Land Use Plan Update-1987

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
PERQUYMANS C UNTY LAND USE
UPDATE
Prepared with assistance from the
Albermarle Commission
November 1987
The preparation of this documer_t was financed in Inut throWh a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program through fuhids provided by the Gnotai 'Lone Marra; ement Act of 1972 as amended,
which is administered by the Office (A Ocean i ud Ce.stal Resomes iLmagunent, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Acirmidshution
PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

1
1
1
1
1
Perquimans County
Land Use Plan Update
Adopted
November 30,1987
Certified By CRC
December 5,1987
Perquimans Countu $oard of Commtsstoners
W.W. White, Jr., Chairman of the Board
Lester H. Simpson William Wray Chappell
Thomas D. Nixon Wayne Winslow
Perqui,mans Countu Manntna $oard
Ed Nixon, Chairman of the Board
Floyd Matthews
Johnny Corprew

1986 Perquimans County, Land Use Plan Update
?aUe of C o nten.ts
ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE.........................................................I
PREVIOUS POLICY ACHIEVEMENTS: PERQUIMANS COUNTY.............................................I
Issue: Commercial and Recreational Fishing.....................................................................3
Issue:Off-Road Vehicles.................................................................................................3
Issue:Types of Development to be Encouraged...................................................................3
Issue:Types and Locations of Industries Desired.................................................................A
Issue: Redevelopment of Developed Areas.........................................................................4
Issue: Commitment to State and Federal Programs.............................................................4
PRESENT CONDITIONS .EN .....DITI ............................................................. '::.6
SUMMARY OF PRESENT CONDITIONS . ....
POPULATION ..... .................................. .. 6
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION....................................................................................8
POPULATION COMPOSITION....................................................................................
RACIALCOMPOSITION.................................................................................9
AGEGROUPS................................................................................................10
SCHOOLAGE....................................................................................11
FAMILY -FORMING AGE GROUP........................................................12
POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE...............................................................13
LABOR PARTICIPATION........................................................14
ELDERLY....................................................1
SEXDISTRIBUTION...........................................................................17
PERQUIMANSCOUNTY: ECONOMY ................................ :..................................................... 18
TOTALCOUNTY OUTPUT.........................................................................................19
LANDAND CAPITAL.....................................................................................20
LABOR..........................................................................................................21
PROFITS.......................................................................................................22
SOCIALSECURITY.......................................................................................23
OUTPUT SUMMARY.....................................................................................23
1
TOTALPERSONAL INCOME .......................................................................
FARMINCOME .............................................................................................26
EMPLOYMENT..............................................................................................27
COMMUTING PATTERNS FOR PERQUIMANS COUNTY 1980 .........................28
RETAILSALES..............................................................................................29
EXISTINGLAND USE............................................................................................................31
LAND COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS..........................................31
PROBLEMS FROM UNPLANNED GROWTH................................................................31
FOREST...............................................................................................................32
AGRICULTURAL................ :.........................:..........:.................................................32
RECREATIONAL ORIENTED COMMUNITIES..............................................................33
NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT..........................................................................33
HOUSING..................................................................................................................34
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL.............................................................................35
FUTURELAND USE..................................................................................................35
EXISTING LAND USE MAP..............................................................................3 6
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS...............................................3 7
1968 The Potential for Outdoor Recreation in Perquimans County.....................................................37
1971 The Potential for Outdoor Recreation in Perquimans County.....................................................37
1975 Proposed County -Wide Water System Engineering Report ........................................................
...........:::.::::::::.........................37
1976 CAMA Land Development Plan......
1977 Preliminary Engineering Report: County Wide Water System Phase II ................. ..................37
1978 Subdivision Regulations....................................................................................................37

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
1978 Housing and Land use Addendum .
.38
1979 CAMA Land
Use Plan Update ........ ......... ......... ......... ......... .................. .................38
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT LAND SUITABILITY
.......................................3 9
SOILS
39
DRAINAGE.
SEPTIC TANK LIMITATIONS..................................:.............................................................40
FOUNDATION LIMITATIONS............................................................................:....................41
SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY..............................................................................................41
GROUNDWATER......................................................................................................41
SURFACEWATER.......................:.............................................................................42
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
..............................................................................43
MANMADEHAZARDS
...........................................................................................................44
HISTORICALSITES...............................................................................................................45
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT:
........................................... .46
....................46
WATER SYSTEM
................................................................................
..................................
SEWAGE...............................................................................................................................46
SOLIDWASTE
.......................................................................................................................47
POLICE........................................
.:....................................................................................... 4 7
FIRE............................................
....:.................................................................................... 8
RESCUESERVICE
.................................................................................................................48
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
..............................
ROADS.................................................................................................................................49
IMPACT OF SEASONAL POPULATION.:...****"......... **........ **** **** ***.."***..... *,*.****"............50
..
PERQUIMANS COUNTY: ESTIMATED DEMAND ..................................................
........_ ...;.:.....: .51
....... ..... .........51
HOUSING...
...........................
SCHOOLS.............................................................................................................................51
WATERSERVICE
..................................................................................................................51
SOLIDWASTE
.......................................................................................................................51
POLICE.................................................................................................................................51
FIRE.....................................................................................................................................51
RESCUESERVICE
.................................................................................................................51
PUBLICADMINISTRATION
....................................................................................................52
CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING MATTERS ............................53
POLICY DISCUSSION Y
POLICY ISSUES: RESOURCE PROTECTION
.....................:..................................55
ISSUE:Constraints to Development: AEC'S
.......................:.........:............................................... 55
ISSUE:Soil Limitations...................................................;.......................................................56
ISSU1r:Flood Plain Development
................................................. :................................................. 57
ISSUE:Septic Tank Limitations...............................:..................................................................57
ISSUE:Freshwater, Swamps, and Marshes
....................................................................................58
ISSUE:Cultural and Historical Resources
......................................................................................59
ISSUE:Man-made Hazards and Nuisances
......................................................................................60
ISSUE:The Use of Package Treatment Plants
................................................................................ 61
ISSUE:Protection of Potable Water Supply
...................................................................................61
ISSUE:Stonmwater Run-off — Residential Development..................................................................62
ISSUE:Marina and Floating Home Development
............................................................................63
ISSUE:IndusuW Impact on Fragile Areas ...................................:.................................................63
ISSUE:Development of Sound and Estuarine System
......................................................................64
POLICY ISSUES: RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ............................65
ISSUE:Productive Agricultural Lands...........................................................................................65
ISSUE:Commercial Forest Land
.................................................................................................65
ISSUE:Commercial and Recreational Fishing
................................................................................66
Ta6Le of Contents Page a

1986 Perqutmans County, Land Use Plan Update
ISSUE:Existing and Potential Mineral Production ............••.... 67
ISSUE:Off-Road Recreational Vehicles ... .................. ......... ......... ......... ............................67
ISSUE:Residential, and Commercial Land Development..................................................................68
POLICY ISSUES: ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ............................69
ISSUE:Industrial Development Impact on any Resource..................................................................69
ISSUE:Peat or Phosphate Mining Impact on any Resource.............................................................1.69
ISSUE: Types and Location of Industry Desired............................................................................70
ISSUE:Local Commitment to Provide Services To.........................................................................70
ISSUE: Types of Urban Growth Patterns Desired..........................................................................71
ISSUE: Redevelopment of Developed Areas.................................................................................72
ISSUE: Commitment to State and Federal Programs in the..............................................................72
ISSUE: Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach....................................................................73
ISSUE: Energy Facility Siting and Development...........................................................................73
ISSUE: Tourism, Waterfront Access, and Estuarine Access..............................................................74
ISSUE:Types of Density, Location: Units per Acre of....................................................................74
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION.........................................................................76
STORM MITIGATION PLANNING PROCESS66
STORMHAZARD AREA .......................... ...........................................................................7
VULNERABILITY...................................................................................................................77
Severityof Risk...........................................................................................................77
RISK TABLE FOR HAZARD AREAS...............................................................77
Magnitudeof Risk........................................................................................................77
EstuarineShoreline.......................................................................................................78
CoastalWetlands..........................................................................................................78
FloodHazard Areas.......................................................................................................78
COMPOSITE STORM HAZARD MAP...................................................................79
EVACUABILITY.....................................................................................................................80
POLICY STATEMENTS: STORM HAZARD MITIGATION 80
.........................................................
POST DISASTER AND RECOVERY PLAN...............................................................................81
PURPOSE: ................................................................................................................. 81
ORGANIZATION: .......................................................................................................81
SUPPORT TEAM: ..81
SUPPORT TEAM COMPOSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: ............................. 81
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES.......................................................................................82
LONG TERM RECONSTRUCTION ACTIONS: .................................................. 82
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.................................................................................83
' DAMAGE CLASSIFICATIONS
RECONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.....:..............................................83
DEVELOPMENTMORATORIA.........................:........::...............................................84
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND MAP: .........:.......:....................................85
LandClassification Map............................................................................................................85
LandClassification Districts.......................................................................................................85
Land Classification Districts.......................................................................................................85
Developed: .................................................................................................................. 85
Transition: ................................................................................................................... 85
Community: ............................................................................................................... 86
RuralService: .............................................................................................................. 86
Conservation: .............................................................................................................. 86
LandClassification Map....................................................................................8 7
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL POLICIES
ANDLAND CLASSIFICATION....................................................................88
INTER -GOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION..........................................................88
Table of Contents Page i. L

1986 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update
APPENDIX 1: SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE & SURVEY SUMMARY ...........................89
APPENDIX 2: MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SENSITIVE AREAS ..............................9 3
Table o f Contents Page tv

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
It This 1986 PERQUI1ANS County Land Use Plan Update relies heavily on the previous land
use planning documents prepared in cooperation with the N. C. Division of Coastal Management. The
1976 PERQUIMANS County Land Use Plan, the initial Perquimans County CAMA Land Use
Document, provides a basis for measuring changes in most of the base studies. This plan provided a great
amount of base study information concerning the population, economy, and physical land use constraints.
The 1980 CAMA Land Development Plan Update for PERQUIMANS County; presented the
County's first attempt to articulate local policies concerning specific land use issues. This document proved
valuable in helping to focus the planning process toward policy development.
Base information data was taken from a variety of State, Federal, and Local sources. Specific quantitative
data concerning land use and development changes were obtained from records maintained by local county
officials; particularly the records from the Perquimans County Tax Supervisor's office and the office of the
Perquimans County Building Inspector.
Interviews were conducted with the Perquimans County Manager, the County Building Inspector, the
County Water System Supervisor, the Superintendent of Schools, and various public officials. The County
Manager was particularly useful in supplying information to fill the gaps in local records.
Regularly scheduled monthly meetings were held with the Perquimans County Planning Board. Meetings
were advertised in the local newspaper in an effort to solicit citizen participation. A questionnaire was
prepared and distributed through the school system, at nutrition sites for the elderly, and at community
stores at the various crossroads communities in the county.
PREVIOUS POLICY ACHIEVEMENTS: PERQUIMANS COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Issue: Pollution of the Perquimans Albemarle System
1981 Policy Statement:
"Perquimans County realizes the potential resource value of the
Perquimans River and the Albemarle Sound. It shall be the policy of
Perquimans County to -cooperate, as it has done in the past, with state
and federal agencies and with other units of local government in trying
to identify and solve the pollution of this valuable water system.."
Achievements:
In a move toward reducing the impact of development on water quality
in the Perquimans River and the Albemarle System, the Perquimans
County intend to upgrade their development Ordinances to impose
greater development standards. The County has adopted a Flood Plain
Development Ordinance to better control development occurring in the
flood plain.
Page 1

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
Issue: Four -laving US 17
1981 Policy Statement:
"Perquimans County encourages the State to consider four-laning of US
17 through Perquimans County. The County will cooperate with all
units of local government in the county in developing plans the future
development s which will take place at at interchanges when the
locations of these interchanges are determined by the State."
Achievements:
The County, along with other local governments in the region, have
appointed residents to various committees to lobby the vigorously for
four-laning of this highway. These efforts are ongoing and continuous
on the part of the County and other local governments in the region.
Issue: Second Home Development
1981 Policy Statement:
"Perquimans County encourages all types of new development within
the county, as long as they meet all the criteria set forth in the official
subdivision regulations. However, the County does encourage cluster
development of second home and other residential development in areas
determined by the District Health Department and the local Soil
Conservation Service to be suitable for such developments. Local
developers are encouraged to consult these two local agencies prior to
submitting subdivision plats to the planning board."
Achievements:
The County continues to administer its subdivision regulations. The
District Health must review all subdivision plats and approve lot sizes
and drainage plans before a -preliminary plat approval can be granted.
Issue: Loss of Productive Agricultural Lands to Urbanization
1981 Policy Statement:
None.
Achievements:
None.
Page 2

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
Issue: Commercial Forest Lands
1981 Policy .Statement:
"Perquimans County encourages commercial forest companies and
private forest land owners to use the most modem timber management
practices. It also encourages the development of new industries within
Perquimans which can utilize the local timber harvested in the
production of salable goods."
j Achievements:
i None.
Issue: Commercial and Recreational Fishing
1981 Policy Statement:
" Because of the natural resources (fish) located in the rivers, streams
and sound near Perquimans County, the county encourages commercial
and recreational fishing in these waters and will cooperate with other
local governments, state and federal agencies to control pollution in
these waters to a condition that commercial and recreational fishing will
increase. The County also encourages the location of a commercial fish
operation with in the county in order to derive more value from fishing
activities than it has in the past.".
Achievements:
The County has received state financial assistance for the construction of
2 artificial fishing reefs in the Albemarle Sound.
Issue: Off -Road Vehicles,
1981 Policy Statement:
None.
Achievements:
None.
Issue: Types of Development to be Encouraged
and Capacity of the County Wide systems to Service New Development
1981 Policy Statement:
It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to encourage new
development on lands considered suitable by the local Health
Department and the Soil Conservation Service. All future developments
will conform to the county's subdivision regulations and any other land
use regulations in force at that time. Scattered site, second home
Page 3

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
developments will be permitted except on lands which have severe
limitations for septic tank operations or in areas designated as 'fragile'
or'conservation' on the land classification map.
4
Achievements:
Perquimans County has established an Economic Development Agency
and has identified a selection of available sites of varying sizes suitable
for development and served by existing water lines.
Issue. Tvnes and Locations of Industries Desired
1981 Policy Statement:
It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to actively solicit the
location of small, 'dry' industries into Perquimans County. These
industries will be encouraged to locate near existing population
concentrations or along major transportation routes. New industries
should provide employment which matches the skill levels and
employment needs of the residents of Perquimans County.
Achievements:
None.
Issue: Redevelopment of Developed Areas
1981 Policy Statement:
"The County shall , upon publication of the results of the 1980 Census
of Housing, have a county -wide housing study prepared. Based on the
results of that study, the county will seek assistance of state and federal
agencies to best determine the course of action most appropriate to
mitigate concentrations --of poor housing conditions in the county. The
County shall also encourage the towns of Hertford and Winfall to
identify such areas within their jurisdictions and seek similar counsel
from state and federal agencies to determine appropriate actions to
correct those conditions."
Achievements:
Both Winfall and Hertford have completed Community Revitalization
projects funded through NRCD since the previous land use plan was
published.
Issue: Commitment to State and Federal Programs
1981 Policy Statement:
"It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to cooperate with state and
federal agencies in the assessment of proposed projects sponsored by
such agencies which will impact directly on Perquimans County.
Through the A-95 review process the County will prepared appropriate
Page 4

1986 Perqutmans County Land Use Ptan Update
comments about any proposed projects, stating their consistency with
locally adopted policies or plans.
Achievements:
Compliance with many federal and state programs are mandatory and
therefore the County must comply. The County will cooperate and shall
remain committed to federal and state programs that, in the opinion of
the County Commissioners, will have no adverse effect on county
residents. or county resources.
Page 5

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
PRESENT CONDITIONS
SUMMARY OF PRESENT CONDITIONS
Perquimans County essentially has been at a stand still since the turn of the century. County
population numbered 10,091 in 1900 and is expected to reach 10,307 by 1990. The traditional
rural agricultural based economy seems unable to sustain a population of greater than 10,000 to
12,000 persons.
The only component of the county's population that has shown consistent growth since 1960 in the
elderly age cohort (persons over 65 years of age). The school -age cohort has been in sustained
decline since 1970 and is projected to decline even further through 1985 and 1990. This decline
diminishes the size of future family -forming age groups and reflects the modern trend toward
smaller families and young couples delaying family formation to a later period in life.
While the family -forming age group showed a significant increase from 1970 to 1980 projections
for 1990 indicate a future decline. The growth of the family -forming segment in the late 1970's
and early 1980's was probably due to a more promising outlook for a farm economy, as prices for
farm commodities vastly improved. Persons who would have been forced to move to find
employment were encouraged by the improved farm economy to stay and pursue farming as a
career. The outlook for farming has dimmed somewhat since the late 1970's and population
projections reflect this outlook.
Agricultural employment has declined from 590 persons in 1970 to only 290 persons in 1983.
Farm income accounted for over 20% of the county's total income in 1978 but for less than 16%
in 1983.
Non -farm business growth in the county was even less encouraging than agriculture. Non -farm
proprietors income in the county, when measured in constant 1967 dollars, actually diminished
between 1967 and 1983. Total retail sales in Perquimans County from 1979 to 1984 actually
declined.
Employment within the county grew by only 100 new jobs between 1970 and 1983. More than
half of the employed persons living in Perquimans County.commute outside the county for work.
While population and economic growth have been at a stand still, the county has not been totally
shielded from the land use problems associated with. residential growth. The abundance of
shoreline in the county, along with relatively inexpensive cost of.land and development, have
made Perquimans County a popular retirement area. Between 1970 and 1980 the number of new
housing units in the county increased more than did the population with mobile homes accounting
for more than 17% of all additional housing units. Seasonal Homes during the period increased
more than 372%, from just 76 in 1970 to 359 by 1980.
During the last decade the two townships with the greatest amount of shoreline( Bethel and New
Hope) accounted for 92% of the county's population growth .
During the five-year planning period the county intends to take greater control of development.
The Perquimans County Planning Board have recently developed a Mobile Home Park Ordinance
that has been adopted by the Perquimans County Board of Commissioners and is in the process of
revising the county's subdivision regulations. The county is becoming more willing to shift the
cost burden associated with development growth away from the public and to the subdivision
developments.
Page 6

