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Home My WebLink AboutLand Use Plan Update-1992IPERQUIMAN5 COUNTY LAND USE PLAN UPDATE SEPTEMBER, 1992 The preparation of this report 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, whic is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. PROPERTY OF DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE T zXQV IMA PCs COV XT)r LAND USE PLAN UPDATE 1992 TZXQVIMAXS COVXTYTOARp OY COMMIsSIOXzXs Mack Nixon, Chairman of the Board Leo Higgins Wayne Winslow Lester H. Simpson Thomas D. Nixon TSXQVIMACS COVNTYPLAWN9 BOAS Ed Nixon, Chairman Johnny Corprew Eddie Barber PERQUIMANS COUNTY LAND USE PLAN UPDATE 1992 TABLE OF CONTENTS ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE..............................................1 PREVIOUS POLICY ACHIEVEMENTS PERQUIMANS COUNTY...............................................................2 PRESENT CONDITIONS........................................................................10 EMERGING ISSUES.............................................................................11 SOLIDWASTE DISPOSAL............................................................................................11 INTERSTATE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND SITING......................................................11 SEPTIC TANK MANAGEMENT ENTITY...........................................................................12 POPULATION.....................................................................................13 POPULATIONGROWTH..............................................................................................13 POPULATION DISTRIBUTION.......................................................................................13 RACIAL COMPOSITION..........................................................................................15 SCHOOL AGE COHORT..........................................................................................16 FAMILY FORMING COHORTS................................................................................17 POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE....................................................................................18 DEPENDENCY COHORT.........................................................................................20 SEXDISTRIBUTION................................................................................................21 HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS PERQUIMANS COUNTY..................................................................22 AGE OF HOUSING PERQUIMANS COUNTY - 1990.........................................................22 CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING MATTERS.................23 SCHEDULE OF PLANNING BOARD MEETiNGS.................................................................23 POLICY ISSUES RESOURCE PROTECTION............................................................2 5 ISSUE SOILLIMITATIONS........................................................................................25 ISSUE FLOOD PLAIN DEVEWPMENT.........................................................................25 ISSUE SEPTIC TANK LIMITATIONS............................................................................26 ISSUE FRESHWATER, SWAMPS, AND MARSHES.........................................................27 ISSUE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES........................................................28 ISSUE MAN-MADE HAZARDS AND NUISANCES...........................................................29 ISSUE THE USE OF PACKAGE TREATMENT PLAM'S .....................................................29 ISSUE PROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLY.......................................................30 ISSUE STORMWATER RUN-OFF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.......................................31 ISSUE MARINA AND FLOATING HOME DEVEI:OPMWr.................................................31 ISSUE INDUSTRIAL IMPACT ON FRAGILE AREAS.........................................................32 ISSUE DEVELOPMENT OF SOUND AND ESTUARINE SYSTEM ISLANDS .............................32 1 POLICY ISSUES RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT...............................33 ISSUE PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LANDS..............................................................33 ISSUE COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND.........................................................................33 ISSUE COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHING....................................................34 ' ISSUE EXISTING AND POTENTIAL M[NERAL PRODUCTION............................................34 ISSUE ' OFF -ROAD RECREATIONAL VEHICLES.............................................................35 ISSUE RESIDENTIAL, AND COMMERCIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT IMPACT ON ANY ' RESOURCE..................................................................................................35 POLICY ISSUES ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT..............................37 ISSUE ISSUE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT' IMPACT ON ANY RESOURCE....................................37 PEAT OR PHOSPHATE MINING IMPACT ON ANY RESOURCE..................................37 ISSUE ISSUE TYPES AND LOCATION OF INDUSTRY DESIRED..................................................38 LOCAL COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO DEVELOPMENT ........................38 ' ISSUE TYPES OF URBAN GROWTH PATTERNS DESIRED................................................39 ISSUE REDEVELOPMENT OF DEVELOPED AREAS.........................................................39 ISSUE COMMITMENT TO STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS IN THE AREA........................40 ISSUE ASSISTANCE TO CHANNEL MAINTENANCE AND BEACH NOURISHMENT 1 ISSUE PROJECTS...................................................................................................40 ENERGY FACILITY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT.................................................41 ISSUE TOURISM, WATERFRONT ACCESS, AND ESTUARINE ACCESS..............................41 ISSUE TYPES OF DENSITY, LOCATION UNITS PER ACRE OF ANTICIPATED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES NECESSARY TO SUPPORT SUCH DEVELOPMENT.................................A2 STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN ........... A 2 STORM MITIGATION PLANNING PROCESS............................................................43 VULNERABILITY................................................................................................... A3 RISK TABLE FOR HAZARD AREAS........................................................................44 MAGNITUDE OF RISK................................................................................................44 ESTUARINE SHORELINE.............................................................................................44 COASTALWETLANDS................................................................................................44 FLOOD HAZARD AREAS............................................................................................ A5 THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY...................................................................................45 EV AC UAB ILITY......................................................................................................45 POLICY STATEMENTS STORM HAZARD MMGATION...................................................................45 POST DISASTER AND RECOVERY PLAN................................................................46 SUPPORT TEAM COMPOSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES.......................................:............................................47 IMMEDIATE ACTION LONG TERM RECONSTRUCTION ACTIONS DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.........................................................................................48 DAMAGE CLASSIFICATIONS.................................................................................49 RECONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.................................................49 DEVELOPMENT MORATORIA................................................................................49 LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND MAP PERQUIMANS COUNTY...............................................................49 LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP......................................................................................50 LAND CLASSIFICATION DISTRICTS..............................................................................50 DEVELOPED.................................................................................................50 TRANSITION................................................................................................50 COM14INN'Y...............................................................................................50 RURALSERVICE...........................................................................................51 CONSERVATION...........................................................................................51 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION.....................................................................51 INTER -GOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION...............................................51 PERQUIMANS COUNTY LAND USE PLAN UPDATE 1992 ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATTON BASE This 1992 PERQUIMANS 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. The The 1986 CAMA Land Development Plan Update for PERQUIMANS County; provided the county with an opportunity to evaluate its previous policies and more fully develop policies on a wider range of issues. 