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Home My WebLink AboutCoastal Area Management Act Land Use Plan-1976Ei I FAL 71 G Ew" N. C. DEPT. OF NIATU11"Au USDURCES COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT - LAND USE PLAN DCM COPYkDCM COPY Olease do not remove!!!!! Division of Coastal Management ONSLOW COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA ONSLOW COUNTY 107 New Bridge Street Office of the Jacksonville, N.C. 28540 County Manager November 2, 1976 Telephone (919) 347-4717 Mr. David Stick Department of Natural & Economic. Resources Coastal Resources Commission • P. 0. Box 27687 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 Dear Mr. Stick: I Thomas M. Roach, Onslow County Clerk, certify that this is a true copy of the Onslow County Land Use Plan and Synopsis adopted by the Onslow County Board of Commissioners on November 1, 1976, in fulfillment of the requirements of the'North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act of 1976. Sincerely, 17 Thomas M. Roach Clerk to Board of Commissioners bf 40 C • .�ie•ilii�i.��itli�� .�1�11i1it]t�L.si• .. 11 �':: • Y1. C. DEPT. OF NATUR,',[? RE:SH CES i, C0:.1,.1.. i s ONSLOW COUNTY LAND USE PLAN Coastal Area Management Act Prepared with the assistance of the Onslow County Planning Department and Dexter G. Moore, Moore and Associates New Bern, North Carolina CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Harold C. Morton, Chairman Joseph F. Sanders Charles R. Rawls Col. David Clement Lonnie Everett Franklin Justice Odell Parker Phillip W. Howard James Andrews Alpheous K. Everett Raymond Freshwater, Jr. LaRue Hambrick Barden Lanier Earl Gatlin. Everette Yopp Dr. Hunter Heath David C: Holland, Jr. Luther E. Ennett, Jr. Earl Barlow Herschel Brown Don McGurn Paul Guilloroy Rhonda Hokum George L. Jones Marion R. Howard John N. Starling L..T. Mercer Leon Rowe Ronald D. Baker Ernest Parker •Graham C. Jones, Jr. Tim M. Millis Garland Craft Thomas M. Roach Preston Wells William D..Pelon Sandra Barefoot Stewart'Manning Henry L. Jones - Bill Rice .0 . W ONSLOW COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Ormond Barbee, Chairman Luther W. Midgett Gordon Robinson Lewis W. Renn W. Randolph Thomas R. G..Leary, County Auditor James R. Strickland, -County Attorney ONSLOW COUNTY PLANNING BOARD Julius J. Segerman, Chairman A. Byron Ervin, Jr. William D. Pelon Raymond A. Harts•field, Jr. Mack M. Weatherington Margaret R. Zemaitis, Recording Secretary .• NOTICE TO USERS All major policy related maps and documents are either included within the text or attached to the back of the plan. However, due to the expense and technical limitations required for reprinting some illustrations may be omitted. Complete copies are available for inspection at the N. C. Coastal Resources Commission offices in Raleigh or at the local government offices. • TABLE OF CONTENTS Public Officials Introduction Description of Present Conditions Population Military Population Economy Existing Land Use West Onslow Beach. Current Plans, Policies.and Regulations Transportation Plans. Community Facilities Plans Utility Extension Policies Open Space and Recreation Prior Land Use Plans and Policies Local Regulations Subdivision Regulations Building Codes Mobile Home Park Ordinance Septic Tank Restrictions Nuisance Regulations Dune Protection Ordinance Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance Inland Waterway Wake.Control Ordinance PAGE 1. 5 6 10 14 30 33 35 35 35 45 4-8 52 53 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 56 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Federal.and State Regulations Public Participation Activities Major Land Use Issues Alternatives Questionnaire Tabulation Land Use Objectives, Policies, and Standards Constraints Physical Limitations Hazard Areas Coastal Flood Plains(Potential AEC). Excessive Erosion Areas - Coastal Inlet Land (Potential:AEC) Ocean Erodible Area -(Potential AEC) Estuarine and River Erodible Areas (Potential AEC) Soils Swansboro Township White Oak Township Sneads Ferry Stump Sound. Richlands Area Water Supply Areas Steep Slope Fragile Areas PAGE 57 5,8 59 64 65 79 85 86 87 87 87 92 92 93 98 98 99 99 99 100 103 104 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Coastal Wetlands 104 Coastal Wetlands - Low Tidal Marshland (Potential AEC) 104 Coastal Wetlands - Other Coastal Marshland (Potential AEC) 106 Sand Dunes along the Outer.Banks (Potential AEC) 107 Ocean Beaches and Shorelines (Potential AEC) 107 Estuarine Waters (Potential AEC) 108 Public Trust Waters (Potential AEC) 110 Areas Containing Unique Geologic Formations ill Areas with Resource Potential 112 Productive Agricultural Lands 112 Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites. 112 Publicly -Owned Lands 113 Privately -Owned Wildlife.Sanctuaries 115 Capacity of Community Facilities 116 Existing Water and Sewer Service Areas 116 Estimated Demand 120 Population Projections 121 Future Economy 126 FutureLand Needs 128 West Onslow Beach 132 Community Facilities Demand 134 Plan Description 139 The Land. Use Plan 140 TABLE OF CONTENTS' �r PAGE Summary 146 City -County Plan Relationship- 150 . .i g 0 C. INTRODUCTION /0 The coastal areas of North Carolina provide a tremendous natural resource to the citizens of North Carolina. The area provides both recreational benefits and food production from our coastal waters. In some areas adjacent to our coastal waters, there is a danger that overdevelopment may signifi- cantly damage the food production capacity of nearby waters. This potential problem was the major reason that.the Coastal Area Management Act was ratified by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1974. The purpose of. -the Coastal Area.Management Act - is "to insure the orderly balance of use and preservation of our coastal resources on behalf of the people of North Carolina and the nation." 'The Coastal Resources Commission was created to insure that the purpose of the new state law is followed. Land Use Plans have been developed.by each local government within the twenty coastal counties and will be the administra- tive tools for carrying out the provisions of the law. These plans cannot survive unless they represent the views of the local citizens. For this reason the Coastal Resources Commission has required that a public participation program -be the foundation of the Land Use Plan. The Coastal Area Management Act creates three tools with which local government can meet the' management requirements of the act. 1. Land Use Plan: The preparation of a usable land use plan begins with citizen input in the development of local land use issues,- goals, and objectives, contin ues with*a summary of data collection and finishes with maps of a land classification system. The plan is prepared after careful evaluation of existing -land usage and consideration of the desires of the residents of the county. 2. Areas of Environmental' -Concerns The Coastal Resources Commission will designate the Areas by October 1, 1976. Caution is the key element for development within Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's). AEC's are found pri- marily in the coastal.areas of the county. C. 3. Permit System: A permit system is the third tool specified by the act. The general statutes instruct the Coastal Resources Commission to develop.a system which will coordinate all regulatory permits within coastal areas. Every development within the Areas of Environmental'Concern will require a permit from either the Coastal Resources.Commission or from local govern- ment. The act does not, however, require a permit for areas outside the Areas of Environmental Concern. By L.% M 61 letting permits for development of Areas of Environ- mental Concern, the CRC hopes to curtail environmentally damaging development within the Areas of Environmental Concern The following Plan is the Coastal Area Management Act Land Use Plan for the County of Onslow. 13 DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT CONDITIONS 1p" c POPULATION Onslow County is located in the southern central portion of the North Carolina Coastal. Plan.. The County was basically rural until Camp Lejeune was located in the County in 1941. As a new industry, the Marine.Corps Base provided jobs, at- tracted people and changed the growth pattern until this day. Growth exploded between 1940 and 1960. The following table } indicates growth since 1930. Table 1 ONSLOW COUNTY POPULATION. GROWTH 1930-1975 Year Population Percent of Increase 1930 15,289 17% 1940 17,939 17% 1950 42,047 134% Ci 1960' 86,208 105% 1970 103,126 20% 1975 113,806 9% The 1974 population.estimate by the North Carolina De- partment of Administration for Onslow County was listed at 95,100. This estimate does not follow the trend of the past decade. Onslow County planners estimate the 1975 population to be 113,806. Because of present growth trends, the local .population estimate seems more appropriate than that of the state projection. Onslow County has 756.4 square miles of land with a popu- lation density in 1975 of 150.5 people per square mile. The County is more than one half urban as compared to the pre- dominantly rural nature of surrounding counties. The urban • population is 57.5% of the total population. The rural segment consisted of 42.5% of the people in Onslow County during the 1970 census. In 1970, Onslow County was the ninth most popu- lous county in North Carolina. The following.table shows Onslow County population by age groups, sex, a large number of males in the 1-24 year old category, and ethnic origin in 1970 according to the census. This occurrence is due to the young men in the Marine Corps on Camp Lejeune. The population is considered transient _ although stable .in number. As population increases the number will grow but not proportionately to the county population because the number of male recruits in the Marine Corps is ex- pected to remain stable. C` co Under S 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 & over TOTAL Table 2 ONSLOW COUNTY POPULATION BY AGE GROUPS,.SEX AND RACE 1970 CENSUS WHITE Male. Female 4,056 3,772 7,508 7,077 28,006 8,442 5,761 5,152 3,923 3,429 2,304 2,317 1,223 1,382 859 1,106 53,640 32,677 NEGRO Male Female 810 1,615 r 4,637 867 535 348 259 203 9,274 20,965 more white males than white females 3,161 more Negro males than Negro females 48 more males than females in other races 21,172 more males than females in all races Total Population 103,126 White 86,317 Negro 15,387 Others 1,422 These totals include all of Onslow County 824 1,639 1,295 842 589 379 312 233 6,113 OTHERS TOTAL Male Female Male Female 77 77 4,936- 4,673 105 93 9,228 8,809 441 106 33,094 9,843 61 244 6,689 6,538 48 148 4,506 4,166 8 12 2,660 2,708 0 6 1,482 1,700 2 1 1,064 1,340 735 687 63,649 39,477 PERCENTAGE MALE -FEMALE Total 18 years & over 61.7 Male 66.0 Male 38.3 Female 34.0 Female of Population 83.7 14.9 1.4 SOURCE: Statistical Summary, Onslow county, N. C, prepared by Onslow County Planning Department The following breakdown of Onslow County's population for 1975 was developed by the County Manpower Planning Office based on information from North Carolina Department of Ad- ministration. Where information provided by the state was inadequate, a straight line projection was applied to the 1970 census. Table 3 ESTIMATE OF AGE DISTRIBUTION BY ETHNIC ORIGIN AND SEX (1975) (Estimated) Ethnic Origin & Sex Total 0-14 15-44 45-64 65+ White 94,161 21,207 62,208 8,391 2,355 Male 58,122 10,971 42,114 4,003 1,034 Female 36,039 10,236 20,094 4,388 1,321 Black 16,756 4,377 10,646 1,245 488 Male 10,179 2,169 7,254 542 214 Female 6,577 2,208 3,392 703 274 Other 2,892 755 1,838 215 84 Male 1,417 374 912 94 37 Female 1,475 381 926 121 47 TOTAL 113,809 26,339 74,692 9,851 2,927 Male 69,718 13,514 50,280 4,639 1,285 Female 44,091 12,825- 24,412 5,212 1,542 Table 4 POPULATION OF ONSLOW COUNTY BY AREA (1975) Estimated) Population Swansboro 1,250 Richlands 935 Holly Ridge 415 • West Onslow Beach 3,670 Military 67,392 Jacksonville 19,000 County (Rural) 21,147 TOTAL COUNTY 113,809 • MILITARY POPULATION Onslow County's military.population represents a sub- group requiring specialized government services. It is use- ful to know the size of Onslow's "military family." Table 5 MILITARY POPULATION IN ONSLOW COUNTY (Estimated) 1960 1970 1974 Total.Active Duty. 36,525 36,044 '39,157 living on base 20,508 25,340 living off base 16,017 11,704 Total Dependent 32,037* 40,316 43,797* living on base 9,940* 12,695 11,481 living off base 22,097* 27,621 32,216* Total Active Duty and Dependent Population 68,562 76,360 82,954* Percent of County Population 79% 74% *estimated figures SOURCE: Onslow County Manpower Planner, Dec., 1974 In 1960, there was 0.8 dependents residing in Onslow County for each active duty military person. Ten years later this ratio had increased to 1.1 dependents for each active duty military person. • 17 /U Table 6 POPULATION FIGURES AT CAMP LEJEUNE YEAR MILITARY POPULATION CIVIL SERVICE NAVY HOSPITAL NON -CIVIL SERVICE 1941 1945 , 1950 1955 1960 1965 35,416 2,898 1,000 1,100 1970 31,287 3,077 1,000 1,100 1975 39,000 2,700 1,000 1,100 1976 40,000 (Jan.) 2,650 1,000 1,100 SOURCE: Onslow County Economic Development Commission f-� By comparing the growth at Camp Lejeune to the growth of Onslow County, a direct correlation can be found. The total population of Onslow County in April, 1970, was 103,126 composed of 16,610 (16.1 percent).racial minorities (black and other races) and 86,516 (83.9 percent) whites. The Spanish-American ethnic group, which can include whites, blacks or other races, accounted for 2,713 (2.6 percent) of the popula- tion. Onslow County has a comparatively small total minority population of approximately 16 percent. Table 7 POPULATION BY RACE AND SEX FOR ONSLOW COUNTY 1970 ONSLOW NORTH CAROLINA RACIAL GROUP TOTAL POPULATION POPULATION Total all races 103,126 100.00 5,082,059 100.0 White 86,516 83.90 3,082,059 76.8 Black 15,180 14.70 1,126,478 22.2 American -Indian 358 0.40 44,406 0.9 Japanese 365 0.40 2,104 0.0 Chinese 4° 0.04 1,255 0.0 Filipino 132 0.10 905 0.0 Hawaiian 51 0.05 Korean 15 0.01 Other 458 0.40 5,144 0.1 SOURCE: - U. S. Department of Labor, Manpower Administration, Summary Manpower .Indicators.for. Onslow County, June, 1972, p. 3, and U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, General Population Characteristics North Carolina, October 1971. The general educational level of the population needs to be known in order to determine the types of marketable skills which are available in the job market. Information from the 1970 Census Bureau indicates that slightly more than half of all Onslow County residents had completed high school, as compared to an average of 40% for the State of North Carolina. Table 8 1970 EDUCATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MALES AND FEMALES TWENTY—FIVE YEARS AND OVER Males 25+ Years Old Females 25+ Years Old Median Percent Median . Percent County School Years High School School Years High School Completed Graduates Completed Graduates State Total 10.8 39.5% 10.3 37.3% Onslow 12.1 53.1% 12.1 52.2% SOURCE: North Carolina State Government Statistical Abstract, 1973, p. 149. l • a1 , A much smaller percentage, only nine percent, of the Onslow •` County population has graduated from college. Information pro- vided by the Marine Corps Base Education Office revealed that the average officer has completed three years of college while most enlisted men have finished 11 years of their education. A follow-up survey of high school graduates conducted by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction showed that almost 60 percent of all the Onslow County .1973 graduates were continuing their formal education beyond high school. Almost forty percent of these students were enrolled in a community college or technical institute. This indicates that Orislow County's population is likely to become better educated in the future. In 1974, a total of 19,070 students were enrolled in pub- lic, private, and parochial schools in grades onethrough twelve. It was estimated that approximately 904 of the 12th grade stu- dents would graduate. Table 9 PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION ENROLLED IN ONSLOW COUNTY SCHOOLS BY AGE 1960 AND 1970 AGE GROUP 1960 1970 5 & 6 Years Old 45.6% 55.3% 7 & 13 Years Old 97.4% 95.8% 14 & 15 Years Old 91.9% 94.5% 16 & 17 Years Old 48.2% 57.5% 18 & 19 Years Old 7.6% 9.3% 20 & 21 Years Old 4.6% 2.3% 22 to 24 Years Old 2.4% 2.6% 25 to 34 Years Old 1.3% 1 1.7% SOURCE: U. S. Census, NQrjh garolina General_Social _& Ecpcomic -Characteristics, 1960 and 1970. ECONOMY Onslow County has a healthy economy with adequate job opportunities for residents who wish to work. Data about the employment status of the population provides an understanding of our human resources in Onslow County. This foundation is necessary to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the local labor force with an eye toward improving the balance and future of the local economy. Employment status date for 1960 and 1970 is not directly comparable. In the 1960 census, 14 year olds and above were included as part of the labor force. By 1960 the labor force definition had been altered to include only those 16 years of age and older. According to the Census Bureau, Onslow's labor force includes all persons classified as employed and unem- ployed, and also members of the Armed Forces. The civilian labor force excludes persons on active duty with any branch of the military service. Because of the presence of Camp Lejeune, Onslow County shows a high total labor force participation rate. t Table 10 ONSLOW COUNTY EMPLOYMENT STATUS 1969 and 1970 1960 14 yrs. & over 1970 16 yrs. & over Total Both Sexes 57,614 73,985 Total Labor Force 38,270 54,548 Labor Force Participation Rate 66% 73.7% Civilian Labor Force 12,698 18,459 Employed 11,874 17,259 Unemployed 824 1,200 Unemployed Rate 6% 6.5% Not in Labor Force 18,228 19,437 Inmate of Institution 102 37 Enrolled in School - 2,914 2,383 Other Under 65 Years 14,025 15,142 Disabled or Handicapped 2,164 Other Over 65 Years 1,187 1,875 not available j SOURCE: U. S. Department of Labor, Manpower Administration, Summary Manpower Indicators for ' Onslow County, June, 1972, p. 8. and Onslow County Planning Department and Moore Gardner Associates, Development Potential, October, 1969, p. 1-56. t In Onslow County, like the rest of the nation more women are entering the labor force than ever before. In 1960, less than one quarter of the females were participating in the labor market. By 1970 this percentage had increased by more than a third with 8,900 women employed. The overall state female labor force participation rate is 44 percent. Fart of the differen- tial may be attributed to a large number of military wives who do not remain in the area long enough to secure employment. Fewer women were reported as being students in 1970 than were enrolled in 1960. The labor force participation rate for men has increased • C. slightly S,, I;:. (93%) to 1970 (94%) while the unemploy- ment rate for 1970 remained almost stable at 3%. Out of a total male population of approximately 49,000, 46,000 were members of the labor market in 1970. The number of males not participating in the labor force because of school enrollment had decreased by approximately 200 from 1960 to 1970. The following chart, comparing 1960 and 1970 shows the employment sectors which are increasing and decreasing for Onslow County. Table 1.1 TOTAL EMPLOYED PERSONS BY INDUSTRY IN ONSLOW COUNTY 1960 and 1970 1960 1970 Total Employed, All Industries .......... 11,874 17,259 Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries ........ 11489* 889k Mining ......................... 8 17 Construction ...: ................... 900 1,173 Manufacturing .................... 543 1,738 Durable Goods .................... a 740 Nondurable Goods ................ a 998 Transportation .................... 293 538 Communications & Public Utilities ....... 226 631 Wholesale Trade ................... 208 370 Retail Trade ...................... 2,650 4,240 Finance, Insurance & Real Estate ....... • 311 781 Services ......................... 2,127 4,549 Business & Repair ................ 289 322 Personal .......:............... 1,299 1,358 Medical & Health ................. 270 529 Educational.... ............... 137 1,565 Schools & Colleges .............. a 1,500 Government ................... 689 1,286 Private ...................... 83 214 Other Educational & Related ........... 137 65 Other Professional & Related ........... 132 775 Public Administration _ .............. 1 1,589 1 2,333 allot Available *This figure is incorrect SOURCE: U. S. Department of Labor, Manpower Administration, Summary Manpower Indicators for Onslow County, June, 1972, p. 12 and U. S. Census Bureau, General Social & Economic Characteristics for North Carolina, p. 35-273. /(O Table 12 TRENDS IN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ANNUAL AVERAGES-1962,1968,1971 COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT 1962 1968 1971 1975 Carteret 10.9% 6.5% 5.9% Craven 5.2 3.7 5.1 Duplin 5.6 3.8 4.3 10.5 Greene 8.7 6.1 8.0 i Jones 6.1 3.2 8.5 Lenoir 6.6 5.0 4.9 Onslow 7.1 5.3 5.6 7.5 Pamlico 9.1 6.2 8.6 I Wayne 6.1 4.1 4.1 Region 6.9 4.6 5.1_ SOURCE: Onslow County Economic Development Commission For women in 1970, the major employment sectors were manu- facturing (9%), retail trade (27%), and services (39%) which includes teaches and clerical workers. Another 9% were employed by either Federal, State, or local government. Men were pri- marily employed in the following sectors: construction (12%), manufacturing (10%), wholesale trade (22%), finance, insurance, and real estate (16%), and public administration (17%). In 1960, the largest number of jobs occurred in the following four major industry divisions: services, retail trade, public ad- ministration, and manufacturing. Federal, State, and local governments employed 5,188 persons in non-agricultural jobs, 30.1% of the total individuals employed in the county. The Onslow County unemployment rate is inflated by the fact that approximately 800 men are dishcarged from the Marine Corps each month at Camp Lejeune. a6 �o 13SY 'L► 1i92 J3Y,L a /o �1sg2 INSET INSET 01 BELGRADE t �J- V O P � O o ca / J1 ' ue4 13� INSET ® (` / Ie7 1003 14e j 1411� 1480 FI� .,� F,t ,ti1 J i S MD 1 b 1� \� �0 1406 J: Huffman Is 2 EN,S z/ 1 04 'q0 Froncktawn O 1302 . !, HuFTmanrown 1m r h 'o rti; J !•"ire Adams '�7 nly�Q,7 INSET 05 o Brods / •7 L3o� 1�n 1302 1311 3 l0 / 1� RICHIANDS ry 302 \ 0 POP q3/S<• 130e -� Bra I] 1324 � .e s �i�Q 1717 M1 383 1,9 )armwn anto 1 9 1309 g' Ervint/ o � <O� J ` •5 '9 .4 '/,Je4 _ \� J I245 fili 1334 1x72 1271 `F 1273 �0 'o 12Je ,q - Gregory ;1 1229 123s 2 4 1227 � t 230 How Is 1T71 .5 \3 •;t`, ,� ,.tEV`I .J ? 1137 1219 n/ V2 �_ 1 r• 'ii 1229 ?S o / INSET REVISED 1-1-e1 1548 1319 , 06 1518 FULCHER LAN I - 1 -64 1 - I-66 1- I-ee I - 1 = 70 1- 1-7] 1 - 1-74 1- 1-76 1 - 1-7e 1m 1220 t G r -- Peru �,f 1 1515 ` I5]x IsxJ J I515 1522 / - J, / 1521 / 1222 1 1001 CATHERINE LAKE / O A T A N T I O ds N A L F O R E �S T� y %R ..::: J s .. r;; ....: l e •o ..�.�+' C A � LEGEND e ' rods f / :. .:' �, J .;: 70, EOR E j PR ROAD J J.Siti 17 (I ADED, NUM DRAINEDROAD SURFACED Ip4 '�� '�'�`� SON, GRAVEL OR STONE ROAD 7/ ll/ r '. l elelelelelelel■ HARD SURFACED ROAD WAY W Y`I DIVIDED HIGHWAY 3 14 Gl� 'S _ O FCA� HIGHWAY WITH FRONTAGE ROADS ,B I434 9 Fij qqU \� o i F�� PULLCONTROL ACCESS 1162 �p ♦ �� FEDERAL AID INTERSTATE ROAD A ;l�•1439 14lB \ SLONk \t , "� 7.J 1434 P013paro ! J Siherdale '4�2 "' L e PAS FEDERAL AID PRIMARY MWRAL AD SECONDDARYAROAD 1 ♦•� - nor b 7 PAS 14439 ,2 i !Ali .5 t4 141 2.3 V l D 1 14M 1 (y�) ) ' ! 7 A0/ �i� Ns FAP FEDERAL AD URBAN NON•SYSiPM ROAD - \1 1]! \yC I: A 1 S :...,.1p�� ) //�J1/ Y r _ _ �T PROJECTED LOCATION MRSlCTION DISTANCE t]]o 1•6 1N0 ;fij. 1432 , SWANSlf)0.0 .. ♦ J• I TRAFFIC CIRCLE Depp. Pfse � ... 14 4 4 _li .K' _ L3Z J1 ` e ? r HIGHWAY INTERCHANGEti 1.3 M1 1t R �Z " M1 / •u i DETAILED HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE v 1511 1 1 V i F 4o !INTERSTATE HIGHWAY " k ., )• , li �o .., ... G R 1.0 14 2 �- TSS '' b 0 1 70 U.S NUMBERED HIGHWAY ` O 1 ,r. 1436 I42s I.9 1 • \ ` 'i 15e1 � _• '� BOGUS INLET 12 H.C. NUMBERED HIGHWA': `l .... R 'o Jam11 u1sert i 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBERS .. . ,_ ,.:. .....: :.. " ':...!.. 1131 1�9 I 0 1744 C 1 A 1 ! 11 � r___s___r ---+-r UNDERGROUND CAKE RAILROAD, ANY NUMBER OF TRACKS USED BY SRNGIE OPERATING COMPANY IF j RAILROAD, ANY NUMBER OF TRACKS ONE OPERATING '�. ?•, 7, 7 •J < 1571 N v •S •-: �___„__'_ USED BY MORE THAN COMPANY ON SAME OR ADJACENT 's O 4p 1423 Y O� 6 RIGHTS-OF-WAY 1324 u : ti 1� ~ 7! rf, 1 47 'e 1507 7 e,NorrissaI RARROAD STATION Huge^►' j ,soo h 2J 'S O e �1$75 �-+"- GRADE CROSSING '� 1749 1�f 1745 •L -r•. 'S 7 I 1501 h 5 �""'11�""r- UNDERPASS OVERPASS 17r7 'tt`, M1 �55tarlmg I.S O RAILROAD TUNNEL CORPS HELD 1 RVMwwI ARMY, NAVY OR MARINE 1423 ,'y'. O COMM. OR MLWAMAL AIRPORT J & .7 'b 3� t305 + MARKED AUXILIARY HELD HANGAR ON HELD"1" IN SYMBOL ell I Y 1505 i INLET DOCK, P@ OR LANDING 324 li _ A V 1S ♦ ____ 6 ,N 1 4Irr. n�Ih FREE OR TOIL PERRY 1325 " �1`,: J434 7 !<<y� 0 LIGHT. NAUTICAL + 1414 P ;`Kallumtown .,Gt, -Landing * LIGHTHOUSE S 172 t COAST GUARD STATION O 14sv. O1' OARRRO / NARROW STREAM O P ... FAS FAS B o -_ WIDE STREAM 1324 Cinder Creek MIDWAY PARK HOUSING AREA DfLJhgT P.4,164 � � 11 I ln3 - ':. J i�r DAM WITH LOCK DAM Jock-06 at Airport m� B i'.4mey Green 2 O KE RESERVOIR, FOND LAKE GtBµ Halt Moon MOO" 1723 .. .,. A Tnnndala t¢s� F 376 sr PROMINENT PEAK, NUMERALS INDICATE ELEVATION aka . ' BROWNS'-� INLET .r ROAD THROUGH MOUNTAIN PASS HIGHWAY BRDGE,OVR 20 Ff. �. t DRAW SPAN ON BRIDGE 9► -W-4e- HIGHWAY TUNNEL CAMP LEJEUNE MARINE x CORPS BASE _ _ FORD STATE LINE COUNTY NINE crrr uMHs R Y 1317�¢OT " RESERVAT ON OR PARK BOUNDARY 7 J CKSONVILLE INSET AREA _ J, . , DELIMITED AREA, POPULATION EST. 1319 1021 � ` COUNTY SEAT 1� 1317 N �-' -- O OTHER TOWNS AND VILLAGES .i5n ye ♦ '` :.'..-.. ►'.' \J .•.�� A TRIANGULATION STATION 15127 'B 7 .32 0 r•' INCORPORATED CITY OR VILLAGE. E. e''lxze _ 1t '3!•9 31320^ 258 O - --- _ GENERALIZED %/ FARNELL BAY ack DuCreek SCHOOL (2J51 -10"- LO CHURCH 1223 1227 - �,� CHURCH WITH CEMETERY 1212 .7 ; O - - - A - `� - 1 V • ;T; CEMETERY HOSPITAL 1222 0 1257 k ■ CORRECTIONAL OR 1'EL4Al INS7N. 1122 ¢ B1LLe >• ry1174 \ S7� M C. A. A. F. v 1 ■ HIGHWAY GARAGE : OR MAINT. YARD 1212 J / .4 11I9 0 HIGHWAY DIV. OR DIST. OFFICE 1243 CaMerine Lake •7 124A 1 WEIGHT STATION 1221 .q y3y 1211 , b V * PATROL STATION i'4 q }iA REST AREA ♦ 1.0 �. 