L
1986 PerquLmans County Land Use Plan Update
POPULATION
From 1900 to 1920, -,the population
of Perquimans County grew by 1,046
persons, reaching its' greatest
population level of the twentieth
century at 11,137 persons. From that
zenith until sometime during the 1970
decade, the county's population
declined steadily, reaching its lowest
recorded level of the century in 1970
with just 8,351 persons, a 25%
decline since 1920.
POPULATION CHANGE
PERQUIMANS COUNTY
1900-2000
YEAR
POPULATION
CHANGE
PERCENT
1900
10,091
1910
11,054
963
9.54%
1920
11,137
83
0.75%
1930
10,668
-469
-4.21%
1940
9,773
-895
-8.39%
1950
9,602
-171
-1.75%
1960
9,178
-424
-4.42%
1970
8,351
-827
-9.01%
1980
9,486
11135
13.59%
1990
10,307
821
8.65%
2000
1 11,1251
818
7.94%
This fifty-year period of decline included several earth -shaking events, such as the Great
Depression, World War II, the Korean War, and the post-war period of industrial expansion that
somehow managed to by-pass Perquimans County and many other rural communities, while major
urban centers swelled with transplanted rural residents. In 1970, things turned around. The
dramatic improvement of prices of farm commodities beginning around the middle of the decade
kept residents at home and lured many to return to Perquimans County. Between 1970 and 1980,
the county grew by`1,135 persons or 13.6%, the greatest 10-year growth period of the century,
reaching 9,486.
Population estimates and projections prepared by the N.C. Department of Budget and Management
indicate a period of moderate but sustained population growth for the remainder of this decade and
into the next century.
POPULATION CHANGE: PERQUIMANS COUNTY
1900-2000
12,000
10,000 ♦ ♦ •
P ♦�♦�♦��
i e 8,000
■ s
s 6,000
0
4,000
s
2,000
0
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Source: US Bureau of Census
Page 7

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
The graph above demonstrates Perquimans County's fluctuating growth pattern during the first 80
years of this century and the growth projected for the county into the next century.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION: PERQUIMANS COUNTY
BY TOWNSHIP 1910-1980
1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980
❑ Parksville M New Hope 0 Hertford ® Bethel ■ Belvidere
Souree: US Bureau of Census
Thus far during this century, the three townships with the greatest amount of estuarine shoreline
have increased their proportional share of the county's population. Belvidere Township, which
comprises the northern third of the county and which has no estuarine shoreline, had the greatest
proportional loss. In 1910, Belvidere accounted for 19.3% of the county's population; by 1980,
its share was only 13.7%. Hertford Township, which includes the town of Hertford, also
suffered a decline in its proportional share of the county's population. Hertford contains a small
portion of the estuarine shoreline, but this waterfront is has been fully developed since the turn of
the century.
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION : PERQUIMANS COUNTY
BY TOWNSHIP 1910' TO 1980
Countv I Belvidere I Bethel I Hertford I New Hope I Parks Me
191
11,054
2134
1530
3194
2147
2049
192
11,137
2099
1604
3004
2122
2128
93
10,668
1794
1307
3202
1965
2400
194
9,773
1647
1148
3096
1847
2035
195
9,602
1483
1102
3206
1569
2242
196
9,178
1402
898
3111
1720
2047
197
8,351
1265
851
2763
1636
1836
198
9,486,
1301 1
1515 1
2508
2026 1
2064
Regardless of the population shift, only Parkville Township, which includes Winfall, contained
more people in 1980 than it did in 1910.
F,
G
F1
I/
1
Page 8

1986 PerquLmans County Land Use Plan Update
POPULATION COMPOSITION
As is shown in the sections that follow, there are some significant and noticeable trends
developing in the composition of Perquimans County's population. The racial composition is
becoming less homogeneous. The number of residents who are 60 years of age or greater
continues to increase and to account for a greater share of the population. The number of school
age residents is in sustained decline. The percentage of females participating in the labor force is
declining, thus running counter to the national trend of greater female participation.
The sections that follow present information on the following specific components of the county's
population: Racial composition, Age group distributions, Labor force composition, Sex
distribution, and household composition.
RACIAL COMPOSITION'
12000-
10000•
8000•
6000-
4000-
2000-
0
PERQUIMANS COUNTY RACIAL COMPOSITION OF THE
POPULATION
1970-1990
•
:>>i;,rj.>:4.
':�;iR{Cxrrx'�..`.
;�;y; rc?�'ivg•
%i.'y'%>'<: i'y1:
p h�. •>:
a:t?'•�•f° �
j;.`<p.�;�;�yG,Ejy
•f:.;�yyr. y
`''%C;'.y`• {?�a. •
{ti
•f f"{{:�! x K{
o`.r. t:.
rt;f} .'f. a.. t•F
•n;):�� •T:
:: 1Jj�nJTn�j�.
t'{5�:, {?tiri4}
tjrf.•:r �.y}.
1970 1980 1985
® WHITE E3 NON -WHITE -0- TOTAL
1990
The non -white population is declining in its proportion of the population even though it is
increasing in absolute numbers. In 1970, nonwhite residents accounted for 41.5% of the county
population and numbered 3,469 persons; by 1980, the number.of non -white residents had
diminished to slightly less than 38% of the county population and'numbered 3581 persons.
Projections provided by the N.C. Department of Budget and Management indicate that this trend
will continue at least through the five-year period covered by this document. The 1990
projections estimate that 3,679 non -whites will reside in Perquimans County and will account for
slightly more than 35% of the county population.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY RACIAL COMPOSITION OF THE POPULATION
1970 TO 1990
WHITE
NON -WHITE
1970
% of Total
1980
% of Total
1985
% of Total
1990
%of Total
4882
;3469
58.46%
41.54%
5,888
3 598
62.07%
37.93%
6,293
3,699
62.98%
37.02%
6.628
3 679
64.31%
35.69%TOTAL 11
351
100.00%
9 486
100.00%
9 992
100.00%
10 307
100.00%
Page 9

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
AGE GROUPS
The following sections discuss those age segments of the population that generally require special
or more frequent types of services both from the private and from the governmental sectors and
that in their own way create certain types of development and service demands.
The age groups discussed here are as follows:
-The School Age ( 5-19 year old sector)
This group naturally creates the demand for educational and recreational facilities and
services.
-The Family Forming Group ( 15-35 year old sector)
This group is generally responsible for new household formations and new offspring.
Thus creating demands for new housing facilities and forming the base for future internal
population growth.
-The Potential Labor Force ( 16 years and older)
This group is usually responsible for all the goods and services produced in an area:
however, not everyone in this group participates in the work force.
-The Elderly ' ( 65 years or older)
This group spans the greatest number of years and could be' segmented further into
additional age groups ranging from aged to infum, with each having very specialized and
critical needs.
-The Dependency Sector ( under 16 and over 65)
This group, only generally, measures those persons who are considered dependent on
someone else for the major portion of their personal needs and economic support. There
are, of course, persons under 16 years of age and over 65 that are self-sufficient;
'however, they generally are not numerous, and there are many persons not in these age
groups that are; in some ways dependent on outside support.
Page 10

1986 Perqufmans County Land Use P[an Update
SCHOOL AGE
PERQUIMANS COUNTY SCHOOL -AGE COHORTS
1970-1990
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
1970 1980 1985 1990
E3 15-19 0 10-14 ® 5-9years County Pop.
Source: NC Office of Budget & Management
Projections indicate a continued decline in the declined to 2,921 persons and is estimated to be
school -age population cohorts (5 to 19 years 2,785 by 1990. The table below shows the
old) during the planning period. The persons number of persons within the age group and the
in this age group numbered 3,218 in 1970; by groups percentage share of the total population.
1980, the number of school age children had
PERQUIMANS COUNTY SCHOOL AGE COHORTS: 1970-1990
%Of oloOf %Of %Of
COHORT 1970 COUNTY 19Rf1 COUNTY 19R5 COUNTY 1990 r0TTNTY
5-9years
1,369
16.39%
1334
14.06%
1464
14.65%
1339
12.99%
10-14
974
11.66%
727
7.66%
675
6.76%
767
7.44%
15-19
875
10.48%
860
9.07%
643
6.44%
679
6.59%
TOTAL
3,218
38.53%
2921
30.79%
2782
. 27.84%
2785
27.02%
County Pop. 8351 9486 9992 10307
Page 11

1986 Perquitnans County Land Use Ptan Update
FAMILY -FORMING AGE GROUP
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
PERQUIMANS COUNTY FAMILY FORMING COHORT
1970-1990
•
1970 1980 1985 1990
® 15-24yrs. 0 25-34yrs •' County Pop.
Source: NC Office of Budget & Management
This cohort showed positive and substantial growth during the 1970 to 1980 decade. Present
population estimates and projections indicate only modest growth since 1980 and a projected
decline by 1990. Substantial growth was recorded among the 15-24 year -old cohort during the
1970 decade. The sustained decline of the school -age cohorts from 1970 through 1980 shows up
in the steep decline of the estimates and projections of the younger age segment of the family
forming cohorts for 1985 and 1990.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY FAMILY FORMING -COHORTS 1970-1990
%Of . %Of C/O Of %Of
CnNnRT 1970 (niiNTV 19Rn CnTINTV 19R5 CniiNTV 19g0 Cni1NTV
15-24yrs. 1299 15.56% 1647 17.36% 1362 13.63% 1238 12.01%
25-34vrs 794 9.51% 1218 12.84% 1.554 15.55%1 1585 15.38%
Total 2,0931 25.06% 2 865 30.20% 2 916 '29.18%1 2,8231 27.39%
County Pop. 8351 9486 9992 10307
Page I.-
Source: NC Office of Budget & Management
This cohort showed positive and substantial growth during the 1970 to 1980 decade. Present
population estimates and projections indicate only modest growth since 1980 and a projected
decline by 1990. Substantial growth was recorded among the 15-24 year -old cohort during the
1970 decade. The sustained decline of the school -age cohorts from 1970 through 1980 shows up
in the steep decline of the estimates and projections of the younger age segment of the family
forming cohorts for 1985 and 1990.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY FAMILY FORMING -COHORTS 1970-1990
%Of . %Of C/O Of %Of
CnNnRT 1970 (niiNTV 19Rn CnTINTV 19R5 CniiNTV 19g0 Cni1NTV
15-24yrs. 1299 15.56% 1647 17.36% 1362 13.63% 1238 12.01%
25-34vrs 794 9.51% 1218 12.84% 1.554 15.55%1 1585 15.38%
Total 2,0931 25.06% 2 865 30.20% 2 916 '29.18%1 2,8231 27.39%
County Pop. 8351 9486 9992 10307
Page I.-
Page I.-

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
t
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
PERQUIMANS COUNTY POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE
1970-1990
1970 1980 1985 1990
® 16-64 Years Old E3 65+ Years Old '*- County Pop.
Source: NC Office of Budget & Management
The potential- labor force generally includes all persons over 16 years of age. Of course, not all of
these persons actually participate in the work force. Many are enrolled in school; many are over
65 years of age and are retired; many are physically unable due to handicaps or poor health; and
many, particularly in agricultural areas such as Perquimans County, are females who work on the
farm or in the home but are not counted as participating in labor the force.
The potential labor force in Perquimans County grew at a much faster rate during
the past census decade than did the population as a whole; the population increased by only
13.6% while the potential labor force increased by more than 23%. The 16 years or older
group accounted for 69.2% of the 1970 population of Perquimans County and numbered 5,782
persons. By 1980, this group accounted for 75.4% of the counry's population and numbered
7,159 persons. By 1990, the potential labor force is projected to -increase to 8059 persons and
account for 78.2% of the population.
The 65 years and older age segment of this cohort accounted for 19.7% of the labor force in 1980
and is expected to account for 22.5% of the Perquimans County labor force by 1990.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE: 1970-1990
%Of %Of %Of %Of
r0HORT 1970 Cni1NTY 1990 Cni1NTY 1985 Cni1NTY 199f) CniTNTY
16-64 Years Old
65+ Years Old
4683
1099
56.08%
13.16%
5750
1409
60.62%1
14.85%1
60541
1665
60.59%
- 16.66%
6248
1811
60.62%
17.57%
Total
57821
69.24%1
71591
75.47 %1
77 191
77.25 %1
80591
78.19%
Count' Pop. 8351 9486 9992 10307
Page 13

1986 Perqutmans County Land Use P(an Update
LABOR PARTICIPATION
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
PERQUIMANS COUNTY LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION
1970 & 1980
TOTAL MALE FEMALE TOTAL MALE FEMALE
PERSONS 16 +YEARS ® PERSONS 16 +YEARS IN LABOR
FORCE
Source: US Bureau of Census
Labor force participation did not, however, keep up with the growth of the potential. labor force
The number of persons actually working or seeking employment and living in Perquimans
County increased by 658 persons or slightly more than 23.6%. The reason for the relative lack
of growth among labor force participants is the growing number of elderly and retired persons in
the potential labor force. As has been previously noted this age segment is expected to account
for 22.5% of the labor force by 1990. Labor participation among male residents decreased from
64.5% in 1970 to 62.9% in 1980. Labor participation among females also declined from
34.15% in 1970 to 33.49% in 1980. The number of females in the labor force actually increased
from 1,042 persons in 1970 to 1,288 persons in 1980, a increase of 246 persons or almost
24%.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION: 1970-1990
1970 1980
TOTAL MALE FEMALE TOTAL MALE FEMALE
PERSONS 16 YEARS
OR OLDERI 5744 1 2693 1 3051 1 7259 1 3414 1 3845
PERSONS 16 YEARS
OR OLDER IN THE
LABOR FORCEI 2779 1 1737 1 1042--1 1 3437 1 2149 1 1288
LABOR
PARTICIPATION
RATE 48.38% 64.50% 34.15 147.35%162.95%1 33.50%
The reduction in female participation in the Perquimans county labor force counters the national
trend toward more females and a greater proportion of women working outside of the home.
Here again, the increasing number of elderly persons in the county, the greater share who are
women, is affecting the labor force.
Page 14

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
ELDERLY
PERQUIMANS COUNTY ELDERLY
1970-1990
1 L u u u
10000 • •
8000 •
6000
4000
2000
1970 1980 1985 1990
® 65-74 Years Old 0 75+ Years Old •- County Pop.
Source: NC Office of Budget & Management
The elderly age group is the fastest growing
segment of the Perquimans County's
population. In 1960, this group accounted for
only 10% of the county's population. By
1980, this group comprised
14.8% of the county population and is
projected to in crease to 17.5% of the
population by 1990, with the greatest growth
occurring in the over-75-years-old segment.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY ELDERLY: 1970-1990
%Of %Of "%Of %Of
COHORT 1970 COUNTY 1 9R0 rOTINTV 19RS - rnTiNTV 1 00n trninv1ry
65-74 Years Old
75+ Years Old
688
411
8.24%
4.92%
96*61
4431
10.18%
4.67%
• 995
670
9.96%
6.71%
1057
754
10.26%
7.32%
Total
10991
13.16%1
14091
14.85%1
16651
16.66%1
1811
17.57%
IC unty Pop. 8351 9486 9992 10307
Page 15

1986 Perqui.mans County Land Use Plan Update
DEPENDENCY GROUP
PERQUIMANS COUNTY DEPENDENCY COHORT
1970-1990
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
lyiu 1980 1985 1990
® 0-15 Years Old 0 65+ Years Old -0- County Pop.
Source: NC Office of Budget & Management
The dependericy group is the population sector that typically derive a major portion of their economic
support from sources other than direct participation in the labor force. For the most part,this group
includes dependent children under 16 years of age and persons over 65 years who are retired and draw a
major portion of their income from governmental transfer payments, such as Social Security, and from
pension programs. The dependency ratio is the ratio of persons not in these age ranges to those that are.
Theoretically, the lower the dependency the more self-sufficient is the area. This measurement provides a
general indication of the number of additional persons that must be supported by the overall economy.
This measurement, however, usually under counts the number of persons who may be in need of
financial assistance or social services since it is based strictly on age$ of individuals and not on specific
economic or social conditions.
As the table indicates, the number of persons in the dependerit age. -category has increased since 1970.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY DEPENDENCY COHORT: 1970-1990 '
%Of %Of %Of %Of
COHORT 107A VATT1VTV loon 41^TT10m F , ..
0-15 Years Old
2542
30.44%F226
23.47% 2274
..vu,. i i
22.76%
17yu
2248
l.UUIN L Y
21.81%65+
Years Old
1099
1
13.16%9
14.85% 1665
16.66%
1811
17.57%Total
3641
43.60%5
38.37% 3939
39'.42%1
4059
39.38%
County Po .
8351
9486
9992
10307
Page 16

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
SEX DISTRIBUTION
The ratio of men to women in Perquimans County is approximately one male to 1.09 females, a
percentage population split of 47.8% males and 52.2% females. Population projections from the
N.C. department of Budget and Management indicate approximately the same distribution by
1990,with males accounting for 47.79% of the population and females for 52.21. The population
pyramids below present an overall view of the Perquimans County population as it was distributed
by race, sex, and age in 1980 and as it is projected to be distributed in 1990.
Perquimans County Population Composition:
1980
Sett and Racial Distribution
0 85+ IM
MN80-841M
Male 075-7 :<>.<><•_ Female
5 5 -5
RE-- «: 4 5 -4
Xq White
V:. •.� Wems::: 24
20-2 Black
5-9
0-4
400300200100 0 0 100200300400
Perquimans County Population Composition:
1990
Sett and Racial* Distribution
M 85+ t
�80-8
Male 7 5 - 7 :N:k«;:»::::::F. - Female
ri ,;...;..k:.. W
hite
45-49 ;:<.,:.::;:, lack
................,...... .
15-1
5-9
400300200100 0 0 100200300400
Page 17

1986 Perqut vans County Land .Use Plan Update
a
PERQUIMANS COUNTY: ECONOMY
The following section analyzes the Perquimans County economy in terms of total county output,
total personal income, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Total county output is the measurement, in dollars, of the total earnings produced in Perquimans
County and does not include earnings of county residents working outside of the county or
payments receivers by county residents through government transfer payments such as Social
Security. The output measurement, however, does include social insurance contributions made
by persons working in Perquimans County and interest, rent, and dividends received by county
residents.
The total personal income measure represents all of the income received by residents of
Perquimans County. This measurement includes earnings received by county residents working
outside the county and adjustments to earnings of persons working in Perquimans County but
residing outside of the county. Government transfer payments received by residents of the county
are counted in the income total, but social security contributions are not.
Employment measurements include labor force growth participation and composition,
employment distribution by industry and job classification, the commuting work force, and job
growth within the county.
Entrepreneurship —is simply the measure of growth in local business activity. This includes the
growth in sales in the county, the increase or decrease in business establishments, and new job
creation and payroll growth in the local business sector.
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$ 0
1967 '70 '75 180 '83 1967 '70 '75 180 '83
0 Social Security 0 Profits ® Labor N Land & Capital
Output Measured in SI.000
Source: Bureau of Economic Anaivsis
Page 18

