the decades of
the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's, when most cities experienced their
greatest growth, the county simultaneously witnessed its greatest
population declines. The following table illustrates the
~ population statistics for the county from 1900 through 1970.
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TABLE I
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HYDE COUNTY POPULATION 1900-1970
YEAR
POPULATION
NUMERICAL CHANGE
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
1900
9,278
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1910
8',840
-483
4.72
1920
8,386
-454
4.13
1930
8,550
+164
1.96
1940
7,860
-690
8.07
1950
6,579
-1,281
16.30
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1960
5,765
-814
12.34
1970
5,571
-194
3.37
SOURCE:
Census of the United
States
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The 1970 Census, however, reflects that there was a sharp
decrease in the rate of population decline, from over twelve
(12%) percent in 1960 to less than four (40) percent in 1970.
At the present time it is premature to speculate upon whether the
population of the county will continue to decline, level off, or
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experience expansion. Much of the future is dependent upon
economic decisions, land use decisions and philosophical values
that affect personal decision making. Current studies indicate
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that the trend of out migration from rural areas of the United
States may be reversing, with individuals and families from
metropolitan areas beginning to relocate in rural areas. This
appears to be a result of high crime rates, high property tax
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rates, and generally unfulfilled personal expectations with life
in the city.
The county's 1970 population distribution by townships is
illustrated in the following table:
TABLE II
HYDE COUNTY 1970 POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
Racial Composition
Township
White
Black
Total
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Currituck
609
485
1,094
Fairfield
370
212
582
Lake Landing
11093
1,264
2,357
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Ocracoke
412
7
419
Swan Quarter
788
331
1,119
TOTALS
3,272
2,299
5,571
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SOURCE: 1970
Census, 5th Count
Table II reflects that a majority of the population resides
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in three townships: Currituck, Swan Quarter and Lake Landing.
Geographically, the dominant population distribution occurs in
the southern portion of the mainland portion of the county. The
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racial composition of the county, also denoted on the above table,
reflects that 58.7 percent of the county is white, while the
remaining 42.3 percent is black.
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The following table shows the population distribution by
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MAP 2

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township, according to age groups.
Currituck
Fairfield
Lake Landing
Ocracoke
Swan Quarter
SUB TOTALS
PERCENTAGES
TABLE III
POPULATION BY TOWNSHIP AND AGE GROUP
0-16
17-21
22-44
45-59
60+
372
57
280
147
238
201
14
126
127
114
928
231
501
326
371
119
20
108
114
58
325
104
229
206
255
1,945 426 1,244 920 1,036
34.9 7.6 22.3 16.5 18.6
SOURCE: 1970 Census, 5th Count
The table shows that over fifty (50%) percent of the pop-
ulation is in age groups in which individuals may, to some
degree, be dependent upon others for support. This support may
be provided by either families or public agencies. Recently,
the largest increases in the county's public assistance have
occurred in the payments made in old age assistance and aid to
families with dependent children. However, this should not be
interpreted to mean that all individuals over the age of sixty
or below age sixteen are receiving assistance; only that payments
to these age: groups have continually shown increases. The
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significance of the preceeding fifty (50%) percent figure does
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imply that there are serious problems when the county must rely
upon half of the population to produce its goods and services.
Thus, as may be expected, the tax resources of local government
decline while demands for services normally increase.
Seasonal Population
Hyde County, like other coastal counties of North Carolina, 0
has additional population concerns regarding part-time, seasonal
residents. This group is composed of two elements - tourists
and migrant workers. Generally these individuals and families
bring additional revenues to the county, although they at the
same time place additional demands upon various governmental
services.
The impact of the tourist industry in the county is predom-
inantly associated with the Island of Ocracoke. The permanent
population of the Village is 419; however, during the tourist 0
season the daily population may exceed 1,300. This expanded
population reflects the total utilization of all motel rooms,
rental cottages and the National Park Service campgrounds. The 0
implications of this increased summer population upon the demand
for governmental services is obvious, especially in the areas of
police protection, emergency medical service, sewage disposal and 0
water supply. Police protection responsibilities are divided
among three agencies: the Hyde County Sheriff's Department,
the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the National Park Service. 0
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The County Sheriff's Department generally employs two full-time
deputy sheriffs on the island. The department, however, does
not have a detention facility on the island; and should the need
• arise, prisoners must be transported to Hatteras Island. This
is a cumbersome process encompassing a ferry ride, in turn re-
sulting in a fifty (54%) percent reduction in county provided
• law enforcement capabilities.
In terms of health care requirements and needs, only one
physician is a resident and practices in the county. Therefore,
• one of the island's deputy sheriffs also doubles as the emergency
medical service coordinator. A medical center is located in
Manteoj; however, if hospitalization is requireci,the hospital
• utilized by the island residents is in Beaufort, N. C. Trans-
portation to the center involves a ferry ride to Cedar Island,
approximately 212- hours in duration. Although,in cases of ex-
0 treme emergency,the U.S. Coast Guard may provide air-medivac
services. In the main, medical services on the island are
primative.
• In addition to the aforementioned services, the county
and especially the village experience a strain upon water
supplies, sewage disposal and solid waste disposal. Currently,
• fresh water is supplied from two sources - rain water collection
and individual wells. While the water is not polluted, it has
an unpleasant taste, principally due to high concentrations of
• saline elements. Therefore, to alleviate the problems associated
with water supply, peak demand and potential pollution, a central
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water system is presently being designed.
Waste water disposal on the island is accomplished via
individual septic systems. Soil characteristics indicate that
large scale development or a proliferation of septic tanks could
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result in health hazards. The primary problem is that sandy
soils do not adequately remove undesirable nutrients from waste
water, due to rapid perculation-; resulting in potential pollution
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of nearby waters which are presently sources of water supply.
Equally as difficult, is the removal and disposal of solid
waste. Recent federal legislation has caused the closure of the
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local trash dump, resulting in the off -island disposal of waste.
During the summer, the solid waste must -be removed on a daily
basis to both the Buxton and Manteo.facilities.
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on the mainland of the county, the seasonal population im-
pact is not as significant and is generally confined to sports
fishing enthusiasts during the.summer, and hunters during the
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fall and winter season. Perhaps.the only negative impacts.
arising from these two groups relate to the lack of adequate
parking, :which is, a function of lot size requirements and parking
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standards which do,not currently exist in the county. In addition
to the sports enthusiasts, migrant wor�ers also are -a noticeable
seasonal population. Generally, the migrant workers arrive .in.
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June and July,and assist in the harvest. -of truck crops: cucumbers,
cabbage, and sweet corn _ Although the number of migrant -workers
varies from year .to y,ear,.there are normally,300 to 400 workers
in the county. Perhaps the greatest concern raised by the
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arrival of the workers is the adequacy of housing. Group
quarters are available in Fairfield.
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Economy
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The economy of the county is dominated by three activi-
ties: agricultural production, commercial fishing and tourism,
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with most of the county's residents being associated with
agriculture and fishing. The economic well-being of the county
is obviously a reflection of the intensity of the above -mentioned
activities as well as others. The measure of the economic status
of the county residents may more specifically be evaluated by
measuring the following economic factors: median family income,
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employment statistics and the distribution of goods and services.
The first measure, median family income, is defined as that
level of income from which fifty (50%) percent of all the county's
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families are above and the other fifty (50%) percent are below.
According to the 1970 census, the median family income level in
Hyde County is $4,478. This figure becomes more significant when
compared to the median family income figures for the State of
North Carolina.
TABLE IV
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MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME
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Hyde County $4,478
North Carolina $7,774
United States $9,869
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SOURCE: 1970 U.S. Census
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The table illustrates that the county's median family income
was below the state and national average. In addition when
compared to the other 100 counties in the state, Hyde ranks
99 exceeding only Tyrrell County in median family income.
Another useful measure of the county's overall economic
status is the average family income. In 1970 the income figure
was $6,177, nearly $1,700 above the median family income. The
difference between the two figures ppints out that there are
significant segments of the population making less than the
average family income; and according to the 1970 Census,ap-
proximately 33.5 percent of all families in the county lived
below the poverty level. Table V illustrates the distribution
of families living above and below the poverty level.
TABLE V
FAMILIES BY POVERTY STATUS 1970
TOWNSHIP FAMILIES ABOVE POVERTY STATUS FAMILIES BELOW POVERTY
STATUS
RECEIVING ASS'T NOT REC. RECEIVING ASS'T NOT REC.
Currituck 4 137 12 112
Fairfield 0 101 14 52
Lake Landing 27 338 26 143
Ocracoke 8 90 0 13
Swan Quarter 4 189 34 59
COUNTY TOTALS 43 855 86 379
SOURCE: 1970 Census, 5th Count
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As of 1970, two townships appear to have the greatest
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proportion of poverty level income families: Currituck and
Lake Landing, having forty-six (46%) percent and thirty-one
(31%) percent of the -families below the poverty level respec- •
tively. From this information, -it may be assumed that the de-
mand for public assistance payments is high, although from
the table many families appear not to be receiving assistance
payments.
Another measure of the overall economic status of the
county is the rate of employment. The following table reflects
the status of the county's labor force:
TABLE VI'
COUNTY LABOR FORCE
YEAR TOTAL FORCE EMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED UNEMPLOYMENT
RATE •
1962 1,840 1,700 • 140 7.6
1972 1,710 1,540 170 9.9
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The table reflects that two changes have occurred in the labor
force from 1962 to 1972: the size of the labor force has been
reduced and the rate of unemployment has increased. This may •
be a direct result of the county's population decrease, thus
causing a decrease in the employment opportunities. In terms
of the general welfare of the public and the allocation of •
resources, this experience may cause serious complications
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• for the county.
The preceeding data does not paint an encouraging picture
of the county's economic status; however, there are many bright
• spots. The county -wide retail sales and farm income figures
are encouraging examples. During the period from 1962 to 1972,
total retail sales for the county increased approximately
• 136 percent, from $2.57 million to $6.09 million. A large
proportion of this increase may be attributed to increased
tourism within the county. This trend may reasonably be ex-
0 pected to not only continue but also increase in the future.
According to recent estimates from the county's
Agricultural Extension Agent, agricultural receipts have
• increased. The 1974 production year yields from corn and
soybeanswere approximately $13 million. This increase re-
presents yields from farm price increases as well as a greater
• production effort. It may be assumed that agricultural
production will continue to remain a primary income producer
for county residents in the. future...
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EXISTING LAND USE
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Exist- ng Land Use
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P:. i cr to th.: fox. ,t l atior: of a lard use plan for the county,
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u f°r-y oL e:z _ ti ro conditions i s required_ The section
s _dean fy and analyze the existing use of land for residen ial
agLicuitural, conL�CCCial, public pilf J52 8nd X CiE? t? ;ial
Accompanying the identification of these trends are implications
•
for future land uses in the county as well as a forecast of
as likely to experience cha.:ges in the future.
Residential
The pattern of residential settlement in Hyde County is not
unlike other rural North Carolina counties. Single-family de-
tached dwelling units are the primary components of the housing
stock. According to the 1970 Census there were 1,923 dwelling
units in the county. The following table illustrates the dis-
tribution of housing units in Hyde County:
TABLE VII
HYDE COUNTY
HOUSING UNITS
•
COUNT OF ALL
OCCUPIED
VACANT
TOWNSHIP
UNITS
UNITS
UNITS
Currituck
374
324
50
Fairfield
195
175
20
Lake Landing
764
616
140
Ocracoke
198
144
54
Swan Quarter
392
345
47
TOTALS
1,923
1,604
311
SOURCE: 1970
Census, 5th Count
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Agriculture
Agricultural production is the principal source of income
in Hyde County. Crop production includes corn, soybeans, wheat,
cucumbers and other truck crops. Corn and soybean production
are the dominant activities. According to the 1969 Census of
Agriculture, Hyde County was the fifth largest producer of
• soybeans in the state, with over 28,000 acres under cultivation.
The following table reflects some of the recent county -wide
agricultural trends:
i
TABLE VIII
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION 1960-1970
• 1960 1970
Acres in Farms 80,000 103,719
Total Farm Income 2,422,000 6,062,000
Crop Production Income 2,039,000 4,495,000
Livestock Income 256,000 1,567,000
SOURCE: Census of Agriculture 1959, 1969
•
In addition to crop production increases, an increase in
livestock production has also been.experienced. Livestock pro-
duction is centered in the northwestern quadrant of the county,
where the higher elevations are most prevalent. The above table
reflects that substantial income increases have accrued to the
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livestock producers. The County Agricultural Extension Agent's
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office has indicated that this trend has continued and income
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from swine and cattle production exceeded the $6,000,000
(six million dollar) figure in 1974. Thus, when combined with
the crop production figure, the county realized income of
•
approximately $12,000,000 (twelve million dollars) for 1974,
nearly doubling the 1970 figure.
A majority of this income is produced by family farms,
•
although in terms of aggregate size, corporate or "super" farms
located in the county tend to dominate many conversations about
agricultural production. However, at the present time, the
family farm is the major income producer and is likely to remain
so for years to come. The three corporate ventures that exist
in the county are First Colony Farms, American Cynamid and the •
Pamlico Partnership. In combination, these corporate ventures
control approximately 120,000 acres or 30 percent of the county's
total land area. However, only a small percentage of this acreage •
is under cultivation at this time.
Agricultural production in Hyde County is a complicated
process, and highly dependent upon the climatic conditions. •
Briefly, the process for land preparation for cultivation re-
quires that two activities occur: first, the land be cleared of
trees; and second, a system of drainage canals be excavated. The •
trees are first cut and the timber sold for either pulp or hard-
wood products. The remaining fibrous materials are placed into
windrows and burned. The complexity of the drainage system is •
dependent upon the elevation of the tract of land and the degree
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to which ponding occurs subsequent to rains. The importance
of the drainage system is not to be taken lightly; for without
adequate drainage crop production in Hyde County would not be
possible. Generally, there are three types of drainage ditches
required: the main canals leading to a stream or other body of
water, the collector canals and the field ditches.
The man-made drainage system provides two functions: it
lowers the existing water table making cultivation possible, -and
secondly, provides accelerated drainage subsequent to heavy
rains. On the average, Hyde County receives approximately
55 inches of rain per year. However, in recent years up to 72
inches have been recorded. Not only does the average rainfall
pose problems as well as benefits, but it may come in short
periods of time causing flooding in the fields; and if not
removed quickly,the rain causes serious damage especially to
the valuable corn and soybean crops.
Commercial Activity
Comparison shopping opportunities in the county are limited
with the principal commercial centers located in Swan Quarter,
Ocracoke and Engelhard -the latter being the largest in the
county. According to volume, Ocracoke may be the greatest
revenue source due to the tourist trade. in addition -to the
major retail activity areas; a minor amount of sales and service
activity exists throughout the remainder of the county. Most
notably this activity occurs in Fairfield, the Scranton/Sladesville
area and in Ponoer. Much of that activity is located along
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primary transportation routes and at important crossroads. The
better opportunities for comparison shopping are located in
Belhaven, Washington and Greenville, North Carolina. Although
the retail sales of the county are relatively low, the following
table reflects that the county's sales have increased from 1960
through 1970.
TABLE IX
HYDE COUNTY RETAIL SALES
YEAR AGGREGATE AMOUNT
1960-61 2,539,767
1965-66 3,621,101
1970-71 5,801,429
1971-72 6,091,580
As illustrated above, retail sales since 1960 have increased
approximately 40 percent.- the greatest increase occurring in
the areas of food, automotive related and general merchandise.
The adequacy of the county's retail sales activity is
difficult to evaluate, adequacy being defined as providing a full
range of comparison shopping opportunities. As previously men-
tioned, the largest commercial activity center in the county is
located in Engelhard, providing a full range of shopping op-
portunities. However, it is not centrally located; thus,
residents in western portions of the county travel to Belhaven
and Washington, N. C. for purchases. A significant constraint
upon the expansion of the existing commercial activity is the
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low population density and the great distances involved in
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traveling from one side of the county to the other. Due to
the existing low density of population, the impact of commercial
activity upon adjacent land uses is not a detrimental factor,
•
unless they are located in an area which is subject to flooding
and/or they utilize an inadequate.septic tank for the discharge
of their waste water.
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Land utilized for wholesale and industrial uses is quite
limited. The development plans for the Pamlico Partnership,
however, does propose an industrial park development having
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access to the Alligator River. Presently, the largest industrial
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type activity is located in Lake Landing Township and is the
chip mill operated by the Pamlico Corporation. The mill
utilizes barges as the principal mode of transporting their
product from the county to Norfolk, Virginia, using the Tntra-
Coastal Waterway. The impact upon the county is limited. Also
located in Engelhard is the county's largest grain wholesale
operation.
Commercial fish companies located in Engelhard, Swan Quarter
and Rose Bay are the county's major source of commercial fishing
activity. Primarily supplying shrimp, crabs and oysters these
activities are some of the oldest commercial operations in the
county, contributing approximately 2 million dollars of revenue
to the Hyde County economy. Located along the northside of the
Pamlico Sound, these companies have established the county as a
center for the commercial fishing industry.
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As in the past, the present level of industrial development
in the county is not great. This is probably due to several •
factors: no railroad access, high water table and inadequate
sewage disposal facilities for intensive industrial development.
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Recreation
Recreational opportunities in Hyde County are provided by
both the public (governmental) and private sectors. A wealth •
of outdoor recreational opportunities exists in the county due to
its water resources, wildlife, scenic areas, campgrounds and
vacation sites.
The water resources of the county include both salt and
fresh water. For commercial and sports fishing the Pamlico
•
Sound and the Atlantic Ocean are directly available from the •
county, from either the mainland or Ocracoke Island. New Lake,
Swan Lake, Lake Mattamuskeet, Alligator River and the Pungo River
all provide fresh water recreational opportunities.
Hunting may be one of the largest recreation -oriented in-
come producers in the county, with the exception of the Ocracoke
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Tourist Industry. Contributing to the abundance of wildlife, •
several animal refuges are located in the county.
Gull Rock Wildlife Area - State of North Carolina
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge - Federal
Swan Quarter National Wildlife Refuge - Federal
Pungo National Wildlife Refuge - Federal
In addition to the managed hunting on the wildlife areas, •
the North Carolina Wildlife Commission maintains public hunting
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rights on private land under the North Carolina Gamelands
0 Program. Hunting as an active recreational resource is very
important to the economy of the county. The passive recreational
activities associated with bird watching are also valuable
economic resources of the county. Many sightseers annually stop
to watch the various migratory birds which stop at Lake
Mattamuskeet for the winter.
• The recently published study Wildlife and Land Use Planning
With Particular Reference to Coastal Counties relates that
relatively high -deer and black bear populations are present in
• the county. It is estimated that over 65,000 man days of re-
creational pursuit are derived from the deer and black bear
hunting season. Hyde County is recognized as one of the finest
• hunting areas in the eastern United States for duck and geese
with over 42,600 man days of pursuit provided. Due to a change
in the wintering grounds of the geese, their population in the
county has declined from a high 100-,000 to 25,000 birds. Ducks,
on the other hand,have increased slightly to approximately
135,000 birds.
•
Private recreational facilities are limited to the Ponzor
area and Ocracoke Island. The Riverside Campgrounds in Ponzor
is the only private recreational campground on the mainland
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providing swimming, boating and a game room for its patrons.
Likewise, Ocracoke Island provides camping and fishing opportunities
with the camping facilities provided by the Cape Hatteras
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National Seashore. The planned initiation of ferry service from
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Swan Quarter to Ocracoke will doubtlessly increase Ocracoke's
importance as a recreational resource.
Forestry
Forestry and related activities have a great potential in
the county. Of the county's 392,320 acres of land, excluding
Ocracoke, approximately 245,000 acres are classified as wood-
lands and a large percentage of this area could be harvested for
commercial purposes. The following table reflects the ownership
of the commercial forest land in Hyde County:
TABLE X
HYDE COUNTY COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND
BY OWNERSHIP AND PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL AREA
•
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Federal Ownership
14,256
5%
State
12,850
5%
Forest Industry
39,635
16%
Farmer
46,468
19%
Corporate
82,613
33%
Individual
49,042
21%
TOTAL AREA 244,864 100%
The previous table reflects that the commercial forest in-
dustry owns approximately 16 percent of the total woodlands within
the county; a majority of this acreage is located within
Currituck Township and is subject to selective harvesting and
replanting. By and large, however, a majority of the county's
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woodland, if harvested, would not be replanted for commercial
purposes and likely would be converted to agricultural land.
For example, corporate ownership of woodlands located in Lake
' Landing Township approaches 83,000 acres and is projected to be
developed for agricultural production. Therefore, the normal
process allows for harvesting only once, then the use is con-
verted. The table also identifies that approximately 40 per-
cent of the commercial woodland is owned by individuals and
farmers; therefore, much of the forestry potential in the
• county is dependent upon individual decision making.
The forest industry's 39,000 acres are primarily located
in the Scranton/Sladesville area, on the southside of U.S. 264
extending to the Pungo River. These lands are both selectively
cut and clear cut depending upon the species. The primary
species of timber found in Hyde County are the Pond Pine
variety, on approximately 172,000 acres and the Oak -Gum and Cypress
totalling approximately 54,000 acres. Like many coastal counties,
the soft wood stands in Hyde County are the dominate form of
woodland growth. -In terms of productivity, the majority of the
county's forested areas are classified as capable of producing
less than 85 cubic feet per acre annually with over 120,000
being incapable of producing 50 cubic feet per acre annually.
For commercial purposes, the woodlands of the county are not
economically the prime areas for harvesting and reseeding
practices. Therefore, one may assume that forestry activities
may become more closely associated with land clearing practices
rather than attempting to produce high yield forests for commercial
41 activity.
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• EXISTING LAND USE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
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Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems, and Major Problems
Which Have Resulted from Unplanned Development and Which Have
Implications for Future Land Use.
The existing land use map denotes that, at the present time,
there are few land use compatibility problems. Normally in the
"traditional" urban planning process, compatibility problems are
identified as those where two or more land use types are adjacent
to each other and one is restrained from expansion due to adverse
conditions, thus new investment is discouraged. More speci-
fically a land use compatibility problem may exist when indus-
trial development intrudes into residential areas, or the flight
pattern of air traffic into and out of an airport is over resi-
dential areas or other congested areas. For the purposes of
evaluation, with respect to Hyde County, these compatibility
considerations may be divided into physical and environmental
catagories.
0 Physical Conditions
The land use map reflects that physical development in the
county is relatively limited and has not advanced to a state
0 which causes serious compatibility problems. One area, the
Village of Ocracoke, however, does exhibit characteristics of
physical compatibility problems. The village is located at the
southern end of Ocracoke Island occupying approximately 775
acres of the island's land mass. The remaining acreage is under
the jurisdiction of the U.S. National Park Service. The physical
compatibility problems present in the village are due to mixed
residential and commercial land uses, compounded by inadequate
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off-street parking resulting in vehicular and pedestrian cir-
culation problems.
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Future development in the village will almost certainly
occur; therefore,action to provide for adequate physical com-
patibility is required. The nature of this action is to provide •
for the separation of land use types thus maintaining the current
atmosphere of the village as well as property values.
•
Environmental Conditions
On the other hand, there are also environmental considerations
and implications resulting from current development that one can-
not ascertain from the land use map. The environmental consid-
erations are two -fold; first, having to do with wastewater dis-
posal; and second relating to drainage. Wastewater disposal is
a county -wide consideration and no doubt is,or shortly will be-
come,a major constraint upon future development. At the present
time, the more developed areas like Swan Quarter, Engelhard, •
Ocracoke, to name a few, are most affected by sewage disposal
problems. Since a municipal sewage system does not exist, waste-
water disposal is accomplished through the utilization of on -lot •
disposal techniques. The ability of these individual systems
to perform properly is dependent upon several factors, including
soil conditions, water table levels, and the proximity to other •
units. The developed areas of the county do not have the best
soil conditions for septic systems although they may work
adequately on the mainland if they are given proper drainage
fields. The crowding of commercial or residential activities
35 0

together on small lots tends to cause wastewater pollution
problems. This is especially true on Ocracoke where the
sandy soils do not remove toxic wastes from the water and
i transfers the waste directly into adjacent waters.
An important consideration for the future of the county
will be sewage disposal. Should development occur to any
0 degree, the environmental considerations of lot size, area
needed for on -lot disposal or the desirability of a central
system will have to be evaluated.
In addition to wastewater disposal, agricultural drainage
is an environmental consideration of growing importance.
Briefly, the question revolves around the need for agricultural
drainage ditches and at the same time the need to maintain the
integrity of the estuarine waters for shell and fin fish. Un-
fortunately, all the data is not in on many of the basic questions
0 concerning this issue. It may be reasonably assumed that the
issue will intensify in the future. It must be noted that the
central issue is not one of either or, but rather both. Again,
0 this is dependent upon adequate collection and evaluation of
data and perhaps the development of new techniques. For a com-
plete discussion of this topic, refer to the section titled
0 "Areas with Resource Potential".
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• Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
This element of the county's land use plan is an identifi-
cation of current plans, policies and regulations which will have
an impact upon present and future.land uses. Specifically, this
includes transportation plans, community facility plans, utility
.extension policies and other regulations. These items are signi-
ficant in terms of what they will or will not affect. For
example, if the county has a policy that it will provide central
sewage collection to every home in the county, growth is en-
couraged everywhere and at a very high cost to the county and
perhaps to adjacent land owners as well. The decisions made by
elected officials may either assist or hinder the future of the
county.
Water Facility Plans
In 1968, the Hyde County Comprehensive Water and Sewer
Study was completed. That study proposed that consideration be
given to the development of public water supply systems for the
existing population centers throughout the county: Swan Quarter,
Engelhard, Fairfield, Scranton, Sladesville and New Holland. The
study further recommended that as the population growth in-
creased along U.S. 264, consideration be given to the construction
of a county -wide water system. The study also recommended that
a detailed study be completed for the Village of Ocracoke.
Subsequent to the publication of the study` and the in-
creasing demand for fresh water, two water associations were
0 39

