Land Use Plan 1986-1996-1987

DCM COPY
Please do not remove.
M
Division of Coastal Management Copy
Historic
Bath
North Carolina
LAND USE PLAN
1986 1996
Adopted by the Town Commission: March 16,1987
Certified by Coastal Resources Commission: March 27,1987
Terry W. Alford
PLANNING & DESIGN ASSOCIATES, P.A.
-PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS-
3515 Glenwood Ave.
)laleigh.Nonh Carolina 27612
[phone]

Land Use Plan of Historic Bath: 1986 - 19%
Bath, North Carolina
Prepared for.
' Board of Commissioners, Town of Bath
Ray C. Brooks, Mayor
Bubs Carson, Town Administrator
Wayland J. Sermons, Jr., Town Attorney
Ira M. Hardy
Mary W. Brooks
David C. Everett, Jr.
' Teeny Mason
Prepared by:
'
Bath Planning Board
1985-86
198E-87
Guy A. Cutler, Chairman
William R. Lewis, Chairman
'
William R. t ewis
Willy Phillips
Willy Phillips
Carol Richardson
Erma Tankard
Paul Komarow
Carol Richardson
Howard Tanner, Jr.
'
Paul Komarow
Gerald Butler
Howard Tanner, Jr.
Margaret Midyette
Consultant assistance provided by:
' Planning and Design Associates, P.A.
3515 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27612
[phone]
' . Terry W. Alford, MRP, AIA, Planner -in -Charge
Dale Downes, Associate Planner
Sarah Woodworth, Intern Planner
' with assistance from:
Joe Lacki, B.Arch
Scott Wilson, Architecture Intern
Astrid Blades, BVD
Sandy Fitzgerald
Pam Atkinson
' The preparation of this repon was financed in part through a grant provided by the Coastal Zone Management Program,
through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of Bath also
contributed cash and in -kind services.
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The Land Use Plan of Historic Bath: 1986 — 1996
T A B'L E OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
I.
The
Importance. of Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .
. 11
A.
What is a Land Use Plan? . . . . . . .. . .
. 11
B.
How is a Land Use Plan Utilized? . . . . . . .
11
C.
Why Plan for Bath's Future? . . . . . . .
13
II.
Description*of Present Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 17
A.
Establishment of Information Base . . . ..... . . . . . . .
. 17
B.
Population, Economy, and Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 18
C.
Existing Land Use Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .
. 20
D.
Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations . . . . . . . . .
. 26
E.
Constraints: Land Suitability . . ... . . . . . . . . . .
. 26
F.
Capacity of Community Facilities and Estimated
Future Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : .
31
III.
Policy Discussion and Implementation Strategies: Overview
. 38
A.
Resource Protection . . .. . .
39
.B.
Resource Production and Management . . . . . .
48
Co
Economic and Community Development . . . . . . .
52
D.
Storm Hazard Mitigation . . . . ... . ... . . .
. 56
E.
Continuing Public Participation . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 49
IV.
Storm Hazard Mitigation . . . . . . . . .
62
A.
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
B.
Storm Hazards . . . . . . . : . . . .. . .
62
C.
Description of Types and Severity of Risk in
Hazard Areas . . . . . . . . . . .
65
D.
Recommended Policies Regarding Storm Mitigation . . . . .
. 66
E.
Reconstruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
67
F.
Intergovernmental Coordination . . . . . . . .
69
V.
Land Classification System . . . :
71
A.
ti
Land Classification and Policy Relaonship . . o
. 71
B.
Developed . . . . . . . . . . . . . o . . . . . : a
. 72
Co
Transition . . . . a o o . . . . . . . . o
72
D.
Rural . . . . . : . . .
75
E.
Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 76
VI. Analysis of Policy Achievements since 1981 . . . . . . . . . . . 77

MAPS
Map A. Existing Land Use
Map B. Community Facilities
Map C. Inventory of Historic Properties
Map D. Fragile Areas Map
Map E. Areas of Potential Septic Difficulty
Map F. Hazard Areas
Map G. Flood Prone Areas
Map H. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Routes and Shelters
Map I. Land Classification Map
APPENDIX
A. Town Board of Commissioners
B. Town Planning Board
C. 1986 Bath Household Survey
D. Results of 1986 Bath Household Survey
E. Prioritization of Important Issues
F. Prioritization of Potential Development Types
G. Survey Results/Policy Objectives Cross Reference Matrix
H. Bibliography
I. List of Federal, State, and County Regulations
Disk: Bath LUP
File: Contents

' BATH LAND USE PLAN, 1986-1996
BE=M SUMMMff
' I. Purpose of a Land Use Plan
A. Local Government Purposes: To provide the Town of Bath and its
extraterritorial planning jurisdiction with a guide for
' orderly and desirable growth.
' B. Regional Uses: Regional councils of government on planning and
regional development commissions use the land use plan not only as a
basis for their regional plans but to.disperse state and federal
funding programs as well.
C. State and Federal Government: Local land use plans are used
as one major criterion in the granting or denial of permits for
various developments within the coastal area.
II. Description of Present Conditions
A. Population:
' 1. The 1986 population of Bath is estimated to be 267 people.
2. The elderly population has increased from 21% of the total
population in 1970 to 42.8% in 1980.

B. Economy and Housing:
1. The largest contributor to Bath's economy is tourism.
2. The largest employer in Bath is Bath High School.
3. The housing stock is predominantly single family detached
units.
C. Existing Land Use:
1. Agriculture and forestland are the largest land use activity.
2. Residential activity consists of year-round residents, as well
as second -home residents.
3. There is no distinct commercial district in the planning area.
Commercial areas of concern are related to water, tourists, and
services.
4. The historic importance of Bath much like its other natural
resources must be protected.
5. Two areas of environmental concern are Coastal Wetlands (salt
marshes) and Public Trust Waters (all navigable waters).
D. Issues concerning existing land uses are:
1. There are three places in the community where commercial development
rests in areas that have flooded in the past.
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2. Residential development is very close to the Coastal Wetlands
Area of Environmental Concern.
3. Residential and business development occurs in areas with
particularly shallow soils and poor drainage.
4. Agricultural land use could be more appropriately used for
community and economic development.
E. Constraints: Land Suitability:
1. Hazard Areas. The major natural hazards are f lood-prone areas
and points of excessive erosion.
2. Soil Limitation Areas. The entire area may be classified as
one in which soil limitations are common to most of the soils
present. The soil limitations include hazards for'foundations,
shallow soils, poorly drained soils, and areas with limitations
for septic tanks.
3. Water Supply. The water source is derived from ground water
supplies (Castle Hayne Aquiferj.
4. Areas where Predominant Slope Exceeds 12%. Areas of greater
than 12% slope occur on the partially eroded shoreline of the
creeks.
5. Fragile Areas. The most vulnerable areas of Bath are the
AFC's,, properties on the state registry of historic places, and
archeological sites.
6. Areas with Resource Potential. The Bath Planning Area is
productive for agricultural lands.
F. Capacity of Community Facilities and Future Demand:.
1. Water Services. The aeriation building is in need of repair
and other maintenance. Currently, the water system is
operating at 14% of designed capacity.
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2. Wastewater System. The construction of the new wastewater
system is expected to be complete by December 1986. When all
facilities are hooked -up, the wastewater system will be
operating at 76% of designed capacity. By 1995 it is projected
that the wastewater system will be operating at 1000 of
designed capacity.
3. Roads. There are several unpaved roads in Bath's planning area.
The importance of unpaved roads is their development potential
and the cost of their maintenance.
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4. School. Bath High School has a capacity of 950.students.
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III. Policy Discussion and Inplementation Strategy
A. The citizens of Bath and it's planning and jurisdiction rated
the following issues as the most serious facing them:
1. Pollution of creeks/rivers from farmland water runoff.
2. Phosphate mining operations along and within the Pamlico river.
3. Pollution of creeks and rivers from industry.
4. Protection of cultural historical areas.
5. Protection of commercial fishing industry.
B. The Planning Board and the 1986 Bath Household Survey indicate that:
1. Residential and small business development occur within the
town boundaries.
2. The agriculture and fishing industries are the industries the town
intends to promote.
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3. The town should make it a policy that all development requiring
expansion of community services will be the financial
responsibility of the developer.
4. The town should discourage private marinas, water access for
sailboats only and subdivision development wherein the Town
provides all facilities.
C. In light of (a) the environmental constraints to development, (b)
the present capacity of community facilities, and (c) the 1986
Bath Household Survey the following Policy Objectives were
created. (These Objectives are presented in 5 categories. )
1. Resource Protection Policy Objectives:
(a) Protect water quality of both Bath and Back Creek.
(b) Protect areas of environmental concern (environmentally
sensitive lands).
(c) Protect agricultural lands located in areas designated as
Rural or Conservation on 1986 Land Classification Map.
(d) Protect cultural/historical resources.
(e) Protect potable water supply.
(f) Investigate and implement available erosion prevention
measures.
2. Resource Production and Management Policy Objectives:
(a) Protect and Promote the commercial fishing industry.
(b) Protect agricultural lands located in areas designated as
rural or conservation on 1986 Land Classification Map.
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(c) Discourage phosphate mining operations within the Town's
planning jurisdiction.
(d) Engage in the removal of all man-made hazards.
(e) Investigate and implement available erosion prevention
measures.
(f) Establish Bath Pier Development Project.
3. Economic and Community Development Policy Objectives:
(a) Support expansion of existing industry and recruitment of
new industry. Preserve the community based school as a
working, viable facility.
(b) Maintain and enhance the availability of adequate housing
for elderly and low-income persons.
(c) Promote tourism and recreational industry development.
Protect Bath's cultural/historical resources.
(d) Establish Bath Pier Development Project.
(e) Prevent private, commercial marina development.
(f) Provide a location for potential energy facility sitings, as
opportunities present themselves.
4. Storm Hazard Mitigation Policy Objectives:
(a) Protect areas of environmental concern and environmentally
sensitive lands.
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(b) Maintain and/or strengthen existing policies known to
decrease the risk of hurricane damage..
(c) Increase public awareness of hurricane preparation.
In the event of a storm...
(d) Prioritize all clean-up efforts.
(e) Create "Recovery Task Force".
(f) Coordinate all efforts with necessary County,. State, and
Federal agencies.
5. Continuing Public Participation Policy Objectives:
(a) Encourage participation in land use discussions by all
sectors of the population.
(b) Educate Bath residents about issues regarding resource
protection and production, community development.
IV. Storm Hazard Mitigation
A. The purpose of a storm mitigation plan is to save lives, save
capital investments, and save irreplaceable natural resources.
T F-
e areas most vulnerable to major storms are (ranked by
severity): coastal wetlands, public trust waters, f lood prone
areas, and the rest of the community.
B. The Town of Bath has approximately $3.28 million worth of buildings
at risk.
C. Most of the Town of Bath is threatened in storms with winds
of 111 miles per hour or more.
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D.
The Town of Bath has good evacuability; therefore, the Town has
ample room for safe growth.
E.
Bath High School is the evacuation shelter for the Town of Bath.
F.
The Town of Bath is responsible for reporting all of its activities
regarding storm hazard mitigation and.hurricane preparedness with
various state and federal agencies.
V. Land Classification System
A.
The purpose of - the land classification map is to illustrate the
Town's policy statements provided in this land use plan. It is not
aastrict regulatory mechanisms m but a guideline for Bath's official
Growth Policy. The Land Classification Map includes four
categories:
(1) Developed: Mixed use, high density area comprising the Town
of Bath. Small business development and residential infill
are encouraged in this area. The existing developed area can
accomodate expected growth to the year 2000.
(2) Transition: Areas that are currently being developed or areas
that will require community services in the future. The
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Transition subcategories (Mixed, Residential, and Industrial)
ensure that any future development in these areas will be
appropriate to the site and in accordance with the Policy
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Objectives identified in this Land Use Plan.
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(3) Rural: Very low density residential, commercial, or
agricultural uses.
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(4) Conservation: AEC's and flood prone areas. Development may
occur, if it does not impair the biological, cultural,
economic, and aesthetic value of the area.
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VI. Analysis
of Policy Achievements Since 1981
A. Resource Protection:
(1)
"Planned Variations of the Proposed Wastewater System" Report
completed.
(2)
Wastewaster Treatment System for the Town was developed and is
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presently under construction.
.
(3)
Program of voluntary removal of pilings in'Bath and Back
Creeks.
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(4)
Continued protection of Bath Historic District by the Bath
Historic District Comission.
Management
B. Resource Production and Mana g
(1)
Continued protection of the water quality of Bath and Back
Creeks by the development of a wastewater system and
prohibition of marina development.
C. Economic and Community Development
(1)
Achieved levels, types; and patterns of economic growth
consistent with the historic nature of the Town by prohibiting
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the development of an additional marina.
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(2)
Developed the Town's capacity to provide services to
development mindful of impacts upon taxes and developers costs
by developing the wastewater system.
(3)
Encouraged the development of the economic base, by allowing
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the construction of a new restaurant.
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D. Continuing Public Participation
(1) Achieved meaningful public participation in land -use matters
by engaging approximately 60% of the public in the 1986 Bath
Household Survey..
File: EXE
Disk: Bath LUP
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I. The Importance of Planning
i
A. What is a Land Use Plan?
A Land Use Plan is a collection of policy statements which serve as
guidelines for local, state, and federal officials when making decisions
' affecting development. It is also intended to be used by private
individuals when they make decisions regarding development.
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 requires all local governments
' in Coastal North Carolina Counties and municipalities to develop a land use
plan. The plan is to assure the orderly growth of North Carolina's coastal
area and to protect important natural resources.
' The land.use plan is to be developed to serve the Town of Bath for a
period of 10 years. It is required however, by CAMA, that the plan be
' updated every five years.
B. How is a Land Use Plan. Utilized?
' Land use plans which are prepared by local. governments in the coastal
area are distributed widely, and have many uses. Those reviewing and using
' the plans are local governments, regional councils of government, state, and
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' federal permitting agencies and public and private funding and development
groups. .
tThe discussion of policies, the land classification map, and the
relationship between the two serve as the basic tools for coordinating
' policies, standards, regulations, and other government activities at the
' local, state, and federal levels. This. coordination is described by three
applications:
' (a) The policy discussion and the land classification map encourage
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and
coordination. and consistency between local use policies and 1
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the state and federal governments. The local land use plans are
the principal policy guides for governmental decisions and
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activities which affect land uses in the coastal area.
(b) The local land use plans provide a framework for budgeting,
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planning, and for the provision and expansion of community
facilities such as water and sewer systems, schools and roads.
(c) The local land use plans will aid in better coordination of
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regulatory policies and decision. by describing local land use
policies and designating specific areas for certain types of
'
activities, thus directing other city tools such as zoning and
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subdivision ordinances.
Local Government Uses - Counties and municipalities should use the
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local land use plans in their day -today decision making and in
planning for the future. The land use plans should provide guidance in
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development. The
local policy decisions relating to overall community
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plans also provide the basis for development regulations and capital
facility planning and budgeting. By identifying how the community
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prefers to grow, land use plans help to assure the best use of tax
dollars for extension of public utilities and services to areas
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designated for development.
Regional Uses - The regional councils of government on planning and
development regional commissions use the local land use plans as the
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basis for their regional plans and in their function as regional
clearinghouse (A-95) for state and federal funding programs. The local
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plans indicate to these regional agencies what types of development the
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local community feels are important and where the development should
take place.
State and Federal Government Uses - Local land use plans are used as
one major criterion in the granting or denial of permits for various
developments within the coastal area. State and federal agencies must
be sure that their decisions consider the policies and land
classification system which are described by the local governments in
their plans. The Coastal Area Management Act stipulates that no
development permit may be issued if the development is inconsistent
with the local land use plans. Similarly, decisions relating to the
use of federal or state funds within coastal counties, and towns and
projects being undertaken by state and federal agencies themselves must
also be consistent with the local.plans. State agencies.also use the
plans in their A-95 review.. It is thus vitally important that local
governments take the opportunity to be as definitive as possible in
developing their policy statements and land classification system to
minimize interpretive decisions on the part of state and federal
review, permit, and funding agencies.
C. Why Plan for Bath's Future?
The Town of Bath, incorporated in 1705, is the oldest town in North
Carolina, located at the conf luence of Bath Creek and Back Creek in central
Beaufort County.
Bath has played an important role since English colonists first began
to settle North Carolina. The harbor served as the port of entry for most
of the state and it attracted a variety of historical figures, from the
first General Assembly to the notorious pirate Blackbeard.
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That scenic setting at the juncture of the creeks and the historic
' heritage of the Town still make Bath a pleasant year round home for 238
people (7/84 estimated NC census counts), and it lies at the, center of a
71,403 acre township which holds another 3300 people. The natural beauty and
good recreational and commercial fishing attract others to Bath on a seasonal
basis and provide an opportunity for growth in this small farming community.
The purpose of this Land Use Plan is to provide the Town of Bath and its
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extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction a guide for orderly and desirable growth.
iWhile it is important that the Citizens of Bath be protected in.advance from
the adverse effects of phosphate mining and other types of development, it is
inot the intent of this Plan to discourage development that is consistent with
the land use plan. Moreover, it is the objective of this plan to guide
' development in and within extraterritorial of Bath so that the end result will
ibe a product of orderly planning with all new development 'fitting in' with
the environment. In fact, it is recognized that good development should be
' encouraged as a means of insuring the economic health of the community.
Because of its role in history and its function in today's
' tourist/recreational economy, the Town of..Bath has double incentive to plan
' seriously for its future. The.Town Board of Commissioners, through its
Planning Board, has been about such work for many years. Already in
' place are impressive community planning elements such as the 1977 Land
Development Plan; its companion Zoning Ordinance (1979) which includes a
Historic District Ordinance and the 1981 Land Use Plan prepared under the NC
' Coastal Area Management Act. The Town has established and zoned a one -mile
planning jurisdiction, which also serves as the planning area for this
idocument.
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The Town realizes that if it is to provide for its present and future
citizens, Bath masic systematically tackle some increasingly complicated
problems, including:
' How to promote more farming, attract light industry and stimulate
business and local employment.
How to continue improving the water system and treat wastewater to
provide better service to townspeople and future development.
How to guide and encourage development of permanent and second homes and
other recreational projects in the.area without harming. the Town's
1 natural and historic character.
How to maintain water quality with the increasing development pressures.
It is in wake of these challenges that the Town Board offers this 1986
' CAMA Land Use Plan.
The citizens and staff of the Town of Bath, with consultant assistance
provided by Planning and Design Associates, P.A. (PDA), have prepared the 1986
Bath Land Use Plan Update. The plan is divided into seven sections and an
appendix. The different sections include: Executive Summary, I. The
' Importance of Planning, II. Description of Present Conditions, III. Policy
Discussion and Implementation Strategies, IV. Storm Hazard Mitigation, V.
Land Classification System, and VI. Analysis of Policy Achievements since.
' 1981.
The following is a brief overview of each section.
' The II. Description of Present Conditions outlines the demographic and
' economic aspects of Bath and provides an existing land use map. This section
summarized current plans, policies, and regulations reviewed during the Plan
' update process, discusses existing constraints to Bath's development, provides
estimates of future growth in Bath, and provides estimates of future community_
facilities demand that will accompany the project growth.
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e section Discussion and Implementation Strategies is
The s on III. Policy IaQ eg
organized into categories of resource protection, resource production,
economic and community development, public participation, and storm hazard
mitigation. This section also discusses the increasingly important role of
intergovernmental coordination in regard to those policy statements.
' The IV. Storm Hazard Mitigation section identifies what the Town of Bath
has to lose in the event of.a storm, how the Town should best minimize its
potential losses, and how the Town should reconstruct in the event of a storm.
fAnother section of this plan presents the V. Iand Classification System
and discusses the criteria used to determine the classification of the Bath
1 Planning Area as well as the intergovernmental coordination and cooperation
' necessary for successful utilization of this land classification system.
The final section of this plan, VI. Analysis of Policy Achievements
' since 1981, discusses the progress the Town of Bath has made in achieving its
most recent policy goals.
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II. Description of Present Conditions
rA. Establishment of Information Base
' Data for the 1986 Bath Land Use Plan Update was collected through a
combined effort of the Town of Bath Planning Board and Planning & Design
Associates, P.A. (PDA).
The data assembly began with assessments of the 1981 Bath Land Use Plan
' and other public policy documents, technical plans and studies, and published
information on the Town. A bibliography of literature reviewed is contained
' in Appendix I.
Published data were collected from local, county, state, and federal
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agencies as needed.These included consultant collection of data via visits
' with the NC Office of State Budget and Management, NC Office of the U.S.
Geological Survey, NC State Archives, NC Department of Transportation, NC
Division of -Environmental Management, NC Department of Natural Resources and
' Community Development, and the UNC-Chapel Hill Department of City and
Regional Planning Library.
' Communication was maintained with the NRCD regional office in
Washington, NC and the Town of Bath's Administrator, M. Edward (Bubs) Carson.
rInformation regarding location of Areas of Environmental Concern, and
general field data on all policy issues outlined in this plan were collected
through field surveys (windshield and on foot) by PDA.
' PDA also made extensive use of previously adopted land use plans and
other technical material regarding Bath which it had in-house. This material
rincludes aerial photographs, soil survey maps, and all documents listed in
Appendix H, page 106.
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B. Population, Economy, and Housing
Population
The table below reflects the Town's population by age and sex as of
•:�
Town of Bath, 14C
Population by Age and Sex
1980
Total and %
Age Male Female of Total Population
0-5 4 2 6 (2.8%)
5-14 6 11 17 (8.0%)
15-24 12 9 21 (9.60)
25-34 9 8 17 (8.0%)
35-44 9 3 12 (5.6%)
45-54 4 8 12 (5.7%)
55-64 18 19 37 (17.5%)
65-over 27 64 91 (42.8%)
Total 89 124 213 (100.0%)
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Census, Census of Population and
Housing, 1980.)
The elderly population of the Town of Bath has increased tremendously.
According to data contained in previous land use plans, in 1970 the
population of persons 65 years or older totalled 49•persons and comprised 21%.
of the total population. In 10 years that population group has nearly
doubled in size and has doubled its proportion to total population.
Economy and Housing
Bath is principally a residential community whose residents commute to
work. Washington and Belhaven are close by and most of the Town's residents
are employed.there. The commercial activities in the Town of Bath include:
one general merchandise store, a service station, an automobile. repair shop, a
bank, a marina/convenience store, State Historic Site, including a visitor
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1 center and restored buildings, a restaurant, a motel, a bed and breakfast, an
' ABC store, and several gift shops.
The largest employer in Town is the Bath High School,, employing 70
Ipeople. The Town may lose some of this workforce should the county's present
plan for consolidation reduce the student population at this site. In
1 November 1986 Beaufort county residents will be voting on a bond issue that
will include whether or not to consolidate grades 10-12 currently at Bath High
' School into other local schools nearby. Should this pass, Bath High School
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' will be losing students and employees within 3-5 years.
Perhaps the largest contributor .to Bath's economy is the tourist
industry. Tourists are attracted to Bath's historic sites and the Blackbeard
Outdoor Drama Amphitheater.
' Housing in Bath is primarily single-family detached. In 1980 there were
1 118 housing units, 90 of which were occupied year round. Of the 28 remaining
houses not occupied year round, 15 were held for occasional use. The average
household size (of year round occupied) was 2.4 persons.
1986 Estimates
The 1980 Bath Land Use Plan showed that Bath's population had been
Isteadily declining over several decades. It appears, according to July 1984
population estimates provided by the NC Office of State Budget and
Management, that this trend is reversing itself.
' This latest estimate shows Bath as having a 7/84 population of 238
persons -- an approximate 3.75% annual growth rate (seasonal population
' statistic are unavailable). Much of this population growth can be attributed
to the housing development occurring in the northern and eastern sections of
' the Town's Extraterritorial Planning Jurisdiction. Annexation of the eastern
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portion of the Planning Area (Springdale Village see Map A, page 84) is
expected to occur in the near future. This area will be served by the new
wastewater system. Development in the Town is much more attractive now, with
construction of a wastewater system scheduled to be completed by December
1986.
Assuming the 3.75% annual growth rate has continued since 1984, 1986
population and housing projections for 1986 are:
- 267 persons within Town limits
- 113 occupied housing units with an average household size of 2.4
persons
C. Existing Land Use Analysis
Land use activities in Bath have not significantly changed during the
past six years. Land use activities within the Bath Planning Area are
devoted to the following uses: Agricultural and Forestland, Residential,
Commercial, and Cultural and Institutional. All areas with these uses are
identified in Map A: Existing Land Use (page 84)..
Agricultural and Forestland
The largest land use activity within the planning district is devoted
toward agricultural production and forestry. The area immediately north of
Town is oriented toward agricultural production. The major crops include
corn and.soybeans. A majority of land area east of Town, across Back Creek,
is undeveloped and forested. The land west of Bath, across Bath Creek, is
also undeveloped, but agricultural production is.more extensive.
These two land use activities have few implications upon adjacent land
uses. They are, however, affected by activities or land use trends which
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' occur nearby. This sensitivity to adjacent activities makes agriculture and
forestry lands vulnerable to development pressures. This is particularly
rtrue for agricultural lands which are cleared, have suitable soils and are
well drained. Thus, there is a potential for increasing pressure upon
agricultural land when development of an area is initiated. The greatest
' conflict which may arise is between the need for agricultural products and
the need for land for.development purposes.
1
Residential
' Residential land use is divided beteen two types of activity; year-round
housing and second home development. The majority of the year-round housing
' units are located within the Town limits although the Existing Land Use Ma
9 g P
ref lects.residential concentration along NC 92 east of town and along King
Street Extension at the intersection of S.R. 1743. A new subdivision
r(Springdate village see Map A, page 84) has been developed on S.R. 1763
immediately east of the corporate limits. This subdivision represents the
majority of new residential development in the area. The remaining year-round
' dwelling units are much older.
The second aspect of the Town's residential activity is associated with
rsecond home development. Second home development is directed at areas in
close proximity to the waters of Bath Creek and Back Creek. At the present
r time, there are several areas which are ex
periencing second home development.
rThey are as follows: 1) outside the corporate limits of Bath on the east
side of Back Creek, there are several existing units with a potential for
' more; 2) further along the same side of the creek, past the confluence with
Bath Creek; this development is more extensive than first mentioned. Access
' to this development is provided from NC 92 on an unimproved road, S.R. 1757;
' 21
i