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Pfan Update
TOTAL COUNTY OUTPUT
Output of a given area is the sum of all dollars Labor + land + capitol ,+ profits
paid to the four factors of production: labor, total county output
land, capital, and profits.
Labor, land, and capital are consumption
factors; and profits are the residual or value
added through local entrepreneurial
activities. The following sections discuss
these four factors and present historic data
concerning their growth and the shift in the
proportion each contributes to the county's
overall production. The data used in these
sections were compiled by the Bureau of
Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of
Commerce, and are available on an annual
basis from 1965 to 1983 and at three-year
intervals prior to 1965. For the purposes of
this study, data for the years 1959, 1967,
1970, 1975, 1980, 1983 will be used. These
years roughly approximate five-year intervals
for trend identification and include Census
years for cross references(1970 & 1980),
the latest year for available
information(1983), and the earliest year for
which Consumer Price Index information is
available(1967).
PERQUIMANS COUNTY:TOTAL
19
This analysis looks at output data from two
perspectives: Total County Output as expressed
in current dollars and Total County Output
expressed in constant 1967 dollars. Constant -
dollar measurements describe the value of the
total county output in what economist call real
terms, as current dollars are adjusted to the
purchasing power of dollars in some preceding
index year, in this case 1967 dollars. The
Consumer Price Index information used to
adjust this data was provided by the N.C.
Department of Budget and Management.
The preceding graph and the following table
above present side -by -side comparisons of the
change in Perquimans County's total county
output from 1967 to 1983 as expressed in
current and 1967 dollars. As can be seen, there
are some striking differences. The double digit
inflation rate in recent years has taken its toll in
the purchasing power of the dollar.
COUNTY OUTPUT(CONSTANT DOLLARS)
67 1970 1975 19Rn 10R3
Land & Capital
$1,765
$2,456
$3,017
$3,322
$4,389
Labor
$5,077
$5,280
$6,737
$6,803
$5,820
Profits
$3,985
$3,807
$4,377
$3,138
$4,565
Social Security
$278
$320
496
514
486
Total County Output
1 $11 105
1 $11 863
$14 627
1 $13 777
$15 260
PERQUIMANS COUNTY:TOTAL COUNTY OUTPUT(CURRENT DOLLARS)
1
• 1967 1970 1'9'75 1980 19R3
Land & Capital
$1,765
$2,857
$4,868
$8,197
$13,090
Labor
$5,077
$6,142
$10,870
$16,786
$17,358
Profits
$3,985
$4,429
$7,062
$7,743
$13,615
Social Security
$278
$372
$800
$1268
$1449
Total County Output
$11,105
1 $13 800
$23,601
$33 995
$45 512
Output Measured in ,S1.000
The most obvious and notable trends indicated by the data are the greater dependence of the
county's output on the land and capital factor and the fluctuation of the profit sector compared to
the other sectors. The labor sector when viewed in real terms, has increased until 1980. From
1980 to 1983 this sector experience a decline.
Page 19

1986 PerquLmans County Land Use Plan Update
$14,000
$12,000
$10,000
$8,000
$6,000
$4,000
$2,000
$0
1967
1970
1975
1980 1983
®
Current
Dollars ®
Constant Dollars
Measured in $1.000
LAND AND CAPITAL
The Bureau of Economic Analysis provides
data on income received in the county that is
derived through rents,dividends, and
interest. This data is used here as the
estimate of land and capital consumed or
generated in production in Perquimans
County. There is a separation problem with
this data. It is impossible to determine from
the data available whether all of the interest,
rents, or dividends received as income in the
county actually represents the investment of
land and capital in the county or investments
at some other place. There is also no way to
identify the amount of rents and interest used
in production in Perquimans County that is
supplied by firms and individuals outside of
Output
For the purposes of this study it is assumed that
a balancing out takes place. The amount of
investment coming in to the county from non-
residents is treated as equal to the amount of
rents, interest, and dividends earned by county
residents through investments outside of the
county, thus making the earnings in the county
through this factor equal to the amount
consumed in the county's output.
This assumption makes the figures expressed
highly questionable, and they should not be
viewed as absolutely accurate. They are
sufficient, however, to identify trends in the
overall c6unty, economy in terms of growth
and of the changes in compositional factors.
We County.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY
LAND AND CAPITAL CONSUMPTION: 1967, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1983
Interest Rents Divide
1967
1970
1975
1980
1983
Current Dollars
1765
2857
4868
8197
13090
Constant Dollars
11
2456
3017
3322
4389
Total Out ut(current S-
$11,105
$13,800
$23.601
$33.995
%45,512
Capital as a Percent of
total output
15.89 %
20.70%
20.63 %
24.11 %
28.76 %
Measured in $1.000
Output I
As can .be seen in the following table, land and capital have shown the greatest increase of all
the production factors. In 1967,the value of the land and capital used in the Perquimans County
output was only $1,765,000; by 1983, its value had increased by 642% to $13,090,000 when
measured in current dollars. In real terms, the consumption of land and capital increased
1
Page 20

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
I
[7
somewhat less,but still a substantial 148%, for an average growth rate of 5.8% for each year
of the 16-year period from 1967 to 1983.
The growing importance of capital is a world-wide phenomenon and not peculiar to Perquimans
County. Production increases are more and more dependent on the expansion of production
facilities and improved technology and equipment which increase land and capital requirements.
Labor ,. Consumption Perquimans County:
$18,000
$16,000
$14,000
$12,000
$10,000•
$8,000
$6,000
$4,000
$2,000
$0
1-967
1970
1975
1980 1983
Output Measured in R1.000
Current
Dollars ®
Constant Dollars
LABOR
Labor is represented by the total wages and salaries paid to persons working in Perquimans
County. This includes wages earned by persons working, but not living in Perquimans
County. For the purposes of this study, it is assumed that all wages earned in Perquimans
County is from production in the county.
Thus, if a traveling salesman headquartered in Perquimans makes sales to other parts of the
country of products produced in still other regions of the country, his wage is still counted as
Perquimans County production.
The cost of labor has not been a significant factor in the brosion of the profit factor. In real
terms, labor increased by only 8.49% annually between 1967 and 1983. Compositionally labor
has not grown significantly and actually decreased from 1980 to 1983: in 1967 labor comprised
45.7% of total county output, and in 1983 it accounted for 38.1%.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY LABOR CONSUMPTION
Wages and
Salaries
1967
1970
1975
1980
1983
Current
Dollars
$5,077
$6,141 1
$10,868
$16,788
$17,358
Constant
Dollars
$5,077
$5,280
$6,738
$6,802 1
$5,820
Total Out
ut current 9,
$11.105
$13,800
$23 601
$33,995
$45,512
Labor as a
Percent of
total output
45.72%
44.50%
46.05%
49.38%
38.14%
Output Measured
in S1,000
Page 21

1886 Perclutmans County Land Use Plan Update
PROFITS
The Bureau of Economic Analysis provides data on what is termed proprietors income. This
represents the profits collected by business establishments operating in the county. These profits
represents the value added to intermediate products used or traded in local business activities.
The profit sector remained rather stable in Perquimans County during the years from 1967 to
1983. Growth in the profit sector was very slow. In real terms, profits increased by only
14.6% during this 16 year period. This is an annual compounded of only 0.86%.
Profits:
Perquimans County 1967-1983
Current and Constant Dollars
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
stant $
In current dollars, profits increased for each yearly period being reviewed. In real terms, the
1980 period posted the only decline. This decline is more a zeflection of the year 1980, which
was selected arbitrarily as a touchstone, than as an indicator of any. -particular trend. The
intervening fears between 1975 and 1980 were much more volatile.
In Perquimans County the farm segment of the profit sector has been generally trending upward
while the non -farm sector has been declining. This is the reverse of what is occurring in most
rural counties. In the five yearly periods under review, non -farm profits have declined
consistently, when measured in constant 1967 dollars. When measured in current dollars, the
increase in non -farm profits averaged only 6.7% in each of the five periods reviewed. As a
comparison, the inflation rate during the period from 1967 to 1983 has increased at an annual rate
of 7.1 %.
The table below not only presents the same type of information contained in previous tables
concerning changes in production factors, but also separates the non -farm and farm segments of
this factor. As can be seen in the table, the value added by entrepreneurial efforts has increased
only 14.5% in real terms since 1967. Profits have fallen from a high of almost 36% of total
output to just 22.8% in 1980.
Page 22

1 1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
SOCIAL SECURITY
Social Security has been.included as a separate portion of total county output strictly as an
accounting measure. The. Bareau of Economic Analysis lists social security as a separate item
and does not assign it to the particular output sector( land, capital,labor,and profits)that made the
contribution. It obviously represents production so has been included in the total output tables.
OUTPUT SUMMARY
The Perquimans County total county output grew very little during the five yearly segments
reviewed in this plan. The trends indicated in these years are not promising. Labor and profits in
real terms are almost at a standstill , growing at less than I % annually. More capital investment
is needed to increase county output. Significantly increasing capital expenditures has a synergistic
affect on the economy; usually, jobs are created and county wide profits increase. The capital
investments are needed most in the non -farm profits sectors. Fanning, surprisingly, has shown
the only real growth in total county output for Perquimans County.
New investment must occur in the non -farm segment of the county's economy. Agriculture
cannot continue to provide the bulk of the county's economic output. Agriculture is an extractive
industry as are fishing, forestry, and mining; these industries are extremely volatile and
susceptible to international economic trends and technological improvements in production
methods and equipment. Farm land represents a finite resource in Perquimans County which
cannot be expanded. Increased production in this sector must rely on increased utilization of this
resource either through the cultivation of additional lands presently not in cultivation, increased
production from existing lands now being farmed, or improved farm prices for farm
commodities. Of these options,improved farm prices offers the greatest possibility of improved
county output. This is the one option over which the farmers in Perquimans County have no
control. The cultivation of marginally productive lands generally does not provide any great
.r economic advantage unless accompanied by improved prices.
It is doubtful that any great technological improvement will occur that will give the Perquimans
County farmer an advantage over other farmers in the world. Technological improvements
generally provide less productive areas of the world with a better means of competing with the
American farmer and generally result in lost jobs in the farming sector, fewer farmers and larger
farms, and greater capital requirements. Increased county output will most likely require less
reliance on the agriculture sector and the expansion .or introduction of less restricted types of
industries, such as manufacturing or wholesale and retail trade. Increased development of
tourism and commercial activities in the trade sectors offers the best possibility of taking
advantage of the abundant water resources in the area.
Page 23

1986 Perquitnans County Land Use Plan Update
PERQUINIANS COUNTY: PROFITS (VALUE ADDED)
Proprietors Income 1967 1970 1975 1980 1983
Current Dollars
Farm
$2,908
$3,042
$5,175
$4,899
$10,761
Non -farm
$1,077
$1,387
$1,886
$2,847
$2,851
Total Profits
$3,985
$4,429
$7,061
$7 746
$13,612
Prnnrirtnrc inenma 1047 1017A In7r anon
Constant Dollars
Farm
$2,908
$2,616
$3,208
$1,985
$3,609
Non -farm
S1.077
$1,192
$1,169
$1,153
954
Total Profits
$3 985
$3 808
$4 377
$3 138
$4 563
Total Output(current) 1 $11 105 1 $13 800 1 $23 601 $33 995 1 $45 591%
Profits as a percent of
Total Output 35.88 % 32.09 % 29.92 % 22.79 % 29.
Output Measured in S1.000
8
Page 24

I
1
1986 Perquirnans County Land Use Plan ..
Cotal Personal Income Perquimans Coupty 1967-1983
Copstant apd Current Dollars
$80,000
$70,000
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
1967 1970 1975 1980 1983 1967 1970 1975 1980 1983
13 Transfer Payments M Proprietors Income M Salaries& Wages Interest,Dividends,
& Rents
ncome measured in $1,000 Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
I
TOTAL PERSONAL INCOME
Total personal income is a measure of all incomes received by residents of Perquimans County,
regardless of where it is produced. This data include earnings of residents commuting to work
outside of the county and government transfer payments,such as social security or military
retirement pensions. These two categories of income are added to the total county output data to
provide the total income. Deducted from this total are the earnings of non-resident wage
earners working in Perquimans County and social security contributions.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY:TOTAL PERSONAL INCOME(CONSTANT DOLLARS)
1967
1970
1975
1980
1983
Interest,Dividends
& Rents
$1,765
$2,456
$3,017
$3,322
$4,389
Salaries
_
& Wages
$7,142
$.8,151
$9,343
$10,293
$11,136
Proprietors
Income
$3,985
$3,808
$4,378
$3,139
$4,565
Transfer
Payments
$1,932
$2 374
$4 181
$5 125
$5 669
Total
Personal Income
$14 824
$16 789
$20 919
$21,879
$25 759
PERQUIMANS COUNTY:TOTAL PERSONAL INCOME(CURRENT DOLLARS)
1967
1970
1975
1980
1983
Interest,Divid ends
& Rents
$1,765
$2,457
$4,868
$8,197
$13,090
Salaries
& Wages
$7,142
$99482
$15,220
$25,400
$33,215
Proprietors.
Income
$39985
$4,429
$7,061
$79746
$13,615
Transfer o
Pavments
$1,932
$2.762
$6744
$12,648
$16,908
Total
Personal Income
$14 824
$19 130
$33,893
$53,991
$76 828
Income measured in $1,6llll
Page 25

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Pfan Update
FARM INCOME
Perquimans County Income 1978-1983
Farm ans Non -farm
$70,000
$ 6 0, 0 0 0
iN
$40,000 m :. }, .U.
:r S''' L T} y � ''.Yc: `}?< • 3^:t' ,C' T:+I <g: 4 , �;'. '/'�i'� `2;y;.'�•}' ` },';:
;�:�h\�•'};cL`i`.�,SA< tt: ffi;F: ,�k•�}'` � ,.x% 2,,. +..tti ."c.'�tkjk•',:: ,•v::.ti"': :.:
I SHE.
:
$'',\w}''.�,,::,. +i vl•]C� :'Y ?}t i{C^CS `i1'...�l+Si•, K.;3£: },}i`,`•i::
{}ii.,. 4A+. `, arh\z;.. .{;v• vv;}... C +�� +}� Yn}�•.i: �'\'.£4+'',;
��i:Y.:n�::.ii:4.w:v>.:.:v%:i}U,n•:i}v}•::. T...?:}•,T..T\:�Y,r\tiyvh,,
$ 0
1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983
Non -farm ® farm
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Income measured in $1,000
While agriculture is a very important part of Perquimans County, only a small portion of the county's total
income is derived from agricultural activities. Since 1978, farm income has fluctuate between 11 and 22
percent of the county's total income.
Farm Income: Perquimans County
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
Total Income
$49 196
$52 952
$53 991
$65 008
$70 906
$76 825
Non -farm
$39,099
$43,940
$48,077
$52,831
$57,944
$64,872
farm
$10 097
$9 012
$5,914
$12,177
$12,962
$11 953
Farm as % of Total
20.52 %
17.02 %
10.95 %
18.73 %
18.28 %
15.56 %
measures in $Luau Source:Bureau of Economic Analysis
ncome
Total income. from 1978 to 1983 increased by 36%, with the biggest increase from 1980 to 1981 of
20.4%. The small increase in growth of 1 % occurred from' 1979 to 1980. Average growth per year for
this six year period was 7.9%.
Agricultural activity only employs a small portion of the working residents in the county. Of the 2580
Perquimans County residents that were employed in 1983, only 290 were employed in agricultural areas.
This is approximately 11% of all employed residence of Perquimans County. This figure has slowly
declining over the years.
Page 26

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
Agricultural employment in Perquimans County
1 07A i a7c 1 QQft 1 05214
Total Employed
2,790 3,050 2,920 2,580
Employed in
Agriculture
590 540 370 290
Agriculture
as % of Total
1 21.15% 17.70% 12.67% 11.24%
1984 North Carolina Labor Force Estimates: The Labor Market Information Division of the
Employment Security Commission of N. C.
EMPLOYMENT
The largest employers in the county in 1983 were government jobs, retail trade, service jobs, and
manufacturing. Of all persons employed in the county, 32.3% were employed in government
jobs, 23% were employed in manufacturing activities, 22.8% in retail trade, and 11.8% in the
financial, insurance, and real estate fields. This four areas have remained fairly stable over the
last ten years with only slight fluctuation.
Employment in Perquimans County
107(1 1Q79Z 1 a R a 1ostz
Manufac turing
280
430
380
340
Lumber&wood
50
70
50
30
Other
230
360
330
310
Non -Manufacturing
980
1,010
1,110
1,020
Construction
30
60
80
30
Trans.,Comm., Public Util.
30
40
40
40
Trade
340
340
380
310
Fin.,Insur.,Real Estate
20
50
40
40
Services
140
110
130
160
Government
420
410
440
440
Other
0
0
0
0
Total
1,260 11,440.
• .
1 490
11,360
1984 North Carolina Labor Force Estimates: The Labor Market Information Division of the
Employment Security Commission of N. C.
Because of the limited number and limited variety of jobs available in the county, many
residents commute to nearby counties or Virginia for work: In 1980, out of 3317 working
residents in Perquimans County, 51.7% traveled outside the county to work. Four hundred
ninety people commuted to Perquimans County to work; this was 23.1 % of all persons
employed in Perquimans County.
Page 27

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
COMMUTING PATTERNS FOR PERQUIMANS COUNTY 1980
Commuting Patterns for Perquimans County 1980
Out -Commuters
in -Commuters
Journey from
Journey to
County/CityCounty/City
Per uimans to:
Per uimans from:
Bertle
0
14
Bladen
36
0
Camden
31
21
Chowan
374
1 7 7
Currituck
22
0
Gates
4 1
72
Montgomery
7
0
Nash
0
9
Onslow
4
0
Pasquotank
91 9
1 8 1
Tyrrell
6
1 0
Wake
5
0
Washington
34
6
Wilson
6
0
Out of State
Chesapeake City, Va.
3 0
0
Federicksburg City, Va.
11
0
Newport News City, Va.
41
0
Norfolk City, Va.
6 0
0
Portsmouth City, Va.
51
0
Southampton City, Va.
7
0
Suffolk City, Va.
21
0
Virginia Beach City, Va.
2 6
0
Work Outside US
1 4
0
Total Reported Commuters 1
1746
4 9 0
% of Employed Residents
51.7
% of Employed in County
2 3. 1
Noncommuting Workers
1631 '
Persons working In County
2121
Employed Residents
3377
Net Commuting
- 1 2 5 8
Work place not reported
249
Taken from the North Carolina State Data Center Technical Report,
North Carolina
Commuting Patterns: 1980 Census of Population
and Housing; Research and Planning
Services, Office of State Budget and Management, Feb.' 1985
Page 28
r

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update
SOURCES OF INCOME
While the amount of income made by county, residents increased by 56% from 1978 to 1983,
only a small portion of this came from employment within the county. Income from employment
in the county increased by 10%, while income from employment outside the county almost
tripled. Income from interest, dividends, and rent doubled during this period, while transfer
payments increased by 85%.
SOURCES OF INCOME FOR PERQUIMANS COUNTY
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
In -county Labor
$26,747
$27,047
$23,264
$28,672
$29,753
$29,518
Labor Outside County
$7,124
$8,262
$9,882
$11,781
$12,968
$17,309
Int., DIv., Rents
$6,181
$7,002
$8,197
$10,147
$12,502
$13,090
Transfer Payments
$9,144
$10,641
$12,648
$14,408
$15,683
$16,908
Total
$49,196
$52,952
$53,991
$65,008
$70,906
$76,825
INCOME MEASURED IN $1,000
RETAIL SALES
Based on information from the NC Department of Revenue, retail sales in Perquimans County
declined by 6% from 1979 to 1984. Perquimans County is the only county in the ten county
(Region R) Albemarle Region to post a decline in sales during this period.
Leading the decline was a substantial drop in food sales. Competition from major super market
chains with large retail outlets in nearby Elizabeth City along wlth'the poor.physical condition of
Perquimans County's major outlet probably can be blamed for this substantial decline.
Hopefully, this trend will reverse with the recent completion of a new super market outlet in
Hertford.
The tables below show the sales distribution in Perquimans County and the comparative change in
retail sales in all ten counties in the Albemarle Region.
GROSS RETAIL SALES IN PERQUIMANS COUNTY
1979.19R4
1979-1980
1980-1981
1981.1982
19,82-1983
1983-1984
1% Sales Tax
2,642,131
2,656,766
2,925,914
2•;375,538
2,057,113
2% Sales Tax
3,588,560
3,098,875
2,757,978
•2,800,036
4,901,546
Apparel
260,375
282,498
317090
-324,278
317,067
Automotive-
6,369,428
6,5739513
6,358,370
6,729,614
59613,347
Food
6,262,732
6,672,410
6,131,321
6,8509796
4,833,476
Furniture
888,553
683,648
586,799
773,090
783,343
General Merchandi
5,976,461
6,673,713
6,903,217
6,125,661
7,257,670
Building Materials
990,946
792,159
7059295
699,806
624,973
Unclassi ied
4,473,923
4 503 809 1
3,568 159
3,329 485 1
2 925,2 44
Total
31,453,109
31 937,391
30,254 443
30 008 304
29 313,779
Hu sates are to rotat aottars
Page 29