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formed and central supply systems constructed in Swan Quarter
and Engelhard. Later the water supply was extended to New 0
Holland and later central water supplies were available to
those residents of the county who lived between Swan Quarter
and Engelhard.
Recently, 1975, the County Commissioners purchased the
two independent" systems from their respective water associates
for the purpose of establishing a county -wide water system.
The county -wide system will combine the existing Engelhard and
Swan Quarter systems into a configuration that will ultimately
provide central water supply capabilities to the residents of
Fairfield, Rose Bay and Scranton. Future extensions are also
proposed for the Sladesville and Ponzer communities. Initiation
of the first phase of construction occurred in late 1975. .
The focal point of this new system is the Fairfield
community where a well field, treatment facility and 100,000
gallon elevated water tower are to be located. The new system 0
will connect into the Engelhard complex at the intersection of
S.R. 1311 with S.R. 1315 following S.R. 1311 along the north
side of Lake Mattamuskeet to the Fairfield community. From
the west side of Fairfield the main transmission line will
follow S.R. 1305 to the intersection of 1304, heading west
to Rose Bay intercepting a line from Swan Quarter at the `
S.R. 1304, U.S. 264 intersection. one line will then follow
40 0

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HYDE COUNTY
IYATER SERVICE AREAS
LEGEND:
EXISTING SYSTEM SERVICE AREA
EXTENSION SYSTEM SERVICE AREJ
FUTURE SYSTEM SERVICE AREA
MAP 3

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, fl
y�ALM M.;�•o♦�e ��� ��.♦oio♦mo o•♦�•. �'��. .�
SON
a
MAP 3

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• U.S. 264 to Scranton service area. The completion of this
phase of the water system will provide central water service to
approximately 600+ potential consumers.
Construction plans for a central water supply system for the
A
Village of Ocracoke have also been completed. This portion of
the county water supply system is to be operated by an inde-
• pendent water association. The Ocracoke system will provide
service to the residents and business ventures of the village
as well as to the U.S. Coast Guard Station and the National
• Park Service. The system will be composed of two deep wells, a
desalination facility and two storage tanks with a combined
capacity of 500,000 gallons. This facility will provide a
• four -day supply of water, based upon estimated peak usage
demands. Current estimates call for approximately 100,000 gallons
per day capacity required during the summer months, declining
to 25,000 gallons per day during the winter.
The proposed construction of these two systems has signi-
ficant implications for county land use trends. The provision
. of central water supply and service is obviously one technique
which a community may utilize to stimulate growth.. The provision
of basic services such as sewer and water have the tendency to
• increase development of both commercial and residential sectors
of the economy. With improved access to central water, develop-
ment,may increase; hovMver, solutions to adequate sewage disposal
will have to be discovered as well, and until then, development
may be restrained. The provision of central water services
43

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to county residents is no doubt a blessing, especially in light
of the 1968 study which pointed out that approximately fifty
(50%) percent of the families did not have safe or approved
water supplies.
The county has employed a water system manager for the
mainland portion of the county and the Ocracoke system will be
w
managed by the Ocracoke Sanitary District. Perhaps the most
important aspect of the system other than the basic supplying
of water are the policies regarding the provision or extension
of service. There are two fundamental responsibilities of the
county, first the county may install its meter at the property
line or, at the county's option on the customer's property
at a location mutually agreed upon. Secondly, the county re- i
serves the right to refuse service unless the consumer's lines
or piping are installed in such a manner to prevent cross -
connection and back flow from a private well. In order for a
person to gain access to the water system an application form
must be completed and a deposit placed on account with the
water service manager.
•
The expansion of the existing system has been initiated.
During this period, all property owners adjacent to the water
line may request that a water meter be installed. During the
construction phase, the contractor will bear the cost of in-
stallation; however, upon completion of the system a substantial
tap -on fee will be required of individuals requesting new or
additional meters.
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The provision of central water may have an impact upon the
present land use pattern. The degree of that impact is difficult
to ascertain due to the overriding developmental consideration
. of sewage disposal. It may be anticipated that increased develop-
ment may occur in the areas provided with central water and that
this growth would most likely continue to occur along the road
frontage. Thus, a continuation of the existing development
pattern will no doubt continue, until sewage disposal techniques
are developed which permit higher density development to occur.
+ Transportation Plans
Another great impact upon the future of the county will be
the initiation of ferry service between Swan Quarter and
Ocracoke. Although discussions regarding this proposal have
been occurring for more than ten years, the State General
Assembly in 1975 appropriated funds for the construction of a
! ferry and docking facility. The construction of the ferry and
docking facility has been started and initiation of service is
anticipated in 1977. The completion of the ferry will, for the
first time, provide direct access from Ocracoke to the mainland
portion of the county.
As proposed by the North Carolina Department of Transpor-
t . tation, the docking site will occupy a 50-acre area approximately
seven -tenths (7/10) of a mile southeast of Swan Quarter on
S.R. 1128. The existing docking site on Ocracoke now utilized
a for the Cedar Island Ferry is also to be used for the Swan
Quarter Ferry. The major transportation improvements are
w 45

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M constraint upon development will continue to be sewage and
waste water disposal. Immediate, explosive growth will probably
not result allowing the county to adequately direct future growth.
+ The additional growth that does occur will affect employment and
wages in the Swan Quarter area which may,in turn, affect new
housing starts or an increase in mobile homes, assuming no
e sewage problems.
The only other transportation facility which is being
currently planned is an air facility on the north side of
• U.S. 264, northeast of Engelhard. Upon completion this will
become the only paved landing strip on the mainland.
Recreation Policies
4 The county's recreation is divided into active and passive
or non -intensive opportunities. The active recreational pro-
grams are funded by the county and expended by the county's
Recreation Committee. In general, the major emphasis of the
committee's focus is during summer vacation period. The com-
mittee develops and organizes programs which run during the week
from morning until sunset. The county does not have a set of
written policies regarding recreation, although it is the com-
mittee's goal to provide equal recreational opportunities to all
residents of the county.
Open Space Policies
! The county does not have any written policies regarding the
provision or acquisition of open space.
0 47

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Prior Land Use Plans
!
The county does not have a previous land use plan.
Prior Land Use Policies
The county has not had any written land use policies. •
Local Regulations
Zoning Ordinance
The county does not have a zoning ordinance.
•
Subdivision Regulations
The county does not have Subdivision Regulations.
Floodway Ordinances •
The county does not have any regulations on floodways.
However, the county does qualify for the emergency phase of the
National Flood Insurance Program sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development.
Building Codes
The county, as a prerequisite to become qualified for the
emergency phase of the National Flood Insurance Program, adopted
the State of North Carolina Building Code.
Septic Tank Regulations
The county has adopted and through the sanitarian enforces
the State of North Carolina Septic Tank Regulations.
48 0

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Historic Districts Regulations
The county -has adopted no Historic District Regulations.
Nuisance Regulations
The county has not adopted any Nuisance Regulations which
relate to land use.
0 Dune Protection Ordinances
The county has not adopted any Dune Protection Ordinances.
Sedimentation Codes
The county has not adopted their own sedimentation code.
Environmental -Impact Statement Ordinances
•
The county has not adopted any Environmental Impact
Statement Ordinances.
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• LAND USE ISSUES AND
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
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Principal Land Use Issues
This segment of the county land use plan is a discussion of
the major land use issues which face the county, the development
of local objectives, policies and standards as well as a dis-
cussion of the public participation activities associated with
the development of this document.
Major Land Use Issues
There are basically five components to this evaluation:
1) the population and economic trends; 2) the provision of
adequate housing and other services; 3) the conservation of
productive natural resources; 4) the protection of important
natural environments; and 5) the protection of cultural and
historic resources.
Future Population and Economic Trends
•
The future population of the county, according to those who
•
•
•
participated in the planning process, would ideally be somewhat
larger than the current population. The residents of the county
desire a moderate increase in the total population to a total
of approximately 7,000 to 8,500 people. However, they emphasize
that they do not desire to become known as "city folks" but would
rather gain additional population in a manner which would not
essentially change the current atmosphere and character of the
county. In general, the modest increases desired should be
centered in areas which have experienced development, thus
• 51

E
reserving the vast majority of the acreage for agricultural pur- •
poses. The ideal form of this growth would be natural, in other
words, reducing the incidence of net out -migration from the county.
Obviously, there are circumstances which may occur resulting in •
a potential influx of new residents; however, the over-all goal
is not to encourage rapid and uncontrolled growth.
The dominant economic trend in the county is agriculture, •
with commercial fishing and tourism following at a distance. The
citizens of the county feel strongly that the basis of the local
economy should continue to be agricultural production and related •
economic activities. It may be safely stated that the residents
do not desire the location of any "heavy" industries within the
county, such as massive factories which dominate the landscape •
of.large industrial areas. However, the county would no doubt
welcome some form of small manufacturing operation which does not
pollute the water and air resources, but does capitalize upon the •
available work force in the county.
The desires of the residents concerning the commercial fish-
ing industry are that the activity not only continue, but expand •
where possible. The process of expansion is probably in two areas:
increased catches, including adequate fishing waters;and secondly,
an increase in the processing of fish products.
The tourist industry trends in the future will most cer-
tainly increase, not only on Ocracoke but also on the mainland.
•
Due to a limited experience with summer tourism on the mainland, •
which has previously been associated with sports fishing enthu-
siasts, there have been few feelings expressed concerning tourism.
•
52

•
• The tourist experience by Ocracoke residents has been much longer
and is the principle source of their income. The desires of
Ocracoke residents is that adequate facilities be established to
• handle large summer population increases which the island an-
nually experiences
Provision of Adequate Housing and Services
• The residents of the county have expressed several concerns
regarding the future of housing and other services. The major
concern revolves about the type of housing that the county would
• prefer to have constructed. It is generally held that single
family detached housing would be the most advantageous type of
construction to have, as opposed to multi -family, apartment
• building units. In addition, many feel that there has been a
significant increase in the location of mobile homes throughout
the county, and while not opposed to that type of housing, high
• concentrations or inadequate facilities for mobile homes may cause
serious problems in the future.
In addition to the provision of new housing, the county will
• also face the prospect of rehabilitating existing units, bringing
them up to minimum standards. Recent figures reflect that many
dwelling units in the county are substandard by reason of long
• term vacancy which has led to a total state of disrepair or other
causes such as inadequate plumbing. A total of 633 units in the
county lack some or.all plumbing, according to the 1970 census.
• Of the 633 units, 460 were occupied, or approximately 28.5 percent
of the-county's 1,612 occupied dwelling units.
0 53

A significant housing problem and service consideration con-
cerns the elderly. The elderly have represented one of the major
population segments within the county and many feel that their
needs are inadequately met. The residents would prefer not to
have to send their elderly family members to facilities outside
the county in order that they receive adequate health care,
housing and other needed services. At the same time,the residents
would like to see additional programs established which are
oriented toward the elderly and their needs
Perhaps one of the major concerns which the residents of
C
C
C
Hyde County have been attempting to find adequate solutions for
is sewage disposal. In light of recent federal legislation,
greater state involvement and future development in the county,
•
sewage disposal becomes a key issue. The residents of the
county recognize that central sewage disposal on a county -wide
basis is not only uneconomical but not warranted. The issue,
•
residents feel, must be approached from two standpoints - the
recognition that future "development" areas are going to require
a central sewage disposal system and that new, adequate on -lot
•
disposal techniques must also be developed. The reasons for
these needed techniques are obvious and greatly impact upon the
preservation of the productive natural resources.
C
Conservation of Natural Resources
The two most important natural resources in Hyde County are
the highly productive agricultural resources and the commercial 0
fishing waters. Agricultural production, as previously noted,
54 •

is and has been the base for the county's economy. The expansion
of agricultural production is highly desired and, to a significant
degree,is dependent upon the provision of adequate drainage. This
includes the initiation of new farm drainage canals as well as the
maintenance of the existing drainage canal system. The residents
of the county are most vocal about and dedicated to the need for
drainage. There are a few individuals who feel that drainage
from farm land is automatically harmful to the biological functions
of the estuarine waters. However, in general, this is not true.
40 The drainage canals in many cases provide spawning areas for
marine life, at the same time, providing avenues by which nu-
trients from marshlands may flow to the estuarine waters. The
issue is not one sided however, and fortunately, all the data
required to make a final decision has not been collected and
evaluated by the scientific community.
Perhaps more importantly, the issue of agricultural pro-
duction versus the complete protection of the state's estuarine
waters has not been addressed in terms or priorities. For
example, the world is faced with severe shortages of food, grains
and other edible.commodities,and the United States is faced with
a loss of productive estuarine waters. A source of this loss may
be agricultural production, but in terms of the world-wide issues
there would appear to be an overriding public interest in gaining
maximum possible production. The residents of the county do not
take the position that agricultural production should be allowed
to indiscriminantly pollute the estuarine system if, in fact, this
0 54a

L
is true. But rather, the attitude is one of protecting both
resources to the extent that they are productive and economically
profitable. In other words, the complete protection of one re-
source without consideration for the validity of the other is
inappropriate. The county residents feel that a balanced
approach is necessary.
The maintenance of the estuarine system for viable com-
mercial and sports fishing is an important issue in the county,
as noted above. The extent of shell fish and fin fish resources
within the Pamlico Sound and waters adjacent to the county has
fluctuated. These fluctuations have been results of pollution
of the waters, changes in the salinity and other factors. In
general, however, the sports fishing industry has enjoyed in-
creasingly more participation each year. At the same time, the
commercial fishing industry, especially the county's important
shrimp and oyster businesses, have enjoyed equally good years
as well. This is not to imply that they could not have been
better.
Those residents of the county participating in the land use
planning process believed that the protection of these produc-
tive natural resources is indeed an important issue of the
future. Their concern is not that there will be too little pro40
-
tection, rather that the protective measures may preclude the
use of one resource in favor of another.
55 41

• • • • • • • • • • •
Ln
.rn
HYDE COUNTY
PRIME FISHING WATERS
LEGEND:
SHRIMP, CRAB, E FISH NURSERY AREAS
® STATE OYSTER MANAGEMENT AREAS AND NATURAL POPULATIONS
OF OYSTER, CLAM, ESCALLOPS
PRIMARY ANADRAMOUS FISH SPAWNING AREAS
MAP 4

0 • • • • • • • • 0 •
MAP

•
Protection of Natural Environments
The protection of natural environments has been defined by
the county's land use planning committee to be primarily associated
•
with wildlife habitat, unique geological areas and natural areas.
The issue was not believed to be a pressing one for Hyde County
due to the extent of federal and state land holdings in the
•
county. These holdings are primarily oriented toward the pro-
9
tection of wildlife habitat and exceed 100,000 acres within the
county. Therefore, the residents felt that adequate protection
of wildlife habitat and natural areas was sufficient.
Protection of Cultural and Historical Resources
• The residents of the county who participated in the land
use planning process recognized that there were certain places
of local cultural and historical importance. However, without
• an exact enumeration or complete documentation, it would be
impractical to attempt to protect these places. Therefore, an
accounting of these places and resources was recommended. Then
• steps could be taken for their protection.
Alternatives Evaluated Prior to Objectives, Policies and
5tandards'Formulation-
0 1. .The alternatives that were evaluated prior to the formu-
lation of the county's objectives, policies and standards were
Centralized upon two fundamentals: first, the expansion of
• agricultural production and the associated need for adequate
drainage; and secondly, the recognition that the commercial
fishing industry is an important economic factor within the
•
M
0

county. Thus, many of the land use objectives are oriented to-
ward the expansion of these two industries, at the same time
recognizing the potential and growing importance of tourism.
The land use committee also felt that the objectives and
•
policies should attempt to be as specific as possible, thus phases
such as "a decent house for every county resident" do not appear.
The philosophy utilized in the county was that the adopted
•
policies and objectives should be generally programs which could
reasonably be undertaken by the count.,• gov:=:rnwent for the benefit
of all residents and visitors to the cot.-Ity. By remaining fairly
•
specific, it was felt that the policies could be measured in
terms of accomplishments and as an indication of the effective-
ness of�the county's governmental processes.
Land Use Objectives Policies and Standards
Policy: Maintain agricultural production within Hyde County
1. Provide for the maintenance of all existing drainage
rights -of way.
2. Promote the development of a county -wide drainage plan
which would detail:
a. All drainage water courses, man-made and
natural,which are essential for agricultural
and forestry production.
•
•
b. The establishment of a spoil area for a minimum
distance equal to sixteen (16) feet, not to •
exceed an area equal to twice the average width
of the existing water course for spoil disposal.
C. The spoil area be designed in a manner which
would not cause ponding of water behind the spoil
bank thus blocking the flow of nutrients into the •
estuarine system.
59 •

•
d. That new or expanded drainage rights -of -way
be required to obtain and comply with State
and Federal permits and requirements.
3. To encourage the preservation of agricultural land
by directing housing and commercial development to
occur in population centers, especially those with
central water service.
Policy: Maintain and improve the quality of housing within
the county.
1. Promote the development of single-family detached housing
units rather than multi --family units.
2. Mobile homes which desire to locate within the county
be required to meet the minimum FHA requirements con-
cerning lot area size and health requirements.
3. A zoning plan be developed and initiated to protect
agricultural, residential and commercial developments
which currently exist, thus providing orderly and
timely growth.
4. That group housing quarters for migratory workers meet
the minimum health standards, and not become a detriment
to the county.
5. The county investigate the feasibility of constructing
a residential home for the elderly.
Policy: Hyde County encourage the location of small industrial -
related industries that are environmentally sound.
1. Encourage industrial development which would provide
• employment for the currently unemployed.
•
2. Encourage industrial development which can be related
to the existing economic base: agriculture, forestry
and commercial fishing.
Policy: Provide, preserve and enhance the educational, re-
creational activities and opportunities throughout
the county.
1. Encourage the county government to develop and expand
recreational activities by delegating more responsi-
bility and financial assistance to the County Activities
Board.
• 60

•
2. Encourage the development of tourist rest areas and
roadside tables along major transportation routes of •
the county, initially investigating the intersection
of N. C. 94 and U. S. 264.
3. Inventory, preserve and restore the buildings, places,
and objects which remind us of our place in history.
•
4. Initiate discussions with the management of the
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge to provide im-
proved opportunities for bird watching by connecting
and maintaining existing roads and by providing adequate
off-street parking at prime vantage points along the
northside of the lake. •
5. That the county investigate the feasibility development
of a technical education program in the county or pro-
vide financial assistance in the form of loans to
individuals who are in need of such assistance.
•
6. That all routes utilized by the county school bus
be paved.
7. That school buses be provided with adequate off-street
parking.
•
Policy: That governmental activities become even more efficient
and responsive to citizens'needs.
1. A county -wide citizens'advisory board be established
to improve citizen participation in county decision •
making.
2. That deputies of the County Sheriff's Department be
trained in providing first aid in case of emergencies.
3. That a study be initiated to evaluate the need and •
feasibility of constructing a central sewage system for
areas of the county with high concentrations of pop-
ulation and commercial activity.
4. Steps be taken to control dogs, at a minimum requiring
a dog tag and rabies shot tag on every dog. •
5. That the county periodically disinfect the solid waste
disposal containers, reducing the nuisance of rodents
and insects.
6. That a mosquito control program be initiated. 0
61 0

Policy: To provide adequate health care and other facilities
and programs for all residents of the county.
1. That the county investigate the development of a
county medical center capable of providing and admin-
istering emergency medical services.
•
2. That the county encourage the creation of an emergency
service associated with the existing volunteer fire
departments.
3. That a study be initiated regarding the need for a
residential home for the elderly.
4. That a detention facility be constructed on the Island
of Ocracoke to improve police protection.
5. That the county continue to press for improvements of
N. C. 12 on Ocracoke Island.
6. That the county investigate the joint purchase of a
helicopter with the four adjacent counties for emergency
medical education.
•
•
•
•
•
• 62

