Joint CAMA Land Use PLan-2005

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Pamlico County
Joint CAMA Land Use Plan
Community Concerns and Aspirations Plan-
ning Vision
Analysis of Existing and Emerging Trends
Land Use and Development Goals
Growth and Development Policies
Future Land Use Map
Tools for Managing Development
Implementation Action Plan
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Adopted by Board of Commissioners November 2004
Certified by Coastal Resources Commission January 2005
Planning assistance by
William B. Farris, AICP
An Advanced Core Land Use Plan
The Preparation of this plan was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Manage-
ment, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Pamlico County
-Mesic Vandemere Bayboro Minnesott Beach-
CAMA Land Use Plan Update
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview
Page
1
PART 1. Community Concerns and Aspirations —Planning Vision 5
Assets and Problems 5
Planning Vision 7
PART 2. Analysis of Existing and Emerging Conditions 10
Section I Population, Housing, and Economy
1.1 Population 12
1.2 Housing 15
1.3 Current estimates and projections of permanent
and seasonal population 18
1.4 Local economy 19
Section 11
Natural Systems Analysis
24
2.1
Natural systems inventory
24
2.2
Composite environmental map
31
2.3
Summary environmental conditions
32
Section III
Analysis of Existing Land Use
37
3.1
Description and analysis of existing land use
37
3.2
Land needs forecast
39
Section IV Analysis of Community Facilities
41
4.1
Water
41
4.2
Sewer
42
4.3
Highways
44
4.4
Stormwater management
45
Section V Land Suitability Analysis
47

Section VI Review of Current Policies
PART 3. Land Use Plan— Goals, Policies, and Future
Land Use Map
Growth and Development Goals
Future Land Use and Development Policies
1.0 Public access
2.0 Land use compatibility
3.0 Infrastructure carrying capacity
4.0 Natural hazards
5.0 Water quality
6.0 Local concerns
Economic development
Resource -based industries
Community development
Land use
Policies related to municipalities
Bayboro
Mesic
Minnesott Beach
Vandemere
Future Land Use Map
Allocation of Future Land Uses
Cost of Community Facilities
Part 4. Tools for Managing Development
Role and Status of Plan
Existing Development Management Program
New Tools/Reviews and Amendments/Projects
Action Plan
Appendix —Required Policy Analysis
Consistency of Plan with Management Topics
Analysis of the Impact of Policies on Management Topics
49
52
52
54
55
58
60
63
64
65
65
67
68
69
69
70
70
71
72
73
80
81
99
91
91
94

Maps
follows e
paq
Environmental Composite Map
31
Closed Shellfish Growing Areas Map
35
Existing Land Use Map
37
Land Suitability Map
48
Future Land Use Maps
Part A - Western and Southern Pamlico
73
Part B - Northeast and Eastern Pamlico
14-Digit Hydrologic Unit Map
73
iii

I
Pamlico County
-Mesic Vandemere Bayboro Minnesota Beach-
CAMA Land Use Plan Update
Overview
Pamlico County's permanent population has been growing slowly over
the past 20 years. The county has also experienced an upswing in the de-
velopment of second -home and retirement communities. Working fami-
lies, retirees, and second -home owners all take advantage of the county's
beautiful, clean waters, its outdoor recreation opportunities, its pictur-
esque landscape, and its rural lifestyle. The CAMA Land Use Plan is one of
the tools that the county and its municipalities will use to manage its
growth and development. The plan will help to ensure that new devel-
opment and new land uses are consistent with the county's goal of main-
taining its rural character; it will help the county plan for essential services;
and it will help protect the essential natural resources that define the
county's lifestyle.
The CAMA Land Use Plan will serve both day-to-day and long-range func-
tions. The day-to-day functions relate primarily to administration of the
county and towns' development management ordinances and the pub-
lic's understanding and use of these ordinances for land use and devel-
opment decisions regarding their own property. For the elected boards,
the Plan will be a policy and decision guide on matters related to land use
and land development. It will not have the status of a local ordinance or
code, but the policies and the future land use map will guide decisions on
applicable ordinances and policies such as subdivision regulations or
flood damage prevention ordinances. The plan may also be used by the
elected boards in their decision -making on capital and annual operating
budgets.
This plan is the culmination of a 2-year land use planning process that is a
cooperative effort between Pamlico County and the Towns of Mesic,
Vandemere, Bayboro, and Minnesott Beach. The planning area includes

the entire county, except Oriental where the Town is preparing a separate
plan.
The Land Use Plan Steering Committee, appointed by the Board of Com-
missioners, played a major role in the development of the plan, its policies,
and the future land use map. The Committee has members that repre-
sent diverse interests and geographic areas of the county.
The Steering Committee reviewed the technical information and it identi-
fied major land use assets and problems that provide a base for the land
use policies and future land use map. The Steering Committee also re-
viewed each policy, the future land use classifications, and the future
land use map prior to making its recommendations to the Board of Com-
missioners.
The Steering Committee provided numerous opportunities for residents
and property owners to be involved in development of the plan. All
Steering Committee meetings were open; the Steering Committee held
four community forums on important planning topics; and the Committee
held two community open houses to allow residents and property owners
to review the plan and make comments.
The plan includes four components:
1. Description of community concerns and aspirations and a planning vi-
sion for the county. Discussion of this plan component begins on page
5. It includes a sketch of the growth and development -related issues in
the county that emerged from the citizen participation process. It also
includes the planning vision that provides a valuable foundation for
land use and development goals and the policies for growth and de-
velopment.
2. Analysis of existing and emerging trends. This component of the plan,
which begins on page 10, provides the technical basis for policy de-
velopment. It includes trends and forecasts of population, housing and
the local economy; it details the opportunities and limitations pre-
sented by the town's natural systems; the discussion and analysis ad-
dresses existing land use and recent trends; and it provides information
on important community facilities. This information is summarized in a
Land Suitability Map that provides the base for the County's Future
Land Use Map.
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3. Land use goals and policies. The county's land use and development
goals are found on page 52. These goals evolved directly from the
planning vision and they provide a road map for working toward the
planning. The land use and development policies, which begin on
page 54,. provide specific on guidance on decisions, programs, and
projects to help the county achieve its goals.
4. Tools for managing development. This component begins on page 82.
It outlines the County's strategy and action plan for implementing its
land use policies, including modifications to its current land use and
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development ordinances.
The plan includes an extensive analysis to determine the consistency of
the land use policies and the future land use map with the goals of the
coastal area management act and the CRC's land use management
topics. The analysis concludes that there is a high level of consistency.
Appendix 1 provides detailed information on this analysis.
Advanced Core Plan. This Land Use Plan is classified as an Advanced
Core Plan. As such, it exceeds the core CAMA planning requirements in
three major areas. First, the County recognizes the important relationship
between storm water management and water quality. Pamlico County
has no operations related to stormwater management and controls no
public stormwater facilities. The cooperating municipalities are in much
the same circumstances. Never the less, during the analysis phase of the
plan update, significant effort was made to identify any stormwater pipes
that have or could have a significant impact on water quality. This analy-
sis included review of DWQ Basinwide Plans and Shellfish Sanitation Re-
ports. The result of this analysis indicates that agriculture operations and
construction should be the major focus of stormwater policies. In addition,
education of the construction community is a major component of a suc-
cessful stormwater management program. The county's policies reflect
these results.
A second area of special concentration is public access. The Count sees
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access as a major part of the quality of life enjoyed by its residents and as
a major economic development tool. The Land Use Plan Steering Com-
mittee invited experts from the NC Tourism Division and local access sup-
porters to a forum that addressed access development. The plan's poli-
cies reflect the findings of these forums.
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Third, the County made an exception effort to adjust the Land Suitability
Analysis (LSA) Model to reflect local development factors in Pamlico
County. The result of this added effort is a Land Suitability Map that re-
flects local priorities and at the same time addresses the capabilities and
limitations of the county's natural systems. This LSA map is the basis for the
land classification categories on the Future Land Use Map.
An Advanced Core Land Use Plan
The Preparation of this plan was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Man-
agement Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which
is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration.
4

PART 1. Community Concerns and Aspi-
rations— Planning Vision
The Land Use Plan Steering Committee appointed by the Board of Com-
missioners used a 3-step process to describe growth -related concerns and
aspirations that provide a basis for the land use plan and its policies. The
steps included the following:
Step 1: Review of technical information related to existing and
emerging trends in the county;
Step 2: Identification of major community assets and problems re-
lated to land use and development;
Step 3: Development of an initial planning vision statement, with
the idea that this vision statement may be adjusted as the
citizen participation process progresses.
Once the Steering Committee identified initial concerns and issues, they
scheduled a series of five community forums to bring experts to the
county to provide in-depth information on key planning topics for public
information and to help with policy development. These planning topics
r included the following:
• Infrastructure - water, sewer, and roads
• Economic development - retirement and second -home devel-
opment
• Tourism
• Fishing, farming, and forestry
• Community development - community appearance, housing,
and land use
The concerns and issues identified by the Committee are shown below.
The county's planning vision follows the concerns and issues.
I Assets and Problems
The table below is a summary of the growth -related conditions that will be
addressed by the Pamlico land use plan. The summary includes catego-
ries that influence land use, development, and water quality and that
address the CAMA Land Use Plan Management Topics.

Assets
• Good access to clean, public trust waters
that can support tourism and retire-
ment/second home development
• Sound agriculture that is an important part of
the local economy and that adds to the
county's scenic nature
• Good quality of life with communities that are
peaceful, have low noise, good neighbors,
and low crime
• Good climate makes the county attractive to
families and businesses relocating from other
areas
• Resources that support a "retirement econ-
omy," including open land, low cost of living,
and low taxes
• Strong and growing tourism industry
• Good schools
• Developing access to information technology
Problems
• Natural features, which include public trust
waters, wet soils, and wetlands, that (1) must
be protected to sustain the county's high
quality natural environment and (2) are limit-
ing to the types of development that the
county can accommodate
• Availability of adequate water and sewer
facilities to address current needs and to
support projected growth levels and devel-
opment patterns - maintaining the potable
water supply
• Increasing amount of impervious surfaces
and runoff that may degrade water quality
'
- Inadequate/inoperative drainage systems
• Better access to outlying areas and to the
surrounding region
• Inadequate access to medical services
• Incorporating agriculture into the county's

growth and development
Inconsistent land development regulations —
local, state (between departments), and
federal)
• Lack of jobs for county residents
• Maintain tax base to keep taxes low and to
allow county to provide necessary services
Waste management — solid waste, aban-
doned vehicles and mobile homes, waste-
water, "junk yards"
j Planning Vision - Pamlico County in the
Future
The Vision Statement is a direct result of the county's citizen participa-
tion process. It is a word picture that describes what the residents and
property owners want the county to be in the future. The vision state-
ment is a consensus of those involved in the land use planning process.
It provides a basis for setting. priorities, defining goals, and developing
policies to achieve them.
IThe following is Pamlico County's Planning Vision:
Pamlico County is recognized as the premiere place in coastal
North Carolina to live, work, recreate, and to retire. The
county and its towns and villages offer a variety of choices
in community settings for its residents.
• Higher density development is clustered near the
county's incorporated areas where services are available.
• The unincorporated areas of the county contain a variety
of housing types to meet the needs of the county's fami-
lies —all ages and income ranges. Yet, most residences are
single-family and are located in low -density communities.
• Homes on working farms are a major feature of the
county's rural landscape.

• High quality second -home and retirement communities
are located to take advantage of the county's water re-
sources.
Attractive, environmentally sound marinas, which support
second home and retirement communities and touring boats,
are located on suitable sites throughout the county.
The county and towns protect the appearance of the com-
munity by working with residents and property owners to—
... repair deteriorated houses,
... replace vacant, dilapidated houses, and
... locate and buffer unsightly outside storage in a manner
that ensures it does not negatively impact water quality
or the county's economic development.
Businesses that provide services and jobs are located so
that they are convenient to the county's residential commu-
nities but do not conflict with the residential environment.
Its waters - the rivers and creeks and the wetlands that
surround them, its farms, and its forestlands, define the
county's scenic character. The county and its citizens rec-
ognize that our natural resources support our coastal life-
style and that the community's livelihood is tied to good
stewardship of these resources. Our waters are clean, pro-
ductive, and accessible; our marshes and wetlands are pre-
served.
Pamlico County's economy is stable. Farming, forestry, and
fishing remain important parts of the county's economy.
However, the economy also includes a variety of businesses
that take advantage of developing information technology,
that support the retirement and second -home markets, and
that provide support growing resource -based tourism - sail-
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in , fishing, hunting, and paddling. Pamlico Count is also a
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residential base for families that have family members
working in the surrounding region. The County works with
local organizations, other local governments in the region,
and the state DOT to make these workers' access to jobs
outside of the county as safe and efficient as possible.
The county places its infrastructure - water, sewer, and
roads - where it will help create the kind of development and
the type of development patterns that it desires.
The count respects that a art of the quality of life of its
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residents is defined by freedom from unnecessarily restric-
tive regulations on decisions concerning use of the land.
Excellent county services support the quality of life offered
by Pamlico County—
... The county is a safe place to live and work. Sheriff's De-
partment insures that the county has a low crime rate
and that residents are free from the fear of crime.
... The water department works to insure that all residences
and businesses have high quality water to meet their
needs; the metropolitan sewer district works to provide
sewage collection and treatment services where more in-
tensive development is expected to occur.
... State-of-the-art fire and emergency medical services
are quickly available throughout the county.
... The public schools and community college are accessible
and provide an excellent foundation for life-long learning.
... Active and passive recreational opportunities abound for
everyone —children, teens, adults, and seniors.
1

PART 2.
Analysis of Existing and
Emerging Conditions
Part 2 of the Land Use Plan is designed to provide an information base
to support the formulation of policies to guide future growth and de-
velopment in Pamlico County.
This part of the plan includes the following major sections:
Section I
Population, Housing, and Economy
Section II
Natural Systems Analysis
Section III
Analysis of Existing Land Use and Development
Section IV
Analysis of Community Facilities
Section V
Land Suitability Analysis
Section VI
Review of Current Plans and Policies
The following series of maps was prepared to support the analysis of
natural systems:
Map 1. 1990-2000 Population Growth
Map 2. 2000-2002 Building Permits
Map 3. Estuarine System
Map 4. Coastal and Non -coastal Wetlands
Map 5. Soil Suitability for Septic Tanks
Map 6. Natural Hazards
Map 7. Fragile Areas
Map 8. Environmental Composite Map
Map 9. Closed Shellfish Growing Area
Map 10. Existing Land Use
Map 11. Cropland and Forestland
Map 12A. Community Facilities - Sewer and Water
Map 12B. Community Facilities —Highways
Map 13. Land Suitability Analysis
t
All of these maps are included in a summary report on Phase I of the Land
Use Plan Update, which was completed in 2003. This report is available for
inspection in the County Manager's office in Bayboro. Only Map 8, Envi- '
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ronmental Composite Map, Map 9, Closed Shellfish Growing Areas, Map
10, Existing Land Use, and Map 13 Land Suitability Analysis are included in
this plan.