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, the Director and sanitarians with the Pasquotank, Perquimans, Camden, and Chowan (PPCC) District Health Department, 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. Three Meetings of the Planning Board were held at different times and different locations than regularly scheduled meetings to make the process more accessible to more residents and thus gain input from apart of the citizenry that -many time goes unheard. These three meetings, advertised as educational forums, were held in the evening at Belvidere in the Northern section of the County, at Hertford in the central portion of the county and in New Hope in the southern section of the County. Different issues emerged at different locations. In the Belvidere area where many of the larger livestock operations are located as well as the Regional Landfill serving Perquimans, Chowan, and Gates County the discussions focused on the incompatibility issue of new residential development and large livestock operations and on the possible expansion of the regional landfill. In New Hope the discussion focused primarily on wetland issues and Section 404 designations and the distinction of prior converted lands. In Hertford, the discussions tended to focus on Historical as well as environmental issues, such as the protection of forest lands, the preservation of agricultural lands, and county involvement in protecting historical structures. The Planning Board found use of different locations a superior method to gaining citizen input and participation than the questionnaires used in previous planning efforts. The following section list the accomplishments Perquimans County has made in achieving the policies adopted during the 1986 Land Use Update process. Page 1 PREVIOUS POLICY ACHIEVEMENTS: PERQUIMANS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES ISSUE: Constraints to Development: AEC's 1986 Policy Statement: 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 adopted various regulatory measures to mitigate the impacts caused by new development 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. Achievements: The revision of the subdivision regulations has been completed. Land Use Plan Amen Since the 1986 land use plan update was adopted, Perquimans County amended its plan to permit the development of the Albemarle Plantation along its shoreline. The Albemarle Plantation is a 1 large, approximately 950 acres, recreation oriented residential development with an 18 hole golf course, a 150 slip marina, clubhouse, a swimming pool, tennis courts and other associated recreation and maintenance facilities. The land use classification was changed from the Rural Service designation to Transitional to permit the installation of a central sewage collection and treatment System. Minimum lot sizes were also reduced from one acre, required in the Rural Service classification to 15,000 square feet as required in the Transition category. The overall density of the development is less than the one unit per acre permitted in the Rural Service Class. The golf course and other recreational facilities provides a large amount of active recreational community open space. The sewage treatment system is a lagoon/spray irrigation system located on a separate tract nearby and is not included in the measurement of the development. This was the County's first experience with the CRC Amendment process, or a major CAMA permit or with a large planned unit development or with a cluster type development. The County was also caught in a situation it had hoped to avoid, as indicated in its 1986 Policy Statement; the County did not have the needed regulatory help to guide them through the site planning process. Because of the sensitive nature of the area where the Albemarle Plantation was to be developed, various state and federal agencies had overlapping jurisdiction. The developers were required to make specific modifications in their site plan to receive the needed permits to construct. Much of the development is completed now, the sewage system is operational, streets have been constructed, water and sewer lines installed, and golfing is a regular activity. Work has begun on the marina and clubhouse. Page 2 PREVIOUS POLICY ACHIEVEMENTS: PERQUIMANS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES ISSUE: Constraints to Development: AEC's 1986 Policy Statement: 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 adopted various regulatory measures to mitigate the impacts caused by new development 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. Achievements: The revision of the subdivision regulations has been completed. Land Use Plan Amendment Since the 1986 land use plan update was adopted, Perquimans County amended its plan to permit the development of the Albemarle Plantation along its shoreline. The Albemarle Plantation is a large, approximately 950 acres, recreation oriented residential development with an 18 hole golf course, a 150 slip marina, clubhouse, a swimming pool, tennis courts and other associated recreation and maintenance facilities. The land use classification was changed from the Rural Service designation to Transitional to permit the installation of a central sewage collection and treatment System. Minimum lot sizes were also reduced from one acre, required in the Rural Service classification to 15,000 square feet as required in the Transition category. The overall density of the development is less than the one unit per acre permitted in the Rural Service Class. The golf course and other recreational facilities provides a large amount of active recreational community open space. The sewage treatment system is a lagoon/spray irrigation system located on a separate tract nearby and is not included in the measurement of the development. This was the County's first experience with the CRC Amendment process, or a major CAMA permit or with a large planned unit development or with a cluster type development. The County was also caught in a situation it had hoped to avoid, as indicated in its 1986 Policy Statement; the County did not have the needed regulatory help to guide them through the site planning process. Because of the sensitive nature of the area where the Albemarle Plantation was to be developed, various state and federal agencies had overlapping jurisdiction. The developers were required to make specific modifications in their site plan to receive the needed permits to construct. Much of the development is completed now, the sewage system is operational, streets have been constructed, water and sewer lines installed, and golfing is a regular activity. Work has begun on the marina and clubhouse. Page 2 POLICY ISSUES: RESOURCE PROTECTION ISSUE: Soil Limitations and Septic Tank Limitations. 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: As was pointed in the 1986 Plan, approximately 72% of the soils in Perquimans are either unsuitable or only provisionally suitable for on -site septic tank use. Typically, the soils have two major limiting characteristics -- a thick clay layer or horizon that prevents adequate percolation and a shallow depth to the seasonally high water table. Since the mid 1970's, the PPCC ( Pasquotank, Perquimans, Camden, and Chowan counties) District Health Department has relied heavily on the sand -lined trench or backfill system as an alternate system to be used in provisional soils. In this system, deep, perimeter ditches are dug around each lot to lower the water table. The heavy clay layer is then removed from the nitrification trenches and replaced with sandier, more absorptive soils. The State Division of Environmental Health was taking a dim view of this alternative system and was threatening to forbid its use. The agency did not believe these provisional type soils could be adequately drained to provide adequate separation between the nitrification trenches and the water table. The PPCC, in cooperation with the Albemarle Commission secured funding from the North Carolina EPA 2050) (1) program to undertake a two-year evaluation of this alternative system. The study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the sand lined trench system used on provisional soils to conventional system used on suitable soils. Dr. Mike Hoover and Professor Robert Evans with