J
Public Participation Activities
The Hyde County public participation experience may be best
viewed as one of joint responsibilities among three various
groups: the general population, elected officials and the
planner. The goal of the public participation element encom-
passed two principle components and an evaluation of the process
should be viewed with them in mind. The first aspect of the `
process was to relate the implications and requirements of the
Coastal Area Management Act to as many county residents as pos-
sible; and secondly,to solicit from the populus their desires
regarding future development, population e:pansion and future
land use patterns.
The participation of the elected officials has been gra-
tifying. Their first decision was that the county, in fact,
desired to produce their own land use plan, rather than have
the state do it for them. The Board of Commissioners, thus,
initiated the process by appointing a county -wide land use
committee composed of citizens from every township within the
county. This occurred prior to a planner being assigned to the
county. Since that time, the Board has publicly supported the
planning activities and have encouraged residents of the county
to participate in local meetings. in addition, the Board has
provided valuable insight into what the implications of some
local land use decisions have been and, in fact, will be in the
future.
The appointed land use committee became the focal point for
•
63 0

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C
U
U
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the planning process. At the first meeting with the planner,
the committee stated that it would be most advantageous if the
group was divided into township committees, which would provide
the impetus at the local level for the planning process. The
township committees were thus formed and the first phase of the
public participation element was initiated - public education.
Through a series of township, civic club and single -purpose club
meetings, the educational process was accomplished. A number
of meetings were scheduled by the members of the land use com-
mittee to provide each citizen with the opportunity to learn
about and ask questions about the Coastal Area Management Act.
Most of these same groups were also approached to provide input
into the planning process, especially in the design and develop-
ment of the standards and policy statements of the plan.
The township committees also were given the responsibility
of developing local standard and policy statements which would
be later incorporated into county -wide statements. Thus, local
residents not only have had the opportunity to attend public and
civic club meetings, but have also had the opportunity to meet
with local township planning committees.
The role of the planner was just as delineated in the pub-
lished guidelines "not to dominate the process". The role of
the planner has been to act in a manner which would facilitate
the process by providing technical assistance and aiding in the
educational process. From the county -wide land use planning
committee, ten members were selected by the planner, with the
64

•
consent of the county commissioners, to form a coordinating
committee. Much of the planner's activity has been associated
with this coordinating committee. The committee met with the
planner approximately twice per month to discuss county -wide
and local issues regarding land use.
Thus, public participation as a process grew and developed
as planning activities continued and the plan began to evolve.
The flexibility of the public participation program allowed for
continuous inclusion of individuals as issues surfaced and then
receded. An objective was to include as many people as possible
and,at the same time, not require that participants attend a set
number of meetings or other requirements which, in many cases,
tend to become exclusionary. The opportunities for citizens
to provide input into the planning process have been multi-
faceted, ranging in scale from the personal one-to-one contact,
the°impersonal survey form to civic club meetings, township
meetings and county -wide meetings. The opportunity for input
is and always has been available. This is particularly a re-
sult of the organizational structure previously described. Al-
though well organized, the process is flexible, allowing citizens
to enter into the process at any point and at any level of par-
ticipation they desire to assume. Although the structure of the
process is open, that does not mean that every citizen of the
county has taken advantage of the opportunity and to imply that
this was fact would be erroneous. The basic point of the public
participation element, however, was not to "make sure" everyone
•
•
•
0
A
A
•
65 •

•
participated, only to give them this valuable opportunity.
0 The determination of the number of people directly providing
input into the plan is difficult to make. The process involves
not only the coordinating committee, but also the township com-
mittees and the various public meetings. initially, the educa-
tional process provided the first opportunity for input, in
fact, that initial contact in many cases determined some of the
+ basic issues. From a statistical. standpoint, approximately
30-40 percent of the county residents have provided direct input
by attending planning meetings, completing the survey, or re-
questing additional information from the planner. This percentage
includes individuals from all walks of life and every social
segment of the county. One important group in the planning
•
process are the young, especially those in high school. This
A
group will become the future leaders of the county, or they
will make a decision to relocate; in either case, the reasons
behind their personal decisions are important to the county and
its future Perhaps the only group which has not been represented
to a great degree is the non-resident property owner. However,
•
this was not the result of,a conscious effort to do so, only a
by-product of the attempt to achieve maximum public participation
among those residents who are full-time residents of the county.
•
A significant aspect of the public participation program has
been the participation of the County Commissioners. From the
inception of the CAMA program they have had a dual role, acting
•
in their capacity of the decision makers and also as citizens of
A 66

the county. The Commissioners have been active members of the
local township planning committees and most importantly they have
attended almost all the meetings scheduled in their townships.
This process enables the Board members to evaluate the plan from
two viewpoints and hopefully will add a greater commitment from
them when the plan is adopted and the implementation phase is
initiated.
The evaluation of the public participation program in Hyde
•
•
•
County is difficult, especially in terms of quality, and in
absence of a definition of the word. Recognizing, however, that
•
no planning of this type nor of this scale has ever occurred in
the county previously, the reaction of the county residents has
been significant. The impact of the public participation includes
•
not only the planning associated with the CAMA process, but also
new planning initiated in other areas as well, including health
care.
,>L
The measurement of the success of the public participation
program at the bottom line will be realized when the plan is
finally adopted and the degree to which the policies, standards
and the development plan are followed by the decision makers.
However, in terms of attempting to avail the planning process to
all citizens of the county, the process has been successful.
•
Every township had not only public meetings, but also civic club
and planning meetings. It must be noted, however, that not all
areas of the county were as actively involved as others; although
•
this is to be expected, everyone is not an active participant in
the affairs of their community regardless of the issues.
67 •

•
•
•
•
a
CONSTRAINTS UPON DEVELOPMENT
w
•
0
•
•

•
J
•
•
•
Constraints Upon Development
This section of the county's Land Use Plan is a discussion
of various factors which would tend to constrain development
within the county. These constraints fall into two major cat-
egories - those relating to land potential and those dependent
upon the existing capacity of community facilities. The basic
considerations included in the land potential evaluation and
analysis are physical limitations, fragile areas and areas with
resource potential.
Physical Limitations
Physical limitations upon development include both man-
0 made and natural hazard areas, soil suitability factors and
sources of water supply. Man-made hazard areas in Hyde County
are limited to existing and proposed airports. The county cur-
0 rently has four landing strips, one of which is paved, located
on the Island of Ocracoke. That landing strip, however, poses
no limitations upon development since it is located on land under
• the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Likewise, the
three other landing strips, located in Fairfield, Lake Landing
and Swan Quarter Townships, pose few, if any, limitations upon
• development. A new air facility is proposed for the Engelhard
area on the north side of U. S. 264 approximately three miles
northeast of Engelhard. Depending upon the ultimate design
• capabilities of that facility, development in the adjacent area
should be designed to discourage or eliminate encroachment of
0 69

occurs within the area with the potential for erosion,
special design or protective measures must be taken to
minimize the likelihood of significant property loss.
In addition to erosion, the county is affected by flooding.
Coastal flood plains are defined as the land areas adjacent to
coastal sounds, estuaries, or the ocean which are prone to
flooding from storms with an annual probability of one percent
or greater (100 year storm). The eXtent: of these areas is to
40 be determined by the state geologist.
Hyde County has recently qualified for the National Flood
Insurance Program which provides an opportunity for county
residents to purchase low cost insurance to provide additional
coverage in the event that storm waters partially or completely
damage structures on their property. At the same time, the
insurance program requires that certain building specifications
be met prior to the construction of new structures, if they are
to be located in a flood prone area.
In accordance with the U. S. Geological Survey findings,
much of the county is subject to flooding should the 100-year
storm occur. Therefore, prior to development of any scale,
the identification of the applicable flood proofing measures
required should be made. The most severe flooding is likely
to occur on'land adjacent to the Pamlico Sound with the impact
of flood waters declining in the northwestern portions of
the county.
0 71

• • • • ! • • • • 0
} - � .-y � 1 y_- .:t• - _1 `y\ o is
f-• L A K 9 N A T T: N U! R L L T •%, d E1
Jq
� ' �` ; ``tip �' ��t�` -- •/ ,�'• '.J,,. V.. " �_/� ..:`�®I O
_ 1'
SHOREL:lt1i� 8 r �^ _ `. � ( !�Y�o .7.
..
EROSION �►� -- - . ,,� o
HYDE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA `�•Af
v
: EACH
MAP 5

•
HYDE COUNTY
REACH NO. 1
REACH NO. 9
•
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. height of bank
1.1 feet
Av. height of bank
.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
16.3 miles
Length of shoreline eroding
6.7 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
16.3 miles
Total length of shoreline
6.7 miles
•
REACH NO. 2
REACH NO. 10
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. height of bank
2.1 feet
Av. height of bank
.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
7.4 miles
Length of shoreline eroding
18.8 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
7.4 miles
Total length of shoreline
18.8 miles
•
REACH NO. 3
PEACH NO. 11
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. vziclth lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. height of bank
1.8 feet
Av. height of bank
.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
14.6 miles
Length of shoreline eroding
19.2 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
•
Total length of shoreline
14.6 miles
Total length of shoreline
19.2 miles
REACH N0. 4
REACH NO. 12
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. height of bank
1.8 feet
Av. height of bank
.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
12.3 miles
Length of shoreline eroding
14.9 miles
•
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
12.3 miles
Total length of shoreline
14.9 miles
REACH NO. 5
REACH No. 13
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. height of bank
.7 feet
\v. - height of bank
.5 feet
•
Length of shoreline eroding
13.8 miles
Length of shoreline eroding
20.5 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
13.8 miles
Total length of shoreline
20.5 miles
REACH NO. 6
REACH No. 14
Av. wi th lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
•
Av. height of bank
.5 feet
Av. height of bank
.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
18.5 miles
Length of shoreline eroding
15.3 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
18.5 rdbas:
Total length of shoreline
15.3 miles
REACH NO. 7
REACH NO. 15
•
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. width lost to erosion
75.0 feet
Av. height of bank
.5 feet
Av. height of bank
.5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding
23.8 miles
Length of shoreline eroding
11.1 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Length of shoreline accreting
0 miles
Total length of shoreline
23.8 miles
Total length of shoreline
11.1 miles
• REACH NO. 8
Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet
Av. height of bank .5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 21.8 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 21.8 miles
•
73

•
Soil Limitations
•
The limitations upon development as a result of soil
suitability factors include the following elements: area of
shallow soils, poorly drained soils, areas representing hazards
•
to foundations, and soils which impose limiting factors upon
the use of septic tanks. It may generally be stated that the
soil conditions, in their natural state, pose limitations upon
•
most forms of development. The principle reasons for the limi-
tations are the existence of a high water table and poor drainage
capabilities. The end result is that there are areas which im-
•
pose limitations upon the use of septic tanks for disposal of
waste water.
The limitations upon agricultural development are generally
•
associated with the need for adequate drainage due to a high
water table. The county's drainage pattern includes numerous
slow moving canals and ditches flowing into the Pamlico Sound, •
Pungo River and Alligator River. The natural topography is
inadequate for the removal of storm water; therefore, man-made
canals and -ditches have been located throughout the county. The .
man-made system becomes the only means of water removal subse-
quent to severe storms.
The soil limitations upon residential and commercial develop- •
ment are basically the same as for agricultural development -
a high water table. Generally, the water table is an average
depth of three feet below the surface; however, the closer one •
goes toward the Pamlico Sound, the higher the water table. The
74 •

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•
•
•
result is that houses and businesses cannot be constructed with
basements. The general rule is that dwelling units are con-
structed on approximately three or four cinder block pilings
above the ground.
This factor, however, is not the greatest limitation upon
development. The most important consideration is the ability to
dispose of wastewater. The county does not have a central sewage
disposal system; thus, r-eliancL upc.n septic tanks is universal.
The implications of a high water �a>,d inadequate wails
upon on -lot disposal systems are Thus, future develop-
ment in areas eXhibiting the characteristics will
no doubt require either large lots or a central sewage system.
The following map illustrates the location and distribution
of the six soil associations found in the county. The map was
originally produced by the Soil Conservation Servcie. The
interpretations of the soil associations reflect that virtually
all the soil associations impose limiting factors upon the
operation of septic tanks; however, these limitations may be re-
duced or eliminated through intense maintenance, or special
design and soil reclamation projects. All alternatives are not
only difficult but costly; however, they are not unrealistic.
It must be noted that although the indications are that the
limitations are county -wide, each new development proposal must
be evaluated on a case by case basis.
75

SOIL CONSERVA
1
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
e W A S H I N G T O N
2
z
0
u
P zlu
3
O ��•� s.
vb
e� .
—4
`` HHLC HAY
in A
6OVH ...
�•� �� OE4 av
P
A M L �.
/ C O \ d`
LEGEND
(Tentative - Soil Names Subject to Change)
MYATT-BLADEN association:
Poorly drained soils with gray to dark gray fine sandy
loam to loam surface layers and friable sandy clay loam
to very firm clay subsoils.
WEE KSVI LLE-PASQUOTANK association:
c
Very poorly and poorly drained soils with black to gray
very fine sandy loam or silt loam surface layers over
friable silt loam or stratified sands.
HYDE-BAYBORO association:
Very poorly drained soils with thick black loam surface
layers over firm clay loam to very firm clay subsoils.
o
CAPERS-NEWHAN association;
Very poorly drained soils with dark gray silty clay sub-
soils and loam surface layers over sticky, plastic, silty
clay subsoils and excessively drained gray to dark gray
sandy soils that contain marine shells.
/i
DARE-PUNGO-DOROVAN association:
Very poorly drained soils with thick to moderately thick
\
organic surface layers over mineral subsurface layers rang-
ing from sand to clay. (Histosols)
\
PON ZE R-BE LHAVEN-WASDA association:
Very poorly drained soils with moderately thick to thin
organic surface layers and loamy subsurface layers.
R •\
\
Note:
This General Soil Map is suitable for broad planning purposes only.
For more detailed planning on individual tracts of land, a detailed
soil survey is needed.
GENERAL SOIL MAP
HYDE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
0 1 2 3 i S
APPROXIMATE SCALE - MILES
Polyconic Projection compiled at 1:126,720 (1"- 2 miles)and
reprend�23at 0,4001(1i26 720 3.63( miles) fors mser<•mum legit 10ylwithi miles)
sheet size.
Base compiled from General Highway Map, 1972 Revision,
North Caroline State Highway Dept, and USDC. Bureau of
Public Roads
10-73 4—R-33402
n `I1 n 111I1
:sYoar srartx. Tot. tns
RC � • O'r.7 1—ram—.P r_��,+

FF-
• ! •
J
J
HYDE COUNTY SOIL INTERPRETATION FOR
SELECTED DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES
SOIL
a OF
a OF
DWELLINGS WITH
LIGHT
RpADS AND
SUITABILITY FOR
ASSOCIATIONS
COUNTY
ASSOCIATION
SEPTIC TANKS
INDUSTRIES
STREETS
AGRICULTURE
1.
Myatt Bladen
7
Myatt
55
Sev.
Wt. Fl.
Sev.
Wt.
Fl.
Sev.
Wt.
F1.
Good
Bladen
30
Sev.
Wt. F1.
Sev.
Wt.
F1.
Sev.
Wt.
F1.
Good
2.
Weeksville-
Pasquotank
11
Weeksville
65
Nod.
to Sev. Wt.
Mbd.
to
Sev. Wt.
Nbd.
to
Sev. Wt.
Good
Pasquotank
20
Nod.
to Sev. Wt.
Nod.
to
Sev. Wt.
Mod.
to
Sev. Wt.
Good
3.
Hyde-Bayboro
12
Hyde
40
Sev.
Wt. F1. Perm.
Sev.
Wt.
Fl.
Sev.
Wt.
Fl.
Good
Bayboro
40
Sev.
M. Fl. Perm.
Sev.
Wt.
F1.
Sev.
Wt.
F1.
Good
4.
Capers -New Han.
8
Capers
65
Sev.
Wt. Fl.
Sev.
F1.
Cor.
Sev.
Fl.
Poor
New Han.
25
Sev.
LFC.
Sev.
Fl.
Mod.
Texture
Poor
5.
Dare-Pungo-Dorovan
20
Dare
35-
Sev.
Fl.
Sev.
Fl.
Cor.
.Sev.
Fl.
TSC.
Poor
Pungo
35
Sev.
F1.
Sev.
Fl.
Con
S^v.
Fl.
TSC.
Poor
Dorovan
15
Sev.
Fl.
Sev.
Fl.
Cor.
Sev.
Fl.
TSC.
Poor
6.
Ponzer-Belhaven
Wasoa
30
Ponzer
40
Sev.
Wt. Fl.
Sev.
Fl.
Wt.
Sev.
Fl.
TSC.
Good
Belhaven
30
Sev.
Wt. Fl.
Sev.
F1.
Wt.
Sev.
Fl.
TSC.
Poor
Wasoa
15
Sev.
Wt. Fl.
Sev.
Fl.
Wt.
Sev.
Fl.
TSC.
Good
SOURCE: United States Departnmt of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service,
Raleigh, North Carolina, 1974.

E
•
•
C
•
C
•
Notes for Soil Interpretations:
Moderate (MOD): Soils have properties moderately favorable
for the rated use. Limitations can be over-
come or modified with planning, design, or
special maintenance.
Severe (SEV): Soils have one or more properties unfavorable
for the rated use. Limitations are difficult
and costly to modify or overcome, requiring
major soil reclamation, special design or
intense maintenance.
Abbreviations for Limiting Factors:
Fl. -Flood Hazard
Wt. Water Table
Cor. Corrosion Potential
TSC Traffic Supporting Capacity
The suitability of soils for agricultural production was
based upon the production of corn, soybeans and other small
grain crops only.
78

•
Water Supply Areas
Commercial, residential or agricultural development is also
dependent upon adequate supplies of potable water. There are
basically two sources of water - ground water and surface water.
In terms of availability, surface water in the county is abundant.
Approximately one-half of the county's surface is covered by
water. This includes the various lakes, rivers and the Pamlico
Sound. Unfortunately, due to their high concentrations of salt,
the brackish conditions render them useless as a source of
potable water without disalinization or other costly treatment.
Therefore, the major source of water supply for the county is
ground water. There are two aquifers supplying water to the county.
The Castle Hayne aquifer consisting of predominantly porous shell,
limestone, and calcarous sand is a highly productive source of
water supply for the northwestern portion of the county. In that
section of the county individual wells may produce from 50 to 500
gallons per minute. The Castle Hayne aquifer lies approximately
250 feet below the surface, although many wells are only 40 feet
deep and can obtain water from the aquifer.
The principal source of ground water supply for the county
is the Yorktown Formation. This aquifer is above the Castle
Hayne and is composed of interbedded marls, massive clays, sands,
and shells. Wells drilled into the aquifer range from 125 feet
in the west to 250 feet in the eastern portions of the county. Yields
from the Yorktown Formation have been reported to be 50 gallons
per minute from a two inch diameter well.
•
u
•
•
•
•
•
C
79 0

•
•
•
•
•
•
C_7
The recharge of the Yorktown Formation is directly at the
point of out crop and indirectly by the seepage of water through
the overlying surficial sands. Overlaying the Yorktown Formation
is a non -artesian or water table aquifer. This aquifer is the
most widely used source for domestic wells throughout the county.
This aquifer is recharged directly by precipitation and surface
storage. It is this non -artesian aquifer which is most susceptible
to contamination from septic tanks or other sources of ground
water pollution.
At the present time, much of the county is in the process
of obtaining water from a central water supply system. For a
complete discussion of the county's central water system, please
refer to the Community Facilities element of this document.
In terms of development, the most important areas of the
central water system are the well fields. Well fields are lo-
cated at Swan Quarter, Engelhard and a new field is being pre-
pared in Fairfield.
Ocracoke Water Supply
• The previous section has considered the water supply picture
for only the mainland. The main source of water supply for the
island has been obtained from either shallow wells or cisterns.
• The wells are far from adequate in terms of volume required
and quality -producing water with higher than normal saline con-
tent. Since this supply is from a shallow strata it is subject
• to pollution from septic tanks; and subsequent to storms, water
• 80

u
NATURAL FRAGILE AREAS
♦

•
Fragile Areas
The following section is an inventory of the various elements
which may tend to limit development dine to their environmental
characteristics. These factors include the following: coastal
wetlands, estuarine waters, public trust waters, complex natural
areas, estuarine erodible areas and areas vjhich sustain reminant
species. The significance of thes>w =s iu that they are to
be considered for designation as (;." ' v�,,,i::orimental Concern,
in accordance with Section 113A-114 of ^oastal Area Manage-
ment Act of North Carolina. These areas include both land and
water resources in which uncontrolled or .incompatible develop-
0 ment might result in irreparable damage, thus causing a degra-
dation of some factors which have made the coastal area both
aesthetically and ecologically rich.
The Act requires the identification of these environmentally
sensitive areas, describing the types of land use which may be
permitted in each classification. These land uses must be con-
41 sistent with established policy objectives and standards which
have been published in the guidelines.
Coastal Wetlands
0 The classification of coastal wetlands comprises two
elements: the low tidal marsh which is affected by the ebb and
flow of lunar tides, and other coastal marsh lands. In accordance
0 with the Act's definition, Hyde County is known to contain ap-
proximately 1,600 acres of regularly flooded salt marsh. This
83

co
HYDE COUNTY
FRAGILE AREAS
LEGEND:
ESTUARINE WATERS
COASTAL MARSHLANDS
COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS
MAP %

• • • • • • • • • • •
- '
l ( � �c � ♦ / � j 1 r 'i s
L A K E M A T T: X U 5 E E E T Y �\
{ •
i.�
FRAGILE AREAS
HYDE COUNTY \�` '� - �� E '� ---� ��--�'��• ' `
K
NORTH CAROLINA
Af
P
MAP 7

•
total acreage is located on the sound side of Ocracoke Island,
•
within that portion of the island under the jurisdiction of the
U. S. National Park Service --The Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Thus, for developmental purposes, the county may consider that no
•
regularly flooded tidal salt marsh exists.
•
On the other hand, significant acreage of the county is
classified as "other coastal marshland," approximately 39,900
acres. That acreage includes irregularly flooded salt marsh
and shallow fresh water marsh, the latter being only 3,400
acres. The term'bther coastal marsh"is defined to include any
•
marshland which is inundated only as a result of wind tides,
•
except hurricanes and severe tropical storms.
The significance of these areas is, that depending upon their
biological and physical conditions, they are capable of sup-
porting a greater diversity of wildlife types than the limited
habitat of the low tidal marsh. For example, the irregularly
•
flooded salt marsh of the county provides not only nutrients
for shell and fin fish, but also provides habitat for racoon,
muskrat, otter and black duck. In addition, these same areas
•
serve as a deterrent to shoreline erosion, especially in marshes
•
containing heavily rooted species of Juncus roemerians, known
as Black Needlerush.
The location of the irregularly flooded salt marsh is ex-
tensive and found continuously from the mouth of the Long Shoal
River to a point near Able Bay in Currituck Township. Refer to
Map 7 for a graphic illustration. The location of the fresh-
water marsh is principally along the western boundary of the
• 86

county, on the banks of the Pungo River. Fresh water marsh may
•
also be located at the intersection of N. C. 94 and the intra-
coastal waterway.
Estuarine Waters
Estuarine waters are defined as "all waters of the Atlantic
Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters
of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of
the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland
fishing waters..." Hyde County contains vast areas which are
included within this classification: the waters of the Pamlico S
Sound, Pungo River and Alligator River which are adjacent to the
land area of the county. The most complex area of the county,
concerning this classification, is the southwest quadrant of
the county, due to the numerous small tributaries which flow
into either the Pungo River or the Pamlico Sound.
The significance of the estuarine system is that it is •
one of the most productive natural environments of North
Carolina. It not only supports valuable commercial and sports
fisheries, but it is also utilized for commercial navigation,
recreation and aesthetic purposes. Species dependent upon es-
tuaries include menhaden shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs.
These species make up over 90 percent of the total value of
North Carolina's commercial catch. These species must spend all
or some part of their life cycle in the estuary. The high level
of commercial and sports fishing in coastal North Carolina is •
dependent upon the protection and sustained quality of our
87 •