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
RETAIL SALES FOR REGION R 1979-1984
COUNTY
1979-1980
1980-1981
1981-1982
1982-1983
1983-1984
Perquimans
35,927,03�L
36 441 200
33,822,602
33,337,789
32 239.023
Camden
9,118,650
10,520,506
10,731,79
10,280,143
10,654,866
Chowan
58,474,125
60,852,949
65,102,652
70,885,156
75.,659,378
Currituck
44,862,970
46,432,333
50,913,66 9
52,523,104
57,699,343
Dare
104,031,983124,239,702137,012,469151,938,595183,177,141
Gates
18,281,940
19,787,826.
24,459,569
27,268,921
29,405,604
Hyde
17,410,632
20,052,898
19,920,439
19,704,118
21,304,851
Pasquotank
158,8101,171
176,858,962
185,171,559
204,790,271
236,977,916
Tyrrell
13,874,928
159651,508
15,567,745
14,122,494
17,466,808
Washington,
62,629 189
66 258 510
63 802 640
63 135 O51
68 078 009
Re ion Total 523 421 620 577,096,394 606,505,134 647,985,642 732,662,939
Perquimans as a percent of Region Total
6.86% 6.31% 5.58% 5.14% 4.40%
Growth Trends in Retail Sales in Perquimans Count y
1.43% -7.19% -1.43% -3.30%
Sales measured in total dollars
Page 30

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
EXISTING LAND USE
LAND COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
Land compatibility problems are generally considered to be two or more land use types which are
adjacent to each other and one is somehow restricted from expansion because of adverse
condition of the other, thus discouraging additional investment of the restricted land use. From
this definition, it can also be assumed that land use compatibility problems are a matter of
human perception and a function of human values and judgment. What one person may find to be
offensive or an adverse condition, another person may not find offensive or an area of concern.
Perquimans County can be characterized as a rural area. Many of the residents of the area are
farmers or have close ties to farming. Thus, people of the area tend to have more independent life
styles and are more tolerant of a mixture of land uses. As the county grows and people from
other areas move to the county, new values and concerns have begun to develop. While older
residents are more tolerant of a mixture of land uses such as animal operations near residential
development,other residents may find these harder to tolerate.
Mobile homes and mobile home parks adjacent to conventional dwellings are another area of
concern. Objections arise in many cases in subdivisions where property owner's are putting
mobile homes on lots that are prohibited for this use by subdivision covenants. The subdivision
home owner's association has no real power to enforce these covenants. The only way to stop
this situation from occurring is for an adjacent land owner to bring a lawsuit against the property
owner. In many cases the adjacent land owner is reluctant to do this. The number of abandoned
mobile home, trailers, and campers, as well as, the number that are not properly maintained are
also an area of concern.
Many resident have also mentioned the problem of the trash that has accumulated along
roadsides. Abandoned cars ,appliances, furniture, and other such items have accumulated in
areas along the county roads or around old abandoned homes taking away from the beauty of the
area. Many residents feel that this gives visitors a negative impression of the county and its
residents.
PROBLEMS FROM UNPLANNED GROWTH
The 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan stated that Perquimans County had no significant land use
problems. The plan did point out that problems were beginning to appear in the southern
portion of the county along the rivers and sound. Concern in these areas was due to the potential
for recreational and second home development in this area of flat wooded land of high water
tables, that are prone to flooding. Shoreline erosion, the ability *of the soils to support septic
tanks, and foundations was another concern, as well as, the protection of the natural beauty of
the area.
The 1980 CAMA Land Development Plan sited the concerns of the 1976 Plan and went on to
identify other areas of potential concern. These areas while posing no real problem at that time
were areas that needed to be addressed as development of the county increased. These concerns
are listed below.
Ground water and surface water contamination from septic tank
effluent
• Artificial drainage of woodlands and farms reducing wildlife habitat
and adding to surface water contamination
Page 31

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
Strip development along U.S. Hwy. 17 and its interference with
through traffic, especially during the peak tourist season
\. 5
Dredging and filling of wetlands
Recently, at a planning board meeting, county residents brought up another area of concern
resulting from unplanned growth. This problem has to do with older developments such as Snug
Harbor and Holiday Island which were platted before health department regulations. Many of the
lots in these subdivisions are much smaller then what health department regulations consider
suitable for septic tank use. As these lots begin to be developed the land may not be able to
handle the number of septic tank and fields needed for this development, thus some other means
of sewerage treatment may have to be considered.
FOREST
The forest lands in Perquimans County are slowly being depleted. In 1967, the North Carolina
Forestry Service reported that 61% of the county was in forest. By 1979, a similar Forestry
Service document reported that some 52% of the county was forest lands; by 1983, this
percentage had shrunk to 48%. Most of the land is being cleared for agricultural use, with much
of the clearing taking place in the northern portion of the county near the Great Dismal Swamp.
In a telephone interview, representatives of the Forest Service expressed some concern about the
lack of any significant reforestation efforts by county residents. From 1910 to 1970, the
volumes of timber removed exceeded the estimates of new volume grown by 50% annually; from
1970 to 1980, removals were still exceeding growth by more than 20% annually. According to
the Forestry Service, if this drain continues, there will not be a tree left in a hundred years.
AGRICULTURAL
According to the 1982 Census of Agriculture, 86,376 acres in Perquimans County were being
used as farmland. This is an increase from the 1974 figure of 78,454 acres. In 18982, some
75,300 acres of the total farmland were actually harvested croplands. The largest concentration of
farmland is in the eastern section of the county. Compared to surrounding counties, Perquimans
County produces more soybeans and cFom for grain thando surrounding counties and, in turn,
produces much less cotton and tobacco. The tables below indicate the number of acres harvested
by crop in Perquimans County and surrounding counties in 1983.
CROPS .(ACRES)
COUNTY
CORN
SOYBEANS
PEANUTS.
TOBACCO
COTTON
PERQUIMANS
26,800
43,900
2,730
275
BERTIE
44,800
23,100
21,600
3,320
770
GATES
20,800
14,900
6,520
135
1,070
HERTFORD
21,400
14,700
13400
81,320
1=32;5
CHOWAN
13,900
14.6001
5,780
5,350
1
I
r
Page 32

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
RECREATIONAL ORIENTED COMMUNITIES
Perquimans County, because of its location on the Little and Perquimans Rivers, lends itself to
recreational activities. Fishing, boating, hunting, and other activities are very popular. Many
people from Virginia and other areas have second homes and weekend cottages in Perquimans
County in order to take advantage of these recreational opportunities.
Two major recreational oriented communities are Holiday Island and Snug Harbor. Holiday
Island is a private development located between the mouth of the Yeopim Creek and the .
Perquimans River. Holiday Island has been divided into sections based on land use. These
sections are designated as campers and trailers, mobile homes, and conventional homes. While
the area started primarily as a second home development, it has increasingly grown in permanent
residents over the last few years. Last year this development grew by forty new dwellings.
Holiday Island has a well -organized property owners' association and a full-time manager.
Holiday Island also has its own fire protection, its own sewer system for the camping section,
and it own roads.
Snug Harbor -is the older of the two subdivisions and is located on the peninsula formed by the
Yeopim River and Yeopim Creek. A mixture of land uses exists here also. While many of the
lots are occupied by trailers, campers, and second -home residents, the number of permanent
residents are increasing as people are retiring to the area.
NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Perquimans County is basically a rural area with low density development. The two incorporated
towns in the county, Hertford and Winfall, have the highest concentration of people.
..Communities such as Bethel, Belvidere, New Hope, and Woodville have clustered residential
development. Scattered single-family residential development exists throughout the county,
especially along paved secondary roads.
Recreational and second -home developments have occurred along the rivers and streams of the
area. This has caused an influx of mobile homes, campers, and weekend cottages. Over the last
few years, however, several new subdivisions have developed to meet the demand for permanent
homes in the waterfront areas. There are now over twenty-six water front subdivisions. Thirteen
of these have been developed in the last.five years. There are other subdivisions located
throughout the county as well; however, the highest concentration- of subdivisions vary in size
from a few to several hundred as in Holiday Island and Snug Harbor. While it is hard to tell just
how many of these lots have been sold, only a small percentage of them have actually been
developed.
Records of building permits before July 1985 are unattainable, thus the actual rate of development
of these areas is almost impossible to determine. From July 1985 to December 1985, some 153
building permits were issued. These permits were issued for 21 dwellings, 20 utility permits, 42
home repairs, 9 commercial structures, 44 mobile homes, 1 church, 8 double wides, and 1
j institutional structure.
Of the twenty-one new dwellings, approximately five were on scattered sites, fourteen in
subdivisions. (mainly in Snug Harbor and Holiday Island), and two in existing clustered
development: Of the fifty-two mobile homes (including double wides), approximately twenty
were in the subdivisions (mainly Snug Harbor and Holiday Island), twelve were in areas of
existing clustered development, twelve were on scattered sites, and eight were in trailer parks.
Two trailer parks were also issued building permits during this time. These are located along
Hwy. 17.
Page 33

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update
HOUSING
The 1980 Census counted 9,367 persons living in 4,170 housing units in Perquimans County,
for an average household size of 2.45 persons per household. During the 1970 to 1980 census
decade, population in the county grew by 14% while the number of occupied housing units
increased by 31.1%. The greater increase in occupied units than in population indicates smaller
household sized and more single -person households accounted for almost 20% of all occupied
housing units in Perquimans County in 1980. Such a high number of single -person households
usually indicates a sizeable elderly population. Such is the case in Perquimans County, where
14.8% of the county population was over 65 years of age in 1980.
The 1980 Census confirms the tremendous growth of mobile homes in the county during the
1970 to 1980 decade. According to census counts, the number of mobile homes in Perquimans
County grew by 354% from 117 mobile homes in 1970 to 531 in 1980.
Seasonal homes also recorded some notable increases during the 1970's. Seasonal homes grew
from just 76 units in 1970 to 359 in 1980, a whopping 372% increase.
The chart that follows provides additional information concerning housing in Perquimans County
HOUSING IN PERQUIMANS COUNTY
1970 1980
TAT
IUTAL YUVULAIIUN 8,351. 9,486
TOTAL UNITS 2,894 4,170
VACANT SEASONAL 76 359
VACANT YEAR AROUND 308 528
MOBILE HOME OCCUPIED
YEAR AROUND 11.7 5 3 1
LACKING SOME OR ALL
PLUMBING FIXTURES 1,015 409
OWNER OCCUPIED 17 4 9 2,464
WHITE 1,220 1,767
NON -WHITE 529 697
RENTER OCCUPIED 7 5 1 8 1 6
WHITE 417 442
NON -WHITE 334 374
Page 34

IL986 Perquimans; County Land Use Plan Update
a COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
r
Commercial and industrial development has been slow in coming to Perquimans County. Over
the last few years, however, there has been a noticeable change. A new shopping area has been
built on land once farmed along U.S. Hwy.17 in Hertford. A grocery store, drug store, and
dollar store have moved into this facility. The drug store is new to the area while the other two
stores are extensions of stores that already existed in Hertford. Across from this new shopping
center, another shopping area has expanded to include a florist, two clothing stores, and a seafood
restaurant. Other commercial development in the last few years includes a bed -and -breakfast
establishment, which includes a bakery, and several convenient -type grocery stores which have
opened throughout the county. A new medical facility has been built in Winfall and is staffed
with a full time doctor.
Two industrial operations exist in the county. These are both clothing manufacturers. Don Juan
has been in the county since 1956 and presently employs around three hundred people. Don Juan
is located right outside of Hertford and is provided with water and sewer facilities by this town.
Apricot is located in Hertford and employes around 87 people. Plans are now being made for a
new facility for Apricot. This plant is to be located beside Don Juan. When the building is
complete, Apricot expects to increase its payroll to 130 employees.
A cotton gin was built in Winfall within the last three years and has been a big influence on the
increased production of cotton in the county.
FUTURE LAND USE
Future development in Perquimans County will likely continue in the present patterns.
Residential development can be expected to continue in existing communities. With the expansion
of the county water system to most areas of the county., more scattered development can be
expected.
Development of waterfront subdivisions will likely experience a good deal of growth as well. An
area of concern in the older subdivisions is the development of small lots that do not meet health
department regulations. As these lots begin to fill, the problem of finding a proper means for
sewage disposal will have to be addressed.
Commercial development is likely to continue along Hwy. 17 near the new shopping area? The
land in the area is farm land well suited for this type of development. Some of the land adjacent to
the shopping center has already been purchased for future commercial growth.
Industrial development of the county will be slow and will likely be near Hertford where water
and sewage facilities are available.
Pag e 55

Aw.
- lo to -co
LAND USE: MAR
JL 5PO M
op
Ole

1 1886 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
1968 The Potential for Outdoor Recrea ion in Perouimans County
by the Perquimans County Soil and Water Conservation Committee
This study is designed to provide basic information through which future growth and
development can be directed. This survey is based upon the premise that " it makes more sense to
direct the growth and development that will shape the county's future in the decades to come than
to risk random development of its water and sewer system which may be detrimental to the public
welfare." This report gives a general overview of Perquimans County's existing facilities and
proposed water and sewer facilities.
1971 The Potential for Outdoor Recreation in Perguimans County
by the Perquimans County Soil and Water Conservation Committee
This document evaluates the potential for development of eleven outdoor recreational activities in
Perquimans County. Each activity was appraised as having low, medium, or high potential for
development. Activities in Perquimans County with high potential for development were small
game hunting areas, big game hunting areas, and historical areas. Activities with medium
potential were vacation cabins, cottages, and home sites; vacation and fishing; natural areas;
vacation farms and ranches. Low potential activities were transit camping grounds, standard and
par three golfing, driving ranges and miniature golf., riding stables, and shooting preserves.
1975 Proposed County -Wide Water System Engineering Renort
by River and Associates, Inc.
This study presents an overview of the county, the existing water system, and future needs. The
study also describes the proposed water facility, how these plans are to be carried out, and
estimated cost of the project. Design data has also been given.
1976 CAMA Land Development Plan
by the Perquimans County Planning Board
This plan provides an abundance of information concerning the environment of Perquimans
County and the extent of development in the county as it existed in 1975. This was the first plan
for the county prepared under the Coastal Area Management Act; thus it emphasized potential
areas of environmental concern and fragile areas.
1977 Preliminary Engineering Report: County Wide Water System Phase II
This study is similar to the 1975 report in layout and form. It deals with the second phase of the
proposed water system for the county.
1978 Subdivision Regulations
The purpose of these regulations is "...to guide the subdivision of land within the limits of
Perquimans County in order to promote the public health safety and welfare of the community."
The purpose and provision of these regulations are typical of those in North Carolina. However,
there are at least two provisions that are unique to Perquimans County. The County Board of
Page 37

1986 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update
Commissioners felt that these were more suitable and acceptable for the area and its residents.
These two provisions are as follows:
1) Land given to children by their parents is exempt from subdivision regulations.
2) Subdivisions may have private interior streets. These roads do not have to be
paved. They do have to meet state codes pertaining to right-of-way width so that
once they are complete, they can be taken over by the state.
1978 Housing and Land use Addendum
This study was prepared to provide additional housing and land use analyses which were not
required as a part of the CAMA Land Development Plan, but which were required in order to
maintain Perquimans County's eligibility to receive Section 701 planning funds from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development. The most notable land use policies, objectives,
and implementation methods.
1979 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
This plan provided the first five-year update to the original 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan. This
plan provided an updated information base including 1980 Census data and for the first time
identified development issues; established county goals, objectives and policies concerning these
issues; and developed implementation strategies.
Page 38

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT LAND SUITABILITY
SOILS
Soils in Perquimans County and most of the coastal region itself impose severe limitations to
development. The most frequently occurring limitations are poor drainage, a high water table,
frequent flooding, low bearing strength, and poor soil percolation. All of the soils in the county
have been classified and rated as to suitability for various types of development and uses by the
U. S. Soil Conservation Service. These ratings are based on the severity of the limitations the
soil impose. The soils have been grouped, classified, and mapped by soil associations.
Perquimans County consists of seven soil associations. Soil associations are soils occurring
together in a characteristic and repeating pattern. An association consists of one or more principal
soil and at least one minor soil. These minor soils can be similar or very different from other soils
in the association.
The following discussions and charts compile soil descriptions contained in Soil Associations of
the Coastal Area Management Region, by the Division of Coastal Management, and in the General
Soil Map and Interpretations for Perquimans County. prepared by the Soil Conservation Service,
U. S. Department of Agriculture. The seven soil associations found in Perquimans County are
described as follows:
1) Conetoe-Wando-Dragston
These soils are well drained to somewhat poorly drained sandy soils that occur as ridges on higher
landscapes or as extensive undulating areas of old marine surfaces. Water table depth is less than 6 feet.
Septic tank limitation range from minor to severe. These soils make up approximately 2% of Perquimans
County.
2) Bladen-Lenoir-Craven
These soils are moderately well to poorly drained. These occur on almost level land or sloping ridges.
Water occur on almost level and or sloping ridges. Water table depth is less than one to three feet. Septic
tank suitability is poor. These make up approximately 46% of the county.
3) Bladen-Bayboro-Portsmouth
These soils are poorly drained to very poorly drained These occur on broad flats or depression areas.
Water table depth is a foot or less. Septic tank limitations are severe. These soils make up approximately
32% of the county.
4) Bertie-Tomotley-Altavista
These soils are moderately well drained to poorly drained. They occur on broad flats or depression areas
or as ridges along streams terraces and old marine surfaces. Water table depth is less than a foot to 2.5
feet. Septic tank limitations re from moderately severe to severe. These soils make up approximately 11%
of the county.
Page 39