ISection I
1 1.1 Population
1
Population, Housing, and Economy
1.1.1 Permanent population trends and current estimate
1.1.1.1 Regional and county growth trends
Table 1 shows Pamlico County's population growth over the past 20 years
compared to the other counties in the 5-county region. For the 2 dec-
ades, Carteret County was the fastest growing county. The national trend
of population movement toward coastal areas and the growth of retire-
ment communities influenced its 44% growth. Expansion of the military
complexes in the region undoubtedly had a significant impact on growth
as well.
Table 1
Population Growth
Pamlico Counfv ComnnrPd fn RPainn 19An_2nnn
Total Population
Percent Change
County
1980
1990
2000
1990-2000
1980-2000
Carteret
41,092
52,556
59,383
13.0%
44.5%
Beaufort
40,355
42,283
44,958
6.3%
11.4%
Craven
71,043
81,613
91,436
12.0%
28.7%
Hyde
5,873
5,411
5,826
7.7%
-0.8%
Pamlico
10,398
11,372
12,934
13.7%
24 4%
Region
168,761
193,235
214,537
11.0%
27.1 %
Source: Bureau of the Census
During the 1990s, Pamlico County saw the largest percentage growth of
population in the region. The county's 13.7% population increase was in-
fluenced by the location of the Pamlico Corrections Facility near Bayboro.
Nearly 600 people included in the population increase of 1,562 were insti-
tutionalized at the facility.
1.1.1.2 County growth areas
Table 2 shows population changes within the townships and incorporated
areas of the county during the 1990s. During this period, the permanent
population grew by 1,526 persons, or 13.7%. In terms of permanent
population, the area along NC 55 between Alliance and Olympia was the
fastest growing area. The water oriented areas in Townships 2 and 5
1 12

gained significant population during the decade. Even with the availabil-
ity of central water and sewer services in much of its area, Township sus-
tained a population loss of more than 13%.
A 1990-2000 Population Growth Map illustrates these growth trends.
Pc
Table 2
uiaTion iLirowtn in rownsni
s and Incorporated Areas, 1990-20
Total Population
%Change
County Subdivision
1990
2000
1990-2000
Township 1
2,903
3,511
20.9%
Grantsboro
-
754
-
Alliance (part)
-
-
_
Township 2
2,479
2,802
13.0%
Oriental
786
875
11.3%
Stonewall
279
285
2.2%
Township 3
2,350
2,832
20.5%
Bayboro
733
741
1.1 %
Alliance (part)
583
785
34.6%
Township 4
1,534
1,329
-13.4%
Mesic
310
257
-17.1%
Hollyville
102
(Inactive town)
Vandemere
299
289
-3.3%
Township 5
2,106
2,460
16.8%
Arapahoe
430
436
1.4%
Minnesott Beach
266
310
16.5%
Total incorporated area
3,788
4,732
24.9%
Total unincorporated area
7,584
8,202
8.1 %
County total
11,372
12,934
13.7%
source: Bureau of the Census; NC State Data Center
1.1.2 Population age characteristics
TIC
Figure 1, which is based on data from the Census, shows the relative
changes in the county's population age characteristics over the past 2
decades. The figure illustrates the following trends:
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1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Figure 1.
Percent of Population by Age Group
40%
35%
30%
25%
n F
c
CD
20%.
a
1,551
15%
f
/
10%
k
k b
O Pre-school and School Age (0-18)
� �•
BYounger Working Age (19-44)
5%
0Older Working Population (45-64)
p:.
.
�Im
® Elderly Population (65 and up)
0%
-
1980
1990
2000
Year
• The older population's share of the total increased significantly over
the 20-year period. Most attribute the increase in older population to
in -migration of older adults for retirement. Serving the growing retire-
ment population will affect land use and development patterns in the
county - need for more convenience and retail shopping, more per-
sonal and professional services, more entertainment, and so on.
• The older working population percent of total increased between 1980
and 2000. Aging of the working age population may account for this
increase.
The younger working age population percent of total declined be-
tween 1980 and 2000. This decline may reflect the overall job market in
the county.
The percent of pre-school and school age population declined stead-
ily over the 20-year period. This trend is linked to growth of older
population and increase in the number of younger working families
with no children.
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1.1.3 Income characteristics
Table 3 traces the county's major income characteristics over the past
two decades. The table shows both an increase in the media_ n family in-
come and a decline in the percent of families in poverty.
Using the state as a benchmark, the county's median income is lower
than the state and the percent of families is higher. However during the
1990s, the county's median income gained significantly on the state me-
dian. In 1990, the county median income was 83% of the state's median;
in 2000, the county's median was 90% of the state. During this same pe-
riod, the percent of county families declined from 15.8% to 1 1.7%.
Table 3
County Income Characteristics, 1980-2000
Median Family Income
Percent of Total Families in Pov-
erty
1980
1990
2000
1980
1990
2000
NC
$16792
$31548
$46335
11.6%
9.9%
9.1 %
FPamlico
$14509
$26168
$41659
17.5%
15.8%
11.7%
r�
Source: NC State Data Center
1.2 Housing
1.2.1 Housing characteristics
Table 4 provides an overview of the characteristics of Pamlico County's
housing stock. It shows that the growth in total housing units during the
1990s tracked changes in the total population - an increase of 12% in to-
tal units.
During the past decade, the number and percentage of housing units
classified as seasonal showed a sharp decline. After a major increase
during the 1980s, the number of seasonal units declined from 1,354 in 1990
to 946 in 2000 - 30%. This decline in seasonal units is coupled with a steep
increase in the number and percent of vacant units. It is possible that
units maintained for seasonal use were mistakenly classified as vacant.
Like most rural communities, owners occupy a large percentage of the
permanent units - 82%.
15

t
t
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
The average size of Pamlico households continues to decline. In 2000, the
average household had 2.38 persons. Decline in household size is ex-
pected to continue.
Table 4
Housing Characteristics
Permanent/Seasonal Units-ncrunn ncv_Tanurra_ Fl em mahnlrl 4Z17P
Percent Change
1980
1990
2000
1980-
1990
1990-
2000
1980-
2000
Total housing units
5,011
6,050
6,781
21 %
12%
35%
Permanent housing units
4,044
4,696
5,178
16%
10%
28%
Occupied units
3,678
4,523
5,178
23%
14%
41 %
Vacant units
366
173
623
-53%
260%
70%
Seasonal units
967
1,354
946
40%
-30%
-2%
Owner units
3,064
3,667
4,253
20%
16%
39%
Renter units
614
856
925
39%
8%
51 %
Average household size
(persons)
2.82
2.48
2.38
-12%
-4%
-16%
Sources: 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan; Bureau of the Census
1.2.2 Housing types
Table 5 shows the types of housing units that make up the county's hous-
ing stock. Sixty-five (65) percent of the county's houses are single-family,
detached. Mobile homes, at 31 %, make up the next largest type of
housing. Duplexes and multifamily units make up a very small percentage
of the housing stock.
Table 5
Tvnes of Units
Units in structure
1990
1990%
2000
2000%
Single-family, detached
3878
64.1%
4446
65.6%
2 units
36
0.6%
43
0.6%
3 or 4 units
23
0.4%
47
0.7%
5 to 9 units
63
1.0%
82
1.2%
10 to 19 units
4
0.1 %
7
0.1 %
20 units >
0
0.0%
7
0.1 %
Mobile homes
19731
32.6%1
21171
31.20
Other
731
1.2%1
321
0.5%
60501
100.0%1
67811
100.0%
Sources: 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan; Bureau of the Census
R

1.2.3 Building permits
Table 6 tracts the number, type, and value of residential building permits
in the county from 2000 and 2002. It provides a basis for updating the
housing stock data available from the 2000 Census.
During the 3-year period, the county added 158 traditional housing units
and 376 mobile homes. According to building inspections staff, a signifi-
cant number of the mobile homes are replacements for homes lost during
Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The exact number of replacements cannot be
determined; however, it is assumed to be approximately 45 to 50 units, if
the number of permits issued in 2001 and 2002 is "typical."
Table 6
Housing Units since 2000
guildinn Pprmife fnr Now Ilnife
2000
2001
2002
2000-02
Permits for
No. Units
Total Value
Number of
Total Value
Number of
Total Value
Number of
Total Value
New Resi-
($000)
Units
($000)
Units
($000)
Units
($000)
dences
Total Permits
56
$9,191
51
$8,143
51
$7,223
158
$24,557
for New Resi-
dences
Type of Struc-
ture
Single-family
56
$9,191
51
$8,143
49
$7,080
156
$24,414
Duplex
0
$ -
0
$ -
2
$ ' 142,
2
$142
Multi -family
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mobile homes
155
-
104
-
117
-
376
-
Total Com-
6
-
1
-
2
-
9
-
mercial Struc-
tures
Permits for
Demolitions
Residential
2
2
Units
Commercial
2
2
Structures
3uurce: k,ensus Lsureau; ramnco t.ounry inspections
17

The 2000-2002 Building Permit map shows the approximate location a
number of the building permits. County street data, which is currently
' being updated, does not show all of the new streets on which permits
have been issued. The map does illustrate the building and development
trend occurring in the southeastern area.
1.3 Current estimates and projections of permanent and sea-
sonal population
Table 7 shows estimates of the county's current permanent, seasonal, and
peak population components and projections to 2023. Each of these es-
timates and projections is discussed briefly below.
1.3.1 Current population estimate
Permanent population. The county s 2003 population estimate is 13,200.
This estimate is based on official state estimates for 2001 and 2002 and the
number of housing units added since the 2000 Census.
Seasonal population. Seasonal population includes persons who tempo-
rarily reside in Pamlico County on weekends, during the summer, or other
times of the year. These temporary visitors occupy motel rooms, camp-
sites, boat slips, and private rental units.
The estimate of seasonal population is based on a ratio of seasonal
population to permanent population that was established in the 1992
land use plan after a detailed analysis of components — persons in sea-
sonal units, motels, boats, and campsites. Due to the uncertainty about
the number of seasonal housing units — the major seasonal accommoda-
tion, the ratio approach will provide the most accurate estimate.
The ratio is 0.45 seasonal visitors for every permanent resident. Thus, the
2003 estimate of seasonal population is 5,940.
Peak population. Peak population is the total of permanent and seasonal
population. In 2003, it is estimated at 19,140.
1
1 18

1.3.2 Population projections
The NC State Data Center is recognized as an accurate source of popula-
tion projections for counties and their projections for Pamlico County to
2023 are shown in Table 7. These projections show the county's popula-
tion growing from 13,200 in 2003 to 15,400 in 2023, which is an increase of
2,200 persons. This is an average annual growth rate of less than 1 %.
The same seasonal -permanent population ratio of 0.45 is used to estimate
seasonal population.
Table 7
Cnmanf PAnidnflnn FcHmnfc nnel Dnr%sJnf:^n Dr�ai.4:ww.. �fAA! �fArl?
Po ulation Forecast
Year
State Projec-
tion
Rounded
Seasonal
Population
Peak Popula-
Lion
2003
13,144
13,200
5,940
19,140
2008
13,884
13,900
6,255
20,155
2013
14,447
14,500
1 6,525
21,025
2018
14,939
15,000
1 6,750
21,750
2023
15,309
15,400
6,930
22,330
JVUII.CJ. IVL. UUIU %._Urlrer; VVtSrI
1.4 Local economy
General economic indicators show overall improvement in the county's
economy over the last 20 years. Retail sales increased by nearly 200%
during the period and, with an increase of 20% in the 1990s, the employed
labor force increase outstripped the county's population growth.
The county's per capita income lags behind the 5-county region as a
whole. However, the county's incomes are growing and they appear to
be growing at a faster pace. Per capita income increased by 48% in the
1980s and 69% in the 1990s. Pamlico's per capita income is gaining slightly
on the regional figure. Pamlico's per capita was 70% of the region in 1990;
the county's per capita was 72% of the regional in 2000.
Table 8 shows the general economic indicators for Pamlico County.
Table 8
MimmarAI FPnnnmlo- InAh-eOrtre
Percent Chan e
Indicator
1980
1990
2000
1980-90
1990-
2000
1980-
2000
Per capita income
10

us
I
County
$7,195
$10,665
$
48%
69%
150%
18,005
Region
n.a.
$15,395
$24,702
n.a.
60%
n.a.
Total personal in-
$74,910
$161,923
$295,081
116%
82%
294%
come 000
Gross retail sales
$21,894
$42,404
$63,728
94%
50%
191 %
000
Total employed la-
1 1%
20%
33%
bor force
3,480
3,855
4,612
Sources: 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan; NC State Data Center; Bureau of the Census
1 1.4.1 How are people employed?
As shown in Table 9, employment in the county changed significantly over
the past 20 years. There were sharp declines in the number of workers in
the traditional resource -based industries. Farm employment decreased
by nearly 60%. More than '/2 of the county's manufacturing jobs were lost
in the 1990s.
Jobs in retail trade and general services showed major increases in the 80s
and 90s. Retail trade employment was up 139% and service jobs were up
258%. In percentage terms jobs related to real estate are booming. Con-
struction jobs increased 129% in the last 20-years and finance -insurance -
real estate increased by 277%.
Table 9 provides details on employment by major industry.
Table 9
EmDlovment by Maior Industry
Percent Change
1980
1990
2000
1980-90
1990-00
1980-00
Total Employment
3,128
3,855
4,612
23.2%
19.6%
47.4%
Farm employment
341
192
141
-43.7%
-26.6%
-58.7%
Non -Farm employment
2,787
3,663
4,471
31.4%
22.1 %
60.4%
Private employment
2,189
2,952
3,563
34.9%
20.7%
1 62.8%
Agriculture, services, for-
estry, and fishing
441
364
426
-17.5%
17.0%
-3.4%
Minin
-
-
-1
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Construction
143
236
328
65.0%
39.0%
129.4%
Manufacturing
533
694
320
30.2%
-53.9%
-40.0%
Transportation, commu-
nications, and public
utilities
71
124
133
74.6%
7.3%
87.3%
Wholesale trade
292
291
172
-0.3%
-40.9%
-41.1 %
Retail trade
3071
5191
7331
69.1 %
1 41.2%
138.8%
lk
20

Finance, insurance, and
real estate
53
160
200
201.9%
25.0%
277.4%
Services
349
564
1,251
61.6%
121.8%
258.5%
Government employ-
ment
598
711
908
18.9%
27.7%
51.8%
Federal civilian
25
341
441
36.0%
29.4%
76.0%
Federal military
53
641
551
20.8%
-14.1 %
3.8%
State and local
1 520
6131
8091
17.9%
1 32.0%
1 55.6%
Sources: 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan; NC State Data Center; Bureau of Economic Analysis
1.4.2 Where do people earn wages and salaries?
Table 10 shows wages and salaries by industry category between 1980
and 2000. Total farm earning tracked farm employment during the 90s -
nearly 30% decrease. In the private employment category for the 1990-
2000 decade, construction, services, and finance -insurance -real estate
showed major increases of 378%, 638%, and 3,640% respectively. These
increases are related to the number of employees in the category as well
as the earnings per employee.
Table 10
Wages and Salaries by Major Industry
rcnnm
Percent Change
Source of Personal
Earnings
1980
1990
2000
1980-90
1990-00
1980-00
Farm earnings
2,435
3,910
2,740
60.6%
-29.9%
12.5%
Non -Farm earnin s
27,722
$ 50,781
106,525
83.2%
109.8%
284.3%
Private earnings
22,149
$ 37,297
$ 80,873
68.4%
116.8%
265.1 %
Agriculture services,
forestry, and fishing
$ 7,191
$ 3,160
$ 4,155
-56.1 %
31.5%
-42.2%
Mining
$ -
$ -
-
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Construction
2,230
3,947
$ 10,657
77.0%
170.0%
377.9%
Manufacturing
3,455
9,235
6,629
167.3%
-28.2%
91.9%
Transportation, com-
munications, and pub-
lic utilities
$ 850
$ 2,616
$ 3,655
207.8%
39.7%
330.0%
Wholesale trade
1,718
4,796
$ 2,539
179.2%
-47.1 %
47.8%
Retail trade
3,217
5,822
10,224
81.0%
75.6%
217.8%
Finance, insurance,
and real estate
$ 575
$ 1,531
$ 21,507
166.3%
1304.8%
3640.3%
Services
2,913
6,190
21,507
112.5%
247.4%
638.3%
Government earnings
Federal civilian
351
924
1,683
163.2%
82.1 %
379.5%
Federal military
367
$ 867
1,267
136.2%
46.1 %
245.2%
State and local
4,855
11,693
22,702
140.8%
94.2%1
367.6%
wuict:'a: irr/ Lana use rian; NU JTate UaTa center, Bureau of Economic Analysis
21

1 1.4.3 Changes in agriculture
Table 11 shows the changes in Pamlico County's agriculture over the last
15 years. After steady increases between 1987 and 1997, harvested
cropland declined from 47,000 acres to 41,000 acres from 1997 to 2000.
This is a decrease of nearly 13% in 3 years. Recent information from the
Natural Resources Conservation Service indicates that there are currently
35,000 cropland in the
acres of county.
fl
1
Changes in the structure of farming are also evident. Total farms declined
by 18% between 1992 and 1997 (most recent year for which information is
available). During the same period, the average size of farms increased
by nearly 40%, from 537 acres to 750 acres.
The continuing decline in farm employment and personal income from
farming was noted in the previous 2 sections.
Table 11
Changes in Pamlico County Agriculture
1987
1992
1997
2000
1987-92
1992-97
1997-00
Harvested
31,000
35,535
47,000
41,000
14.6%
32.3%
-12.8%
cropland
(acres)
Number of
86
82
67
n.a.
-4.7%
-18.3%
n.a.
farms
Average farm
445
537
750
n.a.
20.7%
39.7%
n.a.
size (acres)
Total personal
$ 2,957
$ 3,065
$ 4,371
$ 2,740
3.7%
42.6%
-37.3%
farm income
(000)
Source: NC State Data Center; Census of Agriculture
1.4.4 State of commercial fishing
Figure 2 shows the trend in the amount (pounds) and value of commercial
fish landings from 1995 through 2002 based on data supplied by the NC
Marine Fisheries Division. While both of these indicators vary from year to
year, the overall trend is down. The conventional thinking may be that
the decline is related to local resources. However, fisheries regulations
may have a significant share of the impact.
22

Changes in this industry v
g ry could have a mayor direct impact on land uses. It
could also have a secondary impact on the growth of Pamlico's second
home and retirement economy. ,
Figure 2. Commercial Fishing Landings
16,000,000
14,000,000
12,000,000
10,000,000
-� POUNDS
E 8,000,000 —f— VALUE(a)
Q —Linear ( POUNDS)
6,000,000
4,000,000
2,000,000
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Year
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
23

Section II Natural Systems Analysis
Y Y
This section provides a description of Pamlico County's natural environment and
its suitability of limitations for development. The section contains 3 parts:
1) A summary of the inventory and description of major natural features and
systems;
2) An analysis of the environmental capability of each of the major systems
and/or features; and
3) A description of the county's environmental conditions, which focuses on
water quality and natural, hazards.
The inventory of natural systems addresses the topics outlined in the CAMA land
use planning guidelines. These topics are listed below:
Inventory of Natural Systems
IAreas of Environmental Concern
Soil characteristics - septic tank limitations
Water quality classifications
Natural hazard areas
Storm surge areas
Non -coastal wetlands
Primary nursery areas
Environmentally fragile areas
These systems and their management principles are summarized in Table 12.
The planning guidelines also require a composite natural systems map that
shows the extent and overlap of major natural systems and a determination of
the capabilities or limitations of the features for development. Table 13 shows
the development capabilities and limitations of the county's natural features.
1 2.1 Natural systems inventory
2.1.1 AEC -Estuarine waters
The county's estuarine water AEC includes the waters and tributaries of the
24