MAP 8

•
estuarine areas.
The great majority of fish and waterfowl that depend upon
the estuarine area for their existence is migratory. Adult
fish spawn off -shore, the eggs and larvae drift inshore and the
young migrate into the estuaries which provide protection and
an abundance of rich food. Therefore, the environmental con-
ditions in the estuarine nursery grounds influence.their sur-
r vival, and these conditions flucta.te greatly. Map 4 illustrates
the prime fishing and spawning areas in the county for shell and
fin -fish. Map 8 indicates those areas currently closed to
shell fish harvesting due to some form of pollution.
The complete and total preservation of the estuarine waters,
much like areas of coastal marshlands, is impractical and no
doubt impossible. Reduction in the pr.•oductivity of these areas
will occur as development occurs and/or greater nationa- benefits
are derived. However, careful planning of proposed uses within
estuarine waters is needed to minimize the destruction of
fisheries habitat, thereby approaching an optimal balance between
development and the environment. The management of our estuarine
areas for the greatest national benefit means that decisions
must be made and compromises reached.
The extent of the estuarine system in Hyde County is vast,
•
extending from the mouth of the Long Shoal River at the Dare
County line in the Northeast and extending westward to the
head waters of the Pungo River in the northwestern portion of
•
the county. In addition to that area, the waters of the
89
•

Alligator River from Cherry Point Landing to the Albemarle
Sound are part of the estuarine system. The Pamlico Sound, for
example, is approximately 48,000 acres, measured from Wysocking
Bay to Rose Bay and extending an average width of two miles. A
0 complete recording of the areas included in the county's es-
tuarine system may be found in Catalog of Inland Fishing Waters
of North Carolina.
Public Trust Waters
Public trust waters are defined as "all waters of the
. Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water
mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural
bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands
• thereunder to the mean high water mark; all navigable natural
bodies of water and the lands thereunder to the mean or ordinary
high water mark, as the case may be, except privately owned lakes
having no public access; all waters in artificially created
bodies of water in which exists significant public fishing re-
sources or other public resources, which are accessible to the
♦ public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public
has rights of navigation; all waters in artificially created
bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by pre-
0 scription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means."
The significance of the public trust waters is that the
public has certain rights to these areas including navigation
and recreation. These waters support valuable commercial and
sports fisheries, have aesthetic value and are important
90

•
potential resources for economic development. With respect to
41
economic development, one factor of a public trust waters' po-
tential is reflected in the stream classification system of
North Carolina.
The stream classification system is based upon the exist-
ing or contemplated best usage of the various streams and seg-
ments of streams in the basis, as determined through studies and
evaluations and the holding of public hearings for consideration
of the classifications proposed. This classification system
was originally adopted by the North Carolina Board of Water and
•
Air Resources on October 13, 1970, and approved by the Environ-
mental Protection Agency on January 20, 1971.
There are four surface water classifications applicable to
•
the county. They are "SA", "SC", "C", and "C-Swamp."
"SA" waters are identified as having a best usage for shell -
fishing for market purposes and any other usage requiring waters
•
•
of a lower quality. These waters are not to be discharge points
for sewage and industrial wastes unless they are treated to the
satisfaction of the Board of Air and Water Resources and the
State Board of Health. The waters of the Pamlico Sound and ad-
jacent Bays are classified as "SA" waters.
"SC" waters are identified as having a best usage for
•
fishing and any other usage except bathing or shellfishing for
market purposes. The waters are suitable for fish propagation.
These waters may be receiving areas for sewage disposal only to
•
the extent that after a reasonable opportunity for dilution and
• 91

I
HYDE COUNTY
STREAM CLASSIFICATION
LEGEND: .
SC
SA
C SWAMP
®
C
MAP 9

I
ri
J>
u
XIC
All
ir

•
i
•
•
•
•
mixtures makes the waters unsafe or unsuitable for fish, shell-
fish and wildlife. Many of the larger canals within the county
fall within this classification. Larger bodies of water included
in this classification are the waters of Lake Mattamuskeet and
the Pungo River, north of Slade Creek.
Class "C" waters have a best usage for fishing, boating,
wading and any other usage except for bathing or as a source of
water supply for drinking, culinary or food -processing purposes.
The class "C" waters may also be a receiving water for effluent
from a sewage treatment plant to the extent that after a reason-
able opportunity for dilution and mixtures, makes the waters
unsafe or unsuitable for fish, shellfish and wildlife. The
"C-Swamp" classification indicates that the stream drains swamp
type lands and has the same potentials as the class "C" waters.
Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
• Areas that sustain remnant species are designated as
places which support native plants or animals, rare or endangered,
within the coastal area. The continued survival of certain
• native plants and animals cannot be assured unless the relative-
ly few well defined areas providing necessary habitat conditions
are protected from development or land uses that might alter
w these conditions. The policy objective is to preserve these
habitat conditions, minimizing land uses which might jeopardize
these known areas.
• A report recently published by the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission states that the rare and endangered species
A 9A

of the county include the brown pelican which is known to nest in the
vicinity of the Ocracoke Inlet, the bald eagle, peregrine falcon,
American alligator, red -cockaded woodpecker and the loggerhead
turtle. The Outer Banks King Snake,which is an endangered
species, is also known to be on Ocracoke island. Recognizing
that endangered or remnant species exist in the county, un-
fortunately does not completely solve the ultimate question of
a
their protection. Until explanatory data regarding the specific
environments is received, designation of management areas is im-
possible to make. Forthcoming legislation will make it possible
to assemble more pertinent data about these species.
Complex Natural Areas
Complex natural areas are defined as "lands that support •
native plant and animal communities and provide habitat condi-
tions or characteristics that have remained essentially unchanged
by human activity." These areas are to be determined to be rare
within the county or to be of particular scientific or educa-
tional value.
The significance of these areas is that they provide the
few remaining examples of conditions that existed within the
coastal area prior to settlement by Western man. Often these
natural areas provide habitat conditions suitable for rare or A
endangered species, or they support plant and animal communities
representative of pre -settlement conditions. These areas pro-
vide a historical perspective to changing natural conditions 0
in the coastal area and together are important and irreplaceable

w
scientific and educational resources.
7
There are two such areas which have been identified within
Hyde County. One area is known as Salyer's Ridge Natural Area,
w
located within the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. The
area is approximately 75 acres in size and includes stands of
Loblolly Pine averaging 100 feet in height and Sweet Gum
averaging 40 feet in height and 50 years in age. The area is
located south of the Refuge's West Main Canal, in the extreme
southwest portion of the Refuge.
The other area is located in Lake Landing Township, north-
east of Engelhard. The site is owned by Pamilco,incorpocated
and is a Cypress swamp. The stand is unique to the county, with
some trees exceeding eighteen (18) feet in diameter.
Areas Containing Unique -Geologic Formations
Hyde County contains no areas of unique geologic formations
f as defined in the Guidelines.
CU
R
C-1
Registered Natural -Landmarks
Hyde County contains no registered natural landmarks.
96

S
r
•
•
0
AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL

U
Areas With Resource Potential
The following section identifies and evaluates those areas
of the county with resource potential, including prime agri-
cultural lands, potentially valuable mineral sites, publicly
owned forests, parks and other non -intensive outdoor recreational
lands.
Prime Agricultural Lands
Prime agricultural lands are difficult to locate, simply due
to the absence of a universally acceptable definition. There-
fore, in absence of a definition, one measure of prime agri-
cultural lands may be ascertained from the county soil classi-
fication and from certain geographic configurations which are
best suited for agricultural production.
The generalized soil map interpretations previously dis-
cussed aid in the identification of these agriculturally im-
portant areas. The interpretations denote that the following
soil associations are rated as "good" for corn, soybeans, and
small grains: Myatt-Bladen, Weeksville Pasquotank and Hyde-
Bayboro. In addition, the PonZer-Wasda-Belhaven association
is generally rated as good, with only the Ponzer portion rated
as poor for agricultural production. Although these interpre-
tations indicate positive implications for agriculture, each
tract of land must be individually analyzed. A review of the
generalized soil map for the county reflects that approximately
sixty (60%) percent of the area is rated good for the production
98

of corn, soybeans, and other small grain crops.
The geographic configurations which tend to make acreage
prime in Hyde County are directly related to land clearing acti-
vities and drainage. The existing land use map provides assis-
tance for this discussion. The map reflects that there are
several areas which are predominately oriented toward agricul-
tural production. The largest area in terms of aggregate
acreage is in Currituck Township, north of the ponzer community.
A vast proportion of that land is owned by one of the corporate
ventures in the county. In the future, it may be expected that
the majority of the area from the Intracoastal Waterway north
and northwest will be actively cultivated.
The Scranton-Sladesville area is another prime agricultural
area, especially that area which lies north of the boundary
roads, S. R. 1143, S. R. 1145 and west of S. R. 1139. In the
future, a majority of this area,with the exception of the road
frontage will, no doubt, be under production. The other lands,
on the outside, generally exhibit a high watertable level or are
classified as wetlands, thus not appropriate for agricultural
production.
The next large areas are found around the "lake"; that area
r
0
•
A
between Lake Mattamuskeet and the boundary canal. This includes
•
the Swan Quarter and Rose Bay areas. In addition, the Engelhard
area of Nebraska and Middletown have vast areas which have been
drained, cleared and under cultivation.
•
An area which currently is being prepared for agricultural
99

A
0
•
•
•
•
A
•
production is located north of Engelhard. The area, approxi-
mately 70,000 acres, may soon qualify as being prime agricul-
tural land. Preliminary production yields have been very pro-
mising.
Agricultural production yields in the county have attained
the 150 bushels per acre mark for corn production. That yield
is also dependent upon climatic conditions; however, one must
have the proper lands initially. Within the county, most acreage
which is under production is considered to be prime land. This
is directly related to the investment of time, money and energy
which is required to transform raw land into productive acreage.
Therefore," -with -respect to population growth and expansion
of non -agriculturally related activities, a conflict between land
uses may arise. This is particularly true because land which is
productive farm land is also highly desirable for development
since it is not only cleared but also well drained. In the
future, there are two areas of the county which may experience
this conflict: the areas of Swan Quarter and Engelhard and the
road frontage of U. S. 264. As the water supply system is ex-
panded and completed, pressures for non-agricultural develop-
ment may increase. The land use decisions regarding growth that
will have to be made should take into account the existing land
uses and their importance to the county. Development proposals
must also be -carefully evaluated in terms of their impact
upon adjacent land uses, especially for those developments
which are proposed and are not within service district
boundaries.
• 1Q0

•
Drainage
Located on the peninsula between the Albemarle and
•
Pamlico sounds, Hyde County is confronted with vast agricultural
A
potentials and constraints. The most important facet of agri-
culture in the county is the drainage of the land. The drainage
issue composes two significant aspects: the maintenance of
•
existing drainage ways and the contruction of new drainage
outlets.
The natural drainage of the county, meaning that drainage
•
which existed before man started construction drainage ditches
and canals, was limited to a few short streams. Primarily, these
streams were the Pungo River and its tributaries on the western •
boundary of the county, the Alligator River which forms a por-
tion of the county's northern boundary and the Long Shoal River
in the extreme northeastern portion of the county. An evalua- •
tion of this natural system has not been possible to make due
to the numerous alterations made by man.
The soils of the county fall into the mineral or organic
•
classifications. The mineral soils consist of varying mixtures
of sand, silt and clay. The organic soils, on the other hand,
are referred to as muck or peat, consisting of tree fragments, A
shrubs and other vegetation mixed with small amounts of inor-
ganic materials. In terms of aggregate size, the latter classi-
fication is the dominant soil type which forms the county's land •
surface. The very properties of that classification not only
101 •

•
present potentially valuable resources for agricultural pro-
•
duction once drainage and land clearing activities have taken
place.
Historically, the valuable assets of the county have been
•
recognized since the 1800's when the first record of drainage
activities was made. In 1830, the State of North Carolina ap-
propriated funds to construct drainage ditches for Lake
•
Mattamuskeet, Pungo and New Lakes. In 1838, the Lake Landing
Canal was completed connecting Lake Mattamuskeet to the Pamlico
Sound, being approximately five (5) miles in length. In later
•
years, other canals were completed as the attached map indicates.
These first canals were excavated for the purpose of promoting
development in the area. Those early efforts were generally
•
unsuccessful due to the fear of malaria and superstitutions about
ill health caused by breathing the air in swampy regions. Al-
though the degree of development may not have reached the desired
•
level, the canals provided new means of access to the county and
resulted in the partial drainage of the areas adjacent to the
canals. During the late 1800's and the early 1900's the county
•
did experience significant development.
•
•
Perhaps the most ambitious development scheme undertaken in
the region, prior to recent years, was the attempt to farm the
bottom of Lake Mattamuskeet. The lake bottom was considered ideal
for agricultural production because it only required drainage,
whereas adjacent land areas required both drainage and the re-
moval of vegetation. Thus, in 1917, a stock company was formed
to drain and farm the lake's bottom. The endeavor required the
• 102

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construction of four steam powered pumps, having a combined
capacity of one million gallons per minute. This also required
the excavation of the Outfall Canal a distance of seven (7)
miles. The crops produced record yields during the years the
pumps operated; however, not to the extent that profits exceeded
costs. Therefore, due to extreme costs, pump failures and other
financial difficulties the venture was doomed to failure.
However, the crop yields prompted more investment in agricul-
tural production.
A large portion of that investment was associated with
land reclamation activities, especially drainage. The conver-
sion of swampy areas, bogs and forest areas to intensive farming
operations requires obvious changes to the landscape. A portion
of the change is the removal of vegetation which may consist of
second or third generation growth of trees and shrubs. Once
uprooted, the vegetation must be burned. The second phase con-
sists -of the excavation of drainage ditches and canals to remove
excess water thus lowering the ground water level, making culti-
vation possible.
The ideal drainage system consists of three types or sizes
o canals. The major element of the network is the main canal,
which generally extends from the interior to a natural body of
water, either a.stream or coastal water area. The width and
depth of these canals vary depending upon slope conditions and
the area to be drained. In general, however, an average main
canal is a minimum of 15 to 25 feet wide and 10 to 15 feet in
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depth. The second type of canal in the drainage network is the
collector ditch. The function of the collector ditch is to
channel surface water from smaller ditches to the main canals.
These canals may vary in size, but a majority fall into the 10
to 15 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet deep catagory. The final aspect
of the drainage network is the field ditches or "v" ditches.
These ditches perform the function of lowering the watertable
and removing the rain water subsequent to rains.
These ditches are spaced approximately 330 feet, perpendicular
to the collector ditches and varying in width and depth.
Although the drainage network appears to be complex and may
approach the "ideal configuration", the effects of continued rain
showers are immediately noticeable in the fields. The frequency
and duration of rain become the determining variables in the
successful operation of a productive farm. Excessive rain
causes damage and in some cases,crop loss; and when the county re-
ceives excessive rain,it surpasses the normal level of 55 inches.
As recently as 1975, the adverse effects of excessive rain have
affected the county's agricultural production. The drainage
network which traverses the county adequately removes excess
water which may occur in normal years; however, they are not
designed to carry off rain waters in years when the rainfall
exceeds seventy (70) inches. In the past decade, the rainfall
has surpassed the eighty-two (82) inch mark approximately five
(5) times. in addition to crop damage, the drainage network
may also suffer adverse effects.
104

• • • • • • • • • • •
'' `• ' /f-
- i,�`,.� '// c`Q �..�,� `�,;..r - _.-•_PLC..-e'�� `� '�. -90 �,�� \ �.
l`. � �-►.g' j ,� I ..-ice- �,_ - ..
ti
'`•tell
ter' G
S�
Note: Sketch not to scale
TYPICAL ARTIFICIAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM

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The artificial drainage system that has been constructed in
the county is designed to prevent ponding of water on the land sur-
face during heavy rains and to remove excess waters. Ponding is
reduced by the close spacing of the field ditches and the slope
of the fields toward the ditches. The key to ponding is the water
table level. The construction of drainage ditches causes seepage
of ground water into the ditches lowering the water table level
and causing an unsaturated zone below the surface. During rains
water infiltrates into this zone; therefore, any overland flow
occurs only after the soil is completely saturated or rainfall
exceeds the infiltration rate.
Exact data on the seasonal fluctuations of the water table in
drained areas is not available. However, utilizing general
ground water hydrological principles, coupled with seasonal ob-
servations of the water level and drainage ditch flow,it is pos-
sible to outline general applicable conditions. The seepage of
ground water into the ditches causes the water table to gravitate
toward the ditches. The water table divides become most pro-
nounced during the spring and winter when the water table is
•
nearest the surface prior to receding in the summer and fall when
evapotranspiration losses are greatest. During the periods when
•
the field and collector ditches are dry, the deeper ditches exer-
cise primary control on the water table. The drainage network
lowers the water table approximately three feet during dry periods
•
from the normal one foot level to a position about four feet be-
low the surface.
0 106

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SUMMER AND FALL CONDITIONS
----,�—_----- U — — — Water -U-table---- U
WINTER AND SPRING CONDITIONS
Collector
Ditch
Land Surface
Water__ table
line
G,a wa`e� Recharge to
und-
Deeper Aquifers
Field Collector
Ditch Ditch
SEASONAL GROUND WATER FLOW CONDITIONS
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Regardless of the cause, the drainage network requires
periodic maintenance. Without proper and timely maintenance,
crop production cannot occur at normal levels. The process of
maintenance can post significant problems to the individual,
especially if the drainage way traverses a coastal marshland or
discharges directly into the estuarine system. When these con-
ditions are met, and they exist for almost every farmer in the
county, a permit is required from the N. C. Division of Marine
Fisheries and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The process
usually takes in excess of three months and the conditions at-
tached to the permit are indeed difficult to comply with.
Therefore, the county is in the process of obtaining legal
authority from the permit -letting agencies which would enable the
county's farmers to maintain existing farm drainage rights -of -way
in a more realistic manner. The basic elements of that recom-
mendation are as follows:
a) Provide for the maintenance of all existing drainage
rights -of -way,
b) The establishment of a spoil area for a minimum
distance equal to sixteen (16) feet, not to exceed
• an area equal to twice the average width of the
existing water course for spoil disposal,
c) The spoil area be designed in a manner which will
not cause ponding of water behind the spoil bank thus
blocking the flow of nutrients into the estuarine
• system, and
d) That new or expanded drainage rights -of -way be
attained after Mate and federal permits and require-
ments are satisfied.
• The key to the previous statement concerns the concept of
maintaining all existing drainage rights -of -way, regardless of
0 108

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whether they are natural or man-made. The major obstacles con-
cerning the maintenance of drainage ways have to do with the im-
pact of that activity upon the coastal wetlands and estuaries.
In the coastal area, the elevation or topography is approximately
at sea -level; therefore, subsequent to rains, the excess water which
is not absorbed into the ground must be removed. For the past
two hundred years, the method employed has utilized the drainage
ditch. These ditches must traverse, in many cases, coastal
marshland and then discharge into a portion of the estuarine
system.
Coastal marshlands in Hyde County encompass approximately
30,000 acres and generally is composed of irregularly flooded
marshland. This means that it is inundated only as a result of
wind tides and storm tides, not including hurricanes and severe
tropical storms. The location of the irregularly flooded salt
marsh is extensive and found continuously from the mouth of the
Long Shoal River to a point near Able Bay in Currituck Township.
The location of the freshwater marsh is principally along the
western boundary of the county, on the banks of the Pungo River.
Fresh water marsh may -also be located at the intersection of
N. C. 94 and the intracoastal waterway. Thus, drainage from
almost any section of the county must go through a marshland area.
in terms of a marsh's viability, their benefits are dependent up-
on the aggregate acreage and a reduction of that area by small
amounts should have negligible effects upon the total productive
capabilities of the marshland. Thus, it must be understood that
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it is not necessary to preserve every blade of grass on every
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marsh; however, the considerations regarding the reduction of
salt/marsh area involves the making of intelligent choices since
there are no simple solutions. The residents of Hyde County deeply
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feel that an intelligent choice is for the maintenance of existing
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ditches. The completion of such projects ultimately destroys very
little marsh area, if any, due to the significant aspect of main-
tenance rather than the excavation of new ditches.
In addition to the significance of the maintenance aspect
is another facet regarding the extent of salt marsh areas which
currently exist. Within the State of North Carolina only one
county exceeds Hyde in total area classified as marsh. The
county also contains vast areas of waters which fall into the
estuarine system classification. Included in the estuarine system
classification are the waters of Pamlico Sound, Pungo River,
Alligator River and the Long Shoal River.
The great majority of fish and waterfowl that depend upon
the estuarine area for their existence is migratory. Adult fish
spawn off -shore, the eggs and larva drift inshore and the young
migrate into the estuarine which provide protection and an abun-
dance of rich food. Therefore, the environmental conditions in
the estuarine nursery grounds will influence their survival and
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these conditions fluctuate greatly. Prime spawning areas exist in
•
the county for shell and fin -fish; however, some of those areas
are currently closed to shell fish harvesting due to pollution.
The complete and total preservation of the estuarine waters,
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much like areas of coastal marshlands, is impractical and no doubt
impossible. Reduction in the productivity of these areas will
occur due to certain forms of development, based upon the national
benefits which can be derived. However, careful planning of
proposed uses within estuarine waters is needed to minimize the
destruction of fisheries habitat, thereby approaching an optimal
balance between development and the environment. The management
of our estuarine areas for the greatest national benefit means
that decisions must be made and compromises reached.
As stated previously, the residents of the county recognize •
their close ties to the estuarine system. The specific drainage
recommendations reflect that concern as well as the fact that
drainage ditches have been maintained for approximately two
hundred years and the productivity of the marshland has not been
seriously impaired. it would appear that the maintenance of
drainage ways has not changed the character of the salt marsh;
however, the methods utilized may be improved to insure that the
biological functions of the marsh are not impaired. Therefore,
the county has suggested that a spoil area be established for
each drainage ditch. The minimum distance would be sixteen feet,
not to exceed a distance of equal to twice the average width of
the existing drainage way. In other words, a drainage ditch
averaging twenty feet wide would receive a spoil area of forty
feet. Further, to insure the biological functions of the marsh,
the county proposes that the spoil area be arranged in a manner
which would facilitate the flow of nutrients into the estuarine