the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service were selected to head a team of researchers to undertake the study. The research team evaluated 250 randomly selected systems, both conventional and sand -lined trench systems. Eight systems were selected for instrumentation and continual two-year monitoring. The study is completed and the results are in; the final report has not yet been completed. The research team has made public their findings and has presented the PPCC Health District and the Albemarle Commission with a draft of the final report. The draft report shows a 20% failure rate for the sand -lined trench system. The study also indicates a 20% failure rate for the conventional systems. Most of the failures were caused by improperly constructed system and poor or nonexistent maintenance, particularly maintenance of the perimeter ditches. The research team concluded that the sand -lined trench system was a workable alternative system for some of the provisional soils in the four counties provided the systems were properly constructed and properly maintained. The study also concluded that the system had a higher incidence of failure when the clay layer exceeded five feet in depth. The PPCC had begun to require under ground drainage instead of open ditches prior to the study, but as a result of the study the Health District instituted a management entity to monitor and inspect alternative systems annually. Perquimans County now assesses an annual fee to all homeowners with a septic tank permit for this alternate type system to finance the continued management and annual inspections of these systems. The County does not make repairs to the systems. The systems are inspected by the Health Department and a list of remedial repairs are given to the homeowner to make, if necessary. Page 3 ISSUE: Flood Plain Development 1986 Policy Statement: The county will use every reasonable effort to minimize the threats to life and property from flooding. Achievements: The County continues to enforce the FEMA regulations for development in flood hazard areas. Revision of the Perquimans County Subdivision Regulations requires additional elevation monuments to be installed on new subdivisions as an aid in establishing first floor elevations for flood hazard development. ISSUE: Freshwater, Swamps, and Marshes 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: The County continues to encourage the use of "Best Management Practices" by farmers and foresters. The ever changing wetlands regulations and the swamp -buster restriction by the Department of Agricultures has done much to prevent the development of marsh land or its conversion to agricultural uses. ISSUE: Cultural and Historical Resources 1986 Policy Statement: The county will encourage the preservation and development of its historical sites. Achievements: Restoration of the Newbold -White House has been completed. Additions have been made to the grounds. A visitor center has been constructed and is now staffed on a part-time and seasonal basis. A full-time manager has been employed, guided tours and video presentations are available to visitors. ISSUE: Man-made Hazards and Nuisances S 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: No regulatory action has taken place. Thus far, the potential conflict between livestock operations and neighboring residential areas has not become an active public issue. The County is aware of the potential problem and is looking into possible methods of mitigations. At this time this issue is only in the discussion stage. ISSUE: The Use of Package Treatment Plants 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Page 4 lThe County, through the PPCC District Health Department has assumed responsibly for all land application systems, both community and on -site systems. Systems that discharge into surface waters are the responsibility of the NC Division of Environmental Management. ISSUE: Protection of Potable Water Supply 1986 Policy Statement: The County shall cooperate fully with all state and federal agencies to protect the ground water supplies in the county. Achievements: The recently created management entity that inspects and monitors on -site septic systems on provisional soils was created to prevent pollution of ground water supplies. The County through its local Health District has accepted responsibility for all land application systems. ISSUE: Stormwater Run-off -- Residential Development 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: The Revised Perquimans County Subdivision Regulations requires all new subdivisions where new streets are proposed to develop a sedimentation and erosion control plan approved by the State. ISSUE: Marina and Floating Home Development 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: State agencies with permitting jurisdiction has approved a permit for the construction of a large marina on Yeopim Creek near its confluence with the Albemarle Sound. This marina is a part of The Albemarle Plantation Development. ISSUE: Industrial Impact on Fragile Areas 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: No notable achievements. ISSUE: Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands 1986 Policy Statement: None Achievements: Not an issue. Page 5 POLICY ISSUES: RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ISSUE: Productive Agricultural Lands/ Commercial Forest Land 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: The County offers tax incentives to property owners to keep land in productive agricultural and forestry use. ISSUE: Commercial and Recreational Fishing 1986 Policy Statement: "...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 increase." LAMA LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE for Perauimans County, North Carolina, Achievements: No notable achievements. ISSUE: Existing and Potential Mineral Production 1986 Policy Statement: This is not an issue. Achievements: None. ISSUE: Off -Road Recreational Vehicles 1986 Policy Statement: Not an issue Achievements: None. ISSUE: Residential, and Commercial Land Development Impact on Any Resource 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: The Albemarle Plantation development has a great impact on Perquimans County resources. Serious negative impacts were mitigated through the permitting process. However, land once used for agricultural or forestry production was converted to a different use. Perquimans County finds the converted use to be desirable and has welcomed the new development. Page 6 POLICY ISSUES: ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ISSUE: Industrial Development Impact on any Resource 1986 Policy Statement: 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 is available. Achievements: None. ISSUE: Peat or Phosphate Mining Impact on any Resource 1986 Policy Statement: This is not an issue. Achievements: None. ISSUE: Types and Location of Industry Desired 1986 Policy Statement: "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 Perauimans County, North Carolina: Ferren Planning Groug Achievements: None. ISSUE: Local Commitment to Provide Services To Development 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: The County is cooperating with the Albemarle Plantation Developers to maintain adequate water supply. The Developers have agreed to make certain improvements to the Perquimans water system that should improve service and water quality to other customers of the system. ISSUE: Types of Urban Growth Patterns Desired 1986 Policy Statement: "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 County. North Carolina, Ferren Planning Group, July 1981 Page 7 Achievements: As has been mentioned, the County recently approved a large cluster type development. A Community Se vage system had to be provided and the land use plan had to be amended to permit this type of development. ISSUE: Redevelopment of Developed Areas 1986 Policy Statement: The County will seek to eliminate substandard housing in the county. Achievements: The County was recently awarded a Community Development Block Grant to repair substandard housing in two of its neighborhoods. The County has supported the Town of Hertford and Hertford Horizons, Inc., in their efforts to improve the store front facades in Downtown Hertford. Perquimans renovated the Blanchard Building, a Downtown Hertford Store front as a county office building. The renovation was made in conformance with design requirements of the Hertford Downtown. ISSUE: Commitment to State and Federal Programs in the Area 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: The County continues its commitment to state and federal programs. In addition to the recent CDBG award, the County in cooperation with the Town of Hertford constructed a 3000 square foot addition to its Senior Center to better serve its elderly residents and in support of the Older Americans Act. ISSUE: Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects 1986 Policy Statement: Not an issue. Achievements: None. ISSUE: Energy Facility Siting and Development 1986 Policy Statement: This is not an issue.. Achievements: None ISSUE: Tourism, Waterfront Access, and Estuarine Access 1986 Policy Statement: 