Neuse River, the Pamlico River, and the Bay River and the Pamlico Sound. These
estuaries comprise a significant area in the county:
Neuse River 42,000 acres
Pamlico River 11,300 acres
Bay River 14,200 acres
Pamlico Sound 70,000 acres
Use of the county's estuarine waters is limited land uses that will not damage
their value and that require water access and cannot function elsewhere.
Map 3 shows the county's estuarine waters.
2.1.1.1 DWQ surface water classifications
The county's estuarine waters have a range of primary and supplemental classi-
fications. These are shown below:
SA HQW
SA HQW NSW
SB Sw NSW
SC HQW NSW
SC NSW
SC Sw HQW NSW
SC Sw NSW
SC Sw NSW HQW
Each of these classifications is described in the following table:
DWQ Primary Saltwater
Classifications
Class SC
All tidal salt waters protected for secondary recreation such as fishing,
boating and other activities involving minimal skin contact; aquatic life
propagation and survival; and wildlife. Stormwater controls are required
and there are no categorical restrictions on discharges.
25

Class SB
Surface waters that are used for primary recreation, including frequent or
organized swimming and all SC uses. Stormwater controls are required un-
der and there are no categorical restrictions on discharges.
Class SA
Surface waters that are used for shellfishing or marketing purposes and all
SC and SB uses. All SA waters are also HQW by definition. Stormwater con-
trols are required. No domestic discharges are permitted in these waters.
DWQ SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSIFICATIONS.
Supplemental classifications are sometimes added by DWQ to the primary classifications to pro-
vide additional protection to waters with special uses or values.
High Quality Wa-
Supplemental classification intended to protect waters with quality higher
ters (HQW)
than state water quality standards. In general, there are two means by
which a water body may be classified as HQW. They may be HQW by defi-
nition or they may qualify for HQW and then be supplementally classified as
HQW through the rule -making process. The following are HQW by definition:
SA (shellfishing),
ORW
Waters designated as Primary Nursery Areas or other functional nursery
areas
Nutrient Sensitive
Supplemental classification intended for waters needing additional nutrient
Waters (NSW)
management due to their being subject to excessive growth of micro-
scopic or macroscopic vegetation. In general, management strategies for
point and non -point source pollution control require control of nutrients (ni-
trogen and/or phosphorus usually) such that excessive growths of vegeta-
tion are reduced or prevented and there is no increase in nutrients over
target levels. Management strategies are site -specific.
Swamp Waters
Supplemental classification intended to recognize those waters that gener-
(Sw)
ally have naturally occurring very low velocities, low pH and low dissolved
oxygen. No specific restrictions on discharge types or development are in-
volved.
Primary Nursery
PNAs are located in the upper portions of creeks and bays. These areas are
Areas (PNA)
usually shallow with soft muddy bottoms and surrounded by marshes and
wetlands. Low salinity and the abundance of food in these areas is ideal for
young fish and shellfish.
To protect juveniles, many commercial fishing activities are prohibited in
these waters; including the use of trawl nets, seine nets, dredges or any me-
chanical methods used for taking clams or oysters. If a violator is caught in
a Primary Nursery Area, he is faced with a very substantial penalty.
The Estuarine System Map also shows the use classification of the county's es-
tuarine waters.
2.1.1.2 Primary nursery areas
Primary nursery areas (PNAs), which are described in the table above, are also
shown on the Estuarine System Map. The PNAs are located in the upper reaches
26

of the county's creeks and bays and are concentrated in the northeastern and
eastern areas. There are more than 13,000 acres of PNAs in the county.
2.1.2 AEC -Estuarine Shoreline
The estuarine shoreline is a band of dry land that extends landward from the
normal high water a distance of 75 feet. This shoreline area is considered espe-
cially vulnerable to erosion, the adverse effects of wind and water, and it is inti-
mately connected to the county's estuaries. Uses in this area can have a major
impact on water quality and the productivity of the estuary.
Key guidelines for uses in this area include the following:
Should not weaken
• e or eliminate natural barriers to erosion;
• Limit impervious surfaces to the amount necessary to support the
use - may not exceed 30% of the AEC area; and
Twenty-five foot buffer zone from margin of the estuarine water
must be provided and maintained.
Current county policy establishes a permanent 75-foot buffer from estuarine and
public trust waters. Most development or construction activities are limited
within this area.
Due to map scale limitations, it is difficult to map the estuarine shoreline: how-
ever, Figure 3 illustrates this feature.
2.1.3 AEC -Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to
regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides..." This definition
does not include flooding by tides associated with hurricanes or tropical storms.
Coastal wetlands perform a variety of valuable functions: I
• Provide decayed plant material and nutrients that support complex
food chains in the estuaries.
• Support 90% of the state's commercial fish and shellfish catch.
• Provide high quality habitat for waterfowl and wildlife.
• Act as barriers against flood damage and control erosion between
the estuaries and uplands.
27

• Act as a trap for nutrients, sediment, and pollutants and help main-
tain estuarine water quality.
In the management of coastal wetlands the highest priority is given to conserva-
tion; second priority is given to water dependent uses that require access and
that cannot be located elsewhere.
Pamlico has approximately 21,700 acres of coastal wetlands. They are concen-
trated in four areas:
• Northeastern area on Goose Creek Island and along the lower
Pamlico River and the Pamlico Sound;
• Along Bay River and its tributaries;
• Along the lower Neuse River at the Pamlico Sound and the creeks
to the north; and
• Creeks along the Neuse between Oriental and the county line.
The location of coastal wetlands is shown on the Coastal and Non -coastal Wet-
land Map.
2.1.4 Soil suitability for septic tanks
According to the Pamlico County Soil Survey compiled by the SCS (now NRCS)
in 1984, most soils in Pamlico County have severe limitations for traditional on -site
soil absorption waste treatment systems. Three soil types are classified as having
moderate or slight limitations for septic tanks. These include Alpin fine sand,
Conetoe loamy sand, and Norfolk loamy fine sand. There are approximately
3,800 acres in the county with these soil types.
The location of soils with moderate or slight limitations are shown on the Soil Suit-
ability Map. These soils are concentrated in the southwestern area generally be-
tween Minnesott Beach-Araphoe and the NC 55-Reelsboro area.
With the exception of the areas noted, planned development densities in areas
not served by central sewer should be very low to account for soil limitations.
All determinations regarding septic suitabilitymust be made after on -site investi-
gations. The soil information presented here is for general planning purposes
only.
1 28

2.1.5 Natural hazards
2.1.5.1 Flood hazard areas
The 100-year flood plain is the accepted benchmark for defining flood hazard.
In Pamlico County, the 100-flood plain is mapped in two categories: the A zones
are areas where there is a 1% chance of flooding in any year and the V zones
where there is a 1 % chance of flooding that includes wave action.
The V zones form a narrow band in the low-lying area along the lower Neuse
and the Pamlico Sound. These V zones present particular hazards to life and
property. The A zones include extensive areas adjacent to the county's rivers
and creeks and the Sound.
According to mapping from DCM, the county's A zones total 137,000 acres and
the V zones 54,000 acres.
The county participates in the Federal Flood Insurance Program and enforces a
flood -damage prevention ordinance.
2.1.5.2
,
Storm surge
As expected, extensive areas of the county are vulnerable to surge hazards as-
sociated with hurricane level storms. Depending on the level or severity of the
storm, as much as 75% of the land area in the county maybe impacted. The
following describes the approximate areas that may be impacted by various
storm levels.
• Category 1 to 2 storms - all of eastern Pamlico to west of NC 55 between
Bayboro and Oriental and north of NC 304 from Bayboro to Mesic; area
,
along Broad and Goose Creeks on the Neuse River.
• Category 3 storm - the areas described above plus large areas north of
NC 55 between NC 304 and 306, and a large area adjacent to the Light
Ground Pocosin.
• Category 4 and 5 storms - the areas described above plus large areas be-
tween the Bay City Pocosin and NC 306 and areas within the Light Ground
Pocosin.
The extent of the impact in acres is shown below:
29 1

Storm level Approximate Cumulative
Acres Impacted
1 to 2 115,000 acres
3 140,000 acres
4 to 5 163,000 acres
The county's approximate flood hazard areas and areas that may be impacted
by hurricane storm surge are shown on the Natural Hazards map.
2.1.6 Non -coastal wetlands
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers defines wetlands as "those areas that are in-
undated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency or duration to
support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of
vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions."' It is generally
agreed that wetlands have significant values that support the unique lifestyle
enjoyed by residents of the coastal area. These values include the following:
• Water storage —wetlands are able to temporarily store heavy rain, surface
runoff, and floodwaters, and thereby, reduce downstream flooding.
• Shoreline stabilization— ground cover and roots of wetland plants help
hold soils in place and prevent sedimentation and nutrient transport to the
creeks, rivers, and sounds.
• Water quality —wetland plants can enhance water quality by removing
pollutants from surface runoff.
• Wildlife and aquatic life habitat- the variety of plants, hydrologic and soil
conditions associated with wetlands provide abundant food and cover
for animal populations and support a number of rare and endangered
plants.
• Recreation and education— the rich array of plants and animals sup-
ported by wetlands provide significant consumptive and non -
consumptive use values - hunting and fishing, bird watching, canoeing,
etc.2
As shown on the wetlands map, areas that may be classified as non -coastal
wetlands are extensive in the county. According to this mapping provided by
I US Army Corps of Engineers, Wetlands Delineation Manual
2 NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, A Field Guide to North Caro-
lina Wetlands, 1994.
30

DCM, there are 98,600 acres in the county that potentially could be classed as
non -coastal wetlands. This is nearly 45% of the county's land area.
2.1.7. Fragile areas
The Fragile Areas Map shows several areas in'the county that the NC Natural
Heritage Program has identified as "elements of natural diversity." These ele-
ments include "those plants and animals which are so rare or the natural com-
munities which are so significant that they merit special attention as land use
decisions are made." I
Most of these natural heritage elements are privately owned; however, the
Goose Creek Gamelands located on Goose Creek Island are owned and man-
aged by the Wildlife Resources Commission.
2.2 Comp
osite environmental map
The Composite Map of Environmental Conditions, which is located on the fol-
lowing page, shows the extent and overlap of the environmental features de-
scribed in this section. Using the limitations and opportunities that the features
have for development as a guide, the map shows the location of the following
three categories of land:
Class I - land containing only minimal hazards and limitations that may be ad-
dressed by commonly accepted land planning and development practices;
Class II - land containing development hazards and limitations that may be ad-
dressed by methods such as restrictions on types of land uses; special site plan-
ning; or the provision of public services; and
Class III - land containing serious hazards for development or lands where the
impact of development may cause serious damage to the functions of natural
systems.
Table 12 shows the features that are included in each class. Map 8, Composite
Natural Features, shows the location of each land class in the county.
31 1

3
Table 12
Composite Natural Features Table
Cls.I
Cls.11
CIS. III
Wetlands
Coastal wetlands
✓
Non -coastal, exceptional or substantial sig-
nificance
✓
Non -coastal, beneficial
✓
Estuarine waters
✓
Estuarine shoreline
✓
Soil limitations (septic)
Slight to moderate
✓
Severe
✓
Hazards
In 100-year flood (includes ocean hazard
AECs)
✓
In storm surge area
✓
Water quality
ORW watersheds
✓
HQW watersheds
✓
Wellhead protection areas
✓
Water supply protection watersheds
✓
Fragile areas and resources
Natural heritage areas
✓
Maritime forests
✓
Protected open space
✓
Source: WBFI
2.3 Summary environmental conditions
2.3.1 Water quality
The basinwide plans prepared by the NC Division of Water Quality are the
source for information related to overall water quality in Pamlico County's es-
tuarine waters. The county's waters are covered in two basinwide plans: the
northern area of Goose Creek Island adjacent to the Pamlico River is in the Tar -
Pamlico Plan (sub -basin 03-03-07) and the remainder of the county is in the
Neuse Plan (sub -basins 03-04-13, 03-04-10, and 03-04-14).
32

2.3.1.1 Tar -Pamlico
Overall, water quality in the 07 sub -basin appears to be fair: only 27% of the area
is classed as fully supporting (FS); 67% is classed as supporting but threatened
(ST); and 8% is classed as partially supporting (PS). Four major discharges are
permitted in this sub -basin, which contributes to water quality issues. In the lower
part of the sub -basin, agriculture is identified as the major source of pollution.
A portion of Goose Creek is closed to shellfishing.
2.3.1.2 Neuse
03-04-10. This sub -basin includes the Neuse River, from the county line to the
Minnesott Beach area, and its tributaries, plus the creeks on the north side of the
Neuse/Pamlico Sound estuary from NC 306 to Maw Point.
According to the basinwide plan, 53% of the waters are supporting, 32% are par-
tially supporting, and 15% are supporting but threatened. The plan concludes
that many of the sub -basin's water quality problems come from upstream
sources. Four major dischargers are identified: City of New Bern WWTP, NE Cra-
ven Utilities WWTP, USMC Cherry Point WWTP, and the City of Havelock WWTP.
Summer phytoplankton blooms are a problem. Most occur in the upper area of
the river from the county line to the Minnesott Beach area. Fish kills are also re-
ported in this area.
The entire area above Minnesott Beach is closed to shellfishing because the
DEHSSS program does not monitor the area due to the absence of commer-
cially important shellfish.
Dawsons Creek, Greens Creek, and Whittakers Creek are closed to shellfishing;
the upper reaches of Pierce Creek, Orchard Creek, Gum Thicket Creek, and
Broad Creek are closed. These closures are due to high coliform counts that are
generally associated with runoff.
03-04-13. This sub -basin includes the Bay River and its tributaries and Jones Bay.
This sub -basin has generally good water quality. However, there are periodic
instances of elevated coliforms, nutrients, and chlorophyll, which are associated
with high rainfall and runoff.
33

11
F11
�I
The Sanitary Report prepared by the Shellfish Sanitation Section indicates that
2,853 acres are closed to shellfishing. These closures are due to elevated coli-
form bacteria.
2.3.2 Shellfish growing areas
The county has 5 shellfish growing areas designated by the NC Shellfish Sanita-
tion Division. These growing areas are described below:
F-1 Dawson Creek area and the adjacent waters of the Neuse River. This is
the smallest growing area in the county.
F-5 Area on the north side of the Neuse River from Greens Creek near Orien-
tal to Maw Point. It includes Orchard Creek, Broad Creek, Gum Thicket
Creek, and Whittakers Creek.
F-6 Bay River and its tributaries plus Jones Bay, Fishing Bay, and Porpoise Bay.
G-1,2 Goose Creek, Oyster Creek, Middle Prong Creek, Mouse Harbor, and
Porpoise Bay on the lower Pamlico River.
Table 13 summarizes information on these growing areas from the most recent
Shellfish Sanitation Survey prepared by the Shellfish Sanitation Division. From the
survey information, areas F-5 and F-6 appear to have the most issues related to
water quality. Growing number of small boat docks and runoff from residential
development impacts water quality in F-5. Water quality in F-6 is impacted by
runoff from farming.
Table 13
Conditions in Pamlico County Shellfish Growing Areas
Grow-
ing
Area
Total
area
(ac)
Total area
closed
(ac)
Description and Sources of Pollution
F-1
1,404
1,404
Oyster production is poor; no commercial
(in Pam-
clams. Overall commercial value of the grow-
lico Co.)
ing area is poor.
Most significant source of pollution is runoff
from farming. Sediment from cropland can im-
pact growing area.
Some improvement in water quality at the
mouth of Dawson Creek noted in the survey.
34

F-5
19,000
1,411
Oyster production in this area is fair; no
commercial clams. Overall commercial shell-
fish value of the area is poor.
Survey indicates a continued deterioration
of water quality in the area. Proliferation of
small docks and continued development and
associated runoff may contribute to water
quality decline.
F-6
20,000
2,853
Oyster production is fair to poor; there is no
commercial clam production.
An appreciable degradation in water qual-
ity since the last survey was noted. Agriculture
is the most significant source of pollution and
runoff contributes to fecal coliform loads. Run-
off from storms reduced salinity and may have
contributed to high fecal counts.
The survey recommends additional closures
in Newton Creek.
G-1
17,000
300
Commercial shellfish value of G-1 is very
G-2
29,000
350
poor; value of G-2 is poor to fair.
Water quality in the Pamlico Co. portion of
these areas is generally good.
No significant sources of pollution are noted.
av�i C. RCN�i i vi Scar rotary Surveys, r- j , r-o, r-a, ana u- i &Z, Nu Sneutisn Sanitation Section, 2000-
2002.
A map of closed shellfish growing areas is located on the following page
2.3.3 Impact of flooding
Data on Pamlico County's Federal Flood Insurance Program is an indicator of
the impact of storms and flooding on the county. According to information
from the county's draft Hazard Mitigation Plan, there are approximately 1,600
flood insurance policies in force in the county, as of February 1, 2002. Over the
past 10 years, there have been 635 paid losses related to flood damage.
There are 43 buildings in the county that have sustained repetitive losses, 2 or
more claims, over the past 10 years. Figure 9 shows the general location of the
county's repetitive losses. The repetitive losses are concentrated in 3 areas:
Goose Creek Island, Mesic-Vandemere, and Oriental. Both flood hazard and
35

storm surge areas heavily impact these communities. In addition, these com-
munities include some of the county's older housing that may have been built
prior to implementation of standards and guidelines to reduce the risk of dam-
age from flooding.
The county is in the process of preparing and adopting a Hazard Mitigation Plan
that will include policies to address risks from flood and to reduce repetitive
losses.
36