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system. The proposal calls for the placement of lateral ditches
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which would cut through the spoil area to the drainage way. These
lateral ditches would then allow the marsh to biologically function
at their normal level and not cause ponding or trap nutrients
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subsequent to rainfalls.
The proposals identified above take into account the bio-
logical value of both the estuarine system and the land mass
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adjacent to that system. The drainage issue is the highest pri-
ority for the agricultural producer in the county for without dry
land, crops cannot be cultivated. Equally, without a healthy
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estuarine system the commercial and sports fishing industries
cannot exist. The residents of the county believe that this pro-
posal will benefit the majority of the people at the local, state
•
and national level.
Mineral Sites
• The county is underlaid by sedimentary rocks that range in
age from Cretaceous to Recent and represents deposition in both
marine and non -marine environments. The sediments form a wedge-
• shaped body, oriented generally in a north -south direction, rang-
ing in thickness from about 1,000 feet in the western portion of
the county to about 10,000 feet at Cape Hatteras. Lithologically,
• the sedimentary formations include beds of limestone, sand, un-
consolidated shells, marls, clay and unconsolidated sandstone.
Thin beds of indurated sandstone and siltstone occur locally; how-
• ever, they do not compromise a major lithologic unit. The regional
dip of the strata is to the east with gradients ranging from 5 to
• 112

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15 feet per mile. Throughout most of the area, sediments of the
Pleistocene and Recent ages form a layer 25 to 100 feet thick,
thus other older deposits are exposed only along the banks of
the major streams in the western portions of the county.
The county is reported to have definite deposits of shell,
•
7
limestone, marls, sand, gravels, ilments (titanium), clays, peat
and phosphate. The county is also one of the few in the state
•
which has possible oil and gas deposits in commercial quantities.
Although several exploratory wells have been drilled, they have
proved to be unproductive.
•
The most common mineral deposit in the coastal area is
phosphate which is available within the county although recovery
costs appear too prohibitive for commercial extraction at this
A
time. Thus, the county does not face the prospect of large scale
phosphate mining unless technological innovations make it pro-
fitable.
•
Publicly Owned Forests and Parks
Within the county,there are both federal and state land
holdings for wildlife refuges. These holdings include the Lake •
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, the Swan Quarter National
Wildlife Refuge, the Gull Rock Wildlife Area and the Pungo
National Wildlife Refuge and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. •
The Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge was estab-
lished December 18, 1934, for the purpose of a refuge area and
breeding ground for birds and wild animals. Until recent years, •
the refuge was also a shooting area under the management of the
113 0

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U. S. Department of the Interior and the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commissions. However, due to low populations of
wintering migratory birds, hunting has been discontinued. The
lake is the largest in North Carolina, encompassing 50,000 acres.
The refuge is most noted as a wintering area for Canadian
geese and ducks.
The Swan Quarter National Wildlife Refuge was initiated
June 23, 1932 on 15,500 acres located west of the Village of
Swan Quarter. Primarily the area is low woodlands or marsh areas
and has limited access. The lack of access and development has
left much of the refuge as a show case for the exhibition of
natural forces: birth, growth, maturity, calamity and death.
Therefore, the primary objective of the refuge is to maintain the
acreage in a natural setting as much as possible. The refuge is
also the wintering area for Diving Ducks and Canvasbacks.
The Gull Rock Wildlife Area is owned and under the manage-
ment of the State of North Carolina. Approximately 17,313 acres
in area, the wildlife area is primarily oriented toward the
preservation and management of big game including both deer and
•
black bear. Studies also indicate that the American Alligator
may be located in the area between Juniper Bay and Wysocking Bay.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore incorporates all of
•
Ocracoke Island with the exception of 775 acres within the
Village of Ocracoke. The National Seashore is managed by the
•
0 114

I
•1 •.�:i .—.i—.—.—.—.—.—.—. .—..—.—.—.—.—.—. .—.—.— �.� � •
_..,_„�T ~ — •....-.. fir-`. J `�\
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J �� ��^"..'-•'•i t : . . . . . . . .-. . . . :•: : :•:': •:•.•.•.00000s•«.'o•.all
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PARK. AREAS � .•...•�� .•....••.......••..• r`� c..
\ �...
HYDE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA �•� s • i / '
C •�
0
MAP 10

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National Park Service. The Ocracoke portion of the total area
was opened in 1961 to the public and includes two campgrounds
and miles of ocean beaches.
The Pungo National Wildlife Refuge is partially located
in the extreme northwest section of the county. The primary
land holdings of the refuge are located within Washington County.
116

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
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Capacity of Community Facilities
The element of the county's land use plan is an evaluation
of the existing community facilities, including the water supply
system, transportation system and school system. Each facility
will be evaluated upon the following criteria: capacity, percent
utilization and policy regarding expansion. These facilities
are important in terms of future growth, especially in terms of
expansion costs.
• Sewage System
At the present time, the county does not have a central
sewage disposal system. Therefore, the principle method of waste-
• water disposal is via septic tank systems. In many instances,
the septic tanks are either inadequate or the effluent is piped
directly into drainage canals. The result is obvious, pollution
• of surface waters becomes a real possibility. This becomes a
critical issue in areas where individuals and families are de-
pendent upon surface waters for water supply.
• The outlook or future need for a county -wide sewage disposal
system is not justified, based upon the theoretical position that
there ought to be approximately one user per hundred feet. How-
• ever, for areas of higher population concentrations such as
Engelhard, Swan Quarter and Ocracoke,central sewage systems may
be feasible. However, in order for a public sewage system to be
0 practical, it must be both economically as well as environmentally
feasible. Thus, future growth whether it be residential,
• 118

commercial or industrial in these towns will be highly dependent
r
upon adequate sewage disposal.
Water Facilities
There are several areas of the county which are currently
served with public water supplies. The general area includes the
areas of Swan Quarter, New Holland and Engelhard. At one time,
there were two separate water associations located in Swan
Quarter and Engelhard; however, the county in 1975 purchased
the two independent systems combining them into one system which
is to be expanded into one county -wide water supply system, pro- •
viding service to Fairfield, Rose Bay and Sladesville.
The former Swan Quarter water system included two deep wells
and an elevated water tank, with a storage capacity of 75,000
gallons. The two deep wells are capable of providing approxi-
mately 100 gallons of water per minute. Total daily capacity
of the supply system is 150,000 gallons with a recorded peak de- •
mand of 60,000 gallons per day. Therefore, the system at peak
demand has an excess capacity of 90,000 gallons per day, or
approximately 60 percent capability.
The Engelhard system also utilizes two deep wells, approxi-
mately 200 gallons of water per minute, with a capacity of
•
144,000 gallons per day. An elevated storage tank with a capacity •
of 75,000 gallons provides excess capacity as well as unified
pressure throughout the system. Like the Swan Quarter system,
the Engelhard supply has never approached its full demand. Peak •
demand upon the system has been approximately 75,000 gallons per
119 •

day. Subsequent to the completion of the Engelhard system,it
was extended to the New Holland area.
School Facilities
A The county school system consists of four facilities, one
located on Ocracoke Island and the remaining three on the main-
land. In general, the system has experienced a declining en-
rollment, and projections reflect that this trend will probably
continue until 1978-1979. As of 1975, The Hyde County School
Survey
,published by the North Carolina Department of Public In
10
reflected that the elementary schools have a total
enrollment of 872 students, while the enrollment of high school
students was 359.
• The three elementary schools are O. A. Peay in Swan Quarter,
Davis School in Engelhard and Ocracoke. 0. A. Peay has a cur-
rent enrollment of 295 in grades Kindergarten through Sixth,
• with a total capacity of 450. The excess capacity is approxi-
mately 155 students. Therefore, as a constraint upon develop-
ment, the Swan Quarter area is,no doubt,not facing a shortage
• of classroom space. Davis Elementary School also appears to have
excess capacity with an enrollment of 329 students and a total
capacity of 375 students.
• The Ocracoke School is the most unique educational facility
in the county and perhaps in all of North Carolina. The Ocracoke
School is a one -room school house having students in grades one
• through twelve. The school enrollment is approximately 67 with
a total capacity of approximately 80-100, depending upon the
• 120

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MAP 11

r
L A K d M A T T A M U J R 6 6 T
N / � .. '' ' `_ I � (vim-�_ ':•
�\ ray .✓T '� ; -� r 1 /� _ - / Q �\
_ it
Al
COMMtL IIMITy
FACILITIES
HYDE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
,) T-
MAP 11

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utilization of space within the building. The building was
constructed in 1971.
The only high school in the county is Mattamuskeet High
School, located on the mainland near the intersection of
U. S. 264.and N. C. 94. The current enrollment of the school
is 540 with a total capacity of 650. It appears, therefore, that
excess capacity currently exists and that future classes from
the elementary schools will not exceed the capacity of the
facility.
There are, however, two particular considerations which
•
may, in the future, affect the capacity of the county school
facilities; they are a continued population growth in Currituck
Township and constraints based upon transportation requirements.
At the present time, the students in Currituck Township attend
one of three schools - 0. A. Peay Elementary, Pantego High School
or Pungo Academy. In general, the majority of students north
of the Intracoastal Waterway do not attend school in the county.
A continued population growth in the township could place pres-
sure upon the school system for additional facilities and/or
equipment. The equipment would,no doubt,be in the category of
mass transportation. Due to the location of the school facilities
and the many populated areas of the county, transportation of
students via buses is required. Therefore, if additional areas
become significantly populated, requiring bus service, the end
result may necessitate the purchase of additional vehicles. At
the present time, the county school system operates and maintains
twenty-seven (27) buses, providing transportation to 1,071
• 123

of the county's 1,231 students.
E
Primary Road
There are two roads in the county which may be considered
"Primary roads". one is U. S. 264 a two-lane thoroughfare which
traverses the county east and west. The second is N. C. 94,
also a two-lane road running north and south providing access
across Lake Mattamuskeet through Fairfield to Tyrrell County.
N. C. 94 is a north/south connector between U. S. 264 and
U. S. 64.
Each road has a design capacity of approximately 400-500
cars per hour, or 5,700 to 8,200 vehicles per day. The most
recent traffic count figures published by the North Carolina
Department of Transportation (1974) reflect that U. S. 264 and
N. C. 94 are lightly utilized at present. For example, the
average daily traffic count on N. C. 94 at the Fairfield bridge
is 380 vehicles, only .05 percent of total capacity. Therefore,
in comparison, almost unlimited traffic generation may be sus-
tained by the road based upon its present design capacity. The
utilization of N. C. 94 does increase slightly to 850 vehicles
per day when measured at the intersection of N. C. 94 and
S. R. 1305.
Like N. C. 94, U. S. 264 has relatively low traffic flows.
Unfortunately, the counting procedures do not provide directional
flow information. Based upon present utilization, vehicular con-
gestion is not a problem. For example, at the N. C. 94 and y
U. S. 264 intersection the average daily traffic volume on the
124 •

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east side was 1,050 vehicles while on the west side, toward
Swan Quarter the daily vehicle count is slightly higher at
1,200. Utilizing the higher figure, this represents a 17 per-
cent use of the roads total capacity. It may be assumed that
the primary roadb in Hyde County are not presently approaching
the point where expansion is warranted based upon traffic
w
count information.
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THE FUTURE: FORECASTS AND PROJECTIONS
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Estimated Demand
This segment of the land use plan is oriented toward the
future and what perhaps may be in store for the county in the next
couple decades. This discussion will include an evaluation of
the future population and economy, future land needs and po-
tential community facilities demand. The significance of this
section is, that based upon certain projections and forecasts,
the county may be able to better prepare for the future; and,
if necessary, reorder spending allocations or other priorities.
Population Projections
Future population projections are important with respect
• to forthcoming development; however, it is equally important that
these projections are not taken out of context. They are only
predictive in nature, and in many cases, extensions of past county
• demographic experiences. They are not ironclad; and, due to
many unforseen events, it is difficult to predict the exact
future population level of the county. Although, through periodic
• updating, future population trends may be fairly accurate. All
population projections take into account the following factors:
birth rates, death rates, age structure of the present population
• and migration rates.
Three different population projections have been developed
for Hyde County by the N. C. Department of Administration. All
• arrived at different conclusions. These differences result from
weighing certain factors more than others. For example, the
• 127