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. Achievements: Perquimans County is encouraging and supports Perquimans 2020 Vision an economic effort whose overall mission is to improve the quality of life for all county residents and have identified the promotion and development of tourism as a focal point of their effort. The County in Page 8 cooperation with the Town of Hertford has established an open-air Farmers Market along US 17 at the southern edge of Hertford. ISSUE: Types of Density, Location: Units per Acre of Anticipated Residential Development and Services Necessary to Support Such Development 1986 Policy Statement: The County will encourage high density and industrial development to locate near Hertford where water and sewer services are available. Achievements: None. Page 9 PRESENT CONDITIONS Perquimans County has enjoyed two decades of sustained population growth. This is complete turn around from the previous five decades when the county population steadily declined. Perquimans County population increased by 10.39% from 9,486 in 1980 to 10,447 in 1990. The three townships with estuarine shoreline account for all the population experienced by the county during the past census decade. Bethel township with extensive estuarine shoreline along the Albemarle Sound, the Perquimans River, and Yeopim Creek experienced the greatest amount of growth during the decade. Bethel gained 940 persons or 98.7% of the population growth of the county. The fastest growing population segment in the county is the 75 years and older age group. The number of persons in this age group in 1980 numbered 443, by 1990 this group had increased to 766, a gain of 323 persons and a ten-year growth rate of 72.9%. The Potential labor force continues to grow as does the civilian labor force and the number :.� of persons employed. The Perquimans County civilian labor force increased from 3,437 persons in March of 1980 to 4,472 in March of 1990. The Civilian labor force dropped slightly in the second quarter of 1992 to 4,450 The unemployment rate in the county over the past five years has generally been less than the state or the national average. At present it is running slightly greater than the state unemployment rate but still less than the national rate. The average unemployment rate during the second quarter of 1992 in Perquimans County was 7.0%. The state average unemployment rate for this quarter was 6.8% and the national rate was 7.8%. The average unemployment in Perquimans County for 1991 was 5.8% while the state rate during the same time period was 6.2% and the national rate was 6.9%. A recent closing of Don Juan Manufacturing was a major blow to the employment picture in Perquimans County. The company had been a major employer in the community since 1948. This closing resulted in 257 jobs lost. Apricot Industries the remaining major manufacturing employer in Perquimans County is expanding its operations and hopes to employ most of the workers who lost their jobs at Don Juan. Retail Sales continue to fluctuate dramatically in Perquimans County. Retail sales have ranged from a ten-year high of almost $32,000,000 in the 1980-1981- to a ten-year low of $25,776,000 in the 1985-1986 year. Sales rebounded to $30,450,000 in the 1986-1987 year. 1991 Retail sales were back down to $29,000,000. The Closing of the local Ford new car dealership in the county really hurt the retail sales picture for the county. New car sales typically added $5,000,000 to $6,000,000 in annual sales. Currently, much of the potential retail sales in the county is being lost to Pasquotank County and Chowan County, but primarily to Pasquotank. The sustained rate of population growth in the county has attracted a major grocery retailer to the area. A full sized supermarket is now under construction along US 17 at the southern edge of the Town of Hertford. If this store is competitive in prices and services as other stores in the same chain located in Elizabeth City and Edenton much of the lost grocery sales could be recaptured. From 1979 to 1986 grocery sales accounted for from to 20% to 23% of the county's total retail sales. With the opening of the new Belo Market in the 1986-1987 year food sales soared to 30% of total retail sales, jumping from $5,500,000 to $6,000,000 annually to over $9,000,000. j EMERGING ISSUES Certain new issues not considered or only slightly considered during the previous land use update process are now looked on with a different attitude. Some issues are viewed with much concern and one wishes they would simply vanish, while others are looked at as new opportunities and inspire new ways of looking at old problems. Certainly the devastation caused to southern Florida and Louisiana makes one view Storm Hazard Mitigation and Evacuation Plans with greater scrutiny. Issues Solid Waste Disposal NC Senate Bill 111 mandates that all unlined landfills shall be closed by January 1, 1998 and that all solid waste after that date will be disposed of in a manner and in a facility that meets the requirements of EPA 40 CFR 258 (Sub Title D). The Senate Bill also mandates that all counties shall reduce the waste stream entering their landfills by 25% by 1993. Subtitle D Landfills are required to be lined and equipped with a leacheate collection system and treatment facility to process the leacheate. Such land fills are very expensive to construct and maintain. They must be developed in a series of cells with an expected life of 5-years at which time a new cell is made available for use and the old cell undergoes proper closure. The closure requirements include continual groundwater monitoring and testing, another expensive procedure. A recent study of solid waste disposal in ten counties in North Carolina's Region R, which includes Perquimans County, estimated that it would cost $3.8 Million to develop a five year Subtitle (D) landfill cell to handle the waste generated by Perquimans, Chowan, and Gates County. At the end of five years the cell would have to be closed and a second cell opened at a cost of an additional $2.8 Million. The average cost per ton to operate and retire the debt on such an operation would cost more than $50 per ton. The study also indicated that their would be a considerable cost savings if several counties would form a Solid Waste Authority and collect and dispose of the trash on a Regional basis. Perquimans County is now a member of a small regional landfill along with Chowan and Gates Counties. These three counties are now in negotiations with five other counties to organize and establish a Regional Solid Waste Authority in an effort to find a more cost effective method to meet the mandates of SB 111. Interstate HiahwavConstruction and Siting. An Interstate Highway linking Norfolk, VA, with Raleigh, NC, has been proposed that will cross Perquimans County. The highway will not be built during this five-year planning interval; however, corridor decisions will have to be made as to the siting of the highway. While some people do not believe the highway will ever be built, every effort should be made to encourage its construction and to determine a location that will be most suitable for the future development of the county. If the siting decision is left to someone other than county residents, than the decision will be made on the basis of lowest cost and not the on what is in the best interest of Perquimans County residents. Page 11 PUD Ordinance The development of the Albemarle Plantation and the ensuing impact on the administrative resources and personnel of the County to make the necessary decisions, to negotiate with the developers and State agencies, to collect the needed documentation, to do the required research taxed the County staff. The County Planning Board has discussed the possibility of developing a Planned Unit Development Ordinance; and even possibility of hiring a staff planner to assist with all the administrative requirements demanded by such developments; however, the possibility of developing a PUD Ordinance has remained in the discussion stage only and still has a great deal of opposition. Tank Management Enti The organization of a management entity by the Health District has actively engaged the County, through the District, in the on -going management of sewage disposal. As the demand increases for this management service it will become more cost effective to develop small community based systems to monitor than to attempt to annually inspect hundreds of on -site septic systems. The trend toward professionally managed community based disposal systems would encourage cluster type development as a method of reducing development costs. Cluster type development was identified as the preferred type of development pattern in the 1980 Perquimans County Land Use Update. Cluster type development creates a more interesting landscape than the typical suburban subdivision grid. If proper regulatory tools are created this development trend could provide a mechanism for preserving and protecting lands for a variety of uses. Density bonuses and smaller minimum lot sizes could be offered in exchange for a set aside of open space. The open space set aside could be used to preserve and protect prime farm and forest lands, natural wetlands, wild life habitat, environmentally fragile areas or community recreation space. POPULATION 14,000 -- _-- - - --- 12,000 -- -- ----- -- --- 10,000 •�.2 �.