Ll
Section III Analysis of Existing Land Use and
Development '
This section provides a "snap shot" of the current situation in the county with re-
spect to how the land is currently used and what development trends are
emerging. It provides a base for projecting the community's future land need ,
and for forecasting the future location of development. The section includes a
map that represents a survey of existing land uses; an assessment of emerging
development patterns; a table that evaluates existing land use; and a forecast
of future land needs.
3.1 Description and analysis of existing land use
The Existing Land Use Map, which is located on the following P9 a e shows the
generalized patterns of existing land use in the county. The map reinforces
many of the land use trends that were identified in the 1992 land use plan. ,
New development tends to concentrate in two areas. The western area of the
county along NC 55 between Alliance and Olympia is the fastest growing area
of the county. The newly incorporated Town of Grantsboro is one result of this
trend. In addition, sewer services are being extended to the Reelsboro area to
meet existing and future needs. Conventional thought is that families locating in
this area reside in Pamlico County but many work outside of the county. Typical
lot sizes in this area are 0.75-1.0 acres.
Second home and retirement develop focuses in the southeastern area of the
county where it takes advantage of extensive waterfront resources. Much of
this development is lower density, with typical lot sizes of 1.0 acre or greater.
Even though this area experiences a significant amount of subdivision of land ,
and construction of homes, sewer services are not yet available.
Commercial, retail, services, and limited industrial uses along with higher density
residential uses are still concentrated in the county's incorporated areas and ,
rural communities.
Strip commercial development along NC 55 remains a concern. Steps are un-
derway to widen this highway to four lanes. However, unless measures are
37 1

its
11
yre
It
Itk
kit
4
a

taken to reduce unrestricted access, the new highway's traffic capacity will be
quickly compromised.
The northeastern area of the county, even with the availability of water and
' sewer services and relatively undeveloped waterfront, actually lost population
between 1990 and 2000. Some of this loss may be attributed to damage to
homes and other structures from the 1990s storms. However, the area clearly
has not attracted the second home and retirement development occurring in
other parts of the county.
Incompatible land uses are a concern in the northeastern area. Several auto -
wrecking yards impact the appearance of the area, and those that are located
near streams may have an impact on water quality.
A map of cropland and forestland, not included in this report, was prepared to
show the general location of cropland and forestland in the county. The infor-
mation on this map is taken from satellite images available from the NC Center
for Geographic Information and Analysis.
This map shows that farming activities are concentrated in the northern area of
the county, between NC 306 and NC 304; the southeastern area, generally
along NC 55; and the Arapahoe-Minnesott area, east of NC 306. This map iden-
tifies a total of 38,600 acres of cropland.
Forested area is estimated at 98,000 acres. This estimate does not include areas
' that may be classified as shrubland, marshland, and the like.
The county has nearly 2,000 acres classified as Public and Institutional uses. This
is a relatively high number of acres in this classification, which is accounted for
by the large number of camps and the land devoted to wastewater treatment.
Table 14 summarizes the county's existing land uses.
JI
L
Table 14
Analysis of Existinct Land Uses
Land Use
Approximate
Rounded
Percent of To-
Percent of De -
Acreage
tal Acres
veloped Land
Residential
2.4%
66.7%
5,225
5,200
Commercial/Industrial
0.30
9.0 0
683
700
Public and Institutional
i
1
1 0.9%
24.4%
I
38

Land Use
Approximate
Rounded
Percent of To-
Percent of De -
Acreage
tal Acres
veloped Land
1,862
1,900
Sub total - developed
3.5%
na
land
7,770
7,800
Agricultural or Open
17.5%
na
Land
38,600
38,600
Forestry and Wooded
44.5%
na
Land
98,000
98,000
Other
34.4%
na
75,630
75,600
Total
220,000
100.0%
na
220,000
Sources: wtsri; ramuco Uounty lax Land Records
3.2 Land needs forecast
Table 15 shows the estimates of future land needs for the county. These esti-
mates are based on the population projections (permanent and seasonal) in
Section I and the likely patterns of land use. Generally, commercial and pub-
lic/institutional uses follow residential uses, so the estimates for these two cate-
gories are based on current ratios to residential uses.
According to these estimates, approximately 1,600 acres of land will be required
to accommodate the projected increase in permanent and seasonal popula-
tion.
Table 15
Estimate of Future Land Needs for Residential, Commercial, and Pub-
lic/Institutional Uses
2008
2013
2018
2023
2008-2023
Projected county
13,900
14,400
14,900
15,300
1,400
population
Permanent popula-
800
500
500
400
2,200
tion increase
Additional perma-
364
227
227
182
1,000
nent households
Additional seasonal
270
169
169
135
743
population in resi-
dential units (75%)
Additional seasonal
77
48
48
39
212
households (3.5 per-
39

2008
2013
2018
2023
2008-2023
sons/unit)
Total additional
347
217
217
174
1,212
households
Estimate residential
1.15
1.15
1.15
1.15
n.a.
gross
acres/household
Estimated Land Needs
Net residential acres
399
250
250
200
1,098
required for growth
Rounded
400
300
300
200
1,200
Commercial/ Indus-
54
27
27
27
135
trial (13.5% of resi-
dential)
Rounded
50
30
30
30
140
Public and Institu-
146
73
73
73
365
tional (36.5% of resi-
dential
Roundedl
1501
701
70
701
360
source: vvBFi
40

' Section IV Analysis of Community Facilities
' The analysis of community facilities evaluates the existing and planned capac-
ity, location, and adequacy of the county's major infrastructure systems - water,
' sewer, and highways. The evaluation includes a facilities map that shows pres-
ent and planned locations. The section also includes information on EPA Phase
II stormwater requirements.
4.1 Water
The Pamlico County water system is operated as a department of the county.
' The systems raw water supply is obtained from a series of 12 wells located
throughout the county. The system has treatment plants located at the well sites
in Bayboro, Mill Pond Rd., Grantsboro, Kershaw, Minnesott Beach, and Vande-
' mere.
The county has approximately 5,100 metered connections. Of these connec-
tions, just over 1 % are commercial. According to the water supply plan, Brit-
thaven of Pamlico (nursing home), Camp Seafarer, Pamlico High School, and
' Camp Caroline are the county largest water customers.
The system has an existing groundwater supply of 3.3 million gallons per day
(MGD). Average daily use (at the time of the most recent water supply plan) is
0.8 MGD, and the department estimates that average daily demand will grow
to 1.6 MGD by 2020, which is approximately 48% of supply. This future demand is
well below 80% of supply, which is the maximum without adding supply.
The system has approximately 2.1 million gallons of storage.
' The water department has some pressure and flow issues in the southeastern
area of the county. Plans are being developed to construct additional storage
and to connect existing lines to address the issues.
Virtually all primary and secondary roads in the county have water lines. In ad-
' dition, all of the incorporated areas are served.
1 41

4.2 Sewer
The Bay River Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) was created in the 1980s to ad-
dress Pamlico County's wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal needs.
The MSD purchased the Oriental sewerage system and created a system to
serve Bayboro, Alliance, Stonewall, Mesic, and Vandemere. The system was ex-
panded into the Town of Grantsboro and extension of the system into a portion
of the Reelsboro area will be complete in 2003-04. The MSD system includes the
following major components:
Oriental collection system - 42,000 linear feet of gravity sewers;
24,O0O linear feet of low-pressure sewer force main.
Bay River collection system - 252,400 linear feet of low-pressure
sewer force mains; 79,800 linear feet of small diameter
collection lines; and 42,520 linear feet of larger diame-
ter pressure transmission lines.
Oriental Wastewater Treatment Plant - permitted up to 0.2 MGD
and recent flows were 0.146 MGD (73%).
Bayboro Wastewater Treatment Plant- permitted up to 0.3 MGD
and recent flows 0.185 MGD (62%); will be upgraded to
accept Reelsboro flows.
Arapahoe Effluent Spray Site - 500 acres of woodland rated for 0.5
MGD.
The MSD currently serves approximately 2,300 customers, most of which are resi-
dential.
Phase I of the Reelsboro expansion, which is currently underway, goes to JC's
corner. Phase II will extend further west toward Olympia. There is an area of
"good" soils in the Reelsboro area; however, the soils east and west of this area
limit the use of septic tanks. The expansion will serve these areas. In addition,
the Reelsboro expansion will support the growth and development that is occur-
ring along the NC 55 corridor. The additional wastewater flows from this area
require an upgrade of the treatment capacity at the Bayboro wastewater
treatment plant. This upgrade is included as a component of the expansion.
The treatment plant at Oriental is at capacity. As noted, the plant is permitted
for up to 0.2 MGD and is experiencing flows of 0.146 MGD, which is nearly 75% of
capacity.
42

1
The MSD is studying alternatives and the feasibility of extending the system into
' the Florence-Whortonsville-Pamlico area, which has seen much of the county's
retirement and second home growth. A major land development project con-
sisting of 600 housing units and 400 marina slips is proposed for this area. The
projected flow for this development at build out is 140,000 gallons per day.
The favored alternative to serve this development includes the following fea-
tures:
• Use a low-pressure, septic tank effluent pumping system similar to the
one in use in the Bayboro system.
• Transmit wastewater from the Whortonsville-Pamlico area to Oriental
via a 6" force main. This force main is of sufficient size to serve the
Gum Thicket development and some of the nearby existing develop-
ment, but is not adequate to serve the entire southeastern area. A
minimum 10" force main is required to serve the larger area.
• Convert the Oriental treatment plant to a 700 gallons per minute
pumping station and pump wastewater from Oriental and the Whor-
tonsville-Pamlico area to a new plant in Bayboro, via a new 10" force
main.
The MSD is also at the preliminary stage of evaluating service to Goose Creek
Island.
The MSD's spray field at Arapahoe is rated for up to 0.5 MGD. The upgrade at
the Bayboro plant will include a split -stream system that will allow application of
0.125 MGD at the prison site at Bayboro. This will give the MSD a total of 0.625
MGD of disposal capacity.
Table 16, from the MSD feasibility study, shows projected flows for the next 20
years.
Table 16
Projected Wastewater Flows
MSD Expansion
Service Area
Current
Initial Year
20 Years
(Average Daily Flow -
(2000)
Gallons Per Day)
Oriental service area
146,400
148,330
177,340
43

Pamlico Expansion
35,900
39,180
Whortonsville Expansion
36,900
40,270
Gum Thicket Develop-
ment
70,000
140,000
Oriental area sub-
total
146,400
291,130
396,790
Bayboro area
184,560
187,000
223,560
Reelsboro Area
32,600
139,250
Bayboro Subtotal
184,560
219,600
362,810
Total average daily flow 1
330,960
510,7301
759,600
JUuIGC: rUrnnco t..ounry vvasrewaTer f—apaciTy Analysis and Preliminary Engineering Report,
McKim and Creed for Bay River MSD, 2001.
4.3 Highways
According to the current Thoroughfare Plan, the highway network in Pamlico
County contains 3 types of roads:
• Major collectors, which are intended to provide connections between
rural communities and from rural communities to principal arterial
roads, such as an interstate or other major facility such as US 70 or US
17. Typically, these are 2-lane facilities that are designed for low
speeds and short travel distances. They disperse traffic from the arterial
system. Major collectors may also provide access to property. How-
ever, preserving traffic capacity should be considered in determining
appropriate land uses, frequency of driveway connections and so on.
• Minor collectors are designed to collect traffic from local roads and
provide access to rural communities or the arterial system via major
collectors. Minor collectors may also provide access to property.
• Local roads provide basic access to residential and commercial prop-
erties and they are connected to major or minor collectors.
The highways included in each of these classifications are described below.
Major collectors '
NC 55 from Craven County to Oriental
NC 306 from Beaufort County to Minnesott Beach
44

Minor collectors
NC 1005 from Reelsboro to Arapahoe
NC 1108 from Scotts Store to NC 306
NC 1005 from Arapahoe to NC 55
' NC 1308/1302 from Oriental to Cash Corner to NC 306
NC 304 from Bayboro to NC 33
NC 1230 from Hobucken to Lowland
The rest of the public roads in the county are considered to be local roads.
4.3.1 NC 55 widening
NCDOT is in the process of widening NC 55 to 4 lanes from US 17 in Craven
County to NC 304 at Bayboro. Right-of-way acquisition is underway. According
to the Transportation Improvement Program, construction contracts for the sec-
tion from Olympia to Reelsboro section will be let in 2004 and contracts for the
Reelsboro to Bayboro section will be let in 2006.
According to information from NCDOT staff, protection of the capacity of the
' upgraded NC 55 corridor is an important land use plan concern. It takes many
years to get such an improvement on the TIP and there are few feasible alterna-
tive routes should the facility require upgrading in the future.
1 4.4 Stormwater management
Pamlico County does not operate a stormwater system. The only systems in the
county are ditches dug for mosquito control, side ditches along the road system,
' and private drainage systems. No mapping on these facilities is available at the
present time.
Phase II of the EPA Stormwater program requires some larger communities to
apply for permits for their stormwater systems. A community may be under this
' Phase II program in one of three ways: (1) automatic designation under the
Federal rules; (2) designation by the state; and (3) designation by petition of a
third party. To date, Pamlico County has not been designated. However, given
' the county's extensive coastal resources, designation may be possible in the fu-
ture.
45

What does designation mean? It means that the county will be required to de-
velop a stormwater plan that is designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants.
This plan must include six elements:
1. Education and outreach program to inform citizens how to reduce
pollutants in stormwater.
2. Public involvement program that meets state requirements.
3. Detection of illicit discharges.
4. Reduction of runoff pollutants from construction.
5. Reduction of pollutants from new construction or reconstruction that
disturbs one acre or more.
6. Pollution prevention/good housekeeping program for local govern-
ment operations to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff.
Land use plan policies address the major requirements in this list. These policies
are included in Section 3.6, page 62.
46

A
I
,7-
Section V Land Suitability Analysis
Land suitability analysis is a process for identifying land in the county that is most
suitable for development. The analysis is not intended to "rule out" any land or
site from development. It is intended to provide information to local decision -
makers on land that may have fewer environmental and regulatory restrictions,
land where services can be provided at lower cost, or land that is most attrac-
tive given its proximity to existing development or to the waterfront areas.
The analysis includes three steps:
Step 1 Identify factors to be considered - natural constraints, such as
wetlands, availability of water and sewer, proximity to existing
developed areas.
Step 2 Estimate a rating for the suitability factors - how suitable is site
with a particular factor for development. To aid in the analy-
sis, ratings are assigned numerical scores.
Step 3 Determine the importance of each factor- 1 for important, 2
for very important, and 3 for essential.
The Steering Committee members were involved in each step of this process.
Table 17 shows the factors that are included in the analysis, the rating assigned
to each, and the relative importance of each factor.
Table 17
Land Suitabilitv Analvsis
Factor Rating
Suitability factor
not interested
not attrac-
tive
somewhat at -
tractive
very attractive
weight
0
-2
1
2
coastal wetlands
inside
outside
exceptional wet-
lands
inside
outside
2
waterfront areas
outside
inside
2
primary roads
>1.0 mi
.5-1.0 mi
<.5 mi
1
secondary roads
>.5 mi
.25-.5 mi
<..25 mi
2
sewer pipes
>.5 mi
.25-.5 mi
<..25 mi
1
septic suitability
severe limi-
moderate limi-
I slight limita-
3
47

Factor Rating
Suitability factor
not interested
not attrac-
tive
somewhat at -
tractive
very attractive
weight
tations
Cations
Lions
water
>.5 mi
.25-.5 mi
<..25 mi
3
towns
>1.0 mi
.5-1.0 mi
<.5 mi
2
z)ource: wtsri
The Land Suitability Map, which is located on the following page, shows land
suitability in the county according to these factors. It contains 4 classes of land -
least suited, low suitability, moderate suitability, and high suitability. The higher
suitability areas are concentrated in corridors along roads where utilities are
available, close to existing communities, and along the waterfront areas. In ad-
dition, higher suitability land is located in the western area of the county where
soils are more suited for septic tanks.
48

Pamlico County
Joint CAMA Land Use Plan Update
Land Suitability Analysis Map
rj
Least suitable
Lower suitability
Moderate suitability
®
Higher suitability
Existing sewer
- - - Planned sewer
Estuarine waters
-
Highways
11111
[1]
Towns
N
NTS
W BFI 2003