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following projection.reflects that approximately 621 persons may
be expected to leave the county between 1970 and.2000 and will
not be replaced by new residents.
TABLE XII
HYDE COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTION
YEAR
1970
1980
1990
2000
POPULATION
5,571
5,397
5,205
4,950
N. C. Department of Administration, Raleigh, N. C., 1975
A second projection by the Carolina Population Center for
the Office of State Planning similarly indicates that the county's
population will decline to 5,200 by 1980. This would represent
a 6.5 percent decline in population, accelerating the rate of
decline experienced between 1960 and•1970 of only 3.4 percent.
Population trends for the past thirty years indicate that
the rate of population decline in the county was beginning to
level off with the most recent decline recorded of 3.4 percent.
Thus, in accordance with past demographic experience, the know-
ledge of certain economic factors such as the Ocracoke -Swan Quarter
Ferry, the expansion of the mainland's water supply system and
the new water system for Ocracoke moderate pgpulation projection
has been selected by the Hyde County Land Use Committee for the
county. The projections for the county are by township and are
significant from the standpoint that they are utilized by the
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United States Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate
sewage treatment plant grant applications.
TABLE XIII
HYDE COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS BY TOWNSHIP
YEAR
TOWNSHIPS
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
Currituck
1,319
1,128
1,133
1,100
1,110
1,080
Fairfield
676
573
541
500
490
450
Lake Landing
2,628
2,453
2,377
2,540
2,710
2,780
Ocracoke
509
475
541
600
670
720
Swan Quarter
1,347
1,121
958
930
890
830
Unorganized
Territory
-
15
21
30
40
50
COUNTY TOTALS
6,479
6,765
5,571
5,700
5,900
5,910
This projection indicates that the county will realize a
gradual population increase through the year 2000. The six (6)
percent overall gain by 2000 reflects that the county's population
will stabilize and show moderate gains annually. With respect to
individual townships, the table relates that population gains may
be expected in Ocracoke and Lake Landing.
In general, however, the projections are predictive of
county and township totals and not necessarily for specific lo-
cations and densities. For example, the initiation of ferry
service between Ocracoke and Swan Quarter may cause an increase
in the village populations although the total Swan Quarter Town-
ship population could reflect an overall decline. This could
occur if people living in the other portions of the township
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move to the Village of Swan Quarter taking advantage of new
business opportunities rather than working in agriculturally i
related activities.
Although the population projections are indications of
future resident populations, they do not in any way aid in the
forecasting of seasonal population increases. As noted pre-
viously, the seasonal population increases are associated with
summer vacationers, sports enthusiasts and migrant workers.
The past experience regarding vacationers and sports enthusiasts
.reflects annual increases. This trend will no doubt continue,
especially on Ocracoke Island. As the new ferry becomes opera40
-
tional, the mainland portion of the county will probably begin
to experience annual increases in tourism. The length of the
individual tourist's visit is dependent upon available accommo-
dations and other amenities and at the present time,the main-
land does not have an abundance of tourist motels, restaurants
and alike. The likelihood of a dramatic change in this area is
unlikely due to sewage disposal inadequacies. Until this situa-
tion is altered, seasonal tourist population increases on the
mainland will probably not be significant.
With respect to the population, fluctuations resulting from
migrant workers will most likely continue; however, due to a
growing emphasis upon mechanization, the aggregate number of
workers may reflect an annual decline. The prospect that the
number of migrant workers will increase is slight due to the
technology and other labor saving advances.
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In general, the population projections for the county which
• reflect that approximately 5,700 people may reside within the
county by 1980 is totally in agreement with the desires of the
county residents. This complies with their desire that the
• county experience slow, but gradual growth. If the figures are
accurate, it would appear that few, if any, environmental pro-
blems would result.
• Carrying Capacity
A specific issue regarding future growth and development
concerns the capability of the land and water to sustain these
• changes. The carrying capacity of an area means the amount of
life a stable ecosystem can support. Although an ambiguous
definition, the issue requires that planning must take into con-
0 sideration the physical limits at which certain levels of
human activity lead to undesirable alterations in the environ-
ment. In the coastal area these detrimental effects are caused
0 particularly by sewage and waste water disposal. The effects
are noted in both ground and surface water quality; both, then,
act as a physical limitation upon development. These physical
limitations are fully developed in this land development plan
under the topics of "constraints" and "significant land use
compatibility problems —which have implications for future land
• use." The "estimated demand" section also notes these limitations.
The primary problem is caused by poor soil conditions, which
are not conducive to on -lot disposal techniques. Specifically,
0 the problem is that the soils either do not perk due to a high
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water table or, as in the circumstances of Ocracoke, the soils
perk too fast, not having an opportunity to remove toxic wastes. •
Then these wastes are transmitted to adjacent bodies of water
ultimately causing degradation of water quality. Although the
present conditions may not be causing serious water quality pro- •
blems, the implications are magnified by potential increases in
both population and economic activity.
Economic Projections
This section will evaluate various economic trends which
have and are occurring in Hyde County. The production and dis-
C
tribution of goods and services creates employment opportunities •
and may impact upon land use by creating demands for new resi-
dential and/or commercial activities. The economic status of
the county, thus, may condition the developmental activity which •
may or may not be expected to occur. An expanding economy with
new businesses and industries has associated growth implications
for land uses. Conversely, a stagnant or contracting economy •
will not impact greatly upon existing land uses, especially in
terms of new uses and additional requirements.
The Hyde County economy has experienced significant changes
since 1930 when a majority -of the labor force was actively en-
gaged in agricultural productibn. This is not the case today,
although the status of agricultural production has not diminished, •
continuing to be the primary income producer in the county.
Technological innovations and the mechanization of agricultural
production techniques are principally responsible for the labor •
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force realignment in the county. The following table illustrates
the changes in the labor force which have occurred since 1930.
TABLE XIV
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE, PERCENT EMPLOYMENT BY ACTIVITY
INDUSTRY OTHER THAN
ACTIVITY
AGRICULTURE
YEAR
AGRICULTURE
MANUFACTURING
AND MANUFACTORY
1930
65.0
3.1
31.9
1940
61.1
2.8
36.0
1950
43.8
5.9
50.2
1960
37.8
10.3
51.9
1970
26.8
17.4
56.6
SOURCE: N. C. Population Trends, Vol. 3, 1974
As illustrated in the previous table, there has been a
steady decline in the number of individuals engaged in agricul-
tural production. As the same time, the county has experienced
an increase in the size of the average farm. This may be directly
related to technological advances. Mechanization of agriculture
has accounted for much of that change, resulting in fewer people
needed to operate farms. In 1930, the average farm in Hyde
County was approximately 62.5 acres increasing to 179.9 acres
in 1959 and by 1969 the average farm was 270.3 acres. This
ranked Hyde County second in the state in terms of average farm
size in 1969. Conversely, the percentage of the labor force em-
ployed in manufacturing activities has increased from 3.1 per-
cent to 17.4 percent in 1970. Manufacturing employment activities
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include logging and wood products, food and kindred products,
dairy products and meat products. •
Impressive gains have also been realized in the public
utilities, service, trade, government and all other non-agri-
cultural employment. Since 1930, this sector of the labor force •
has realized an increase from 31.9 to 56.6 percent by 1970.
These trends, however, do not.completely reflect the employ-
ment disposition since 1930. Although significant changes have •
occurred within the labor force, it must be also recognized that
the aggregate size of the labor force has also declined, and at
the same time growing older. These factors have resulted from •
the steady population decline and out migration of the younger
age segments of the populus. The result is an aging labor force
which is not capable of renewing itself with younger workers en- •
tering the labor force.
The outlook for the county's future economic condition is
bright. There are two developmental activities which will have
the most positive implications upon the economic structure of the
county. They are first, the initiation of ferry service between
Ocracoke and Swan Quarter; second, benefits may accrue to the
county resulting from improvements to Wanchese Harbor. The
general implications of the ferry have been noted previously.
In summary, however, it is generally felt that the greatest im- •
,, pacts will be realized on the mainland and more particularly in
the Swan Quarter area. The long term implications center on ad-
ditional commercial -development and some additional residential •
expansion as well.
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The economic implications of the improvements to Wanchese
• Harbor are equally significant. Plans indicate that there are
to be a new harbor complex and improved access to fishing areas.
A total investment of state and federal funds of approximately
• $20 million is currently anticipated. The direct result of the
harbor improvements will be better facilities for commercial
fishermen, and it is estimated that total North Carolina landings
• could increase 33 percent. These increased landings will re-
sult from off -shore as well as sound side fishing and with in-
creased catches, the need for processing will be obvious. One
• natural location for processing of shell and fin -fish would be
Engelhard. Recently, one company has decided to locate in the
county while others are investigating the available opportuni-
ties. It has been estimated that total revenues from the harbor
improvement could approximate $10 million annually.
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Future Land Needs
The previous section of this study briefly discussed future
projections of population and economic changes which the county
may experience. These changes may also have impacts upon the
present land use patterns. The object of this section is to
evaluate these changes as they may affect the following acti-
vities: residential, commercial and industrial land uses as •
well as agricultural and forestry production.
Residential Land Use
The aforementioned projections suggest that population in-
creases are likely in two townships - Lake Landing and Ocracoke,
while a population shift may occur within Swan Quarter Township.
If these projections are realized, additional land will be uti- •
lized for residential activity. In Lake Landing Township it
may be reasonably expected that the increases will occur in the
vicinity of Engelhard. Perhaps the most appropriate areas for
this increase are on the south side of U. S. 264 between S. R 1311
and Engelhard proper and in the area between Engelhard and
Middletown on S. R. 1103, extending south to S. R. 1103. If •
there is a limiting factor upon residential activity in the
township, it is associated with sewage and waste water disposal.
Generally the soils of the area are not conducive to on -lot dis-
•
posal of sewage. Therefore, prior to the construction of resi-
dential units, individual lots must be tested for suitability
with regard to sewage disposal. •
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Ocracoke Township has also been identified as a potential
• growth area in the county. If present trends continue, this
growth will include both seasonal and full-time residents. If
these increases are realized, and in light of the proposed cen-
tral water system, the most appropriate growth areas will be
•
within the boundaries of the water service district. In Ocracoke,
as in Engelhard, the disposal of sewage and waste water may pose
• a significant problem. Although the soils are different on the
island and readily absorb waste water, the problem centers on
the treatment aspects of the soil. The absorption rate is so
• fast that the treatment of pollutants does not occur with a
majority of the untreated wastes being deposited in the waters
adjacent to the island. In turn, this experience may cause a
degradation of water quality standards. Again, health officials
•
may require alternative waste water disposal techniques.
The circumstances in Swan Quarter center upon the impact of
• the ferry on the Village of Swan Quarter. Should the ferry result
in increased residential activity in the vicinity of Swan Quarter,
-it may be expected that the activity will be centered along
existing streets within the village and in the area east of
•
S. R. 1129. The density of residential development, again, will
be conditioned by the ability of the soils to absorb and treat
• waste water and'sewage disposal. As with the remainder of the
county, no central disposal system exists and on -lot disposal
techniques must be employed.
• A significant factor regarding new residential activity is
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the form which this activity will take: multi -family units,
single-family units, and/or mobile home units. Due to the
existing constraints concerning sewage disposal, the prospects
for multi -family units is not good. Therefore, one may assume
that most residential activity will be allocated between the
traditional single-family house and mobile homes. Recent ex-
perience reflects a growing trend in the county toward the uti-
lization of mobile homes rather than the more expensive conven-
tional single-family home. If the present economic conditions
remain, it may be assumed that the trend toward mobile home units
will continue and increase in the future.
Commercial Land Use
There are two factors which may impact upon the commercial
•
activity and commercial land use patterns - the Ocracoke- 0
Swan Quarter Ferry and the improvements to Wanchese Harbor. Per-
haps the most immediate impacts upon commercial activity will be
realized with the initiation of the new ferry service; long-term
commercial impacts may occur with respect to Wanchese Harbor.
In general, a majority of commercial increases will probably
occur in Swan Quarter and Engelhard and to a lesser degree in
Ocracoke. The commercial increases in Swan Quarter will prob-
ably relate to the tourist industry with the extent of develop-
ment being proportional to the utilization of the ferry by
tourists and their activities prior to departure and subsequent
to their disembarkation.
Engelhard may also accrue economic benefits resulting from 0
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the ferry; however, the improvements to Wanchese Harbor provide
a better opportunity for increased commercial activity. The
•
effect of the harbor improvements is expected to cause in-
creased commercial fishing in the Pamlico Sound and the need for
• seafood processing facilities. With a little effort, Engelhard
could feasibly become a center for this activity. in addition
to the seafood industry, increased agricultural activity north
• of Engelhard may also bring additional economic activity to the
village.
Throughout the remainder of the county, increased commer-
• cial activity may occur, however, at a slower rate than in
Engelhard and Swan Quarter. That increase will probably be
primarily related to agricultural production and consumer con-
0 venience stores. Commercial activities related to agricultural
production may also be expected to occur in the Ponzer area,
specifically relating to grain storage and liveatock:production.
0 Industrial Land Use
The prospects of large industrial type activities locating
in the county in the near future are remote. At the present
• time, constraints imposed by the transportation system, sewage
disposal and a skilled work force almost preclude large indus-
trial location within the county. However, small industrial
• activities which do not require large numbers of skilled laborers
could quite possibly locate in the county. However, the economic
and population projections do not indicate an industrial expansion
• in the county. This does not include commercial fishing
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processing activities.
Agricultural Land Use 0
Agricultural production in the county will, no doubt, con-
tinue to be one of the most important income producers in the
future.. The acreage which is presently being cleared and pre- •
pared for agricultural production may nearly double the acreage
devoted.to agricultural production. Primarily, the greatest
acreage being prepared is in Lake Landing Township by American
Cyanamid,Incorporated and by First Colony Farms, Incorporated
in Currituck Township, located north of the Intracoastal Water-
way to the Washington and Tyrrell County lines. In addition to
these corporate land preparation activities, individual land
owners are engaged in site preparation activities. This indi-
cates that additional increases in agricultural receipts may be •
expected to continue in the future. With increased income,
agriculturally related commercial activity may also be expected
to increase, specifically related to mechanized machinery sales •
and service as well as grain storage facilities.
Increases in livestock production have been experienced in
recent years and this trend may also be expected to continue. •
Past trgnds indicate increasing cattle and swine production
activities.
C
Forestry Production
The land clearing activities currently taking place in the
county will have dramatic implications for the forestry industry •
in the future. Initially, the impact is one in which the
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forestry receipts increase; then,as the land is placed in
agricultural production, forestry receipts decline. Commercial,
long-term forestry is located primarily in Currituck Township,
operated by the Weyerhaeuser Corporation. The corporation owns
approximately 35,000 acres in the county with a majority of
the acreage being located west along the banks of the Pungo
River continuing along the southwestern shores of the county
adjacent to the Pamlico Sound.
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Future Community Facilities Demand
•
With increases in the county's population and economic
activity projected, increased demands upon the public utilities
may reasonably be expected -particularly in the areas of water •
service and sewage disposal. This section will briefly analyze
the implications of these demands upon existing and proposed
services.
The county's water supply system has been evaluated and
discussed previously in this report. Briefly, those findings
•
reflected that the water supply system for both Engelhard and •
Swan Quarter were more than adequate. Present utilization of
both systems allowed for a fifty (50%) percent increase, by
volume, of the two systems. The new well field and lines ex- •
tending from the Fairfield community are to link up with the
existing systems and will thus increase the volume capacity of
the total system. Therefore, the projected increase in popu- •
lation and economic activity should not pose capacity problems
for water supply capabilities.
In addition to the mainland water systems, a contract has •
been signed to initiate construction of a central water supply
system for the residents of the Village of Ocracoke. Utilizing
a desalinization process,the new system will provide adequate •
water supplies for not only the full-time residents but also the
tourists which annually visit the island every year.
•
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The disposal of sewage and waste water, on the other hand,
may become a significant issue in the near future. At the
present time, the utilization of on -lot sewage disposal is
universal, with septic tanks being the principal technique. The
0 greatest impact of new regulations, both state and federal, will
occur in the county's existing population centers - Swan Quarter,
Engelhard and Ocracoke. The impact of these regulations will
0 affect anywhere in the county where residential lot sizes are
one quarter acre in size or less.
The primary problem is caused by the soil conditions which
0 are not conducive to on -lot disposal techniques. Specifically,
the problem is that the soils either do not perk due to a high
water table or,as in the circumstances of Ocracoke,the soils
0 'perk too fast not having an opportunity to remove tqxic wastes
from the waste water. In turn, these wastes are transmitted to
adjacent bodies of water and may ultimately cause a degradation
0 of water quality. Although the present conditions may not be
causing serious water quality problems, the conditions are
magnified by potential increases in both population and
40 economic activity.
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LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
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Plan Description
This element of the document is a designation of areas
which have not only experienced development, but also those areas
where future development ought to take place. Conversely, the
element also denotes those areas where conservation practices
should be instituted thus insuring that the valuable biological
rsystems and asthetic character of the coast will continue. The
major portion of this discussion is devoted to the land classi-
fication system.
. The State of North Carolina Land Classification System
contains five classes. The five classes provide a framework
to be used by local governmental units to identify the general
use of all lands in each county. The land classification system
may also assist in the coordination of state and local policies,
standards and regulations. The significance of the system is
fivefold:
The classification system will tend to encourage
coordination and consistency between local land
use policies and those of the state government;
The system provides a guide for public investment
in land for school sites, transportation improve-
ments, recreation facilities and other public
facilities;
The system may provide a useful framework for
budgeting and planning of community facilities
such as wtLter lines, sewage disposal facilities
and new roads;
The system will aid in an improved regulatory sys-
tem between federal, state and local agencies in
areas requiring such regulations; and
The system may assist local governments in providing
guidance for a more equitable distribution of the
land tax burden.
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•
The Land Classification System
The land use classification system is composed of five (5)
elements, each representing various degrees of development. The
elements are: developed, transition, community, rural and con- 0
servation and are defined as follows.
DEVELOPED - Developed lands are areas with a minimum gross
population density of 2,000 per square mile.. At a minimum, these r
lands contain existing public services including water and sewer
systems, educational systems and road systems --all of which are
able to support the present population and accompanying land ID
uses including residential, commercial, industrial and insti-
tutional.
TRANSITIONAL - Transitional lands are those with a moderately
high density in which growth is to be encouraged and where any
such growth that is permitted by local regulation will be pro-
vided with necessary public services. Lands to be considered in
the transitional class shall be those which presently have a
gross population density of 2,000 people per square mile but lack
public services thus not qualifying for the developed class; or
lands which have all the necessary public services in place but
which lack the gross population density required, and all addi-
tional lands necessary to accommodate the remainder of the es-
timated transitional growth.
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COMMUNITY - The community class identifies existing and new
. clusters of low density development not requiring major public
services. This class will also provide for all new rural growth
which only requires minor public services and can utilize on -lot
disposal techniques of sewage and waste water disposal.
RURAL - The rural class identifies land for long-term management
for productive resource utilization, and where limited public
0 services will be provided. Development in such areas should be
compatible with resource production.
. CONSERVATION - The conservation class identifies lands which
should be maintained essentially in its natural state and where
very limited or no public services are provided. These lands
are least desirable for development due to the environmental
characteristics which make them either biologically or
aesthetically valuable.
0 The Developed areas as defined above should ideally be
lands where existing population density is moderate to high and
where there are a variety of land uses. In addition, these areas
should have the necessary public services. With respect to
Hyde County, a strict interpretation of the definition would
necessarily signify that developed areas do not exist. Upon a
0 visual inspection, however, this simply is not fact; there are
four areas of the county which are considered developed.by the
county residents. These areas are or shortly will be serviced
0 by central water supplies, and each area has a definite
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commercial and residential area. Specifically, these areas
include portions of Swan Quarter, Engelhard, Ocracoke and
Fairfield. On the classification map, these areas are denoted
by a solid rust color.
The significance of these areas is that continued develop-
ment or redevelopment should be encouraged, thus providing for
the orderly growth of the area. The one major deficiency of the
developed areas in the county is, however, that they do not have
central waste water disposal facilities. Thus:, for Hyde County,
continued growth will be highly dependent upon waste water dis-
posal criteria and techniques until central services are available. it
Transitional areas are those which may or could be ex-
pected to accommodate moderate to high density development within
the next decade, based upon the population and economic pro-
jections. In addition, these areas must be capable of being
served by necessary utilities. The transitional lands are denoted
by a hatched rust color; the classification map denotes the three
areas are designated as transitional: Swan Quarter, Engelhard
and Ocracoke.
One portion of the transition area in the vicinity of Swan
Quarter has been designated by the Board of County Commissioners
in a resolution adopted August 4, 1975. The resolution denotes
that an area between the Ben Martin Ditch and the Oyster Creek
Landing be designated as a commercial development area. Although
the natural habitat of the area is marshland, the county is of
the opinion that the best use of the area would be for commercial
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purposes. The area in question contains approximately 680
• acres of marsh; however, when compared to the county's total
marshland acreage in excess of 29,000 acres,it would appear that
the impact of development upon the county's marsh production
would be minimal at most.
The area was designated appropriate for development because
of two principal factors: the desire to expend the county in-
0 fluence in the commercial fishing and sports fishing industries
as well as the recognition that the ferry terminal for the
Ocracoke -Swan Quarter ferry was to be located in the area. The
location of that complex would place obvious pressures upon the
county and various regulatory agencies for development. The
county also recognizes the spirit with which the Coastal Area.
Management Act was adopted. That spirit was not to prohibit
development within marshland areas,but rather to plan for the
protection of this productive resource. Thus, by planning now
for the future,the productivity of the marshland areas could be
z?suxed4;r<�; Tkte �:�e dents; of: Hytdb� CoAMty .do ..not cbel': eve!-1tha:t rthe
goal,< o ther 2\e,tb ,ra to iprc�.t.ect e,�er:y i bl:add; Hof _marsh+ -graas ilf (.
land use changes virtually protects areas from.developmenti4wh-ich
r, p©uld .caFor. example:,1 bated upon
cu:r nt eciul4tions -the, only: t y_pes-..of_ developmen z�hat�.mal' vozcur
in.'IJLrI"}iarei':T^Ia e 'i r8'1dt�Ct: �'i11"�iiT
Ood ,pxoG.�s:ing> and a£-�:+ hs�itss,;;�.ke :shrimp:;.ana.=s"ysterr:ccsinpaes,
•
and,�nar xr� E� h_ks,f�. waver:y� does _,not grant.. the::devaloi3ex:t:he�
right to fill in marsh areas by spoil deposits. Any spoil must
14 9: -
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be removed and placed on high ground. Thus, the marshland area
will, no doubt continue to exist, although there will be a de-
crease in its productivity in direct proportion to its removal.
Due to the aggregate size of the county's marshlands, the develop-
mental impact upon total marsh production in the county will
no doubt, be insignificant.
The Swan Quarter area imposes one more significant re-
striction upon future development, namely sewage disposal. A
developer may meet all other criteria and protect the marsh
from destruction from spoil and still not be permitted to pro-
ceed with construction, until adequate sewage disposal is ac-
complished. Therefore, the net amount of development which may
occur on the south side of S. R. 1128 will be relatively little
until central sewage disposal techniques are developed.
The county notes that developmental pressure will be
equally significant on the north side of S. R. 1128 from Oyster
Creek Landing to the developed area of Swan Quarter. Unlike
the south side of S. R. 1128, this area would, no doubt,include
both residential and commercial activity. Again, the sewage
disposal issue is paramount, affecting commercial activity more
than residential.
The transitional area in the Engelhard area duplicates the
complexities previously noted in Swan Quarter. Due to the im-
provements to Wanchese Harbor, the area may accrue secondary
benefits of seafood processing plant expansion. Thus, in anti-
cipation of that potential expansion of the seafood related
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business, approximately 225 acres of marshland areas have been
designated appropriate for such development. The area, as denoted
on the Classification Map, is located south of U. S. 264 from a
point near the intersection of S. R. 1101. In addition to that
area of marshland designation, an area between S. R. 1101 and
S. R. 1103 was also designated as appropriate for developmental
purposes.
` Once again the principle consideration is sewage disposal.
it has become obvious to the residents of the county that in
order for any development to occur, sewage disposal inadequacies
must be improved. If a satisfactory solution to this problem is
not found, then the prospect of guiding growth appears unlikely
or difficult at best. Thus, it is almost impossible to accu-
rately document the number of structures which may be permitted
in the transition area.
The transition area in Ocracoke does not include any marsh-
land areas, although the sewage disposal problem is equally as
significant and perhaps more difficult to find an adequate so-
lution. The transition area conforms to the water service
. boundary as published in the Ocracoke Village Land Use Development
Potential Study. The total number of dwelling units and com-
mercial structures which may be permitted to locate on the island
is highly dependent upon the health department regulations re-
garding on -lot disposal of waste water.
There are several community classifications located through-
out the county. As noted previously, the community class
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identification denotes existing and new clusters of low density
of development not requiring major public services. With respect
•
to those areas designated as "community" the Ponzer, Sladesville,
Scranton and Rose Bay areas are probably the most likely to re-
flect population gains in the future. The "State Guidelines"
state that these areas should not require major public services;
however, as a result of the county -wide water supply system, all
the community areas, with the exception of those in the Ponzer +
area, will have access to public water supplies.
The Rural classification denotes lands that are or will be
utilized primarily for agricultural or forestry endeavors. By .
definition, a majority of the county's land area falls into this
classification. Although designated for agricultural and forestry
use, this classification does not exclude limited development.
On the other hand, however, large scale development should be
directed to those areas where necessary and adequate services
are available.
The conservation class, unlike the otherelementsof the
land classification system, is inappropriate for development due
•
to either the existence of natural or man-made hazards or the •
quality of the natural environment is defined as a fragile area.
The lands within this class are those which should be maintained
in a natural state and where very limited or no public services,
for example roads, are provided.
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POTENTIAL AREAS OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
•

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The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 re-
quires that particular attention be given to the protection and
appropriate development within Areas of Environmental Concern.
It has been noted that the coastal area, and the estuaries in
particular, are among the most biologically productive regions
of this state and of the nation. However, recent years have
witnessed increasing pressures for development within these areas
resulting in conflicting needs and desires of society. One goal
of the Act is to attempt to control these pressures by coordinated
management, thus perpetuating the very features of the coast which
• make it economically, aesthetically and ecologically rich.
This section is, therefore, devoted to the identification of
areas within the county which fall in the Area of Environmental
• Concern (AEC) classification. For purposes of clarification, this
plan will recommend to the Coastal Resources Commission those
areas of the county which, by definition, may be considered as
• appropriate for designation as an Interim Area of Environmental
Concern. The Commission after deliberate review and discussion
at a later date, will designate the permanent AFC's. Several
• different types of land conditions exist within the county and
may be considered as
appropriate for
inclusion in
the Area of
Environmental Concern
classification.
They are -
coastal wetlands,
• estuarine waters, public trust waters, areas that sustain remnant
species and complex natural areas.
•
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Coastal Wetlands
The guidelines defined coastal wetlands as "any salt marsh
or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides,
including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the
marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), pro-
vided this shall not include hurricane or tropical stormtides.
Salt marshland or other marsh shall be those areas upon which
grow some, but not necessarily all, of the following salt marsh and
marsh plant species: smooth or salt water Cordgrass (Spartina
alterniflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus); Glasswort
(Salicornia spp); Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata); Sea Lavender
(Limonium spp); Bullrush (Scirpus spp); Saw Grass (Clandium
Jamaicense); Cat -Tail (Typha spp); Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina
patens); and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides). The defi-
nition further divides all wetlands into two subcategories: low
tidal marshlands, defined as those consisting of primarily
Spartina alterniflora, usually subject to inundation by the
normal ebb and flow of lunar tides; and other coastal marshlands
defined as those not included or defined as low tidal marshlands."
A previous discussion in the section titled, Constraints,
evaluates the extent and character of the county's wetland areas.
Therefore, this discussion will concern the policy objectives and
appropriate land uses in areas defined as "other coastal marsh-
lands."
Policy Objective - To give a high priority to the preserva-
tion and management of the marsh so as to safeguard and perpetuate
their biological, economic and aesthetic values.
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•
Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be those
• consistent with the above policy objective. Highest priority
shall be allocated to the conservation of existing marshlands.
Second priority for land use allocation of this type shall be
• given to development which requires water access and cannot
function anywhere else, such as ports, docks and marinas provided
that the actual location of such facilities within the marsh
• consider coastal, physical and biological systems; and further pro-
vided that feasible alternatives regarding location and design
have been adequately considered and need for such development can
• be demonstrated. Such allocation may only be justified by the
projected land use demands and by community development objectives
but in no case shall the allocation exceed the capacity of the
• marshland system to sustain losses without harm to the estuarine
ecosystem unless the losses would be offset by a clear and sub-
stantial benefit to the public.
0 Estuarine Waters
The guidelines define estuarine waters as "all the water of
the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all
• the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers and tributaries thereto
seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and
inland fishing waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted by
! the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Conser-
vation and Development filed with the Secretary of State entitled
.'Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fishing Inland Fishing
Waters, revised March 1, 19761, or as it may be subsequently
156
0

revised by the Legislature."
Policy Objective - To preserve and manage estuarine waters •
so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and
aesthetic values.
Appropriate Uses - Appropriate uses shall be those con-
sistent with the above policy objective. Highest priority shall
be allocated to the conservation of estuarine waters. The devel-
opment of navigational channels, the use of bulkheads to prevent
erosion and the building of piers or wharfs where no other feasi-
ble alternative exists are examples of land uses appropriate
within estuarine waters provided that such land uses will not be
detrimental to the biological and physical estuarine functions and
public trust rights. Projects which would directly or indirectly
block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline
erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water
circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause
degradation of shellfish waters are generally considered incom-
patible with the management of estuarine waters.
An important aspect of the above statement which directly
affects Hyde County concerns the degradation of shellfish waters.
At the present time, the waters of the Pamlico Sound adjacent to
the county are state oyster management areas and have natural
populations of oysters, clams, scallops and shrimp. in recent
years, the waters have experienced a degradation of water quality
standards thus causing several areas of estuarine waters to be
closed for harvesting. Among these closed areas are portions
of the Pungo River, Rose Bay, Wysockifig Bay and Engelhard Bay.
157 0

Public Trust Waters
0 The Guidelines characterize public trust navigable waters as
those areas in which the public has rights including navigation
and recreation. By definition, navigable means "dapable of being
' navigated in its natural condition by the ordinary modes of navi-
gation including modes of navigation used for recreational pur-
poses. The natural condition of a body of water for purposes of
* determining navigability shall be the condition of the body of
water without man-made obstructions and without temporary natural
obstructions. Temporary natural conditions such as water level
fluctuation and temporary natural obstructions which do not per-
manently or totally prevent navigation do not make an otherwise
navigable stream non -navigable."
• The implications for Hyde County are that the waters of the
Pungo River and tributaries north of Durants Point are classified
as public trust waters. In addition, the waters of the Alligator
' River, south from the Cherry Ridge Landing in Tyrrell County and
its tributaries are included in the public trust definition.
Policy Objective - To protect public rights for navigation
and recreation and to preserve and manage the public trust waters
so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and
aesthetic value.
* Appropriate Uses - Appropriate uses shall be those consistent
with the above policy objective. Any land use which interferes
with the public right of navigation or other public trust rights
shall not'be allowed. The development of navigational channels,
158
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•
drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion and
the building of piers or wharfs are examples of land uses appro-
priate within public trust waters provided that such land uses
will not be detrimental to the biological and physical functions
and public trust rights. Projects which would directly or in-
directly block or impair existing navigation channels, increase
shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause
adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards
or cause degradation of shellfish waters are generally considered
incompatible with the management of public.trust waters.
Natural Hazard Areas — Estuarine and River Erodible Areas 0
The estuarine and river erodible areas have been characterized
as the area above ordinary high water where excessive erosion has
a high probability of occurring. In delineating the landward s
extent of this area, a reasonable twenty-five (25) year recession
line shall be determined using the best available information.
Policy Objective - To insure that development occurring •
within these areas is compatible with the dynamic nature of the
erodible lands thus minimizing the likelihood of significant
loss of property.
Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be those
consistent with the above policy objective. Permanent or sub-
stantial residential, commercial, institutional or industrial s
structures are not appropriate uses in estuarine and sound and
river erodible areas unless stabilization has been achieved along
the affected reach. Recreational, rural and conservation
159
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0
activities represent appropriate land uses in those erodible
areas where shoreline protective construction has not been
completed.
Complex Natural Areas
Complex Natural Areas have been identified as lands that
support native plant and animal communities, providing habitat
conditions or characteristics that have remained essentially
0 unchanged by human activity. These areas are normally surrounded
by landscapes that have been modified but in a manner which does
not significantly alter the conditions within the natural areas,
0 or their scientific or educational value.
Policy Objective - To preserve the natural conditions of
the site so as to safeguard its existence as an example of naturally
• occurring, relatively undisturbed plant and animal communities
of major scientific or educational value.
Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be those
• consistent with the above policy objective. Lands within the
AEC shall not be planned for uses or kinds of development that will
unnecessarily jeopardize the natural or primitive character of the
natural area, directly or indirectly,through increased accessibility.
Additionally, lands adjacent to the complex natural area should
not be planned for additional development that would unnecessarily
• endanger the recognized value of the AEC. The variability between
kinds of complex natural areas and between land uses adjacent to
those natural areas means that the range of permissible uses and
6 intensity of use must be carefully tailored to the individual
area.
160

w
L
17,
CONCLUSION
•
A
9
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u
•