3) the most extensive second home development is located on the west side of
' Bath Creek at the termination of S.R. 1340. This area includes approximately
sixteen (16) units; and four (4) within the corporate limits of .Bath. One
area, more than any other, is predominately second home oriented. That area
' is located along East Front Street and Back Creek Drive. In total, there are
approximately ten (10) dwelling units. It should be noted.that each area has
' many year-round residents.
Commercial
Within the planning area, there is not a distinct commercial district.
' There are, however, three areas of commercial concern which are water,
tourists, and services related.
' The water -related commercial activity is focused upon the sailboat
' marina which is located on the east side of Bath Creek, immediately south of
ITC 92. The marina has a capacity for approximately thirty (30) boats. In
iaddition to the marina, a new commercial activity oriented toward sailboat
repair has recently been established on Back Creek as well. A private boat
ramp is located at the southwest side of Back Creek Bridge and northeast side
' of Bath Creek Bridge which provides access for a nominal fee.
The historic significance of the Town brings many tourists to Town during
the summer months. The annual production of the outdoor drama Blackbeard,
Knight of the Black Flag at the. Blackbeard Amphitheater also brings in many
tourists. There are several shops which are open and cater to these tourists.
' The final level of commercial activity relates to the provision of goods
and services which are required for day to day living. These activities
. include a service station, a grocery store, a bank and post office, a
' 22

restaurant, and an ABC store. The extent of these activities is limited and
at this time.does not have a negative impact upon adjacent land uses.
Cultural and Institutional
' The historic importance of Bath is recognized by both the local residents
' as well as individuals versed in the history of North Carolina. The
historical importance of Bath is being preserved and perpetuated by the
' Historic Bath Commission, the North Carolina Department of.Cultural Resources,
and the Historic District Commission. Map C - Inventory of Historic
' Properties (page 86) shows the Town's inventory of historically significant.
A
structures.
In many respects, the historic places and atmosphere which characterize
' Bath are like a natural resource, when they no longer exist or are
compromised by undesirable development they are lost forever and cannot be
' replaced. The year-round residents of Bath place a high value upon the
preservation of this historic importance of Bath: More directly, many town
residents express concern about development which may or could occur within
rtown, which would have the effect of negating the historic atmosphere.
In addition to the historic properties, there is a large block of land
' on the south side of NC 92, immediately east of Bath High School, which is
owned by the Beaufort County Board of Education. The utilization of that
property, according to the Board, is for a future educational complex which
' is to be developed for students in the eastern portion of the county. Plans
for development of this tract have not been completed and are not currently
' being pursued.
Map B - Community Facilities Map (page 85) identifies the Bath
wastewater treatment facility site.
23

1
i
iAreas of Environmental Concern (AECs)
Two types of AECs are found within the Bath Planning Area: Coastal
Wetlands and Public Trust Waters. These areas are shown on Map D - Fragile
Areas Map (page 87).
The designation and regulation of critical resource areas is one of the
imajor purposes of the Coastal Area Management Act. The 1974 Legislature
found that "the coastal area, and in particular the estuaries, are among the
' most biologically productive regions of this state and of the nation," and in
recent years the area "has been subjected to increasing pressures which are
the result of the often conflicting needs of the society expanding in
' industrial development, in population, and in the recreational aspirations of
its citizens." The Act further states that, "unless these pressures are
icontrolled by coordinated management, the very features of the coast which
imake it economically, aesthetically, and ecologically rich will be destroyed.
Through a subsequent nomination process, interim areas of environmental
iconcern (IAECs) were reviewed by the Coastal Resources Commission and 13
categories of AECs were proposed for final designation. These are explained
iin detail in 15 NCAC 7H.
Coastal Wetlands in Bath consist of salt marshes which "are subject to
1
regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides.. ." Like
iother wetlands, they support the unique productivity'of the estuarine system
through entrapping decayed plant material and other nutrients. Without the
imarsh, the high productivity levels and complex food chains typically found
in the estuaries could not be maintained. Such are essential for estuarine
' dependent species of fish and shell fish and waterfowl and other wildlife
24

feeding and nesting.
Currently, protection of the marshes has been achieved through
stringent monitoring of bulk -heading and enforcement of permit authority by
the CAMA permit officer. This level of concern should be maintained in the
future.
The second type of AEC in the Bath planning area is'public trust waters.
' As encompassed in Section..0207 of 15 NCAC 7H, public trust waters in Bath
essentially means all navigable waters, that is, all the waters of Bath and
' Back Creek. Such waters are important'to the Town, as well as to the CRC,
' because the public has access rights and use rights of these areas for
navigation, recreation, and commerce. Additionally, these waters have
' aesthetic value and are commercially important resources for economic
development.
' The extensive use of the public trust waters for recreation, plus the
' effective regulation of permitted uses around the marshes led.the Planning
board to recommend policies which support the tourist trade and promote the
' area outside the Town as a choice site for second or recreational homes. The
Board chose policies which stimulate desirable uses rather than stifles
development altogether.'
' Conclusions
Currently there are no major problems from unplanned development.
Potential problems regarding mobile home development are addressed in the
' Zoning ordinance. Potential problems regarding floating home development,
energy -facility siting, developing beyond wastewater system capacity are
' addressed in this document.
25

Comparison of the Existing Land Use Map (page 84) with the Fragile
' Areas Map (page 87), Storm Hazards Map (page 89), and the Flood Prone Areas
Map (page 90); renders the following conclusions.:
' There are currently three places in the community, all are the
intersections of the Bath Creek and Back Creek Bridges with the
peninsula where commercial development rests in areas which have been
' flooded in the past. Examination of the flood -prone areas map shows
that these areas, as well as a considerable amount of shoreline from
Handys Point to the Back Creek Bridge are subject to flooding.
iResidential development is very close to the coastal wetlands AEC,
which, while being natural for a waterfront community, stimulates
additional concern for those wishing to build bulkheads. Careful
' monitoring by the Division of Coastal Management is currently protecting
those areas.
Residential and business development occurs in areas with particularly
shallow soils and poor drainage, as shown in Section B II.above.
Agricultural land use within the Town limits are currently using space
' which could be more appropriately used for community and economic
development. Taxed at lower rates, the current uses are incompatible
with the long-range development goals of the community.
' If development goes as.planned (see the discussion on Land
Classification, page 71), the areas north and east of the Town limits are
likely to change. Before these areas change however, it is hoped that vacant
land and agricultural land within the Town limits will develop first.
' D. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
A list of plans which pertain to the Bath Planning Area is contained in
' Appendix H (page 111). The Bath Zoning Ordinance is an important planning
' document used by the Town to control land use.
A list of state and federal regulations pertaining to development within
' the Bath Planning Area is contained in Appendix I (page 112).
' E. Constraints: Land Suitability
In accordance with CAMA regulations, the following is a brief analysis of
' 26
1

the general suitability of the undeveloped land in the Bath Planning Area.
The analysis presented here, plus related sections of policy discussion were
the basis for the design of Map I - Land Classification Map (page 92).
Land suitability is analyzed in terms of three different types of constraints:
Physical Limitations, Fragile Areas, and Areas of Resource Potential.
Physical Limitations
Hazard Areas
As shown on Map F - Hazard Areas (page 89) and Map G - Flood Prone Areas
(page 90), the major natural hazards in the Bath Planning Area are
flood prone areas and points of excessive erosion. Development should be
directed away from those areas or undertaken with caution.
Areas with Soil Limitations
These include hazards for foundations, shallow soils, poorly drained
soils, and areas with .limitations for septic tanks. Detailed soils
information is presently being produced and collected by the District Soil
Conservation Service. The entire area may be classified as one in which soil
limitations are common to most of the soils present, as articulated in the
following excerpt from the 1977 Land Development Plan:
There are several different soil associations located within the planning
area. These associations are the Lynchburg -Goldsboro -Dunbar, the Lenoir
Craven-Bladen, and the Bladen-Portsmouth-Bayboro. The importance or
significance of these soil associations is related to their capacity for
general development. For example, an association may be highly valuable for
agricultural, production although, due to certain characteristics, undesirable
for residental development. These undesirable characteristics include
27

'carrying capacity for road construction or drainage functions which require
' expensive construction techniques or modified septic systems. The new
wastewater treatment facility will improve the development potential of these
' soil associations.
The largest soil association in the planning area is the Lenoir -Craven-
' Bladen Association. The association extends from Bath Creek west to S.R.
' 1334, a distance of approximately three miles. The association is
characterized by moderately well to poorly drained soils.
The slope ranges from nearly level to fifteen (150) percent. These soils
have a medium textured surface and a firm clay subsoil. With respect to
general development, the association poses severe limitations upon septic tank
operations. The severe limitation label implies that the association has one
or more properties unfavorable for the use, and the limitations are difficult
' and costly to overcome, requiring major soil reclamation, special design or
intense maintenance. It must be remembered, however, that each proposed
' property ought to be evaluated, since these are only general characteristics
of a soils association and not a detailed analysis of soil types. In general,
' based
upon the general soils information, development which may occur west of.
P
' Bath Creek should be characterized by large lot single-family units, which the
Town can cause to occur.through its Zoning Ordinance. The association poses
' limitations upon not only septic tanks, but also bearing strength for
structures due to a relatively high water table and hazard from flooding.
The next largest association occurring in the planning area is the
' Bladen-Portsmouth-Bayboro Combination. This association is located primarily
on the east side of Back Creek, north and south of NC 92. The association is
characterized by poor to very poorly drained soils on a nearly level terrain.
28
1