1986 Perquimans County Land Use PCan Update
5) Wickham-Altavista-Wahee
These soils vary from well drained to moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained. They occur
on high marine surfaces and as narrow ridges along major drainage systems. Water table depth is six
inches to 2.5 feet. Septic tank limitations are slightly moderate to severe. These soils make up
approximately 2% of the county.
6) Dorovan-Johnson:
These soils are very poorly drained. These occur in low flood plain areas. Water table depth is from 0 to
1.5 feet. Septic tank limitations are severe. These soils make up 5% of the county.
7) Dare-Ponzer-Wanda
These soils are very poorly drained. They occur in meager swamp and pocosins areas. Water table depth
is from 0 to 15 feet. These make up approximately 2% of the county.
DRAINAGE
Drainage classifications describe how long it takes water to move through soils. Generally, the
darker the soil, the longer the soil retains water and the poorer the drainage rating. Soil color is
usually used as the indicator of soil drainage characteristics.
In Soil Associations of the Coastal Area Management Region, the Division of Coastal
Management describes these classifications as follows:
Well Drained: Red, yellow, and brown subsoils, often bright, free of mottles generally
to a depth of 30".
Moderately well drained: Predominantly brown, not bright, with some grey mottles
34 to 30 inches below the surface.
Poorly Drained: Predominantly gray throughout. The water table usually stands at or
very near the surface much of the year.
Very Poorly Drained: These soils have 10 inches or more of a black surface over gray
subsoils. Water generally inundates these soils for most of the year.
SEPTIC TANK LIMITATIONS
There is no public sewer system in Perquimans County: and the typically high water table,
characteristics of most of the area, makes the design and placement of septic tanks a critical
consideration. The definitions below, taken from General Soil Map and Interpretations
.9r Pergrrimans County, North Carolina, describe the septic tank limitation ratings. The
map that follows generally identifies soil areas of the county with these limitations.
Slight Limitations: Such soils "have a percolation rate faster than 45 minutes per inch,
.a seasonal high water table at a depth of more than 72 inches, slopes of less than 8
percent, hard rock at a depth of more than 72 inches, and are free of flooding."
Moderate Limitations: These soils are moderately favorable. Limitations can be
overcome or modified.
Page 40

1 1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
Severe Limitations: These soils "have one or more unfavorable characteristics," such
as "a percolation rate slower than 60 minute per inch, a seasonal high water table at a
depth of less than 48 inches, slopes of more than 15 inches, or are subject to flooding."
FOUNDATION LIMITATIONS
Ratings for foundation limitations refer to several characteristics: the shrink -swell potential; the
slope; the soil texture, depth, and permeability; the depth to water table and the potential for
flooding.
Again, the Soil Conservation Service's General Soil Man and Interpretations for
Perquimans County, North Carolina is useful for definitions of ratings. Soils with
foundation limitation ratings of slight "have slopes of less than 8 percent, are well drained or
moderately well drained, free of flooding and depth to hard rock is more than 40 inches. They
have low shrink -swell potential and are relatively free of stones and other coarse fragments."
Soils with a foundation rating of severe "have one or more than 15 percent; are cobbly or stony;
are less than 20 inches to hard rock; are wet (high water table); are subject to flooding or have
high shrink -swell potential."
The map that follows indicates soil associations in Perquimans County exhibiting the ratings
above.
SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY
GROUND WATER
Water recharge areas and watershed areas help maintain ground water supplies as well as
provide surface water reservoirs to collect water. These areas should be protected so that
their functions are not impaired and so that they remain reasonably free of any pollutants.
Ground water recharge in the lower aquifer is often slow and inefficient because of the
heavy clay soils that usually contain these aquifers. Recharge areas are essential to sustain
ample water supplies to meet the needs of new population growth. The following map
shows where these areas are in Perquimans County.
Residents of Perquimans County obtain water from three major aquifers. The water table
aquifer, the Upper Yorktown aquifer furnishes water for the many shallow private wells
still in use in the county. The Upper Yorktown is under artesian pressure and furnishes
most of the water for the county water system. Water from this aquifer is generally hard
and water drawn from its lower depths often have a high chloride content. The Beaufort
formation is the deepest aquifer and is generally not useful because of its high chloride
content.
The discussion that follows is largely indebted to Rivers and Associates, Inc.,
Perquimans County: Comprehensive Water and Sewer Study.
Page 41

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
The Upper Yorktown aquifer is under artesian pressure and contains the only large amount of useful
artesian water. The Yorktown aquifers are recharged by the downward seepage of water from the water -
table aquifer through confining layers. Yorktown formations range in thickness from 125 feet in the
northeastern portion of the county to 250 feet in the northwestern section. Wells range in depth from 47 to
122 feet and yield 2 to 40 gallons per minute from wells 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. Water from this
aquifer is very hard, with some areas containing as much as 0.06 to 6.6 ppm (parts per million) of iron.
The water -table aquifer ranges in thickness from 65 feet in the northern part of the county to 2 feet in the
southwestern portion. Wells are usually shallow and yield from 2 to 10 gallons per minute. This aquifer
is recharged mainly by local rainfall. Water from this aquifer is usually less highly mineralized than those
from other water -bearing zones. Dissolved mineral constituents range from 123 to 749 parts per million.
High levels of dissolved solid may be due to contamination from surface water drainage. The
uncontaminated water from this aquifer contains less than 550 ppm except in some areas adjacent to the
Albemarle Sound. The county's interior wells yield water containing less than 250 ppm. Water hardness
for most inland wells is less than 100 ppm but range from 60 to 365 ppm in other areas. Water from this
aquifer ranges in iron content from 1.3 to 4.3 ppm. In general, water from this aquifer is slightly acidic
and can be corrosive to metal.
BEAUFORT AQUIFER
Thickness of this aquifer ranges from 290 feet in the southwest to around 500 feet in the northwest. Wells
drawing from this aquifer are mostly domestic and range in depth from 290 to 620 feet and yield 3 to 20
gallons per minute. This water is brackish with saline chloride levels from 979 to 1,540 parts per million.
SURFACE WATER
Perquimans County has numerous rivers and streams. Of the 329 square miles of surface area in
the county., 77 square miles are covered by water. These water resources are very important to
the county and need to be protected.
In order to help protect surface waters, the Water and Air Quality Reporting Act was established
in 1971. Stream classifications are used in this program to determine the quality of water in areas
of population levels.
The Town of Hertford's sewage treatment plant has been cited for violations of its discharge
pemut, more specifically for discharging untreated or partially treated effluents into the
Perquimans River. This infraction is the result of ground water infiltrating collectors, thus
overloading the treatment plant. The severity of this problem increases after heavy rains and high
wind tides. This problem has been investigated by the Department of Environmental
Management, and grant funds have been allocated by the Environmental Protection Agency's 201
Facility Plan to increase the treatment plant capacity by 1000,000 gallons per day.
Page 42

1986 Perquimans County Land Use P[an Update
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
The coastal Resources Commission has designated four categories of environmental concern in
the twenty coastal counties included in the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act:
1) The Ocean Hazard System
2) The Estuarine System
3) Public Water Supplies
4) Natural and Cultural Resource Areas
Only one of these four categories, the Estuarine System, pertains to Perquimans County. The
Estuarine System category contains four components designated as areas of environmental
concern: Estuarine Shorelines, Public Trust Water, Coastal Wetlands, and Estuarine Waters. All
of these components are present in Perquimans County.
1) ESTUARINE WATERS
These waters are defined by CAMA as "all waters of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North
Carolina and all all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing
lien between coastal fish -agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resource Commission and the Department of
Natural Resources and Community Development." These waters are important for the fish and marine life
they support and for the means of commercial transportation they allow.
2) PUBLIC TRUST WATERS
These areas are described by CAMA as natural and man-made "bodies of water containing significant
public fishing resources" or those to which "the public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage,
dedication or any other means." These lands can be publicly owned and are used for navigational and
recreation purposes. This area is essential to commercial and sport fishing.
3) COASTAL WETLANDS
These areas are subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides. Coastal Wetlands are generally not
mapped but are identified by the presence of one or more of ten plant species. The ten identifying plants
are shown below.
Page 43

1886 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
4) ESTUARINE SHORELINE
Estuarine shorelines are non -ocean shorelines that are "intimately connected to the Estuary." The estuarine
shoreline is more specifically defined as a 75' strip of land bordering all waters determined to be estuarine
through an agreement between the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
MANMADE HAZARDS
Man-made hazards in Perquimans County are generally storage facilities for flammable and
explosive materials. The locations of a number of these hazards are listed below.
MANMADE HAZARDS IN HERTFORD
(1) Reed Oil Co. - bulk gas storage
(2) Town of Hertford Water Treatment Plant - chlorine storage
(3) Farmers Feed and Seed - pesticides and bulk gas storage
(4) Hertford Supply Co. - pesticides and bulk gas storage
(5) Pyrofax Gas Bulk Plant - LP gas storage
(6) Woodland Circle Housing - limited street accessibility for fire equipment
(7) Town of Hertford Waste Treatment Plant - chlorine storage
(8) Railroad Tracks
(9) Hertford Solid Waste Landfill
MANMADE HAZARD AREAS IN PERQUIMANS COUNTY
(1) Community Gas Co. - 1000 plus gallons of LP gas stored in bulk tanks. --NC 37 near
Bethel
(2) Perquimans County Water System Plant - Chlorine storage --SR 1339 near New Bethel
Church
(3) Belvidere Farmers Exchange - chemical storage in warehouse and LP gas installation for
dryers. --SR 118 near Snow Hill
(4) Albemarle Fertilizer Co. - fertilizer materials stored in bulk tanks--SR1001 Near Belvidere
(5) Intercounty Water Treatment Plant - chlorine storage --US 17 near Woodville
(6) Housing development in difficult locations to reach for fire protection water must be
drafted --Residential area near Durants Neck and along the shore of the Little River
(7) Perquimans County Water Treatment Plant - chlorine storage--Winfall
(8) Hollowell Oil Co. - bulk gas storage--Winfall
(9) Winslow Oil Co. - bulk gas storage--Winfall
(10) Albemarle (Chemical) Fertilizer Co. - gas dryers and storage of chemicals --Hertford
(11) Winfall Water Treatment Plant - chlorine storage Winfall
(12) Railroad
(13) Holiday Island Waste Treatment Plant- chlorine storage --Holiday Island
(14) Perquimans Chowan Landfill -- Near Holiday Island
Page 44

1886 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
I
1
HISTORICAL SITES
Perquimans County, which was settled before 1670, contains several of the oldest houses in the
state. The residents of Perquimans County are very proud of their heritage and the importance of
the county in American history. In the survey done for the 1980 CAM Land Use Update, over
50% of those who responded to the survey felt that it was important to preserve and protect the
county's historical sites. In the 1971 publication by the Perquimans County Soil and Water
Conservation Committee, The Potential for outdoor recreation, historical areas were rated as
having one of the highest potentials for recreational development. These sites should be
preserved not only for their historical value but also for their potential economic value as well.
Perquimans County has over eighty historical sites. However, only ten of these are now listed in
the National Register of Historical Places. Sixty-six sites are now being studied to determine if
they qualify to be added to the Register.
Page 45

1886 Perqutmans County Land Use Pfan Update
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT:
CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES
WATER SYSTEM
Perquimans County's water system consists of two treatment plants, six wells (three at each
treatment plant), three storage towers capable of holding 200,000 gallons each, and approximately
240 miles of water lines. The water lines are PVC pipes with 2, 4, 6, 10 and 12 inch mains. The
Bethel plant has been in operation for eight years. This plant can treat approximately 500 gallons
per minute. The three wells at this plant can pump 500 gallons per minute also The Winfall plant
is just over a year old and can treat around 350 gallons per minute. The three wells at this plant
can pump approximately 425 gallons per minute.
In an average 12-hour day, the Bethel plant can treat approximately 360,000 gallons. The Winfall
plant can treat approximately 252,000 gallons a day. This is a combined capacity of 612,000
gallons per day. The average daily consumption in the county system is approximately 357,750
gallons. The water system is now operating at approximately 58% capacity based on a twelve-
hour operation period.
Average monthly consumption in 1985 was approximately 11,600.000 gallons. The system
currently serves around 2140 customers. The number of gallons treated in 1982 was 82,412.000
and in 1985 this increased to 139,688,000, an increase of 69.5%. Much of this increase was due
to the Phase II extension of water lines.
Water consumption peaks during summer months, declines during fall and spring months, and
increases again in the colder winter months. On an emergency basis, Perquimans County
supplies water to Chowan County. The county does not plan to extend any more water lines. It
is now up to the developer to pay for the water lines and then dedicate them back to the county,
who assumes the responsibility of maintaining them. Money has been allocated to overhaul the
Bethel plant and to replace its outdated equipment, which has been severely damaged by the high
iron content of the county's water.
SEWAGE
Two sewage facilities operate in Perquimans County. One is the municipal system of the town of
Hertford, and the other is a small package system at Holiday Island. Septic tanks are used
throughout the rest of the county. The 1968 Comprehensive Water and Sewer Study stated that
because of the flat terrain, high water tables, sandy soil structure, and scattered development of
the county, a county -wide sewer system would not be economically feasible. This study
recommended that Hertford continue to expand and update its system as the town grows.
The study also encouraged Winfall to consider the installation of a public sewer system if either of
the following two conditions come about:
1) If the population density throughout the town becomes such that a nuisance
or health hazard is generated from septic tank use:" or
2) If the total population served by this system would reduce the cost per user
within reasonable and economically feasible limits.
Page 46

t986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
The Town of Hertford's sewer system consists of a collection system with 8 inch PVC mains.
Nine lift stations are required to move the sewage from the collectors to the treatment plant The
treatment plant is a 3000,000 gpd contact plant that is now working at almost full capacity.
Frequently, water infiltrating the collectors causes the plant to overload and to discharge untreated
or partially treated sewage into the Perquimans River. The severity of this problem increases after
heavy rains and high tidal winds. This problem is being addressed by EPA 201 funding. This
money will be used to increase the capacity of the treatment plant by 100,000 gallons a day.
Holiday Island presently operates a waste treatment package plant to handle the needs of its
camping section. This plant is capable of treating 20,000 gallons per day. After being treated at
the plant, the effluent is released into a large drainage field through underground drainage lines.
At the time of the 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan effluent from this plant as discharged directly into
Mines Creek. A 100,000 gallon storage tank has been added to hold the excess amount of
sewage that is produced on weekends until it can be treated during the week.
SOLID WASTE
Perquimans County, Hertford, and Winfall all offer garbage pickup. Perquimans and Chowan
Counties jointly operate the Perquimans-Chowan Landfill, which is located in Belvidere
Township. This site is approximately five years old and has a life expectancy of six to seven
more years.
Hertford and Winfall jointly use a landfill with a life expectancy of about ten years. With Federal
regulations on landfills becoming more restrictive, the county may be forced to use a different
means of solid waste disposal. Incinerators are now being considered. This system uses one
third less land than does the present cell system. Regardless of the type of system to be used,
more land will be needed to operate this service.
POLICE
County -wide police protection is provided by the Sheriffs Department. This department is
comprised of the sheriff and two full-time and one part-time deputies. The Sheriffs Department
is located in the County Courthouse. _Excluding residents of Hertford and Winfall, there is one
county law enforcement officer for every 2,066 county residents. The sheriff and the Hertford
Police Department both operate through a dispatch system. During the day, these two
departments are handed separately. At night, however, all calls are handled through the town.
Perquimans County does not have a jail and so uses the Tri-County jail in Elizabeth City.
The Hertford Police Department employs five full-time policemen. The department has four cars,
all of which need to be replaced in the next ten years. On an average, two cars are replaced every
two years. Presently, the department is located in the Municipal Building; however, a new
facility is now being built. This should be finished sometime in late 1986.
A Police Department was established in Winfall in 1983. The department employs a chief and one
part-time policeman. This department operates out of the Winfall Town Hall. This department
also uses the Tri-County jail in Elizabeth City. Winfall is considering discontinuing its police
service.
Page 47

1886 Perquimans County Land Use P[an Update
FIRE
County -wide fire protection is provided through six volunteer fire departments which are located
throughout the county. These departments are as follows: Bethel, Belvidere -Chapel Hill,
Durants Neck, Hertford, Intercounty, and Winfall. The forestry service provides fire protection
to the county in the cases of forest and brush fires. Holiday Island has its own fire department,
which is two years old. This department consists of a 1979 quick response truck with a 350
gallon pumper. Because of the recent growth rate of Holiday Island, this department will soon
need to expand. In major fires this department receives help from other county fire departments.
All six volunteer departments have averaged around 20 to 25 members over the last five years.
The average number of calls over the last five years has varied by department from an average of
twenty calls per year in the Winfall department to as high as fifty to sixty calls per year. All
departments have their own facilities and equipment. Funds to operate these departments are
obtained through donations and county funding.
RESCUE SERVICE
The Perquimans County rescue squad provides ambulance and rescue service to the entire county.
The rescue squad consists entirely of volunteers. The squad is supported by private donations
and county funding. The service is operating in the county. The county owns the squads
vehicles and building. A new garage has been added to the present facility so that all four vehicles
can be housed. This was completed in early 1986. The present facility is used for training, living
quarters, and years. Equipment consists of the following:
1983 Ford modular ambulance -main unit used for most regular rescue calls
1981 Ford van ambulance - used mainly for hospital transfers
1975 Chevrolet modular ambulance - used as a back up unit
1973 Chevrolet van - used as a back up unit
These units should be adequate to meet the needs of the county within the planning period.
The rescue squad consists of eleven ambulance attendants and thirty-nine EMTs. Fifteen of the
EMTs are eligible for retirement in 1987. The squad operates a day shift and a night shift.
Weekend and night shifts are well staffed; however, covering the day shift is becoming more
difficult as most of the volunteers have other full-time jobs. In order to provide adequate
coverage of the day shifts, the possibility of going to paid attendants and EMTs may soon have to
be considered.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
The Perquimans County Recreation Department is located in Hertford. The department has a full-
time director and a small staff. This department is responsible for the operation of the county
Senior Citizen Center, which is located in Hertford, and offers the following activities for county
residents:
Adult men volleyball Adult women volleyball
Adult basketball Thirty and over basketball
Youth Soccer Girls Softball
Youth Football Baseball
Page 48

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update
Women Softball Men Softball
T-Ball Arts and Crafts
A bass tournament is part of the facilities, the Recreation Department maintains two other
facilities: Missing Mill Park, located in Hertford on the Perquimans River and Hertford Park.
While the Perquimans County Recreation Department offers a variety of activities the ultimate goal
of the department is to have some type of activity available for everyone throughout the entire
year. In order to meet these needs new facilities such as a gymnasium with classrooms and
meeting rooms, and new outdoor fields and courts are needed.
There are six other private recreational facilities in the county that are used by the public, each of
these sites is a water access area with the primary recreational emphasis on boating. These areas
Bethel Fishing Center 1.0 acre
Larry's Drive In 0.3 acre
Town of Hertford Boat Launch 0.5 acre
White Hat Landing 0.3 acre
New Hope Boat Launch 0.3 acre
(Wildlife Commission)
Snug Harbor Marina 0.6 acre
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
Perquimans County has three elementary schools, one junior high and one high school. The
enrollment for 1984-1985 school year for grades K-12 was 1772. This was down from the
1974-75 enrollment figure of 2,115. Although enrollment has declined in the last several years,
some growth is anticipated for the next five or six years. A leveling off period, or period of little
growth, is expected from 1990 to 1995.
In the 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan, the potential renovation of the high school was discussed.
This project began in the last part of 1986. When this is complete, the high school will be more
than adequate to handle the needs of the next ten years. With the limited growth projections of the
next ten years, all present facilities should be adequate to meet future demand with regular
maintenance and repair.
ROADS
U.S. Highway 17 and NC 37 are the two primary roads which run through Perquimans County.
While traffic on Hwy. 17 is considered fairly light during the winter months, it is quite heavy in
the summer months as people travel to and from the coast. There are plans to widen Hwy. 17
into four lanes. Studies are now being done on the section of this highway from west of Hertford
to where the existing four lane highway begins near Woodville. There are no plans to improve or
enlarge Highway NC 37.
Page 49