The preceding account has illustrated the formulation of
our policy regarding land use and future development. The next
steps concern the development of methods by which we can realize
our goals and objectives, at the same time preparing for future
growth. Basically, -there are several options available including
zoning, subdivision regulations, -housing codes, capital improve-
ment -programming and.perhaps.the employment of a full-time planning
staff. -By using these tools, we can improve and -protect various
aspects of our life style while looking toward the future. These
elements are more.specifically developed below.
Zoning
County -wide or township zoning insures that various land
uses within the county are properly situated in relation to one
another and provides adequate space for each type of development.
The zoning process involves the division of land into designated
districts allowing for control of the density of development within
the districts, compatible land uses and adequate public facilities
including streets, schools, utility systems and other public
services. The zoning process can direct new growth into appro-
priate areas and protects existing property owners and uses by
preventing undesirable or incompatible uses which may tend to
depreciate property values or curtail existing activities.
The adoption of a zoning resolution would become one tool
for implementation of this document and should conform to the
162
•

•
various recommendations and objectives found herein. This re-
lationship is very important since the land development plan •
represents county policy and what is considered the best use
of land.
Subdivision Regulations
In addition to zoning, a subdivision control ordinance is
a method of implementing the concepts of the land development
•
plan. Subdivision regulations enables a jurisdiction to guide •
new development by establishing minimum standards of street
design and construction, by determining what improvements in the
form of utilities and drainage and site design shall be required.
•
The regulation basically requires that the developer of a tract
of land submit a plat for approval to the review agent of the
county anytime the subdivision of land is to occur. Prior to •
approval, the plat should be reviewed by the local highway
engineer and planning board to determine whether or not the plan
conforms to adopted guidelines and policy. This process insures •
that the development of a new area will provide adequate utilities,
they will function properly and thus the costs of new development
are not born by the county but rather by the developer. The •
regulations, if properly enforced, protect all parties by insuring
that all aspects of development have been evaluated.
•
Housing -Related Codes
The purpose of.housing related codes is to protect the
health, safety and welfare of the individuals by establishing •
minimum construction standards for all types of structures.
163
•

r:
Housing -related codes include the following: building codes,
• housing codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, utility codes
and fire codes.
Hyde County has already adopted the State of North Carolina
• Building Code as a preliminary step to qualify for inclusion in
the flood plain insurance program of the National Flood Insurance
Administration. The limitation of the building code is that it
• only applies to new construction starts, and does not apply *to 'existing
housing conditions.
Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinances
•
The adoption of a sedimentation and erosion control ordi-
nance would provide the legal means by which the local officials
could insure that the water quality of streams and estuarine
•
waters could be protected from sediment pollution resulting from
development adjacent to these areas. The regulations provide for
control of extensive vegetative removal thereby preventing erosion
•
of the soil and resulting sedimentation in water bodies. Without
•
some type of regulation for sedimentation, degradation of water
quality standards could cause the closing of additional commercial
fishing waters.
Capital Improvements Programming
• A capital improvements program for the county would identify
all new public improvements, their priority, costs, benefits,
their location and timing for construction. A program of this
• type is updated annually and maintains a five year lead time,
164
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•
thus allowing adequate time to insure that the most needed i
facilities receive the earliest consideration.
In addition to providing services to developed areas, the
county may directly influence areas of new growth by directing
•
public services to these areas. The extension of public services •
to an area is a method of encouraging growth in areas prede-
termined suitable for such growth. The Land Use Plan identified
potential growth areas, thus coordination with the capital •
improvements program may easily be accomplished.
Employment of a Full -Time Planning Staff
C7
The employment of a planning staff is another tool which
the county could utilize to implement the provisions of the
Land Use Plan. Such a staff, or person, could make professional
•
recommendations to local boards and elected officials upon which
i
they could base their decisions concerning the orderly develop-
ment of the county. In addition, the planning staff could pro-
vide assistance in the decision -making process regarding all
ordinance enforcement,. -
The planning process which we have undertaken reflects that
a certain amount of growth is likely to occur. Depending upon
where and how much growth takes place will determine the need
for new facilities and services -which must be'borne by those of.us who
live in the county. This means using our tax revenues and
seeking sources of state and federal money when possible.
Regardless, a portion of the cost of new growth ultimately
•
•
A
•
165
•

•
• resides with us and it is important that we properly plan for
that growth.
As stated, the plan is based upon our present_ desires; and
• if our desires change, then the plan should be changed too.
Today, a majority of us would like to see the county experience
moderate population growth and economic development but not to
• the expense of our natural resources or the character of our
life style. This plan represents the work of many of us and
we hope that you recognize and agree with the findings of this
• report.
•
•
•
•
•
166
•

BIBLIOGRAPHY
•
L
E
•

•
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Albemarle Regional Planning and Development Program, Overall
Economic Development Program, ARPDC, Edenton, N. C.,
November, 1971.
Baker, Simon, Ed., Coastal Development and Areas of Environmental
Concern, Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Sea
Grant Program, 1975.
Barwick, Frank B. Critcher T. Stuart. Wildlife and Land Use
Planning with Particular Reference to Coastal Counties,
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, N. C.,
April, 1975.
Blake, J. G. Preparing for Change --The Population of the
Albemarle Area, Department of Natural & Economic Resources,
Washington, N. C., November, 1966.
Board of Water and Air Resources. Rules, Regulations, Classifi-
cation and Water Quality Standards Applicable to the
Surface Waters of North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C., Department of
Natural & Economic Resources, 1972.
Brockett, Richard. Regional HousingEvaluation and Analysis
1973-74, Albemar a Regional Planning & Development
Commission, Edenton, N. C., May, 1974.
Bureau of Employment Security Research, North Carolina Labor
Force Estimates, Employment Security Commission of N. C.,
Raleigh, N. C.,1975.
Carolina Population Center, Statistical Services Center. County
Population Trends in North Carolina, 1790-1970, UNC and the
N.C. Department of Administration, Raleigh, N. C., 1969.
Clark, John. Coastal Ecosystems, Ecological Considerations for
the Coastal Zone, The Conservation Foundation, Washington,
D. C., Marc , 1974.
Clawson, Dave. "Closed Fishing Waters of the Pamlico.Sound",
Department of Natural &.Economic Resources, Shellfish
Sanitation, Morehead City, N. C., 1976.
Coastal Resources Commission. Handbook on Public Participation
in the Development of Land Use Plans in the Coastal Areas
of North"Carolina, Department of Natural & Economic Resources,
Raleigh, N. C.,-1975.
•
0

U,
Coastal Resources Commission. "State Guidelines for Local
Planning in the Coastal Area under the Coastal Area
Management Act." Raleigh, N. C. 1975.
Copeland, B. J., William L. Rickards, Dixie Berg. N. C. Coastal
Resources and Short Term Research Needs, UNC Sea Grant,
Raleigh, N. C., May, 1975.
` Dawson, Amos. "Report on Land and Water Resource Use Problems
Related to the Carrying Capacity of the Coastal Area of
North Carolina." Coastal Resources Commission,
Raleigh, N. C., 1976.
Division of School Planning, N. C. Department of Public
Instruction. Hyde County Survey, Raleigh, N. C., 1975.
Employment Security Commission. North Carolina Commuting
Pattern, 1960-1970, Employment Security Commission,
Raleigh, N. C., 1974.
Endangered Species Committee, Department of Natural and Economic
Resources. Preliminary List of Endangered Plant and Animal
Species in North Carolina. Resources Management Section,
Raleigh, N. C., June, 1973.
Fish, Frederic F., A. Catalog of the Inland Fishing Waters of
North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C. Wildlife Resources
Commission, 1969.
Freeman, W. F. & Associates. Region R Water Resources Management
Plan High Point, N. C., June, 1974.
Freeman, W. F. & Associates. Water Resource Management Region R,
Office of State Planning, Department of Administration,
Raleigh, N. C., 1975.
Heath, Ralph C. Hydrology of the Albemarle -Pamlico Region,
U.S.G-.S. and the N. C. Department of Natural & Economic
Resources, Raleigh, N. C., 1975.
McCoy, Edward G. Dynamics of North Carolina Commercial Shrimp ,
Populations, N. C. Department of Natural & Economic Resources,
Division of Commercial and Sports Fisheries, Raleigh, N. C.
Special Scientific Report No. 21, March, 1972.
McCoy, Edward G. and Connell E. Purvis. Population Dynamics of
Brown Shrimp in Pamlico Sound, N. C. Department of Natural
& Economic Resources, Division of Commercial & Sports
Fisheries, Special Scientific Report No. 25, January, 1974.
Mewborn, Robert D. Ocracoke Village Land Use Development
Potential Study, Regional Development Institute, Greenville,
N. C.., April, 1972.
0

0
Nelson, Perry F. Geology and Ground Water Resources of the
Swan Quarter Area, N. C., N. C. Department of Water
Resources Ground Water Bulletin No. 4, Raleigh, N. C., 1964.
rI
L-A
North Carolina -Coastal Area Management Act, N. C. General
Statute 113A-100, 1975 as amended.
N. C. Department of Agriculture. North Carolina Agricultural
Statistics, 1959, U. S. Department of Commerce,
• Washington, D. C., 1960.:
N. C. Department of Transportation. Seven Year Highway Plan,
N. C. Department of Transportation, Raleigh, N. C., 1975.
N. C. Soil and Water Conservation and Needs Committee. North
` Carolna'Conservation Needs Inventory. United States
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service,
Raleigh, N. C., December, 1971.
N. C. Department of Administration. North Carolina State
Government Statistical Abstract. Second Edition,
Raleigh, N. C., 1973-
N. C. Department of Administration. Profile of North Carolina
Counties, Raleigh, N. C'., March, 1975.
N. C. Land Policy Council. A Land Policy for North Carolina,
• N. C. Land Policy Council, Raleigh,N. C., 1976.
Odum, E. P., Fundamentals of'Ecology, W. B. Saunders Co.,
Philadelphia, 1971.
Ospina, E. and L. Danielson. North Carolina Land Use Data,
N. C. Agricultural Extension Service, Raleigh, ., 1973.
Pamlico Soil and Water Conservation District. Swan Quarter
Watershed Work Plan, Raleigh, N. C., February,
Riggs, S. R. and M. P. O'Connor. Geological Bibliography of
• North Carolina's Coastal Plain Coastal Zone and
Continental Shelf, UNC Sea Grant Publication, Raleigh, N. C.
June, 1975.
Rivers and Associates. Hyde County Comprehensive Water and
-Sewer Study, Greenville, N. C.,1968.
•
Rivers and Associates. Ocracoke Island: Ocracoke Sanitary
District Preliminary Engineering Report, Greenville, N. C.
40

•
Sharge, Bill. New Geography of North Carolina. Edward and
Broughton, Raleigh, N. C., 1966.
Soil Conservation Service, Shoreline Erosion inventory of
North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C.' August, .
Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Outdoor Recreation Potential for Hyde County, N. C.,
' Pamlico Soil and Water Conservation District. Swan Quarter,
N. C., June, 1974.
Spellman, F. and R. Brockett. Overall Program Design Comprehensive
Work Program 1974-1977, Albemarle Regional Planning
Development Commission, Edenton, N. C., July, 1974.
U. S. Department of Agriculture. U. S. Census of Agriculture,
1969.- U. S. Department of Commerce, Washongton, D. C.,
1970.
U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Statistics for the
Northern Coastal Plain of North Carolina, 1974 Forest Service
Resource Bulletin SE-30, Raleigh, N. C., September, 1974.
U. S. Department of Commerce. U. S. Census of Agriculture, 1959.
U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C., 1960.
U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. County
Business Patterns, 1971. United States Government Printing
Office, Washington, D. C., May, 1972.
U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census of
Population (PC(1)C35NC) General Social and Economic
A Characteristics, United States Government Printing Office,
Washington, D. C., 1972.
U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census
of Population -General Population Characteristics. (PC(1)
BB5NC), United States Government Printing Office, Washington,
D. C., 1972.
U. S. Water Resources Council. OBERS Projections, Series E,
Bureau of the Census, Washington, D. C., 1972.
Wilkinson,. Richard P. and R. Paul Darst. Critical Areas of
North Carolina, N. C. Department of Administration,
Raleigh, N. C., 1972.
Wilson, -Kenneth A.y:.Nortli:_Caroli:n.a-Wetlands Their Distribution
and Management. Raleigh,•North Carlina'Wildlife Resources
Commission, 1962.
Woodhouse, W. W., E. D. Seneca and S. W. Broome. Marsh Building
With Dredge Spoil in North Carolina. Coastal Engineering
Research Center, et. al. Raleigh,N. C., 1970.
0

LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The Land Classification terminology has been developed to
guide the growth of public services, and the second map
indicates how the citizens and planning team fitted it to our
county. There are five land classifications included in the
system; they are:
Developed —Developed lands are areas with a minimum gross
population density of 2,000 per square mile. At a minimum,
these lands contain existing public services including water and
sewer systems, educational systems and road systems —all of
which are able to support the present population and accom-
panying land uses including residential, commercial, industrial
and institutional. The land within the county which falls into
this category is located in Swan Quarter, Englehard, Ocracoke
and Fairfield.
Transitional —Transitional lands are those with a moderately
high density; in which growth is to be encouraged, and where
any such growth that is permitted by local regulation will be
provided with necessary public services. Lands to be considered
in the transitional class shall be those which presently have a
gross population density of 2,000 people per square mile, but
lack public services, thus not qualifying for the developed class;
or lands which have all the necessary public services in place,
but which lack the gross population density required; and all the
additional lands necessary to accommodate the remainder of
the estimated transitional growth. The transitional areas within
our county are located in Swan Quarter, Englehard and
Ocracoke.
Community —The community class identifies existing and new
clusters of low density development not requiring major public
services. This class will also provide for all new rural growth,
which only requires minor public services and can utilize on -lot
disposal techniques of sewage and waste water disposal. There
are many areas of the county which fall into this classification,
including; Nebraska, Middletown, Gull Rock, Lake Comfort,
Rose Bay, Scranton, Sladesville and Ponzor.
Rural —The rural class identifies land for long-term management
for productive resource utilization, and where limited public
services will be provided. Development in such areas should be
compatible with resource production.
Conservation —The conservation class identifies land which
should be maintained essentially in its natural state, and where
very limited or no public services are provided. These lands are
least desirable for development due to the environmental
characteristics which make them either biologically or aesthe-
tically valuable.
The importance of the map is that it shows the general use of
land in the county. It also shows areas which may be expected
to grow or develop in the future. One aspect of the map which
concerns many of us is the conservation class, or areas con-
taining natural resources which we should try to protect. It is
important to remember that protection does not mean that
nothing can happen in these areas, only that before anything
happens you may have to get a permit. This is because many of
these areas have important environmental value.
i
e W A S H I N
� 0
7
O
4
P A M1/
C O •�
R V
C A
M �
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LAND
CLASSIFICATION
MAP
1976
LEGEND:
Developed
Transition
Community
0 Rural
•••• Conservation
(INCLUDES ALL SURFACE WATERS)
O
C L
G \ O CARTERET
COUNTY e0 /
D A R E
O
G
- - - ..." &_h1TA1N1,4NAULX1,E T
t L r 7.
1V. C. Gf:Pi. er NATUt;AL,
& L;Uf M. uEV/
HYDE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
0
SCALE ,d EWA0.GEMEMS
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•
•
1-,ONIMIErNIf 'M3 IA1�GEYNrIp� ;lf
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a S
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F. Sli�Ei,' LJ L C l"I'lI . OTI.
0

EXISTING LEGEND:
LAND USE Residential Undeveloped
® Commercial Land
M A P Industrial WoW Agriculture
Government & 1 Forestland
Institutional Water
1976 kwµM Cultural,�� Wetland
Entertainment, Barren
5
& Recreation
2
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L
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The Land Classification terminology has been developed to
guide the growth of public services, and the second map
indicates how the citizens and planning team fitted it to our
county. There are five land classifications included in the
system; they are:
Developed —Developed lands are areas with a minimum gross
population density of 2,000 per square mile. At a minimum,
these lands contain existing public services including water and
sewer systems, educational systems and road systems —all of
which are able to support the present population and accom-
panying land uses including residential, commercial, industrial
and institutional. The land within the county which falls into
this category is located in Swan Quarter, Englehard, Ocracoke
and Fairfield.
Transitional —Transitional lands are those with a moderately
high density; in which growth is to be encouraged, and where
any such growth that is permitted by local regulation will be
provided with necessary public services. Lands to be considered
in the transitional class shall be those which presently have a
gross population density of 2,000 people per square mile, but
lack public services, thus not qualifying for the developed class;
or lands which have all the necessary public services in place,
but which lack the gross population density required; and all the
additional lands necessary to accommodate the remainder of
the estimated transitional growth. The transitional areas within
our county are located in Swan Quarter, Englehard and
Ocracoke.
Community —The community class identifies existing and new
clusters of low density development not requiring major public
services. This class will also provide for all new rural growth,
which only requires minor public services and can utilize on -lot
disposal techniques of sewage and waste water disposal. There
are many areas of the county which fall into this classification,
including; Nebraska, Middletown, Gull Rock, Lake Comfort,
Rose Bay, Scranton, Sladesville and Ponzor.
Rural —The rural class identifies land for long-term management
for productive resource utilization, and where limited public
services will be provided. Development in such areas should be
compatible with resource production.
Conservation —The conservation class identifies land which
should be maintained essentially in its natural state, and where
very limited or no public services are provided. These lands are
least desirable for development due to the environmental
characteristics which make them either biologically or aesthe-
tically valuable.
The importance of the map is that it shows the general use of
land in the county. It also shows areas which may be expected
to grow or develop in the future. One aspect of the map which
concerns many of us is the conservation class, or areas con-
taining natural resources which we should try to protect. It is
important to remember that protection does not mean that
nothing can happen in these areas, only that before anything
happens you may have to get a permit. This is because many of
these areas have important environmental value.
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COUNTY
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LAND
LEGEND:
CLASSIFICATION
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Transition
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Community
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Rural
1976
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Conservation
( INCLUDES ALL SURFACE WATERS)
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HYDE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
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SGIE FOII ENIARGFMEMS