' Surface texture ranges from fine sandy loam to mucky loam. The subsoils range
' from friable, or brittle, sandy clay loam to very firm clay. These soils also
place severe limitations upon the operation of septic tanks. These limitations
are related to the high water table, flooding hazard, and poor permeability..
In addition, the soils exhibit limitations upon the development of
transportation routes. Thus, if development occurs, the specific tract ought
' to be evaluated to establish the severity of problems posed by the soil. In
general, development should be on large lots, having adequate area for
extended drainage fields. Waterfront development should be large lot, single
family development.
The third soil association found in the area is located in the area
between Bath Creek and Back Creek and extending north to S.R. 1743. The soils
are of the Lynchburg -Goldsboro -Dunbar variety. The soils do have limitations
' upon septic tanks, similar to those previously discussed. However, it appears
that the drainage characteristics of the association pose few limitations upon
road construction and housing foundations. It is significant to note that
this area may well be the best area for future development, particularly since
the incorporated. area of Bath is located within this area. It must be pointed
' out that septic tank operations are adversely affected by this, soils
association and extra maintenance may be required.
' Sources of Water Supply
There are two sources of water available to most communities: ground
' water resources,and surface water supplies such as reservoirs. The water
supply source for the Town of Bath and the adjacent planning area is derived
from ground water supplies. The main source is the Castle Hayne Aquifer.
Although ground water is the source of all water, the actual distribution of
29

water does vary ranging from individual wells to a central water distribution
' system.
In the majority of the area of extraterritorial jurisdiction, individual
' wells are the only source of water. The only exception is the Springdale
village which has access to the central water supply for the Town.
Therefore, future development must rely upon ground water supplies.
In the past, there has been a real concern about lower ground water
levels as a result of phosphate mining by Texas Gulf. Since the initiation of
mining, ground water levels have been modified but at this time no significant
impacts upon individual wells in the Bath area have developed. Recent studies
' by the Ground Water Division of the North Carolina Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development indicate that no problems should occur in
' the future.
' Areas Where the Predominant Slope Exceeds 12 Percent
As noted above, the Lenoir-Craven-Bladen soils which extend west of Bath
' Creek for a distance of three miles have slopes ranging from 0 to 15%. The
topography plotted on Map G - Flood Prone Areas (page 90) indicates that other
' areas of greater than 12% slope occur on the partially eroded shoreline of the
' creeks. Development on steep slopes is liable to cause a disproportionately
large increase in run-off and also present an erosion hazard even on soils not
' especially prone to erosion. In addition, septic tanks are difficult to
locate on steep slopes without effluent issuing at the service.
' Fragile Areas
' Areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or
poorly planned development in the Town of Bath and its district include: the
' AECs; a series of properties on the state registry of historic places; and
30

scenic places such as Bonner s Point..
' The area has none of the following: sand dunes along the outer banks
ocean beaches or shorelines; estuarine waters; areas which sustain remnant
' species; areas containing unique geological formations; registered natural
landmarks or others such as wooded swamps, prime wildlife habitats, and
prominent high points.
' Areas with Resource Potential
As noted in the resource production section above, the. area is generally
productive for agricultural lands, but has no specific productive and unique
agricultural lands. The potential ly valuable phosphate concentration is
addressed above in the same section. There are no publicly owned forest, or
' fish and game lands in the area and no privately owned wildlife sanctuaries.
Bath, as noted above, has approximately one-third of its incorporated
' area consumed by publicly owned parks or vacant lands. These areas serve to
prohibit development on the water's edge and support the state's historic
' interest. other beneficial uses of these areas are addressed in
' Section II -- Economic and Community Development.
The Town has no other non -intensive outdoor recreation lands,. in that
most of such activity takes place in the waters of Bath and Back Creek.
F. Opacity of Community Facilities and Estimated Future Demand
Population Projections
The'1980 population (within Town limits) of the Town of Bath was 184
persons. Estimates released in July 1984 by the NC office of State Budget and
' Management places the 1984 population of Bath at 238 persons., an approximate
' 3.75% annual growth rate.
Assuming the growth rate has continued since 1984, the 1986 population
31

projection for the Town of Bath is 267 persons.
Should this. growth rate continue, the Town of Bath will have:
278 persons in 1990
- 330 persons in 1995
- 392 persons*in 2000
Housing
In 1980 there were 118 housing units, 90 of which were occupied year
round. Of the 28 remaining houses not occupied year round, 15 were held for
occasional use. The average household size (of year round occupied) was 2.4
persons.
Assuming household size has remained and will continue.to remain
relatively constant at 2.4 persons per.year round occupied household, growth
in year round occupied housing stock will.be as follows:
- 113 occupied housing units in 1986
- 116 occupied housing units in 1990
- 138 occupied housing units in 1995
- 163 occupied housing units in 2000
1980 housing unit data is from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of
Census. A housing unit is described as a house, apartment, group of rooms,
single room, or mobile home.
Water Services
The central water distribution system for Bath comprises two wells
capable of providing 75 gallons per minute each. On a daily basis, the two
wells together can provide up to 216,000 gallons of water per day.
The system presently serves approximately 130 households which together
use approximately 22,000 gallons per day; 16 commercial establishments which
together use approximately 5,000 gallons per day; the Bath High School. which
uses approximately 3,000 gallons per day, and the Historic Visitor Center
32

r
rwhich uses approximately 350 gallons per day. The current total usage of the
designed
rwater system is approximately 30,350 gallons per day, or 14% of the
capacity. There is an unused capacity of 185,650 gallons.
The 1980 Bath Land Use Plan cited problems with the existing water
system, principally the aeriation building is in need of repair and other
rmaintenance is warranted. These conditions have not changed to date and will
have to change before unused capacity can be utilized.
1
Assuming the growth in households served will parallel the growth in
population and housing stock within Town limits (3.5% per year), plus
assuming a crude estimate of one new commercial establishment per year, the.
following Bath water system projections are presented:
- 34,810 gallons per day in 1990 (16% of capacity or 181,190
rgallons unused)
- 40,295 gallons per day in 1995 (19% of capacity or
r175,705 gallons unused)
- 45,780 gallons per day in 2000 (21% of capacity or 170,220
rgallons unused)
Given that the new wastewater treatment system may spur an increase in
' development these numbers may be conservative.
Wastewater System
rThe Town of Bath is currently in the process of constructing a wastewater
treatment system. Construction began in May 1986 and is expected to be
completed by December 1986. The design capacity of the system will be 40,000
' gallons per day. Upon completion of construction and hook-up of all existing
households, commercial establishments, and institutional users currently
rhooked up to the water system, the wastewater system will be utilized at an
approximate rate of 30,350.gallons per day, or approximately 76% of the
' capacity. designed At this rate there will be an excess capacity of 9,650
9
r33

gallons.
Assuming the water utilization projections cited earlier:
- in 1990 the Town's wastewater system will be operating at 87% capacity
in 1995 the Town's wastewater system will be operating at 100% capacity
These projections are made assuming the number of households hooking up
to the system will increase at a rate of approximately 3.5% per year (with an
assumed utilization of 170 gallons per day), one commercial establishment will
hook up per year (with an approximate utilization estimate of 315 gallons per
day), and no additional institutional users will be hooked up.
Actual utilization will vary depending on the type of.commercial
establishment proposing to hook up to the system.
The following table can be used as a guideline for determining
approximate utilization as commercial establishments propose to develop in
Bath:
34

'
Demand in Terms of Daily
Flow
Type of Establishments
Daily
Flow for Design
Residences . . . . . . . . . ... . . . • ... .
. 100
gpd/person
Airports, also RR Stations, bus terminals
'
(not including food service facilities) . . .
. 5
gal/passenger
Barber Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 100
gal/chair
Beauty Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . .: . . . . .
. 125
gal/booth or bowl
'
Bowling Alleys . ... . . . . . . . . .
. 50
gal/lane
Camps
Construction or work camps . . . . .
50
gal/person
Summer camps . . . . . . . . . . . .
50
gal/person
'
Camp grounds . . . . . . ... . . . . .
. 150
gal/campsite
Churches . . . . . . . .
5
gal/member
Country Club -- Resident members
s
75
gal/person
Non-resident members . ... . .
. 20
gal/person
Day Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . .
. 15
gal/person
Factories (exclusive of industrial
'
wastes) -- per .
. 25
gal/person
.shift
Hospitals
300
gal/bed
Laundries (self-service) . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. 500
gal/machine
Motels/Hotels . . . . . . . . .
. 75
gal/room
With cooking facilities in room . . . . . . .
. 125
gal/room
Resort . . . . . . . . . . . .
200
gal/room
'
Offices -- per shift • . . . . . . . . . .
Nursing/Rest Homes --With laundry
25
150
gal/person
gal/bed
Without laundry
75
gal/bed
Residential Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . .
. 75
gal/person
Restaurants . ,'. .
. 40
gal/seat
'
Schools: Day Schools . . . .
15
gal/Person
Note: Use 20 gal/person if aerobic
treatment is proposed
Boarding Schools . . . . . . . . .
. 75
gal/person
Day Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 25
gal/person
Service Stations ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 250
gal/water closet
or urinal
Stores -- Note; if food service is
included, add 40 gal/seat . . . . . .
. 250
gal/water closet
or urinal
Swimming Pools and.Bathhouses
10
gal/person
Theaters - Auditoriums
3
gal/seat
'
Drive -In . . . . . . . . . ... . . .
Travel Trailer Parks . . . . . . . . .
. 5
. 150
gal/Car space
gal/space
. . . . .
Source: Statutory Authority G.S. 143-215.1; 130-160; Eff, Feb. 1, 1986.
1
35

School System
The Bath High School is the only educational institution in Town.
According to Jack 'Wallace, principal of the school; the 1985-86 enrollment
(K - 12) was approximately 850 students. Capacity for the school system is
approximately 950.
Roads
' The transportation infrastructure is comprised of roads which are both
paved and unpaved (see Map A — Existing Land Use on page 79). Within the
corporate limits of Bath is one street which is unpaved (Bowen Ave.).
Within the area of extraterritorial jurisdiction, there are approximately
six (6) streets or roads which are unpaved. Three of these rights -of -way have
' been, or are in the process of becoming, developed for residential purposes.
At the present time there are approximately twenty (20) dwelling units along
the road, which represent only about seventy to seventy five percent (70-750)
' of the estimated number of' units which may ultimately be constructed.
Along the eastern portion of NC 92 there are two other unpaved roads
' which are also in the process of being residentially developed. The majority
of these units are second homes. Although they are not rapidly developing
areas, they may ultimately provide access .for many non-resident land owners.
This will be particularly true as the population of eastern North Carolina.
continues to increase and recreational opportunities become more available.
These two roads are S.R. 1767 and a private road located_ immediately east of
the Back Creek Bridge on NC 92. That road currently provides access to a
partially developed subdivision and its maintenance is the responsibility of
171
1
36
1

the subdivision homeowner's association.
Of the three unpaved roads, two are experiencing developmental activity.
The first road is located on the west side of Bath Creek and south of NC 92.
The road is not under the jurisdiction of the State Department of
Transportation for maintenance. This access road has five dwelling units
which have been constructed. The second upaved road is S.R. 1340. The
portion of this road which is adjacent to Bath Creek has experienced a high.
level of development.
The importance of the unpaved roads within the planning area is twofold:
their potential for development, and their maintenance problems. In addition,
the rights -of -way fronting on or having direct access to one of the creeks
will no doubt experience pressure for development. This increased
development, in turn, places greater demands upon governmental services,
particularly if development significantly increases the area's population.
The maintenance question is equally important, particularly due to the
financial implications. As these roads become developed for residential and
commercial purposes, demands will be made for better maintenance and
finally, for paving. A question which arises concerns who ought to bear the
cost of theroad paving. Should the Town or county bear that cost or should
the users of the road bear the expense? This question becomes particularly
acute regarding roads which do not have the. minimum required dedicated
right-of-way. At -the present time this situation exists on several of the.
unpaved roads, particularly those which are not on the state system.
The Town will not be responsible for the maintenance of private roads
and/or roads outside of the Town limits.
37

III. Policy Discussion and ?uplementation Strategies: Overview
"Policy" can be defined as an expressed set of adopted statements which
are to be used to guide future development decisions. Taken together, the
' following narrative constitutes a broad development direction for guiding the
Town of Bath's growth.
These policies serve to update those provided by the 1981 Land Use Plan.
An analysis of the Town's achievements with respect to the policies set forth
in the 1981 Land Use Plan is contained in Section VII of this plan.
' The policy objectives and implementation strategies presented.in this
' document derive from a careful analysis of policies contained in previous
plans and studies, published data, household surveys, public hearings, and
direction provided by the Bath Planning Board.
The following policy discussion is presented in the five major
categories of policy development outlined by the Division of Coastal
Management of the NRCD, plus a sixth category - "Intergovernmental
Coordination" which briefly describes the relationship between the Town of
iBath and Federal, State, and County regulatory agencies. The categories of
this section are:
IA. Resource Protection
B. Resource Production and Management
C. Economic and Community Development
D. Storm Hazard Mitigation
E. Continuing Public Participation
F. Intergovernmental Coordination
For each major policy category, an overview discussion and its relevance
' to local conditions in the Bath planning jurisdiction is provided. This is
followed by a summary of Policy Objectives with recommended Strategies for
' Implementation.
38
1-1

1
n
1
.1
A. Resource Protection
Introduction
The protection of Bath's natural and cultural resources is a primary
concern of a vast majority of Bath residents. .This was the outcome of the
1986 Bath Household Survey, conducted as a part of this land use planning
process. (For a description of the 1986 Bath Household Survey and its
results turn to Section IV.E - Continuing Public Participation on page 59).
When asked to guage the importance of various issues facing the Town of
Bath, citizens of Bath and.its planning jurisdiction rated the following.
issues as the most serious facing them today:
- Pollution of creeks/rivers from farmland water runoff.
- Phosphate mining operations along and within the Pamlico River.
- Pollution of creeks/rivers from industry.
- Protection of cultural historical areas.
In a similar vein, when asked what potential development types they would.
most desire, the citizens of Bath indicated they preferred the protection of
natural resources and the development of historic and cultural attractions
above all other potential development types.
The results of the survey are not surprising. Bath comprises people who
have been brought up on the water, many of whom are dependent upon the water
as their vocation. In addition, residents of Bath have been brought up with a
sense of history and tradition, more so than anywhere else in the state.
Areas of Environmental Concern
Two AECS exist in the Bath planning jurisdiction coastal wetlands and
public trust waters. Map D - Fragile Areas (page 87) shows the location of
these two areas.
Coastal wetlands in Bath consist of salt marshes which "are subject to
3 9'
1

is
regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides . . ." Like
other wetlands, they support the unique productivity of the estuarine system.
Currently protection of the marshes has been achieved through thoughtful
monitoring of bulk -heading and enforcement of permit authority by the CAMA
permit office. At.the very least, this level of concern should be maintained
in the future. The Town of Bath encourages even stricter enforcement of CAMA
regulations by the CAMA perinit officer..
The second type of AEC found in the Bathplanning jurisdiction is public
trust waters. These include all navigable waters - Bath and Back Creeks.
The Town of Bath has chosen a set of policy objectives and strategies
for implementation which stimulate desirable uses of AECs, rather than
oppose development altogether. Those policy objectives and strategies for
implementation follow this narrative.
Development in AECs may be appropriate only in AECs which are non-
productive regarding the support of the estuarine system. It is the
responsibility of the Planning Board to decide what development may be
appropriate on a case by case basis. The following criteria serve as
guidelines for development decisions in these areas:
Development shall not cause significant damage to natural
'
resources.
Development shall not interfere with existing public rights of
access to, or use of, navigable waters or public resources.
All development projects shall preserve and not weaken natural
barriers to erosion.
All development projects shall -limit the construction of
impervious surfaces, and other areas prohibiting natural
'
drainage, to only the area necessary to adequately serve the use
of the lot.
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All development projects shall meet the standards of the N.C.
Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973.
' Development shall not cause major or irreversible damage to
valuable, documented historic architectural or archeological
resources.
The project must comply with the local land use plan.
' Constraints to Development
Several constraints to development exist in the Bath planning
jurisdiction. These include:
- Inadequate wastewater treatment
- Poor condition of water system
- Areas of potential septic difficulty
' The_Town has long had a problem with inadequate wastewater treatment
facilities. This constraint was identified in the 1981 Land Use Plan, which
' led to the development of a wastewater system for the Town of Bath.
Construction on the wastewater system began in May 1986 and is expected to be
' completed by December 1986.
The service area for.the wastewater system is shown in Map B - Community
Facilities Classification Map (page 85). The Town .of Bath must continue,
' however, to be wary of this constraint. Development of the wastewater system
has increased building permit activity. The Town must make sure that building
' development does not exceed capacity of the wastewater system.
' The water system of the Town of Bath has also been cited as a constraint
to development. Need for repair and a history of lack of maintenance were
' cited as problems with the water system in the 1981 Land Use Plan. With much
of the Town's attention since 1981 devoted to development of the wastewater
' system, these problems still exist.
Certain parts of the planning jurisdiction present constraints to
development from high water tables and poor drainage. These areas are
41 .