ISection VI Review of Current Policies
L
This section is an evaluation of the effectiveness of the growth, land use,
and development policies adopted in the 1992 CAMA Land Use Plan. The
plan was amended in 2001 to include a policy addressing "cluster" devel-
opment in association with planned unit developments.
The 1992 plan includes approximately 120 policy statements that address
various aspects of land use and development and the requirements of the
CAMA planning guidelines that were in place at the time. Specific evalua-
tion of each policy would be unwieldy; therefore, a limited number of key
policies have been identified for specific evaluation.
Generally, all of the policies included in the 1992 plan have merit. How-
ever, it is important to keep in mind that a small county like Pamlico has
limited resources in staff time and money and that it is important for policies
to focus on the most important land use and development needs and is-
sues. Given the county's resources, it was not possible to focus on all of the
policies in the 1992 plan and take steps to ensure that they were effectively
implemented.
In addition, some of the policies require implementation tools that are not
yet available in the county. For example, many of the policies state that
the county will encourage development in specific locations, which would
require some tool similar to zoning.
Never the less, the county has made good progress on many of its key ob-
jectives and policies. These are summarized in Table 18.
Table 18
Review of Current Policies
Policy
Comment
County supports land application of
BRMSD has developed spray irrigation
treated wastewater
field in Arapahoe. Result is elimination
of municipal discharges to Bay River
and Neuse River.
1
49

W]
Policy
Continue implementation of county-
wide water system.
County supports objectives of National
Flood Insurance Program.
County supports regulation of land
uses near ground water resources.
County will plan for adequate long-
range water supply.
County supports development of non-
polluting industries that are compatible
with fishing, farming, and forestry.
County will ensure that future devel-
opment will not negatively impact aes-
thetic and recreational resources.
Dense development should only take
place where water and sewer are
available.
Permanent conservation zone within 75
feet of natural mean high water line for
all shorelines of estuarine waters, pri-
mary -nursery areas, and public trust
waters.
Support construction of water and
sewer lines in areas classified as com-
munity, rural with services, and limited
transition.
Comment
Water available on virtually all primary
and secondary roads in county.
County is seeking assistance from the
Rural Center for preparation of water
master plan and capital budget.
Program implemented through flood
damage prevention ordinance.
Building inspections takes lead role in
implementing elevation and flood
proofing requirements.
County water department has pre-
pared "wellhead protection plan" that
meets state and federal requirements
for protection of drinking water.
As noted, county beginning process to
prepare a long-range water plan.
County has formed an Economic De-
velopment Committee to pursue a
range of economic opportunities, in-
cluding retirement and second -home
development, tourism, information
technology, and other job -creating
activities.
In lieu of implementing the county's
zoning ordinance, new types of tools
are required for these types of policies.
Effectively implemented with subdivi-
sion regulations, enforcement of the
building code, and the CAMA devel-
opment permit process. Seen by
community as effective policy.
Most utility construction concentrated
in these areas.
r
H
50

Policy
Comment
County will attempt to correct its worst
County has consistently applied for
substandard housing conditions by
CDBG funds when available.
applying for CDBG funds.
County should work to carefully regu-
County lacks effective tools for imple-
late future growth and development
menting this policy.
along its thoroughfares to prevent
congestion and safety problems.
51

l
Part 3. Land Use Plan —Goals, Policies,
and Future Land Use Map
IPamlico Growth and Development Goals
This section details Pamlico County's future land use goals. These goals de-
scribe the desired ends toward which the land use plan and its policies are
directed. They also describe the values and principles that guide the
county's development.
'
The goals are an outgrowth of the key issues and concerns identified by the
Steering Committee; the information provided at community forums; the
planning vision; and the technical analysis of existing and emerging trends.
They provide a template for developing policies and programs. However,
the goals are not part of the county's land use and development policies.
1
Satisfactory access for residents and visitors to Pamlico County's public trust
'
waters for a range of activities
Land uses and land use patterns that are consistent with the capabilities
and limitations of the county's natural systems
' Preserved natural areas, such as the county's wetlands and pocosins, that
have high biologic, economic, and scenic values
Mitigation of risks from storms and flooding
9
iBetter traffic flow and safety to accommodate the county's growing per-
manent population and its visitors
High quality waters in the county's rivers, creeks, and bays, and the Pamlico
Sound that meet water quality standards and that are approved for shell -
fishing
Land use and development patterns that preserve the county's rural char-
acter with more intensive development located mainly in the towns and
villages where a full range of community services is available, and lower in-
' 52

tensity development, second home and retirement communities, and sup-
porting businesses are located mainly in the rural areas and along the wa-
terways
Sound economic base that generates jobs for residents who wish to work in
the county; adequate transportation and access to surrounding areas for
residents who work outside the county
53

Pamlico County's Future Land Use and Development
Policies
Introduction
Pamlico County's policies are the principles and decision guidelines, or
courses of action that the County will use to reach its vision and accomplish
its land use and development goals. While the policies are not regulatory,
except for the requirements and standards for development and land use
in Areas of Environmental Concern, the County will follow a deliberate pro-
cess to ensure that its development and land use guidelines and its future
land use decisions are consistent with the policies. Part 4 of the plan, Tools
for Managing Development, contains a description of the steps that will be
taken to address consistency between the policies and county and mu-
nicipal development guidelines.
CAMA planning guidelines specify that local policies must address six man-
agement topics. These management topics include:
• Public access
• Land use compatibility
• Natural hazard areas
• Infrastructure carrying capacity
• Water quality, and
• Local concerns
The CAMA planning guidelines also provide planning objectives for each of
these topics. The planning objectives show the role that the local land use
plan plays in the management of coastal resources. The management
objectives) for each management topic is shown at the beginning of
each policy section.
The local concern management topic includes policies on a range of local
issues, concerns, and opportunities related to economic development,
community development, and land use. These may not be directly related
to coastal environmental factors, but they are essential parts of a "com-
prehensive" land use plan.
54

The county's policies for development in the estuarine shoreline exceed
state standards. These policies are detailed in section 5.1.
The County's land use and development policies are detailed below. To
avoid any confusion, the policies are shown in bold.
The following definitions and descriptions of terms used in the policies are
offered to assist with interpretation and use of the plan:
Create: Involve the county staff, Planning Board, Board of
Commissioners and other public and private organi-
zations to further the intent of the policy.
Continue: Follow past and present procedures and processes
to maintain a particular policy.
Encourage: Further the policy by ensuring that decisions, such as
subdivision approvals, highway improvements, and
public utility extensions, are consistent with the in-
tent.
Support: Employ county staff and solicit assistance from re-
lated state and local agencies to further the policy;
take affirmative action, such as submitting grant
applications or writing letters of support for grants or
facilities, on projects that further the policy.
Seek or work: Use county resources, cooperate and act in a
manner, and take actions that further the intent of
the policy.
1.0 Public Access
Public Access CAMA Planning Objective
"Develop comprehensive policies that provide public trust water access for
the shorelines of Pamlico County."
1.1 Pamlico County recognizes that the quality and quantity of access to
its waters is an essential part of the lifestyle enjoyed by its residents,
property owners, and visitors and that access is a key for develop-
ment of its tourism economy. The county supports expansion of pub-
lic and private access sites throughout the county.
I�
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'
1.1.1 The Countywill revise and update the shoreline access Ian
P P
'
that was prepared in 1988. The update of the plan will address
the following objectives:
1.1.1.1 Identify boat ramp locations on the Atlantic Intra-
coastal Waterway (AIWW) in the Goose Creek Island
area and the Bay River Area. In addition to ramps, the
'
sites will include put-in/take-out facilities for canoes
and kayaks and adequate area for parking.
1.1.1.2 Identify a system of small sites for put-in/take-out facili-
ties for canoes and kayaks. The location of these sites
will take into consideration the following factors:
• The location of water trails identified on the "Paddle
Trails of Pamlico County" maps.
• A variation in trip lengths, times, and levels of diffi-
culty.
• Availability of support services and facilities such as
suppliers, restaurants, campgrounds, indoor lodg-
ing, boat rentals, and so on.
1.1.1.3 Capitalize on existing ramps and access points. These
are numerous formal and informal access locations
throughout the county. The plan will review the status
and condition of these locations and identify those that
are available and suitable for public access.
1.1.1.4 Utilize property currently owned by public agencies.
The plan will give particular emphasis to the use of lots
and parcels acquired by the County through the flood
recovery program and purchase of parcels currently
used for access. In addition, it will clearly describe the
tax advantages and lay out the mechanisms through
which property owners may donate property or ease-
ments to support the access plan.
1.1.1.5 Develop a long-range financial plan that identifies
sources of revenue to acquire and/or develop the fa-
cilities.
' 1.1.2 The county recognizes the importance of marinas (publicly or
privately owned docks for more than 10 vessels) in accommo-
dating public access to its waters. The county, through its local
ipolicies and requirements, will support the CAMA specific use
standards for marinas and will ensure that marina sites and
marina operations are compatible with surrounding land uses
56

1.2
1.3
1.4
and are consistent with the goal of protecting and restoring
water quality.
1.1.2.1 The county will require open water and upland marinas
to meet the following development guidelines:
• Provide wastewater pump -out facilities and rest -
rooms approved by the appropriate state or local
agency.
• Provide at least '/z off-street space for each slip or
storage space. (Marinas serving solely property
owners of an adjoining subdivision are not required
to provide off-street parking.)
• Provide at least one dry fire hydrant.
1.1.2.2 Multi -dock facilities that accommodate 10 or less slips
or more than 4 slips are required to provide either per-
manent restrooms or pump -out facilities, unless they
serve exclusively an adjoining residential subdivision.
1.1.2.3 Multi -dock facilities that serve an adjoining residential
subdivision are not required to have permanent rest -
rooms or pump -out facilities; however, the county
strongly encourages homeowner associations in these
subdivisions to establish and enforce rules that prohibit
"live -aboard" situations at these facilities.
1.1.2.4 The county encourages Pamlico County marinas to
participate in the "Clean Marina" program sponsored
by the NC Division of Coastal Management and the NC
Marine Trades Services organization. The county will
support applications to the Division of Coastal Man-
agement from local marinas and other boat -docking
facilities for grants to help install pump -out facilities.
The county will seek to maintain the pristine views along much of its
shoreline and preserve free public use of its waters by encouraging
upland marinas where sites are suitable and joint development of
docks and piers to serve residential properties where practical.
The county will ensure that public access facilities have well de-
signed ramps and put-in/take-out facilities and that adequate ma-
neuvering and parking areas are available on site. All paved sur-
faces will have a 25-foot riparian buffer to help protect water quality.
The county will ensure that public access is protected through its re-
view procedures for development proposals and plans.
57

11
2.0 Land Use Compatibility
Land Use Compatibility CAMA Planning Objectives
"Adopt and apply local development policies that balance protection of
natural resources and fragile areas with economic development."
"Policies that provide clear direction to assist local decision making and
consistency findings for zoning, divisions of land, and public and private
projects."
2.1 Pamlico County strongly discourages any uses in estuarine waters
that are not compatible with protection and conservation of their
biological and community values.
2.1.1 Only development associated with water -dependent uses is
allowed. Examples of appropriate development may include
public access facilities, docks and piers, erosion control struc-
tures, or other uses that are permitted by CAMA use stan-
dards3.
2.1.2 In all cases, the design of facilities or activities will ensure that
any negative impacts on estuarine waters, during both con-
struction and operation, are minimized and that they comply
with all local policies and the policies of CAMA use standards.
2.1.3 "Floating homes" are not allowed in estuarine waters. A
"floating home" is a moored structure that is secured to piers or
pilings and is used primarily as a residence and not as a boat.
2.1.4 Marina construction is allowed, subject to the guidelines con-
tained in the Public Access section. Where practical, upland
marinas are preferred as an approach to maintaining public
access and waterfront aesthetics.
2.2 The county strongly supports protection and conservation of its
coastal wetlands, due to the essential role that they play in protect-
ing water quality and providing food and habitat for fish and wildlife.
2.2.1 Pamlico County endorses the CAMA policies and use stan-
dards for coastal wetlands and the development permit proc-
ess as an effective tool for conserving coastal wetlands.
1 3 NCAC T15A: 07H.0208
1
58

2.3
2.2.2 Through its local review requirements, the county encourages
land uses and development that are consistent with conserva-
tion of coastal wetlands. Only uses that require wafer access
and cannot be located elsewhere will be accepted. Examples
of appropriate uses are utility easements, piers, and docks.
2.2.3 Where acceptable uses are permitted, they must be devel-
oped in such a manner that the impact on coastal wetlands is
minimized.
The county strongly supports management of development in its es-
tuarine shoreline to protect water quality and the aesthetics of the
waterfront.
2.3.1 The county supports the CAMA use standards4 for estuarine
shorelines.
2.3.2 The county will continue to work with the Environmental Man-
agement Commission to devise buffer approaches that work
for water quality and that are consistent with development
patterns in Pamlico County.
2.3.3 The county establishes a local, permanent conservation zone
within 75 feet of the normal mean high water level or normal
water level for all shorelines bordering public trust waters, es-
tuarine waters, and any waters designated as primary nursery
areas.
2.3.3.1 All development and construction activities will be
prohibited in this area except for the following uses:
marinas, docks and piers, boat ramps and similar
structures providing public access; and structures to
prevent erosion as described in the Public Access poli-
cies section.
2.3.3.2 This permanent conservation zone is not intended to
apply to man-made ditches, canals, basins, lakes, im-
poundments, and similar constructed facilities. The
policy is not intended to apply to forestry operations
that comply with "best management practices."
2.3.3.3 The conservation zone applies to all subdivisions of
land after January 26, 1990, regardless of the intended
use, and to all divisions of land after the certification of
this plan.
4 NCAC T15A: 07H.0209
59

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2.4 The county strongly discourages any development in areas identified
as non -coastal wetlands (sometimes referred to as "404" wetlands)
that will alter their values for water storage, shoreline stabilization,
protection of water quality, and provision of wildlife and aquatic life
habitat.
2.4.1 Development plans with 9 lots or more will identify non -coastal
wetland areas prior to submittal of the preliminary plat for re-
view.
2.4.2 Developers are encouraged to use flexible and innovative site
planning to preserve non -coastal wetlands.
2.4.3 Site development plans will ensure that overall dwelling unit
density in these is very low (typically no more than 1 dwelling
for every 2 acres).
2.5 The county recognizes that many areas have soils that are not suited
for the use of traditional septic tanks, according to current state
regulations.
2.5.1 The county will continue to discourage development in these
areas until such time as an approved sewerage system is
available.
2.5.2 The county will require that any lots created in these areas
have sufficient size to meet on -site wastewater treatment
regulations.
2.5.3 Until such time as an approved sewerage system is available,
the county will support the use of innovative and alternative
wastewater treatment systems.
3.0 Infrastructure Carrying Capacity
INFRASTRUCTURE CARRYING CAPACITY LAMA PLANNING OBJECTIVE
"Establish policies to ensure that the location and capacity of public infra-
structure is consistent with the County's growth and development goals."
3.1 The county strongly supports completion of 5-laning of NC 55 from
the Craven County line to Bayboro.
3.1.1 The county will continue to advocate for inclusion of funds in
the NCDOT's Transportation Improvement Plan.
3.1.2 The county will take steps to develop policies that protect the
traffic -carrying capacity of the up -graded facility. These poli-
cies will address the following development considerations:
60

3.2
3.3
3.1.2.1 Local guidelines on the number and design of drive-
ways and access points with emphasis on encouraging
creative development plans that use common access
i
points and well -designed internal traffic flows.
3.1.2.2 Encouraging clustering or concentration of commercial
development at major intersections to reduce traffic
congestion and safety considerations related to "strip
commercial development."
3.1.2.3 Recognition that NC 55 is the county's "front door" with
attention to appropriate signage, parking lot develop-
ment, and outside storage.
3.1.3 The county strongly encourages the NCDOT to develop route
and design alternatives for the NC 55 upgrade that minimize
the impacts of the facility on homes and businesses in the Bay-
boro area.
The Thoroughfare Plan of Pamlico County was last updated in 1994
and does not reflect many of the current development trends. The
county has requested the NCDOT to schedule an update process for
the plan. The county will participate with the DOT staff in the update
in order to ensure that the plan recognizes the following county con-
'
cerns:
• County economic development goals;
• Existing and future development trends;
• Plans for construction of local infrastructure;
• Existing traffic safety concerns;
• Emergency evacuation needs; and
'
• Improved north -south access.
The county continues to support expansion of the Bay River Metro-
,
politan Sewer District's (BRMSD) central sewer system and the on-
going upgrade of its wastewater treatment and disposal facilities.
3.3.1 The county will actively participate with BRMSD to identify fi-
nancial alternatives that will allow the system to lead and
guide development rather than reacting to it;
3.3.2 The county will guide higher density community development
into areas that are currently served by the BRMSD or that the
BRMSD plans to serve within the foreseeable future.
3.3.3 For long range development, the county will strongly support
the following priorities:
3.3.3.1 Service to areas with existing developed areas to ad-
dress public health and water quality concerns;
61 1