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update
Perquimans County has over 270 miles of secondary roads and over 75 miles of unpaved road
Each year through the Secondary Roads Program, roads are selected by the Department of
Transportation and the County Board of Commissioners to be improved. Only a limited amount
of funds are allocated to this program each year, so only roads of top priority are selected.
Over the next ten years, top priority will be given to maintaining the roads that are paved and
second priority will be paving existing unpaved roads. Perquimans County subdivision
regulations are unusual in that they allow private internal roads in new subdivisions. These roads
are not required to be paved by the developer and can lead to maintenance problems.
To compound this problem, as of September 1975 all roads taken over by the state have to be
recorded, a right of way dedicated to the state, and paved. This ruling eliminates the possibility of
the State accepting many of the streets in existing subdivisions in Perquimans County.
IMPACT OF SEASONAL POPULATION
The Perquimans County Water System reports that water usage during the summer months is
approximately 10% higher than the year-round average. This increase is attributed more to greater
usage by full-time residents than to seasonal increases in county population. The impact of
seasonal population is negligible in Perquimans County.
Page 50

1986 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update
PEROUIMANS COUNTY: ESTIMATED DEMAND
HOUSING
Population projections for Perquimans County indicate an increase of 821 persons from 1980 to
1990. In 1980, the average persons per dwelling unit in Perquimans County was approximately
2.45. Assuming that this same household size remains constant, there will be a need for 335 new
dwelling units by 1990.
Based on a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet, approximately 115 acres of land will be
needed for these new housing units.
SCHOOLS
Enrollment in the Perquimans County Schools is now under the system's capacity, and
enrollment is expected to decline during the planning period. No new classroom construction will
be needed because of enrollment growth during the planning period.
WATER SERVICE
Treatment capacity of the water system 612,000 gpd. The plant is now treating approximately
355,000 gpd. Using a liberal estimate for water sewage of 100 gallons per resident per day, the
additional 821 county residents would require 82,000 additional gallons of water daily, well
within the excess capacity of the water system.
SOLID WASTE
The expected life of the county's landfill is approximately 6 more years, with or without new
population growth. The expected life of the Hertford-Winfall Landfill is just 10 years. All
governmental jurisdiction in Perquimans County will need a new solid waste disposal facility
during the planning period.
POLICE
County police services are provided by the County Sheriffs Office and The City of Hertford
Police Department. The County has no plans to increase the number of personnel now providing
police services, but should the need arise the County will consider expansion of these services.
FIRE
Seven volunteer fire fighting units now provide fire protection in the County. The County at this
time does not anticipate the creation of paid fire fighting force but will continue to rely on
volunteer services for the planning period. The County will continue to fund a portion of the
expenses of the volunteer units and will acquire needed equipment and facilities as needed.
RESCUE SERVICE
The rescue squad consists of eleven ambulance attendants and thirty-nine EMTs. Fifteen of the
EMTs are eligible for retirement in 1987. The squad operates a day shift and a night shift.

1986 Perqutmans County Land Use PLan Update 1
Weekend and night shifts are well staffed; however, covering the day shift is becoming more
difficult as most of the volunteers have other full-time jobs. In order to provide adequate
coverage of the day shifts, the possibility of going to paid attendants and EMTs may soon have to
be considered.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The County is totally committed to the County Manager System of Government and will continue
to operate with a full-time managerial staff.
Page 52

1886 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update
CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING MATTERS
Perquimans County recognizes its responsibility toward keeping its citizens informed of all issues
concerning the county. The County Commissioners also recognize the political reality of educating
the public in regard to the issues being decided. It is the County's policy to encourage attendance
by the public at all meetings of its various boards and committees. The County encourages
coverage of all issues by various media representatives and invites active public participation in all
issues.
During the preparation of this land use plan update, Planning Board Meetings were held on a
regularly scheduled date (the second Thursday of every month) , and public notices were placed in
the local newspaper.one week prior to each meeting. A questionnaire was circulated county -wide,
soliciting public responses on a variety of planning issues.
The county will rely on public discussion and media coverage to present the various facets,
impacts, and costs associated with the various policy issues. Expert assistance will be sought to
educate and to give guidance both to the general public and to the Board of Commissioners on
issues whenever the Board feels such assistance is required.
r
Page 53

1986 PerauLtnans County Land Use Plan Update
POLICY DISCUSSION
CAMA regulations require the coastal counties to develop local policy statements concerning a
variety of development issues. These issues are divided into five general categories:
1) resource protection; 2) resource production and management; 3) economic and community
development; 4) citizens participation; and 5) storm hazard mitigation. Each of these categories
contains a listing of specific issues that must be addressed by all participating jurisdictions in the
twenty coastal counties. All additional issues of local concern are emphatically encouraged to be
included in this land use update.
Perquimans County is a rural county that is beginning to experience significant development
pressures. These development pressures are having their greatest impact along the counties
estuarine shore. In the past five years, thirteen new subdivisions have been platted in the county;
all have had some frontage on the estuarine shore.
Building permit information is unavailable for all previous years because of the previous building
inspector's practice of discarding all permit records at the beginning of each new fiscal year.
Between January 1, 1986 and June 1, 1986, 120 building permits have been issued for new
construction or mobile home placement. In the recollection of most informed persons in county
government this substantially more permits than have been issued in recent years.
The Building Inspector's position heretofore has been a half-time job. It has now been expanded
into a full-time position. During the past two years the county also employed its first full-time
county manager. Enforcement of the State Building Code, The National Flood Insurance
Program, and local subdivision regulations is the responsibilities of these two county staff
members.
Such a limited staff must depend on outside agencies for assistance in controlling development.
The local District Health Department and CAMA Field Office personnel in Elizabeth City assist
the County by enforcing requirements within their particular permitting jurisdictions. The County
intends to develop a mobile home park ordinance and to update their subdivision regulations
during the coning year in order to gain greater control of development.
The following policies, developed during this plan update, reflect the County's limited staff and
the county's decision to rely on various state and federal agencies with pemutting jurisdiction to
assist in controlling development.
Page 54

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
W POLICY ISSUES: RESOURCE PROTECTION
ISSUE: Constraints to Development: AEC'S
FINDING:
' The Estuarine System is the only category of AEC's under state permitting jurisdiction
in Perquimans County.
Of greatest concern to the county is the increased development of its shoreline areas.
The Perquimans County Planning Board approved the platting of 26 subdivisions for
development along the county's estuarine shoreline during 1986. During 1987, request
for subdivision approvals with shoreline access have not been as numerous, but
generally have been for larger subdivisions with greater numbers of lots.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
The previous Perquimans County Land Use Update did not develop policies for AEC categories;
instead, it developed policies for specific environmental problems such as pollution of the
Perquimans River and Albemarle Sound.
"Perquimans County realizes the potential resource value of the Perquimans River and the
Albemarle Sound. It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to cooperate, as it has done
in the past, with state and federal agencies and with other units of local government in
trying to identify and solve the pollution of this valuable water system."
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
Perquimans County totally supports the efforts of the Division of Coastal Management to prevent
the further degradation of the estuarine resources of Perquimans County. Perquimans
County,during the process of updating the county's land use plan, has adopted numerous policies
and has developed various strategies to reduce water quality degradation in the county. The county
has adopted policies concerning the use of "Best Management Practices" in both forestry and
agriculture. The county has developed various regulatory measures to mitigate the impacts caused
by new developments on these areas of environmental concern. Perquimans County is committed
to the protection of its resources and will take what actions it deems necessary and feasible to
protect its resources.
The County is now in the process of updating its subdivision regulations and has recently adopted
a Mobile Home Park Ordinance. Perquimans County intends to gain greater control over new
development in the county, particularly along its shoreline.
IMPLEMENTATIONS STRATEGIES:
The County is currently updating its subdivision regulations. One of the requirements of this
ordinance is that a certificate be place on the face of the plat acknowledging whether the
subdivision is located totally or partially within an AEC and requiring a CAMA permit before any
construction can begin.
The County is considering requesting the State Sedimentation Control Commission to exercise its
jurisdiction in Perquimans County. The County would request a certificate to be attached to each
Page 55

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update
subdivision plat certifying compliance with the Sedimentation Pollution Act before approval can
be considered.
The County has requested a map from the Division of Archives and History that identifies the
general location of archaeological sensitive areas within the county. A copy of this map is included
in APPENDIX 2 of this document
1 SUE: Soil Limitations
FINDINGS:
Most soils in Perquimans County pose limitations to development. Slightly more than
72% of the soils in the area have severe limitations for septic tank absorption, building
foundations, and street and road construction. These areas are generally characterized by
a high water table, frequent and occasional flooding, and low load -bearing strength.
Only one area in the county is characterized as having only slight limitations to
development; this area is located in the western part of the county near the Suffolk scarp.
Erosion is not a significant problem of the county because of the gentle slope of most of
its areas. Slopes in the county seldom exceed 6% except in areas along stream and
river banks and along the estuarine shore. In these areas erosion is a problem.
PREVIOUS POLICIES:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The county will take steps to minimize development on soils that have severe limitations
and to minimize the hazards associated with development on these soils.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The county will ask representatives of the US Soil Conservation Service and the
Perquimans County Health officer to review and to make comments on subdivision
requests in known problem soil areas and will seek assistance from these agencies for
proper soils management.
The County will continue to enforce Health Department Regulations concerning the
installation of septic systems.
To minimize any hazardous conditions. the County will require that all developments on
soils with severe limitations be built using the most responsible construction, design, and
management techniques possible.
The County will require an erosion plan to be provided for any subdivision projects that
propose to clear, alter, or excavate land in excess of one acre.
Page 56

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
IS UE: Flood Plain Development
FINDINGS:
The widths of the flood hazard areas in Perquimans County, in general, are rather narrow
when compared to those of other counties in North Carolina's Coastal Region. For the
most part, streams and rivers in Perquimans County cut relatively deep channels. Stream
bank elevations, even along most of the broad portion of the Perquimans River south of
the "S" Bridge in Hertford, rise steeply to elevations of 6' to 10' above mean sea level.
Wind tides are the most frequent cause of flooding in the county. Flooding generally
occurs along the short, minor tributaries draining into the Perquimans River and along the
northern section of the Perquimans River north of Hertford.
Even though the flood plains in Perquimans County are not broad, extensive subdivision
and residential construction has occurred in these flood plain areas, with most having
occurred before any flood plains construction standards were being enforced. The
County is now participating in the regular phase of the National Flood Insurance Program
and is enforcing the FEMA Flood Hazard Area Construction Standards.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The county will use every reasonable effort to minimize the threats to life and property
from flooding.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will:
Continue to enforce the FEMA Construction Standards in all identified Flood
Hazard Areas.
Prevent needless development from occurring in identified Floodway Areas.
Consider requiring additional elevation monuments to be placed in all
subdivisions.
Consider requiring elevation contours to be placed on subdivision plats of larger
subdivisions.
ISSUE: Septic Tank Limitations
FINDINGS:
According to soil information provided by the US Soil Conservation
•Service,approximately 72% of the land area in Perquimans County is subject to severe
limitations for septic tank use. Limitations are due to a variety of reasons, such as high
water tables, flooding, low filter capacity, and poor percolation. Much of the remaining
area of the county has moderate septic tank limitations with very few areas rated as having
r
Page 57

1886 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update
slight limitations. In many cases, limitations can be modified by special drainage
construction, applications of infill soils, or special maintenance.
Two areas of particular concern are two larger, older subdivisions, Snug Harbor and
Holiday Island. These two subdivisions were platted and developed before the county
adopted subdivision regulations and before the Health Department had minimum lot size
regulations. These areas have many platted lots that are substantially smaller than the
minimums now required by the Health Department for a septic permit.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The county will not permit development densities in excess of mini- mums allowed by
the Department of Health for adequate septic tank operation.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will continue to follow Health Department Regulations concerning the size
and placement of septic systems.
The County will consider requiring some other type of waste disposal in older
subdivisions where platted and developed lots are at greater densities than is now
permitted by the Department of Health.
The County will work closely with the U.S.
of Environmental Management to regulate
agricultural lagoons in the county.
Soil Conservation Service and the Division
the construction and placement of all
The County will require that all requests for Subdivision Permits be reviewed by the
County Health Officer and by the Soil Conservation Service.
ISSUE: Freshwater, Swamps, and Marshes
FINDINGS:
Freshwater swamps and marsh lands cover approximately 10% of Perquimans County.
Development in or near these wetland areas located south of the railroad bridge near
Hertford, NC, is controlled by the County's subdivision regulations, by Health
Department regulations, and by the CAMA and 404 Wetlands permitting process. Local
subdivision regulations and county -wide Health Department regulations concerning
septic tank installation and placement impose the only development controls in areas north
of the railroad bridge.
The major land use threats to the swamp lands come from agricultural and forestry
activities. These swamps contain large stands of Bald Cypress and Gum. The natural
nutrient load in these waters is very rich, making them extremely susceptible to
additional nutrient loads caused by erosion or agricultural run-off.
Page 58

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The County will encourage the use of Best Management Practices as recommended by
the US Soil Conservation Service in both forest and agricultural land management in order
to minimize damage by either of these two vital county economic activities.
■ IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will rely on the development regulations it now has in force to control
residential, commercial, and industrial development in these wetland areas.
The county will consider amending its Subdivision Regulations to require special
treatment of swamp and wetland areas in proposed subdivision developments.
The County will encourage the local Soil Conservation District to maintain an ongoing
educational program that emphasizes the techniques of Best Management Practices for
forestry and farm management.
ISSUE: Cultural and Historical Resources
FINDINGS:
Perquimans County has over eighty sites that are considered to be of historic value. Ten of
these are listed in the National Register of Historical Places. Presently, sixty-six sites are
on the state's National Register Study List. In Potential for Outdoor Recreation in
Perquimans County, prepared by the Perquimans County Soil Conservation District,
historical sites are ranked as having one of the highest potentials for recreational
development. With their ability to draw people from other areas to Perquimans.County,
these sites could be of economic importance to the county if properly developed and
promoted The following are on the National Register of Historical Places:
Belvedere Plantation, Belvedere
Cove Grove, Hertford Vicinity
Land's End, New Hope Vicinity
Myers -White House, Bethel Vicinity
Newbold -White House, Hertford Vicinity
Samuel Nixon House, Winfall Vicinity
Stockton,. Woodville Vicinity
Sutton -Newby House, New Hope Vicinity
Isaac White House, Bethel Vicinity
Perquimans County Courthouse, Hertford
A complete listing and Map of all 66 sites appears in Appendix 3 of this document.
Page 59

1886 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update I
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The countywill encourage the preservation and development of its historical sites.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The county will encourage and support the efforts of local historic preservation activities,
particularly the cataloging of all historically and culturally significant sites in the county.
ISSUE: Man-made Hazards and Nuisances
FINDINGS:
The county transportation network constitutes the principal man-made hazard in
Perquimans County. Bulk storage facilities for products such as fuels, agricultural
chemicals, fertilizers, and grains are the second most frequently occurring man-made
hazard. Community nuisances such as poorly screened salvage yards, land fill
operations, and livestock operations cause some concern to residents in the county.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to place adequate controls on development so
as to mitigate any threats to public health and safety from man-made hazards.
It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to the extent practical to reduce nuisances and
conflicts caused by the intrusion of live- stock operations into existing residential areas
and the intrusion of residential subdivisions into areas in close proximity to existing
livestock operations.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will consider including in its subdivision regulations special setback
requirements for hazardous storage facilities.
The County will work with the Department of Transportation to control the number and
widths of, as well as the intervals between, access points linking subdivision
developments and the county's existing streets and roads.
Page 60

1886 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update
iISSUE: The Use of Package Treatment Plants
FINDINGS:
The largest package treatment plant in Perquimans County is located at Holiday Island.
This plant serves the camping section of this subdivision. The Property Owner's
Association at Holiday Island is responsible for maintenance of this plant.
The Perquimans County Subdivision Regulations have no provisions governing the
installation of package sewage treatment plants in subdivisions or mobile home parks.
Each package treatment plant in the county serves only one facility.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT POLICY
The County will rely on the permitting activities of the Department of Health and the
Department of Environmental Management to control the installation, placement, and
operation of sewage package treatment plants.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will consider adding provisions to its Subdivision Regulations to control
the installation of sewage treatment plants and to insure the continued operation and
' maintenance of these plants.
ISSUE: Protection of Potable Water Supply
FINDINGS:
Protection of potable water supplies is a primary concern in Perquimans County. Both
' the County and the Town of Hertford have public water systems that together distribute
treated water to all areas of the county; however, not every home in the county is
served by the system.
The Perquimans County Water System draws its water from relatively shallow wells
penetrating the Upper Yorktown Aquifer. These wells are all less than 150 feet deep.
Water in aquifers lying beneath the Upper Yorktown and even in the lower strata of
the Upper Yorktown is often unusable because of the intrusion of salt water. Protection
of these shallow aquifers is of vital concern to the county.
' PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT POLICIES:
U C
' The County shall cooperate fully with all state and federal agencies to protect the
ground water supplies in the county.
Page 61

1886 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will rigorously enforce the public facility service requirements of its
Subdivision Regulations and work closely with the Department of Health to insure that
ground water supplies are not threatened by poor placement or inadequate filtration of
septic systems. Of particular concern is the threat to agricultural production in the county
should agricultural run-off be blamed for all pollution problems that occur in the rivers
and swamps of the county.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The County will encourage the use of Best Management Practices to control excessive
storm water run-off from agricultural lands, with special emphasis on the vulnerability
of the County's fragile areas.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will encourage the Perquimans Soil Conservation District to continue its Best
Management Practices educational programs stressing the control of agricultural run-off.
ISSUE: Stormwater Run -of -- Residential Development
FINDINGS:
Surface run-off from residential areas is not a significant problem in Perquimans County
at this time. The county is primarily rural, with the only incorporated areas being Hertford
and Winfall. The terrain of the county is generally level.
Residential development pressures have not been severe. Residential densities are
restricted to a maximum of one unit per 15,000 feet. The amount of development and its
densities do not pose any great threat to the surface waters in the region at this time.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to regulate residential subdivisions so as to
prevent the overburdening of existing waterways and drainage systems by excessive
surface run-off, with particular attention to fragile areas of the county.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will require that a drainage plan be submitted for all major subdivision plats
before approval is granted.
Page 62

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
ISSUE: Marina and Floating Home Development
FINDINGS:
Perquimans County, at this time, does not have any floating home developments. Only
one marina, located at Snug Harbor, is now operating in the county. However, an
additional marina has been discussed by the Planning Board as a way to aid in the
development of the county. The county will support the location of a marina of almost
any size in Perquimans County.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
Perquimans County will support the construction of a marina within the county of almost
any size. The establishment, of course, will have to comply with all County, State and
Federal permitting authorities.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None
ISSUE: Industrial Impact on Fragile Areas
FINDINGS:
All manufacturing industries in Perquimans County are located in the towns of Hertford
and Winfall. There is no evidence that any of these industries create any negative impacts
on the fragile areas in the county.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The County will work with local industrial development committees to identify
industrial sites that will not negatively affect any of the county's fragile areas.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will encourage the local industrial development committees to identify
potential industrial sites that, when developed, will not adversely affect the County's
fragile areas. The fragile areas of particular concern are surface waters, wet- lands, and
historic sites.
Page 63