-- _ - - 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 POPULATION CHANGE PERQUIMANS COUNTY 1900-2010 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Source: US Bureau of Census Population Growth Pop 0 A% 10,091 11,054 963 9.54% 11,137 83 0.75% 10,668 -469 -4.21% 9,773 -895 -8.39% 9,602 -171 -1.75% 9,178 -424 -4.42% 8,351 -827 -9.01% 9,486 1135 13.59% 10,447 961 10.139'0 11,309 862 8.25% 12,007 698 6.17% After fifty -years of declining population, Perquimans County has achieved a ten-year growth rate of over 10% for two consecutive decades. From 1920 through 1970, Perquimans County lost population. In 1920, the County had its greatest population of the Twentieth Century with a population of 11,137. From that high point through 1970 the population gradually declined to a low point of 8,341 in 1970, a loss of 2,806 persons or a loss of more than 25% of the 1920 population. By 1980 the population had rebounded to 9,486 increasing by 1,135 persons for a ten- year growth rate of 13.6%. During the 1980 to 1990 decade the population growth continued reaching 10,447 persons, a growth of 961 persons for a growth rate of 10.1%. If the population forecasts prepared by the North Carolina State Data Center are accurate, the county should surpass its 1920 high point by the turn of the Century. Population Distribution The population trend recognized in the previous land use plan that the three townships with the greatest amount of shoreline were increasing their proportional share of the county population has continued during the 1980 to 1990 decade. The trend was even stronger during the 1980 decade. In the 1970 to 1980 years these townships simply grew at a faster rate. During the 1980 to 1990 decade they were the oply townships that grew. Two Page 13 township, located south of US 17 and on the east side of the Perquimans River grew had a modest increase of 311 persons, growing from 2,026 in 1980 to 2,337 in 1990. RACIAL COMPOSITION 1970 White 4,882 Non -White 3,469 Total County 8351 1980 1985 1990 5,888 6,293 6,979 3,598 3,699 3,468 9486 9992 10447 White % 58.46 % 62.07 % 62.98 % 66.80 % Non -White % 41.54 % 37.93 % 37.02 % 33.20 % 100 % 90% 80 % 70 % 60 % 50% 40 % 30% 20% 10% 0% 1970 1980 1985 1990 Racial Composition g Non -White White Perquimans County Racial Composition 1970-1990 The proportion of non -white residents in Perquimans County continues to decline. In 1970, the non -white population accounted for 41.5% of the total population. In 1980 this proportion had dropped to 37.9%, by 1990 this segment had declined further to 33.2% of the total county population. It is not just the proportion that is declining, the absolute number of non -white residents is also declining. It not simply the case of the white population growing faster than the non -white population. The non -white population is leaving. Between 1980 and 1990 the number of white persons increased by 1,095 persons. Births outnumbered deaths among white resident by 749 to 650, a natural increase of 99 persons the remaining 996 persons can only be accounted for through net in -migration. The non- white population declined by 55 persons between 1980 and 1990. Births outnumbered deaths by 620 to 386 for a natural increase of 234 persons in the non -white segment. The loss of 55 persons can only be accounted for through an out -migration of 289 persons. Page 15 SCHOOL AGE COHORT The school -age cohort used here includes persons 5 to 19 years of age. This age group has declined steadily since 1970. In 1970 this group numbered 2,594 persons and accounted for 3 1 % of the county population. By 1980 percentage of the population in this age group had dropped by almost 7% to 2,291 persons and 24.2% of the population. The rate of decline during the 1980 to 1990 census interval was a more modest 3.7%, numbering only 2,146 persons or only 20.5% of the county population.. SCHOOL -AGE COHORT 1970 1980 1990 5-9 Years 745 704 722 10-14 Years 974 727 762 15-19 Years 875 860 662 Cohort Total 2,594 2,291 2,146 County Pop 8,351 9,486 10,447 Cohort % 31.1 % 24.2 % 20.5 % 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 1970 1980 1990 ® 15-19 Years ❑ 10-14 Years 5-9 Years Perquimans County School Age Population Cohort 1970-1990 Page 26 1 1 1 1 1 1 i i 1 FAMILY FORMING COHORTS % % % 1970 County 1980 County 1990 County 15.24 Yrs 1,299 15.56% 1,647 17.36% 1,220 11.68% 25-34 Yrs 794 9.51% 1,218 12.84% 1,463 14.00% Cohort Total 2,093 25.06% 2,865 30.20% 2,683 25.68% FAMILY FORMING COHORT County Pop. 8,351 9,486 10,447 1PERQUIMANS COUNTY 1970-1990 12000 10000 8000 ' � s : 6000 e 4000 : 2000. e : 0 1970 1980 1990 Family Forming Cohort This population cohort declined only slightly during the 1980's. Forecasts in the previous land use plan had predicted a modest increase. A decline in this cohort indicates the flight of young adults leaving the area to search of job opportunities, to further their education, to join the service. While this cohort is less than it was in 1980 it is substantially greater than the 1970 level. Their is no indication of a continuing trend in this cohort. Page 17 POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE Cohort 1970 % of County 1980 % of County 1990 % of County Potential Labor Force 16-64 Yrs 4,683 56.08% 5,750 60.62% 6,199 59.34% Perquimans Count/ 6S+ Yrs 1,099 13.16% 1,409 14.85% 1,912 18.30% 1970-1990 Cohort Total 5,782 69.24% 7,159 7S.47% 8,111 77.64% County Pop. 8,351 9,486 10,447 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 1970 1980 1990 016-64 Yrs 65+ Yrs • County Total Potential Labor Force 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 slightly faster rate during the past census decade than did the population as a whole; the population increased by only 10.1% while the potential labor force increased by 12.9%. 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 county's population and numbered 7,159 persons. By 1990, the potential labor force had increased to 8,111 persons and accounts for 77.6% of the population. The 65 years and older age segment of this cohort accounted for 19.7% of the labor force in 1980 and accounted for 23.6% of the County labor force in 1990. Page 18 ELDERLY COHORT 1200 % or % or % Or Cohort 1970 County 1980 County 1990 County 65-74 Yrs 688 4.92% 966 10.18% 1,146 10.97% 75 Yrs + 411 4.92% 443 4.67% 766 7.33% Cohort Total 1,099 13.16% 1,409 14.85% 1,912 18.30% County Total 8,351 9,486 10,447 ELDERLY COHORT 0 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1970 1980 1990 Elderly PERQUIMANS COUNTY 1970-1990 7S Yrs + 0 65-74 Yrs ■ County Total 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, by 1990 this cohort grew to 18.3% of the total county population with the greatest growth occurring in the over-75- years-old segment. The Elderly cohort has accounted for over half the increase in the county's population through the past decade. Page 19 DEPENDENCY COHORT Dependency Cohort Perquimans County 1970-1990 10,000 /n 8,000 Cohort 0-15 Yrs 65+ Yrs 6,000 Cohort Total County Pop. 4,000 2,000 0 1970 1980 1990 Dependency Group Cohort ' 65+ Yrs 0 0-15 Yrs • County Total % of % of 1970 County 1980 County 2,542 30.44% 2,226 23.47% 1,099 13.16% 1,409 14.85% 3,641 43.60% 3,635 38.32% 8,351 9,486 1990 County 2,005 19.19% 1,912 18.30% 3,917 37.49% 10,447 The dependency group is the population sector that typically derive a major portion of their economic support from sources other than direct participation in the labor force. For the most part,this group includes dependent children 15 years of age and under 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. iTheoretically, 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 ages of individuals and not on specific economic or social conditions. Page 20 As the table indicates, the number of persons in the dependent age category has decreased since 1970. The decline has been consistent through the past two decades. The decline of the dependency group is a decline in the youth group as the elderly dependent group ' continues to grow. The Dependency ratio declines along with the percentage. In 1970 the dependency ratio was 0.77:1 or 0.77 persons in the dependent age groups for each person no in those age groups. By 1990 this ratio had declined to 0.59: 1 ' SEX DISTRIBUTION The ratio of men to women in Perquimans County is approximately one male to 1.09 females, a percentage population split of 47.9% males and 52.1% females. Population projections from the N.C. department of Budget and Management indicate approximately the same distribution by 200O,with males accounting for 48.0% of the population and ' females for 52.0. The population pyramid below present an overall view of the Perquimans County population as it was distributed by sex, and age in 1990. 