3.4
1 3.5
1 3.6
1
1
3.3.3.2 Service to areas designated as towns and community
centers on the Future Land Use Map; and
3.3.3.3 Service to areas designated as rural with services on
the Future Land Use Map.
3.3.4 For short-term development, the county will consider financial
alternatives to help "up -size" facilities currently planned for the
southeastern area to create a "regional" system with capacity
to serve the surrounding rural with services area.
For areas not served by the BRMSD and areas where soils will not
permit septic tanks, the county will support the use of "state-of-the-
art package wastewater treatment plants." Owners and operators of
these facilities must have a plan of operation, a financial plan, and
security satisfactory to the county, that ensure the plan's continuous
operation and its periodic repair, upgrade, and expansion as
needed.
The county will continue to support expansion of the county water
system to serve any existing un-served areas and new development.
Specifically, the county will schedule implementation of its revised
water system plan to address storage, flow, and system loops.
The county will cooperate with appropriate state and federal agen-
cies to manage stormwater runoff and non -point source pollution
discharges to its estuarine and public trust waters.
3.6.1 The county will provide educational materials to owners and
developers that plan development or construction to inform
them of effective methods to protect water quality during con-
struction and on -going operations.
3.6.2 Prior to issuance of building permits for developments, either
on a single parcel or a subdivision, that involve land disturbing
activities of 1-acre or greater, the county will require an ap-
proved stormwater management application and an ap-
proved soil erosion and sedimentation control plan.
3.6.3 The county will work with the local Soil and Water Conservation
District, in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation
Service -USDA staff, and local property owners to identify effec-
tive solutions that address existing drainage problems while
protecting water quality.
62

4.0 Areas with Natural Hazards
NATURAL HAZARD AREAS CAMA PLANNING OBJECTIVES
"Develop location, density, and intensity criteria for new development so
that it can better avoid or withstand hazards"
"Correlate existing and planned development with existing and planned
evacuation infrastructure"
4.1 The county recognizes the risks to life and property that exist within its
special flood hazard areas and those related areas that may be in-
undated by hurricanes. The county will continue implementing
measures that mitigate these risks and will avoid taking any action in
these areas that materially increases these risks to life and property.
4.2 The county allows development and redevelopment within special
flood hazard areas subject to the provisions and requirements of the
National Flood Insurance Program and the county's Flood Damage
Prevention ordinance. Special flood hazard areas are those areas
delineated on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) as having a 1-%
chance of flooding in any year.
4.3 The county will continue to place emphasis on enforcement of the
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to help mitigate risks from
flooding.
4.4 The county recognizes that, in recent years, homes and other struc-
tures built under the provisions of the current Flood Damage Preven-
tion ordinance have sustained damage from flooding. Therefore, the
County will request the Planning Board to prepare an amendment to
this ordinance that will increase the minimum distance between
flood level and the floor joists of the lowest finished floor to 24 inches.
4.5 The future location of public facilities and structures will take into
consideration the existence and magnitude of natural hazards. The
county will not allow construction of public facilities (i.e., utilities) in
hazard areas unless no other option is available. When location in
hazard areas is unavoidable, all facilities, utilities, and structures will
be designed and located to comply with requirements of the Na-
tional Flood Insurance Program and the county's Flood Damage Pre-
vention Ordinance.
4.6 The county recognizes that a significant share of its housing stock
was built prior to the implementation of flood damage prevention
63

11
a
measures. The county will cooperate with state and federal agencies
and the municipalities to conduct an on -going program to elevate
residences and other structures above the flood elevation. The ob-
jectives sought by this program are to mitigate risks for older proper-
ties and to keep neighborhood intact.
4.7 The county will adopt and periodically update a Hazard Mitigation
Plan that addresses a range of natural hazards in the county. The
plan will meet the standards of the NC Division of Emergency Man-
agement and FEMA.
4.8 The county will maintain or improve its Community Rating System
(CRS) score to make the county safer and to reduce premiums for
Federal Flood Insurance.
4.9 The county will take steps to ensure that traffic handling capacity in
times of emergencies is a consideration in Thoroughfare Planning
and that needed improvements are included in the NC DOT Trans-
portation Improvement Program.
r 5.0 Water Quality
I
WATER QUALITY LAMA PLANNING OBJECTIVES
"Policies that help prevent or control non -point source discharges"
"Establish policies and land use categories aimed at protecting open shell -
fishing waters and restoring closed or conditionally closed shellfishing wa-
ters"
5.1 The county recognizes the importance of water quality to preserving
the life-style and economic well being of its residents and property
owners and will implement measures to address both point -source
and non -point source discharges in order to protect and restore wa-
ter quality.5
5.1.1 The county will continue to enforce a 75-foot permanent con-
servation zone along its water bodies. Generally except as
allowed by policy 2.3.3, page 59, no construction is permitted
within this zone on lots or parcels divided after January 26,
1990.
5 The Estuarine Shoreline policies contained in this section exceed the standards of the
State.
64

J
5.1.2 The county will maintain an "overall" low -density development
pattern that is consistent with maintaining and enhancing wa-
ter quality. In traditional subdivisions, waterfront lots must be a
minimum of 1 acre and interior lots must be at least '/Z acre; in
planned unit developments, the sizes of waterfront and interior
lots may vary as long as prescribed densities are maintained
according to the provisions of the county Subdivision Regula-
tions. Waterfront lots must be a minimum of 1 acre; interior lots
�.
must be at least '/z acre.
5.1.3 The county strongly encourages "cluster" development and
other techniques to reduce the impervious surfaces associated
with new development or significant redevelopment.
5.1.4 The county designates coastal and non -coastal wetlands as
conservation areas to address their roles in protecting water
quality. In non -coastal wetlands, the county encourages resi-
dential densities at no more than 1 dwelling per 2 acres.
5.1.5 The county strongly supports location, design, and operation
requirements for open water and upland marinas that minimize
any negative impacts of these operations on water quality.
5.2 The county will continue to reinforce the state's soil erosion and
sedimentation control program and its stormwater management
program by requiring proper permits prior to issuance of building
permits or approval of preliminary plats for subdivisions.
5.3 The county will work with the Soil and Water Conservation District to
identify solutions for existing drainage problems that protect water
quality.
5.4 The county strongly encourages farmers and timber operators to em-
ploy accepted "best management practices" to minimize the impact
of these operations on water quality.
6.0 Areas of Local Concern
6.1—Economic development
6.1.1 Pamlico County encourages expanded development of re-
tirement and second home communities in the county to cre-
ate jobs and to benefit the county tax base. '
6.1.1.1 The county will employ its land use and development
policies to ensure that its waters and its other natural
65 1

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1
fi
6.1.2
6.1.3
resources, which are necessary for this industry, are
protected and enhanced.
6.1.1.2 The county will ensure that plans for its water system
support anticipated development of retirement and
second home communities.
6.1.1.3 The county will work with the BRMSD to develop finan-
cial plans and system expansion plans to ensure that
affordable sewer services can be delivered in areas
planned for retirement -second home development.
The county supports the efforts of the NC Department of Com-
merce and the local Committee of 100 to locate businesses in
the county that provide living wage jobs for Pamlico County
residents and that are consistent with its goals for environ-
mental quality and its long-term goal for expanding retirement
and second home communities.
6.1.2.1 The county will work with the Committee of 100 to up-
date the inventory of industrial sites. The inventory will
be guided by the following site and development cri-
teria, including those of the NC Department of Com-
merce "Certified Industrial Site" program.
• Minimum of 10 acres capable of supporting a
building of 50,000 square feet plus parking and
other ancillary uses;
• Accessibility to roadway meeting NCDOT standards
for tractor/trailer use;
• Wetlands must be delineated;
• Substantially out of the 100-year flood hazard area;
• Compatible with surrounding land uses; and
• Ability to manage stormwater runoff onsite in man-
ner that minimizes impact on water quality
6.1.2.2 The county will support local efforts to conduct business
feasibility studies and to develop grants for planning
and capital costs associated with service extension
and site development for industrial locations.
6.1.2.3 The county will support efforts to provide well -designed,
affordable housing for families that wish to live in Pam-
lico County and work in the surrounding area.
The county recognizes the potential of resource -based recrea-
tion and tourism for creating jobs and the beneficial impacts
66

that these activities, particularly vessels docked and stored lo-
cally, have on the county tax base.
6.1.3.1 The county will spearhead a partnership of local groups
,
and state agencies to develop a plan to expand these
activities and to increase the number of jobs that they
support. The county will include a tourism survey and a
marketing strategy as major elements of this plan.
6.1.3.2
In addition to the land use and development policies
outlined in this plan, the county will work with regional
or state organizations to expand the use of conserva-
tion easements to preserve important scenic resources
such as coastal wetlands, important pocosins, swamps,
farms and timberland.
6.1.3.3 The county will encourage upland marinas as a tool to
reduce the number of piers and docks and, thereby,
protect the scenic quality of its waters.
6.1.3.4 The county will coordinate boating facilities with lodg-
ing and eating accommodations to increase the
county's attractiveness to boaters and paddlers.
6.1.3.5 The county will work with local groups and the NC DOT
to update existing bike routes and upgrade roads and
highways to make them safer for cyclists.
6.1.4 Pamlico County recognizes that many of its residents will con-
tinue to commute outside of the county for employment. To
address their safety and convenience, the county will work
with the NC DOT to maintain an up-to-date Thoroughfare Plan
and to obtain funding for needed improvements through the
Transportation Improvement Program.
6.2—Resource-based industries
6.2.1 Farming and timbering are part of the economic tradition and
the
rural character of Pamlico County and the County will en-
courage land use and development patterns that protect these
industries.
6.2.1.1 The county will discourage land uses that are incom-
patible with farming and timbering uses from locating
in areas classified as Rural with Services or Agriculture,
i
67 1

Forestry, and Rural Housing on the Future Land Use Map
(as attached).
6.2.1.2 The county will consider the impact of service exten-
sions on bona fide farming and timber operations.
6.2.1.3 The county will consider implementation of "agricul-
tural districts" to recognize the importance of farming
and forestry and to give these operations a level of
protection from unwanted development.
6.2.2 All proposed mining operations must have an impact state-
ment that complies with the county's Environmental Impact
Statement Ordinance prior to issuance of local permits.
I6.3—Community development
I
6.3.1 The county will work with the municipalities to identify deterio-
rated and dilapidated housing in the county. The county will
encourage steps to improve occupied substandard housing
and to remove vacant dilapidated housing. The county will
seek grant funds and other financial resources to improve its
housing stock.
6.3.2 The county recognizes the difficulty of disposing of mobile
homes that are dilapidated and abandoned and will work with
the municipalities, property owners, other counties, state
agencies, and other organizations to develop effective strate-
gies to address this problem.
6.3.3 "Junk yards" that are not buffered and carefully maintained
can be unsightly and may have negative impacts on environ-
mental quality. The county will take steps to ensure that these
operations are properly screened and encourage owners and
operators to properly maintain them so that the risk of envi-
ronmental impact is minimized.
6.3.4 Pamlico County has waterfront uses that are now obsolete. The
county will offer assistance to owners of these properties for
accessing resources for redevelopment for uses that are con-
sistent with the policies contained in this plan.
6.3.5 The county will request the Planning Board to prepare and rec-
ommend an amendment to the Subdivision Regulations that
requires "dry hydrants" in all subdivisions or divisions of land
with nine or more lots, where practical.
68

6.4--Land use
6.4.1 The county will encourage or require future development to in-
corporate landscaping and vegetation that increases the vis-
ual attractiveness of future development. The county will also
encourage the use of pervious paving materials where practi-
cal to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff to rivers, creeks
and bays. The county will encourage future development to
incorporate landscaping and vegetation that increases its vis-
ual attractiveness.
6.4.2 Future development should be managed to maintain the pub-
lic's visual access to the water. The ability of residents and
visitors to see the water is an important visual resource that
must be protected.
6.4.3 The county recognizes the importance of wetlands, forestlands,
and farmlands to the visual integrity of the area and will seek to
minimize the impacts of future growth on these resources.
6.4.4 Future development should be encouraged to provide visual
buffers that minimize their visual intrusion on the community.
Visual buffers are particularly important along major roads and
thoroughfares in the county.
6.4.5 The county will encourage future growth and development
along its roads and highways that protect their capacity and
enhances traffic safety.
6.4.5.1 The county will discourage proliferation of individual
driveways and access ways by encouraging creative
development projects that incorporate common ac-
cess points and well designed internal traffic flows.
6.4.5.2 The county will discourage the proliferation of strip
commercial development, particularly along NC 55,
which is being upgraded to a 5-lane facility.
6.5--Policies Related to Municipalities
Four Pamlico County municipalities have joined with the county to prepare
the CAMA Land Use Plan Update. These municipalities are Bayboro, Mesic,
Minnesott Beach, and Vandemere. The Joint Plan policies described
69

1
L,
above apply to these municipalities. In addition, the following specific
policies also apply to the municipalities:
6.5.1 Bayboro
1
6.5.2 Mesic
[l
6.5.1.1 The Town supports open water, upland marinas, and
dry stack storage. In addition to the Public Access
policy on marinas, the Town will ensure that requests for
marinas are consistent with the its zoning ordinance.
6.5.1.2 The Town supports continued development of its Park
providing access to the Bay River. The Town will also
support additional Bay River access locations.
6.5.1.3 The Town will use its zoning ordinance to support the
CAMA use standards for development in any AEC.. Lot
dimensions in the 75-foot permanent conservation
zone along the Town's waterways will be controlled by
the zoning ordinance.
6.5.1.4 In areas where sewer service is not available, the Town
supports the state regulations regarding septic tank in-
stallation and the Pamlico County Health Department
permitting process.
6.5.1.5 The Town has sites of archaeological, historic, and cul-
tural significance. It will support countywide efforts to
protect and preserve these sites. Floating homes are
not allowed.
6.5.1.6 The Town will participate with the county in submitting
applications for financial assistance to help improve
housing conditions.
6.5.1.7 The Town will continue to encourage low -density de-
velopment patterns and its residential character
through its zoning ordinance and subdivision regula-
tions.
6.5.2.1 In areas where sewer service is not available, the Town
supports the state regulations regarding septic tank in-
stallation and the Pamlico County Health Department
permitting process.
ric

6.5.2.2 The Town will continue to encourage low -density resi-
dential land uses that are consistent with its overall de-
velopment patterns. The Town will rely on the county
subdivision regulations to implement this policy. Lot di-
mensions in the 75-foot permanent conservation zone
along the Town's waterways will be controlled by the
zoning ordinance.
6.5.2.3 The Town supports development of industrial sites that
will provide local employment and that substantially
meet the criteria of the state "Certified Industrial Site"
program.
6.5.2.4 The Town will participate with the county in submitting
applications for financial assistance to help improve
housing conditions.
6.5.3 Minnesott Beach
6.5.3.1 The Town will use its zoning ordinance to support the
CAMA use standards for development in any AEC. Lot
dimensions in the 75-foot permanent conservation
zone along the Town's waterways will be controlled by
the zoning ordinance.
6.5.3.2 In areas where sewer service is not available, the Town
supports the state regulations regarding septic tank in-
stallation and the Pamlico County Health Department
permitting process. "Package treatment plants" are
allowed with proper county and state permitting.
6.5.3.3 The Town will support an open water or upland marina
only if it meets state and federal requirements, the
CAMA land use plan policy, and the requirements of
the Town's zoning ordinance. The Town does not sup-
port floating homes or dry stack storage facilities.
6.5.3.4 The Town supports a limited commercial area that pro-
vides neighborhood -type services.
6.5.3.5 The Town discourages industrial -type land uses within
and adjacent to the town limits.
6.5.3.6 Due to the character of the town, Minnesott Beach will
not encourage tourism or facilities for short-term visi-
tors.
71

I
P
6.5.3.7 The Town supports residential development that is con-
sistent with a single-family, conventional housing set-
ting. Multifamily structures are limited to those areas
zoned for such uses at the time of plan adoption.
6.5.3.8 The Town encourages residential development that is
consistent with second home and retirement living.
6.5.4 Vandemere
6.5.4.1 The Town supports open water, upland marinas, and
dry stack storage. In addition to the Public Access
policy on marinas, the Town will ensure that requests for
marinas are consistent with the its zoning ordinance.
Floating homes are not permitted.
6.5.4.2 The Bay River Metropolitan Sewer District provides pub-
lic sewer to Vandemere. In areas where sewer service
is not available, the Town supports the state regulations
regarding septic tank installation and the Pamlico
County Health Department permitting process. "Pack-
age treatment plants" are allowed with proper county
and state permitting and only if operated and main-
tained by a public agency.
6.5.4.3 In order to increase its job base, the Town supports de-
velopment of industrial sites that will provide local em-
ployment and that substantially meet the criteria of the
state "Certified Industrial Site" program.
6.5.4.4 The Town will continue to encourage low -density resi-
dential land uses that are consistent with its overall de-
velopment patterns. The Town will utilize its zoning or-
dinance to guide the types and intensities of commer-
cial and residential land development. The Town will
rely on the county subdivision regulations to guide the
land subdivision process. Lot dimensions in the 75-foot
permanent conservation zone along the Town's water-
ways will be controlled by the zoning ordinance.
72

Future Land Use Map
CAMA land use planning guidelines require a future land use map that de-
picts the County's growth and development policies and the desired future
patterns of land development. The map must give due consideration to
the planning area's natural system constraints, its existing land uses, and its
policies related to highways, water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater
management. The map is an extension of the county's planning vision and
its planning goals. It describes where the county wants growth to occur
and at what densities and it shows the general location of resources that
the county wishes to conserve.The future land use map also provides a
guide to local, state, and federal agencies for planning projects that are
located in Pamlico County or that will impact the county.
Pamlico County's future land use map, which follows, has 7 categories.
These include the following:
,
Conservation—
Estuarine waters
II Estuarine shoreline conservation zone
III Coastal wetlands
IV Non -coastal wetlands
Towns and Community Centers
Rural with Services
Agriculture and Rural Housing
The Rural with Services category includes 2 sub -categories Waterfront De-
velopment Areas and Enterprise Corridors - to identify areas with specific
development objectives.
These future land use categories show where commu
nity unity development
should occur and where land should be devoted to conservation and rural ,
uses. They do not specify the detailed location of land uses like residential,
commercial, industrial, and so on.
The policyintent of each of these land use categories is g described in the
following section. The future land use map is intended to depict the appli-
cation of the county's policies on the land. Due to scale and other limita-
tions, the map must be considered a guide only and not a substitute for on-
73

i
I'
J
irNNA
ho
A
I'