identified in Map E - Areas of Potential Septic Difficulty (page 88).
1 The Town intends to direct development with proper consideration of
soils. Development where soils have a high water table or poor drainage will
be limited.
' Specific Local Resource Development Issues
Although none of the land within the Bath planning jurisdiction is
' considered prime farmland, much of the land still has good crop growing
characteristics and warrants careful management.
' The Town of Bath recognizes the need for orderly growth within the Town
' limits and wastewater system service area. The farmland in this area will be
considered for future development. Farmland in areas designated as rural or
' conservation on Map I — Land Classification (page 92) will be protected.
Cultural and Historic Resources
' As shown on Map C - Historic District and Inventory of Historic
' Properties (page 86), much of the Town of Bath is an Historic District. The
citizens of Bath, as evidenced by the household survey results, place a high
' value upon these resources.
There also exists six archeological sites, as recorded by the NC
' Division of Archives and History, in the Bath planning jurisdiction (see Map
' C, page 86). The Town intends to develop better coordination with the NC
Division of Archives and History regarding its development activities.
' Consultation with the NC Division of Archives and History will take place
before any development in these areas occurs.
The Town of Bath enthusiastically protects its Historic District. The
Bath Planning Board serves as the Bath Historic District Commission. All
proposed building within this area undergoes close scrutiny.
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' Man-made. Hazards and Other Hazard Areas
As shown in Map F - Storm Hazards map (page 89), the Town of Bath
contains several dilapidated structures, an unauthorized dumping site, leached
septic tanks.
The Town has an on -going voluntary program of demolition and hazard
' removal, under the supervision of the Bath Planning Board. Before
demolition, it is recommended however, that every effort to preserve or
restore the structure be made.
The Town has also passed a resolution opposing the expansion of
military airspace in Beaufort County.
In addition to man-made hazards, excessive erosion areas exist in the
Bath planning jurisdiction. A 1975 Shoreline Erosion Inventory by the US
' Department of Agriculture offers the following evidence of the erodibility of
Bath Creek:
Average width of loss to erosion 25.2 ft.
Average height of'bank 3.7 ft.
Length of shoreline eroding 10.1 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0.
Total length of shoreline 12.2 miles
iIn order to take appropriate measures for erosion areas in the planning
areas, the Town must work.with NRCD to conduct a feasibility study or an
' assessment of available erosion prevention measures to be incorporated in the
Town's zoning ordinance.
Other Revelant Issues
Other relevant issues that this plan must address, under CAMA
guidelines, include:
- Hurricane and flood evacuation needs (see 3.a.b page 57, 3.a page 58)
- Protection of potable water supply (see 5.a,b page 47)
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- Sewage treatment (see 4.a page 47, 4.a,c. page 54)
- Stormwater runoff (see l.g page 45, 6.b page 47, .5.b page 51)
1 - Marina/floating home development (see 2.a page 46, l.b,c. page 50)
- Industrial impacts on fragile areas (see La page 45, 3.d page 51)
- Development of sound and estuarine system islands (see 2 page 46)
Development of package treatment plants (see 5.c page 47)
These issues are addressed in the.policy objectives and strategies for.
1 implementation following this narrative or contained in narrative discussing
the issues under the remaining CAMA categories.
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RESOURCE- PROTECTION
=-------__
--------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY OBJECTIVE
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1
Protect water quality of Bath and Back a.
•Monitor all proposals for development
Creeks.
on shore lines. All development
proposals must be within the strictest
CAMA standards set forth in 15 NCAC 7B
and outlined in A Handbook for
Development in North Carolina's'Coastal
Area, published by the Division of
Coastal Management of the NRCD and
consistent with this land use plan.
'
Section 4.14 of the 1982 Bath Zoning,
Ordinance states that proposed uses or
structures foi,AEC's must comply with
state. guidelines.
'
b.
Do not permit the following uses: open
dumping of waste, including wastewater,
dumping of trash, improperly operating
motor -driven boats which contribute gas
and pollution (Sect. 9.03.of the Zoning
Ordinance outlines the requirements for
water supply and sewage disposal);
further development of commercial wet
'
docking.storage facilities, and multi-
level dry docking storage facilities
(Sect. 7.09 of the Zoning Ordinance
outlines the regulations governing'
'
marinas).
C.
Encourage stricter enforcement of CAMA
regs. by CAMA permit officer.
d.
Encourage stricter enforcement of all
water quality regs. by Division of
Environmental Management.
e.
. Investigate/implement means of extending
southern border of existing planning
jurisdiction.
f.
Seek funding to provide technical
assistance in investigating the
potentialreduction of agricultural
'
nonpoint source pollution (sediment,
nutrients, animal wastes, and
pesticides); via such means as
conservation tillage, filter strips,
sediment control structures, etc.
g.
Seek funding to provide technical
assistance in developing a stormwater
'
drainage system plan.
h.
Develop program for removing existing
pilings in public trust waters. Seek
assistance from N.C. DOT in pulling up
pilings..
45 .

i. Sponsor education and training
workshops for all citizens of Bath in
coordination with NRCD and other groups
whose primary interest is protection of
water quality..
j. Protect waterways from improper
=infilling and dredging.
k. Intitiate process of opening waters pre-
viously closed to fishing by upgrading
classification.
1. Encourage enforcement of speed limits
on public trust waters by U.S. Coast
Guard.
M. Work toward amending the Town Zoning.
Ordinance to encourage shoreline
development setbacks and/or vegetated
buffers along the perimeter •of fragile
wetlands and water bodies..
2. Protect areas of environmental concern a. Encourage stricter enforcement of
(environmentally sensitive lands). permit authority by the CAMA permit
.officer and eliminate any further marina
development.
b. Permit only "water -dependant" uses in
coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and
public trust waters areas of
environmental concern located in the
Bath planning district.
C. The location, design, and construction
of'any project in an AEC must give
highest priority to the conservation of
coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and
the resources,in public trust areas to
safeguard and perpetuate their
biological, economic, and social
values; and protect public rights of
navigation and recreation in public
trust areas.
d. Act in accordance with Sect. 4.14 of
the Zoning Ordinance which states that
the zoning administrator and the local.
AEC Permit Officer must certify that.a
proposed use or structure located in.an
AEC complies with development standards
of the "State Guidelines for AEC's prior
to issuing any zoning permit.
46

3. Protect agricultural lands located a. Identify most productive agricultural
' in areas designated as rural or lands not required for future town
conservation on 1986 Land Classi- growth and restrict non-agricultural
fication Map. uses in these lands.
b..• Upon identification of these lands,
petition the county to use special
tax incentives which will allow these
lands to remain productive.
4. Protect cultural/historic resources. a.
Continue strict regulation of all
development within the Bath Historic
b.
District.
Encourage compatible development within
Bath Historic District. Compatible
development includes any development in
keeping with the current 'Zoning
Ordinance (Article VIII) having
architectural features in harmonv with
other buildings in the Historic District.
5. Protect potable water supply. a.
Engage au-thorities of the County Health
Department and the Regional Office of .
'
Environmental Health to monitor the
incidence of coliform pollution in the
town's water system before and after
'
development'of the wastewater system.
b.
Designate the upgrading/expansion of
the wastewater system as the next
major community facility capital
expenditure.
C.
Encourage package treatment use
for large scale development projects.
6. Investigate and implement- available a.
Seek funding to provide technical
'
erosion prevention measures.
assistance in investigating the
potential reduction of agricultural
nonpoint.source pollution (sediment,
nutrients, animal wastes, and
pesticides); via such means as
conservation tillage, filter strips,
sediment control structures; etc.
.
b.
Seek funding to provide technical
assistance in developing a stormwater
drainage system plan.
'
C.
Act in accordance with the
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan
filed with the Division of Land Quality.
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B. Resource Production and Management
' . The purpose of this section is to discuss areas in the Bath planning
jurisdiction that offer production potential and which must be effectively
managed to realize their fullest potential.
Bath's most important area of resource production potential is
commercial fisheries. This is evident after examination of the 1986 Bath
Household Survey results. The policy objectives and strategies for
implementation following this narrative are designed to protect this valuable
' resource.
Agricultural lands are also a prime resource in the Bath planning
' jurisdiction. Beaufort county is annually among the leaders in North
' Carolina in corn, grain, and soybean production. The policies developed in
this plan will protect all agricultural lands contained in areas designated
rural or conservation on Map I - Land Classification (page 92).
Another source of resource production which Bath would like to
' discourage is phospate mining. Massive deposits of phosphate and ore lie
beneath the land surface and water bodies in the Bath planning jurisdiction.
As evidenced in the 1986 Bath Household Survey, potential phosphate mining is
tconsidered as a seriously important issue in the area.
Bath has had the opportunity to watch the development of Texas Gulf on
the south shore.of the Pamlico River and considers the economic benefits of
each production less beneficial than the benefits derived from protecting
water quality.
Currently it is too expensive to mine phosphate so far beneath the
surface of Bath. Technology, however, is rapidly changing. Bath must act
' now to impede the growth of phosphate mining in its planning jurisdiction.
48

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other issues to be addressed in this section include off -road vehicles
' and commercial forestry. Neither is applicable in the Bath planning
jurisdiction.
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RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• POLICY OBJECTIVE
----
_-STRATEGIES FOR. IMPLEMENTATION
1. Protect and promote the commercial a.
Encourage the monitoring of algaie growth
fishing industry.
by the Div. of Environmental Management.
_ b.
Prohibit further development of wet and
'
dry storage marinas on Bath and Back
Creeks. Sect. 7.09 of the Zoning
Ordinance outlines the present
regulations governing marina development.
C.
Prohibit floating home development on
Bath and Back Creeks by amendment to the
Zoning Ordinance.
d.
Encourage the Coast Guard and N.C.
Wildlife officials to check moored
boats in Bath and Back Creeks for open.
heads and discharge.
e.
Establish Bath Pier Development Project
(see Objective 6).
2. Protect agricultural lands located a.
Identify most productive agricultural
in areas designated as rural or
lands not required for future town
conservation on -1986 Land Classi-
growth and restrict non-agricultural
'
fication flap.
uses in these lands.
b.
Upon identification of these lands,
petition the county to use special
'
tax incentives which will allow these
lands to remain productive.
3. Discourage phosphate mining operations a.
Maintain cordial communication with
within the Town's planning jurisdiction
Texas Gulf regarding their potential
and adjacent.areas.
expansion.
'
b.
Acquire technicalassistance from the
Environmental Section of the N.C.
Division of Coastal Management to develop
standards and criteria prohibiting the
potential expansion of phosphate mining
and incorporating those criteria and
stand.ards'into the Bath Zoning
Ordinance.
C.
Encourage neighboring communities to
develop policies prohibiting expansion
of the phosphate mining industry into
their planning jurisdictions.
d.
Support the prohibition of phosphate
and other types of mining in public
'
trust waters.
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r4. Engage in the removal of all man-made a: Encourage the voluntary filling of
hazards. unused septic tanks.
r b. Develop program for removing existing
pilings in public trust waters. Seek
assistance from N.C. DOT in pull.ing up
pilings.
C. Protect waterways from improper filling
and%or dredging..
' d. Protect public trust waters from mining.
'5. Investigate and implement available' a. Seek funding to provide technical
erosion prevention measures. assistance in investigating the
potential reduction of agricultural
nonpoint source pollution (sediment,
nutrients, animal wastes, and
pesticides); via such means as
conservation tillage, filter strips,
sediment.control structures, etc.
rb. Seek funding to provide technical
assistance in developing a.stormwater
drainage system plan.
1
6. Establish Bath Pier Development Project.a. Seek funding for development of a dock
' where fisherman can unload their catch.
Potential funding sources include NRCD
Recreation Funds, NRCD Land and Water
Conservation Fund, and NRCD Wildlife
' Resources Commission, Division of
Inland Fisheries Fund.
b. Encourage coordination among government
' regulations regarding waterfront
development.
' 7. Off -road vehicles a. Not applicable.
8. Commercial Forestry a. Not applicable
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Economic and Commmit Development
' The pleasant location of Bath, between the Bath and Back Creeks, and
the construction of the wastewater system is making the area very attractive
1 to developers. The Town of Bath is very alert to the problems that
uncontrolled growth can pose. The -Town intends to monitor all development`
1 within its planning area closely.
' Desirable Development
The 1986 Bath Household Survey, described in Section III. - Continuing
' Public Participation (page 59) extensively surveyed the residents of Bath.
With those results in mind, the Bath Planning Board will encourage the
following types of development:
- Continued protection of natural resources
' - Continued protection of historic and cultural resources
- Continued protection of agricultural lands
- Restaurants and retail shops
- Overnight accomodations
Housing for elderly and low-income groups
The Planning Board intends to continue eliminating private marinas, and
discourages water access for sailboats only, and subdivision development
' wherein the Town provides all facilities.
The desired pattern of growth is described in Section V of this plan
' Land Classification. In short, it is desired that residential and small
business development happen within Town limits before happening out of Town
limits (Map I - Land Classification on page 92). This will allow the Town
to expand its tax base while keeping costs associated with expanding
community facilities to a minimum.
The agriculture and fishing industries are the industries the Town
intends to promote. It is hoped that through grantsmanship the Town -can
procur funds with which to promote these industries:
52

Given a small town budget, extension of community services is very
difficult for the Town of Bath to initiate. As such, the Town must make it
policy that all development requiring the expansion of community services
will be the financial responsibility of the developer. The Board of
' Commissioners is in -the process of establishing policy outlining the costs
associated with hooking up to the wastewater system. As other development
presents itself, whether it be wastewater system expansion or road paving,
similar policies will be developed. The Zoning ordinance should reflect
' these policies.
The Town of Bath has a history of supporting all federal, state, and
county programs. A list. of these programs is contained on page 115.
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'
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
------------------------------------------------
POLICY OBJECTIVE
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
1. :,Support expansion of existing industry a.
Work with industrial recruitment staff
and recruitment of new industry.
of N.C. Dept. of Commerce.
'
o,
b.)lrci+t cechnical asslscance troy.
regional development groups: Mid -East'.
Commission and Northeastern North
Carolina Tomorrow.
c.
Encourage development of restaurants,
overnight accomodations, and retail
shops.
2. Preserve the community based school as a.
Monitor actions of Beaufort County
a working, viable facility.
Board of Education.
b.
Maintain at a minimum grades K - 12 in
Bath.
'
3. Maintain and enhance'the availability a.
Encourage housing development by
of -adequate housing for elderly and low
not -for -profit groups.
'
income persons.
b.
Provide financial support as possible.
4. Improve infrastructure and services to a.
Seek additional funding for the
the water
accomodate future growth.
upgrading and expansion of
and sewer system.
b.
Seek additional funding f.or the
upgrading and expansion of the
streets and roads in designated areas.
C.
Designate the upgrading/expansion of
the wastewater system as the next
major community facility capital
expenditure.
d.
Provide for_the adequate collection and
disposal of garbage.
e.
Encourage the expansion of both the
police and fire departments. Promote
i
the development of police department.
5. Promote tourism and recreational a.
Encourage initiatives directed towards
in the
industry development..
enhancing tourist activities
area.
b.
Establish Bath Pier Development Project.
'
(see Objective 7).
C.
Continue sharing promotional efforts
with the State of Bath's historic
properties.
54

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6. Protect Bath's cultural/historical a.
Encourage compatible development
'
resources.
between historic and non -historic -
properties.
1
b.
Promote quality commercial development.
C.
Encourage the demolition of dilapidated
housing.
'
d.
Encourage the rehabilitation and
productive use of older structures.
7. Establish Bath Pier Development Project.a.
Seek funding for development of a dock
where fisherman can unload their catch.
Potential funding sources include MRCD
Recreation Funds, NRCD Land and Water
Conservation Fund, and NRCD Wildlife
Resources Commission, Division of
Inland Fisheries Fund.
1
8. Prevent private, commercial marina a.
Retain zoning ordinance to disallow all -
development.
future private marina development.
9. Provide a''location for potential energy a.
Examine potential energy facility
facility sitings as opportunities
siting proposals thoroughly before
present themselves.
authorizing construction.
b.
Oppose all proposals for potential
location of a nuclear energy facility.
C.
Permit energy facility sitings in
--
locations zoned I-L (Light Industrial
1
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D. Storm Hazard Mitigation
The importance of a sound storm mitigation or.hurricane planning cannot
be over -emphasized. There are three major reasons for such planning.
1) To save lives.
2) To save capital investments.
3) To save irreplaceable natural resources.
Residents of Bath have always lived under the threat of hurricanes and
their potentially disastrous results. As the Town grows, so grows the
severity of loss. Due to this ever-increasing severity of loss it is
important to plan now to be prepared for tomorrow.
The purpose of this section is to provide a brief overview of the
guidelines in planning for a major storm. These general guidelines are
elaborated upon in accordance with LAMA guidelines, in Section Iv of this
plan - Storm Hazard Mitigation found on page 62.
56

'
STORM MITIGATION
HAZARD
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY OBJECTIVE
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
1. Protect areas of environmental concern
a.
Continue enforcement of permit authority
and environmentally sensitive lands.
by CAMA permit officer.
'
b.
List specific appropriate and
inappropriate uses for each AEC in the
City Zoning Ordinance (See page 40).
'
2. Maintain and/or strengthen existing
a.
Enforce the State Building Code taking
policies known to decrease the risk of
maximum advantage of its construction
hurricane damage.
standards which deal with its effects
of.high wind.
b.
Support the local CAMA Permit Officer
in discouraging the construction of
'
hotels, restaurants, and similar large
commercial structures in erosion -prone
areas.
'
c.
Act in accordance with the
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan
filed with the Environmental Management
Commission.
d.
e.
1
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1
3. Increase public -awareness of hurricane a.
' preparation.
1 b,
57
Encourage the .removal of all structures
and uses which are in non-conformance
with hazard mitigation policies.
Develop a policy addressing the
relocation of damaged structures out of
hazardous areas.
Continue to use the Zoning_Ordinance
as an instrument to mitigate hurricane
damage.
Conduct a risk -avoidance education
program through the Office of Emergency
Management to advise current and
prospective developers of existing
storm risks in Bath.
Conduct hurricane education program
through the Office of Emergency
Management in all public schools to
instruct youngsters what to do in the
event of a storm.