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
ISSUE: Development of Sound and Estuarine System
Islands
FINDING: Not an issue
PREVIOUS POLICY: None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY: None
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: None
Page 64

' 1986 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update
POLICY ISSUES: RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND
MANAGEMENT
I U : Productive Agricultural Lands
FINDINGS:
The 1982 Census of Agriculture reported that of Perquimans County's approximately
160,000 acres, 86,376 were in farmland. Most of the county is suitable for agricultural
production. The agricultural areas with the fewest production limitations, according to
soil association characteristics, occur between Mills Creek and Sutton's Creek and along
the Perquimans River and its tributary streams and their wetlands.
According to the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development publication SOIL ASSOCIATIONS off' the COASTAL AREA
MANAGEMENT REGION, almost all soils in Perquimans County have a potential
productive capacity rating of 90 bushels of corn or 40 bushels of soybeans or better.
Many of these soils require special drainage systems to achieve this potential, and actually
have such systems in place.
Productive farm lands are in great abundance in Perquimans County and, as yet, have
not been seriously threatened by unreasonable or unmanageable urban growth.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
Not considered an issue.
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
Perquimans County does not feel that its productive agricultural lands are being
threatened by unreasonable or unmanageable urban growth; however, it shall be the
County's policy to encourage land owners to keep their lands in productive agricultural
use.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
+The County will encourage continued productive use of agricultural land by granting
preferential tax relief to farmed lands in areas of great development potential.
ISSUE: Commercial Forest Land
FINDINGS:
According to the NC Forestry Service, commercial forestry lands have steadily
decreased in Perquimans County since 1950. In 1950, there were 102,000 acres of
forest land in Perquimans County. By 1983, this had decreased to 74,582 acres. Much
of this loss is the result of forest land being cleared for agricultural use, with much of the
recent clearing taking place in the Dismal Swamp area. Over the last several decades
reforestation activities have not kept pace with forest removals. The findings of a
recent drain study prepared by the NC Forestry Service show that timber removals
averaged 20% more than new timber growth in Perquimans County annually between
Page 65

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
1979 and 1983; and between the years of 1960 and 1970, removals exceeded growth
by 50% annually.
Should this trend continue at the present rate, the State Forestry Service estimates that in
100 years there would be no timberland left in Perquimans County. In recent years,
reforestation efforts have increased, primarily due to disappointing prices for farm
commodities. Removal still exceeds growth, but the gap is narrowing.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
"Perquimans County encourages commercial forest companies and private forestland
owners to use the most modern timber management practices. It also encourages the
development of new industries within Perquimans County which can utilize the local
timber harvested in the production of salable goods." CA MA LAND
DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE for Perquimans County, North Carolina
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
Perquimans County encourages the use of the most efficient and productive forestry
practices and strongly encourages reforestation as an ongoing management practice.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will provide preferential tax relief to property owners who maintain tracts of
productive forest lands in areas with great development potential.
ICommercial and Recreational Fishing
FINDINGS:
Information from the NC Wildlife Commission indicates that there were 115 licensed
fishing vessels in Perquimans County in 1983: 17 full-time commercial vessels; 53 part-
time commercial; and 45 leisure craft. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries reported
a total of 287,355 pounds of fish sold from commercial fishing vessels licensed in
Perquimans County in 1983. The 1983 dock side value of fish caught by Perquimans
fishermen was $69,974.00. This amount is only a small amount of the county's total
income, but it does represent an increase of commercial fishery sales in Perquimans
-income,
The amount of fish landed has increased by 201,255 pounds or more than 330%
since 1979.
Recreational fishing is a big draw for the county. Of the licenses sold in the last ten years,
more than half have been purchased by people who live outside North Carolina.
PREVIOUS POLICY
"...the County encourages commercial and recreational fishing in [its] ... waters and will
cooperate with other local governments, state and federal agencies to control pollution
of these waters to a condition that commercial and recreational fishing will in- crease."
CAMA LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE for Perquimans County,
North Carolina.
Page 66

1966 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
Same as previous policy.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will encourage local civic groups to promote recreational fishing along the
Perquimans River by sponsoring frequent fishing tournaments.
The County is planning to build two artificial fishing reefs, one at Harvey's Point and the
other at Grassy Point Light.
The County will work with the State Wildlife Commission and the CAMA Public Beach
Access program to provide public access for recreational fishing.
I UE: Existing and Potential Mineral Production
FINDINGS:
' There are no mineral deposits being mined in Perquimans County at this time. There is
no information indicating that any mineral deposits of economic value exist in the
county. The 1980 CAMA land use update prepared for Perquimans County indicates
that several years ago an investigation was begun on a titanium deposit in the county,
' but abandoned because the site of the deposit could not be acquired. Since that time,
no other mining companies have expressed interest in development of this or any other
mineral.
' PREVIOUS POLICY:
' None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
I
This is not an issue.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None
I UE:Off-Road Recreational Vehicles
FINDINGS:
Off -road recreational vehicles are allowed to operate on private lands provided the
property owner approves. The County does not attempt to regulate the use of these
vehicles by any means other than traditional police action regarding trespassing. Most
off -road vehicles operating in the county are involved in forestry, farming, or fishing,
three important county economic activities.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
Page 67

1886 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update I
CURRENT 1986 POLICY: ,
Not an issue
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: '
None I
ISSUE: Residential, and Commercial Land Development
Impact on Any Resource
FINDINGS:
Residential development in Perquimans County occurs most frequently along or near the
Albemarle Sound and along the Perquimans River south of the US 17 Bypass.
Most recent commercial development in the county has occurred along the US 17 Bypass
near Hertford. The most serious development impact to the county's natural resources is
the loss of agricultural and forest lands, and this impact has been minimal.
Neither commercial nor residential developments are occurring so rapidly that they
have become unmanageable, nor are they causing any unreasonable impact on the
county's natural resources.
Residential construction has been slow during the past five years; however, 1986 thus
far has produced much more subdivision platting activity than in most recent years.
PREVIOUS POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
Any activity naturally has some impact on its surrounding environment. The economic
impacts caused thus far by residential and commercial developments in Perquimans
County have been more beneficial than the miniscule losses of agricultural and forest
..lands. The impact of development on county resources are not of such serious
magnitude or nature to warrant a formal policy at this time.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None
Page 68

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
I POLICY ISSUES:
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
I E: Industrial Development Impact on any Resource
I
FINDINGS:
r
7
L
All manufacturing activities in Perquimans County are located in the Towns of Hertford
or Winfall. The county's only new manufacturing establishment during the past five
years is Apricot Industries, Inc. (90 employees), which is located in an existing
structure in Hertford. This new industry has caused no new or unusual impact on
the local environment or on the town's public facilities.
Organized efforts are under way in the county to promote tourism and to recruit new
industries to the area.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
None
CURRENT POLICIES:
The County supports the actions of the Industrial Development Committee and the
Committee of One Hundred in their efforts to improve and promote economic activities in
Perquimans County while at the same time protecting the natural resources of the area.
The County seeks small, non -intensive water using industries. The preferred locations is
near Hertford and Winfall where access to transportation and public facilities.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
Perquimans County and the Towns of Hertford and Winfall have established an
Industrial Development Committee and a Committee of One Hundred in an effort to recruit
new industries to the area. One of the projects of these committees is to identify and locate
suitable sites of various sizes for use by prospective industries. The selection criteria
for industrial sites are designed to minimize negative impacts on the community and
the county's natural resources.
IS UE: Peat or Phosphate Mining Impact on any Resource
IFINDINGS:
This is not an issue in Perquimans County.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
This is not an issue.
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
This is not an issue.
7
L
Page 69

1986 Perquimans County Land Use PEan update
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None
I E: Types and Location of Industry Desired
FINDINGS:
For several years Perquimans County and the Town of Hertford have listed the
encouragement of industry to the area as a top priority. With the expansion of the county
water system, industrial development sites are possible in most parts of the county.
With the exception of some agricultural operations and neighborhood commercial
establishments, industrial development in Perquimans County has occurred in or near
Hertford or Winfall. All manufacturing, regional shopping, and regional service
establishments are located in these two towns and are serviced by public water and sewer
services.
Establishments that have planned future expansion have indicated that sites in or near
Hertford are preferred because of the availability of public services and convenient
access to U.S. High- way 17.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to actively solicit the location of
small; dry'[not water intensive] industry. These industries will be encouraged to locate
near existing population concentrations or along major transportation routes." CAMA
Land Development Plan Update For Perquimans County, North Carolina:
Ferren Planning Group
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
Same as previous policy.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will use The Rules and Regulations of the Perquimans County Water
System as a means to guide industrial development toward areas served by 6" water
lines and convenient transportation access.
ISSUE: Local Commitment to Provide Services To
Development
FINDINGS:
Upon completion of Phase II of the county water system, no more water lines will be
extended by the county. It is now up to the developer or potential user of the water to
pay for the installation of these lines.
Page 70

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
The Perquimans County Subdivision Regulations require that all new subdivisions have
public water lines installed to service each lot if water is available within a reasonable
distance. All new water lines installed on public right-of-way will be dedicated to the
' county.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
' None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The County will enforce the rules and regulations of the county water system as to
how, when, and where water service will be provided to new development.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will continue to adhere to the rules and regulations of its water system and to
enforce the public facilities requirements of its adopted subdivision regulations.
' ISSUE- Types of Urban Growth Patterns Desired
FINDINGS:
While development in the county has been fairly slow over the past twenty-five years,
twenty-six residential subdivisions have been developed along the Albemarle Sound
and along the Perquimans and Little Rivers; thirteen of these subdivisions were platted
during the last five years.
In most cases new residential development has occurred in these subdivision clusters or
on widely spaced individual lots, typical of a rural setting. Mobile homes continue to be
the most frequent type of new housing development in the county.
The County does not now have a mobile home park ordinance to regulate development of
' rental mobile home facilities.
Most of the recent commercial development in the county has occurred along Hwy. 17
' in or adjacent to Hertford or in existing crossroads communities. Development seems
to be occurring in the preferred clustered pattern described in the 1980 land use update.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to encourage clustered residential
development on lands considered suitable for such development by the local Health
Department and the Soil Conservation Service. All future development will conform to
the county's subdivision regulations and any other land use regulations in force at the
time." - CAMA Land Development Plan Update for Perauimans Countv.
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
Same as previous policy.
Page 71

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update I
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
I
The Planning Board and the County Commissioners will consider the adoption of a
mobile home park ordinance during the coming year.
I UE: Redevelopment of Developed Areas
FINDINGS:
The only areas in the county that can be considered developed are the Towns of Hertford
and Winfall. Hertford has undergone a substantial amount of residential redevelopment
during the past five years through the implementation of Community Development
Block Grant Programs and through private initiatives as well.
Two major waterfront subdivisions in the county, Snug Harbor and Holiday Island,
have numerous platted lots that are too small by current State Health Department
regulations. These areas would benefit through the installation of a community sewage
disposal system and a replatting of substandard sized lots.
Substandard housing is scattered throughout the county with the only areas of
concentration being in the Towns of Winfall and Hertford.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
"...The county will seek assistance of state and federal agencies to best determine the
course of action most appropriate to mitigate concentrations of poor housing conditions in
the County." CAMA Land Development Plan Update for Perquimans
County. North Carolina, Ferren Planning Group, Jyly 1981
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The County will seek to eliminate substandard housing in the county.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will attempt to identify the extent and location of sub -standard housing in the
county and seek state and federal assistance as it deems necessary.
The County will continue to enforce the NC Building Codes as a means to reduce the
frequency of substandard housing.
ISSUE: Commitment to State and Federal Programs in the
Area
FINDINGS:
It always has been the policy of Perquimans County to cooperate with state and federal
agencies.
Page 72

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
L
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
"It shall be the policy of Perquimans County to cooperate with state and federal
agencies in the assessment of proposed projects sponsored by such agencies which will
impact directly on the residents of Perquimans County." CAMA Land Development
Plan Update ,for Perartimans County. North Carolina, Ferren Planning
Group. July 1981
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The County will continue to cooperate with all state and federal actions that benefit the
residents of Perquimans County and will let its objections be known should it feel that
state and federal policies are not in the best interest of its citizens.
The County supports the Department of Transportation in its efforts to four -lane U.S.
Hwy. 17 in Perquimans County.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None needed
I Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach
Nourishment Projects
FINDINGS:
This is not an issue in Perquimans County.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
This is not an issue.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None needed.
ISSUE: Energy Facility Siting and Development
FINDINGS:
Perquimans County considers the possibility of an energy facility site developing in the
county to be very remote. Therefore, no policy on this issue is necessary. However,
should this become an issue in the future, a policy will be developed at the appropriate
time.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
This is not an issue.
Page 73

1986 Perquimans County Land Use PEan Update I
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
This is not an issue.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
None needed
I Tourism, Waterfront Access, and Estuarine Access
FINDINGS:
Perquimans County does not control any points of access to any beach or waterfront
area. However, there are several private access points and road ends controlled by
the Department of Transportation. Tourism, at present, is not a major factor in the local
economy. However, it is growing in significance and holds a great deal of potential.
The Town of Hertford presents an attractive, picturesque setting that could be
capitalized on if an extensive downtown revitalization and historic preservation program
could be successfully carried out. All approaches to the town afford scenic views.
Waterfront development is somewhat hampered by the US 17 Highway Bridge. The
span of the bridge is too low to allow tall -masted sailing cruisers to pass under.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The County will seek to acquire the right of way, title, or easement of property that will
provide public access to beach and waterfront areas.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will apply for a grant through the Division of Coastal Management to study
the possibilities of public waterfront access and boat ramps in the county.
ISSUE: Types of Density, Location: Units per Acre of
Anticipated Residential Development and Services
Necessary to Support Such Development
FINDINGS:
Development density in Perquimans County is controlled by Health Department
Regulations governing septic tank installations. Generally speaking, the minimum lot
size in the county is 15,000 square feet for lots served by public water, and 20,000
square feet for lots not served by public water. These minimums are based on the
general characteristics of soils in the county. Specific soil types and specific sites may
Page 74

1986 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update
require additional land area for proper operation of the septic systems. If additional land
area is required for development, the lot size minimum usually doubles, requiring
40,000 square feet.
' The towns of Hertford and Winfall and the camping section of Holiday Island are the
only places in Perquimans County that have public sewage facilities. These are the only
' areas in the county where densities could exceed the one dwelling unit/ 15,000
square feet county minimum.
PREVIOUS 1981 POLICY:
' None
CURRENT 1986 POLICY:
The County will encourage high density and industrial development to locate near
Hertford and Winfall where water and sewer services are provided.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
The County will consider the use of zoning regulations to guide these types of
development to areas most suited for these types of land use.
0
n
Page 75

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION,
POST -DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN
The purpose of this section is twofold:
1) to assist the county in managing development in those areas most likely to suffer
damages from a severe storm or hurricane and
2) to reduce the risk to life and property from future hurricanes.
High winds, flooding, intense wave action, and coastline erosion are the four physical forces
of a severe storm or hurricane that create threats to life and property. Flooding claims the most
lives during severe storms or hurricanes; high winds cause the most property damage. Only by
identifying those areas in the county most likely to suffer damage from any of these forces or
combination of these forces can a community develop a meaningful storm mitigation plan.
STORM MITIGATION PLANNING PROCESS
Mapping Hazard Are
Vulnerability
Assessment
Identify Severity of RI k Identify Magnitude of
In Each Hazard Area I in Each Hazard Area
Inventory Land Use4
Inventory Strucxtur4
Identifying Mitigation Ni
Reviewing
Current Measur
ls
Poor Coverage Poor E
Reviewing
Alternative Measure
Implementation Monitorind
Assess
Evacuability
Using the planning scenario recommended in BEFORE THE STORM: Managing
Development to Reduce Hurricane Damages. by McElyea, Brower,and Godschalk,
the community can identify the areas most likely to sustain storm damages and make a
Page 76

' 1986 Perquitnans County Land Use Plan Update
vulnerability assessment of the identified storm hazard area. The vulnerability assessment
includes the severity and magnitude of risk in each storm hazard area. The preceding chart
taken from BEFORE THE STORM outlines the procedure and the sequence of steps used in
' the storm hazard mitigation process.
STORM HAZARD AREA
' The following Composite Hazard Map( PAGE ) indicates those areas in Perquimans County
most likely to sustain damage from flooding and other water related hazards, such as wave action
and shore erosion. The map is a composite of the flood hazard areas indicated on Slosh Maps
prepared by NC Division of Emergency Management, and of identified Areas of Environmental
Concern located in the county. All of the county is assumed to be susceptible to wind damage so
this area is not mapped.
VULNERABILITY
Vulnerability of an area is measured by both the severity and magnitude of risk. The severity
ranking is based on the number of physical forces likely to affect a particular identified storm
hazard area. The rankings suggested by McElyea, Brower, and Godschalk is a scale from 1 to 4.
Areas likely to receive damage from all four physical forces of a hurricane are ranked as 1;
those receiving only wind damage are ranked as 4. The magnitude of risk is based on the
population and the number and value of developed properties in the storm hazard areas.
Severity of Risk
The table below ranks the severity of risk associated with the identified storm hazard
areas in the county and the physical forces affecting the different areas.
RISK TABLE FOR HAZARD AREAS
EXPOSURE TO DAMAGING FORCES
HAZARD AREA
SEVERITY
EROSION
WAVE
FLOODING
HIGH
RANK
ACTION
WIND
PUBLIC TRUST
WATERS
4
+
+
FLOOD HAZARD
AREA
3
0
+
+
REST OF
COMMUNITY
4
+
Exposure Level (+) High (0) Moderate (#) Low
Magnitude of Risk
As the Risk Table shows, severe storms and hurricanes most seriously affect the estuarine
shoreline. All four physical storm forces inflict damage to this narrow, 75-foot ribbon
of land separating the estuarine waters from inland areas. Areas subject to sever storm
damage include Snug Harbor and Holiday Island two of the largest subdivisions in the
county. Numerous new subdivisions have been platted in the last year, however,
substantial resdential construction has not taken place as yet.
Page 77