► •
ft
.

site investigations. If there are conflicts between the policies and the de-
scriptions of the land use categories and the future land use map, the poli-
cies and classification descriptions are controlling. ,
The Future Land Use Map shows the general location of the anticipated ex-
tensions of the Bay River Metropolitan Sewer District's sewer system. The ex-
tensions shown are in the Reelsboro area between Grantsboro and the
Pamlico -Craven county line. Extensions are under discussion in the Flor-
,
ence-Whortonsville-Pamlico area. At the time of this plan, the route of this
expansion had not been determined. To avoid significant confusion, these
lines are not shown on the plan. When this route is finalized, the county will
update the Future Land Use Map.
Conservation areas
■
■
The purpose of the Conservation classification is two -fold. First, this classifi-
cation provides for the protection and long-term management of Pamlico
County's significant and irreplaceable natural systems. These areas have
high environmental, scenic, recreational, economic, and life-style values.
Second, the classification helps the county and its municipalities to mitigate
,
the risks to life and property that would result from development in these
areas with wind and flooding. The Conservation Areas are generally consis-
tent with the areas evaluated as having the least suitability on the Land
Suitability Analysis.
Following the general approach of the current land use plan (1992), the
conservation classification is divided into the following four sub -classes that
reflect the capabilities and limitations of the county's natural systems:
Conservation I —estuarine and public trust waters '
Conservation II —estuarine shoreline preservation zone
Conservation III --coastal wetlands
Conservation IV —nori-coastal wetlands
Each of these sub -categories has specific land use and development ob-
jectives and policies, which are described below.
74

Conservation I
'
The purpose of this classification is to protect and to assist in the long-term
management of the county's estuarine and public trust waters. Within
'
Pamlico County, estuarine waters include the sound and bays, the Pamlico
River, the Bay River, and the coastal waters of the Neuse River, and the
tributaries to these waters. Public trust waters include all estuarine waters
and the lands under them plus other navigable water bodies to which the
public has rights of access and navigation. These waters are held "in trust"
for the public by the state of North Carolina and its local jurisdictions.6
'
These estuarine water systems are "among the most productive natural en-
vironments" in the state. They support the valuable commercial and sport
fisheries of the county7. As public trust areas, these waters have high fish-
ery, aesthetic, recreational, and economic development values.
'
The county's primary goals for this classification are (1) to allow only those
water uses and land uses in this classification that are consistent with con-
servation of these waters; and (2) to protect the public's rights to access,
navigation and recreation. The county also allows development activities
in this classification that require water access and that cannot function
elsewhere, if these uses are designed, developed, and operated in a man-
ner that is consistent with the primary goal. Examples of these uses include
erosion control structures, docks and piers, marinas, and mooring pilings.
The county will ensure that development and uses established in this classi-
fication do not interfere with the public's rights of access, navigation, and
recreation.
Conservation II
This land use classification establishes a permanent conservation zone for
all land within 75 feet of the natural mean high water level for all shorelines
bordering primary nursery areas, estuarine waters, and public trust waters.
Man-made ditches, canals, and basins are excluded from this classifica-
tion.
b T15A NCAC 07H.0206 (a), 0.207 (a).
7 T15A NCAC 07H.0206 (b), .0207 (b).
75

Development activity within this preservation zone preservation zone has '
direct and secondary impacts that influence water quality and the quality
of estuarine life. Development within this zone is subject to the damaging
processes of flooding and shoreline erosion. And finally, development
within this zone affect scenic values that are so important to the overall '
quality of life in the county.
All construction activities are prohibited in this zone, except for those per- '
mitted under the CAMA use standards for estuarine waters and coastal
wetlands. Generally, these uses are those that require water access and '
that cannot function in another location, such as piers and docks, boat
ramps, marinas, and erosion prevention structures.
Agricultural operations that follow Agricultural Best Management Prac-
tices" and forestry operations that follow "Forestry Best Management Prac- '
tices" are not restricted in this area -
Conservation III '
This land use classification encompasses areas in the county that are des- ,
ignated as coastal wetlands, which includes any salt marsh or other marsh
that is subject to flooding by tides, including wind tides$. Without the nutri-
ents exported from these marshes to the surrounding waters, the productiv-
ity levels of the estuaries could not be maintained. The wetlands provide
extensive food and cover for waterfowl and other wildlife, and they serve '
as a defense mechanism against the shoreline erosion processes. In addi-
tion, the county's coastal wetlands serve as nutrient and sediment traps
that help prevent pollutants from entering the water.
The county's primary goal for this land use classification is to protect the '
biological, aesthetic, economic, and life-style values associated with wet-
lands. To achieve this goal, the county will only support land uses and de-
velopment that are consistent with the goal and that require water access ,
and that cannot function elsewhere. These uses include those described in
the CAMA use standards for coastal wetlands9.
8 T15A NCAC 07H.0205 (a)
9 T15A NCAC 07H.0205(d). ,
76

IConservation IV
This classification includes areas that are designated as non -coastal wet-
lands (sometimes referred to as "404" wetlands). These wetlands, accord-
ing to the Corps of Engineers, are those areas that are "inundated or satu-
rated by surface or ground water at a frequency or duration to support,
' and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegeta-
tion typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." These wetlands
have significant values that include water storage, shoreline stabilization,
water quality, wildlife and aquatic life habitat, and recreation and educa-
tion.
The county will only support development in these areas that does not alter
their unique character, that preserves their values, and that is consistent
with local, state, and federal requirements. Gross development density for
the area in Conservation IV is projected to be 1 dwelling for every 75 acres
or less. Site development density should not exceed the equivalent of 1
' dwelling unit per 2 acres.
Towns and Community Centers
This classification includes the incorporated areas and surrounding unin-
corporated borders and the unincorporated communities that are more
densely developed and that have one or more community services. The
Community Center designation includes the Reelsboro and Merritt areas.
All of the areas in this classification have county water services and Mesic,
Vandemere, Bayboro, and the Reelsboro areas have community sewer.
The county will encourage its most intensive growth and development in
these areas. Development will include a mixture of community -level land
uses— a mixture of housing types with an average density that is higher
than other areas and shopping and employment opportunities to help
meet the needs of area residents.
Gross development density for this classification is projected to be ap-
proximately 1 dwelling for every 7.5 acres or less. Site development density,
where water and sewer and other services are available, may be approxi-
mately 2 dwellings per acre or higher.
77

The county seeks to provide water services to the all areas in this classifica-
tion, where feasible, and will cooperate with BRMSD and the municipalities
to expand sewer collection facilities to fully serve these areas.
The county will team -up with the elected officials and community leaders
in the Towns and Community Centers to devise growth and development
strategies that capitalize on the natural resources and community services
that the areas offer. Initial planning will be done in Mesic-Vandemere and
Bayboro, since these communities already offer a full range of community
services.
Rural with Services
This classification includes the areas where development at a density and
intensity that is below urban levels is encouraged. These areas are near full
water service and either have access to central wastewater treatment
service or are expected to have service within the 20-year planning hori-
zon.
It is expected that these areas will develop at a low residential density.
Gross development density for this classification is projected to be ap-
proximately 1 dwelling for every 15 acres. These densities allow for contin-
ued use of a majority of the land for farming and timber. Site develop-
ment density is projected at approximately 1 dwelling per acre for water-
front areas in subdivisions and approximately 2 dwellings per acre in non -
waterfront areas. Planned unit developments and flexible site planning are
encouraged so that natural systems and scenic resources can be pre-
served.
Convenience retail and other traditional non-residential rural land uses are
encouraged for locations at cross-roads where they will have less impact
on surrounding land uses and on traffic safety.
Agriculture and forestry activities will continue in this classification.
Waterfront Development Areas. Within the Rural with Services classification,
there are areas in the eastern and southern areas where the county will
encourage water -oriented second home and retirement communities.
Flexible site planning, conservation design, and planned unit development
78

concepts are strongly encouraged in these areas so that naturals stems
p 9Y g systems,
'
water quality, and scenic views are protected and the most efficient use of
the waterfront is accomplished. Overall development density for these ar-
eas will be the same as other Rural with Services areas.
In the eastern area, from Florence-Whortonsville south to Oriental the
county will actively participate in extension of sewer services. Sewer serv-
ice in the is long-term
southern areas a consideration.
'
Enterprise Corridors. The NC 55 corridor, between Alliance and the Reels-
boro, and the NC 304 Corridor, between Bayboro and Vandemere, are
'
recognized as Enterprise Corridors, which is a sub -category of the Rural with
Services classification. These corridors offer meet basic location require-
ments for business and commercial development - excellent highway ac-
cess and available water and sewer services. The county encourages
business and commercial development in these corridors with an emphasis
'
on creating jobs and providing services for county residents. However,
farming and related residential uses will continue to dominate.
'
The county will strongly encourage development patterns and site plans in
the Enterprise Corridors that ensure compatibility with surrounding land
uses, avoid the negative aspects of commercial strip development, and
protect the safety and traffic capacity of the roadway. Developing and
adopting a workable policy to limit the proliferation of driveways will be a
focus of the effort to preserve capacity and to enhance safety.
Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Housing
The purpose of this classification is to conserve the county's farming and
timber operations, which are major aspects of the county's economy, its
history, and its scenic rural character. The county will discourage uses in
these areas that are not compatible with agriculture and forestry.
Rural housing is a compatible use that is encouraged in this area. Even
' though water services may be available in these areas, soils are not well
suited for septic tanks and central sewer services are not expected during
the planning horizon. Therefore, the County expects residential develop-
ment to occur at very low densities. Gross development density for the
area in this classification is projected to be 1 dwelling for every 75 acres or
79

less. Site, development density should not exceed the equivalent of 1
dwelling unit per 2 to 5 acres or lower.
Allocation of Land to Various Land Use Classifications
The planning guidelines require an analysis of the amount of land allocated
to each of the land use classifications shown on the future land use map
and a comparison with the land needs analysis shown in Part 2, Section III,
Table 15, page 36. Table 19 details this analysis.
Table 19
Comparison of Land Allocated to Future ReSidP_ntinl Lnnd 11ka nnrl Prnioae-hari 1nnrl Nlnnrle
Future Land Use Classifications
Total acres
Vacant
Estimated
Estimated
allocated
acres
gross den-
households
sity
accommo-
dated
Towns and communities
16,000
5,000
1 house-
600
hold/7.5
acres
Rural with Services
60,000
11,000
1 house-
700
hold/15
acres
Conservation IV
74,000
6,000
NA
NA
Agriculture, forestry, and rural
23,000
NA
1 house-
300
housing
hold/75
acres
Other conservation
48,000
NA
NA
NA
Total households accommo-
1,780
dated
Total projected household
1,800
growth (after allowed 1.5X ad-
justment: 1,200X 1.5 = 1,800)
Table 15 in "Analysis of Existing and Emerging Trends" provides a household
growth estimate of 1,200 over the planning horizon. After applying an ad-
justment factor of 1.5 times projected growth, the number of households to
be accommodated by the plan is approximately 1,800. As shown in the
table, the area on the future land use map allocated to land that may be
used for residential development is well within the estimate.
80

Cost of Required Community Facility Extensions
The land use patterns shown on the future land use map are not depend-
ent on the extension of community facilities. However, the county's policies
are designed to support the Bay River Water Metropolitan Sewer District's
extension of sewer services in the southeaster area of the county.
81

n
Part 4. Tools for Managing Development
1
This section of the' plan describes Pamlico County's strategy and action
plan for implementing its Growth and Development Policies. The section
includes four major parts: ,
1. Description of the role of the plan and the status of its policies in '
the County's land use and development decisions.
2. Description of the County's existing development management '
program, including ordinances and plans, and how it will be
used to implement the policies. '
3. Identification of any additional tools that will be used to imple-
ment the plan. '
4. Action plan and schedule for implementation. '
Each of these parts is discussed below.
Role and Status of Plan
1
The Pamlico County CAMA Land Use Plan will serve both day-to-day and
long-range functions. The day-to-day functions relate primarily to the '
County and Towns' administrative staffs on preparation and administra-
tion of development management ordinances and the public's under-
standing and use of these ordinances for land use and development de-
cisions regarding their own property.
For the Board of Commissioners, the Plan will be a policy and decision
guide on matters related to land use and land development in the
County planning area. It will not have the status of a local ordinance or '
code, except in matters related to development or land use within Areas
of Environmental Concern, but the policies and the future land use map
will guide decisions on applicable ordinances and policies such as the ,
zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. The plan will also be used in
the Board of Commissioners' decision -making on the capital and annual ,
operating budgets. The Board will review the implementation plan peri-
odically and make necessary adjustments based on budgetary consid-
erations, coordination with other projects, and community needs. '
82

Changes in the implementation strategy will be transmitted to the Division
of Coastal Management.
'
Another keyuse of the Plan is for consistency determinations b the Divi-
'
sion of Coastal Management on major development permits, and by
other state and federal agencies on the consistency of their projects and
programs with local plans and policies.
The be useful tool for
plan will also a others as outlined below.
'
Property owners and developers— Plan will provide guidance on the
types of land uses and development that are desired by the commu-
nity. The policies will help owners or developers formulate proposals
that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the community,
thereby increasing the likelihood of approval. Finally, the plan provides
base information that will help owners and developers understand the
capabilities and limitations of their property.
• Community members at large— Plan will provide information that will
permit residents and property owners to better understand plans for
public projects or private development and will provide a reference
'
when supporting or opposing such proposals.
• Administrative staff —The staff of the County and the Towns will use the
plan as a tool for evaluating development proposals and for preparing
plans for public facilities. Staff will also check existing ordinances for
consistency with the plan and recommend any necessary. adjustments
'
to the planning board and/or Board of Commissioners. Staff will also
use the plan and implementation strategy when preparing its budget
recommendations and will make reference to the plan when prepar-
ing applications for grants and other assistance.
• Planning Board —The planning board will use the plan and its policies
'
to determine consistency of project plans and development proposals
with community goals and objectives in making decisions to grant or
deny requests, such as an ordinance amendment, special use permit,
or subdivision to approve
plat, or project plans.
'
Existing Development Management Program
The existing development management program of Pamlico County and
the participating municipalities provides a comprehensive basis for im-
1
8'
1

plementing the growth and development policies. At the present time, '
the program includes the following ordinances and plans:
Subdivision regulations
Zoning in Bayboro, Minnesott Beach, and Vandemere '
Flood damage prevention ordinance
Mobile home and travel trailer park ordinance
Shoreline access plans ,
In addition, the county enforces the state building code throughout the '
planning area. These policies and ordinances are summarized in Table 20.
The County has a well -staffed inspections program that will be responsible '
for coordinating the administration of the development management
program. This department has oversight of all ordinances related to '
building and development within the county.
The Shoreline Access Plan is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation '
Department. The Parks and Recreation Department will oversee any ad-
justments to this plan. '
New Tools/Reviews and Amendments/Projects
Ordinance amendments
Implementation of the policies contained in the Land Use Plan will require
no new tools and only limited review and possible amendments to existing '
tools.
1. Review the Subdivision Regulations for consistency with updated
'
land use plan.
2. Consider amendment to Subdivision Regulations requiring instal-
'
lation of dry hydrants in new development where practical.
3. Amendment to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to in-
crease the elevation of the joists of the first finished floor level
,
above base flood elevation.
84 1

Table 20
Pamlico County CAMA Land Use Plan
Existinq Development Management Proqram
Public access
Land use com-
Infrastructure
Natural hazard
Water quality
Ordinances
patibility
carrying capac-
areas
and Policies
ity
Subdivision
Prohibits platting
• Requires con-
Comply with
• Implements
regulations—
of "unsuited"
nection to
Flood Damage
shoreline con -
County, also
land for residen-
public water
Prevention Ordi-
servation
applies to
tial or other uses.
and sewer
nance.
zone
Bayboro, Me-
where avail-
Requires large
sic, and Van-
able.
lots on estua-
demere
Requires sep-
rine shorelines
Minnesott
tic permit.
Beach en-
forces own
subdivision
regs
Zoning ordi-
• Bayboro - 2
nance—
du./acre
Bayboro
• Vandemere -
Minnesott
2.5 du./acre
Beach
Vandemere
Flood dam-
No hazardous
Requires all new
WWT must be
age preven-
land uses permit-
or substantially
designed to pre-
tion ordi-
ted in flood haz-
upgraded struc-
vent discharge
nance
and area.
tures to comply
into floodwaters.
County, also
with flood dam -
applies to
age prevention
85

Bayboro,
standards.
Minnesott
Beach, Mesic,
and Vande-
mere
State building
Coastal struc-
code (en-
tures must meet
forced by
wind -load re -
county in-
quirements.
spections)
Mobile home
Requires facilities
Comply with
and TT park
to protect public
Flood Damage
ordinance
health.
Prevention Ordi-
nance.
Shoreline ac-
Policy for devel-
cess plan
oping and main-
taining public
access locations
throughout
community.
86

'
4.
Review all development regulations to identify opportunities to reduce
the amount of required impervious surfaces or to identify means to en-
courage use of paving materials that help reduce runoff.
5.
Consider regulation to address buffering and maintenance of "junk
'
yards."
Projects and Plans
l .
Update of the Shoreline Access Plan.
'
2.
Ongoing coordination with NCDOT on the update of the Pamlico
County Thoroughfare Plan.
3.
Work with the BRMSD to determine financial options for "up -sizing" fa-
'
cilities to be installed in conjunction with the "Gum Thicket" develop-
ment. In addition, work on a long-range plan that will allow installation
of facilities in areas where, in accordance with the land use plan, de-
velopment is desired.
'
4.
Continue partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation District and
the NRCS-USDA staff to identify effective solutions to drainage prob-
lems while protecting water quality.
5.
Request County Committee of 100 to take steps to update the inven-
tory of industrial sites in accordance with the land use plan.
6.
Explore feasibility of a program to remove abandoned, dilapidated
mobile homes from the county.
7.
Prepare information brochure for property owners and developers on
best management practices for stormwater management and water
quality protection.
1
Implementation
Action Plan
Table 21 shows the implementation action plan for the CAMA Land Use Plan.
The action plan is a separate section of the land use plan to avoid any confu-
sion between policies and implementation measures and to allow the County
and the Towns to focus on the steps and actions that are required to implement
the policies for growth and development. Some of the policies contained in the
plan are benchmarks for many land use decisions that will be made in coming
years by the County, Towns, and property owners. Other policies require public
action for implementation. These policies are addressed in the action plan.