1212 P b ry 1 \ '1� 1146 1249 121J / •`\' O MONUMINT-SMALL HISTORICAL SITE Craig Pt. 1230 ` .2 P1001 -- 1204 3.3 1271269 0. Ix12 ./ 121g Y 511 ]e a 1212 1113 llll 3 Cad., Paint Y1001 1765 Ytls 1206 al'tl 1341 .0 'f/ hry� 1315 b M 1.5 y 5 / �� `..... .r� Ellis I2_ Albert .0 •5 I1i44 t: Uo - �� 172 j p Airport a Ix6e 1214 Spollwe3l 4 ? ' k 1133 1 �� J AP i � �� I q�s' 1� TRAPS � 1;; F 7., 1216 I1J4 ila^ 1153 Verona _ v-� BAY /. j lzl ! I:oN. J,7 E ns4� J STONES a U 1216 A ek � J f 1203 Ci`. e t i q9 1119 110� 1125 �� ;.. 'I ' �- / ery - RIVER INLET �l\ O 1001 1209 N� ti ET1 1-.q� 111�31,x a 1 BAY Ix10 1203 1.0 �. O 1119 1.9 t 1 1119 -;: ' t2gN Ixi3 a Gt '� - 'N - % ? v ono � 1112 $Ferry 109 e �1568 V 1210 Harris 1I11 1 I107 .a 1/ 1206 v t1oW5 147 00 CHADWICK I I \\ 1.2E - 1245 ,) 1205 1107 \ ! I IOe ,l`, (^ ACRES% F O` £ ": e. b t.J .7 I106 Haw e, 17 y U. g .7 POP.12 •i: 1209 F¢ .9 1519 I203 1203 1123 Cyr 10 , 172 She 1518 \5 `_.. •. ? '� l 'e•' 107 s ¢U O 1553 - ) ii�s - , 3e " G R E A T S A N D Y f'iP Dlxon-: PAS' Ix09B 114e h /Hp o 1, 40.ISx6 210 Mill FAS m Gran 1208 ry \ a 120] ISeB A`9 11I I n ! ;1 I O O,tI. a 2.T 1202 0s ixot .8 \I'4 i pF Mile 1203 Ten � Padgett U N h 1201 IIOJ t< % 7.6 ' 2.B 1301 x.0 +L J ISxe 210 1106 141) b P,S Y � iwq o tlo6 2p Ra^ tsle 1WI do T �\ 2.7 .\¢ o ,\/ •.,e ?s, P 0 G 0 S I N y ai 1_529 L' o '/O ►y n m'' !� Swamp Isle '!► `\� " C?1104 '72 t 9 1531 J I529 � % tasz zt y 1103 I518 � Isu Is44 125�� 53 '/ , 3 1545 IS]0 124A E 1102 Fdkstone 1 1255.5 17 \b .3 ., ISJ, tsei ONSLOW COUNTY .1 I1A1 1105 L/ 50 m , 1 % IIle- - FAs e. 1332 J d 'p 1366_ 'i 157 NORTH CAROLINA i ^ Thomas / - 1535 O So '<< .6 landing A 1593 O \ �\ t'4 5r�\ J S JOm9 1534 'P O I mP.Am BY THE 7 r �`S \` sP,S Onslow y Creek �d NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION p yr 7 \�\` 5 ry156] 151 DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS -PLANNING AND RESEARCH BRANCH 24 C Ny�g\` t ti ISJ3 Morris ee 'r4 IN COOPERATION WITH THE "°°-'� N `° ` \. �° "°' r=1 ? Landing 1700 - 1753 m 1.4 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 7 \ ;� .•1 m AD 1533 " 6 .2 1s3e .4 -'� °t " FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION 13 - 1395 L / r 1100 u C J�l 1500 - 1594I' I I �\ I1�6 p�3 1540 D 1� ry - HOLLY '2 i SCALE 1200 - 1275 \'\ RIDGE 'J „ ,1 I 210 I 0 1 2 3 1 MILES �.�` POP. 415 C NOTE: MAP INCLUDES ONLY STATE MAINTAINED ROADS \ 50 Gt�k r h OR IMPORTANT NON -SYSTEM ROADS. 03 1 HARE 1190 _ 1161 O O �� MILEAGE NOT SHOWN ON - o I ROADS SHOWN AS OF JAN. 1, 1978.ROADS. U FRONTAGE SCALE FOR ENLARGEMENTS 53 N 17 0 17 �• 0,50 ,9 FT,y Qom, rt KEY TO COUNTY ROAD NUMBERS ► °a° a' 3 ,!t0 wAoo PaJT DeIO BAs® a+ NDEII cAEOLRU nAFe coomINATE srsTPM J•y0 AL ROAD NUMBERS loos, 1003 Y 46_ qb. $O ' ,ds lo• POLYCONIC FROlECf10N SHEET 1 OF 2 DIVISION 3 DISTRICT I ONSLOW COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 133 Although little information has been included in thi-c aT,aly- sis which provides a racial breakdown of the labor force, the following maybe of interest. Table 13 RACIAL COMPOSITION OF THE LABOR FORCE, 1970 TOTAL 18,459 %of Total White 15,279 82.8 Black 3,058 16.6 Other races 122 0.7 Spanish-Americans 176 1.0 SOURCE: U. S. Department of Labor, Manpower Administration, Summary Manpower Indicators for Onslow County, June, 1972, p. 12. Unemployment totaled 6.5% of the civilian labor force in April, 1970. Unemployment rates by race and ethnic groups were: white, 6.2%, blacks, 7.6%; other races, 19.7%; and Spanish- Americans, 11.9%. A major portion of income within Onslow County begins with payrolls. A large share of Onslow County payrolls are from the following five major sources. Table 14 1975 ANNUAL PAYROLL ONSLOW COUNTY Estimated Payroll 1. Camp Lejeune Marine Base $244,000,000 2. Industry $ 22,000,000 3. Agriculture .$ 20,000,000 4. Tourism $ 12,000,000 5. Seafood Industry $ 8,000,000 SOURCE: Onslow County Economic Development Commission a7 �s Income levels within c-3;:rties are not uniform. In 1969 median family incomes ranged from a high of $7,156 in 1. Carteret County to a law of $5,400 in Jones County. It should be noted that many of the low income families in the region live on farms which provide the residents with a large percent- age of their food. Table 15 RESIDENT INCOME LEVELS FOR REGION P, NORTH CAROLINA AND THE U. S., 1969 AND 1970 Carteret Craven Duplin Greene Jones Lenoir Onslow Pamlico Wayne Region North Carolina United States 1970 PER CAPITA INCOME $2,407 2,322 1,893 1,719 1,640 2,280 2,205 1,882 1,998 2,138 2,492 3,577 SOURCE: N. C. Department of Revenue 1969 MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME 17,156 7,046 5,710 5,554 5,400 7,002 6,471 5,761 6,354 6,514 7,774 9,590 The following average weekly wage data from the weekly average of total -wage payments is divided by average monthly em- ployment, thus reflecting irregular and partial work schedules, season employment, etc. Data should not be confused with actual average weekly pay rates for a standard work wee. Wages include overtime pay and salaries to management and supervisory personnel. a Table 16 AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES PER SELECTED INDUSTRY GROUP FIRST QUARTER OF: 1970 1971 1972 . 1973 1974 Industry Group N. C. Count N. C. County N. C. I County N. C I County N. C. Count• Total Construction Manufacturing $108 114 107 $ 90 109 83 $113 120 111 $ 92 114 85 $124 127 124 $ 94 116 86 $131 139 130 .$101 111 92 $140 149 139 $108 125 98 Transportation, Commu- nication, & Utilities Trade 136 103 96 90 147 108 105 93 164 1 114 108 94 176 120 119 100 191 129 128 1 105 SOURCE: Employment Security Commission The major farming regions in Onslow County are found in the area around Richlands, White Oak Township, and to a smaller extent, Sneads Ferry. Information about Onslow County's agri- cultural economy indicates some trends similar to those noted throughout the state. Tobacco is the largest money crop. Gross farm income from the major crops --tobacco, corn, and soybeans --has remained fair- ly stable as the following chart indicates. The dramatic increase from 1972 to 1973 reflects the impact of inflation on farm prices. The livestock income which is based on hog production has fluctuated more erratically. This may be attributed to the market changes in price per pound. The total number of hogs sold during this period has remained relatively cpnstant. From 1968 to 1972, the number of hogs on farms increased by 14 per- cent. During the same period, the number of chickens, excluding commercial broilers, decreased by 45 percent due to changes in market operations in which large scale independent chicken za farming came to an end. of cattle decreased by 30 • percent because of the fluctuation in cattle prices and the i fact that grain farming became more profitable than cattle raising. • The livestock and crop income information only includes the major crops. However, the totals reflect other agricul- tural products of Onslow County, including forest products, peanuts, cattle, poultry and horticulture. Onslow County is fortunate in that only a little more than 25,000 acres in farm land have been taken out of produc- tion since 1951. This.represents a decrease of approximately 1,100 acres per year. The decline in farm population during the same period does not represent a decline in the signifi- cance of the.agricultural sector of Onslow's economy but rather reflects changes in farm methods and equipment. In the early 1950's, tenant farming was still the predominant form.of agri- cultural production in Onslow County. Since then, new and larger machines have become available which replaced the tenant farmer while at the same time increasing farm productivity. The same factor accounts for the increase in the number of. people who worked 100 days or more off the farm. Most of the farming operations in Onslow County are family owned. There is little corporate farming except for the agri- cultural production carried on at Hofmann Forest. Most farms are approximately 95 acres in size. This can be compared to 30 LI average farm size in 1950 to 67 acres. Table 17 FARM GROSS INCOME - ONSLOW COUNTY IN MILLIONS YEAR CROP LIVESTOCK TOTAL 1975 20.4 5.3 25.7 1974 18.6 1.9 20.5 1973 13.9 2.9 20.5 1972 9.8 1.0 12.0 1971 8.3 1.8 12.7 1970 10.1 1.2 16.2 1969 9.0 3.1 17.5 1968 7.8 2.5 15.1 1967 8.9 2.5 15.5. 1966 8.6 2.2 14.0 1965 7.1 2.3 - 12.5 1964 8.7 1.5 15.2 1963 8.9 3.2 13.6 1962 7.0 3.7 11.9 SOURCE: Onslow County Community Resource Development Committee, 1975 Although the long term trend has'been a decrease in acre- age of cropland harvested, the current year has shown a slight increase. Table 18 CHANGES IN AGRICULTURAL FACTORS IN ONSLOW COUNTY - 1974-1951 ACRES OF PEOPLE WHO WORKED ACRES OF ALL LAND PEOPLE ON 100 DAYS OR HARVESTED YEAR IN FARMS FARM TRACTSa MORE OFF FARM CROPLAND 1974 153,380 * * 44,147 1973 163,585 * * 43,5 35 1972 161,040 - * * 45,548 1971 160,438 6,464 1,617 33,797 1969 161,419 7,099 1,578 35,666 1968 164,556 7,501 1,566 36,994 1967 165,580 7,410 1,547 36,594 1966 165,469 8,038 1,651 35,356 1965 166,909 8,346 1,659 35,685 1964 168,426 9,266 1,485 35,285 1962 170,796 10,437 1,665 36,369 1961 173,035 10,477 1,800 46,052 • 1951 178,778 10,800 * 49,042. aA tract is defined as 10 acres or more *Not included in census SOURCE: North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture, Onslow Co. Annual Land Utilization and Crop Acreages, 1974 3j One unique facet of the forest industry in Onslow County is the extent of forest land ownership by industrial companies. t. Forest land ownership maps prepared by the North Carolina Office of Forest Resources with the approval of the major companies indicated that approximately 37% of all the land in Onslow County is owned by industrial users. Of the total county area, 44% is used as forest land. Approximately 7% of the forested area is owned by smaller property owners and, for the most part represents uncleared farm land. Of the 494,453 acres of land in Onslow County 377,046 acres are commercial forest, 300,094 acres are covered in pines, and 76,952 acres are covered by hardwoods. The paper companies are utilizing the forests of the county well. There are only 152,632 acres understocked; 129,165 acres adequately stocked and 95,249 acres of land stocked to capacity. C • Table '=19 TIMBER VOLUMES ONSLOW COUNTY SAWTIMBER GROWING STOCK Thousands of Board Feet Thousands of Cubic Feet All Species ' 730,546 268,098 Pinesa 477,608 176,039 Other Softwoodsb 25,837 6,406 Soft Hardwoodsc 140,971 57,523 Hard Hardwoodsd 86,110 28,130 aLongleaf loblolly, pond, slash, shortleaf bCypress, eastern red cedar, Atlantic white cedar cBoxelder, red maple, hackberry, loblolly bay, sweet gum, black gum, tupelo gum, yellow poplar, cottonwood' sycamore, blackcherry, willow, elm dBirch, hickory, persimmon, beech, ash, holly, black walnut, mulberry, all oaks 3�2 L County increased by more than 300% from 1965 to 1975. The year-end figures for 1974 reflected the early stages of a recession and were somewhat lower than the growth pro- jection. Table 20 COMPARISON OF LABOR TRENDS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ONSLOW COUNTY AND NORTH CAROLINA 1950 THROUGH 1990 of Labor Force Employed In Manufacturing Year N.C. Onslow 1950 42% 0% 1960 51% 9% 1976 32% 8% 1975 38% 14% 1980* 34% 18% 1990* 35% 20% *Projected figures SOURCE: Onslow County Economic Development *Commission, December, 1974. Table -21 MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT IN ONSLOW COUNTY 1966 - 1980 6500 5200 4200 3200 1800 1000 600 200 i 1966 1968 1970 1972 IW 4 17ro falu SOURCE: Onslow County Economic Development Commission, Dec., 1974. • Table 22 OCCUPATIONAL CLASSES OF PERSONS SIXTEEN YEARS BY TOTAL EMPLOYMENT AND PERCENT OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT FOR ONSLOW COUNTY Professional Managers & Clerical Technical Administrators Sales & Kindred Craftsmen Total & Kindred (Except Farm Workers Workers Foremen & 17,259 1,945 -11 % 1,641 -.9.5% 1 399 - 8% 3 055 - 18% 2,561 - 15% Farmers, Farm Service Operatives Transport Laborers Managers, Farm Workers Except Equipment Except Laborers & Includ. Private Transport Operatives Farm Farm Foreman Household 1,589 - 9% 776 - 4.5% 860 - 5% 754 - 4% 2,679 - 16% SOURCE: North Carolina State Government Statistical Abstract, 1973, pp. 218-219. Table 23 INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN ONSLOW COUNTY 1941 THROUGH 1976 Year Product Total Established Manufactured Employment 1976 To be announced Fuel Injectors 250-1100 1975 ' Onslow Herold Newspaper 25 1974 Alton Box Board Co. Paper Tubes 100 Progressive Service Co. Cutting Dies 35 1973 Realtronics Electronic Parts 250* Supak & Sons Zip -out Raincoats 200 Verona Packaging Co. Plastic Utensils 20 Holly Ridge Foods, Inc. Frozen Pastries 20 1972 Uniflite Pleasure Boats 150 1971' Advance Industries Mobile Homes 68* Carter's Packing Co. Beef and Pork 13 Carper Industries Artificial Plants 20 1970 Barrus Construction Co. Asphalt 35 Maysville Fashion Clothing 70 1969 Topsail Veneer Co. Veneer 38 Del -Mar, Inc. Clothing 300 Swansboro Garment Clothing 250 1968 Richlands Textile, Inc. Ladies Clothing 400 Martin -Marietta Aggregates Marl 22 1967 March Manufacturing- Clothing 100 _. Weyerhaeuser Plywood 250 3,� Table 23 (Cont.) INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN ONSLOW COUNTY 1941 THROUGH 1976 Year Product Total Established Manufactured Employment 1966 Carolina Meat Processors Bacon 360 1965 Thompson Sign Co. Signs 20 1955 Daily News Newspaper 65 1941 Camp Leieune N/A See Previous Section *Closed SOURCE: Onslow County Economic Development Commission, January 8, 1975 Employment in the industrial sector still constitutes a relatively small percentage of total employment compared to other sectors. For instance, Camp Lejeune had approximately 4,000 civilian employees in 1974, 20% more than our total manu- facturing employment in 22 firms. Reflecting the large government population in Onslow County there are ten times more people employed in professional, Technical, and kindred occupations than within Region P. Onslow has only a slightly larger percentage of sales workers and clerical workers. Few, compared to the number in state and region, Onslow County residents are likely to be employed as machine operators. There are substantially few individuals employed on farms in the county than is typical for Region P. There exists within in the county a larger number of service workers than in the state or region. Except for a few categories in the employment profile of Onslow County's labor force there is little difference from the state or nine county planning region. °36 Retail trade statistics indicate a positive trend in economic growth within Onslow County. Within the County, retail trade is one of our four major employment sectors. Re- tail sales,exclusive of Marine Corps Base'Commissary and Exchange sales, have grown from $42.2 million in 1956 to $194.1 million in 1973. The Commissary and Exchange sales were estimated to be in excess of $65 million in 1975. During the period from 1967 to 1972, the total number of retail establishments in Onslow County, reporting data to the Census Bureau, increased approximately 10%, and the average number of reported employees in each retail store increased by 11%. The greater percentage of retail sales occurs in the City of Jacksonville., In 1973, total retail sales in Onslow County C equaled almost $195 million with.$140 million (or 73%) of all the sales occurring in the City of Jacksonville. Retail sales since 1969 have grown at a slightly higher rate county -hide than within the City of Jacksonville.*- This indicates that the retail market outside of the city limits is becoming more important. From 1969 to 1973, retail sales in the county increased by. almost 54%; the City of Jacksonville grew by approximately 44%. This expansion in retail -trade is due 'to both the in- creased population and the gain in average personal income. C • Tab] ),i RETAIL SALES IN JACKSONA'ILLE AND ONSLOW COUNTY — 1969-1975 of Total Onslow County Year Jacksonville Increase Sales Onslow County Increase 1969 $ 97,936,087 a 78% $126,492,600 a 1970 105,980,116 8% 77% 138,717,657 10% 1971 108,640,669 3% 73% 147,325,204 6% 1972 122,544,924 13% 74% 167,139,528 114% 1973 1402476,403 15% 73% 194,066,574 16% 1974 1975 Note: "a" not computed SOURCE: Onslow County Economic Development Commission, December, 1974. Table 25 GROWTH IN RETAIL SALES, NUMBER OF BUSINESS AND AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN ONSLOW COUNTY 1967, 1969 AND 1972. 1967 1969 1972 Total Average Total Average Total Average Reporting # of Em- Reporting # of Em- Reporting # of Em- Units ployees Units ployees Units ployees 352 9 379 8 387 10 Retail Trade Building Materials & Farm Equip. 15 6 13 7 13 8 General Merchandise 27 21 27 21 25 32 Department Stores 2 D 2 D 4 101 Limited Price Variety Stores 9 24 6 D 7 D General Merchandise Stores, N.E.C. 12 6 14 9 a a Food 48 6 47 7 40 8 Grocery Stores 38 7 41 8 34 8 Automotive Dealers & Service Stations 101 7 106 8 110 7 New and Used Car Dealers 14 22 15 21 13 26 Tire, Battery, & Accessory Dealers 12 5 13 6 14 8 Gasoline Service Stations 50 5 56 4 59 4 Miscellaneous Automotive Dealers 16 4 14 5 13 3 Apparel and Accessories 21 6 24 8 28 7 Furniture and Home Furnishings 28 6 25 7 26 8 Furniture & Home Furnishings 20 7 19 8 14 10 Furniture Stores 19 D 16 D 11 13 Eating and Drinking Places 66 8 90 8 88 10 Miscellaneous Retail Stores 46 7 47 7 57 10 Drug Stores & Proprietary Stores 8 14 7 1 17 10 14 Note: a not listed D notes figures withheld to avoid disclosure of operations of individual reporting units. SOURCE: County Business Patterns, 1967, 1969, and 1972. 3e 0 EXISTING LAND USE The developed areas of the county include industrial, commercial, residential and recreational lands. These de- veloped lands represent approximately 3% of Onslow County's area. The remaining areas are Camp Lejeune Marine Base, occupying 22%; agricultural occupying 15%; forest, 53%; and water and marshes consuming 8% of the total land area. There are, according to a March 1975 housing count, 27,274 housing units in the county. This total includes mobile homes and base single family housing. In 1975, there were 289 on - base, owner occupied homes and 4,556 rental units. The loca- tion of these units is not know. The total housing figure for the county civilian population is 22,525 units. Further study on the housing situation in the county appears necessary as present available data is not adequate. Subdivisions, either for mobile homes or single family dwellings, are increasing in Onslow County, near.Jacksonville, Swansboro, and Richlands. Elsewhere, the development is dispersed farily even in small community type densities. Approximately 0.1% of the land in Onslow County is used for indutrial purposes. The county is actively recruiting high quality industry. Commercial land occupies 0.12% of the land area of the county. The commercial areas are located primarily along U.S. 17, N.C. 24 and N.C. 258. These areas S� 36 developed as commercial are particularly prevalent around entrances to cities, subdivisions, and the Marine Base. In most cases strip commercial causes congestion. In some strip commercial blight is a problem because smaller businesses and residential structures are converted for uses other than that for which they were designed. Both Highways 17 and 24 are prime examples. The North Carolina Department of Transportation provides the road construction, planning and road maintenance in the county. The Seaboard Coastline Railroad operates a line from Belgrade through the center of -the county in Jacksonville to Holly Ridge. The Marine Corps also operates a railroad which connects the base with Cherry Point and Morehead City. The two utility companies, Carolina Power and Light and Jones- Onslow, locate and maintain their own power locations and poles and lines throughout the county. Acreage for transpor- tation use has not been computed. The United States Marine Corp uses 108,480 acres of federal reservation, Camp Lejeune, which occupies 22% of the total acres of the county. The land, not covered by county jurisdiction, is controlled and utilized completely by the military. A second large area of the county, not available for development, is an area known as Hofmann Forest. This area which covers approximately ten percent of the county is owned by the North Carolina State University Forestry Foundation. Churches and schools are dispersed throughout the county occuyping only a small percentage of the total acreage. Onslow County has 15% of its land area used for agri- cultural pursuits. This figure does not include the commer- cial forest lands. Farm land is predominant in the Richlands area, the White Oak area, the Sneads Ferry area and scattered throughout the remainder of the county. Table.".2f EXISTING LAND USE TOTALS FOR ONSLOW COUNTY Agriculture 44,147 Source: Land Utilization and Crop Report of Onslow County 1974 Industry 500 Source: Ron Baker Economic Development Commercial 113,726 Forest Statistics for Southern Coastal Plains, Forestry U. S. Forest Service Bulletin SE-26, January, 1974. ' Camp Lejeune 108,480 Onslow County Statistical Summary 1968 Incorporated Areas 12,096 Onslow County Statistical Summary 1968 Urban or Rural Non -farm 16,000 I Hofmann Forest 53,696 Onslow County Statistical Summary 1969 Commercial 614 512 units from Land Use Survey x 1.2 acres per commercial TMA Corporation estimate Residential 967 13,815 houses from Land Use Survey x .08 acres per residential lot TMA Corporation estimate Water _ 36,864 Onslow County Statistical Summary, 1968 Forest Private 90,163 Forest Statistics for Southern Coastal Plains. Other Forest 5,839 U. S. Forest Service Bulletin SE-26, January, 1974. Recreational Land 1,004 Onslow County Totals. TOTAL ACRES 484,096 • 1 � l 3L- ^f— �N EXISTING LAND USE MAP SCALE I'= 2 MILES s HOFMANN FOREST Po w LEGEND forr RESIDENTIAL TLAkk COMMERCIAL ^� INDUSTRIAL !_ 4 ' TRANSPORTATION m CULTURAL I!N! i RECREATIONAL m AGRICULTURAL FOREST O ONSLOW COUNTY PLANNING DEPT. 1976 W N ♦ F 1 __ ® . m, •+� 0 SWANSBORO -'. 'r HAMMOCKS BEACH • STATE • PARK PUf� R CAMP! LEJEUNE MARINE BASES I all•-'' � o HOLLY 8 RIDGE ` The major crops in Onslow County are soybeans, corn and tobacco. In 1974, although there was an increase in acreage, the table shows a decrease in tobacco and soybeans due primarily to wet conditions. These'crops'are the major money crops of the county. Forest land is the largest land use in the 'county covering approximately 53% of.the 'area.. The great majority of the forest lands are controlled by large timber corporations holding the land for commercial forest production.. Some :of this land is among the best farm land in the county and could be used for profitable agricultural uses.. Water covers 8% of the total acreage of the County. The ocean fronting areas are divided into three sections: military waterfront, civilian waterfront.and the State Parks waterfront. �- The military waterfront is called Onslow.Beachand consists of eleven miles of ocean front shoreline and twelve miles of intra- coastal waterway. Hammocks Beach State Park occupies three miles of ocean front. The civilian ocean front,- which has approximately twelve miles.of shoreline and thirteen miles .of intracoastal-.water- way-and known.as--.West Onslow..Beach, contains the greatest portion of ocean front access available to the citizens of the county. West Onslow Beach This area of the county is unique by virtue of its island setting. West Onslow Beach is the only beach area of Onslow County which is left open for development. The new bridge has cf� placed tremendous development pressure on West Onslow Beach. This area will likely experience major land use changes within the coming decade. Using 1974 aerial photographs flown by the Department of Transportation and supplemented by a windshield survey, an ex- isting land use inventory was made of the beach. The results of this survey are shown in the following table: EXISTING LAND USES —WEST ONSLOW BEACH Use Acres % of Total Residential 155.20 4.7 Commercial 26.11 0.7 Undeveloped 749.00 22.8 Wetlands 1,788.50 54.4 Beaches 564.30 17.1 TOTALS 3,282.6 or 100.0% (5.12 Sq. miles) As can be seen from the table, the majority of the land, 54.4 percent on the beach, is in the Wetlands category; second, is the undeveloped class with 22.8 percent, and third, beach with 17.1 percent. Thus, nearly one fourth of the 5.12 s4uare miles in the planning area are available for future development. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND i:_:GULATIONS Transportation Plans The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has not prepared a transportation plan for Onslow County. There are improvements scheduled for Onslow County within the North Carolina Seven Year Plan. The improvements are shown on the following map. Based upon records of the NCDOT, Western Boule- vard is the only highway within the county which is over design capacity. Its design capacity is 9,000 cars per day; the 1975 traffic count for this road was 14,000, an over design capacity of 5,000. Community Facilities Plans Onslow County does not have a Plan which describes planned improvements of each of the county's community facilities, but each entity has its own separate plan. The following is a summary of planned improvements. The seat of any County Government is the Courthouse. The present Onslow County Courthouse was built in 1904. The County Commissioners' Room occupies 333 square feet of the total of 8,340 square feet of the Courthouse. The Register of Deeds Office is located in an office of 788 square feet and has three employees. The Clerk of the Court has 2,013 square feet with eleven employees in an extremely crowded situation. The Board of Elections has two full-time employees in an office containing 350 square feet, and Hb �.ti 0 C \ 2406 -10 m 0 R/GN[.AND3 N � 3200 1 0NSL0 1 k I N `^ eloo 1 24 ' 83 0 1 0 0 0 0 a N.6•�3 21500 i 0 `z 0 o Q� k 2900 soo c � N `Z 3300 1280 0 900 0 3700 '� 0h% 1700 4000 - 1973 Annual Average 24 hour Traffic Flow 000� / e- Qp Bv6u� i�vtBr oa New *4/VBQ IA/LET N.C. SEVEN YEAR IMPROVEMENT PLAN -- - - -+-0- NEW FOUR -LANE 0000000ao RELOCATE EXISTING TWO-LANE REPLACE EXISTING BRIDGES 00000000 UPGRADE EXISTING TWO-LANE ■��a�u UPGRADE EXISTING TWO-LANE TO FOUR MAJOR ROAD SYSTEM 1 inch = 6 miles 2L the District Attorney's office uses 333 square feet for five employees. The remaining space is utilized by hallways and stairs. The upstairs is devoted to the Superior Courtroom, judge's chambers and a jury room. There are plans being drawn for enlargement of this building to include renovations and additions. In addition to the Superior Courtroom, there are two dis- trict courtrooms located on Mill Avenue. A new district court facility is presently in the design phase. This building will be located on the block between Mill Avenue, New Bridge Street and Old Bridge Street and will provide new office space as well as needed courtrooms for the county's heavy court load. The Onslow County Administration Building was formerly the old jail, built in 1912. The first hospital was built in 1939 and presently serves as offices for Social Services, Agricul- ture Stabilization Conservation Services (ASCS), Soil Conser- vation Services (S_CS), Home Demonstration, Farmers Home Ad- ministration (FmHA), Federal Crop Insurance (FCI), County Agent and Civil Defense; although it is much too small to house so many offices. The Courthouse Annex, built in 1935, provides space for the tax offices of the county. Additional office space will be made available for the Department of Social Ser- vices and the Health Department in the old hospital, which was built in 1950, and has been renamed the Human Resources Center. ,�t7 -77 0/1 LJ Albert Ellis Airport has a terminal with full jet liner service. Piedmont Airlines provides daily jet service to this facility. Although the buildings of County Government are old, some are being renovated.to meet the needs of a growing county. More space will be required to meet the needs of expanding service agencies. The Public Works Director is.in charge of the Public Works Garage, which houses the Solid Waste Program and the Vector Control (mosquito) Program. Four thousand eight hundred (4,800) square feet are devoted to offices and a large repairs garage located on Onslow Pines Road. The Onslow County Library is presently located within the City Limits of Jacksonville in a rented building. The facilities contain 40,000 volumes. Two branch libraries are located in Swansboro and Richlands. The Swansboro branch has one room of City Hall devoted to library service, and Richlands has the first floor of the old First Citizens Bank. The bookmobile which serves 17 communities, two institutions, two agencies and.155 private homes regularly, is on a three week schedule. The library system, with new construction and plans for expansion in progress, is improving in the county. The new Onslow County library, located on 3.2 acres of land, is under construction at Doris Avenue. This new building is scheduled: to be completed by July 1976. This new building, with space provided for a special children's section, will cost approximately $300,000 and will have 8,340 square feet of space. With the large tract of land, expansion is possible. Plans are already drawn for the expansion of the building to create a North Carolina room and additional shelf -space for books. Coastal Carolina Community College has a library facility which'is located at the Georgetown campus. This library has approximately 20,000 volumes of general, technical and voca- tional reading. It is primarily designed for the students of Coastal Carolina Community College. Plans fora new library at the Western Boulevard campus.of Coastal Carolina Community College are being considered; construction will likely begin in two years. This proposed building will be two stories high with 20,000 square feet and will have an audio-visual room and extensive microfilm area. The Marine Corps Base Library System has approximately 50,000 books at three libraries. They also have extensive microfilm libraries. This facility is not open to the public of the county -but only to active duty personnel, their dependents and civilians working on base. The Jacksonville High School Auditorium is the site of two cultural events in Onslow County: the North Carolina Symphony, and the four concerts of the Onslow Community Concert Association. Both of these organizations are non-profit and need larger fa- cilities to meet increased public demand. The high school audi- torium has a seating capacity of 1,100 people with 200 additional chairs available for a maximum seating capacity of 1,300 people. The Jacksonville Little Theater uses the facilities of Clyde Irwin Elementary School for its productions. The Performing Arts are in need of a large auditorium to house both the Little Theater and Community Concert Series. It has been suggested that the governmental bodies of Onslow County invest jointly in the con- struction of one central auditorium which can be used for county -wide activities without being under the control of the school system or the community college system. There are twenty-three schools in Onslow County, consisting of five high schools, five junior high 'schools._and thirteen elementary schools. There are two school additions under con- struction: Morton Elementary and Dixon Elementary. A new junior -senior high school is under construction at Southwest. All schools have a total of 708 classrooms with 60 temporary classrooms. There is also one private school with approximately 250.students in grades K through 12. Table • ONSLOW COUNTY SCHOOLS High Schools Dixon High School Jacksonville High School Richlands High School Swansboro High School White Oak High School TOTAL Junior High Schools Jacksonville Jr. High Northwoods Park Jr. High Swansboro Jr. High Tabernacle Texler Jr. High TOTAL Student Enrollment (September 1975) Acres 459 20.00 1,605 42.87 645 13.5 682 38.90 1,072 22.59 4,463 137.86 879 16.00 968 20.40 347 737 22.59 564 18.50 3,495 77.49 • Elementary Schools Bell Fork Elementary 430 27.00 Blue Creek Elementary 613 26.50 Clyde Erwin Elementary 486 15,68 Dixon Elementary 1,019 23.12 Morton Elementary 669 20.00 Northwoods Elementary 520 15.00 Parkwood Elementary 422 19.76 Richlands elementary 964 13,49 Silverdale Elementary 201 30.00 Summersill Elementary 559 20.00 Swansboro Elementary 430 11.5 Thompson Elementary 538 8.12 Swansboro Middle Grade 431 TOTAL 7,282 230.17 Total Enrollment 15,240 onslow County is unique in that the Marine Corps Base provides school facilities for the dependent of active duty personnel re- siding on base. Military dependents living off base are attending t. local schools. This situation creates large in -migration and out - migration of pupils. Therefore, forecasts of enrollment are extremely difficult to predict. Coastal Carolina Community College is located on a fifty acre campus on Georgetown Road just outside the Jacksonville City Limits. There are four buildings on the Georgetown campus site. Long-range plans show a 75 acre site fully developed campus on Western Boule- vard. At present there is a modern classroom building on the new campus and an occupational building under construction. The enrollment this year, excluding extension courses, is 1,974 students;.1,238 students are full-time students. There are 1 Bell Fork Elem 8 Northwoods Elem 2 Blue Creek Elem 9 Northwoods Park Jr 3 Clyde Erwin Elem 10 Northwoods Park Elem 4 Dixon Elem & Hi 11 Richlands Elem & Hi 5 Jacksonville Jr. 12 Silverdale Elem 6 Jacksonville Sr. 13 Summersill Elem 7 Morton Elem 14 Swansboro Elem 15 Swansboro Hi 16 Thompson Elem 17 Trexler Jr 18 White Oak Elem & Hi 19 Woodson Elem 20 White Oak (under const.) 21 Richlands Hi (prop.) / a. s�- 46 faculty members and four programs of study: Associate in Arts Degree, Associate in Fine Arts Degree, Associate in Applied Science Degree and Continuing Education. Classes are being held in the old hospital building pending completion of new buildings on the new campus. The campus at present is split, thus the drive across town to different classes creates transportation difficulties. Onslow County appropriates 3.3% of its total tax levy for support -of Coastal Carolina Community College current expenses. Other portions of the $1,30G,000 budgeted for the college are from bonds, revenue sharing money and state grants. The College has programmed $1,600,000 for fiscal year 1976-77, $1,900,00 for 1977-78 and $500,000 for 1968-79.. The development of the Western Boulevard Campus is underway with use of one classroom building.' The Vocational Education Building will be next, followed -by a Maintenance Building,,Library and Student Union, Health -Occupational Building, and Administration Building. Present plans are for the entire school to move to the Western Boulevard Campus; however, the Georgetown Campus can be used if necessary for continuing education. The Onslow County Mental Health Center has plans for a new building to be located on hospital property. Four hundred and ten thousand dollars ($410,000) has been budgeted for construc- tion in the fiscal year 1975-76. The proposed area for the new Mental Health Building of 8,800 square feet will be approximately • 2.7 acres. The ?Mental Health Center provides out -patient care for emotional and psychiatric help, alcohol and drug abuse, after care for persons discharged from state institutions,. emergency care and programs for the mentally retarded. The Onslow County Health Department provides medical service for all citizens of Onslow County. The'department has clinics which cover all aspects of children's health, family planning and adult health. These services are:free and can be extremely beneficial to each individual's health needs. Located on Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base.is the largest Naval Hospital in the South. This facility provides medical services for the retired military population and for active duty military personnel and dependents. The Onslow County Sheriff's Department -provides the county with an excellent law enforcement program. The Sheriff is assisted by one administrative assistant, four secretaries, four radio operators, eight jailers, two matrons,:three narcotic officers, seven criminal investigators, seven civil and process officers, and twenty-four uniformed officers for a total of sixty Qne employees. The county recently received a grant for a police _ legal advisor who started to.work on September 1, 1975. There is also an evidence preparation specialist employed by the department. This year the Sheriff's Department has added per- sonnel to the narcotics section through Federal LEAA grants. • The Sheriff's Department is part of a common police communi- cation network which gives the county force the capability of communicating with city, state and federal officers at anytime. This coordinating network provides the county with quicker and more effective police coverage. The jail itself consists of 14,476 square feet. Part of this space is used for offices and administrative activities; the remainder has sleeping accommodations for.46 males, 11 females, 5 juveniles and one sick or closely watched prisoner. More often than not, the totals exceed.the capacity of the facility. The county is concerned about overcrowded conditions, which indicate more jail facilities are necessary. There are eighteen fire departments in the county. They are all operated by volunteers and partially financed by County Government. The County has just recently purchased one new fire truck for each department. Each department having approxi- mately 30 volunteers per station.which alerts -its members in their respective area by a central dispatcher in the Jacksonville Fire Department. Onslow County pays the salaries of two city dispatchers to offset costs incurred by the City of Jacksonville. Eight rescue squads,with approximately 30 volunteers each, provide the county with emergency ambulance service and,like the fire departments, are partially financed by the county. The county has recently purchased an ambulance for each of the eight 0 LI units, although some have not been delivered. There is a need for an alert system similar to that of.the fire departments. The eight squads are located in their own buildings or in buildings shared with the fire departments in their area. The Civil Preparedness Department exists to plan emergency action necessary in the event of any type of disaster in the Onslow County area. One thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) square feet of space is devoted to storage of radio, food, water and cots for assistance to the citizens during or after any disaster. The department located in.the'basement of the.Agriculture Building, presently consists of two people and one truck. At present there are 14 public shelters containing food and water for two weeks in the county which can handle 8,320 people. Trash and garbage collection is provided by ten container sites in the county. Each container site is equipped with two forty cubic yard containers and a raised approach ramp. Currently there are two container trucks in operation. The -trucks carry the loaded containers to one of two sanitary landfill sites, maintained at state standards and operated by the Solid Waste section. There are plans for four new container sites increasing the total to 14. Utility Extension Policies Onslow County has recently purchased the Brynn Marr Water & Sewer System. This acquisition will provide the new Onslow Memorial Hospital and surrounding areas with "city" water. The county has ;6 already reached an agreement with the city to purchase water at $.50 per 1,000 gallons to be distributed to customers served by the Brynn Marr System. The Brynn Marr Water System consists of six wells with approximately 650 gallons per minute pumping capacity. The wells are being shut off as the system converts to water from the City of Jacksonville. Water is stored in a-400,000 gallon elevated storage tank which is also part -of the system. The sewage treatment system -is comprised of five pumping' stations and force mains pumping 300,OOO gallons per day, in two lagoons with a thirty day detention. The outflow from these lagoons is discharged into Northeast.Creek. A 15" outfall will connect these lagoons to the city's treatment facility in late 1976. The entire system is being operated by the Brynn Marr Utilities Co., Inc., under contract with'the County. Negotiations are underway to have the City of Jacksonville include treatment for this area in the Jacksonville treatment plant. The system is operating at approximately 97% of its,capacity and will be expanded to serve adjacent areas. In 1974, Moore, Gardner and Associates prepared a county water plan for Onslow County. The plan proposes five service districts: Jacksonville, Onslow Beach, Richlands, Sneads Ferry - Holly Ridge and Swansboro. s7 Within Onslow County there are four 201 Facilities Studies under contract. The four 201 areas in Onslow County are Holly Ridge, Swansboro, Greater Jacksonville and Topsail Island. These four areas were designated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management. The Swansboro area includes the northeastern part of Onslow County and southwestern Carteret County to include Emerald Isle. The Greater Jacksonville area, by far the'iargest area, covers the City of Jacksonville and areas within an approximate five mile radius. The Topsail Island 201 area also covers a multi - political jurisdiction including West Onslow Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. This study is unique.in that it deals with an island type of environment. The Holly Ridge Plan covers the City Limits of Holly Ridge. To implement both the water plan and the'201 plans, special districts will likely be established. One such district exists at West Onslow Beach, where water service is being considered. To pay for the 201 Plans, sewer lines and treatment plants, the local share of 25% will be paid through taxes within the dis- tricts. Options open to the public for these purposes are Water and Sewer Authorities, Metropolitan Water Districts (which can include sewer), sanitary districts., and county service districts. The Northwest --Water Association serves approximately 500 customers west of Richlands. The system is at capacity and there are no plans for major expansions. via 'V7 Other developed areas of Onslow County are presently served by individual wells and septic tanks or small "community" sys- tems which are privately owned. The -North Carolina Division of Health Service standard for these systems is being enforced by the*Onslow County Health Department. These determinations are guided by the North Carolina Division of Health Service and the Department of Human Resources. There area few large sewage disposal systems regulated by the N. C. Department of Environ- mental Management for large mobile home parks and apartments in the County. Open Space and Recreation Hunting and fishing are very popular forms of recreation in the county. The large wooded areas of the county provide homes Cfor many different types of animals. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission regulates 28,000 acres of Game Lands in Hofmann Forest. These game lands are open to the public..for hunting during speci- fied seasons. Hell and Purgatory Pocosins are two other game areas totaling 717 acres. One hundred acres are available for hunting at the White Oak River Impoundement Game Land, primarily used for waterfowl hunting. Although private land hunting is allowed with proper licensing, there are no game lands located on the coast of the county. s5� 'Private hunting clubs are numerous in the county. In Stump ',. Sound Township approximately 46,000 acres are owned by the International Paper Company, about 26,000 acres of which are open to the public for hunting. The Stump Sound Fire Prevention and Hunting Club leases part of the'55,000 acres used by Private Hunting Clubs. Other hunting clubs --in this total are.0ak Island Hunting Club, Sanders Hunting Club-, and the.West Onslow Beach Impoundment. The Nine Mile and Back Swamp areas are hunted on private property only. There are several hunting clubs in the Swansboro and White Oak River areas, namely: the Hubert Hunting Club, the Bear Creek Hunting Club and the Rhodestown Hunting Club located in mid -county. Fishing is of prime recreational consideration in the county. All freshwater streams where licenses are required for fishing are stocked y annually b the Wildlife Resources Commission. Water covers approximately 36,864 acres of the county. Salt water sports fishing is readily available'on Onslow's ocean frontage. There is one state park in the county --Hammocks Beach State Park located in Swansboro Township. There are cabins and a recrea- tion building available on the mainland on four acres of land owned by North Carolina Teachers' Association. Just a short boat • trip across the inlet to the ocean side are 892 acres of beach island. On the beach side, there are a bath house, picnic areas, a beach house, snack bar, lifeguards and two forest rangers. A passenger ferry is operated by the state to provide transportation 66 • to and from the island. Approximately 18,053 people visited the park in the summer of 1975. The county has applied for 40 acres of surplus property from the Federal government in the''vicinity of Hubert. If this property is given to the county, it.will be used for picnic areas and nature trails with 'more *sophisticated development to be programmed at a later date. The county recreation program currently consists of summer related activities, the recreation director recently. becoming a full-time position. The director employes approximately eighteen supervisors for activities throughout -the''count. during the summer months, utilizing school gymnasiums, tennis courts and open areas. ' RECREATION FACILITIES OF ONSLOW COUNTY PUBLIC AND PRIVATE OWNED Jack- Total Rich- son- White Stump Swans- Onslow lands ville Oak Sound boro County Ball Field (Lighted) 1 3 2 11 2 1 .7 11 Ball Field (Not lighted) 2 5 31 1 7 Little League 1 2 3 1 6 Football 1 2 4 - 6 Volleyball 8 4 12 Basketball (Outside) 4 1 24 Tennis Courts 4 15 3 Golf 3 1 4 2 1 8 Gym 2 4 1 1 5 13 Playground 4 1 1 8 Picnic Areas 2 5 1 6 Picnic Shelters 4 4 Recreation Centers 3 1 5 Swimming Pools 1 3 1 1 2 12 Community Centers 5 1 1 2 • Track Campgrounds 1 1 4 1 7 9 7 66 Acres Approximate 4 37 9 G / 51 The Onslow County Board of Commissioners is currently looking into the possibility of a State Park on [Nest Onslow Beach A track of land is needed for public access to the 'beach 'as all the land is privately owned, This proposed park. would serve the recrea- tional needs of anglers, swimmers, surfers -and boaters of the county and the state, Prior Land Use Plans and Policies Onslow has not yet adopted a county -wide Land Use Plan. it has adopted standards for West Onslow: Beach .4nd is enforcing those standards through a West Onslow Beach'Zoning Ordiananc:e. Zoning is also enforced adjacent to the airport. C' S 0. LOCAL REGULATIONS Local regulations are an integral part of sound development within the county. These regulations are designed to guide development decisions which will have long-range benefits to the citizens of Onslow County. Zoning Ordinance The Zoning Ordinance in Onslow County was adopted by the Onslow County Board of Commissioners, February 17., 1969. The purpose of the ordinance is to promote the health,. safety, and the general welfare of the public by regulating the height, number of stories, size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied,`the size of yards, i courts and other open spaces,.and the density of population. This ordinance applies to West Onslow Beach and the properties surrounding the airport. The enforcement of the ordinance is delegated to the Zoning Enforcement Officer who is appointed by the Board of Commissioners. If the Zoning Enforcement Officer finds that any of the provisions of this ordinance are being violated, he notifies the person responsible for such a violation, indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it. All situations not clearly specified by the Zoning Ordinance are taken before the Board of Adjustment by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. U% Subdivision Regulations ` Subdivision regulations, which will provide for orderly. growth and development within the county, are in draft form. Building Codes The North Carolina State Building Code sections pertaining to electrical and plumbing construction'is enforced by the county. The purpose of the Building Code is to provide certain minimum standards., provisions and requirements of structure within Onslow County. Mobile Home Park Ordinance This ordinance establishes minimum standards governing the construction and maintenance'of mobile home parks., utilities and facilities and other physicalconditions which ensure that C mobile home parks are safe for human habitation. Septic Tank Restrictions The Health Department, governed by the Board of Health and regulations from the'State of North'Carolina, enforces the fol- lowing standards and policies. Every residence., factory, store, place of amusement, church, school, filling station, garage, or other similar place,- or places where human being reside, or con- gregate, will provide a sanitary method disposing excreta dis- posal, either in the form of a sanitary pit privy, septic tank, or a sewer connection. Inspections are made for location, con- struction, and operations of wells for safe consumption of an adequate supply of drinking water for the public, including taking samples for coliform bacterial counts at citizens' request and annual collection from all public sources of water. Nuisance Regulations Nuisance Regulations are enforced as permitted by the General Statutes of the State of North'Carolina. Dune Protection Ordinance This ordinance was adopted to preserve and promote the pro- tection of the outer banks -of Onslow 'County by maintaining the frontal dunes which provide a.protective barrier for adjacent lands and inland waters and land against the action of sand, wind and water. Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance A proposed Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance is being studied for adoption in Onslow County...At the present time, the State Sedimentation and Erosion'Control Act is enforced by the appropriate state agency in the'unincorprated areas of Onslow County. The purpose of the county ordinance is to provide for the regulation of land -disturbing activities, to control accelerated erosion and sedimentation in order that water pollution from sedimentation may be minimized, and -to prevent damage to public and private property by sedimentation. •- Inland Waterway Wake Control Ordinance This ordinance is adopted to preserve and protect the inland waterway and the lands, marshes, bulkheads, -docks and property adjacent to the waterway. Onslow County has not adopted Historic Districts Regulations or Environmental Impact Statement Ordinances. Gb • FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS This information has not yet been provided by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic Resources. C ? -0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES 6�- 0 • MAJOR LAND USE ISSUES Under the planning requirements of the Coastal Resources Commission an identification and analysis must be made of the following major land use issues: The impact of population and economic trends. The provision of adequate housing and other services. The conservation of productive natural resources. The protection of important natural environments. The protection of cultural and historic resources. Prior to 1941, Onslow County was a rural county, similar in character to the'present day Jones County. The'Navy saw the need for an additional major Marine facility -in Eastern North Carolina; thus in 1941 Onslow Count was chosen for the site of Camp Lejeune. The impact of this event can best be 'understood when it is com- pared to a major industry coming -to a new 'area. The base added 40,000 people and 2,650 civilian jobs. Total annual payroll at Camp Lejeune for 1975 was-$244,500,00.0. Camp Lejeune has placed Onslow County in an economic boom which continues today. In 1930, the county population was 15,289. In 1975, the population was estimated at 113,806. The percentage of increase from 1970 to 1975 was 9% or 1.8% per year. The largest growth period was from 1940 to 1960, an increase of 256% in just twenty years. The tremendous growth within the county has strained housing conditions, but not as -much as would be expected. Camp 6 � Lejeune provides for military housing, Single family houses, apartments and mobile homes are important housing types within the county. Public housing is also provided within Jacksonville and Holly Ridge. Onslow County.'does not provide public housing. Productive natural resources within the county include timberlands, mining sites -and commercial and sport fishing. Timber production is a valuable resource and plays a major role in the .county's economy. Major timber companies in the area include: Weyerhaeuser., Albermarle Paper and Hoerner Waldorf. Although these companies are harvesting timber..daily, they are' also planting trees -for -future. generations. 