In the event of a major storm...
t1. Prioritize all clean—up efforts
a. Service facilities (electricity, water,
sewer, etc.) should be repaired first.
b. Public facilities which, -could be used
for additional shelter should be
repaired next.
C. A "worst damage" approach should follow.
afterwards.
d. The city should be prepared to adopt a
temporary moratorium on all new
development until reconstruction is
complete.
'
2. Createy a "Recover Task Force" and a.
The task force should include the
allocate responsibilities among members.
following members or representatives:
1. Town Administrator
'
2. Mayor Pro Tem
3. Chief of Volunteer Fire Dept.
4. Community Rescue Squad Appointee
President of Ruritan Club
6. President of Lion's Club
3. Coordinate all efforts with necessary a.
Upon establishment of the "Recovery
'
County, State, and Federal agencies.
Task Force" and allocation of
responsibilities, notify agencies.
listed under Intergovernmental
Coordination.
58

' E. Continuing Public Participation
Public participation was a vital concern during the process of preparing
the 1986 Bath Land Use Plan.
' Planning for the public input began in December, 1985, after the Town's
consultants, Planning & Design. Associates, P.A., had researched all past
plans and met with the Town Board of Commissioners (Appendix A, page 94) and
the Town Planning Board (Appendix B, page 95).
After these initial steps were completed, a household survey was drafted.
This draft was reviewed by the Town Board of Commissioners and the Planning.
Board. Upon their review, a final draft was completed and distributed to as
many households in the Bath Planning Area as possible. A copy of the 1986
Bath Household Survey is contained in Appendix C on page 96.
' The survey questioned the Bath residents' attitudes regarding the
importance of particular issues in the Bath area. The survey also questioned
peoples' attitudes regarding potential types of development, as to whether
' particular types of development were desirable or undesirable. All responses
were tabulated. The absolute results appear in Appendix D, page 102.
' Ninety-seven (97) completed surveys were received. The section of this
plan describing the description of existing conditions estimates that there.
are approximately 113 occupied housing units within Town limits now. Assuming
there are near 50 housing units in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (see
Existing Land Use Map, page 79), approximately 163 households exist in the
' total planning area. These survey results reflect the attitudes of
' approximately 600 of all households in .the Bath planning area.
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After receiving the results of the survey the Planning Board had six
' board meetings concerning the Land Use Plan Update:
May 12, 1986
' June 2, 1986
June 9, 1986
June 23, 1986
July 14,1986
August 11, 1986.
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CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATIOPd
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY OBJECTIVE
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.1. Encourage participation in land use
discussion by all sectors of the
a.
Develop a roster of civic organizations
and key individuals to be notified of
population.
public meetings regarding land use
issues.
Publicize notices of meetings in local
newspaper preceded by•feature.articles
on specific issues to be discussed
during upcoming meetings.
2. Educate the citizens of Bath about
a.
Distribute brochures currently
'
issues facing the area regarding
available in annual tax bills or in
matters of resource protection,
utility bills.
resource production, and community
'
development.
b.
Prepare public information programs for
presentation to civic groups, churches,
and school classes.
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IV. Storm Hazard Mitigation
' A. Overview
The importance of a sound storm mitigation plan cannot be over-
emphasized. There are three major reasons.for such planning: -
1) To save lives.
' 2) To save capital investments
3) To save irreplaceable natural resources
' Bath will. always face a strong threat from hurricanes, northeasters, and
'other major storms. As the Town.continues to grow; its potential loss
increases. Due to this ever-increasing severity of loss it is important to
plan now to be prepared for tomorrow._
The purpose of this section is to offer guidelines towards planning for
' a major storm. Following this overview are five sub -sections which contain
the guidelines the Town intends to follow in preparation for a major storm
' and the reconstruction to occur afterwards.
B. Storm Hazards
' The first step in this storm mitigation plan is to identify and map all
areas of the community which are most vulnerable to hurricane damages and to
identify the damaging forces each area is subject to.
The areas most vulnerable to hurricane or other major storms are all
AECs, found within the Bath Planning area. These areas are coastal wetlands
and public trust waters. AECs are defined and identified in Section IV.A of
this plan. These areas have been classified as conservation. The location of
AECs is noted on Map D (page 87).
Other areas vulnerable to hurricane or other major storms are those
areas with an elevation below the 100 year flood plain. The 100 year flood
' plain elevation for the Town of Bath is 10 feet. A map of areas with an
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Ma a ele ion below 10 feet is contained in e 90 elevation P G (Pa .
g �.. These areas have a
1% chance of flood inundation in any given year.
.The entire Bath Planning Area is also vulnerable to hurricane damages.
' The areas listed above are subject to damaging forces that include high
Winds, flooding, erosion, and wave action/battering. SWSH maps from the
' Department of Emergency Management identify the likely level of inundation
based on storm category. According to these maps approximately one third of
the Bath planning area is vulnerable to storms up to 110 miles per hour.
These storms cause water to surge 6 to 8 feet above normal. In such storms
coastal and low lying roads will be flooded. This information should be taken
into account when planning for future development in Bath.- The Town must
consider policies concerning damaged structures in these hazardous areas. The
removal of structures and uses in non-conformance with hazard mitigation
policies is encouraged.
The chart below ranks the severity of risk in each hazard area according to
' the damaging forces which are likely to occur there.
63

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1
1
1
1
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1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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The Bath Planning Area is subject to high wind damage.
A map outlining f lood-prone areas is contained in Map G (page 90). A map
locating areas subject to erosion and minimal wave action.- the AECs, is
located in Map D (page 87): A map _outlining man-made hazards is located in
Map F (page 89).
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C. Description of Types and Severity of Risk in Hazard Areas
A key component of this storm mitigation plan is the following
description of what is at risk in the Bath Planning Area. This risk
description includes, in accordance with CAMA guidelines, an inventory of
land uses and an inventory of structures within the planning area. Also
provided, as per CAMA guidelines, is an indication of the monetary value of
the losses that the planning area might sustain in the event of a major storm.
A narrative description of the inventory of land uses in the Bath
Planning Area is contained in Section ILC and an existing land.use map is
contained in Map A (page 84) of this plan. The land use map enables the
' Town to measure the severity of what the city has at risk in terms of
commercial, industrial, and institutional structures.
What the Town of Bath has at risk is considerable - both in terms of
population and in housing structures. There is a total population of
approximately 250 in the Town of Bath. There are approximately 120 housing
' units, 1 institutional structure, 1 utilities structure, and 6 commercial
' structures. Assuming a median value of 125,000 for the housing units,
$50,000 for the institutional structure, $50,00 for the utilities structure,
and $30,000 for the commercial structures; the Town of Bath has approximately
$3.28 million worth of buildings at risk.
The evacuability of the Bath Planning Area is discussed in Before the
Storm in Beaufort County: Avoiding Harm's Way, the County's storm mitigation
' plan. Eight evacuation zones have been established' in the County. The Bath
Planning Area lies within Zone III.
The analysis provided in Before the Storm in Beaufort County provides
evidence that the entire Town of Bath is well within the standard warning
�
65

time of 12 hours provided by the National Weather Service. The principle
road in Bath, Highway 92, is capable of transporting 7150 vehicles per day at
35 miles per hour. This allows the Town of Bath ample room for growth while
still maintaining good evacuability.
The Town of Bath has one evacuation shelter available to residents of its
planning area -- the Bath High School. The next closest shelter is Beaufort
Community College, located between Bath and Washington.
D. Recommended Policies Regarding Storm Mitigation
Policy statements and implementation strategies offered in this section
of the Land Use Plan will decrease the Town's risk of hurricane damage:
Policy Objective Strategies for Implementation
1. Protect Areas of Environmental a. Continue enforcement of permit
Concern authority by CAMA permit officer.
b. List specific appropriate and
inappropriate uses for each
AEC in the Town Zoning
Ordinance (see page 40).
2. Maintain or strengthen
existing policies known to
decrease the risk of hurricane
damage.
Policy Objective
66
a. Enforce the State Building Code.
taking maximum advantage of its
construction standards which deal
with the effects of high wind.
b. Support the local CAMA Permit
Officer in discouraging the
construction of hotels,
restaurants, and similar large
commercial structures in erosion -
prone areas.
Strategies for Implementation
c. Act in accordance with the
Erosion and Sedimentation
Control Plan filed with the
Environmental Management
Commission.

' 3. Increase public awareness of
hurricane preparation.
a. Conduct a risk -avoidance
education program through the
Office of Emergency Management to
advise current and prospective
developers of existing storm
risks in Bath
b. Conduct hurricane education
program through the Office of
Emergency Management in all
public schools to instruct
youngsters what to do in the
event of a storm.
E. Reconstruction
According to Before the Storm: Managing Development to Reduce
Hurricane Damages, by William D. Mctlyea, David J. Brower, and David R.
Godschalk, a reconstruction plan has four purposes. It should:
1. Expedite community recovery by outlining procedures and requirements
before damages occur.
2. Establish a procedural framework for putting storm mitigation
measures into effect after disaster strikes the community and
buildings and utilities are being repaired and rebuilt.
3. Gather and analyze information concerning the location and nature of
hurricane damages in the community.
4. Assess the community's vulnerability to hurricane damages and guide.
reconstruction to minimize this vulnerability.
Beaufort county has a post disaster reconstruction plan, the Beaufort county
' Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan, which was adopted in September 1982.
That plan addresses post disaster reconstruction, fulfilling all four purposes
cited in Before the Storm: Managing Development to Reduce Hurricane Damages..
The Town of Bath should follow the guidelines set forth in that plan,
paying particular attention to Annex F (Beaufort County Damage Assessment
' Plan), Annex G (Disaster Assistnce Program Summary), and Annex I (Beaufort
County Plan for Temporary Housing).
In addition to following the guidelines of the Beaufort County Disaster
67

Relief and Assistance Plan, there are several courses of action the Town
should take that will complement the Beaufort County Disaster. Relief and
Assistance Plan. These courses of action will also expedite the successful
delivery of the Beaufort County Plan. The following policy objectives and
implementation strategies further define the policy statements offered in
Section IV of this plan.
Policy Objective
1. Prioritize all clean-up
efforts.
2. Create a "Recovery Task
Force" and allocate respon-
sibilities among members.
3. Coordinate.all efforts with
necessary County, State, and
Federal agencies.
Strategies for Implementation
a. Service facilities (electricity,
water, sewer, etc.) should be
repaired first.
b. Public Facilities which could be
used for additional shelter
should be.repaired next.
c. A "worst damage" approach should
follow afterwards.
d. The Town should be prepared to
adopt a temporary moratorium on
all new development until
reconstruction is complete.
a. The task force should include the
following members or
representatives:
1. Town Administrator
2. Mayor Pro Tem.
3. Chief of Volunteer Fire Dept.
4. Comm. Rescue Squad Appointee
5. President of Ruritan Club
6. President of Lion's Club
b. Upon establishment of the
"Recovery Task Force" and
allocation of responsibilities,
notify agencies listed under
Intergovernmental Coordination.

iF. Intergovernmental Coordination
' The Town of Bath is responsible for reporting. all of its activities
concerning storm hazard mitigation and hurricane preparedness with the
following agencies:
N.C. Division of Coastal Management
State Office: Division of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
[phone]
Field Office: Office of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
1424 Carolina Avenue
P.O. Box 1507
Washington, NC 27889
[phone]
N.C. Division of Emergency Management
State Office: Division of Emergency Management
Department of Crime Control and Public Safety
116 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27611
1 [phone]
Regional Office Area Emergency Management Coordinator
N.C. Division of Emergency Management
607 Bank Street
Washington, NC 27889
_ [phone]
■ National Flood insurance Program Information:
Flood Insurance Coordinator
Division of Emergency Management
116 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27611
r(919) 733-2850
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
69

Public Information - [phone]
Publications - (202) 287-068.9
Regional Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Region IV
1375 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30309
Public Information - [phone]
Disaster Assistance Program - [phone]
Flood Insurance Program - [phone]
70

' d Classification stem
V. Lan System
' A. Land Classification and policy Relationship
The Land Classification Map is included in this Plan (Map I, page 92)
as'a framework for local government to utilize when identifying future land
use. The map accompanying the 1986 Bath Land Use Plan is based on
' documentation from previous plans, studies, and existing published data, work
' sessions with the Planning Board, and public participation.
The purpose of the Land. Classification Map is to illustrate the Town's
' policy statements provided in this land use plan. The areas_ shown on the land
map serve as a guideline for Bath's official Growth Policy, and, as such,
serves as a visual reference for use in.policy implementation. It is not'a
' strict regulatory mechanism.
The land classification system renders particular attention to how,
' where, and when certain types of development will be encouraged or
discouraged. The CAMA land classification system contains five broad classes:
' developed, transition, community, rural, and conservation. Bath's Land
Classification Map includes two Transition classes: Transition I indicates
areas that have the potential to be developed in the.next five years, and
' Transition II indicates areas that have the potential to be developed and
require community services in the next ten years. In the Town of Bath's
' Planning Area, the community classification is not applicable.
1
71

' The following narrative describes the classification of the 1986 Bath
' Land Classification Map.
B. Developed
' The purpose of the Developed class is to provide for continued intense
' development and re -development of existing incorporated areas.
The land designated as developed includes mixed land uses such as
' residential, commercial, cultural, and other uses at moderate to.high
densities. The developed area.also encompasses an.established historic
' district for which an ordinance has been established.
' Bath's current developed area contains enough land to accomodate the
probable increase of dwelling units between now and the year 2000. It is
' desired that residential and small business development occur within the
Town's developed area before it occurs outside of the Town limits in the
' Transition areas.
' C. Transition
The Transition classification represents areas that are either presently
being developed for urban purposes or have the potential to be developed in
the next five to ten years. The Transition category identifies land available
to accomodate anticipated population and urban growth in cases where it
' cannot be adequately.absorbed by lands classified as developed. The intent
of the Transition classification is to illustrate emerging and developing
' areas to ensure that the local government is prepared to provide adequate
community services to manage such development.
' Many of these areas are in, or will be in, a state of "transition" from
' lower intensity uses to higher intensity uses. Transition I areas indicated
on the Land Classification Map are an example of this type of Transition
' 72

classification.
' In some cases, the Transition classification represents areas that will
not dramatically increase in intensity of use but are expected to require
' community services in the future. Transition II areas are included in this
'. category.
The type of development to occur in these Transition areas is identified
' as either Mixed, Residential, or Industrial. The purpose of these
subcategories is to ensure that appropriate development occurs within a
' particular area. All development must be monitored to guarantee that it does
' not disrupt the environmental and cultural integrity of the area. All
development must be in accordance with the Policy objectives identified in
this Land Use Plan.
Transition Mixed
' There is no Transition I Mixed.
' Transition II Mixed is located to the southeast of Town across Back
Creek along NC 92. A restaurant is located in this area. More expansive
' community services will be required in this area within the next ten years.
Transition Residential
' Transition I Residential is identified on the Land Classification Map
' as that area immediately north of Town (west of King Street) up to Possum
Hill Road. It also includes frontage on Possum Hill Road.
' Transition I Mixed is also identified as the area east of Town to Back
Creek. Much of this area will be served by the new wastewater treatment
system. Annexation of Sprindale village is already planned.
' Considerable residential development has been taking place in this area.
This area was cited by many 1986 Bath Household Survey respondents as the
73

between now and the year 2000. Nevertheless, the Town Board has selected
these areas as potential areas to be served with urban services because of
their attractiveness -to developers, their potential availability for sale
and development, and the willingness of interest to developers in having
' their property annexed, and conversely, because of the reluctance on the
part of those who own land inside the already developed area to sell it for
residential or other uses. It is important to understand that the local
zoning ordinance will specify particular uses, densities, site design, etc.,
and is the tool must often used to carry out the intent of the plan and
' policies of the Town in these areas.
Thus, the total area shown as "transition" is larger than the amount of
' land needed for proposed population increases which cannot be accommodated in
the vacant developed areas. Nevertheless, the Town Board wanted to offer this
tland as modified transition as inducement for future growth and development.
' The size of these transition areas, plus the fact that much of it lies outside
the presently incorporated area, raises concerns of cost of extending
services. The Town is aware that outside extension of services to entice or
support urban intensity of development is often very expensive. Thus,
detailed financial feasibility studies are recommended as each outside
1 transition area is considered for provision of services.
D. Rural
' The purpose of the rural class is to provide for agricultural, forest
management, mineral extractions and other low intensity uses.
In accordance with the CAMA regulations, lands in this area have high
' potential for agricultural use. The rural classification also includes lands
with one or more limitations that- would.make development costly and hazardous
75