The 12 actions outlined in the Action Plan in this section are an ambitious work
plan for the County and other local organizations.We anticipate that these ac-
tions can be initiated within the 6-year planning period. However, it will be nec-
essary to assess the work plan each year. This assessment will include several
factors: funding availability, shifting priorities that may dictate rescheduling,
adding or dropping projects, and project completion schedules.

M M M M = M= i =!= i M= M M
Table 21
Pamlico County CAMA Land Use Plan
Action Plan and Schedule
2004-2011
Action
Responsibility
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2009-10
2010-11
Review Subdivision Regulations
• Consistency
• Dry hydrants
County Planning
Board
Amend Flood Damage Preven-
Lion Ordinance, floor level ele-
vation
County Planning
Board
Identify opportunities to reduce
impervious surfaces
Planning Board
Consider regulation to address
"junk yards"
Board of Commis -
sioners
Update Shoreline Access Plan
Parks and Rec-
reation, Tourism
Committee
Identify options to "up -size"
sewer
Board of Commis -
sioners and
BRMSD Board
Inventory Business Develop-
ment Sites
Economic Revel-
op-
ment/Committee
of 100
Study and determine feasibility
of removing abandoned mo-
bile homes
Board of Commis -
sioners
m

Brochure on best management
Cooperative Ex -
I
practices
tension
90

APPENDIX
Required Policy Analysis
a y y
' The planning guidelines require the local government to provide two types of
analysis of its land use and development policies and the future land use map.
' Each analysis is described below.
Consistency of Plan with Management Topics
' 1. Consistency between goals and management topics - direction of policies.
Public access. The plan's access policies are intended to provide "satisfac-
tory access for residents and visitors to the county's public trust waters for a
' range of activities." The policies provide for additional access facilities in ar-
eas that are currently under -served. They also capitalize on the numerous
private or informal access locations throughout the county. Finally, the ac-
cess policies address public -owned land, such as flood buyout property, that
may have potential for public access. The county intends to update its
Shoreline Access Plan to incorporate these new policies and to provide more
' details on facility development.
Land use compatibility. The goal is to continue "land uses and land use pat-
terns that are consistentwith the capabilities and limitations of the county's
natural systems." The plan protects the town's wetlands and estuarine shore-
line to ensure that their role in water quality is maintained. The plan recog-
nizes the role of non -coastal wetlands and classifies them as conservation to
encourage compatible development. The policies also ensure that land uses
' and facilities are designed in a manner that protects the biological, eco-
nomic, and community values of estuarine waters.
' The plan's estuarine shoreline policy establishes a 75-foot conservation zone
from mean low water landward where most construction is prohibited. The
policy also establishes a minimum 100-foot frontage and 1-acre lot size for
' most waterfront lots. These policies exceed CAMA requirements.
'
Infrastructure carrying capacity. The plan's infrastructure goal focuses on
traffic flow and safety associated with expansion of NC 55 to a 5-lane facility
from the Craven County line to Bayboro. Policies address land use patterns
and site improvements that protect the capacity of this facility. In addition,
the policies encourage the NCDOT to work with the Town of Bayboro to en-
sure that the final alignment through the town has minimal impact on proper-
91

ties that abut the road. The policies also support update of the county's
Thoroughfare Plan to address changing levels of development.
Pamlico County is not directly involved in the provision of central sewer serv-
ices. However, the policies encourage the Bay River Metropolitan Sewer Dis-
trict to consider priorities in the extension of wastewater facilities that support
the county's desired development patterns.
The county provides drinking water virtually on a countywide basis. Policies
support continued upgrade of this system.
Stormwater policies include a community education program and support of
the existing state permitting system to address runoff, sedimentation, pollu-
tion, and flooding associated with development.
Natural and man-made hazards. The plan's goal is to "mitigate risks from
storms and flooding." The plan includes two key policies to address this goal.
First, the plan supports continued enforcement of the provisions of the flood
damage prevention ordinance and the CAMA use standards for.develop-
ment in the high hazard flood area. Second, the plan recommends an in-
crease in the minimum distance allowed between flood elevation and the
floor joists of the lowest finished floor elevation.
The plan supports maintenance or improvement of the county's CRS rating.
Water quality. The plan's water quality goal is "high quality water in the
county's rivers, creeks, and bays, and the Pamlico Sound." The plan employs
several methods to addresses this goal. The plan creates a 75-foot perma-
nent conservation zone along all water bodies. Generally, no construction is
permitted in this zone. Second, the plan encourages very low -density de-
velopment in water front areas - minimum 100-foot frontage and 1-acre lots
on the water. The plan also incorporates existing state permits, such as Soil
Erosion and Sedimentation,.to address non -point source runoff.
Local concerns. The plan has two goals that embody local concerns. These
are "land use and development patterns that preserve the county's rural
character," and a "sound economic base that generates jobs for residents
who wish to work in the county..." Four groups of policies address these
goals: 1) economic development; 2) resource -based industries; 3) community
development; and 4) land use. Each group is summarized below.
• Economic development - The plan encourages development of second
home and retirement communities as a job creation strategy and it rec-
ognizes that this strategy depends on clean water and protection of
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natural resources. The plan also supports identification of sites for business
and job development that are consistent with the county's goals for en-
vironmental quality. And finally, the plan supports development of the
county's tourism industry.
• Resource -based industries - The plan encourages land use patterns that
help protect the county's traditional resource -based industries, such as
farming, fishing, and forestry.
• Community development - Policies address three major elements related
to community development: deteriorated, dilapidated housing, disposal
of abandoned mobile homes, and screening and maintenance of "junk
yards." The policies support continued applications for funds to address
housing issues and a county -local effort to address housing and aban-
doned mobile homes. The county will work on a strategy for "junk yards."
• Land use - The policies focus on landscaping and other aesthetics of land
uses and protection of the county's highway corridors from a proliferation
of driveways, strip commercial development, and other land use patterns
that impact capacity and safety.
2. Consistency between future land use map and land use plan requirements.
A. Residential density. The residential densities depicted on the map are
consistent with the capabilities of the county's natural systems. Typical
density levels are:
Classification
Conservation
Conservation II
Towns/Community Centers
Rural with Services
Ag, Forestry and Rural Housing
Proiected Gross Density
NA
75-foot conservation zone, no
residential development
1 du/7.5 acre or greater
1 du/15 acre in waterfront ar-
eas
1 du/75 acres
B. Comparison of environmental composite map, land suitability map, and
future land use map. There are no material differences between these
maps. All of the lower capability areas shown on the composite map and
the lower suitability areas are classified as conservation on the future land
use map.
C. Natural hazards.
(1) Policies for land uses in the high hazard flood area adopt the CAMA
use standards. The use standards ensure that risks to life and property
in these areas are reasonable.
(2) In flood hazard areas, the county will continue to enforce its flood
damage prevention ordinance and the state building code to man-
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age risks. Plan supports increase in the distance between flood level
and joist of 1 St finished floor.
'
(3) The county's major evacuation infrastructure is NC 55. NCDOT is in the
process of upgrading this facility to 5 lanes. Plan also supports updat-
ing the county's thoroughfare plan with storm and hurricane evacua-
tion a major consideration.
'
D. Protection of shellfishing waters.
(1) The residential land use patterns depicted on the future land use map
are very low density and are designed to limit non -point source pollu-
tion, one of the main culprits in the closure of shellfish harvesting areas.
More intensive development is directed toward the existing incorpo-
rated areas where services are available and AECs are less prevalent.
'
(2) The plan requires that all waterfront lots be a minimum of 1-acre and
have at least 100 feet of frontage. These restrictions on shoreline den-
'
sity will help protect shellfishing waters.
(3) Coastal wetlands, non -coastal wetlands, the estuarine shoreline, and
the estuarine waters are classified as conservation. Only those uses
that are consistent with the biological functions of these systems are
'
permitted. In addition, the plan continues a conservation zone that
extends from mean low water and extends landward for 75 feet,
'
where most construction is prohibited.
Analysis of the Impact of Policies on Management Topics
The planning guidelines require the local government to analyze the impacts of
' its land use and development policies on the management topics. The analysis
must describe both positive and negative impacts. If there are any negative
impacts, then there must be policies to mitigate the negative impacts. .
The impacts of Pamlico County's policies on the management topics are shown
in the matrix in Table 22. According to this analysis, all of the policies have ei-
ther a beneficial or neutral impact on the management topics. No mitigation
policies are required.
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Table 22. Analysis of Impacts of Pamlico County Policies on Management Topics.
Management Topics
Public Access
Land Use Compatibility
Infrastructure Carrying Capacity
Natural Hazard Areas
Water Quality
Local Concerns
Land Use Policies
Do access policies result in additional
Do policies result in land use and
Are the land use and development
Do the policies have location, density,
Do the policies prevent or control
Do the policies support county eco-
river, creek, and sound access? Do
development patterns that protect
patterns encouraged by the policies
and intensity criteria to help new de-
non -point source discharges?
nomic development goals?
policies support appropriate access
natural systems?
consistent with location and capacity
velopment and redevelopment avoid
Do the policies protect open shellfish-
Do the policies protect county's re -
improvements?
Do policies allow economic develop-
of water, sewer, roads, and stormwa-
or withstand hazards?
ing waters or help restore condition-
source -based industries?
ment?
ter facilities?
ally closed shellfishing waters?
Do the policies support county commu-
nity development goals?
Do the policies support local land use
goals?
Public access
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
Neutral.
Neutral -Beneficial.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
1. Will revise and update Shoreline Ac-
Publicly owned access locations will have
Provide for use of property acquired through
flood recovery for access locations
1. Policies link additional public access
to the county's tourism goals.
cess Plan.
permanent vegetative buffers on all paved
program
surfaces to protect water quality.
where practical, which is a needed and com-
2. Additional access will facilitate com-
• Seeks additional access on AIW W in
patible use.
mercial fishing.
Goose Creek Island and on the Bay
River.
• Encourages planning for system of
small kayak/canoe sites.
• Capitalizes on numerous formal and
informal access points.
• Utilizes publicly owned property.
• Provides for financial plan for develop-
ment.
2. Encourages marina development with
adequate water quality safeguards and
ample facilities to protect surrounding
properties.
3. Seeks to protect pristine views through
upland marinas and joint development
of docks/piers.
Land use compatibility
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Neutral -Beneficial.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
1. Support conservation of coastal wet-
Discourage development where soils have
1. Encourage property owners to use
erosion methods most effec-
Preserve coastal resources, which are essen-
tial for quality of life and local economy.
lands by endorsing CAMA use stan-
dards and applying local regulations.
septic tank limitations until sewerage system
is available.
prevention
tive for protecting wetlands.
2. Require identification of high value
2. Support use standards for estuarine
non coastal wetlands on site plans and
shoreline.
encourages preservation.
3. Establish more restrictive conservation
3. Establish permanent 75 -foot conserva-
zone with 75 feet of mean high water.
tion zone along estuarine shorelines
4. Allow only compatible uses in estua-
4. Classify non -coastal wetlands as Con-
rine waters; adopt CAMA use stan-
servation.
ids.
5. Encourage site plans that protect natu-
5. Encourage preservation of coastal
ral systems.
wetlands; support CAMA use stan-
dards.
Infrastructure carrying capacity
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
1. Encourage land use patterns that pro-
1. Support stormwater management and
Use water and sewer to guide development
tect traffic capacity of NC 55.
soil erosion and sedimentation control
to existing communities and to water-
2. Encourage NCDOT to design NC 55 to
for any development > 1 acre soil
disturbing activities.
oriented retirement and second home com-
munities.
protect businesses homes in Bayboro.
3. Request update of 1994 Thoroughfare
2. Discourage development on septic
tanks where soils are not suitable.
Plan.
4. Encourage development densities and
land use patterns consistent with water,
sewer, and roads.
5. Discourage development on soils not
suited for septic tanks.

7
Public Access
Land Use Compatibility
Infrastructure Carrying Capacity
Natural Hazard Areas
Water Quality
Local Concern
Areas with natural hazards
Neutral.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
Neutral.
Neutral.
County will initiate work with DOT
1. Require any construction within
to improve traffic capacity of local
special flood hazard area to meet
road system and to improve evacua-
requirements of National Flood
tion routes.
Insurance Program and local
standards.
2. Increase minimum distance be-
tween flood level and lowest
finished floor elevation.
3. Supports on -going elevation of
older structures located in flood
hazard areas —focus on keeping
neighborhoods intact.
4. Support adoption Hazard Mitiga-
tion Plan.
5. Support improvement traffic
handling capability of emergency
'
routes.
6. Maintain or improve the
Water quality
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Neutral.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Neutral.
1. Safeguard coastal systems—
1. Provide 75-foot shoreline conser-
coastal wetlands, estuarine wa-
vation zone.
ters, and non -coastal wetlands.
2. Maintains low density develop-
2. Provide more restrictive 75-foot
ment patterns consistent with
shoreline conservation zone.
WQ objectives
3. Maintain low density develop-
3. Encourage development patterns
ment patterns and encourage
I that reduce impervious surfaces.
development flexibility to pre-
4. Designate coastal wetlands and
serve natural systems.
non -coastal wetlands as conser-
4. Recognize importance of natural
vation to support role in WQ.
systems in local economic devel-
5. Design and operation measures
opment.
to keep marinas from impacting
WQ.
6. Reinforce state's SE/SC and
stormwater management pro-
grams.
7. Work with Soil and Water Con-
servation District to address
drainage problems in way that
Local concerns
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
Link tourism development with pub-
Encourages use of conservation ease-
Cooperate with BRMSD to make
Encourage upland marinas to protect
1. Encourage development of re -
Economic development
lic access program.
ments and other tools to preserve
affordable sewer available in priority
scenic values and WQ.
tirement/second home commu-
important natural systems, such as
areas.
nities as job creation approach.
wetlands, pocosins, and swamps.
2. Recruit only compatible busi-
nesses and use "certified site"
program criteria to ensure devel-
opment consistent with environ-
mental quality goals.
3. Encourage affordable housing
for county's working families.

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Public Access
Land Use Compatibility
Infrastructure Carrying Capacity
Natural Hazard Areas
Water Quality
Local Concern
Local concerns
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
Neutral.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Proposed mining operations require
County considers impacts of service
1. Land use patterns that protect
Resource -based industries
EIS.
extensions on farming and timber
farming and timbering.
operations.
2. Considers impact of water and
sewer extensions on farming
and timbering operations.
3. Consider use of agricultural
districts to help protect farms.
4. Impact statement for mining
operations.
Community development
Neutral.
Neutral.
Neutral.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
1. Programs to remove abandoned
1. Improve housing stock.
mobile homes and to encourage
2. Reduce negative "visual and
"junk yard" owners to maintain
environmental impact' of aban-
facilities to minimize environ-
doned/dilapidated mobile homes
mental impact.
and poorly buffered and main-
2. Assist with redevelopment of
tained "junk yards."
obsolete and abandoned water-
3. Improve safety by installing
front uses which may benefit
"dry" hydrants in new subdivi-
water quality.
sions.
Land use
Neutral.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Neutral.
Beneficial.
Beneficial.
Protects capacity of highways and
Encourages reduction of impervious
1. Encourages landscaping and
local roads by discouraging prolifera-
materials to reduce the volume of
vegetation to improve visual
tion of driveways and strip commer-
stormwater runoff to rivers, creeks,
attractiveness of new develop-
cial development.
and bays.
ment.
2. Measures to maintain visual
access to water.
3. Protect visual integrity of wet-
lands, forests, and farmlands.
4. Protect capacity of highways
and local roads.

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