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
Damege from a severe Category III Storm is estimated at five million dollars.
Estuarine Shoreline
Land uses in this area are water related: private piers, boat docks, and bulkheading.
Most development near this shoreline is protected somewhat from the damaging storm
forces by this strip of land. The Perquimans County estuarine shoreline is rather steep,
rising 6 to 10 feet above mean sea level.
Wave damage and shoreline erosion cause the most damage to the shoreline, with
the Albemarle shore receiving the greatest damage. The map above shows the damage
suffered in Perquimans County from hurricanes Hazel, Connie, and Ione. As is shown,
the wave action along the estuarine shore caused the only damage in the county from the
storms.
As is indicated on the Composite Hazard Map, flooding along the Perquimans River
south of Hertford is unaffected by differences in storm intensity. The affected area is the
same for either a category I, II, or III storm.
Coastal Wetlands
Flooding and high winds cause the most damage to the coastal wetlands areas in
Perquimans County. These areas are not mapped but are generally located in the
swamp areas at the mouths of the major creeks draining into the estuarine waters located
south of Hertford.
There is no existing development in these areas except decks and walkways leading
to piers and docks near the mouth of these streams.
Flood Hazard Areas
The risk and magnitude of flood damage is greatest north of the US 17 By -Pass bridge,
south of Hertford. This flood plain area affects much of Hertford and Winfall, the
county's two largest concentrations of developed lands. Most damage from flooding will
occur in these two incorporated areas and in the transitional lands immediately adjacent.
River bank elevations do not rise as sharply north of Hertford, so the flood plain
broadens significantly; however, much of this flood plain is wooded swamps and
marshland with no development.
The Rest of the Community
High winds cause most of the property damage in Perquimans County, simply
because they affect all properties. Damage is of two types:
1) direct wind damage, and
2) indirect wind damage from downed trees, wind -born debris, and downed
utility lines. Wind damage potential increases almost exponentially as the
number of mobile homes in the county increases.
Page 78

hvr•r
.. -1 V
S-ro"M HAZARa
Jot,
Nk--
flit
tft
LW
P
'I L'!Iq "
LIN khr—
W JIM,
Irtf 0
'A
LIU
Ck
Logo 'I 1P
%*MAIL
it
4 .... I JW,
nt" ILL
0
Pat
lit, -7 .0 lot -s- I All
loapt
in
1,V
INArAiT
SWANp
W it? t
up
a
ll't
oft
ionit
lot, to
lift
foll
LIN
-tot
If
N R
0 V
The preparation of this document 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 Resources Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
i. -VW* - b' .Wd
AInk OILY g S T Onm
E; IL c3 F-- t iag►

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
EVACUABILITY
Most serious evacuation needs are in the county's two largest Sound front subdivisions, ' Snug Harbor and Holiday Island. These areas are the most heavily populated and most remote
residential areas in the county. The evacuating routes from these two areas are all weather -paved
secondary state roads. The evacuating routes are SR 1340 from Snug Harbor and SR 1347,
1339, and 1340 from Holiday Island. These roads are at all points above the 100-year flood plain
elevation.
0
POLICY STATEMENTS: STORM HAZARD MITIGATION
ISSUE: Mitigation of Storm Damage From High Winds , Flooding, Wave
Action, and Erosion
FINDINGS:
County areas affected by the various storm hazards are as follows:
Hazard Area Affected
High Wind Entire County
Flooding 100-year Flood Hazard Area
Coastal Wetlands
Estuarine Shorelines
Wave Actions Estuarine Shoreline
Erosion Estuarine Shorelines
The greatest collective damage is from wind damage because the whole county is affected.
Most seriously affected developed areas are those with property improvements in flood plains
areas. Greatest risk potential is the estuarine shoreline.
POLICY:
It will be the policy of Perquimans County to enforce all controls and regulations it deems
necessary to mitigate the risk of severe storms and hurricanes to life and property.
Implementation Strategies:
1) High Winds
Perquimans County will follow and support the N.C. State Building Codes and their
requirements regarding design for high winds. The County also supports requirements for
trailers such as tie -downs that help reduce wind damage.
Page 80

1986 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update I
2) Flooding
Perquimans County will support the hazard mitigation elements of the National Flood Insurance
Programs. Perquimans County, which is in the regular phase of this program, supports
regulations regard- ing elevation and flood -proofing of buildings and utilities. The county also
supports CAMA and 404 Wetland Development Permit processes.
3) Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion
Perquimans County continues to support CAMA permitting procedures concerning the estuarine
shoreline. The County also supports the FEMA regulations concerning elevation and setback
requirements.
POST DISASTER AND RECOVERY PLAN
Perquimans County proposes the following Disaster Recovery Plan as a general outline of the
procedures the County will follow in the event of a major disaster. The plan includes a
timetable for carrying out recovery activities and a list of personnel who will be responsible for
each component of the plan.
PURPOSE:
This plan has been developed to provide for an orderly and coordinated recovery and
reconstruction of areas of Perquimans County suffering the effects of a major disaster. The
under- lying goals of this plan are to minimize the hardship to affected residents, to restore and
initiate reconstruction in a timely manner, and to reduce or eliminate any bottlenecks in securing
Federal or State Disaster Assistance.
ORGANIZATION:
The Board of County Commissioners will function as the Perquimans County Recovery Task
Force. The mission of the task force is to direct and control recovery activities and to formulate
recovery policies as needed.
SUPPORT TEAM:
The County Commissioners will designate the following Recovery Support Team to assist in the
implementation of this plan. The mission of the support team is to provide personnel and
resources for the implementation of recovery activities as directed by the Recovery Task Force.
SUPPORT TEAM COMPOSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perquimans County Manager: To manage, control, and coordinate the efforts of the support
team.
Sheriff: To provide additional surveillance in the disaster area; to locate obstructions to traffic;
and to advise the County Manager of the location of downed transmission lines,
ruptured water lines, etc.
Tax Supervisor: To provide and direct personnel in carrying out damage assessment; to
prepare damage assessment reports for the Recovery Task Force; and to revise property
records.
Page 81

' 1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
Building Inspector: To assemble personnel and to conduct a survey of structural conditions
in the disaster area; to coordinate actions with the Tax Supervisor, and to prepare
structural damage reports and classifications of damages.
Social Services Director: To provide personnel to assist in finding shelter for persons
who are homeless; to assist applicants in requesting aid from various state and federal
1 agencies providing disaster relief.
County Health Officer: To conduct damage assessment of on -site water supplies and
sewage disposal systems;to prepare damage reports; and to make recommendations
' concerning restoration and reuse of on -site systems.
Water Service Director: To conduct assessment of public utilities; to assemble personnel
for clean up; and to organize and direct the restoration of public utility service.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
' Recovery activities will consist of two types: pre -planned activities that can begin immediately
or as soon as is reasonably possible after the stone has passed; and long-term, permanent
reconstruction activities that will be begun once the extent of the damage is known.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
1) Declare a moratorium on all repairs and development
2) Begin clean-up and debris removal
3) Coordinate the restoration and repair of electrical service to affected areas
4) Begin Emergency repairs of essential public facilities
5) Maintain additional surveillance and extra security measures in affected areas
6) Deploy assessment teams
' 7) Prepare assessment reports
These immediate actions should be completed within ten days of the stone event.
LONG TERM RECONSTRUCTION ACTIONS:
1 8) Evaluate, classify, and map damages
9) Review of moratorium decision
10) Establish priorities for public facilities repair
11) Submit damage report to State and Federal agencies
12) Notify affected property owners of damage classifications and required repairs
13) Lift moratorium on repairs not requiring permits
14) Lift moratorium on siting of replacement mobile homes
Page 82

1886 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update
15) Lift moratorium on conforming structures requiring major repairs
16) Assist affected property owners with damage registration and filing request for
disaster relief
17) Negotiate with property owners needing improvements to on- site water and
sewage systems
18) Lift moratorium on repairs and new development
The duration of the reconstruction and recovery period will depend on the nature and extent of
the storm damage. Repairs of minor structural damages should be able to commence within two
weeks of the storm event.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
As soon as possible after the storm, the assessment teams will be deployed to measure the
extent and nature of the damages and to classify structural damages to individual structures. The
inspection teams will consist of the County Building Inspector, the County Health Officer, and
the Director of the County Water System.
The assessment will not be detailed, but will provide an initial overview of the scope of storm
damages, an inventory of affected properties, and a preliminary assessments of the extent of
damages to individual structures. Detailed inspections are being sacrificed in an effort to save
time in beginning restoration activities and in securing disaster relief from various State and
Federal Agencies offering financial assistance.
DAMAGE CLASSIFICATIONS
Structural damages will be classified in the following manner:
Destroyed - if estimated repair costs exceed 75% of assessed value
Major Repairs - if estimated repair costs exceed 30% of assessed value
Minor Repair - if estimated repair costs are less than 30% of assessed value
RECONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
In general, all units requiring major repairs and all new construction shall comply with all
development regulations in force at the time repair or new construction is initiated. This shall
include compliance with all provisions of the building code governing construction in 100 mph
wind velocity zones; regulations concerning development in designated Special Flood Hazard
Areas; and all Health Department Regulations regarding on -site septic systems.
The lone exception to this general rule concerns the application of development restrictions on
affected residential lots smaller than 15,000 square feet (the minimum lot size required by the
County Health Department). Where structures on these substandard sized lots have been
classified as either "destroyed" or requiring "Major Repair" as a result of the storm damage, the
County shall make a determination concerning reconstruction and reuse with or without
improvements to the on -site disposal system on a case basis.
Li
1
Page 83

1986 Pesquimans County Land Use Plan Update
DEVELOPMENT MORATORIA
The immediate development moratoria will remain in effect until the assessment reports are
completed and the scope and nature of the storm damage has been fully reviewed by the
County Commission. The County Commission at that time may rescind or extend the
duration of the moratoria based on their assessment of the situation. Such decisions of the
Commission may affect all or any portion of the county.
The purpose of the immediate moratoria is basically to relieve the work burden of the support
team during the initial phase of the recovery period
Page 84

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND MAP: '
PER UIMANS COUNTY
The land classification system presented here provides the mechanism for implementing' P the
county's development policies according to geographical areas of the county. The Perquimans
County land classification system is based on the standardized CAMA land classification system.
Through this system, the local government designates general geographical areas of the county
for preferred types of development and for preferred and anticipated levels of growth. The policy
statements and implementation strategies stated in this plan are then applicable to areas of the
county containing resources that have been identified for protection or development. The land
classification system is not a regulatory instrument, but a general application guide for the
county's growth policy.
Land Classification Map
The land classification map provided here gives local governments and the general public a
i
convenient reference for identifying those geographic areas of the county designated for
specified types, levels, and patterns of development.
Land Classification Districts
The CAMA land classification system contains five broad development districts: developed,
transitional, community, rural, and conservation. This system emphasizes the timing of
development of growth rather than the establishment of severe use restrictions.
Land Classification
Districts
Developed:
The statutory purpose of the developed classification is "to provide for continued
'
intensive development of existing cities" [NCAC 15: 7B .0204 (d)(1)(A)].
The regulations also establish specific qualifying densities for this district as
,
well as specific land use characteristics. The only area in Perquimans County
meeting the regulatory description of this district is the incorporated town of
Hertford. Although the town of Winfall exhibits the urban characteristics of
'
mixed land uses and public water and sewer services, it does not meet the
density requirement of the regulations. Winfall, therefore, will not be here
classified as developed for planning purposes. The developed land classification,
then, is composed only of the incorporated areas of Hertford. Permitted
,
development is regulated by the Hertford zoning ordinance.
,
_Transition-,
The stated purpose of the transition class is "to provide for future intensive urban
developments on lands that are suitable and that will be provided with necessary
"
urban services... [NCAC 15: 7B .0204 (d)(2)(A)]. The discussions in the
regulations go on to mention that transition areas can be provided with public
water and sewer service.
Perquimans County is designating Winfall, the areas adjacent to Hertford and
Winfall, and the two larger residential subdivisions of Snug Harbor and
Page 85

1 1986 Pesqutmans County Land Use Ptan Update
' Holiday Island as transitional areas. Snug Harbor and Holiday Island have
many developed, sub -standard sized lots. A community sewer system may be
necessary during the planning period.
Community:
CAMA regulations define the community district as mixed use, low -intensity,
clustered development generally associated with rural crossroads communities.
In Perquimans County, the areas designated as community are all existing
crossroads communities that exhibit clustering; this is essentially all land areas
1 with more than three adjacent minimum -sized lots of record. The minimum lot
size in the county is 15,000 square feet if served by public water and 20,000
square feet if an on -site water supply is used
rThese areas include all existing crossroads and platted subdivisions not included
in the developed or transitional classifications.
' Rural Service:
The stated purpose of the rural district is "to provide for agricultural, forestry,
mineral extraction, and various low -intensity uses on large sites including low
' density dispersed residential uses. . ." [NCAC 15: 7B .0204 (d)(4)(A)].
The regulations indicate that development in these areas will use on -site water
supplies and waste -water disposal systems. The County has made public water
available to all of the county; therefore, the county has created a rural service
sub -district to provide public water to the type development described in the
CAMA rural classification. The rural service district covers most of the county.
Conservation:
The stated purpose of the conservation class is "to provide for effective long-term
management and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas"
[NCAC 15: 7B .0204 (d) (5) (A)].
In Perquimans County, conservation areas include all areas of environmental
concern designated by CAMA, all 404 wetlands, all Storm Hazard Areas
identified on the Composite Hazard Map, and all areas below the 100-year flood
elevation.
All land uses that can be permitted under the existing regulations of the various
state, federal, and local governmental agencies with jurisdiction are allowed in
' the conservation district.
fl
Page 86

rr rr r� rr r�r rr r rr rr rr rr rr rr ■r rr r� rr r r
PEi�gU2iiAi*!S C[7Ui�lTY
CLASSIFIdn-rX" !
1 14d5-19'95
co D
TO O.OifON `C
t
0
The preparation of this document 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 Resources Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
LEGEND
®
DEVELOPED
TRANSITION
COMMUNITY
RURAL SERVICE
�.�
CONSERVATION

1886 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL POLICIES
AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
All policies developed during this planning process and formally stated in this document have
consistently emphasized the County's intent of relying on existing local development
regulations and on the various state and federal agencies with jurisdiction.
The land classification system provided in this document makes no restrictions on land use.
Any development is permitted on any site if such development complies with existing local
regulations and with the various permit requirements of the state and federal agencies with
jurisdiction.
INTER -GOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
The Perquimans County land use update also establishes the policies and the land classification
system for the Town of Winfall. The Town of Hertford is currently updating its own land use
plan. Perquimans County has designated areas adjacent to Hertford and Winfall as transitional
lands. It is not the County's intention to limit the growth of either of these two communities to
the transitional area shown on the map. Either town can certainly extend their public
' services beyond those areas indicated on the map should they choose to do so.
d
Page 88

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update 1
APPENDIX 1 SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE & SURVEY SUMMARY
OPINION SURVEY: PERQUIMANS COUNTY C.A.M.A. LAND USE UPDATE
The following survey is to gather opinions from a sampling of Perquimans County residents concerning specific
land use issues. This survey is totally confidential and we request that you do not sign your name to this
document. We do,however, need to know the general location of your residence. Please do not omit your zip
code or the township information requested.
OPINION SURVEY
1. In which township do you live? (Circle One)
20 a. Belvidere 25 b. Bethel 40 c. Hertford
28 J. New Hope 29 e. Parkville
2. What is your zipcode?
3. What is your sex, race, age group, and marital status?
105 W= 34 BLACK
59 MALE 65 FEMALE
44 MARRIED 22 SINGLE 7 DIVORCED 11 WIDOWED
Age Group (circle One)
6 a. 15-19 46 d. 30-39 60-64
11 b. 20-24 24 e. 40-55 10 h. 65-70
14 c. 25-29 7 f. 55-59 9 i. 75+
4. How large is your household?
16 1 person 29 2 persons
60 3 or 4 people 37 5+ persons
5. How long have you lived in Perquimans County?
29 less than 5 years
20 5-10 years
22 _more than 10 years
6. Do you live in a mobile home? 35^yes 103 no
7. Where are you employed?
59 a. Perquimans County
23 b. Adjacent Counties
11 c. Tidewater
25 J. Unemployed
17 e. Retired
8. Are you self employed? 3_yes 103 no
Page 89

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Ptan Update
9. Do you farm? 9 yes 131 no
10. Is farming your primary source of income? 7 supplemental ? ,5
11. How many acres do you farm
131 a)none 4 b).1-100 4 c).100-300 0 d(300-500
2 e). 500+
12. Where do you get your drinking water?
lea. Public water system 9 b.well 4 c. other
13. What type of sewage disposal system do you use?
33 a. Public sewer 107 b. Septic system 2 c. other
14. Have you had any problem with your septic system in the past 5 years?
16 a.yes 107 b.no
15. Has your home site ever been flooded?
22 a.yes 103 b.no
16. Do you carry flood insurance on your home and its contents?
18 a.yes 120 b. no
17. What type growth would you like to see occur in Perquimans County?
13 a. residential 2 b. seasonal homes 12 c. commercial
55 d. industrial 4 e. none 35 J. other
18. Where do you do most of your shopping?
37a.Perquimans County 74 b. Adjacent counties 7 c. Tidewater area
19. Where do you most often shop for the items listed below?
Choose from one of the following for each item:
A. Perquimans County
B. Edenton
C. Elizabeth City
D. Virginia
E. Other(Please list)
A B C D E
m
1. Automobiles
2. Furniture
3. Clothing
4. Building Materials
5. Groceries
6. Heating & Plumbing Equipment
7. Entertainment
8. Dine Out
Page 90

1986 Perquimans County Land Use Plan Update
How would you rank the following answers to the statement:
Improved Economic growth in Perquimans County can best be accomplished by:
Rank answers from 1 to 5, with 1 being the favored response
1
2
3
4
5
1
22
12
6
14
17
17
31
36
32
21
6
1
1
4
44
20
1
26
15
30
17
43
a Increasing manufacturing employment in the county
b. Increasing the number of tourists
and summer residents in the county
c. Increasing population growth
d. Increasing the number of businesses in the county
e. Increasing farming activities
Which of the following activities will best enable Perquimans County to achieve economic growth? Rank
answers from 1 to 3
1
2
3
60
29
33
27
56
41
61
1 25
1 38
a. Expand the county's market area
b. Increase the population in the existing market area
c. Increase disposable income within the present market
area
What is your opinion on the following statements? Choose one of the following for each statement.
1. Slightly agree
2. Strongly agree
3. Slightly disagree
4. Strongly disagree
1 2 3 4
21 1 90 1 6 19
50 1 42 1 19 1 14
26 1 62 1 16 120
34 1 41 1 16 133
43 1 46 1 13 1 22
A. Perquimans County needs more manufacturing industries.
B. Tourism and second home development should be promoted.
C. Perquimans County should provide additional sites where the
public has access to the county's waterways without crossing
private property.
D. Perquimans County should use code enforcement and other
means to eliminate dilapidated and deteriorated housing in the
community.
E. Perquimans County should provide some means to protect
residential areas from the nuisance and hazards of large livestock
operations.
F. Existing livestock operations should be protected from the
intrusion of residential subdivision development.
Page 91

1986 Perqutmans County Land Use Plan Update
1
58
14
29
G.
The location, size, and development of mobile home parks
should be controlled.
26
H.
Perquimans County should adopt zoning regulations.
33
45
14
2U
I.
New development in the county should occur near existing
24 66
13
populated areas such as Courthouse township, South Mills, and
Shiloh.
39
J.
New development in the county should occur along the
44 17
22
shorelines.
24
K.
New commercial development should be allowed to occur
30
55
13
anywhere along Highway 17.
PLEASE FEEL FREE
TO MAKE COMMENTS OR TO EXPRESS ANY OF YOUR CONCERNS ABOUT
PERQUIMANS COUNTY.
Page 92

The preparation of this document was rinaoced 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 nmended, which is administered
by the Orrice or Ocean nod Coastal Itesources M:mngen,enl,
r r r �r �'i"":'�'ir an�,cpluerir ,t+lrninisfrt�i"� r rr r r� r rr r rr �r r