'Another natural resource is the Belgrade'limestone'quarry at the northern end of Onslow County. The strip mining operation has been discussed earlier in this report. Onslow County is one of seventeen counties in North Carolina which have a natural resource in commercial and sport salt water fishing. In 1963, Onslow County ranked eighth*of the seventeen counties, but only produced two percent of the total commercial catch. In 1968, Onslow County attracted only three percent of the total number of sport fishing trips within North Carolina. There are two main reasons for Onslow County's low production: (1) A lack of adequate channel depth at New River and Bogue Inlets and (2) closing of shellfishing waters within a portion of New River and White Oak River. The lack of channel depth is causing • • boats from Onslow County to seek other ports to land their catch, thereby giving other counties the benefit of the fishing industry that could be available 'to Onslow. One'example of this is the recently found scallop beds -located directly offshore from New River Inlet. Boats fishing these beds find it necessary to use other ports because they cannot navigate New River Inlet. The cities of Jacksonville and Richlands -have both recently constructed major sewage treatment facilities, and Camp Lejeune has improved its sewage treatment. The effectiveness of these sewage improvements may already be seen as a result of the increased catch of scallops -in Onslow County. In the years. prior to 1968, Onslow's scallop catch- -averaged approximately 400 to 1,000 gallons while in 1968 it jumped to 18,341 gallons. The lack of tropical storms during the,last three years and there -establishment of ell -grass growth in New River has also contributed -considerably to this increase of scallops.- Onslow County.'s catch of clams has also increased from 4,831 bushels.in 1966 to 8,705 bushels in 1968. Part of this increase can be attributed to clamming by dredging which can yield an average of one hundred bushels per day per boat. Oyster production has declined from 22,855 bushels_in 1966 to 8,475 bushels in 1968.- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 201 Sewer Facility Plans are -being prepared for the'Ci:ty of Jacksonville, the towns of Swansboro and Holly Ridge, Topsail Island and adjacent county areas. Improvements in treatment facilities as a result of these plans are expected to help the commercial and sport fishing in- dustry. 0. A key natural area within Onslow County is the coastal wetlands. These wetlands extend along the entire twenty-seven miles of Onslow's coastline on both the east and west side of the Intracoastal Waterway. They are protected by the N. C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources and will also be protected under the Coastal Area Management Act. As important as the wetlands, Onslow's ocean beach is also a natural environment. The beach is under three separate govern- ment jurisdictions; the State'of North Carolina,.the`U. S. Marine Corps and County of Onslow. The eastern most Onslow Ocean beach is Bear Island, owned by the'State of North'Carolina-. On this island is Hammocks Beach State Park. Access -to the park is provided by a state-owned passenger ferry making -several round - trips daily. The -'island accounts for three and one half miles of ocean frontage. South of Bear Island is the ocean frontage owned by the U. S. government. 'As.the eastern boundary of Camp Lejeune, this parcel is not available for development and accounts for thirteen and one-half miles of ocean frontage. The only portion of -ocean frontage which is open for.de- veoopmentt_is West Onslow Beach. This strip of land extends approximately twelve miles to the Pender County line. A re- cently constructed bridge for Highway 210 across the Intra- coastal Waterway makes the beach easily accessible and will allow for development similar to Emerald Isle. The area is t within an EPA 201 planning area. Public sewage service will encourage the area to grow to an intensity similar to Wrightsville Beach. In providing facilities for sewage treatment, care must be taken to prevent contamination of nearby coastal waters. .73 ALTERNATIVES The alternatives for development of Onslow County are put before the citizens in the form of a questionnaire through the county public participation program. In determining development alternatives, the question was asked as to what is liked best about the county. The question was also asked as to what is liked least about the county. Population growth alternatives and level of county service are also.surveyed. The following tabulation indicates the desires of the citizens who responded to the questionnaire. -7q �, W-- ONSLOW COUNTY CITIZEN'S OPINION QUESTIONNAIRE TABULATION 833 RESPONSES 3. Do you live in a: Single-family house 486 Duplex 20 Mobile Home 114 Apartments 97 4a. Do you expect the population of Onslow County to 648 increase 9 decrease or stay the same 68 ? 4b. Would you like the population of Onslow County to 364 increase 55 decrease or stay the same 274 ? 5. Do you feel that different types of land uses such as residential, commercial, and industrial should be: 557 A. Separated as much as possible 153 B. Allowed to develop without restrictions 6. Do you want additional residential growth in your neighborhood? 290 Yes 370 No Industrial Growth 290 Yes 301 No Commercial Growth 294 Yes 272 No. 7. What do you like most about Onslow County? 140 Friendly people '96 Beaches 64 home 62 small community 53 location 30 everything 25 climate 25 nothing 22 shopping centers 21 fishing 18 Marine Corps Base 14 farmlands 13 potential growth 11 Clean or unpolluted 7. Continued •` 8 recreation 8 school system 7 freedom of worship 7. just live here 6 variety of interest 6 forest 6 natural wealth 5 coastal area 4 moderate population 4 undecided 4 convenience 4 low crime rate 4 school system 4 Onslow Memorial Hospital 3 County management 3 open space 3 job opportunity 3 scenic beauty 3 peaceful county 3 health services 3 wildlife 3 recreational facilities 2 care -free living 2 beauty of county 2 river C2 relatively unspoiled 2 Swansboro 2 no large industrial centers 2 coastal region 2 rural area 2 seafood 1 job opportunities offered on Marine Corps Base 1 men helping other people 1 see no immediate advantages 1 school busing system 1 Region P 1 good area to raise children 1 untogetherness 1 good place 'to make a living 1 water system 1 atmosphere 1 big city atmosphere 1 New River .from Richlands to the ocean 1 Sneads Ferry 1 West Onslow Beach 1 Opportunity to serve public 1 availability of education 1 care of elderly 1 City of Jacksonville 1 Easy living • 1 White Oak,River 1 Opportunity 1 Living on coast 1 Doctors 8. What do you like least about Onslow County? 75 lack of cultural and recreational facilities 58 satisfied with county 53 lack of jobs 46 bad roads 41 crime rate 26 Marine Corps Base 22 low pay 21 lack of law enforcement 20 lack of planning 19 lack of shopping centers 17 tax increase 16 downtown 16 lack of school funds 14 lack of mosquito control 13 lack of industry 11 Management of Social Services 10 litter or trash 10 Pollution ' 10 local government officials'lack of concern 9 Fire ants 9 overpopulated 9 politics 8 drup problem 8 bars 7 people and climate ( .6 rent too high for poor housing 6 cost of living 6 traffic 6 poverty 5 lack of consideration for other areas of .the county besides Jacksonville 5 lack of public transportation 5 lack of community cooperation 5 Court Street 4 too many mobile homes 4 undecided 4 dilapidated buildings 3 inconvenience 3 more housing 3 electrical service charge is too high 3 lack of preserving historic sites. 3 too much emphasis on Jacksonville, recognize other areas of count 2 bigotry 2 relationship of military to civilian population 2 too commercial 2 water system 2 no county wide zoning 2 fisherman 2 lack of local support for public schools 2 school system �. 2 attitude of local people toward outsiders 2 lack of zoning 7 8. Continued 1 1 some of the county agencies local government controlling business 1 lack of timely development 1 too many lawyers 1 not enough policemen 1 adult entertainment 1 discrimination 1 okay 1 Jacksonville hospital 1 no public swimming pool 1 behind times 1 no four lane highways 1 school management 1 poor police attitude 1 Blue Creek School 1 too much involvement with U.S.M.C. 1 too many government regulations 1 living here 1 speeders 1 vandalism of private property 1 not home 1 law enforcement 1 not enough doctors 1 attitude toward military 1 togetherness 1 Volkswagon, Inc. 1 land drainage needed 1 slow pace of progress and change 1 hunting 1 Equal Opportunity Employment 1 People who criticize Marines 1 New River Management 1 Lack of ecology interest 1 no restrictions on dogs 1 Real Estate developers 1 lack of county beautification 1 don't have free Legal Aid 1 lack of organization in Sheriff's Department 1 don't have doctors in Sneads Ferry 1 need more attention at Dixon. --School in Sneads Ferry 1 high bonded indebtedness 1 too little restrictions on land development 1 keep black and white races separate 1 pawn shops selling stolen goods 1 lack of dining restaurants and night clubs 1 abuse of welfare system 1 County management 1 outdated laws 1 police system -1 Onslow County growing too fast 1 Dishonest retailers • 1 condition of beaches 1 telephone service 1 do not like busing school children 1 ocean erosion of land and sea 1 County recreational facilities 7r 0 8. Continued 1 Fly-by-night companies 1 Support of Coastal Carolina Community College by county officials 1 Lack of aid for aged 1 Unattractive entrances to city 1 Secondary highways 1 Lack of liquor by the drink 1 Changes should be made in school and kindergarten 1 No water and public sewer 1 No restrictions on mobile homes 9a. What is your opinion of the level of services provided by the county in the following areas: Needs More Needs Less Attention Adequate .Attention 1. Mosquito Control & Drainage 77% 2% 21% 2. Parks & Recreation 84 1 15 3. Street & Highways 77 1 22 4. Schools 72 1 27 5. Water & Sewer 71 1 28 6:. Land ::Use ::Planning 75 4 21 7. Industrial Development 73 6 21 8. Air & Water Pollution 67 3 30 9. Environmental Protection 68 3 29 10. Police Protection 62 2 36 11. Libraries •64 4 32 A new public library is under construction and will be in operation by July 1, 1976. 12. Garbage Collection 54 2 44 13.• Fire Protection 46 3 51 14. Rescue & Ambulance 44 3 53 9b. Would you be willing to pay for additional levels of service you feel needs more attention? 422 Yes 215 No (Iq • 0 10b. If answer to question above is "yes", please indicate the area that should be protected. 142 beaches 51 water 36 forest 27 marshlands 25 -.wildlife 9 Swansbor.o 9 historic sites 8 Sneads Ferry 6 natural environment 4 Chadwick Acres 3 Outer banks 2 Onslow County 2 Wilson Bay Park 2 Belgrade 2 farmlands 2 playgrounds 2 oyster gardens 2 estuary 1 land near inlet 1 Country Club Road 1 roads 1 paxkG 1 fewer shopping centers 1 raral areas 1 downtown 1 Blue Creek area 1 Marine Corps Base 1 Elizabeth Lake area 1 Save some area near Jacksonville for park 1 White Oak Township 1 develop park along coast 1 Camp Davis 1 Kerr Street 1 Caviness Drive 1 residential areas 11. Additional comments about the Coastal Area Management Act. 11 Need recreational facilities 8 Inadequate water and'sewage 7 Stronger enforcement of Zoning Laws 5 Protection of environment 4 does not like CAMA plan 4 CAMA excellent act via • t- 11. Continued 4 develope other areas of the county besides Jacksonville 4 need building code 4 poor recreational and cultural facilities 3 disappearing public beach property 1 more fire protection 1 clean up polluted rivers 1 more restrictions on mobile home parks 1 restore old houses, etc., in original form 1 more consideration for commercial fishermen 1 preserve nature trails and wildlife 1 protect against fire ants 1. lack of industry . 1 need recreation and parks in Sneads Ferry 1 Marine Corps war games should be carried on elsewhere 1 need more cooperation among military and local.government 1 stop sewer drainage 1 need county -wide zoning 1 no drainage or construction on.marshlands, creeks or rivers 1 shrimping should only be.allowed periodically 1 check drainage ditches 1 protect grave sites 1 neglect of Georgetown, no recreation facilities, bad roads, etc. 1 Onslow County should remain farming and fishing community 1 duplication of rescue squads 1 need for adequate rental housing �&l Every respondent did not answer each question, therefore, the total answers to a single question may not equal the total number of responses. Of those responding to the questionnaire, fifty- eight percent live in single family homes, fourteen percent lived in mobile homes and fourteen percent lived in multifamily structures. Eighty-nine percent of the respondents expect the population to increase. When asked if a population increase for the county was desired, over half, fifty-three percent of the responses to this question thought a population increase was desirable. Forty percent would like the population to remain the same while eight percent perferred a population decrease. For question five regarding a separation of land uses, seventy-eight percent desired a separation of commercial, industrial and residential land uses. Twenty-two percent of the respondents felt that development should be allowed without restrictions on location. Most did not want additional residential or industrial growth within their neighborhood, but,.surprisingly, fifty-two percent stated that they desired additional commercial growth. When asked what was liked most about Onslow County, nineteen percent stated that they liked the friendly people, while thirteen percent liked the beaches; twenty-nine percent singled out recre- ation and/or location. From these responses, recreation amenities appear to be the county's major asset. • The citizens were also asked what they liked least about the county. Of the responses to this question, eleven percent indicated.a need for additional cultural and recreational fa- cilities, seven percent desired additional job opportunity, seven percent wanted the roads in the county improved, and six percent did not like the county`s crime rate. Question nine dealt with the quality of services provided to the residents of the county. In general, improvements were desired for all county services, with parks and recreation fa- cilities receiving the highest rating for desired improvements. Fire protection, rescue and ambulance services were considered by the respondents to be more than adequate. The respondents also showed fiscal responsibility as two-thirds were willing to pay for desired improvements in county services. The citizens were also asked what areas of the county should be protected. Eighty percent indicated that beaches, water or river, marshlands, forest and wildlife should receive some degree of protection. The public participation program at West Onslow Beach was composed of citizen opinion survey mailed to all property onwers on the Beach whose names and addresses were available from the county tax offices. The results.of this survey are summarized on the following table. As can be seen from the following summary, most of the 121 people responding to the 7 survey would like to see the population of the beach increase • slightly but only in single-family residential housing (except mobile homes) served with water and sewer facilities. Most people would like to have more open space and recrea- tional land on the beach but would not support an increase in taxes -to pay for it, except in some cases for mosquito control. If more public funds are to be spent, the respondents felt that top priority should be given to water.and sewer facilities, garbage collection and fire and police protection. Respondents who would like to see the population of West Onslow Beach: increase greatly 24 increase slightly 52 decrease greatly 3 ' decrease slightly 4 stay the same 27 Respondents who would like to see more of the following types of development: single family housing 93^ apartments 16 condominiums 24 mobile homes 16 commercial 23 public open space -50.. 70'. public recreation facilities --Respondents that would support land use regulations for development-36 --Respondents that would not support land use regulations for development-11 --Respondents that would support an increase in taxes to pay for public open space-35 --Respondents that would not support an increase in taxes to pay for public open space-53 --Respondents that felt public funds should be spent for: • ' More Less water and sewer 88 3 garbage collection 72 6 fire and police 65 4 schools 19 16 parks and recreation 35 14 local planning 37 12 roads or public transit 40 14 environmental protection 50 15 --Respondents that felt development should be permitted in: Never Seldom Frequently Always lands near inlets 35 21 12 10 beaches 15 15 26 25 marshes 44 12 13 9 dunes 52 10 14 10 __. _. --- ---inland waterways 11 12 16 .f The Citizens Advisory Council produced a list of sixteen items which it considered development related problems. According { to the council, Onslow County needs to provide: 1. Regulations which provide home buyers with information that shows if water and sewer are available. It is felt that often people have purchased lots not knowing whether or not the land is capable of supporting human habitation either through water availability or sewage disposal. 2. County zoning was felt to be needed through the county. The purpose of such zoning would be to specify which land use best suited to provide orderly growth within the county. 3. Aerial photographs and detailed topographical maps are out of date or nonexistent in Onslow County. The aerial photo- graphy needs to be updated every few years. Detailed topo maps 0 would assist in analysis of individual sites for any type of land use. A detailed soil survey is also needed. 4. County -wide water and sewer has moved forward by recent acts of the county and city governments: a. County has purchased Brynn Marr Utility system with water purchase agreement executed with city. Vault and connection located on Bell Fork Road. b. City has agreed to sell county 500,000 gallons per day at 50 cents per thousand. c. City has agreed to accept 200,000 gpd of sewerage at the Ellis Boulevard lift station for a fee to be negotiated. d. City has agreed to sell county an additional 500,000 gallons of water per day at a price to be negotiated. e. A 12 inch water line is being constructed now from High- way 258 to the new Southwest Junior High School; school will use package sewerage treatment plant. f. City has extended water and sewer to a lift station beyond the FCX on 258 to serve Triangle property. g.. County has agreed to provide water to those areas covered in the Piney Green - Brynn Marr Service district as outlined in the G. Reynolds Watkins 201 Facilities Plan. h. Step II Design Drawings are in process on the Greater Jack- sonville Area, including upgrading the Jacksonville sewage treatment plant to a 4.3 million gallons per day regional plant. gL S. Stream quality needs improvement. 6. Inlet erosion needs to be stabilized 7. A demolition program for outdated buildings appears necessary. 8. Onslow County needs to adopt a minimum housing code. 9. County sponsored affordable housing is desirable. 10. Effective regulations for the maintenance of cemeteries need to be provided. Some of the cemeteries are falling into dilapidated conditions. 11. Drainage in Onslow County has long been a problem. The County operated Mosquito Control Program is improving drainage conditions. 12. The Marine Corps Base has been helpful in providing sta- tistical support and occasional manpower aid to the county. t Additional assistance would be helpful in remedying problems such as drainage, water and sewer related problems, solid waste dis- posal projects, and land management activities. 13. Recreation improvements are felt to be an area where greater attention is needed; a recreation plan for the county could provide assistance in establishing a more balanced recrea- tion program within the county. 14. One particular problem voiced numerous times at all of the citizen meetings was the need for public access -to the ocean at West Onslow Beach. The solution to this problem was voiced to U • be a state park at West Onslow Beach. Presently, when a visitor l to the ocean parks his car on the side of the road, he must trespass to gain access to the ocean. A public park would alleviate this problem and would help property owners by eliminating traffic across their dunes. Parking problems and dune protection could also be solved by such a park-, LAND USE OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND STANDARDS •. • The summary of all of the issues presented by the responding citizens, the Citizens Advisory Council and the Planning Board in- cludes issues of population and economic trends, county services, such as housing, water and sewer, the conservation of natural resources, protection of natural environments and protection of cultural and historic resources and was used in developing land use objective policies and standards. By all three advisory groups, population is expected to increase. Growth or no growth was discussed, and growth was the clear choice. All of the population figures were approved by the advisory boards. In 'order for.the population to.increase as the population projections suggest, provisionsneed to be made for the increase of 16,000 people in the next ten years. These pro- visions should include housing, water and sewer, employment, recreational areas and transportation. Directly related to the population increase is the economic impact on the county. New jobs will need to be created to absorb the approximately 16,000 new residents. This increase alone will stimulate the economy, but will need an expanded job market to employ the working people, the result of.the increase. The Marine Corps Base,job market cannot be expected to absorb all these people. From present estimates, the base population has ` %7 �. stabilized barring any unforeseen war. There has also been a freeze placed on new positions becoming available on the base in a civilian capacity: County services are expanding to account for this desired population increase. All natural resources of the county, need to be conserved. Beaches and streams, which need to be kept clean and pollution free, are considered by the advisory boards as areas of vital concern.• Mineral sites, few of which are economically feasible to extract at this time, are .present in the county. Care 6hould be taken to identify properly new sites so that the state can help locate future mineral wealth. The ocean and rivers are playgrounds for all the county to E' enjov. Due consideration should be given to 'insure their longevity as development and growth `occur. Poor drainage, unwise sewage disposal and industrial pollutants present problems for the protection of our water resources. The cultural and historical resources can best be summed up as the preservation of the rural atmosphere which makes Onslow County such a delightful place in which to.live. The historic points of interest need to be noted and some.provision made for their preservation. These historic sites are, however, very small and most are identified by local historic markers. • �. Goal - Land Use Planning Objective: To make our county a place where people can live, work and plan under the best conditions possible by providing sound environmental and developmental decisions, that will enable maximum services to be provided at a minimum cost. B. Goal - Commercial Growth Objective: To make commercial areas conveniently accessible to other areas, preventing intrusion on residential neighborhoods, encouraging aesthetics in buildings, maintaining efficient traffic patterns, and promoting a diversifi- cation of activities. C. Goal - Industrial Growth Objective: To encourage additional industrial development and promote a -rapid expansion of industrial activities that will offer additional job opportu- nities and. a diversified economy. D. Goal -'Agricultural Growth Objective: To promote the development of self sustaining farming activities by protectin§ productive farmland. and -by .promoting farm _product:.markets. E. Goal - Commercial Fishing Growth 'Objective:' -To encourage the development of seafood processing and marketing facilities, to continue to promote the improvement of the channels of our inlets and of our access areas to the estuarine area, and to promote.tlhe developm�:nt of additional docking facilities along our coast. • F. Goa!--- ComntY Facilities Provision Objecti ve: To maintain or enhance existing facilities, including all government buildings; and to plan for new ones to accommodate future growth, .in.order that all citizens be properly served by these facilities. G. Goal - Utility Growth the development of water and sewer facilities that Objective: To promo the roper removal and disposal of storm water, sewage, and solid will assure P waste. 