(particularly deep slopes and flood prone areas).
' Bath has considerable potential for mineral extraction activity and
there are good stands of trees in the area. Since the Planning. Board'
' its oli discussion) does not want to encourage mining or
(through policy
' commercial forestation in the one -mile planning area, the rural category has
been modified to provide for only desired uses within the broader "rural"
' category. Permissible uses in the rural classification are very low density
agriculture, residential, and commercial development.
E. Conservation
The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for effective long-
term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. This
' management is necessary in the Bath Planning -Area along the coastal shorelines
of Bath and Back Creeks [areas designated as public trust waters and coastal
' wetlands (marshes)].
' The Town Board wishes that these waters and marshes be protected and
that only the uses it stated as desirable be permitted there. Because any
' development, including fill and mining, will destroy such valuable areas,
they are herein designated "conservation" in the strictest sense of the
' category. As such, no public funds, either direct or indirect, are to be
used to encourge intensive development in the conservation class.
This classification does not limit all development. Any development
' in these areas must protect the natural barriers to erosion that shorelines
provide, protect documented historic architecture or archeological
resources, not cause undue sedimentation, and not cover an undue
' portion of the site with an impervious surface. Examples of suitable us(,s
for conservation lands are parks and recreation areas.
' 76

vi. Analysis of Policy Achievements since 1981
New to the CAMA land use planning. process this year is the requirement
rthat all plans.contain a section dedicated to examining policy achievements
' which have occurred since the development of the last land use plan.
The Town of Bath last prepared a land use plan during the years 1980-
' 81. Like this current plan, the last plan was prepared utilizing grant
money provided by the Division of Coastal Management of the North Carolina
' Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. Also like this
current plan, the last plan was developed with consultant assistance
1
provided by Planning & Design Associates, P.A. of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Policy objectives in the previous Bath Land Use Plan, categorized under
the CAMA guidelines of Resource Protection, Resource Production and
IManagement, Economic and Community Development, Continuing Public
IParticipation, and Other Policies included:
Resource Protection
' Safeguard and perpetuate the biological, social,. economic, and aesthetic
value of the community's coastal wetlands (salt marshes) and the public trust
waters (of Bath and Back Creeks).
Reduce occasional coliform pollution in the community's water system.
Adequately provide water service to residents (and to potential developers).
I Improve wastewater treatment in the Town through initiating steps to install
p . g
a community, land based wastewater treatment system.
' Direct development with proper consideration of soils, pending completion of
the detailed soils survey.
' Preserve farmland in a manner which accommodates the best mix of other uses
inside the town limits and inside the one -mile area.
Guide development to protect historic properties and perpetuate the historic
character and atmosphere of the community.
77
IF

1
Rid the Town of man-made hazards, especially dilapidated, vacant structures.
Reduce the rate of erosion of the shores of Bath and.Back Creek, especially
at Handy's Point and Bonners Point.
Resource Production and Management
Use areas designated as prime, agricultural land in the most productive
' manner.
Equip the Town to influence the impact which phosphate mining may have upon
its planning area between now and the year 2000.
Protect and insure that the waters of Bath and Back Creeks and the Pamlico
River are at least of sufficient quality to*promote the commercial and
' recreational fishing industry.
Economic and Community Development
Achieve levels, types, and patterns of economic and community development
which are consistent with the historic character of the Town, raise local*
' employment levels, and otherwise contribute to the economic base, so as to
implement the Land Classification Map.
Promote location of light, non-polluting industry to employ local people.
' Develop the Town's capacity to provide services to development mindful of -
impacts upon taxes and developers costs. -
Promote development in the pattern stipulated in the 1990 Land Design Man,
namely: encourage residential development near the current downtown area;
' concentrate institutional and cultural development so as to allow other areas
to develop more intensively; concentrate agricultural and forestry uses
outside the existing.Town limits; undertake redevelopment of the existing
Town, especially within the historic district, near the school, in the older
' business section, and in areas now used for agriculture or which are vacant.
Support selected state and federal programs in the Bath planning area.
Support efforts of the Coast Guard to maintain the channels of Bath and Back
Creek.
Prevent the location of large energy facilities within the one -mile planning
area.
' Accommodate future efforts to develop private or public access to the waters
of the Creeks.
' Continuing Public Participation
Achieve meaningful participation in land -use related planning matters.
' 78

r
' Other Policies
Achieve better intergovernmental coordination with respect to development
policies, budgeting, implementation, particularly with Beaufort County
government.
' The effectiveness of the previous land use plan policy objectives is
discussed in the following narrative. This discussion is categorized as the
tobjectives were offered in the CAMA policy categories of Resource
Protection, Resource Production and Management, Economic and Community
' Development, Continuing Public .Participation,. and other Policies.
Resource Protection
' Upon completion of the 1981 Bath Land Use Plan, the Town of Bath
immediately initiated a program of grantsmanship which started the Town on
the path of realizing many of its policy objectives listed under this
' category.
In 1982 the Town of Bath applied for and received a grant from the
Division of Coastal Management's planning and management grant program with
which to provide technical assistance in developing a centralized wastewater
' system which would be affordable for residents of the Town, many of whom are
retired and live on a fixed income.
This culminated in a report titled "Planned Variations of the Proposed
' Wastewater Treatment System" prepared by Planning & Design Associates, P.A.
This report analyzed the Town of Bath as the prototype of small, coastal
communities that need wastewater treatment, yet lack the capital funding or
operating revenue base for such a venture. The report examined various
alternative wastewater treatment systems, made recommendations on which to pursue, and
79

offered financial scenarios by which.the Town could develop such a system.
' With grant and loan money.from the NC Department of Natural Resources
' and Community Development, the Farmer's Home Administrtion, the NC General
Assembly, and with local General Obligation Bonds approved by the Local.
' Government Commission, a wastewater treatment.system Cor the Town of Bath was
1
80

' developed. Construction began in May 1986 and is expected to be completed by
December 1986. other achievements under this category include:
-An ongoing program of voluntary removal of pilings in Bath and Back
Creeks. A comparison of the Hazard Areas map in the 1986 land use
plan with a Hazards Area map in the 1981 land use plan will show that
a significant number have been removed.
' - The continued protection of the Bath Historic District by the Bath
Historic District Commission.
Resource Production and Management
Policy achievements include:
- Continued protection of the water quality of Bath and Back Creeks by:
1. Development of.the-wastewater system.
2. Prohibition of the development of an additional marina adjacent to
the Bath Creek Bridge.
' 3. Approximately 1200 feet of commercial bulkhead has been constructed
around Bonner's Point.
' Economic and Community Development
Policy achievements include:
' - Achieve levels, types, and patte-rris of economic and community growth
which are consistent with the historic character of the Town
1. Prohibition of the development of an additional marina adjacent to
' the Bath Creek Bridge.
Develop the Town's capacity to provide services to development mindful
of impacts upon taxes and developers costs by:
1. Development of a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater
system will allow densities high enough to generate revenues
sufficient to accomodate desired development patterns. The
placement of the wastewater lines will stimulate the redevelopment
81

and development of the older areas of town. The wastewater
treatment facility eliminates the burden on local industry to
furnish its own wastewater treatment.
- T:'ncourage development that contributes to the economic base.
1. Construction of a new restaurant which serves the local
population and the tourists.
Continuing Public Participation
Policy achievements include:
- Achieve meaningful public participation in land -use related planning
matters by:
1. Public Participation in the 1986 Bath Land Use Plan Update. A
household survey was distributed to as many of the families in the
Bath Planning Area as possible. The survey questioned the Bath
residents' attitudes regarding the importance of particular issues in
the Bath area. The survey also questioned peoples' attitudes
regarding potential types of development, as to whether particular
types of development were desirable or undesirable. Approximately 600
of all Bath households responded to the survey. The results of the
Bath Household Survey helped to determine not only the Policy
Objectives in this Land Use Update but the results contributed to
identifying the various types of development encouraged or discouraged
in specific areas of the Bath Planning Area.
Disk: Bath LUP
File: LUP
E:W

MAPS
Map A: Existing Land Use
Map B: Community Facilities
Map C: Historic District and Inventory of Historic Properties
Map D: Fragile Areas Map
Map E: Areas of Potential Septic Difficulty
Map F Hazard Areas
Map G: Flood Prone Areas
Map H: Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Routes and Shelters
Map I: Land Classification'Map

I
I
I
I
.1
I
I
11
Il
I
I
I
I
I
I
Extraterritorial Planning
Jurisdiction
Town Limits
MAIL
ci�
40t,
--WIN jpf'j'�: AR j
Springdal
p
Mow"
Village
Ir
...........
. .........
........ ..
*y:
92
r
r
If
r
r
'4-
C
r f
MAP A. .-7 r
EXISTING LAND USE
rr
SCALE 1'- 1500' r
ry
r:
r
0 375 750 15oo c, PLANNING 8 DESIGN ASSOCIATES. P.A. RALEIGH. N.C.
JANUARY, 1981, REVISED: APRIL, 1981, JULY, 1986. ■ RESIDENTIAL AREA INSTITUTIONAL (GOVERNMENT) C CEMETARY
TOWN OF
BATH ❑ COMMERCIAL AREA CHURCH
BEAUFORT COUNTY, INDUSTRIAL (I LOT) PAVED ROAD F'OnESTLAND
NORTH CAROLINA
JANUARY, 0 CULTURAL -- RECREATIONAL UNPAVED ROAD AGRICULIOIW.
The preparatior, of tl.,% report was financed in pail through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal lone fAanagamold Pruyxn,,
llit""'Uh 11m "ids pmby the GO-ILd lone Managonuml Acl.f 19 17.."
which is adminisle(ci by the Office Of Ocean am Coastal fieso ii c. mnag ent. and nd Atni—pho,k, A(hiiinislmti.n. I his Town of Milt, also contributed rash ..... I 4'-)j 1'.1--1

r -
1�
77
r
r
MAP B: (�
. COMMUNITY FACILITIES
' SCALE V = 1500'
0 975 750 1500 0000
177 -
Extraterritorial Planning
U
A Jurisdiction
�'•�"••• Town Limits
i
nnl'.
0.
.•
rr
W�
C1 PLANNING & DESIGN ASSOCIATES. P.A RALEIGH, N C
JANUARY. 1981. REVISED: APRIL. 1981. JULY. 1988-
'
. • • . • WASTE WATER LINE --
TOWN OF =
WATER STORAGE TANK
BATH O
BEAUFORT COUNTY, I1111 PUBLIC DOCK .
NORTH CAROLINA
PAVED ROAD — — WATERLINE
UNPAVED ROAD HYDRANT
SCHOOL ® WASTEWATER
FIRE DEPARTMENT TREATMENT FACILITY
JANUARY. 1981
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal Zone Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. as amended.
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of Bath also contributed cash and in -kind services.
85

MAP C:.
INVENTORY OF HISTORIC
PROPERTIES
SCALE 1" 1500'
0 375 750 1500 3000
X � -
w Extraterritorial Planning
Jurisdiction
� I
V �
rr
I
1
ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
Locations of archeological sites identified by the N.C. Division of Archives
.. and History are on file in the Division's Archeology Branch.
Oc PLANNING & DESIGN ASSOCIATES. P.A RALEIGH. N.0
JANUARY. 1981. REVISED: APRIL. 1931. JULY. 1986.
HISTORIC STRUCTURES
TOWN OF ® ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES I ;;windell; General Store 5 St Thomas Church
BATH 2. Palmer -Marsh house 6 New Public Library
BEAUFORT COUNTY, HISTORIC DISTRICT 3. Van Der Veer House 7. Carrow House
n. Glebe House 8-` Bonner House
NORTH CAROLINA
Source: Division of -Archives & History
JANUARY, 1981
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal Zone Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. as amended,
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of Bath also contributed cash. and in -kind services.
86

1
1\
it
Extraterritorial Planning
Jurisdiction f
•—Town limits
r •• J
It
N
MAP D:
FRAGILE AREAS Z= /
' SCALE 1" = 1500' ...........
_
� Cc� PLANNING 8 DESIGN ASSOCIATES. P.A. RALEIGH. N C
0 375 750 1500 3000 JANUARY, 1981. REVISED: APRIL, 1961. JULY, 1986
a
TOWN OF
BATH WETLANDS (MARSHES) NOTE: This map is intended to indicate general location of
BEAUFORT COUNTY, AEC's only. Actual specific location may be detc.mined
' NORTH CAROLINA ® PUBLIC TRUST WATERS only through site inspection.
' JANUARY, 1981
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal Zone Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. as amerded.
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of Bath also contributed cash and in -kind services:
87

I Extraterritorial Planning
1
Jurisdiction
0 -
Town limits 1
tf' I
• if
r
1 `
MAP F:.
HAZARD AREAS o r
SCALE 1" 1500' - ----
1 - C. PLANNING E DESIGN ASSOCIATES. P A. RALEIGH, N C
0 075 750 1500 7000 JANUARY- 1981 REVISED APRIL. 1981. JULY. 19f:rr i
TOWN OF ® DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS SHALLOW WATER. NOT BOUYED
1 BATH At, UNAUTHORIZED DUMPING ® FLOOD AREA
BEAUFORT COUNTY,
1 NORTH CAROLINA EXCESS EROSION
JANUARY, 1981
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal Zo:ra Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1072. as amended.
which Is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of Bath also contributed cash and in -kind services.
1 t�t%

MAP G: FLOOD -PRONE AREAS
Base by U.S. Geological Survey CONTOUR INTERVAL 5 FEET
1971 DATUM IS MEAN SEA LEVEL
7 `
a nip
b / �
_ x ins
b V
N •Tank y f t-
e j f Bath+ S� Cre`
i
,a
.l ti
1 Bonn rs'
12
a
Han
de
Q,
fs
b r
�'�♦ C 01 Pt 7
� a
ti
Xw Be sley a, •, `
O Ruins
6� ! /a r'
, a
4 O T♦�
24
♦ .�+
♦ © PLANNING & DESIGN ASSOCIATES. P.A. RALEIGH, N.C.
c JANUARY,_1981. REVISED: APRIL, 1981. JULY. 1986.
TOWN OF SCALE 1:24000
BATH , 0
BEAUFORT COUNTY, c -- J—`--"- -- — --
NORTH CAROLINA 1>00 0 1000 2000 30DO 4000 SOLO f.0:0 7av FEET
JANUAI1Y, 1981
The preparation o.'this reportwas linanced in part through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal Zone Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972• as a, +ended.
' which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of Bath also contributed cash and in -kind services.
90

1 t / Extraterritorial Planning
To Beaufort County I U I Jurisdiction
1 Community College m
Evacuation Shelter'
Town Limits
0- ILIL4.
1 • •••
r,
MAP H:
' HURRICANE AND FLOOD 4
EVACUATION ROUTES AND
SHELTERS 4
N%
SCALE 1" 0 1500' -
Oc - RA -
PLANNING & DESIGN ASSOCIATES, P.A. LEIGH. N.0
JANUARY, 1981. REVISED: APRIL. 1981. JULY. tSc_
0 375 750 1500 - 3000
' TOWN OF
BATH EVACUATION SHELTER: BATH HIGH SCHOOL
BEAUFORT COUNTY,
NORTH CAROLINA EVACUATION ROUTES
JANUARY, 1981
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal Zone Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. as amerded.
1 which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of bath also contributed cash and in -kind services.
91

``: _ Extraterritorial Planning
Jurisdiction
r Town Limits
' — , r�An
ItJ.
�`�--•- ' l --mow._. �
MAP I: -
LAND CLASSIFICATIONY
f �
SCALE 1" - 1500'
v PLANNING & DESIGN ASSOCIATES. PA. RALEIGH. N C - It
0 075 750 1500 0000 JANUARY. 1981. REVISEO APRIL. 1951. JULY. 1986
f7-7Developed Transition
F. TOWN OF C� Rural F. Transition II
BATH NONE Community Subcategories
BEAUFORT COUNTY, Conservaticn ® Residential
(ALL SUh FACE WATER IS
(A
NORTH CAROLINA Water ALSO CONSERVATION) ® Mixed s
JANUARY, t98t Special Development Project Industrial
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal Zone Management Program• through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. as amendeC.
' which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of Bath also contributed cash and in -kind seroces
92

APPENDIX
A.
Town Board of Commissioners
B.
Town Planning Board
C.
1986 Bath Household Survey
D.
Results of 1986 Bath Household Survey.
E.
Prioritization of Important Issues
F.
Prioritization of Potential Development Types
'
G.
Survey Results/Policy Objectives Cross Reference Matrix
H.
Bibliography
93

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Town Board of Cbmnissioners
Ray C. Brooks, Mayor
Box 65
Bath, NC 27808
Bubs Carson, Town Administrator
107-B Main Street
Bath, NC 27808'
Wayland J. Sermons, Jr.,.Town Attorney
P.O. Box 69
Washington, NC 27889
Ira M. Hardy
P.O. Box 27
Bath, NC 27808
Mary W. Brooks
P.O. ,Box 101
Bath, NC 27808
David C. Everett, Jr.
P.O. Box 279
Bath, NC 27808
923-5621/office
.923-5851/home
Teeny Mason
Rt. 1, Box 104-A, Main Street
Bath, NC 27808
322-4211/office .
923-4571/home
94
Appendix A

Appendix B
Tbwn Planning Board
Guy A. Cutler, Chairman
P.O. Box 116
Bath, NC 27808
William R. "Bob" Lewis
P.O. Box 68
' Bath, NC 27808
Willy Phillips
' Main Street
Bath, NC 27808
Erma Tankand
RFD Box 117A
Bath, NC 27808
Carol Richardson
P.O. Box 195
Bath, NC 27808
Paul Komarow.
S. Main Street
' Bath, NC 27808
Howard Tanner, Jr.
' P.O. Box 208
Bath, NC 27808
1 ..
r .
95

Appendix C
Household Survey
Town of Bath, North Carolina
Please complete and return to Bubs Carson by April 2, 1986.
1
1. Where do you live?
Please mark with an 'X" the approximate location.of your house on the
' attached map (last page).
2. How long have you lived in Bath?
' 0-5years
' S — 10 years
10 years or more
3. Have you ever attended a public hearing, Town Board of Commissioners
meeting, or Town Planning Board meeting?
' Yes
' No
4. On pages 2 and 3 are the major issues derived from reviewing previous
land use plans and recent input from. Bath community leaders. Please
indicate the importance of -each issue using the following response
categories:
' "No" means not an important issue in Bath.`
"Slight" means a slightly important issue in Bath.
"Moderate" means a moderately important issues in Bath.
"Serious" means a seriously important issue in Bath.
5. On page 4 is a list of potential types of development which could occur
in Bath during the next 10 years. Please indicate on page 4, what
types, if any, should be encouraged and the extent to'which they should
be encouraged.
96