'4L6L;o lad/ luawaSeueW easy lelse0D ewloJeD 41JON aqi jo
swawajlnbai aql slaaw pue `eulloje' gvON jo alels ayl pue uollejlsiwwpd
:)liagds0w1V pue a1ue9a0 leuolleN ayl Aq ued ui paaueuij seen uodai sigl
•slualuuJanoS leiapaj pue a;Pls ay; Jo sSuiploy puei
;seA ay; 01 anp awoa of awil awos joj uiewai Alalll ll!m yaigm
aajnosai lein;Pu algenlPA P ;uasajdai seaje asayl •diysjaumo
alejodioa pue ailgnd 'alenijd japun aiP spuel asayl •seaje
pa;saJoj 01 palonap si dew ay; Jo uoiliod SuiuiPwaJ ayl
•sdoja ueagAos pue ujoa algenlPA ay; of Alleiaadsa
'maao of Alalll si aSewep doja snoijas 'Allainb panowaJ IOU
sl Ja;eM ssaaxa JI •(sayaul ZL Suipaaaxa slelol Iuaaaj y;iM jeaA
gad sayaul SS Jo ssaaxa ul) sulPJ Meat' of Iuanbasgns aSeuieip
pa;eJalaaaP sapinoid 'Alpuoaas pue 'alglssod uoilPAillna Suilew
'algeljawmSui;sixa ay; siaMol Ii :suoi;aunj oM1 sapinoid walsAs
a2Pu1eJp apew-uew ayl •sayalip plait ay; pue 'sleuPa Jo;aal
-Ioa ay; 'ja;eM Jo Apoq jay;o jo weajis a o1 Suipeal sleuPa uiew
ay; :sayallp a2euiejp Jo sadAl aaJ41 are ajayl AlleaauaD •alq
-issod aq ;ou pinoM AlunoD apAH ul uo14anpoid doja aSeuiPip
a;enbape ;not';iM JoJ 'AI14211 uaJel aq of IOU si wa;sAs aSeuiejp
ay; Jo ague;jodwi a41 of ;uanbasgns sinaao Suipuod
yaigm o; aaJSap ay; PUP 'puei jo IaPjl ay; jo uol;PAala ay; uodn
;uapuadap si walsAs aSeuleJp ay; jo A;lxaldwoa ayl •pa;PAPa
-xa aq ;snw sleuea aSPuiPip Jo walsAs a 'Alpuoaas pue 'saail jo
pajeala aq;snw puei ay;';sjij :jnaao sal;ini;aP oMl ley; saiinbai
uoi;PAi;Ina joj puei Supedaid ui paAlonui ssaaojd ay; 'Aljape
•pa;Paildwoa si ssaaoid ;et';
gSn044le 'slanpojd IPjnllnaij2p jo uoilanpoid ay; jot Allenuue
puei ajow Suippe aq ll!m am ;Pt'; aye suoileaipui ayl •sdoja
janil jay;o pue sjagwnana Aq paMolloj ';eagm pue sueagAos
'ujoa aie paanpoid s;anpoid lueliodwi ;sow ayl s;anpojd
Iemllnaij2P jo uoi;anpoid joj pajeala Suiaq Al;uajrna aje yaigm
spuel a;eaipui dew ay; Jo seaje uajjeq ayl •piweueAD uPalJawd
PUP AuoloD lsji3 al!I swief a;eiodioa a2jel ay; pue 'wjej Allwej
IPuoilipej; ay; 'sadAl oM; Jo aye swjeJ asayl •swjej jot pasn
si Alunoa ay; ui puei aql Jo yanw 'sMoys dew asn puei ay; sv
•IPAIJJP play; aoj ueid
oI aney am •Iesodsip aSemas pue sailddns .IaleM 'luawliedaCl
s,JJiJa4S ay; mill salllllaPJ PUP saalAJas Sullsixa ino uodn
uiej;s a aaeld osle ll!m Aay; 'Alunoa ay; ui Aauow vjIxa puads
AeLU sJollslA 42noylly •leuoijejado sawoaaq Ajjaj Mau ay; uagm
'japeno ueMS ui Alleiaadsa 'pueluiew ay; uo ;Iaj aq uoos ll!m
xnljui sit'; Ieyl aje suogeaipul •swalgojd riayl osle lnq'wsunol
jo sli jauaq ay; Aluo IOU 41!M puPlulew ay; apinoid ll!m Ajjaj Mau
ayl •awoaui jo aajnos jolew ay; si Ii a1oaPjaO ui pue 'awoaul
jo aamos a se lueliodwi Al2uiseajaui Sulwoaaq si wsunol
•ja4pm ay;
ui Iles jo 1:)el o; anp sjalsAo pue dwijys joj alge;ins jaSuol ou
We sialeM awos 'Alpuoaas put? 'sjuel ai;das a;enbapeui of anp
ja;eM ay; jo uoi;nllod 'Isjij :suoi;ipuoa oMl wojj pajajjns set'
AjIsnpui ayl •A;unoa ay; joj jeaA jad anuanaJ Jo sJPllop uoilllu'
oMl AlaIvwixoiddP joj slunoaae AjIsnpui SuiyslJ lelaJawwOD
ayl •geja pue sja;sAo 'dwlJys ui azilelaads Aayl Aeq asoN
pue japenb ueMS 'pjeyal2u3 ui palPaol aje saiuedwoa Suiysij
IPiajawwoD -wsunol pue Suiyslj lelajawwoa uaaMlaq papiAlp
We 'ain;In:m2p 2uipnlaxa 'sailinilaP IPiajawwoa Isa2jel aql
a o uoisuedxa
•Alin;;ae IP.i aJawwo J aql
uodn sluieilsuoa ;ueaipuSis asod Alunoa ay; Suissoja ui paAloA
-ul saauelslp IPa12 pue uoi;Plndod Ilews v -alllnuaaJD PUP
y;nowAld 'uo;SuiyseM 'uaneylag ul Inq Alunoa aql ui paleaol
IOU aje Suiddoys uosuedwoa joj saillunlioddo Isaq ayl •Alunoa
ay; InO42nojyl palPaol aie sailiun;ioddo Suiddoys 'Seale
asayl of uoi;ippe ul •a1oaPjaO PUP playle3 'pjeyal2u3 'jai
-jenj) ueMS ui pa;eaol Allediauijd We sailinilaP IeiaJawwoD
-plailile3
PUP a1O:)PJaO 'pJeyaI2U3 'japeno ueMS :uoipPjluaauoa Suisnoy
Jo seaJP leJanas aie ajayl 42noy;Ie 'A;unoa ay; jo speoi ulPLU ayl
Suole pa;eaol aje sawoy ISow ley; smogs dew ayl •;uaajad Sg
;sowle paseaJaul aAPy sawoy aligow 'uayl aauiS •sawoy aligow
ajaM £SL 4314m Jo 'sawoy ZL9'L pe4 am ,OL6L ul •Suisnoy
jo Lwoj Aiewijd aql Suiaq sawoy Aliwej alSuls 41IM 'sailunoa
euilojeD ylJoN leini jaylo alilun IOU si Alunoa ino jo ujalled leil
-uapisai ayl •Ailsajoj pue Iejnllnaij2v 'leiajawwoa 'lepuapisaj
'suialled aiseq asay; smogs dEW asn puei 2uilslx3 a41 •APpol
A;unoa ay; ul Suijjnaao sai;inl;aP asn puei IPJanas aie ajayl
SNOIlUNOJ 3Sn UNVI 9NIISIX3
WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE, AND WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?
In meetings throughout the county, citizens again and again
mentioned three important issues -one is a coastal issue, and
the other two directly relate to our county. The coastal issue is
one of balancing the available resources with the demand for
these resources.
The other two concerns are growth and drainage. The basic
considerations about the growth question are: "How much and
where?" After much discussion and looking at all the alterna-
tives, we find that many of us want the county to grow;
moderately. However, we do not want to become "city folks";
and new growth should occur in a manner which would not
essentially change the current atmosphere and character of our
life style. Fortunately, this is in agreement with population pro-
jections which show that the county may have a population
ranging between 7,000 and 8,500 in 1990. The growth question
also relates to the expansion of our economy, including agricul-
ture, commercial fishing and tourism.
It has been noted that our population is likely to experience
growth, and this means that these families must have a source
HOW DO WE GET WHERE WE WANT TO GO?
One method by which we can arrive at our destination is to
chart a path by developing certain goals and objectives. This
also means that we can measure our success on an annual basis
if we want to. The following are the goals and objectives which
we feel are important today and may reasonably be undertaken:
GOAL: Maintain Agricultural Production Within Hyde County
1. Provide for the maintenance of all existing drainage
rights -of -way.
2. Promote the development of a county -wide drainage
plan which would detail:
a. all drainage water courses, man-made and
natural, which are essential for agricultural and
forestry production,
b. the establishment of a spoil area for a minimum
distance equal to sixteen (16) feet, not to exceed
an area equal to twice the average width of the
existing water course, for spoil disposal,
c. the spoil area should be designed in a manner
which would cause ponding of water behind the
spoil bank, thus blocking the flow of nutrients
into the estuarine system, and
d. that new or expanded drainage rights -of -way be
attained after state and federal permits and re-
quirements are satisfied.
3. To encourage the preservation of agricultural land
by directing housing and commercial development
to occur in population centers, especially those with
central water service.
•uoilewjojui Jo Molj lenup
-uoa P seM ajayl 'snyl •sdiysuMol jay10 ay; LuoJJ saAlle;uas
-aidai ay; y;inn seapl asayl aSueyaja;ui o; PUP 's2ullaaw leaol
riayl le paswi sanssi ay; Inoqu Indui apiAojd of seM aaII!w uoa
sit'; jo aloi ayl •aal;lwwoa Suileuipjooa ay; jo sjagwaw aq
of palaalas ajaM aalllwwO:) Suiuueld diysuMol yaea wojj sjaq
-waw omi •pawjoJ seM aalliluwoa Suileulpjooa apron-Aluhoa
e 's;uaw;iwwoa lenpiAlpul uodn suoileliwil ay; pue sauilapin2
s,uoissiwwo:)ay; Aq paysilgelsa sluiejlsuoa alai; SuiziuSoaab
•A;unoa ay; Jo suoi:pod Jo uol;eAJasuoa Jo/PUP ;uaw
-dolanap ain;nj ay; joj uoilepunoj algixalj a si ueld asn puei e
;ey;;daauoa ay; pue 'veld asn puei P jo sli jauaq ay; 'IJojja Suiu
-ueld ay; ssnasip o; sSui;aaw ailgnd uado ui pue sdnoiS asodind
alsuls 'suo1;ez1uP810 aiAla leaol yl!m law 'saaII!w uoa diysuMo;
ay; jo sjagwaw y;lM Suole 'jauueld aql •sluapisai Alunoa
Suiuipwai ay; jo uoisnlaxa ay; of ;ou seM siyl 'ljojja Suiuueld
ay; Jo Iuiod leaoj ay; aweaaq saa;I!wwoa diysuMol ay; aliyM
•Ssuilaaw leaol snouPA le passajdxa
sajisap pue suoiuido ay; wojj' Al;ue;iodwi ajow pup 'ujup
A;unoa Sui;sixa uodn paseq padolanap WaM sluaLualPls IPO2
ayl -ueld ap!m-Alunoa ay; ui uoisnlaui nay; Suipuawwoaai
'sanilaafgo pue sleo2 Ieaol ay; dolanap pinoM saalllwwoa
-qns asayl •sauil diysuMo; Suole 'saa;;lwwoagns olui papinlp
sum aaII!wLuoa ay; 'ajojajayl •Alunoa aji;ua ay; jo aspalMoul
aijiaads P aney pinoM uosiad auo ;et'; awnsse of leailaejdwi
seM Ii ;et'; ;uaiedde aweaaq Ii 'ssaaojd Suiuueld ay; ui Ape]
Alunoa
ay; ui Ijojja Suiuueld uazilia ay; jo snalanu ay; Suiwoaaq
'panlona dnoj2 siyl •paysilgPlsa aq uoileziue2jo uazilia ap!m
-Alunoa a ;et'; pa;PuSisap siauoissiwwoD Jo pmog AlunoD ay;
'uoilediailjed ailgnd leiluelsgns jot sluawaiinbai ay; Sul;edi:)p
-uv •saiaenbapeui Suilsixa pue 'sluau aiinbai ajnlnj s,Alunoa
ay; Jo suoildaajad jnoA uodn paseq 'Alunoa ay; Jo saiailod
ajnlnj 2uipjp2ai suolleulwialap alseq ay; alew of paSeinoa
-ua uaaq aAPy noA 'ajojajayl -ueld ay; Jo ;uawdolanap pue
uSisap ay; ui sluapisai Aq uoilPdiailjed allgnd Jo aaj2ap algissod
wnwixew ay; anaiyae o; sum ssaaojd ay; jo ajisap P ;Pt';
Sulziseydwa 'uoiledia1IiPd allgnd jo Idaauoa ay; passails IaV
aql •pa;E1llui seM Ijojja Suiuueld leaol ayl 'SL6L 'Aienuel ul
•wa;sAS uoileaijisselD puei eullojeD
y;JoN ay; Sul;aaljai jay;o ay; pue 'ujal;ed asn puei Iuasaid
ay; SuiMoys auo :sdew oml aie ajay1 uoilippe ul •spiepue;s
pup salallod ainln j Suiujaauoa uoilaas P pue 'luawdolanap Ilwll
o; pua; Aew yalyM sjolaej uievaa jo uopPahlluapl ay; 'Alunoa
ay; Suiaej sanssi jolew Jo uoissnasip a 'spuail aiwouoaa
pue uoilelndod ajnlnj pue Ised ay; SJanoa papnlaui uoilewjojui
ayl •uPld ;uawdolanaU puel Aluno:) apAH ay; jo sSuipuij
ay; SuianpojIul jo asodind ay; joj pauSisap uaaq set' pue
Nodal jaSjel yanw a jo Ajuwwns jo sisdouAs P Allenlae si sI41
•saSueya asoyl laaljaj
of paialle aq pinoys ueld ay; uayl aSueya sajisap ino ji Ie41 PUP
'APpo; sailsap ino uodn paseq 'ajnlnj ay; jot aping a si ueld e
;et'; jagwawaJ am Ieyl;ueljodlui si 11 •suoisiaap alwouoaa pue
sailsijalaPjeya uoilelndod 'IuaWdolanap Suiujaauoa 'ajnlnj ay;
ui Jnaao Aew legm pup'Ised ayl ul pauaddey set' IeyM sassnasip
A;unoa ino joj ueld jelnailjed ayl •suo1lae ain;nj jo pueyajojaq
Ino 2ul1u141 aql of sjajai ueld V iueld P si 1pgm 'Ing
•yIMoj2 uwIsns of jaleM pue puei ayl
jo A;iaedea aql uodn pue 'sluapisai lelseoa jo sajisap ayI uodn
paseq si yaigm '„Iuawdolanap Aljapjo„ jo Idaauoa aql spieSai
aaualuas Suipaaajd ayl jo luawala lueliodwi uV 'eaje luIseoa
aqJ Jo IuawaSeuew pue 'luawdolanap Aliapio 'uoIIPAJasaid
'uoilaalojd aql joj ueld anisuayajdwoa P dolanap 01 uaaq
set' Iav ayI jo asodind ayl •aminj aql joj ueld a dolanap of All
-unlioddo aql sai;unoa Ielseoa ay; aAPS eulIOJPD gIJON Jo aIPIS
ay; Aq t16L Jo ;ad ;uawaseupw eaiv lelseo:) ay jo uoildope
ayl Iseoa ay; uo A;jadoid UMo Jo anal oqm sn jo yaea Iaajje
`aajRap awos of 'saSueya asayl pue 'Iseoa s,euilojPD y1Jo,N
uMop pue do aaeld ualel aney saSueya ley; Mousl lie am
•ljodaj siyl ui papnlaui aiP Alunoa ino
jo ainlnj aql Suiujaauoa suoilsanb Ja410 AuPw puP pue asayl 01
siamsue ayl iAlunoa ay olui Suuq ley; ll!m slsunol Auew Moy
'jaljena ueMS pue aloaPjao uaaMlaq Ajjaj Mau Ieyl Inoqe Moy
'jo i2uol Moy joj jo 'Aqm Moue) noA op Inq 'Suiysij leiajawwoa
of pasola uaaq aney Alunoa aql of luaaefpe sialeM ay jo awos
IPyI Moul am isjeaA uaaljij of ual Ixau ay; ui palgnop Suiaq
eaje ley; auiSewi noA ueD -uoilanpojd leinlln:m2e joj pasn puei
ay; Ile aai;ou dlay louuPa noA peoi Alunoa AuP Suole SUTAIJQ
S1N30IS311 M01131
Sb3NOISSIWWOJ
30 UHV08 A1NnO:) 30AH 3H1 WOb3 H31131 N3dO NV
of income which translates into jobs. The question then be-
comes: where is the best place for this growth? Perhaps the best
location for future growth is where development already exists,
Where additional development would not impose a strain upon
community facilities such as water supplies and schools, and
where such development would not cause degradation of the
natural environment from inadequate septic tanks. For exam-
ple, when septic tanks operate improperly, they cause pollution
of the adjacent waters. The results are potential health problems
and the closing of more commercial fishing waters. Therefore, if
we desire new growth to occur in areas which already have
some development, like Engelhard and Swan Quarter, then it
becomes very important that the disposal of sewage be ade-
quate.
Equally difficult is the drainage question which consists of
two parts: the maintenance of existing drainage rights -of -way,
and the development of new drainage canals. The real concern
about these ditches and canals is their impact upon the marsh-
land and the adjacent waters. Existing drainage ditches require
GOAL: Provide, Preserve and Enhance the Educational, Recrea-
tional Activities and Opportunities Throughout the
County.
1. Encourage the county government to develop and
expand recreational activities by delegating more
responsibility and financial assistance to the County
Activities Board.
2. Encourage the development of tourist rest areas and
roadside tables along major transportation routes by
the county; initially investigating the intersection of
N.C. 94 and U.S. 264.
3. Inventory, preserve and restore the buildings, places,
and objects which remind us of our place in history.
4. Initiate discussions with the Management of the
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge to provide
improved opportunities for bird watching; by con-
necting and maintaining existing roads; and by pro-
viding adequate off-street parking at prime vantage
points along the northside of the lake.
5. That the county investigate the feasibility of devel-
oping a technical education program in the county
or provide financial assistance in the form of loans to
individual who are in need of such assistance.
6. That all routes utilized by the county school bus be
paved.
7. That school buses be provided with adequate off-
street parking.
GOAL: Maintain and Improve the Quality of Housing Within
the County.
1. Promote the development of single-family detached
housing units rather than multi -family units.
2. Mobile homes which desire to locate within the
county should be required to meet the minimum
FHA requirements concerning lot area size and
health requirements.
3. A zoning plan should be developed and initiated to
protect agricultural, residential and commercial
developments which currently exist; thus providing
orderly and timely growth.
4. That group housing quarters for migratory workers
meet the minimum health standards, and not be-
come a detriment to the countv.
5. The county should investigate the feasibility of con-
structing a residential home for the elderly.
GOAL: Encourage the Location of Industries That are Environ-
mentally Sound.
1. Encourage industrial development which would pro-
vide employment for the currently unemployed.
2. Encourage industrial development which can be
related to the existing economic base: agriculture,
forestry, and commercial fishing.
Z'ON 11Wb3d
588LZ 'a •N 'jalaeno ueMS
aldd
39v1SOd 's 'n
31v�j Nina
SUMMARY
of the
HYDE COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN
Prepared by the
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
and
CITIZENS
of Hyde County
North Carolina
With Assistance from
The Local Planning and
Management Services Section
Department of Natural and
Economic Resources
1976
periodic maintenance. If they happen to run through any
marshland or discharge the water into the estuarine system, a
permit is required. Our concern is attempting to improve the
permit system so that existing ditches can be maintained
without undue hardship upon our farmers. The assumption that
we are making is that existing drainage will not cause a change
in the salt content of the estuarine waters.
Thus, the more difficult question regarding drainage concerns
new canals and their impact upon the estuarine waters. If they
change the salt content of the waters, thus making it unfit for
commercial fishing, then we have done a disservice to our
commercial fishermen.
The waters would probably become unfit for sports fishing
too, and we don't want that to happen either. The answer to this
problem is not easy and is not now known. Perhaps the answer
is to find out which areas of the estuarine system are the most
important and do everything possible to protect them.
GOAL: That Government Activities Become Even More Effi-
cient and Responsive to Citizens Needs.
1. A county -wide citizens advisory board should be
established to improve citizen participation in
county decision making.
2. That deputies of the County Sheriff's Department be
trained in providing first aid in case of emergencies.
3. That a study be initiated to evaluate the need and
feasibility of constructing a central sewage system in
areas of the county with high concentrations of
population and commercial activity.
4. Steps should be taken to control dogs; at a minimum
requiring a dog tag and rabies shot tag on every dog.
5. That the county periodically disinfect the solid waste
disposal containers, reducing the nuisance of ro-
dents and insects.
6. That a mosquito -control program be initiated.
GOAL: To Provide Adequate Health Care and Other Facilities
and Programs for All Residents of the County.
1. Investigate the development of a county medical
center capable of providing and administering
emergency medical services.
2. Encourage the creation of an Emergency Service
associated with the existing volunteer Fire Depart-
ments.
3. Initiate a study regarding the need for a residential
home for the elderly.
4. Construct a detention tacility on the Island of
Ocracoke to improve police protection.
5. Continue to press for improvements of N.C. 12 on
Ocracoke Island.
6. Investigate the joint purchase of a helicopter with
the four adjacent counties for emergency medical
evacuation.
S88LZ .D 'N `.lalieno urmS
Ajuno3 apAH
sjauoissiwwoD AlunoD }o paeo8
lease do not removelI
urvision of Coastal Management
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POTENTIAL AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (AEC'S)
The Act requires that we give particular attention to the pro-
tection and appropriate development of environmentally fragile
lands. This concern comes from the increasing pressure for
development within these areas which are among the most
productive and beautiful in the nation. 'Thus, one goal of this
planning process has been to identify these areas. There are
several land types existing within the county which may be
considered appropriate for management: coastal wetlands, es-
tuarine waters, public trust waters, complex natural areas and
river or sound erodible areas. The following discussion defines
these areas, using the Act's definitions, and talks about their
appropriate uses.
Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands are "any salt marsh or other marsh subject to
regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides
(whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas
through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall
not include hurricane or tropical stormtides. The definition
divides all wetlands into two subcategories; low tidal marsh-
lands, defined as those consisting or primarily Spartina alterni-
flora, usually subject to inundation by the normal ebb and flow
of lunar tides; and other coastal marshlands defined as those
not included or defined as low tidal marshlands. The county
contains in excess of 30,000 acres of wetlands.
Appropriate Land Uses. A priority shall be allocated to the
conservation of existing marshlands. Secondly, priority shall be
given to development which requires water access and cannot
function anywhere else, such as ports, docks and marinas;
provided that the actual location of such facilities within the
marsh consider coastal, physical and biological systems; and
further provided that feasible alternatives regarding location
and design have been adequately considered and need for such
development can be demonstrated. Such allocation may only
be justified by the projected land use demands and by com-
munity development objectives, but in no case shall the alloca-
tion exceed the capacity of the marshland system to sustain
losses without harm to the estuarine ecosystem unless the losses
would be offset by a clear and substantial benefit to the public.
Estuarine Waters
Estuarine waters are "all the water of the Atlantic Ocean
within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the
bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries.
Appropriate Uses. A priority shall be allocated to the conser-
vation of estuarine waters. The development of navigational
channels, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the
building of piers or wharfs where no other feasible alternative
exists are examples of land uses appropriate within estuarine
waters, provided that such land uses will not be detrimental to
the biological and physical estuarine functions and public trust
rights. Projects which would directly or indirectly block or
impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion,
deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circu-
lation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degra-
dation of shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible
with the management of estuarine waters.
An important aspect of the above statement which directly
affects Hyde County is the degradation of shellfish waters. At
the present time the waters of the Pamlico Sound adjacent to
the county are state oyster management areas and have natural
populations of oysters, clams, scallops and shrimp. In recent
years the waters have experienced a degradation of water
quality standards thus causing several areas of estuarine waters
to be closed for harvesting. Among these closed areas are
portions of the Pungo River, Rose Bay, Wyecoking Bay and
Englehard Bay.
Public Trust Waters
Public trust waters are those areas in which the public has
rights including navigation and recreation. By definition, navi-
gable means "capable of being navigated in its natural condi-
tion by the ordinary modes of navigation including modes of
navigation used for recreational purposes."
The implications for Hyde County are that the waters of the
Pungo River and any tributaries north of Durants Point. In
addition the waters of the Alligator River, south from the Cherry
Ridge Landing in Tyrrell County, and its tributaries are included
in the public trust definition. Also included are the large
drainage canals which have been used by the public.
Appropriate Uses. Any land use which interferes with the
public right of navigation, or other public trust rights, which the
public may be found to have in these waters, shall not be
allowed. The development of navigational channels, drainage
ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the
building of piers or wharfs are examples of land uses appropriate
within public trust waters provided that such land uses will not
be detrimental to the biological and physical functions and
public trust rights.
4
Natural Hazard Areas -Estuarine and River Erodible Areas
The estuarine and river erodible areas have been character-
ized as the area above ordinary high water where excessive
erosion has a high probability of occurring. In delineating the
landward extent of this area a reasonable 25-year recession line
shall be determined using the best available information.
Appropriate Land Uses. Permanent or substantial residential,
commercial, institutional or industrial structures are not appro-
priate uses in estuarine and river erodible areas unless stabili-
zation has been achieved along the affected reach. Recrea-
tional, rural and conservation activities represent appropriate
land uses in those erodible areas where shoreline protective
construction has not been completed.
Complex Natural Areas
Complex Natural Areas have been identified as lands that
support native plant and animal communities, providing habitat
conditions or characteristics that have remained essentially
unchanged by human activity. These areas are normally sur-
rounded by landscapes that have been modified but in a manner
which does not significantly alter the conditions within the
natural areas, or their scientific or educational value.
Appropriate Land Uses. Lands within this category shall not
be planned for uses or kinds of development that will unneces-
sarily jeopardize the natural or primitive character of the natural
area directly or indirectly through increased accessibility. Addi-
tionally, lands adjacent to the complex natural area should not
be planned for additional development that would unneces-
sarily endanger the recognized value of the Area. The variability
between kinds of complex natural areas and between land uses
adjacent to those natural areas means that the range of permis-
sible uses, and intensity of use must be carefully tailored to the
individual area.
IN CONCLUSION
The preceeding account has illustrated the formulation of our
policy regarding land use and future development. The next
steps concern the development of methods by which we can
realize our goals and objectives, at the same time preparing for
future growth. Basically there are several options available
including zoning, subdivision regulations, housing codes, capi-
tal improvement programming, and perhaps the employment of
a full-time planning staff. By using these tools we can improve
and protect various aspects of our life style, while looking
toward the future.
The planning process which we have undertaken reflects a
certain amount of growth in the future. Where and how much
growth takes place will determine the need for new facilities
and services. The cost must be born by those of us who live in
the county. This means using our tax revenues and seeking
sources of state and federal money when possible. Regardless,
the cost of new growth ultimately resides with us and it is
important that we properly plan for that growth.
As we said earlier, a plan is based upon our present desires. If
our desires change, then the plan should be changed too.
Today a majority of us would like to see the county experience
moderate population growth and economic development, but
not to the expense of our natural resources or the character of
our life style. This plan represents the work of many of us, and
we hope that you recognize and agree with the findings of this
report.
Sincerely yours,
J. B. Berry, Chairman
Eddie O'Neal, Member
Mitchell P. Newman, Member
THE HYDE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS