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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStrategic Approach for Growth-1999DCM COPY DCM COPY -r-.6 . lease do not remove!!!!! OW Division of Coastal Management Copy tiir 71 ,"str i G i5 r �. Vc sh Jr, No— .� ii �, f � �, + ..� } M "� , i s a• a it ski _" �. m ei�y�; - }. 16 # TTri i � •�� }* i � � � ,� � lid l�� tt * �� � i�=- >u ' — le` „ '4i16 '� 1 a G n , a p 1! 3 ss TOWN OF BEAUFORT ' STRATEGIC APPROACH FOR GROWTH SPRING 1999 MAYOR R. Hunter Chadwick, Jr. 1 COMMISSIONERS ' Doris Stanley, Mayor Pro -Tern Julian Arrington ' Sam Brake Kathryn Cloud Joey McClure ' PLANNING BOARD Walt Schaw, Chairperson Guy Copes, Jr., Vice -Chairperson ' Elmo Barnes (Alt.) Lorraine Copeland (Alt.) ' Barry Snipes John Warrington Bill Hubbard TOWN MANAGER TOWN CLERK ' Scott Hildebran Vicki Dudley ZONING ADMINISTRATOR ' John Young ' TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY BENCHMARK, INC Stephen Everett Davenport, AICP, Planner -in -Charge ' John McHenry, GIS Connie Cunningham, Word Processing ' The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as ' amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ' 1 TOWN OF BEAUFORT ' STRATEGIC APPROACH FOR GROWTH ' PURPOSE, To develop a strategic approach for growth based upon utilizing existing service capacities to produce favorable outcomes in the balance between changes in revenues and service costs caused by ' growth. Particular emphasis will be to develop growth strategies which are sensitive to Coastal Area Management goals and objectives ' and which add specific focus to the Land Development Plan in terms of implementation. The strategy will develop recommendations on growth issues both from a geographic and a quality of growth perspective. RASE REFERENCE: This strategy is intended to be an extension of the Town of Beaufort ' 1996 Land Use Plan as adopted by the Town of Beaufort Board of Commissioners on August 11, 1997 and certified by the Coastal Resources Commission on September 26, 1997. It is intended that ' the implementation of all recommendations of this strategy be consistent with the Policy Statements and Land Classification System as established in the Land Use Plan unless otherwise specifically ' stated in this Strategy. ' BACKGROUND: Vision Statement - Land Use Policies The following Vision Statement and Policy Statements from the Land Use Plan must be ' considered in formulating any Growth Strategy: • Vision Statement: ' Beaufort values its rich maritime history and the picturesque landscape which their history provides. - - These historical assets and the shoreline setting are the ' cornerstones of an important tourist industry. As the town develops, these assets will be maintained and protected. At the same time, the town will pursue development within its extraterritorial jurisdiction -which is consistent with the 15A NCAC 711 t minimum use standards for AEC's (Areas of Environmental Concerns). It is the town's intention to protect its valuable maritime resources. Industrial development will be encouraged within the town's extraterritorial jurisdiction outside of the AEC. ' Finally, it is a priority of the town to carefully control growth and development which is expected to occur along the relocated U.S. 70 highway corridor which will be associated with the construction of a new bridge across the Beaufort channel. 1 • Policy Statements: ■ The Town of Beaufort is supportive of resource protection, in particular preservation of conservation areas as defined by the Land Use Plan. All 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards will be supported, or in some cases exceeded, by the policies contained in the plan. ' ■ Support the development of central water and sewer systems in all areas of the town's planning jurisdiction. ' ■ Beaufort has demonstrated a concern with resource protection. This concern has been displayed through the adoption of local ordinances and support for the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards. Emphasis has been placed on ' restriction of floating structures and preservation of estuarine shoreline areas, the historic district, the town's central waterfront area, and Carrot Island. ■ Beaufort opposes the installation of package treatment plants and septic tanks or discharge of waste in any areas classified as coastal wetlands, freshwater wetlands (404), or natural heritage areas. This policy applies only to areas ' shown as freshwater wetlands, coastal wetlands, and natural heritage areas on Map 10, Land Classification Map of the Land Use Plan. ■ Beaufort will continue to enforce its existing zoning and flood damage prevention ordinances and follow the storm hazard mitigation plan contained ' in the Land Use Plan. ■ Beaufort will support development of sound attenuation zoning requirements for the areas affected by the aircraft operating patterns at the Michael J. Smith ' Field. The zoning for Michael J. Smith Field should be coordinated with Carteret County and Morehead City. ' ■ The Town of Beaufort adopts the following policies concerning operation, development, and expansion of the Michael J. Smith Airport: • Any expansion plans for the airport must be consistent with the town's Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Plan. ' Beaufort does not object to increased air traffic