1 H. Goal - Economic Growth Objective: To work towards establishing a more diversified and balanced economy in order to provide more job opportunities and to make job training available. I* �G B In order to accomplish the goals and objectives of the people of the county, certain programs and studies need be undertaken for providing the best means for attaining these goals. All available technical resources should be utilized to accomplish the goals of environmentally sound land use. Decisions should be based on soil studies, expected population requirements, and building or agricultural uses of the land. Land is a commodity which is irreplaceable and, therefore, consideration should be given to best use of land consistent with community needs and desires so that these specified land uses can provide for func- tional and orderly growth. I. Residential land should provide: 1. Good drainage 2. Safety from flooding 3. Accessibility to community facilities 4. Acceptable population concentrations 5. Adequate water and sewage facilities 6. Acceptable soil quality 7. Protection from conflicting land uses 8. Good design standards 9. Minimum conflicts with other land use II. Commercial land should provide: 1. Proximity to population 2. Adequate water and sewage facilities 3. Drainage 4. Roads - Transportation (parking facilities) 5. Safety standards 6. Access to utilities 7. Flood protection 8. Good soil quality 9. Waste disposal III. Agricultural land should provide: • 1. Good soil quality 2. Accessibility to markets 3. Good drainage 4. Accessibility to roads 5. Adequate water and sewage facilities 6. Proper waste disposal IV. Industrial land should provide: 1. Good work force proximity 2. Basic utilities and adequate water and sewage facilities 3. People's good will 4• Adequate treatment of. industrial -waste 5. Access to natural resources 6. Access to transportation 7. Acceptable soil quality V. Recreation land should provide: 1. Appropriate setting 2. Proximity to population 3. Good landscape design 4. Soil quality 5. Safety standards with regard to location 6. Flood protection 7. Water and sewer 8. Drainage 9. Accessibility to roads 10. Proper utilities Some of the basics for land use control measures are detailed soil survey, drainage plan, topographic mapping and updated aerial photography. From these basic studies and.materials, the County Planning Program can better assist the county in its long range goal of quality growth. Other studies which could also be'of great benefit are studies for housing needs, recreational planning, capital improvement budgeting and office space study updates. The Board of County Commissioners delegated the responsi- bility for preparation of the Land Use Plan to the Onslow County Planning Board and the 'Citizen's -Advisory Council.for which the County Planning Department provided technical assistance. The Planning Board has helped.withrecominendations of Interim Areas of Environmental Concern (IAEC) designation, goal formulation, discussions of land use problems and suggestions concerning citizen. — participation. The 42 member Citizens Advisory Council .held ten meetings to discuss all aspects of the Land -Use Plan.. This large group divided into committees to discuss the''subj'ect areas of community problems, AEC`s and citizen participation. Excellent ideas were presented for incorporation into the Plan. In.an effort to reach every citizen in Onslow County, an opinion survey was distributed in a local paper. This paper was distributed to 21,000 residences throughout the county. Civic clubs, the county libraries, volunteer fire departments, and the Citizens Advisory Council were all contacted and asked to help to distribute forms. The major,.return on the questionnaires came via assistance by the Region P Human Development Commission. This group used a personal interview technique to get people to fill out the questionnaires., A total of 833 questionnaires have been returned to date, representing approximately one percent of qs� the population. A sample questionnaire is included in the appendix. Local news media also helped .to increase the awareness of the public to the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). The newspapers of the county have provided excellent coverage of all meeting concerning CAMA. A local radio station provided free air time to help promote questionnaire distribution. In addi- tion to the commercial media,.all the pamphlets provided by the Coastal Resources -Commission and one prepared by the Onslow County Planning Department have been available from the libraries, the Planning Department and several other places throughout the county. The survey showed a good cross section of county opinion because the responses were almost even for the different town- ships. CONSTRAINTS q7 sN 0' PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS The Coastal Resources Commission has not yet designated the Areas of Environmental Concern. Because this designation has not yet taken place, it is not known what areas within the County will be designated. Based on the descriptions within the Planning Guidelines, the following areas within the county are potential Areas of Environmental Concern. Coastal Wetlands CW Low Tidal Marshland Other Coastal Marshlands Estuarine Waters EW Resource Areas -Watersheds or Aquifers Small Surface Water Supplies WS Special Aquifer::Areas - Outer Banks and Barrier Islands SA Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas Existing National or State Parks PK Complex Natural Areas NA Areas that Sustain Remnant Species RS Areas Containing Unique Geologic Formations GF Historic Places HP Registered Natural Landmarks NL Areas Subject to Public Rights Certain Public Trust Areas PT Natural Hazard Areas Sand Dunes Along the Outer Banks SD Ocean Beaches and Shorelines (on the Outer Banks) OB Coastal Flood Plains CF Excessive Erosion Areas Coastal Inlet Lands IN Ocean Erodible Areas OE Estuarine, Sound and River SE Erodible Areas These areas are not mapped within the plan because the boundaries are subject to change pending designation by the Coastal Resources Commission. Each of the potential Areas of Environmental Concern are given a detailed description within this section. Appropriate land uses are listed for each. HAZARD AREAS Coastal Flood Plains (Potential AEC) Coastal floodplain is 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). iThese areas are analogous to the 100 year floodplain on a river. Appropriate land uses within �. the area are those which can be protected from major flood damage by elevation e-r flood proofing. Excessive Erosion Areas - Coastal Inlet Land (Potential AEC) Coastal Inlet Lands are defined as the natural zone of mi- gration of coastal inlets. Such a zone covers all areas that are expected to be eroded by future inlets and inlet migration based on the best available data and studies, including relevant his- torical photography, surveys, maps and other appropriate informa- tion. The particular location of the inlet channel is a temporary one, as such channels are subject to extensive migration. Coastal inlet lands are extremely dynamic land areas that are highly sus- j • i v i C 1 9 3 8 ^#'�" ..- :.ones"'�a- 3, r:, �i.'a7r7� „t'+'�..>__"a��r,.r.'-+fir_ ,.s,. `•+ r..�.._,.7 APPROX (MATE SCAL E 1 = 3333' (1972 = 1'' = 2000' ) BROWN INLET Source: Department of Natural and Economic Resources Plate 10-18 0 , • APPROXIMATE SCALE: 0 = 3333' NEW RIVER INLET Source: Department of Natural and Economic Resources � d( 960 Plate 10-19 C. 1938 rA 1949 _. _.. , y- . APPROXIMATE SCALE: I" = 3333* (1972: 1' = 2000')- 16 BEAR INLET Source: Department of Natural and Economic Resources Plate 10-17 FEB 1* 1871 AUG 91927 APR 25, 1938 DEC 2. IySJ F E B10, 1964 OCT-4 A970::,.,.... USGS QUAD. 1971 SF-P69.1973. OG. I LE .100 YEARS 0 2000 8000 KALE IN FEET. prepared by the N C Division of Commercial and Sport Fist,erjes 101 • ceptible to becoming completely displaced by water. Appropriate land uses are recreational or conservation activities and easements for access represent the preferred land use. Moveable temporary structures for recreational purposes may be appropriate. Permanent or substantial residential, commercial, institutional, or indus- trial structures are not appropriate uses in coastal inlet lands. The following photographs show the dynamic nature of the county'.s inlets. Ocean Erodible Area (Potential AEC) Ocean erodible areas are defined as the area above mean high water where excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring. These areas are extremely dynamic lands, highly susceptible to be- coming completely displaced by water. The major objective is to limit unnecessary hazards to life or property or unreasonable re- quirements for public expenditures to protect property or maintain safe conditions.. Open space recreational.and fishing piers are appropriate land uses within Ocean Erodible Areas. Estuarine and River Erodible Areas (Potential AEC) These areas are defined 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 infor- mation. The estuarine and sound and river erodible areas are Snatural hazard areas,.especially vulnerable to erosion. Development within this AEC is subjected to the damaging process of erosion unless special development standards and preventive measures are employed. Permanent or substantial residential, commercial, insti- tutional or industrial structures are not appropriate uses in es- tuarine and sound and river erodible areas unless stabilization has been achieved along the affected reach. Recreational, rural and conservation activities represent appropriate land uses in those erodible areas where shoreline protective construction has not been completed. SOILS The soils of Onsl-ow County have been evaluated by soil scientist, of the Soil Conservation Service, U.S Department of t Agriculture.. The first major report in soil classification was published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1921. It had very little'to say about soil suitability for urban develop- ment. However, since 1923, a number of other soil investigations have been made by the U.S, Department of Agriculture for Onslow County. These studies also added a sui.tabili.ty classification for home sites, rating them for septic tank disposal systems, agri- culture, recreation, and forest. It also indicated some of the limiting properties of the soils which would tend to limit urban development, such. as high. water table, lack of drainage, flooding, (eS • L etc. The general topographic position for each type of soil was listed. The following chart is a summation of the soil classifica- tions that have been made in Onslow County, illustrating the various characteristics found in the county's soil system: The classification of:each_soil'type is listed as a soil association. Each soil association has distinctive proportional patterns of soils. It normally consists of one or more major soil and one minor soil and is named for the major soil. Soils in one association may occur in another, but iri a different pattern. The generalized soil map, published in 1923, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is intended for broad planning pur- poses only. It is not entirely suitable for individual farm planning or for planning building site locations. This is because of the differences in soil characteristics within an association. The different characteristics, such as the high water table, the drainage, soil texture, if any, affect the use and management of each soil. The soil intrepretations shown in the chart are based on a generalized soil map. The purpose of this -table is to show limitations for urban development; only a small percentage of the county has been classified as good for urban development. The table also reveals that most of the soils 166 a ti APPENDIX C Soil Interpretations General Soil Map LIMITATIONS FOR SUITABILITY FOR June, 1970 Dwellings with Sewerage Septic Tank Light 1/ Roads S General Soil Associations Systems Filter Fields Industries Streets 2/ Agriculture Woods % in Fair oils Assoc. to 1. Rains -Lynchburg -Goldsboro Rains 25 Sev (Wt) Sev(WO Sev(Wt, Cor) Sev(Wt) Good Good 15% of County Lynchburg 20 Mod(Wt) Sev(Wt) Mod(Wt, Cor) Mod(Wt, TSC) Good Good Goldsboro 20 sit Mod t at 2.5' Mod Cor Sit Good Good 2. Kenansville-Dragston Kenansville 40 sit Slt(Lfa) Sit Sit Fair Good 20% of County Dragston 20 Mod(Wt) Sev(Wt) Mod(Wt, Cor) Mod(Wt) Fair to Good 3. Portsmouth-Torhunta Portsmouth 30 Sev(Wt) Sev(Wt) Sev(Wt, Cor) Sev(Wt) Fair to Good Good 10% of County Torhunta 30 4. Leon -Lynn Haven Leon 70 Sev(Wt, Prod) Sev(Wt, Lfa) Sev(Wt, Cor) Sev(Wt, TSC) Poor Poor 10% of County Lynn Haven 10 5. Johnston -Bibb Johnston 50 Sev(FI, Wt) Sev(FI, Wt) Sev(FI,Wt) Sev(FI,Wt) Poor Good 10% of County Bibb 20 6. Craven -Lenoir Craven 35 Mod(Wt,Sh-Sw) Sev(Perc) Mod(Sh-Sw,Cor) Mod(TSC,Er) Fair to Good Good 5% of County Lenoir 30 Sev(Wt,Sh-Sw)' Sev(Perc,Wt) Sev(Wt,Sh-Sw, Sev(Wt,TSC) Cor 7.. Ponzer-Pamlico Ponzer 45 Sev(Wt) Sev(Wt,Sh-Sw) Sev(Wt,Traf,Cor Sev(Wt,TSC, Poor Poor to Good 3 10% of County Pamlico 30 Sh=Sw) Sh-Sw) 8. Onslow-Lumbee Onslow 35 Sit Mod(Wt) Mod(Cor) Sit Good Good 15% of County Lumbee 30 Sev(Wt) Sev(Wt) Sev(Wt,Cor) Sev(Wt) Fair to Good Good 9. Tidal Marsh -Coastal Beach Tidal Marsh 60 Sev(FI,Wt) Very Sev(FI,Wt) Very Sev(FI,Wt, Very Sev(FI,Wt, Unsuited Unsuited 5% of County Cor,Sh-Sw) Cor,Sh-Sw) Coastal Beach 40 Mod(Prod,AWC) Sit(Lfa) Mod(Prod) Mod(TSC) Unsuited Unsuited in Onslow County present moderate to severe limitations to residential development, depending on septic tank requirements and filter fields for septic tank disposal systems. Soils in Onslow County have a definite effect on urban development. Generally, Onslow County soils present limita- tions to urban development in areas not served by community water and sewer systems. High water tables, low filtering action, and se�r=ous drainage problems present, in relatively densely populated areas, the possibility of spoiled wells and surface runoff of effluent. The Southwest Sanitary District areas have already experienced some.of these problems. Because of the general nature of soils information in the county, three categories were established to provide at least an overview of the counties soil situation. A. No Severe Limitations: The soils are the better soils in the county. The water tables are well below the surface, and the soils have good drainage characteristics. B. Moderate Limitations: The water tables are higher than the first category, yet not as bad as the severe limitations. The soils are characterized by poor drainage and soil composition. C. Severe Limitations: The soils are soils which would cause numerous problems if development should occur on them. This is not to say, however, that development cannot occur on the soils. Special building techniques must be utilized to build on these types of soils to prevent loss of money and property. The category which shows the greatest hazards for founda- tions and has shallow soils is the severe limitations category.: In this category are Portsmouth-Torhunta, Johnston Bibb, and Ponzer-Pamlico soils. In addition to the severe limitations category, the poorly drained soils of the county include the moderate limitations category. This category includes the soils of the Craven -Lenoir, Tidal Marsh, Coastal Beach., Rains Lynchburg -Goldsboro, Leo Lynn - haven and Onslow-Lumbee types. The following are Onslow.County areas, their soil classi- fication, and relationship to septic -systems. Swansboro Township Majority area: Onslow-Lumbee, Leon-Lynnhaven, Coastal Beach (Moderate Limitations), Tidal Marsh (Severe Limitations) small area north of Queens Creek, Johnston -Bibb (Severe Limita- tions) small area at Bear Creek, and Ponzer-Pamlico (Severe Limitations) White Oak Township Majority.area: Craven-Lenior and Onslow (Moderate Limitations) north boundary and central portions and Johnston -Bibb • (Severe Limitations) 16C( • Sneads Ferry Leon-Lynnhaven, Onslow-Lumbee, Coastal Beach (Moderate Limitations), Kenansville-Dragston (No Severe Limitations); Low marsh areas, Johnston -Bibb; (Central and North Central Area. (Severe Limitations) Stump Sound Central area: Ponzer-Pamlico (Severe Limitations) includes low swamp areas, Kenansville-Dragston: (No Severe Limitations) Richlands Area Majority area: Rains Lynchburg Goldsboro (No Severe Limita- tions) Airport area, Kenansville, Dragston (Slight Limitations); Intermingled areas, Johnston -Bibb (Severe Limitations) Jacksonville Township: Combination Rains Lynchburg Goldsboro (Moderate Limitations) Johnston -Bibb (Severe Limitations) and Kenansville- Dragston (Slight Limitations) The generalized soil map along with the limitations chart provide a ready reference to soils in Onslow County; however, for more specific detail, the Soil Survey, Of Onslow County, North b the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau Carolina, prepared Y - of Soils, 1923, should be consulted. This report is available through the Onslow County Farm Agent's Office on College Street. 1E `i 9 • Water Supply Areas Groundwater is the only water source in Onslow County used by urban development. This groundwater is obtained from three geo- logic ages: the oldest age penetrated by a well in Onslow County is the Pee Dee Formation, which lies within 30 feet of the sur- face in some valleys northwest of Richlands. Coastward, the Pee Dee is more deeply buried, lying under a wedge of Castle Hayne Limestone which thickens toward the coast. The Castle Hayne is exposed in many places in Onslow County along New River be- tween Richlands and Jacksonville. The Yorktown formation over- laid the Castle'Hayne, but it.has been eroded away in parts of the county north of Jacksonville. Around the coast, the Yorktown reaches a thickness of around 60 feet. It is exposed, however, rr in several ravines:near Silverdale and occurs within 60 feet of l_ the surface in several wells at Camp Lejeune. A thin layer of sand and clay, chiefly sand, of. the Pleistocene Age conceals the older formation in the interstream area. The three main aquifers which furnish water to wells in Onslow County are the surficial sands, sands of the Pee Dee, and the Tertiary Limestone Unit. The surficiai sands cover the entire County to a depth ranging from 10 to 30 feet, and, generally, they yield sufficient water for domestic purposes, as a result of.a highwater table., usually within.15 feet of the surface. The sands of the Pee Dee formation furnish water to drilled wells in the northwestern part of the County. A city well drilled to LJ GEOL «NSCOW 535 feet at Richlands yields approximately 500 gallons per minute; however, very little water is actually pumped from this formation because of the overlying Tertiary limestone aquifers, which furnish adequate water for domestic use. The Tertiary limestone unit represented largely by:the Castle Hayne Limestone, lies between surficial sand and the Pee Dee formation. This aquifer furnishes water to wells, generally south of U.S. Highway 17. This limestone unit thins toward the north, but .it is an important aquifer as far north as Richlands. The New River has intrenched into the limestone between Richlands and Jacksonville, resulting in a large aggregate discharge in ground water from this limestone formation into the river. The most serious problem concerning the quality of water. in Onslow County, in most of these formations, is salt water encroachment. Care must be taken to keep pumping levels relatively shallow in a general area surrounding Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune, es- pecially. There Is no evidence that salt water encroachment has occured to any great extent. There is no call for alarm as long as the wells are dispersed and the pumping level is controlled. Onslow County's groundwater system is extremely important to urban development as it may be our most important resource. As pointed out previously, no domestic water supply is derived from surface waters; therefore, our.groundwater supply is the only available source of water in the county area. However, groundwater resource investigations made by the N. C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources have -indicated an adequate • supply for urban development in the area. L� 1(3 101 • •' 0 !CRAVEN JONES• I ONSLOW •� CARTERET. o- PENDERI Explanation �_. '!�:i•!II;��.' 'O Probable depth, in feet, to vroter bowing chloride content greater than 250 ports :� • 1•,±�`I'�a'�I'�ri� ,. million. eo i�!;i��ii �•�— less than 200 ;''. I• ,, ��Il�III�I 200 to 300 NEW HANOVER ® 300 to 400 score more than 400. 0 10 Y0 30 mit�a ' ® more thon 500 Map showing approximate depth to brackish ground water. L(4 The beach area itself should be an area in which available water should be carefully weighed. Most of the private wells are -drilled from 12 to 15 feet deep for fresh water. Any well dug deeper than this, without a major drilling operation, will likely have salt water encroachment. In summary, there is an abundance of potable water available to Onslow County. The quality of the water which may be drawn in any location in the county is largely dependent on the aquifer from which the water is drawn. Several areas o.f•the county should not be considered as developable sources for large supplies of groundwater. The area in close proximity to Jacksonville and New River is a good example of an area to be avoided in developing.a groundwater source of supply because -of the possibility of salt water intrusion. Other areas experience problems with high iron and sulfide content, and must be treated prior to distribution. The most desirable aquifer from which large quantities of excellent quality groundwater may be expected is the Pee Dee formation. The City of Jacksonville and Town of Richlands have wells which tap this formation. Camp Lejeune has developed an extensive, well supplied system and takes water from the limestone aquifer underlying central and eastern Onslow County. The State of North Carolina has classified Wallace Creek and Flinchum Creek as B waters. Blue Creek, Brinson Creek and Mill. Swamp have been classified as D waters. All other streams and rivers within the county are classified as C waters. • Steep Slope With the exception of sand dunes' -along the ocean, the county does not have any steep slopes. t[S FRAGILE AREAS Coastal Wetlands Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind - tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland area throught natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical -storm tides. Salt marshland or other marsh shall be those areas upon which grow some, but not necessarilv all, of the following salt marshland marsh -plant species: smooth or salt water Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus); Glasswort (Salicornia spp.); Bulrush (Scirpus spp.); Saw Grass (Cladium Jamaicense); Cat -Tail (Typha spp.); Salt.Meadow Grass (Spartina Patens); and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides). Included in this statutory de- finition of wetlands is such contiguous land as the Secretary of National and Economic Resources deems reasonably necessary to be affected by any such order in carrying out the purpose of this Section. For policy purposes, coastal wetlands may be considered in two categories: (1) low tidal marsh, (2) other coastal marshlands which have different significant and policv implications. Coastal Wetlands - Low Tidal Marshland (Potential AEC) Low tidal marshlands are defined as marshland consisting pri- marily of Spartina alterniflora and usually subject to inundation by the normal rise and fall of lunar tides. These marshlands 116 serve as a critical component in the coastal ecosystem. The marsh is the basis for the high net yield system of the estuary through the production of organic detritus (partially decomposed plant material),which is the primary input source for the food chain of the entire estuarine system. Estuarine dependent.-spedies of fish and shellfish,such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs currently make up over 90 percent of the total value of North Carolina's commercial catch. In addition, the roots and rhizomes of the Spartina alter- niflora serve as waterfowl food and the stems as wildlife nesting material. Low tidal marsh also serves as the first line of de- fense in retarding shoreline erosion. The plant stems and leaves tei-a,to dissipate wave action while the vast network of roots resists soil erosion. Marshes of this type operate additionally as traps for sediment originating from upland runoff,thus reducing siltation of the estuarine bottoms and consequent detriment.to marine organisms. These marshes should be considered unsuitable for any de- velopment which will alter their natural functions. Inappro- priate land uses include, but are not limited to,.the following examples: restaurants and businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels, and trailer parks, parking lots and offices, spoil and dump sites, wastewater lagoons-, public and private roads highways, and factories. Examples of acceptable land uses are utility easements, fishing piers, docks, certain agricultural uses except when excavation or filling affecting estuarine or navigable ll? water is involved, and such other uses which do not signifi- cantly alter the natural functions of the marsh Coastal Wetlands - Other Coastal Marshland (Potential AEC) All other marshland that is not low tidal marshland which contains the species of vegetation was listed above. This marshland type also contributes to the detritus supply necessary to the highly productive estuarine system essential to North Carolina's economically valuable commercial and sports fisheries. The high marsh.types, depending on the biological and physical conditions of.the marsh, offer quality wildlife and waterfowl habitat. The vegetative diversity in the higher marshes usually supports a greater diversity of wildlife types than the limited habitat of the low tidal marsh. .This marshland type also serves as an important deterrent to shoreline erosion, especially in those marshes containing heavily rooted species. The dense system of rhizomes and roots of Juncus roemerianus are highly resistant to erosion. In addition, the higher marshes are effective sediment traps. Appropriate land uses are those which give highest priority to the conservation of existing marshlands. Second 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 �G':o 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 ob- jectives, but in no case shall the allocation exceed the capa- city of the marshland system to sustain losses, unless they would be offset by a clear and substantial benefit to the public without harm to the estuarine ecosystem. Onslow County has extensive marshlands along the coast, inland of the beach strands. Sand Dunes along the Outer Banks (Potential AEC) Dunes are defined as ridges or mounds of loose wind-blown material, usually sand. They comprise a major portion of the i outer banks and barrier islands, serving as a protective barrier for the sounds, estuaries, and mainland. Development with in- adequate design or construction may alter the protective character of the dunes and subject property to an increased risk of sub- stantial damage due to -the adverse effects of wind and water. Appropriate land uses shall be only those developments that can be safely undertaken utilizing recognized engineering practices, site preparation and site maintenance to minimize unnecessary damage from wind and water. Ocean Beaches and Shorelines (Potential AEC) Ocean beaches and shorelines are land areas without vegeta- tion covering and consist of unconsolidated soil material that • • extends landward from the mean low tide to a point where any one or combination of the following occur: (1) vegetation, or (2) a distinct change in predominant soil particle.size, or (3) a change in slope or elevation which alters the physiographic land form. Sand deposits of ocean beaches and shorelines represent a dynamic zone which does not afford long term protection for development. The nature of tidal action and the.,fprce of storms is such that they cause the beach areas to:sh ft:con'stantly, Littoral drift is a natural phenomenon whereby sand is removed from beaches by wave action and littoral currents and is deposi- ted upon a different stretch of the beach; th`1s-action also shifts the line of high tide and low tide. Ocean beaches and shorelines are valuable for public and private recreation and are located within a natural hazard area; thus•deyelopment-within this dynamic zone may result in loss of property and possible loss of life. The area must be preserved to the greatest extent feasible with opportunity to enjoy the physical, aesthetic, cultural and recreational qualities of the natural shorelines of the State. Appropriate development within the area must be that type de- velopment which will withstand the prevalent natural forces and not unreasonably interfere with the rightful use and enjoyment of the beach area. Estuarine Waters (Potential AEC) Estuarine waters are defined in G. S. 113-229 (n) (2) 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 Conservation and Development filed with the Secretary of State entitled 'Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fishing - Inland Fishing waters, revised March 1, 1975,"' or as it may be subsequently revised by the Legislature. These areas are among the most productive natural environments of North Carolina,for they not only support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, but are also utilized for commercial navigation, recreation, and aesthetic purposes. Species dependent upon estua- ries, such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs make up over 90 percent of the total -value of North Carolina's commercial catch, and these species must spend all or some part of their life cycle in the estuary. The high level of commercial and sports fisheries and the aesthetic appeal of coastal North Carolina are dependent upon the protection and sustained quality of our estuarine areas. Appropriate uses are those which will preserve and manage estuarine waters so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic values. Highest priority will be allocated to the conservation of estuarine waters. .The develop- ment of navigational channels, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs where no other feasible alternative /Z)F 0 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 navigational channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause'adversewater circu- lation patterns, violate water quality:.standards,-.or cause de- gradation of shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible with the management of estuarine waters. Public Trust Waters (Potential AEC) Public trust waters are defined - 'as' all water.