4. IMPORTANCE OF ISSUES SURVEY
"No" means not an important issue in Bath
"Slight" means a slightly important issue in Bath
"Moderate" means a moderately important issue in Bath
"Serious" means a seriously important issue in Bath
---------------------- i--------------------------------------�
—Importance of Problem —in Bath Area ;
i i- -i- -i--- -i- -i
Issue ; No ;-Slight ;Moderate ; Serious
i----------------------------- —--------- ------ i--------- i--------i--------- i---------
1. Quality of drinking water
'-------------------------------------------- '--------- '------ ---'-------- '---------'
2. Pollution of creeks/rivers from industry ; ; ;
------------------- ------------------------- '--------- '-------- '-------- '— ----'
3. Pollution of creeks/rivers from farmland
water runoff
4. Availability of adequate.housing for
elderly persons
i 5. Availability of adequate housing for
low—income persons
'------ ---- —---- --'---------'------ --'--------'-------'
6. Availability of adequate housing for
tourism industry
--------------------------------------------------------�
7. Garbage collection and disposal i ; ; It ;
' i--------- i--------- i--------- i--------i
8. Damage to marsh areas of creeks/rivers
i------ --------------i---------i---------i---------i---------
9. Development of mobile homes
i------------------------------------------- '-------- ' ------ ' ------- ' ------ i .
110. Commercial pier/marina development
'--------------------------------------------
1 ;11. Phosphate mining operations along and
within Pamlico river
12_—Protection of_—cultural/historical areas i ; ' i
' -----'------ --'------ --'------ --'-------'
13. Lack of adequate Town Hall
14. Old/dilapidated buildings
i------------------------------------------ --i------ --i---------i------ --i--------i
115. Conversion of forested lands to agri—
cultural lands
i-------------------------------------------- i--------- i--------- i--------- i---------i
116. Adequacy of commercial development
i-------------------------------------------- i--------- '------- '------- '-------- '.
117. Septic tank failure
i-------------------- --------------------- i--------- i--------- i--------- i �.
Il
97

IMPORTANCE OF ISSUES SURVEY (continued)
"No" means not an important issue in Bath
"Slight" means a slightly important issue in Bath
"Moderate" means a moderately important issue in Bath
"Serious" means a seriously important issue in Bath
{---------------------------------------I-------------------------------------{
' { Importance of.Problem in Bath Area ;
I
' Issue I No I Slight (Moderate { Serious ;
{18. Need for new industry and new employers I-
----- - -------------- - -----------------------------'--------- I r
I19. Too many pilings/stakes in creeks/rivers
I----- ----------------I-- ------ t--------- 1-------- I ---------I.
. { 20. Excessive erosion {
I-------------- ----------------- ---- I -------- I-- --- ---{--------{---------{
I21. Improper filling/dredging ofwaterways I I
--------
'22. Coordination among government regulations{
{ regarding waterfront development { { { { {
{------ ------------------------------- --- -- {------ -- {------- { { {
123. Police protection
{------ --------------------- ------- ------ I --------- {------- I --- i {
124. Fire protection
1 1 1 I I 1
{25. Productive uses of old structures
'----------------------------- ----------- '------- ' ------------- '------ ' -I -I- —I— -1 -1
126. Preservation of community —based school
1 I I I 1 1
{27Access to the Waterways -- --------------- 1------- I--__--- 1------- 1------ {.
I28. Expansion of existing industry { { { I {
' 1 ---------------------------------------- I ------ -- {------- {-------- {-------- {
130. Mix of historic.and non —historic I { I { {
{ properties { { I I {
{------------------------------- ----------I--------- {--------I--------- I— -----I
1 - 1
{31. Protection of commercial fishing industry{.
-------------------------------------------
I32. Property tax evaluation
1 ---------------------------------i---------I----- --I---------I--------
1 ------- 1 I 1
I33.-Parking---------------------------- {------- I ------- I ------ 1 ----- 1
Others (please list and rank):
{-- ------ ------------- ----- ----- ------ ---- ---- ----- ' ' ' '
{ I I { I {
{ { { I I I
' I-------------------- -------- 1-------- 1------ --1-------- 1---------
--------------------- I
98

1
5. TYPES OF DEV,., ,rrma t ouKvr x
1
II
it
1
Please indicate what types of development, if any,
is desired, or not desired during the next ten years.
IDesirability of Devel. Types ;
•
Potential Development Types (Undesirable' Neutral (Desirable',
'--------------------- ---------- '----------- '--------'---------'
'Protection of agriculture jand I I I !
'--------------------- ---------- ---- ----- '-----'---------'---------'
'Protection of natural resources
--------------------- —---- —---- —---- ---- I ---------- '-- ------ '--------
'Historic and cultural attractions
'Housing•for_elderly persons
---
,Housing for low—income persons
l--------------------------------- —--------- I----------- l--------- {---------{
(Overnight accomodations for tourists
------------------------------------------- --- ------------
ISubdivision development I
{----------------------------------------- {----------- !--- --- -- { {
'Retail shops
i--------------- —---------- —---------- ---- {------------ l--------- i--------i
!Restaurants
-------------------------I-----------'---------'---------'
IDowntown office space for service industry
'-------------------'-----------'---------'---------�.
-----------------------
'Downtown public parking
--------------------------=------- -------------------- ---------
,Light industry development
'----- -------------- —--- ------ —--------- '----------- '-------- '---------'
!New Town Hall
(Expansion of wastewater system I
' ------------------------------------------- '----------- '--------'-------
(Private marinas/boat ramps ' It ! !
{--------------- —------------- —----- ----- {----------- {----- --- { 1
(Public water access (powerboats & sailboats)
! ------------------------------------------I---------- i
'Public water access (sailboats only)
i---------------------
—--------
------------ {----------- { i i
'Public beach area (no boat access)
i—-------------------- —---- -------- -------- {----------
l--------{---------i
;Private recreation.facilities
'(health club, spa, etc.) I I I
------ —------ -------- ------ -------------{-------- --1------ --{--------{
!Public recreation facilities
'(park, tennis courts, etc.) I I ! !
---------------------------------- --------- I ----------- i-------- i---------!
'Commercial Fishing Facilities Is I ! i
!Others (please list and rank): !
!--------------- ------ ----- --------- ----- !---------- ! -------- !-------- !
i--------------------------------------------{-----------{-------i---------i
{—---- —----------------- ----- -------------- {------ ---- {—------- 1---------!
1

6. Refer to the map on the next page.
Potential geographic areas for future
expansion.of
the Town's wastewater
system.are labeled as Areas A through E.
'
What area(s)
do you think should be
given top priority for future
expansion
of the wastewater system?
Please indicate whether each area
should be
considered for addition to the Town's wastewater system and/or
other Town Services:
1)
Within the next 5 years
2)
Within the next 10 years
'
3)
Not at all, or after 10 years
'
Add within
Add within Add. after
5 years
10 years 10 years, or
not at all
--------------------
--
Area A
Area B
Area C
Area D
'
Area E
Bath LUP 1986:
Survey
I
1
1
1
100

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1-
1
1
1
1
1
1
' The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal Zone Management Program. through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. as amended.
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of Bath also contributed cash and in -kind services
1 fl 1

Appendix D
Household Survey
Town of Bath, North Carolina
RESULTS'(97 returned surveys)
.Please complete and return to Bubs Carson by April 2, 1986.
•1. Where do you live?
Please mark with an "X" the approximate location of your house on the
attached map (last page). Within Wastewater System Service Area - 47
Region A 14 Region C - 0
Region B 2 Region D - 3
2. How long have you lived.in Bath? Region E - 19
No Response - 12
27 0 5 years
12 5 — 10 years
58 10 years or more
3. Have you ever attended a public. hearing, Town Board of Commissioners
meeting, or Town Planning Board meeting?
_ 8 Yes
29 No
4. On pages 2 and 3 are the•major.issues derived from reviewing previous
land use plans and recent input from Bath community leaders. Please
indicate the importance of each issue using the following response
categories:
"No" means not an important issue in Bath.
"Slight" means a slightly important issue in Bath.
"Moderate" means a moderately -important issues in Bath.
"Se.rious" means a seriously important issue in Bath.
5. On page 4 is a list of potential types of development which could occur
in Bath during the next 10 years. Please indicate on page 4, what
types, if any, should be encouraged and the extent to which they should
be encouraged.
102

1
1
4. IMPORTANCE OF ISSUES
SURVEY
"No" means not an important
issue in Bath
'
"Slight" means a slightly important
issue in Bath
"Moderate" means a moderately
important
issue in Bath
"Serious" means a seriously
important issue in Bath
1
i
_Importance
of Problem Bath
Area {
'
—in
No
I
Issue I
No
I Slight
{Moderate I Serious I
I
I
I
I
Re s p .
{ --
—-------- ----- — ------
— -----
-----
— -------- --------
1.
Quality of drinking Water I'
13
1 11
I 22' 1
47 1
.4
2.
Pollution of creeks/rivers from industry I
11
i 7
1 12 1
61 1
6.
3.
Pollution of creeks/rivers from farmland
I
1
I 1
1
3
.9
22
58
5
{
water runoff
I
1
I {
{
1 4.
Availability of adequate housing for
1 8
1 23
1 28 1
31 '
7
1
elderly persons
{
I
I I
I
I— ----------
{--------
I —
— I -------- I --------
i
1
1 5.
Availability of adequate housing for
I g
I 27
I 31 1
25 1
5
'
1
low—income persons
{
1
{ {
I
'
1 6.
{
Availability of adequate housing for
tourism industrY_----------
I 10
1 21
i 29 1
32 1
5
{ 7.
Garbage collection and disposal
1 24
{ 17
1 33 1
21 1
2
-------------------------------
---------
--------
i--------
1 8.
Damage to marsh areas of creeks/rivers
{ 8
I 11
1 27 1
43 {
8
{—----
{ 9..
—-------------- -------- ----=---------
Development of mobile homes
i-- ---
{ 26
-- {-------
21
I --------- i-------
{ 22 { 22 ;
6
'
{------
—-------------- ------------- --
i--------
I — ---
I -------- i---------
i
110.
Commercial pier/marina development
I 14
1 8
1 17 1
52 {
6
{-------------- —---- ---------------------
i---------
I -------
I--------1--------
{
1.11.
Phosphate mining operations along and
{
{
{ {
{
'
1
within Pamlico river
I 10
{ 7
{ 18 1
58
t
112.
Protection of cultural/historical areas
I 7 --
{ 16
{ 27 I 45 {
2
113.
Lack of adequate Town Hall
{ 30
{ 34
1 15 1
14 I
. 4
13
36
22 22--
4
'
114.
Old/dilapidated buildings ww�-----
{
{
{ 1
_ {
115.
Conversion of forested lands to agri—
{ 21
I 31
1 22 1
18 {
5
tI--------------------------------------
I
cultural lands
I
i-------
{
I------ ---1---------1---------
I {
1
I
116.
Adequacy of commercial development
I 17
1 24
1 23 1
25 1
8
117.
Septic tank failure
i 12
I_. 14
1 26 1
40 1
5
103

IMPORTANCE OF ISSUES SURVEY
(continued)
'
"No" means not an important
issue in Bath
"Slight" means a slightly important issue
in Bath
'
"Moderate" means a modera.tely important issue in Bath
"Serious" means a seriously important issue in Bath
I
Importance of Problem in Bath
Area I
I
I-------
'.
I ------
I------- I-------
I
N 0
1
Issue I
No
I Slight
IModerate I
Serious I
Resp.
118.
Need for new industry and new employers 1
18
1 17
1 22 1
35 1
5-
1.19.
Too many pilings/stakes in creeks/rivers I
7
1 14
1 19 I
50 I
7
120.
Excessive erosion 1
5.
1.12
1 38 1
37 I
5
121.
Improper filling/dredging of'x.aterways i
19
I 23
1 23' 1
25-- 1
7
122.
Coordination among government regulations)
6
1 16
1 30 1
39 1
6
'
1
«regarding waterfront development
123.
Police protection i
10
1 28
1 31 1
'25 1
3
'
124.
Fire protection-- ---- - I
23
1 18
I 28 1
25 1.
3
125.
Productive uses of old structures 1
11
I 31
I 30 1
-
19 I
6
'
'=--------
126.
I
-------
8
I -------
I
I ------ -- I-------1
1 1 1
-------------- ----- ------
Preservation of community -based school I
.15
20
52
2
127.
Access to the waterways i
10
i 23
I 28 1
29 1.
7
28.
1
Expansion of existing industry 1
18
26'
1 24 1
19 1
10
'
130.
1
Mix of historic and non-historio 1
properties
13
I 29
1 30 1
18 1
7
131.'Protection'of
commercial fishing industry)
8
I 9
1 19 I
54 1
7
1------------
-----------
----
---------
-------------
132.
Property tax evaluation 1
20
i25
26
I1
17 I
9
133.
Parking —_--M_
i
_ 34 --
1 28
1 16• 1
13 _.. {
6
-
'Others
I
(please list -and rank):
'
I
Fix House in front of Mrs_ Tankard1--
{
Lack of Home -based health care
'
I Speed bumps needed
1 High Density Construction
1
Absentee Ownership of property
Lack of Fishing/Swimming Pier
1
Lack of Community Center
1
104

5-TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT SURVEY
.Please indicate what types of development,
if any,
is desired, or not desired during the.next
ten years
'
I----------------�_.-----1---=---------
{
{Desirability
of
----------- -- I
Devel. Types {
{ Potential Development Types
-{Undesirable{
Neutral JDesirablei
'
I ------------------- --------- ----
I-----------1-_.._----
I -------- I
Res p .
{Protection of agriculture land
I 3 I
29
1 58
7
i---- —-------- -- .--- ----
I _---__-----1—
-- I -------_�
{Protection of natural resources
I 0 1$—
1 83 1
6
(Historic and cultural attractions
"`1 2' 1
14
1 76 1
5
'
{Housing for elderly persons ---�
{ 7 1
31
I 56 1
3
"
{Housing for low—income persons
1.. 16 1
26
1 53 1
2
{Overnight accomodations for tourists
1 12 1.21
1 61 1
3
;Subdivision development
1 29 1
27
1 34
7
—�
{Retail shops
1 13 1
28
1 52 1
4
'
{Restaurants--M___--_—_M---
I 7 i
22
1 65 13
{Downtown office space for service industry
1 30 1
37
1 23 1
7
'
{Downtown public parking
1 19 1
46
1 25 1
7
—_--ww
(Light industry development
1 20 1
30
1 37 {
10
'
INew Town Hall
I .27 {
26
1 36 I
8
{Expansion of wastewater system
1 10 I
22
1 56
9
'
I--------------------------------------
I--------- I--------
.I
II
{Private marinas/boat ramps
I 52 1
20
1 19 1
6
'
(Public water access_(powerboats.& sailboats)
1 29 1
28
I 35 1
5
IPublic water access (sailboats only)
I 43 1
33
1 16 1
5
'
{Public beach area (no boat access) �—
i 25 1
23
-- 1 42 i
7
(Private recreation facilities
1 31 1
33
1 23 1
10
'
{(health club, spa, eto.')
I {
1 {
IPublie recreation facilities
1 30 1
38
1 22 1
7
{(park, tennis courts, etc.)
{ I
I I
{Commercial Fishing Facilities'
1 19 1
30
1 45 1
3
{Others (please list and rank):
I• I
1
1
1 1
{ I
Mobile home development'.
1
1
I I
I 1
105

6. Refer to the map on the next .page.
expansion of the Town's wastewater
Potential geographic areas for future
system are labeled as Areas A through
E.
What.area(s) do you think should be
given top priority for future
expansion
of the wastewater system?
Please indicate whether each area
should .be
considered for .addition to the Town's wastewater system and/or
'
other Town
Services:
1)
Within the next 5 years
'
2)
Within the next 10 years
3)
Not at all,,or after 10 years
'
Add within
Add within Add after
5-years
10 years 10 years, or
No
not at all
Resp.
'
Area A
21
21 25
.30
Area B
20
20 28
29
'
Area C
46
12 11
28
Area D
31
23 15
28
'
Area E
.20
21 26
30
Bath LUP 1986: Survey
106

The preparation of this report was financed In part through a grant provided by the N.C. Coastal Zone Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended,
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Town of Bath also contributed cash and in -kind services.
107

Appendix E
'
1986 Bath Land Use Plan
May 9, 1986
'
Bath Household Survey Results
Rank Ordering of Issues, from Most Important to Least Important
Issues
Score*
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollution of creeks/rivers from farmland water runoff
-------
319
Phosphate mining operations along and within'Pamlico River
310
'
Preservation of community -based school
306
Pollution of creeks/rivers from industry
305
Protection of cultural/historical areas
300
Protection of commercial fishing industry
299
'
Too many pilings/stakes in creeks/rivers.
292
Excessive erosion
291
'
Quality of drinking water
Commercial pier/marina development
289
289
Coordination among government regulations regarding waterfront development
284
Damage to marsh areas of creek's/rivers
283
Septic tank failure
27,8
'
Availability of adequate housing for tourism industry
267
Availability of adequate housing for elderly persons
262
Police protection
259
'
Need for new industry and new employers
258
Availability of adequate housing for low income persons
256.
Access to the waterways
256
Fire protection
243
Garbage collection and disposal
241
Productive uses of old structures
239
Old/dilapidated buildings
Improper filling/dredging of waterways
239
234
Adequacy of commercial development
234
Mix of historic and non -historic properties
233
Development of mobile homes
222
'
Conversion of forested lands to agricultural lands
221
Expansion of.existing industry
218
Tax Evaluation
216
'Property
Lack of adequate Town Hail
199
Parking
190
Speed bumps needed
4
Lack of home -based health care
4
Lack of Fish/Swim Pier
4
Lank of Community Centel-
4
High Density Construction
4
'
Fix old house in front of Mrs. Tankard
4
Absentee ownership of property
4
'
}Scoring based on results of 1986 Bath Household Survey. The following
scoring system was used for each possible response:
•0 --No response
1 - Not an important issue
'
2 - A slightly important issue
3 - A moderately important issue
4 - A seriously important issue
108