80-84 70-74 60-64 50-54 40-44 30-34 20-24 '10-14 '0-4 -400 -300 -200 Sex Pyramid Perquimans County 1990 -100 0 100 Male ❑ Female 200 300 400 Page 21 Housing Characteristics: Perquimans County 1970 1980 1990 Total Population 8,351 9,486 10,447 Total Housing Units 2,894 4,170 4,972 Total Vacant Units 384 887 984 Vacant Seasonal 76 359 437 Vacant Year Round 308 528 547 Total Occupied 2,500 3,280 3,988 Owner Occupied 1,749 2,464 3,061 Renter Occupied 751 816 927 Total Mobile Homes 117 531 1,434 Lacking some or all plumbing 1,015 409 153 facilities Lacking all or some kitchen 549 309 144 facilities Over crowded units 215 122 130 Age of Housing: Perquimans County - 1990 Year Structure Built Number % 1939 and before 909 18.3 1940-1949 281 5.6 1950.1959 418 8.4 1960-1969 847 17.0 1979.1979 1,203 24.2 1980-1989 1,314 26.4 Page 22 ' 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. Three Meetings of the Planning Board were held at different times and different locations than regularly scheduled meetings to make the process more accessible to more residents and thus gain input from a part of the citizenry that many time goes unheard. These three meetings, advertised as ' educational forums, were held in the evening at Belvidere in the Northern section of the County, at Hertford in the central portion of the county and in New Hope in the southern section of the County. Different issues emerged at different locations. In the Belvidere area where many of the larger livestock operations are located as well as the Regional Landfill serving Perquimans, Chowan, and Gates County the discussions focused on the incompatibility issue of new residential development and large livestock operations and on the possible expansion of the regional landfill. In New Hope the discussion focused ' primarily on wetland issues and Section 404 designations and the distinction of prior converted lands. In Hertford, the discussions tended to focus on Historical as well as environmental issues, such as the protection of forest lands, the preservation of agricultural ' lands, and county involvement in protecting historical structures. The Planning Board found use of different locations a superior method to gaining citizen input and participation than the questionnaires used in ' previous planning efforts. 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. Schedule of Planning Board Meetings concerning the Perquimans County Land Use Update Meeting Type Time Place Date tScheduled Planning Board Meeting 7:30 PM Perquimans County October 8,1991 Courthouse ' Scheduled Planning Board Meeting 9:00 AM Blanchard Building November 12, 1991 Perquimans County Annex Educational Forum 7:30 PM Perquimans December 10, County 1992 Courthouse Page 23 Educational Forum 7:30 PM Educational Forum 7:30 PM Scheduled Planning Board Meeting 9:00 AM Scheduled Planning Board Meeting 7:30 PM Scheduled Planning Board Meeting 7:30PM Durrant's Neck January 30, 1992 Ruritan Club Belvidere Fire February 11, Station 1992 Blanchard Building March 10, 1992 Perquimans County Annex Perquimans County April 14, 1992 Courthouse Perquimans County May 12, 1992 Courthouse Page 24 ,t POLICY ISSUES: RESOURCE PROTECTION ISSUE: 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 a thick clay horizon, frequently in excess of 7 feet, that prevents percolation. 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 estaurine shore. PREVIOUS 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. CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as the 1986 Policy. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: The county will investigate the possibility of developing an alternate subdivision scenario that offer density bonuses to developers in exchange for dedicated community open space and the installation of community sewer collection and treatment systems. The county, through its local Health Department is actively managing an annual inspection and monitoring of septic systems built on provisional soils. 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. ISSUE: 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. Page 25 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: The county will use every reasonable effort to minimize the threats to life and property from flooding. CURRENT 1992 POLICY The county will continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and to enforce the FEMA Flood Hazard Regulations. 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. Require additional elevation monuments to be placed in all 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 filtering capacity, and poor percolation. Much of the remaining area of the county has moderate septic tank limitations with very few areas rated as having slight limitations. In many cases, limitations can be modified by special drainage construction, applications of in fill 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: The county will not permit development densities in excess of minimums allowed by the Department of Health for adequate septic tank operation. Page 26 CURRENT 1992 POLICY The County will continue to permit only those densities allowed by the Department of Health for on -site septic systems but will encourage the use of community land application systems for large subdivisions IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: The county will investigate the possibility of developing an alternate subdivision scenario that offer density bonuses to developers in exchange for dedicated community open space and the installation of community sewer collection and treatment systems. The county, through its local Health Department is actively managing an annual inspection and monitoring of septic systems built on provisional soils. 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. Soil Conservation Service and the Division of Environmental Management to regulate the construction and placement of all agricultural lagoons in the county. The County will require that all requests for Subdivision Permits be reviewed by the County Health Officer. 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 erosion and agricultural runoff.. 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 the run-off. PREVIOUS 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. CURRENT 1992 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 Page 27 economic activities. The county will encourage developments to set aside these fragile areas for preservation and protection as passive community open space. 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 investigate the possibility of developing an alternate subdivision scenario that offer density bonuses to developers in exchange for dedicated community open space to be used to protect certain county natural resources and for the installation of community sewer collection and treatment systems. 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 the publication "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: Belvidere Plantation, Belvidere 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 PREVIOUS POLICY: The county will encourage the preservation and development of its historical sites. CURRENT 1992 POLICY The County will consider appointing a Historical Preservation Committee made up of individuals who have strong interests in this area to assist them in making decisions regarding these valuable county resources. Page 28 economic activities. The county will encourage developments to set aside these fragile areas for preservation and protection as passive community open space. 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 investigate the possibility of developing an alternate subdivision scenario that offer density bonuses to developers in exchange for dedicated community open space to be used to protect certain county natural resources and for the installation of community sewer collection and treatment systems. 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 the publication "Potential for Outdoor Recreation in Perauimans 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: Belvidere Plantation, Belvidere 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 PREVIOUS POLICY: The county will encourage the preservation and development of its historical sites. CURRENT 1992 POLICY The County will consider appointing a Historical Preservation Committee made up of individuals who have strong interests in this area to assist them in making decisions regarding these valuable county resources. f Page 28 n IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 'I he 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: 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 livestock operations into existing residential areas and the intrusion of residential subdivisions into areas in close proximity to existing livestock operations. CURRENT 1992 POLICY - Same as the 1986 policy. 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. ISSUE: 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 NC Division of Environmental Management has supervisory jurisdiction over its operation. This plant has the capacity to treat 20,000 GPD. This plant is presently in non-compliance with its NPDES and is under pressure by NC DEM to make the necessary improvements or close the system. The Property Owner's Association has not agreed on how to finance the improvements. The Perquimans County Subdivision Regulations have no provisions governing the installation of package sewage treatment plants in subdivisions or mobile home parks. PREVIOUS 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. CURRENT 1992 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. The County will encourage the use of land application type community systems for its larger subdivision developments. 