$ of the Atlant.ic 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 lands thereunder to mean high water mark or ordinary high water mark,.as the case may be, except privately owned lakes to which the public has no right of access, all waters in arti- ficially created bodies of water in which exists significant _ public fishing resources or other public resources, which are accessible to the public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public has no :rights of navigation, all waters in artificially created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication or 0 i any other means. Included in public trust waters are areas such as waterways and lands under or flowed over by tidal waters or navigable waters, to which the public may have rights of access or public trust rights, and areas which the State of North Carolina may be authorized to preserve, conserve, or protect under Article XIV, Section 5. of the North Carolina Constitution. Appropriate uses in the public trust waters include channels. drainage ditches, bulkheads, viers and other similar uses, pro- vided these uses do not damage the biological environment or restrict public access. Areas Containing Unique Geologic Formations The Belgrade quarry is considered a unique geologic formation. It has been providing high Qualitv,limestone construction material for almost a quarter century. The lakes..left as a.by-product of this strip mining operation.provide.-an.•excellent:recreational' resource, for they are abundant in fresh water fish and open to public enjoyment. The Belgrade quarry is not considered a fragile area, so will not likely be designated as an Area of Environmental Concern. Within the county there are no known complex natural areas; that is areas sustaining remnant species, registered natural landmarks, archeologic or historic sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. t� 3 AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL Productive Agricultural Lands - By tradition, agricultural lands have played a major role in the county's economy. The farming regions are in the'area around Richlands, within White Oak Township and, to a lesser degree,.around Sneads Ferry. The big money crops are tobacco, corn and soybeans. Livestock also provides a major source of income. Adjacent to the City of Jacksonville,some prime agricultural lands are being used for urban development. In the remaining portions of the county, the total acreage of cropland in cultivation has remained rela- tively stable. The actual number of farms is- decreasing because of a trend of larger farm. owriers purchasing smaller: farms and- com-bining that acreage with his own holdings. The trend toward C. greater mechanization is largely responsible for this.phenomenon. Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites The mineral resources found in Onslow County are classed as non-metallic. Along the coast and for several miles inland the land is made up almost entirely of unconsolidated sands and clays which are of little value commercially. Inland there are several formations which are of greater value.as the sands in that lo- cation are useful for construction materials, especially for road building. The limestone contains phosphate rock .which makes it extremely important as a source of agriculture lime, road and airport foundation material, and aggregates -for concrete and cement blocks. There is a limestone .quarry at Belgrade, owned t • by the Martin Marietta Aggregates, that.mines limestone for use in construction. The State Department of Transportation also mines paving sand for.state highways from several borrow pits located throughout the county. Seven oil and gas prospecting wells have been drilled in Onslow County, the deepest 1,570 feet, drilled in 1953; the shallowest 1,232 feet, drilled in 1960. There were eleven wells drilled in surrounding counties, (Carteret Pender and Jones) with the deepest well in Carteret County at 5,609 feet, all of which were dry holes. Even though oil and gas have not been found, the thickness and character of the sedimentary beds found along the coast make Onslow Countv interesting for further research. C. Publicly -Owned Lands There are three major publicly -owned tracts within the county, the largest of these is the U.S. Marine Corps bases of New River and Camp Lejeune. These military owned lands account for approxi- mately 20% of the county's total land and are not open for civilian public use. Hofmann Forest, open to public recreational use, is the second largest publicly owned tract within the county. It is owned by North Carolina State University and is currently leased to timber corporation. • m r ONSLOW PUBLIC OCKS H E MP JEUNE MINE IRPS ISE t • The third major publicly -owned area within the county is Hammocks Beach State Park. This park is developed as an open - space recreation with picnic areas, camping areas and swimming areas provided. Access to the beach is via a passenger ferry which makes several round -trips daily. Privately -Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries There are no known privately owned wildlife sanctuaries within the county. l9-? •" CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES Existing Water and Sewer Service Areas There are five ares within the county that have public water and sewer service. These are the City of Jacksonville, the Town of Richlands, the Town of Holly Ridge, the Town of Swansboro and the county:;owned Brynn Marr Water and Sewer System. All of these systems are described in each perspective CAMA Land Use Plan with the exception of Swansboro and the Brynn Marr-System. Swansboro's sewer system services an estimated 1,080 people;. a moritorium, however, has been placed on sewer expansion due to the inadequacy of the existing sewage treatment plant. This plant has a capacity of 250,000 gallons per day.but only provides 50 percent treatment. The town is concerned about this problem and is proceeding as fast as possible to implement its EPA 201 Plan. Adjacent surface waters will benefit from planned improvements although the town's water system is adequate.to serve existing needs. The county's Brynn Marr system also needs improvements. Its lagoon treatment system provides sufficient treatment to its 300,000 gallons per day (GPD) before it is discharged into Northeast Creek. This treatment facility will likely discharge into another treat- ment facility under the City of Jacksonville's EPA 201 Plan. There is an agreement between the city and county for the city to provide treatment to 200,000 GPD of Brynn Marr sewage. A fifteen inch outfall will connect Brynn Marr to the city's system in late '1976. Water is provided to the Brynn Marr system by the City of Jacksonville. • OCKS H c MP JEUNE TRINE IRPS ISE ONSLOW • All schools are adequately staffed and utilized to the._fullest extent possible. The long-range plans for the school system include four projects underway and five projects to be started. Renovations are scheduled for Richlands Elementary, Dixon Elementary, Thompson, Jacksonville Junior High and Tabernacle. Morton Elementary is the fastest growing school with six temporary classrooms. Other overcrowded schools are Jacksonville Senior High and White Oak High. There is space available for extra students at Bell Fork Elementary. The overcrowded high schools will be relieved in 1976 by the completion of the new high school at Blue Creek. Table ONSLOW COUNTY SCHOOLS FUTURE CONSTRUCTION Project Number Name of Project Year con- struction is con- templated State Funds (Show only funds known to be avail- able at this time) Total estimated cost Completion date 1 Morton Elementary 1974-75 255,000.00 293,272.20 255,000.00 Completed Renovation 2 Richlands Elementary 1974-75 310,315.00 1978 . Renovation 3 Swansboro Junior 1974-75 550,000.00 489,389.75 550,000.00 Completed High (New) 4 Southwest Jr. - Sr. 1974-75 2,200,000.00 2',200,000.00 June 1976 High (New) 5 Dixon High Gym- 1974-75 470,000.00 470,000.00 June 1976 nasium (New) 6 White Oak Addition 1974-75 250,000.00 250,000.00 June 1976 Bank Room & Class- rooms 7 Dixon Elementary 1976-77 300,000.00 300,000.00 1977 Renovation Phase 8 Tabernacle Renovation_ 1975-76 . 100,000.00 100,000.00 Complete 9 Swansboro Elementary 1975-76 200,000.00 200,000.00 Sept. 1976 Renovation The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has not prepared a transportation plan for Onslow County. There are improvements scheduled for Onslow'County within the North Carolina Seven Year Plan. The improvements are shown on the following map. Based upon records of the NCDOT, Western Boule- vard is the only highway which is over design capacity. Its design capacity is 9,000 cars per day, but the 1975 traffic count for this.road was 14,000, 5,000 over design capacity. LJ ( 'o 3700 o ` � 1700. 4000 - 1973 Annual Average 2: hour Traffic Flow_ v G� 0000 / / Q0 (e BOGUE /NLL°T oa NEW R/VEQ /A/LET N.C. SEVEN YEAR IMPROVEMENT PLAN +-++-0.0 0 NEW FOUR -LANE 000000000 RELOCATE EXISTING TWO-LANE 0 REPLACE EXISTING BRIDGES 00000000 UPGRADE EXISTING TWO-LANE ■��®6wm� UPGRADE EXISTING TWO-LANE TO FOUR 1� 1700. 4000 - 1973 Annual Average 2: hour Traffic Flow_ v G� 0000 / / Q0 (e BOGUE /NLL°T oa NEW R/VEQ /A/LET N.C. SEVEN YEAR IMPROVEMENT PLAN +-++-0.0 0 NEW FOUR -LANE 000000000 RELOCATE EXISTING TWO-LANE 0 REPLACE EXISTING BRIDGES 00000000 UPGRADE EXISTING TWO-LANE ■��®6wm� UPGRADE EXISTING TWO-LANE TO FOUR 1� ESTIMATED DEMAND l33 :ZD • POPULATION PROJECTIONS Population projections are necessary to determine the approxi- mate level of public services which will be necessary in the future. Projections for Onslow County were collected from state agencies and engineering firms which were preparing EPA 201 Sewer Facility Plans within Onslow County. Several of those projections appear to be correcttwhile'others indicate -that future population growth will take place at a much slower rate than.the present trend indicates. The North Carolina Department of Administration (DOA) was one of the agencies contacted for population projections. ONSLOW COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTION 1970 - 2020 Year White Non -White Total 1970 86,516 16,610 103,126 1980 101,494 22,818 124,312 1990 102,202 27,654 130,356-- 2000 111,659 34,468 146,127 2010 117,347 41,875 159,222 2020 122,721 50,404 173,125 SOURCE: North Carolina Department of Adminis- tration 'k BEA Series •"E" projections were provided.by the North Caro- lina Department of Natural and Economic Res..ources Division of Environmental Management. These projections, -not likely to be t3 `f 1.z l correct, show a growth rate much slower than the present trend. The 2020 projection is less than the 1975 population as esti- mated by DOA. ONSLOW COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTION BEA "SERIES E" Year Total 1960 86,208^ 1970 103,126^ 1980 106,700 1990 108,000 2000 111,400 2010 112,700 2020 113,200 *Bureau of the Census SOURCE: North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic Resources . E Building inspection records are one of the best resources for projecting future growth. Because this data did not cover suf- ficient.time to indicate a trend, it was not used; only past growth rates were used. The growth rate since 1940 is as follows: Year 1940 1950 1960 1970 1975 SOURCE: I* PAST GROWTH TREND ONSLOW COUNTY 1940-1975 Population 17,938 42,047 86,208 103,126 113,806 Bureau of the Census Annual Increase 13.4% 10.5% 2.0% 1.8% 1,J The annual growth rate from 1970 to 1980 will likely be • approximately 1.8%. This trend indicates that the tremendous growth within Onslow wil level off as time tempers the impact • of Camp Lejeune on Onslow County. The following projection takes into consideration this tempering phenomenon. POPULATION PROJECTION ONSLOW COUNTY 1975-2025 Year Population Annual Increase 1975 113,806 1980 124,048 1.8% 1985 132,731 1.4% 1990 139,367 1.0% 2000 150,516 0.8% 2025 165,567 0.4% SOURCE: Moore and Associates, New Bern, N. C. Population projections are not absolute, as it is also ex- tremely difficult to project a population for a fifty-year period, a range projection is more appropriate. A progressive percentage up to fifteen percent for fifty years was applied to the above projection to obtain the following range. POPULATION PROJECTION ONSLOW COUNTY 1975-2025 YEAR RANGE 1975 113,806. 1980 .122,187-.125,909 1985 1289659 - 136;803 1990 133,.096 - 1454628 2000 139,227 - 161,805 2025 140,732 - 190,402 SOURCE: Moore and Associates, New Bern, N. C. �6 �a3 The population projection range appears reasonable and is in line with the selected desired future population of the Citizens Advisory Council and Planning Board. This selection is as follows: SELECTED PROJECTIONS_ .. PRESENT 5 YEAR 10 YEAR 25 YEAR 50 YEAR 1975 1980 1985 2000 2025 113,806 125,600 154,726 160,000 191,000 These population figures were selected.by the Citizens Advisory Council and Planning Board as good projections of the population in- creases expected for Onslow County. The ten-year projection was calculated.from a straight line projection between the years 1980 and 1990. This projection is consistant with the views expressed by the citizens in the county's public participation program. In arriving at a decision about these population figures, there was a great deal of discussion about the areas of the county in which the population would probably grow.. These areas are shown on the Land Classification map and are primarily the areas being considered in the 201 Study: Swansboro, West Onslow Beach and Jacksonville. The soils information is limited with only general classifi- cations available. More study is needed to assess fully the quality of soils for development. Water resources are plentiful in Onslow County: the only problem areas being the beach vicinity. Large population and lack of potable water available at the beach may necessitate pumping water from sources.off the island. 13? iz4 • The development of West Onslow Beach will be predicted.on whether a sewer system can be economically constructed on the island. This single factor will account for a large perceintage•.of the population growth in the county. The population projections . for West Onslow Beach are follows: POPULATION PROJECTIONS OF WEST ONSLOW BEACH AVERAGE PEAK MAXIMUM PERMANENT SEASONAL SEASONAL POPULATION 1975 290 2,040 3,670 3,960 1985 742 5,155 9,275 10,017 1995 1,430 9,827 12,869 19,299 Vote: This information was collected by the engineering firm of Coastal Zone Resources Corporation and was presented in a technical report of West Onslow Beach by the Department of Natural and Economic Resources, Division of Community Assistance, Southeast Field Office ( As can be seen from the table, increases in the peak seasonal population of 5,605 persons (153%) and 8,594 persons (92%) may be expected between the years of 1975-1985 and 1985-1995. The peak seasonal population does not mean that a particular number of persons would be present in the area at a given time,but,.rather, many persons could be expected to visit the area on a peak day, such as a weekend day during the months of June, July or August, the Fourth of July or Labor Day. While the peak seasonal population projections for 1985 and 1995 may seem high, by comparison they are low. The peak seasonal population estimate for 1975 for the Town of Wrightsville Beach is approximately 16,000. As these figures indicate,there are two different types of population • that use the beach area, permanent and seasonal, and it is the 1P seasonal population that will have the greatest impact on land use. FUTURE ECONOMY Economic conditions of an area play a major role in the expansion or contraction of employment opportunities. Onslow County's economy is highly dependent on Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, whether directly through employment.opportunities on the base or indirectly through the provision of goods and services in the civilian community, such as retail trade, housing, etc. All present indicators show the base population has stabilized; therefore, future employment increases must come from provision of jobs in the civilian sector of the economy. CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRIAL BREAKDOWN 1970 Total ONSLOW COUNTY REGION P. 18,970 100% 134,295 100% Agriculture 1,090 5.7 19,210 12.1 Nonagriculture 17,880 94.3 115,085 87.9 Manufacturing 1,340 7.1 24,575 19.4 Construction 620 3.3 6,180 6.5 Trades & Services 5,980 31.5 31,315 23.5 Transportation & Communication 1,090 5.8 4,170 3.0 Government 6,835 36.0 29,395 20.1 All other non -manufacturing 2,015 10.6 19,450 15.4 SOURCE: Region P Multi -County Statistical Data, May 1972 Neuse River Council of Government 131( fZ�-_ ESTIMATED EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRIAL BREAKDOWN FOR 1975, 1980, 1990, 2000 FOR ONSLOW COUNTY 1980 1990 2000 Total 20,892 23,014 24,294 25,483 Agriculture 1,191.8 1,312 1,385 11453 Nonagriculture 19,701.1 21,702 22,909 24,031 Manufacturing 1,483.0 1,634 1,725 1,809 Construction 689.1 759 801 841 Trades & Services 6,581.0 7,249 7,653 8,027 Transportation & Communication 1,212 1,335 1,409 1,478 Government 7,521 8,285 8,746 9,174 All other non -manufacturing 2,215 2,440 2,575 2,701 These projections are from straight line projections of percentages of.people employed in each of the categories. The projections do not take into account the possibilities of re- ductions in employment in any field. The civilian job market must improve in order to provide for the estimated growth. New or enlarged industries will likely be located within the community, and services for additional population will be provided. This increase in industry indicates a need for more residential, industrial, commercial and recreation land for the people employed in industry or commerce. Mineral Resources could have an effect on the economy of an area, but presently the specific sites of such mineral wealth have not been established for Onslow County; however, it is possible that glass sand, gravel, marl, agricultural limestone, chemical limes and cement limes can be found in this area. Detailed studies need to be undertaken by the state to show what important mineral resources are available and the economic J17 feasibility of extracting the resources before any consideration can be given to the provision of specific land use in this area. FUTURE LAND NEEDS Onslow County is growing; the estimated population for 1975 is 113,809. According to some estimates, the 1980 population may be as high as 125,909. 'To accommodate this growth, land must be provided to locate the various types of land use in the county. Recreation lands, residential areas, industrial areas, commercial areas and environmental areas need to be set aside in order for development to occur in an orderly fashion. Intensive use recreation areas are need in the more rural townships of Stump Sound, White Oak, Richlands and Swansboro. l Jacksonville Township seems to have ample recreation areas with the City of Jacksonville's recreation program and the Onslow Recreation Park. Jacksonville's recreation needs are covered in greater detail in the Jacksonville Land Use Plan In estimating the recreation.land needed in Onslow County, two totals were formulated:.the total acreage of.recreation land and the total number of p eople in the county proper. Approximately 1,004 acres are presently used for recreation in the county. This total is a combination of school acreage, parks and state parks. Forty-six thousand eight hundred seventy-one (46,871) people live in the county, or 41% of the total population. This figure was derived l by multiplying the total number of housing units in the county (taken from house count March 1975) by 3.4 people per house from the 1970 census. By dividing these two figures and multiplying by 1,000 people, the two acrers:of recreational land per 1,000 people were.'achieved. A guide for acres per 1,000 people of recreation land is eight acres of recreation land per 1,000 persons. This figure was provided by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic Resources, Northeastern Field Office, Washington, North Carolina. In comparing the two figures, Onslow is six acres.per 1,000 people short in the county at present or 368 acres short. If the beach areas are added, the recreation land is sufficient until 1990. However, there are needs for specialized.recreation areas in different locations. Pure acreage figures do not represent a clear picture of recreation needs,and it is recommended that a detailed recreation study be prepared. The estimates for residential land are based on the same population figures as the recreation figures. The total number of acres is calculated by multiplying the total number of houses by .07 acres of land. The latter figure is an estimate of an average residential lot in Onslow County, *and the small acreage assigned per house reflects the large number of mobile housing units in trailer parks. A more accurate figure will be available i • upon completion of the tax department record computerization program. The total acreage estimated to be in residential use in the county. is 967 acres. By dividing the 967 acres by 46,871 people, .02 acres of residential land per person in the county is obtained. The civilian population increase for the ten-vear projection will be 15,294, or assuming county population growth at 19% of the total county population, 2,905 people will be in need of housing in the county, for a total of 3.497 units needed by 1985. The estimated industrial land demand will increase as the economy of the state and nation improves. There are no sure means of determining how many industries will locate in Onslow County; the closest approximation is an attempt to show the relationship of industry to population. Industry occupies 500 acres of land in Onslow County. Using the 46,871 estimated population figure, there are .01 acres of industrial land.per person. By 1980, assuming an increase of 11,971 persons, an additional 119 acres will be needed. In 1990 with a projected 7,000 person increase, 70 more acres will be needed for a total of 689 acres devoted to industry. The county should plan on approving 189 acres for industrial growth. Commercial growth is determined in the same manner as residential growth. Approximately 614 acres are being used for commercial land use. This figure is the product of 512 identified t q 3. j '3D commercial sites in the county (housing count March 1975) and an estimated 1.2 acres per average commercial lot in the county. With our 46,871 person population figure, we arrive at .01 acres of commercial land per person in the county. Using this .01 acres per person, by 1980 we will need 119 additional acres for com- mercial use. By 1990 the county will need 70 more acres for commercial use totalling 803 acres; therefore, the county should plan on needing approximately 189 more acres of land for commercial purposes. TOTAL LAND NEEDS PROJECTIONS (ACRES) 1975 Incr_e_gse 1980 Increase 1990 Recreation 1,004 Residential' 967 235 1,202 140 1,342 Industrial 500 119 619 70 689 Commercial 614 119 733 70 803 The future land needs are for Onslow County, excluding munici- palities and the Marine Corps Base. Zoning designates areas for specific uses and provides for the future orderly development desired in increments sufficient to meet estimated demand. Within the residential section, subdivision regulations are highly desirable to provide needed open space and quality layouts for drainage, street construction and utilities easements. These two methods of providing for specific land uses were identified by the Citizens Advisory Council and the Planning Board. f4Y Water and sewer facilities are all but non-existent in the county. Provisions should be made for a comprehensive study for providing the county with detailed time tables for provision of water and sewerage services in areas where the growth of the county is expected. West Onslow Beach In developing alternative schemes for development, several factors need to be considered. These are the different types, locations, intensities of desired development and the various constraints --legal, physical and -.economic on each of these various types, locations and intensities. In considering these factors and selecting a development plan, the -Planning Board and Commis- sioners will be deciding how to use a unique and irreplaceable county resource so that the welfare and enjoyment of all citizens of the county are maximized. With the construction of the new bridge and relocation of Highway 210, development pressures have been greatly increased;and failure to take positive and decisive action will inevitably result in a reduction, and possibly de- struction of those values that make the West Onslow Beach area important to the entire county. The type of land use mix that appeared most desirable to citizens of the area based on the opinion survey is predomi- nantly single-family residential (exclusive of mobile homes) with normal tourist and recreation oriented commercial facilities. Two basic questions must be answered with regard to this alternative. Should mobile homes be excluded,,and what types and how much commercial development is desirable? Most mobile homes on North Carolina's coast have not been subjected to severe storms such as hurricanes.. A major catastrophe is likely when a hurri- cane of the force of Hazel strikes --as inevitably it will. Nearly 5,000 mobile homes yearly are destroyed by high winds in the U. S. because of their vulnerability to high winds and light weight construction with flat sides and ends. Thus, if mobile homes are to be considered as equivalent to conventional single-family housing,then they should meet the same safety requirements of stability, - A second important question relates to the intensity of residential development. While this question will not have to be determined until water and sewer facilities are available, the presence of high rise apartments or condominiums in the beach area may become a possibility if sewer facilities are eventually made available under the current 201 Facilities Plan. The location and intensity of development will be largely controlled by the County Zoning Ordinance, septic tank rules and regulations, federal and state water quality laws, the County Dune Protection Ordinance, and the North Carolina Dredge and Fill Law. While the ultimate effect of the Coastal Area Management t Act cannot be determined at this time, the other laws will effec- tively prohibit development in marshlands and surrounding waters, on beaches or sand dunes and in those areas where septic tanks may not be approved. Thus, the development pattern that will emerge will largely be determined by the availability of properly zoned suitable sites for development. The impact of available water and sewer facilities would probably result in a drastic alteration of existing land use patterns and it is critical that county officials decide soon whether or not a more intense level of development is desirable. While more intense development may raise land values and,therefore property taxes and revenues, the loss to all county citizens of an accessible and valuable resource can more than offset this gain. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEMAND In determining future needs for public buildings, a survey was conducted to obtain an assessment of future office needs for county departments and for state and federal agencies requiring space in county owned buildings. This survev indicated that many l Lt 7 „ �,, county agencies are located in cramped offices with a lack of room for expansion, thus indicating that more office area must be provided. Eighteen of twenty agencies anticipate increased space requirement in the 1980-1990 planning period. Amore detailed space needs study, which will help to guide county officials in the areas of land acquisition and capital improvements budgeting, should be undertaken to fully assess existing and future needs. The cultural and social facilities need of the county involve two areas; namely, the public library and a civic auditorium. A new library facility is presently under construction, and space will be adequate for a facility in a county of this size. The expansion of this building and the services which the library provides should be considered in the light_ of proiected population growth. An auditorium could provide a common meeting place, recreation fa- cilities, and cultural benefits, such as increased seating capacity for concerts, plays and other cultural activities.. Further studies should be undertaken to determine the cost of such a facility to- gether with estimates indicating the extent to which a civic center could generate revenues.to sustain operational and maintenance costs. Additional recreation facilities are needed in Onslow County. There is an estimated need of 368 acres of land, particularly in the Stump Sound, Richlands, White Oak and Swansboro Townships. To further establish the specific needs of each township, a detailed recreation study should be undertaken. This study could specify • �_ land areas and detailed requirements based on population trends for each township. The schools in the county are adequate for the present popu- lation, but the provisions for additional schools are presently being assessed by the school board. The only problems anticipated by the county school system are unforeseen population shifts and renovation of aging schools. Coastal Carolina Community College has a detailed expansion program underway with additional planning contingent upon enrollment. The demands for medical facilities center around two areas, increased space for,the Onslow County Health Department and pro- vision of greater capacity for the care of the aging. According to the information supplied by the N. C. Department of Human Resources, the County Health Department anticipates doubling its staff by 1980 and guadrupling its staff by 1990. The increased needs are based on additional missions and tasks assigned by the State. These growth figures indicate a need for additional office and clinic space. The facilities needed for increased water and sewer services will include treatment plants and water and sewer lines to accommo- date the three 201 Facilities Planning Areas. Future phases of the 201 plans will include specific site locations of treatment facilities and location studies for water and sewer lines. For the areas not covered by the 201 plans, water and sewer facilities must comply with regulations adopted by the State • and.enforced by the County Health Department. These requirements will mean an increase in staff and office space for the Health Department; a laboratory will also be needed for chemical analysis. As the existing jail is constantly overcrowded, plans are needed for expansion to help meet existing and f»ture needs. More office and storage space could also be utilized by the Sheriff's Department. The rescue sgllads are in need of a better alert system to speed them to the scene of a call. Provisions could also be made for the continuous ilpgrading of the rescue squads and volunteer fire departments' equipment to eliminate any equipment shortaees. Within the next decade, public sewage service and treatment will be the key elements for major development, EPA 201 Sewage Facility Plans are in .the planning stage for the areas shown on the following map. Those.plans will describe facilities neces- sary for expected growth over the next twenty-five years. Development outside of these areas will continue to rely on private wells and septic tanks, constructed to state standards. Onslow County has a sufficient tax base to provide the necessary services for growth over the next decade. _ • 201 F LECgEN D HO ® JA SN . TO ONSLOW C( • C_ P- PLAN DESCRIPTION /5->- • THE LAND USE PLAN The Coastal Area Management Act requires that lands within the jurisdiction of a local government be classified as Developed, Transition, Community, Rural or Conservation. Within Onslow' County, each of those classifications is present. Because Camp Lejeune is not within the planning jurisdiction of Onslow County, land classifications were not assigned to the military facility. The Developed class identifies developed lands which are presently provided with essential public services. Consequently, it is distinguished from areas where significant growth and/or new service requirements will occur. Continued development and redevelopment should be encouraged to provide for the orderly growth in the area. Developed lands are areas with a minimum gross population density of 2,000 people 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 its accompanying land uses;including commercial, industrial, and institutional. The City of Jacksonville and the adjacent Brynn Marr subdivision are classified as Developed. The Transition class identifies lands where.moderate to high density growth is to be encouraged and where any such growth that is permitted by local regulation will be provided • with the necessary public services. r 4 • LAND C EDDe Tr Ej Co E-1 Ru MConservation IOCKS H E 1 inch = 2 miles The area to be designated as Transition must be no greater than that required to accommodate the estimated county population growth at a minimum gross density of 2,000 people per square mile; for example, if the population increase for the following ten year period is estimated to be 10,000 people, and it is planned that 8,000 of them will be accommodated in the Transition area, then no more than four square miles of.Transition area should be shown. In addition, the minimum services which will be re- quired are.the necessary water and sewer facilities, educational services, and roads. Consideration must be given to the cost of public services in the Transition area,and local government is encouraged to estimate the approximate cost of providing public services where they do not alreadyexist. Land to be classified Transition should be considered in the following order, 1) First priority is for lands which presently have a gross population density of more than 2,000 people per square mile, but do not qualify as Developed be- cause they lack the necessary minimum public services. These areas may not be expected to accommodate addi- tional population, but they will require funds for services to avoid public health and safety problems. 2) Second priority is for lands that have all the neces- sary public services in place, but which lack the minimum gross population density of 2,000 people per square mile needed to qualify the area as Developed. These areas therefore have not utilized the capacity of the existing services. 3) Additional lands necessary to accommodate the re- mainder of the estimated Transition growth for the ten year planning period. I In choosing lands for the Transition class, such lands should not include: 1) Areas with severe physical limitations for develop- ment with public services. 2) Lands which meet the definition of the Conservation class. 3) Lands of special,value,such as the following,unless no other reasonable alterative exists: (a) Productive and unique agricultural lands; (b) Productive forest lands; (c) Potentially valuable mineral deposits; (d) Potential aquifers and key parts of water supply watersheds; (e) Scenic and tourist resources; (f) Habitat for economically valuable wildlife species; C. (g) Flood fringe lands; (h) Open coast flood hazard areas, exclusive of ocean erosive areas; (i) Estuarine flood hazard areas, exclusive of estuarine erosive areas The fringe areas adjacent to Jacksonville and the Towns of Swansboro, Richlands and Holly Ridge are classified as Transition. The Community- class identifies existing and new clusters of low density development not requiring major public services. Description: 1) The Community class includes existing clusters of one -or more land uses,such as a rural residential subdivision or a churoh, school, general store, industry,'etc. (Cluster is defined as a number of structures grouped together in association or in physical proximity - Webster's Dictionary). /C/ 2) This class will provide for all new rural growth when the lot size is ten acres or less. Such clusters of growth may occur in new areas, or. within existing community lands. In choosing lands for Community growth, such lands should not include: (a) Areas with severe physical limitations for development; (b) Areas meeting the definition of the Conservation class; (c) Lands of special value such as the following unless no other reasonable alternative exists: (1) Productive and unique agricultural lands; (2) Productive forest lands; (3) Potentially valuable mineral deposits; (4) Potential aquifers and key parts of water supply watersheds; (5) Scenic and tourist resources; �. (6) Habitat for rare and endangered wildlife species and economically valuable wildlife species; (7) Flood fringe lands; (8) Open coast flood hazard areas, exclusive of ocean erosive areas; (9) Estuarine flood hazard areas, exclusive of estuarine erosive areas. 3) New development in the Community class areas will be subject to subdivision regulations under the Enabling Subdivision Act (G.S 153A-330 et. esq.) 4) In every case, the lot size must be large enough to accommodate safely on -site sewage disposal and, where necessary, water supply so that no public sewer services will be required now or in the future. t �' u 1P 5) Limited public services should be provided in the Community class,such as public road access and electric power. 6) As a guide for calculating the amount of land neces- sary to accommodate new rural community growth, a gross population density of 640 people per square mile. or one person per acre, should be used. -If 1,000 new people. for example, are expected to settle in low density clusters during the following ten year period, then roughly 1,000 acres of land should be allocated for new growth in Community Class areas. Belgrade and Sneads Ferry are classified as Community. The Rural class identifies lands 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. The Rural class includes all lands not in the Developed, Transition, Community and Conservation classes. The Conservation class identifies land which should be maintained essentially in its natural state and where very limited or no public services are provided. Lands to be placed in.the Conservation class are the least desirable for development because: 1) They are too fragile to withstand development with- out losing their natural value; and/or 2) They have severe or.hazardous limitations to de- velopment; and/or 3) Though they are not highly fragile or hazardous, the natural resources they represent are too valu- able to endanger by development. r5 � • Such lands include: 1) Fragile Areas (a) Wetlands (b) Steep slopes and prominent high points (c) Frontal dunes (d) Beaches (e) Surface waters including -Lakes and ponds -Rivers and streams -Tidal waters below mean high water (f) Prime wildlife habitat (g) Unique natural areas and historic and archaeological sites 2) Hazardous Areas (a) Floodways (b) Ocean erosive areas (c) Inlet lands (d) Estuarine erosive areas 3) Other Areas (a) Publicly .owned forest, park, and fish and game lands and other non -intensive outdoor recreation lands (b) Privately owned sanctuaries, etc., which are dedicated to preservation (c) Publicly owned water supply watershed areas (d) Undeveloped key parts of existing water supply watersheds (e) Potential water impoundment sites I LO /vk� •- The purpose of this planning document is to provide elected officials with a comprehensive description of present land use in Onslow County together with a listing of constraints, capa- cities and future demands. The impetus for the preparation of this study is derived from the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. This act requires preparation of studies and plans to be monitored by the Coastal Resources Commission. Extensive efforts were made to obtain citizen participation in the preparation of this study, including appointment of a Citizens Advisory Council to assist the Onslow County Planning. Board. News media were most helpful in soliciting public opinion, and questionnaries were distributed to a wide segment of Onslow (r County`s population. The text contains an analysis of the patterns of land use, population trends, social characteristics and a study of com- munity facilities. Based on these studies, estimated demands were projected in the areas of the economy, land use and community facilities. The Citizens Advisory Council and Planning Board have formu- lated recommendations for the future use of land and facilities based on present conditions and estimated future demand. Princi- pal recommendations involve the enactment of land use regulatory con- trols and delineation of areas of environmental concern, together with recommendations for the provision of adequate community facilities, all of which are predicated on population projections prepared by the planning staff in coordination with other local and state agencies. It is hoped that the preparation.of this document and accompanying maps provide sufficient data and recommendations which will provide a basis for the implementation of plans which will provide for orderly growth, economic opportunity and a liveable environment without curtailment of property rights. The Land Use Plan was prepared with the help of all state, local and citizen participation which could be available. The state offices have been extremely helpful in providing informa- tion ranging from figures for population, recreation, fishing, �{ etc.,' to clarifying questions on the Coastal Area Management Act Guideline interpretation. The local governmental agencies have helped assemble the local policies and vital .figures used throughout the plan and have helped tremendously in arriving at the best solutions to problems of a factual nature. Specific sources include the following: Coastal Resources Commission Planning Guideline Regulations dated January 22, 1976 Onslow.County County Commissioners Planning Board Citizens Advisory Board Health Department Economic Development Planning Department Administrative Department Local Codes and Ordinances EPA 201 Plans Public Works State of North Carolina DNER - Division of Community Assistance Department of Administration U.S..Government USDA - Soil Conservation Service USDA —Agricultural Stabilization .U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Bureau of the Census The Planning Department of Onslow County has assembled the information for review -by the citizen groups for numerous dis- cussions. By providing all of this information to the citizens of the county and soliciting their ideas and problems,the Land Use Plan was formulated. J 163 ,�q A C • �1 CITY -COUNTY PLAN RELATIONSHIP 164 There has been good cooperation in the planning process between the city and the county. Dr. William Qualls of G. Reynolds Watkins Consulting Engineers, who prepared the -Jackson- ville Land Use Plan, and the Onslow County Planning Department have been mutually receptive to ideas of all planning related activities. All avenues of mutual interest have been discussed for decisions reached. Participation included Onslow County Planning Department membership on the Jacksonville Technical Advisory Council. Land classification of the county area adjacent to Jacksonville is consistent with the Jacksonville Plan. APPENDICES 16,6 15-,1, FOR ONSIOW COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN Onslow County is in the process of preparing a Land Development Plan for future use by elected of.ficials in compliance with the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974. It would be appreciated if you would take time to fill out this Opinion Survey in order that your opinions can be incorporated into the planning process. 1. Are you a permanent resident of Onslow County? Yes No What township do you live in? 2. .What is your occupation? 3. Do you live in a: ( ) Single-family house ( ) Duplex ( ) Mobile home ( ) Apartment 4a. Do you expect the population of Onslow County to increase, decrease or stay the same b. Would you like the population of Onslow County to increase, decrease or stay the same ? 5. Do you feel.that different types of land uses such as residential, commercial, and industrial should be: A. Separated as -much as possible B. Allowed to develop without restrictions 6. Do you want additional residential growth in your neighborhood? Yes No Industrial Growth Yes No Commercial Growth Yes No 7. What do you like most about Onslow County? (4 7 153 8. What do you like the least about Onslow County: nn n adsF�Ounty,,in the following areas: Needs More Attention Needs I Attent: .ess Con Adequate water and sewer ( ) ( 1 t air and water pollution ( ) ( ) garbage collection ( ) ( ) fire protection ( ) ) police protection ( ) ( ) schools ( ) ( ) parks and recreation ( ) ( ) streets and highways environ'mental.protection ( ) ( ) industrial development ( ) ( ) libraries ( ) ) mosquito control & drainage ( ) ( ) land use planning ( ) ( ) rescue and ambulance ( ) ( ) b. Would you be willing to pay for additional levels of service in. areas you feel need more attention? Yes No 10a. Is there any particular area in Onslow County that you feel is unique or special and should be preserved or protected in its present state.or form? Yes No b. If answer to question above is "yes", please indicate the area that should be protected. 11. Please use the following space to make any additional comments about the Coastal Area Management Act that,you would like. c�F /5 � Wr Information concerning the Coastal Area Management Act is available from the Onslow County Planning Department. Please call 455-3661 and additional -information will be mailed to you. Please mail this questionnaire to the-Onslow County. Planning Department, 107 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville, N. C. 28540. Thank you for your help and,cooperation. 19q 0 WEST GISO BEACH LAND USE PLANNING REPORT PRELIMINARY DRAFT" SUBMITTED To THE ONSLOW COUNTY PLANNING BOARD NovD sER 23, 1975 1 176 k0 WEST UISO BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL AREA MANAGEIW ACT LMM USE PLAN PREPARED FOR ONSLOW COUNTY PLANNING BOARD JUUUS J. SEGERM4N, CHAIRMAN IMArCK .BYRON ERVIN, JR. LLIAM D. PEL.ON .. - .. LTHERINGTON TSFIELD, JR. �I' TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES LOCAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES SECTION SOUTHEASTERN FIELD OFFICE . JOHN J. - HOOTON, CHIEF - P ' ER. . COLLI S MORECOC , PROJE T-IANNER MELBA., FL -INNER TECHNICIAN NOVENiER 2, B75 171 INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND WEST ONSLO'W BEACH REPORT The West Onslow Beach Report is a small, but important part of a program that is generally known as the Coastal Area Management Program. This program is composed of a partnership of Federal, state, and local governments, laws, administrative guidelines, and land use plans which has as its central purpose the preservati op, protection, and development of the Nation's coastal zone through the application of a comprehensive planning and management process. The program began in 1972 with the passage of the Coastal Zone Man- ` agement Act (P. L. 92-583) by the United States Congress. This Federal Act authorized the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce to make annual grants to states in developing a management program for the land and water resources of its coastal.zone. North Carolina, as an eligible coastal state, began its coastal program in 1974 when the General Assembly passed the hotly debated Coastal Area Management Act in April of that year. Shortly thereafter, the state received its first grant under the Federal legislation and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Eco- nomic Resources, in conjunction with the Department of Administration, began administration of the Act in the fall of 1974. The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act is different from other state coastal pro- grams since it involves joint administration by local and state interests. This joint undertaking is accomplished in several.ways. The first is the establishment of the Coastal Resources Commission. The members of the Commission are all coastal residents appointed by the Governor and most of whom were nominated by local governments for appointment. The second major avenue for local government involvement is the development of land use plans by the local governments. Each county and city within the 20 county coastal area is to develop a land use plan for submission and approval by the Coastal Resources Commission by May of 1976. Guidelines for the development of this plan were adopted by the CRC in January of 1975 and subsequently amended in October of the same year. In order to assist with the technical phases of the plan's development, the county contracted with the Local Planning and Management Section of the Depart- ment of Natural and Economic Resources -to provide a report identifying and describing existing land uses and proposed Interim Areas of Environmental t Concern; and, in addition, make recommendations for future develop- ment alternatives for the Beach. The description of services to be pro- vided under the report is included in the Appendix. This document represents the first draft of the report and has beea submitted to the County Planning Department on November 23, 1975, for informal review. This draft is not to be interpreted in any way as an approved report )of the County Planning Board or County Comnissioners. Purpose of the Plan for Onslow County The question most often asked is why must Onslow County prepare a land use plan. A major purpose of the local land use plan is to permit local governments to share in the regulation of Areas of Environmental Concern that may be found to be within the County jurisdiction. This sharing is to be accomplished through the development of a comprehensive land use plan that would act as a vehicle for expressing overall community needs that might require a different land usuage within an AEC than that stated by the CRC in the Guidelines. If the proposed land use differs from that intended by the CRC it may still be acceptable and the land use plan approved if consistent with the Guidelines. Failure to accept the respon- sibility for preparation of a land use plan waives the responsibility and authority to the CRC. Thus it is of the greatest importance that the land use plan be developed with widespread public participation and project its future land needs on the basis of this support. The CRC has continuously stressed the importance of this type of support'from the public. Accordingly, Section addresses past public participation efforts and future planned efforts in Onslow County. 