Appendix
F
'
1996 Bath Land Use Plan
:. May 9, 1986
'
Bath Household Survey Results
Rank Ordering of Potential Development Types, from Most Desired
'
to Least Desired
Potential Development Types
Score*
Protect,ion of natural resources
265
'
Historic and cultural. attractions
256
Restaurants
246
Overnight accomodations for tourists
27
Housing for elderly persons
237
Protection of agriculture land
235
Housing for low income persons
227
Retail shops
225
'
Expansion of wastewater system
222
Commercial fishing facilities
214
'
Public.beach area (no boat access)
Light.industry development
197
191
Public water access (powerboats k sailboats)
190 .
New Town Hall
187
Downtown public parking
186
Subdivision development
185
Downtown office space for service industry
173
Public recreation facilities
Private recreation facilities
172
166
Public water access (sailboats only)
157
Private marinas/boat ramps
149
'
Mobile Home Development
1
=Scoring based on results of 1986 Bath Household Survey. The following
scoring system was used for each possible response:
'
0 - No response
1 - Undesireable
2 - Nuetral
'
3 - Desireable
'
109

1986 Beth Lard Use Plan
May 9,1986
t
Bath Household Survey Results
Rank Ordering of Issues, from Most Important to Least Important
Issues
Scores
'
Pollution of creeks/rivers from farmland water runoff
319
Phosphate mining operations along and within Pamlico River
310
Preservation of community -based school
306
Pollution of creeks/rivers from industry
305
Protection of cultural/historical areas
300
Protection of commercial fishing industry
299
Too many pilings/stakes in creeks/rivers
292
Excessive erosion
291
Quality of drinking water
289
Commercial pier/marina development
289
'
Coordination among government regulations regarding waterfront development
Z84
Damage to marsh areas of creeks/rivers
283
Septic tank failure
278
Availability of adequate housing for tourism irxlustry
267
Availability of adequate housing for elderly persons
262
Police protection
2.59
'
Need for new industry and new employers
258
Availability of adequate housing for low income persons
256
Access to the waterways
256
Fire protection
243
Garbage collection and disposal
241
'
Productive uses of old structures
239
Old/dilapidated buildings
239
Improper filling/dredging of waterways
234
Adequacy of commercial development
234
Mix of historic and non -historic properties
233
'
Development of mobile homes
222
Conversion of forested lands to agricultural lands
721
Expansion of existing irxhustry
218
Property Tax Evaluation
216
Lack of adequate Town Mall
199
Parking
'
Speed19
bumps needed
4
Lack of hone -based health care
4
Lack of Fish/Swim Pier
4
Lack of Community Center
4
High Density Construction
4
t
Fix old house in front of Mrs. Tankard
4
Absentee ownership of property
4
*Scoring based on results of 1986 Bath Household Survey. The following
scoring system was used for each possible response:
0 - hb response
'
1 - Not an important issue
2 - A slightly important issue
3 - A moderately important issue
4 - A seriously important issue
Appendix G
II.3
III.2
I.1
I.4, III.6
II.1. III.7-
II.4.b
I.6, IV.2.b
I.5
III.8. I.-l.b, II.l.b
IYJ, II.6.b
I.2
II.4.a
III.l.c
III.3
III.4.e
III.11 III.5
III.3
III.7
III.4.a
III.4.d
III.6.d
III.6.c
I.l.j
III.6.b
I.4.b
Not Addressed
Not Addressed
III.1
Not Addressed
Not Addressed
Not Addressed
Not Addressed
Not Addressed
III.7
Not Addressed
Not Addressed
Not Addressed
Not Addressed

1
.
Appendix H
Bibliography
Todd, Rex et al.
The Land Use Plan of Historic Bath: 1980-1990 (Raleigh,
'
North Carolina:
Planning and Design Associates, P.A., October 1985).
Richter, Thomas B. et al. A Land Development Plan for the Town of Bath
(Raleigh, North
Carolina: June 1977).
Zoning Ordinance
(Bath, North Carolina:, June 1982).
'
Todd, Rex et al.
Planned Variations of the Proposed Wastewater Treatment
System (Raleigh,
North Carolina: Planning and Design Associates, P.A.,
February 1984).
'
Todd, Rex et al.
Before the Storm in Beaufort County: Avoiding Harm's.Wa
.(Raleigh, North
Carolina: June 1984).
'
McElyea, W. D. et
al. Before the Storm: Managing Development to Reduce
Hurricane Damages (Raleigh, Ibrth Carolina: N.C. NRCD, OCM, 1982).
111

Appendix I
Major Federal Water Quality Legislation
The Clean Water Act (formally entitled the Federal Water
'
Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, PL 92-500 now PL
95-217)
The primary goal of this act was the elimination of
'
pollution discharges into navigable waters by 1985. The
five major sources of pollution considered under the act in
t•
relation to this goal are as.follows:
Municipal Pollution -- To be controlled by
construction of municipal sewage treatment plants
'
(using federal grants), setting discharge
requirements for the plants, and controls on other
sources of municipal pollution.
'
• Industrial Pollution.-- To,be controlled by discharge
requirements for industrial sources of pollution,
special controls for toxics, and measures aimed at
'
.preventing and cleaning up toxic spills. Municipal
and industrial, discharge limitations are enforced
through a system of individual permits.
'
• Nonpoint Source Pollution -- To be controlled
primarily by state and local authorities by using
various methods to minimize pollution from
'
agriculture and urban runoff. Developing means for
controlling nonpoint source pollution is one of the
major objectives of the act's planning process.
o Dredge and Fill Activities -- To be controlled by a
regulatory program jointly administered by the
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army
'
Corps of Engineers. This program is partially aimed
at the protection of the aesthetics and ecological.
value of streams, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands
threatened by dredging and.fill activities.
• Boat Discharges -- To be controlled by federal
'
statutes and regulations that require the use of
marine sanitation devices designed to meet federal
criteria and which -prohibit the discharge of
'
untreated waste into waters...
The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, amended in 1977 (PL
93-523)
This law authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency
'
to regulate the quality of public drinking water by setting
minimum water quality standards and prescribing treatment
techniques. It allows the EPA to set limits for specific
112

contaminants that may adversely affect public health.
States developing qualified programs may apply to the EPA
for delegation to enforce the water quality standards within
their state. North Carolina is currently administering the
state's program through the Division of Health Services.
Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (PL 94-469)
This law authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency
to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and use of
chemical substances. It requires premarket testing of new
chemicals, and identification and testing of all existing
chemicals. If a substance should pose an unreasonable risk
to human health or the.environment, the EPA may modify,
limit, or ban the manufacture, processing, distribution, and
disposal of that substance. Pesticides, tobacco, fi-rearms,
nuclear materials, food, drugs, and additives are covered
under separate laws.
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1947
(PL 75-717)
This act directs the Environmental Protection Agency to
regulate the manufacture, distribution, and use -of
pesticides. All pesticides are•registered and classified
under this act. The, EPA requires.analysis of composition,
degradability, use patterns, and chemical and physical
properties before registering any pesticide. A pesticide.
shown to cause adverse environmental effects may be banned
or given a'restricted use classification.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (PL 94-580)
(Amended and reauthorized in 1984)
This law calls for "cradle to grave" regulation of
hazardous wastes by -the Environmental Protection Agency . It
bans open dumping and the dumping of hazardous wastes in
sanitary landfills. It requires development criteria to
identify hazardous wastes and standards for companies
generating, transporting, or disposing.of such wastes. The
state of North Carolina has received approval from the EPA
to administer the provisions of this act. Contact: Solid
and Hazardous Waste Management Branch-DHR, 919/733-2178.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980 (PL 96-510)
This act, better known an Superfund, is administered by
the Environmental Protection Agency and addresses the
problems of emergency response to toxic contamination,
cleanup of abandoned sites, and the long-term care of closed
hazardous waste sites. The act covers hazardous waste as
defined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and
113

' hazardous or toxic substances defined by laws such as the
Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. This law does not
cover gasoline or oil and petroleum products.
' Clean Air Act —of 1970 (PL 91-604'and PL 95-95)
This law, administered by the Environmental Protection
Agency, establishes air quality standards and regulates the
emission of air pollutants such as.carbon monoxide, lead,
hydrocarbons, and the like. The act is important to water
quality because many of the regulated pollutants combine
with atmospheric water and fall to the earth with rain.
National Environmental Policy Act.
The basic goal of this act is to require federal
agenci.es.to consider the potential effects of federal
projects on the environment. The act requires an
environmental.impact statement as part of any recommendation
for major federal action`that may significantly affect the
environment. This assessment includes any unavoidable
adverse environmental impacts the project would have;
alternatives to the proposed action; the short-term uses of
the human environment in comparison with the maintenance and
enhancement of long-term productivity; and any irreversible
and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be
involved if the proposal were implemented.
Coastal Zone Management Act (PL 92-583)
This act provides funds to states to develop coastal
resource management programs. The law also provides
matching grants to states for acquisition of lands for
estuarine or marine sanctuaries.
Rural Clean Water Program
Administered by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service,
this program encourages.best management practices for rural
landowners.
Other Federal Laws Affecting Water Quality
The Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation:'Aot-of 1977
Offshore Oil Spill Prevention�Fund
Deepwater Ports Act
Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act
The Endangered Species Act of 1972.
Rural Development Act
Water Bank Act of 1970
Fish and Wildlife.Coordination Act
Water Resources Research Act
114

Major State Water Quality Legislation
The Mining Act of 1971
G.S. 74-46 et seq.
This law requires. the consideration of water quality in
mining activities, and thata permit be obtained for such
activities.. Overall, mining must not adversely affect
'
wildlife, fresh water, estuarine or marine fisheries,
violate state standards for surface or groundwater quality,
'
or result in substantial deposits of sediments in streambeds
or .lakes or cause acid water pollution. The state Mining
Commission is established by this act and authorized to
..adopt rules and regulations. Contact: Division of Land.
'
Resources-DNRCD, 919/733-3833.
The North Carolina Well Construction Act
'
G.S. 87-83 et seq.
This law applies. to wells withdrawing at least 100,000
gallons of water per day. It requires that wells be
'
constructed so that groundwater contamination is prevented.
The Environmental Management Commission has the authority to
adopt rules and regulations. Contact: Division of
Environmental Management-DNRCD; 919/733-7015.
Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
G.S. 90A-35 et seq.
The purpose of this law is -to protect the quality of
'
the state'-s water resources and to maintain the quality of
receiving streams. The Environmental Management Commission
is authorized to.classify waste treatment facilities,
'
require operator certificates, and monitor their operation.
Contact: Division of Environmental Management-DNRCD,
919/733-7015.

Permits to Dredge and/or Fill in or about Estuarine Waters
or State Owned Lakes
G.S. 113-229
Under this law permits are issued for dredging and
filling activities. Permit applications will be denied if
the proposed activity is found to have a significant adverse
effect on the use of the waters by the public; the value and
enjoyment of riparian property owners; the public's health,.
safety, and welfare; the quality of public or private water
supplies; and wildlife, fresh water, estuarine.or marine
fisheries. The.Coastal Resources Commission hears permit
appeals. Contact: Division of Coastal Management-DNRCD,
919/733'-2293. -
State'Environmental Policy Act
' G.S. 113A-1 et seq.
The purpose of this law is to encourage the wise,
' productive, and beneficial use of the state's natural
resources without damage to the environment. The act also
encourages an educational program to.create public awareness
' of environmental programs and requires state organizations
to consider and report on environmental aspects and
consequences of their actions involving expenditures of
public money: Contact: Department of.Administration,
' 919/733-7232.-
Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973
' G.S. 113A-50 et seq.
This act recognizes sedimentation as a major pollutant
' of state waters. The act establishes the Sedimentation
Control Commission and.authorizes it to adopt necessary
rules. -and regulations and implement a state program for
erosion and sedimentation control. The act also requires
that erosion and sedimentation control plans be submitted
for activities that would disturb more than one acre of
land. Contact: Division of Land Resources-DNRCD,
' 919/733-3833.
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974
' G.S. 113A-100'et seq.
This act establishes the Coastal Resources Commission
which sets policies and standards for the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program. The Division of Coastal
Management issues permits for development in the four areas
of environmental concern within the twenty coastal counties
under the authority of the commission. The commission sets
construction standards and guidelines to follow in
determining whether or not a permit will be approved for
116

D
1
H
11
development within the areas of environmental concern,
including the estuarine system AEC.
Protection of water.quality is one of the basic goals
of the act and the commission's.standards clearly state that,
development that would damage coastal waters will not be
allowed. Although water quality can be managed to some
extent through the permitting.process, there are several
activities that the coastal program does.not have the
authority to regulate, principally agriculture and forestry.
Local governments, however, do. -have the authority to guide
activities outside the designated areas of.environmental
concern -- land use planning and zoning are two of the
primary methods for doing so. Contact: Division of Coastal
Management-DNRCD, 919/733-2293.
Watershed Improvement Programs
G.S. 1309-16 et seq.
This law sets out procedures to be followed in
connection with watershed improvements or drainage projects
that involve channelization. The Environmental Management
Commission is responsible for carrying out -the provisions of
this act. Contact: Division of Environmental
Management-DNRCD, 919/733-7015.
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development,
organization and Powers Generally Related to the Control of
Pollution
G.S..143B-282 et seq.
This statute defines -the powers of the Environmental
Management Commission. Among other authorities, the
commission can classify waters, adopt water use standards,
require water use permits, and require pollution abatement
and control measures. Contact: Division of Environmental
Management-DNRCD, 919/733-7015.
Regulation of Use of Water Resources
G.S. 143-211 et seq.
The purpose of this statute is to conserve water
resources and to maintain conditions that are conducive to.
the development and use of water resources. Under this act
the Environmental Management Commission is authorized to
designate "capacity use areas where it is found that the.
use of groundwater or surface water or both requires
coordination and regulation for the protection of the public
interest. Contact: Division of Environmental
Management-DNRCD, 919/733-7015.
117

1
dump, incinerate, or'otnerwise dispose of .these substances
in water or.land unless it is done in accordance with a
federal or state law, regulation, or permit. The Department
of Crime Control and Public Safety is responsible for
coordinating state agencies' initial response to critical
toxic substance incidents. Contact: Department of Crime
Control and Public Safety, 919/733-2126..
Solid Waste Management Act OF 1978
G.S. 130-Act 13B, 143B-142(b), 130A-294, and 130-166.30
This act establishes the Solid and Hazardous Waste
Management Branch within the Department of Human Resources
as the single agency.responsible for implementing all state
and federal legislation on solid and,hazardous waste
'
management. The department is directed to engage in
research, conduct investigations and surveys, make
inspections, and establish a'statewide solid waste
management program. Authority is given to the Commission
'
for Health Services to develop _rules for the establishment,
location, operation, maintenance, use, and discontinuance of
solid waste management sites and facilities. Contact:
'
Solid.and Hazardous Waste Management Branch-DHR,
919/733-2178.
.Other State Laws Affecting Water Quality
'
Federal Water Resources Development Projects
G.S. 143-215.38 et seq.
'
Right of Withdrawal of Impounded Waters
G.S. 143-215.44 et seq.
Floodway Regulations
G.S. 143-215.51 et seq..
Grants for Water Resources Development Projects
G.S. 143-215.70 et seq.
Regional Water Supply Planning Act of 1971
'
G.S. 162A-20 et seq.
Regional Sewage Disposal.Planning Act of 1971
G.S. 162A-26 et seq.
Metropolitan Sewerage Districts
'
G.S. 162A-64 et seq.
Waste Management Act.of 1981
G.S. 130A-290 et seq.
'
Hazardous Waste Treatment Commission Act of 1984
G.S. 143B-470 et seq.
118

'
Water and Air Quality Reporting Act of 1971
G.S. 143-215.63 et seq.
This statute authorizes the Environmental Management
'
Commission to require all persons receiving a permit from
the Division of Environmental Management to file reports
covering -.the discharge of wastes in state waters and to
'
establish and maintain approved systems for monitoring the
quality and quantity of such discharges into the water.
Contact: Division of Environmental Management-DNRCD,
'
919/733-7015.
Oil Pollution and Hazardous Substances Control Act of 1978
'
G.S. 143-215.75,et seq.
The purpose of this --law is to protect the public's
health, safety, and welfare by protecting land and water
from pollution by oil, oil products, oil by-products, and
other hazardous substances. .This law authorizes the
'
Environmental Management Commission to regulate oil
discharges, oil terminal facilities, and oil refining
facilities. Contact: Division of Environmental
Management-DNRCD, 919/733-7015.
'
Water Use Act
'
G.S. 143-215 et seq.
This law charges the Environmental Management
Commission with the responsibility of carrying out a program
of planning and education concerning the most beneficial
'
long-term use and conservation of the state's water
resources. Contact: Division of Environmental
Management-DNRCD, 919/733-7015,
North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971
'
G.S. 143-Act 52 and 143-441
This law authorizes theDepartment of Agriculture to
appoint a Pesticide Board that can adopt rules and make
'
policies for programs to regulate the use, application,
sale, disposal, and registration of pesticides. Water
quality is a consideration of disposal regulations.
'
Contact: Food and Drug Protection Division -DOA,
919/733-7366.
Toxic Substances Act OF 1979
G.S. 143-476(d)
' This act controls the disposal of specific toxic
substances: mercury, plutonium, selenium, thallium, and
uranium, PCBs, and kepone. This act makes it a felony to
'. 119