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. CURRENT POLICIES: The County shall cooperate fully with all state and federal agencies to protect the ground water supplies in the county. CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as 1986 Policy IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: The County will rigorously enforce the public facility service requirements of its Subdivision Regulations and work closely with the District 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 caused by septic tank failure. The County, through the local Health Department will annually monitor and inspect all on -site septic systems installed on provisional soils and all land application type community sewage disposal systems. Page 30 ISSUE:Stormwater Run-off 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: 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. CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as 1986 Policy. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: The County will require that a drainage plan be submitted for all subdivision plats proposing new street construction before plat approval is granted. 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 permitted for construction at the Albemarle Plantation. The Perquimans 2020 Strategic Planning Committee has discussed developing a marina near Hertford as a way to aid in promoting tourism in the county. The county will support the location of a marina of almost any size in Perquimans County. PREVIOUS 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. CURRENT 1992 POLICY Perquimans County will support the construction of marinas within county waters. The establishment, of course, will have to comply with all County, State and Federal permitting authorities. The size of the marina must be appropriate to the width and depth of body of water on which it is located and not present a hazard to navigation. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: The county will consider strategies to require, at a minimum ,that 50% of the waterways width remains open for navigation. Page 31 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: 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. CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as 1986 Policy 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, wetlands, and historic sites. ISSUE: Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands FINDING: Not an issue PREVIOUS POLICY: None CURRENT 1992 POLICY: None IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: None Page 32 POLICY ISSUES: RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ISSUE: Productive Agricultural Lands FINDINGS: 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 of the COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT REGION, almost all soils in Perquimans County have a potential productive capacity rating of 100 bushels of com or 25 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: 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. CURRENT 1992 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. However, the county will investigate the use of density bonuses and open space dedication as a method of preserving prime farm lands. 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. The county will investigate the possibility of developing an alternate subdivision scenario that offer density bonuses to developers in exchange for dedicated community open space that can be used for farm land preservation and for the installation of community sewer collection and treatment systems. The County will also investigate the possible use of Zoning as a means of protecting and preserving its farm lands. 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. Page 33 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 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 the use of the most efficient and productive forestry practices and strongly encourages reforestation as an ongoing management practice. CURRENT 1992 POLICY Perquimans County encourages the use of the most efficient and productive forestry practices and strongly encourages reforestation as an ongoing management practice. The IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: The County will provide land use value tax assessments to property owners who maintain tracts of productive forest lands in areas with great development potential. ISSUE: Commercial and Recreational Fishing FINDINGS: Recreational fishing is a big tourist attraction for the county. Tournaments are regularly held from the Hertford dock and attract many out of town visitors. 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 increase." CAMA LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE for Perquimans County, North Carolina. ■ CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as 1986 Policy IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: The County will work with the State Wildlife Commission and the CAMA Public Beach Access program to provide public access for recreational fishing. ISSUE: 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 Page 34 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: This is not an issue. CURRENT 1992 POLICY: This is not an issue. IMPLEMENTATION- STRATEGIES: None ISSUE: 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: Not an issue CURRENT 1992 POLICY This is not an issue. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: None 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. Developments the size and scope of the Albemarle Plantation could cause serious impacts if not sited in a manner that will be sensitive to fragile areas impacted by the development. PREVIOUS 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 Page 36 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. CURRENT 1992 POLICY The County will use its regulatory powers to insure that all new developments are designed in such a way as to avoid any negative impacts on fragile areas. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: The County will investigate sample PUD Ordinances used in other coastal communities and may attempt to develop such an ordinance for use in the county. Page 36 POLICY ISSUES: ECONONUC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ISSUE: Industrial Development Impact on any Resource FINDINGS: 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. (120 employees).The company is located in a new building at the north side of the Town of Hertford. Apricot, Inc.' received assistance from the Town of Hertford via a CBDG Economic Development Grant to construct their new building. This new industry has caused no new or unusual impact on the local environment or on the town's public facilities. Apricot Industries has made a concerted effort to employ a major portion of the employees who lost their jobs in the closing of Don Juan Manufacturing. Organized efforts are underway in the county to promote tourism and to recruit new industries to the area. 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 is available. 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. Perquimans 20/20, another community organization, was established to promote and improve the quality of life in the county through economic development and tourism promotion, improved education facilities and programs, and social service delivery. ISSUE: Peat or Phosphate Mining Impact on any Resource FINDINGS: This is not an issue in Perquimans County. PREVIOUS POLICY: This is not an issue. CURRENT 1992 POLICY: This is not an issue. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: None Page 37 ISSUE: Types and Location yp cat on 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. Highway 17. PREVIOUS 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 1992 POLICY In addition to readopting the 1986 stated above the County wants to go on record to opposing the positioning of any permanent bouys in the Perquimans River or its tributaries and opposing the use of bouys either permanent or temporary for commercial use. 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 H 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. 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 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. Page 38 CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as 1986 Policy 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: The Albemarle Plantation was the first planned unit development permitted by the Perquimans County Board and the largest development to be designed around the clustering concept. The Development, most will agree, is a pleasing addition to the landscape. PREVIOUS 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." LAMA Land Development Plan Update for Perguimans County, North Carolina, Ferren Planning Group, July 1981 CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as 1986 Policy. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: The County will adopt alternative development scenarios that offer incentives to developers to design clustered residential subdivisions . ISSUE: 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 of the 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 largest areas of concentration being in the Towns of Winfall and Hertford. PREVIOUS POLICY: The County will seek to eliminate substandard housing in the county. Page 39 CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as 1986 Policy 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 Code and the County Minimum Housing Code 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. PREVIOUS 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. CURRENT 1992 POLICY The County supports the Department of Transportation in its efforts to four -lane U.S.Hwy. 17 in Perquimans County and to construct an Interstate link that will cross Perquimans County connecting Norfolk with Raleigh. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: None needed ISSUE: Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects FINDINGS: None PREVIOUS POLICY: This is not an issue. CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as 1986 Policy IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: None needed. Page 40 ISSUE: Energy Facility Sitinb 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, will be developed at the appropriate time. PREVIOUS POLICY: This is not an issue. CURRENT 1992 POLICY r Same as 1986 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: None needed ISSUE: 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, tourism is growing in significance and many believe holds great potential for economic growth. 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 approximately 35 feet above the river, too low to allow many of the larger vessels to pass under. PREVIOUS 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. CURRENT 1992 POLICY The Count believes that tourism offers great potential as a clean, safe Economic Development strategy and supports those efforts underway by citizen groups in the county to promote this strategy. 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. 1 ISSUE: Types of Density, Location: Units per Acre yp y, p e 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 12,000 square feet for lots served by public water and community sewer systems,15,000 square feet for lots served by public water only, and 20,000 square feet for lots not served by either public water or community sewer. These minimums are based on the general characteristics of soils in the county. Specific soil types and specific sites may 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, the camping section of Holiday Island and the newly developed Albemarle Plantation 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 POLICY: The County will encourage high density and industrial development to locate near Hertford and Winfall where public services and transportation facilities are more accessible. CURRENT 1992 POLICY Same as the 1986 Policy 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. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN The purpose of this section is two fold: 1) to assist the county in managing development in those areas most likely to suffer damages from a severe storm or hurricane and 2) to reduce the risk to life and property from future hurricanes. High winds, flooding, intense wave action, and coastline erosion are the four physical forces of a severe storm or hurricane that create threats to life and property. Flooding claims the most lives during severe storms or hurricanes; high winds cause the most property damage. Only by identifying those areas in the county most likely to suffer damage from any of these forces or combination of these forces can a community develop a meaningful storm mitigation plan. Page 42 STORM MITIGATION PLANNING PROCESS Mapping Hazard Arein Vulnerability Assessment Identify Severity of Ris Identify Magnitude of in Each Hazard Area in Each Hazard Area I Inventory Land Uses I Inventory Strucxtur4 Identifying Mitigation Need Reviewing Current Measure Poor Coverage Poor Enfo Reviewing Alternative Measure I Implementation Monitoringi Assess Evacuabilltv Using the planning scenario recommended in BEFORE THE STORM: Managing Development to Reduce Hurricane Damages. by McElyea, Brower,and Godschalk, the community can identify the areas most likely to sustain storm damages and make a vulnerability assessment of the identified storm hazard area. The vulnerability assessment includes the severity and magnitude of risk in each storm hazard area. The preceding chart taken from BEFORE THE STORM outlines the procedure and the sequence of steps used in the storm hazard mitigation process. VULNERABI= 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 Page 43 tmagnitude of risk is based on the population and the number and value of developed properties in the storm hazard areas. Severity of Risk The table below ranks the severity of risk associated with the identified storm hazard areas in the county and the physical forces affecting the different areas. RISK TABLE FOR HAZARD AREAS EXPOSURE TO DAMAGING FORCES HAZARD AREA SEVERITY1 EROSION I WAVE IFLOODING1 HIGH RANK ACTION WIND PUBLIC TRUST WATERS 4 + + FLOOD HAZARD AREA 3 0 + + REST OF COMMUNITY 4 + 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 residential construction has not taken place as yet. Damage 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. The Perquimans County estuarine shoreline is rather steep, rising 6 to 10 feet above mean sea level. This high river bank provides protection to landward structures from wave action during intense storms. <' 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 Page 44 1 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. 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. 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: Page 45 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. 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 regarding elevation and flood -proofing of buildings and utilities. The count 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 underlying 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 o 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. 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 agencies providing disaster relief. County Health Officer: To conduct damage assessment of on -site water supplies an 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 i reasonably possible after the storm has passed; and long-term, permanent reconstruction activities that will be begun once the extent of the damage is known. IMMEDIATE ACTION: 1) Declare a moratorium on all repairs and development I2) 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 Page 47 5) Maintain additional surveillance and extra security measures in affected areas 6) Deploy assessment teams 7) Prepare assessment reports These immediate actions should be completed within ten days of the storm event. LONG TERM RECONSTRUCTION ACTIONS: 8) Evaluate, classify, and map damages 9) Review of moratorium decision 10) Establish priorities for public facilities repair 11) Submit damage report to State and Federal agencies 12) Notify affected property owners of damage classifications and required repairs 13) Lift moratorium on repairs not requiring permits 14) Lift moratorium on siting of replacement mobile homes 15) Lift moratorium on conforming structures requiring major repairs 16) Assist affected property owners with damage registration and filing request for disaster relief 17) Negotiate with 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. Page 48 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 12,000 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. ' DEVELOPMENT MORATORIA The immediate development moratoria will remain in effect until the assessment reports are ' completed and the scope and nature of he storm damage has been fully reviewed by the County Commission. The County Commission at that time may rescind or extend the duration o 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 tea during the initial phase of the recovery period LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND MAP: PERQUIMANS COUNTY The land classification system presented here provides the mechanism for implementing 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 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. i 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 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 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 These areas include all existing crossroads and platted subdivisions not included in the developed or transitional classifications. Page 50 V 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. 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. Page 51 ICA71ON MAP aGEND )eveloped transition :ommunity tural Service [� :ansernation EM i- ire preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coasts! 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