17.3 JXz .J Planning Area The area covered by this report is all of that portion of Topsail Island between the Pender County Line and the New River Inlet and be- tween the Atlantic .Ocean and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Methodology and Content The original methodology for writing this report anticipated a brief inventory of the socio-economic and physical characteristics of the Beach, an anlaysis of these characteristics, and suggestion of possible development alternatives under the Coastal Area Management Act, County Zoning Ordinance and other applicable regulations. Much of the original effort was devoted to the mapping of proposed Interim AEC's as' - specifically required by the draft of the proposed amendments to the Guidelines. However, when the adopted version was received on November 10, two weeks prior to the November 24, submission date, this requirement was made optional instead of mandatory. -Therefore, while delineation of proposed Interim AEC's is certainly useful to the County for illustration C, purposes, the time and expense involved in this phase of the report has diverted the limited available financial resources from other areas of study. Thus more detailed attention will be given to future development alternatives in the second draft of the report. t7Y PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The public Participation program on West Onslow Beach has been mainly composed of a citizen opinion survey that was mailed to property owners on the Beach whose names and addresses were avail ablemrthe tax offices. The results of this survey are summarized qn the .county following table. As can be seen from the summary most ofthe people of t121he responding to the survey would like to see the population each increase slightly but only in single-family residental housing(except mobile homes)served with water and sewer facilities. and recreationaitland Most people would like to have more open space for the beach but would not support an increase in taxes to pay , on except in some cases for mosquito control. If more public funds are to be spent the respondents felt that top priority, in order, sandldobeCeiven to water and sewer facilities, garbage collection, and fire P protection. Generally, it was felt that development should not be per- mitted on dunes, in the marshes, or near inlets and that these natural in features were unique or special and should be preserved or protected �. their present state. Summary of Citizen 0 inion Surve For West Onslow Beach Respondents who would like to see the population of West Onslow, Beach: 24 increase greatly increase slightly 53 decrease greatly 4 decrease slightly 27 stay the same Respondents who would liketo see more or less of the following types of P 93 single family housing 16 apartments 24 condominiums 16 mobile homes 23 commercial 50 public open space public recreation facilities 70 -- Respondents that would support land use regulations to restrict development - 36 -- Respondents that wouldnotsupport land use regulations to re- strict development l that would support an increase in taxes to pay -- Respondents - 35 for public open space -- Respondents that would not support an increase in taxes to • pay for public open space - 53 -- Respondents that felt more public funds should besspent for: More L water and sewer 68 3 garbage collection 72 6 fire and police 65 4 ' schools 19 16 parks and recreation 35 14 local planning 37 12 roads or public transit 40 14 environmental protection 50 15 -- Respondents that felt development should be permitted in: never seldom frequently alwas lands near inlets 35 21 21 10 beaches 15 15 26 25 marshes 44 12 13 9 dunes 52 10 14 10 inland waterways 11 12 16 24 The results of the survey indicate that the general feeling of -Beach property owners is that gradual increases in single-family conventional residences, served by major public facilities (particularly water and sewer), and located so that the important natural resources of dunes, marshes, inlet lands, and beaches are not disturbed, should be the future development trend for the Beach; enforcement of such land use regulations as zoning ordinances is an acceptable and desirable means for assuring that this land future use pattern is achieved. t7� ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORIES Using 1974 aerial photography flown by the Department of Transportation, supplemented by a windshield survey, an existing land use inventory was made of the Beach. These uses are mapped on the Existing Land Use Map submitted with this report. The results of this survey are shown in the following table: Existing Land Uses --West Onslow Beach Use Acres % of Total Residential 155.20 4.7 Commercial 26.11 0.7 Undeveloped 749.00 22.8 Wetlands 1788.50 54.4 Beaches 564.30 17.1 TOTALS 3282.6 or 100 (5.12 square miles) As can be seen from the map and table the majority of the land 54.4 percent on the Beach is in the Wetlands category. The second biggest category is the Undeveloped class with 22.8%.Beaches, 17.1% are the third biggest class. Thus, nearly -one-fourth of the 5.12 square miles in the planning ares is available for future development. The 1,788.50 acres included in the Wetlands category cannot be realistically considered for development since these are entirely marshlands covered by marsh grass known as smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), and to develop these lands would require extensive filling. Such filling gen- erally requires an easement from the North Carolina Department of Adminis- tration and such easements for any sizeable areas have usually been denied since marshlands are considered to be public trust lands (i.e. are lands covered by mean high water ). For the same reason the beach areas can be logically excluded from consideration for future development. A survey of the types of dwelling units was conducted by a local realtor and the results of this survey are shown below:. Type of Unit Number % of Total single 283 24.1 multiple 81 6.9 motels 34 2.8 mobile homes 776 66.1 i 1173 1 As the results of this survey clearly indicate the type of dwell- ing unit is the single-family unit and that mobile homes predominate, 66.1% of all units. 17V /6 POPULATION ANO ECONOMY Because the West'Onslow.Beach planning area is not incorporated, the decennial census data is mixed with the Onslow County data and cannot be extracted. However, the engineering firm of Henry von Oesen and Associates, and Coastal Zone Resources Corporation, have conducted surveys in the area in an attempt to determine existing permanent and seasonal populations in Topsail Beach, Surf City, and West Or.slow Beach. These estimates will be accepted for this plan and credit is extended to those firms. These estimates and projections based on the assumption that the proportions will remain constant, are shown in the table below. average peak maximuml permanent seasonal seasonal population �- 1975 290 2040 3670 3960 19 1995 5 1430 9827 12869 19299 (1) permanent plus peak seasonal As can be seen from the table, increases in the peak seasonal population of 5605 persons (153%) and 8594 persons (92%) may be expected between the years of 1975-1985 and 1985-1995: The peak seasonal population does not mean that that particular number of persons would be present in the area at a particular time but rather that that many persons could be expected to visit the area on a peak day such as a weekend day during the months of June, July, or August or the Fourth of July or Labor Day. While the peak seasonal population comparison they are low. The projections for 1985 and 1995 may seem high, by com p population estimate for 1975 for the Town of Wrightsville Beach peak seasonal is approximately 16,000. As these figures indicate there are two different types of population that use the beach area, permanent and seasonal, and it c 77 /65 is the seasonal population that will have the greatest impact on land use. The economy of the area is recreation and. tourist oriented and consists mostly of four piers, two motels, and several service related businesses. It is extremely doubtful that any other economic base will be established in the area and increases in tourist and recreation businesses may be expected as the population, permanent and seasonal, increases. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN The October 15 amended State Guidelines for Local Planning require local governments to identify the proposed Interim Areas of Environmental Concern (IAEC) within.the jurisdiction. Identification in this sense means a "writ- ten listing of the AEC's occurring within a jurisdiction." In order to give local governments an opportunity to become further involved in the plan- ning process the local government is given the option of delineating (portray- ing on a map) all of the lands or waters that may fall within an IAEC. The following is a listing of those IAEC's identified within the West Onslow Beach planning area and a summary of the policy objective and appropriate land uses the complete text of the Guidelines should be consulted. (1) Coastal Wetlands - The extent of these lands is generally de fined by the existence of some, but not necessarily all, of certain salt marsh plants. The major dominant plant is smooth cordgrass (S artina alterniflora) and the presence of this species defines the limits of low tidal marsh, or marsh area that is covered twice a day by the rise and fall of lower tides. However, coastal wetlands also'include adjacent lands that are only occassionally flooded and the resence of such species as Blackneedle rush (Juncus roemerionus), Salt meadowgrass (Spar - ttin�a patens), and ca�ic will define the limits of these adjacent lands. The bjective is to give the highest priority to preservation of these lands and any develop- ment, such as business, residences, parking lots, disposal sites, or roads, which alter their natural function is inappropriate. (2) Estuarine Waters - Estuarine waters are virtually all of the water in t e Intracoastal Waterway, sounds, and Atlantic Ocean to the limits of states jurisdiction.- In addition they extend inland on rivers to approximately the limits of seawater encroach- ment. Their importance lies in the fact that 90% of the total value of the commercial fisheries catch in North Carolina comes from species that are dependent upon the Estuarine Waters for breeding or reproduction. Appropriate uses of such water must not interfere with the preservation, management, and perpetuation of their biological, economic, and aesthetic values. (3) Certain Public Trust Areas - The idea of a public trust is gen- era y t at t e state holds the title to lands beneath all the. waters below mean high tide in trust for all the people of the state. The concept originated nearly 200 years ago in English common law, long before the passage of the Coastal Area Management.. Act and is a valid doctrine regardless of the Act. The LAMA only reinforces this doctrine by identifying public trust areas as IAEC's. The definition included in the State Guidelines is basically that a public trust area includes all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and navigable waters and the lands thereunder from the mean high watermark to the seaward limits of the state's juris- t J 67 diction. Appropriate land uses in such areas shall be only those consistent with the protection of public rights for navigation and recreation and the preserva- tion and management of their biological, economic, and aesthetic value. (4) Sand Dunes alon the Outer Banks - A sand dune is de- fined in the State bUidelines as a ridge or*mound of development in loose wind blown material, usually sand. Developed in these areas should only be undertaken if sound engineering practices, including site preparation and maintenance, are undertaken to minimize the erosive effects of wind and water. (5) Ocean Beach - These are land areas without vegetation and consists of unconsolidated soil material that extends landward from the mean low tide to the toe of the dune. Land uses appropriate for these areas are those that will preserve the opportunity to enjoy the physical, aesthetic, cultural, and recreational qualities of the natural shore- line of the state so as not to unreasonably interfere with the rightful use and enjoyment of the beach area. (6) Ocean Erodible Areas - This is the area above mean high water where excessive erosion has a high probability of 25 occurring as defined by the recession line of a year hazards to life storm. Land uses that cause unnecessary and property or unreasonable requirements for public ex- penditures to protect property or maintain safe conditions shall not be allowed in these areas. The general extent of these areas is delineated on the proposed IAEC- maps submitted with this report. These maps are intended only for general illustration purposes and should not be interpreted in any was as a basis for the issuance of permits. There are several IAEC categories that will not be delineated or actually identified in this preliminary draft because of insufficient information. However, field observations and general knowledge of the area indicate, that the following proposed IAEC's may exist within the planning area: Coastal Floodplains, Special Aquifer Areas, Complex Natural Areas, Sound Erodible Areas, and Coastal Inlet Lands. If sufficient information is available prior to submission of the final report these potential IAEC's will be identified and delineated. V 1 /a, 4 EItVIRON."IENT L i,1ANAGU:iERY i 11. C. DEPT. Or NATURAH RESOURCES & DEIa DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES FOR WEST ONSLOW BEACH In developing alternative schemes for development, several factors need to be considered. These are the different types, locations, intensities. of desired development and the various constraints --legal, physical, and economic on each of these various_types, locations and intensities. In considering these factors and selecting $ development plan, the Planning Board and Commissioners will be deciding how to use a unique and irreplaceable county resource so that the welfare and enjoyment of all citizens of the county is maximized. With the construction of the new bridge and relocation of highway 210,development pressures have been greatly increased and failure to take positive and decisive action will inevitably result in a reduction, and possibly destruction of those values that make the West Onslow Beach area important to the entire county. The type of land use mix that appeared most desirable to citizens of the area based on:the opinion survey is predominantly single-family residen- tial (exclusive of mobile homes) with normal tourist and recreation oriented commercial facilities. Two basic questions must be answered with regard to this alternative. Should mobile homes be excluded and what types and how much commercial development is desirable? While mobile homes have -become to be acceptable homes for many Americans, their use in a beach environment is highly questionable. Most mobile homes on North Carolina's coast have not been subjected to severe storms such as hurricanes, and some long time observers predidt a�major catastrophe -when a hurricane of the force of Hazel strikes --as inevitably it will. Nearly 5,000 mobile homes yearly are destroyed by high winds in. the U.S. because of their vulnerability to high winds and light weight construction with flat sides and winds. The winds of hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms can, toss unanchored mobile homes around, roll them over and smash them into neighboring mobile homes and adjacent properties. Thus, if mobile homes are to be considered as equivalent to conventional single family housing then they should meet the same safety requirements of stability and -lot size requirements if on site disposal of sewage is necessary. • A second important question relates to,the intensity of residential development. While this question will not have to be determined until water and sewer facilities are available, the presence of high rise, ' { apartments or condominiums in the beach area may become a possibility if sewer facilities are eventually made available under the current 201 facilities plan. The location and intensity .of development.will belargely controlled by the County Zoning Ordinance, the Coastal -Area Management Act, the septic tank rules and regulations, Federal and State water quality laws, the County Dune Protection Ordinance, and the. North Carolina dredge and fill law. While the ultimate effect of the Coastal Area Management Act cannot be determined at this time, the other laws will effectively prohibit development in marsh- lands lands and surrounding waters, on beaches, or sand dunes, and in those areas where septic tanks may not be approved. Thus, the development pattern that will emerge will largely be guided.by the availability of properly zoned suitable sites for development. However, the impact of available water and sewer facilities would probably result in a drastic alteration of existing land use patterns and i it is critical that county officials decide soon whether or not a more intense level. of development is desirable. While more intense development may raise land values and therefore property taxes and revenues, the loss__ to all county citizens of an accessible and valuable resource may more than offset this gain. 1 . - ---.•� wiu oup+rva. a.Cu uac �.vuaaa.,y a cne stated reasons . On 26 June the Dare County Carmissioners adopted the -following amendment to . the JDriergy Facility Policy with supporting implementation action: facility or related improvement within its jurisdictional lan, includes all structures, operations, and activities associate, chemical energy facility development, such as, but not limite, support bases for off -shore exploration activities, staging a. and/or production pipelines, pipeline storage yards, and othe. tures, activities, and improvements related to Petro -chemical development, exploration, or production. Dare County support development of non -fossil fuel alternatives for energy produc Add implementation activity as follows: The Dare County Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to prohibit energy facilities and other land uses associated with Petro-d r_ . - &. th Petro- , on -shore , transmission'- nilar struc- rgy facility search and ro-chemical facility development, exploration, or production. Staff has reviewed the locally adopted -amendment, finds it consistent with the policy options a local government may choose to adopt, and recommends full certification. Orislow_Gount ' As you know in addition to meeting all AEC performance and use standards, all development project proposals must also be consistent with the applicable land use plan before LAMA permits can be issued. Planning staff has recently been involved in giving a consistency opinion for a -particular proposal in'Onslow county.I This -has revealed an internal inconsistency, in the 1987 county plan as'the plan includes West Onslow Beach in the High Density Transition land class, which acknowledges intense development with services, yet later the plan contradicts itself by including the 100 year flood.area, Ocean Hazard Areas, and Estuarine Shorelines within the conservation -land class. The conservation class acknowledges only limited low density development with limited or no* services. All of West Onslow is within the 100 year flood area, therein creating the conflict. The county commissioners at their 5 June meeting scheduled a public hearing on 24 July to consider amending their plan to resolve this conflict. The amendments involve several changes on pages 91, 92, 95 and 96. As of this writing it is'not possible to predict what action, if any, the county will take on 24 July, but in anticipation of some local action the proposed amendment language is attached. 'Our staff has been reviewing the proposed language changes since we received them, and they do resolve the internal, inconsistencies. It is interesting to note, however, by deleting floodways' from the conservation land class definition, other areas throughout the county, and not only West Onslow Beach, will be affected by the new definition. This matter will be brought to the county `s•attention at the public hearing on the 24th. If adopted, we can further discuss the amendments at the July meeting as desired by the county. Proposed changes were submitted in "full page units",as called'for in -planning guidelines. Changes are either crossed out if deleted or.underlined if new language is included. S The five land classifications and Land Classification Map are therefore .intended to serve as a visual reflection of the policies previously stated in earlier sections of this plan. Ideally, the map which depicts these classifications should be as flexible as the policies that guide them. ��sa;-tl°ie-epees-si�ewri-ecs-eanse�at€ems-�e�t�des-A�E1s;-wet�enels;-€�eed�aaps t�itl°i-t��t�ate-dete�nat€en-e€-tl�et�-�eeet€as-e�-tY�e-g�et�d-be�gmade-bp the-apg�e�tate-�egt��ata�p-sta€€-e�-Fec�ty-pest-a€€iee�. (See Map 2, Land Classification Map) The five land use classifications, used in the CAMA program are: A. DEVEUJPED The developed class of land use provides for continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities or municipalities. Areas to be classified as "developed" include lands currently developed for urban purposes or approaching a density of 500 dwellings per square mile that are provided with usual municipal or public services, police and fire protection. In other words, such areas must currently be "urban" in character, i.e. have mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial and'institu- tional, or other uses at high to medium -densities. B. TRANSITION Transition land is classified as those lands providing for future intensive urban development within the ensuing ten years on lands that are most suitable and that will be scheduled for provision of necessary public utilities and services. They may also provide for additional growth when additional lands in the developed class are not available or when they are severely limited for development. Lands classified "transition" may include: * lands currently having urban services; * lands necessary to accommodate the population and economic growth anticipated within the planning jurisdiction over the next five to ten years; * areas which are in, or will be in, a "transition" state of development, i.e. going from a lower intensity to a higher intensity, of uses and will eventually require urban services. Transition lands must further: * be served or be readily served by public water, sewer, and other urban services including public streets, and be generally free of severe physical limitations for urban development. 91 .The "transition" class should not include: C. 0 E. * lands of high potential for agriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction, or land falling within extensive rural areas being managed commercially for these uses, when other lands are available; * lands where urban development might result in major or irreversible damage to important environmental, scientific, or scenic values, or; * land where urban development might result in damage to natural * systems or processes of more than local concern; and lands where development will result in undue risk to life or Property from natural hazards or existing land uses. ODMMUNITY The "Community" classification provides for clustered land uses to meet housing, shopping, employment, and public service needs within the rural areas of the County. It is usually characterized by a small grouping of mixed land uses which are suitable and appropriate for small clusters of rural development not requiring municipal sewer service. RURAL The "Rural" class provides for agriculture and forest management, mineral extraction and other low intensity uses on large sites including residences where urban services are not required and where natural resources will not be unduly impaired. These are lands identified as appropriate locations for resource management and allied uses; land with high potential for agriculture, forestry or mineral extraction; lands with one or more limitations that would make development costly and hazardous; and land containing irreplaceable, limited, or significant natural, recreational or scenic resources not otherwise classified. CONSERVATION The final land use category, according to CAMA guidelines, is the "Conservation" class, which provides for effective long-term management of significant, limited, or irreplaceable resources. speeifi- eall�*; -and-at-x��tm�; -all-ef-�e-statt��e�il elef�eel- beyend-tke-p eseaee-of-A ; -et}ie -a eae-Sri - e-� .g . Hawever; nattiiFa}%-ett}ttu`ag:-aFeeiFeatieaa-1-predtletive;-er-se-�aalt�e7- y- -a regaiiFe-si�a-"effeet}ve-�eag-tee--mana y-alse within the count that because of natural cultural, recreational, st areas productive, or scenic value, may also require similar "effective lon - term mana ement " Dcamples could include major wetlands (other than statutorily defined coastal wetlands); essentially undeveloped shorelines that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for development; lands that provide necessary habitat conditions (es pecially species); pocosins; or publicly owned water supply watersheds oandemnant acquifers. 92 The Developed Classification for Onslow County includes municipalities of Jacksonville, Swansboro, Holl the four y Ridge and Richland. The Rural Classification includes those areas in the count used primarily for agriculture or forest yrng development anticipated during the ply operations with little or no land classification map, this includes areas Period. As shown on the White Oak River and not designatedalong the southern edge of the Hofmann Forest and not desi "Conservation." The land area south of All of the land area along the southerneand wer or stern edtransition e1of then conservation. as conservation or lower and higher transition is class. included in the°ranuralriOt shown '£he-Eease�aatie�-Elassifieatian-x�a _ batela-as-defineel-bp-the-Feelea�-F�eael-same Regameasd}eael height-Tents;-iiie-Est-Waters-- }ines;-eeea�-haea�el-areas-asel-the-a�ekaeaiRsttta��e-Waters-a�el-fit �eabl�eeE�e�e�� The Conservation Classification ma eg�ea}-s�ete-ef-pesda-1siaxd- Estuarine Waters include coastal wetlands, federal wetlands, Public Trust Waters, and the archaeol ical site of Permuda Island. As noted on the Land Classification Ma shown for general use only and final determinationoof Map, conservation areas are the responsible federal, state final local e en be made by uesSuch determination shall be made based on a field investigation regulatory question. y area in 95