which will not result in increased noise impact(s) on properties located within airport flight ' patterns. • The Town of Beaufort supports any runway extensions or other ' airport expansions which will not cause any changes to N.C.101 which will result in increased traffic in the vicinity of the Beaufort Middle School. The town's preference for the extension of Runway ' 8-26 is to have the runway extended to the northeast which would require the relocation of a portion of N.C. 101. FJ • Beaufort requests notification of , and the right to review and comment on, all plans being prepared or amended for the airport. • Specifically, the following. airport development projects are supported: FY1996 Install visual approach aids on runways 8-26 and 3- 21, construct hangar area access taxiway. FY1998 Conduct environmental assessment for extension of runway 8-26 to 5,500 feet. FY1999 Relocate and expand airfield electrical vault. ■ Beaufort recognizes the value of water quality maintenance to the protection of fragile areas and to the provision of clean water for recreational purposes. The town will support existing state regulations relating to storm water runoff resulting from development (Storm water Disposal Policy 15 NCAC 2H.001- .1003) through enforcement of the town's subdivision ordinance. ■ The town will develop a comprehensive master drainage plan. ■ Beaufort will continue to support and protect the town's Historic District. ■ Beaufort will support the construction of package treatment plants which are approved and permitted by the State Division of Environmental Management. If any package plants are approved, Beaufort supports requirement of a specific contingency plan specifying how ongoing private operation and maintenance of the plant will be provided, and detailing provisions for assumption of the plant into a public system should the private operation fail or management of the system not meet the conditions of the state permit. ■ Beaufort opposes any development on sound and estuarine islands located within its planning jurisdiction. ■ The Beaufort Planning Board will undertake a review of all local land use regulation ordinances to determine if revisions should be undertaken to respond to specific water quality management problems. ■ The Town of Beaufort will pursue development and adoption of a local ordinance to regulate swine production. The town is also in favor and fully supports adoption of such an ordinance by the county. ■ Residential, commercial and industrial development should be allowed in coastal wetlands which is consistent with 15A NCAC 7H and the policies contained in this plan. 1 4 ' ■ Beaufort discourages any additional point source discharges of pollution into primary nursery areas and shellfishing areas. In addition, Beaufort reserves the right to review and comment on the approval of outfall on a case -by -case ' basis. ■ Residential development meeting the use standards of 15 NCAC 7H.0209 ' shall be allowed in estuarine shoreline areas. ■ Only commercial and industrial uses that are water dependent and which ' cannot function elsewhere or are supportive of commercial fishing will be allowed in conservation classified shoreline areas. Examples of such uses would include but not necessarily be limited to commercial fishing and fish ' processing, marinas consistent with the policies of this plan, boat repair and construction facilities, any business dependent upon natural salt water as a resource, and restaurants that do not extend into or over estuarine waters ' and/or public trust waters. Where zoning exists, all uses must be consistent with established zoning. ' ■ In order to preserve natural vegetation and scenic views, "no building or houses or structures excepting noncommercial docks or piers will be erected ' on the south side of Front Street in this R-8 district". ■ Beaufort desires to expand its economic base. A reasonable policy of ' annexation will be maintained. Beaufort will support growth and development at the densities specified in the land classification definitions. The Town of Beaufort will pursue the development of an impact study to determine the growth and development issues and needs associated with the construction of the proposed NC 101 corridor. ■ There are no significant constraints to development or land development issues relating to the town's potable water supply. The town's water system ' will provide adequate water supply throughout the planning period. The town's policies concerning water supply shall be: rThe town requires that all existing and new residential and commercial development be connected to both the town water and ' sewer systems. • The town will allow the installation of private wells for irrigation only through the NCDEM permit process. • The town will extend water services beyond its extraterritorial area if ' an adequate demand for service exists. ■ There are no problems or constraints to development caused by the town's ' sewage treatment system. The town will implement the following policies: 5 • The town requires that all existing and new residential and commercial development be connected to both the town water and sewer systems. ' Beaufort will support.the development of central sewer service throughout its incorporated area and its unincorporated planning jurisdiction. ' ■ During the planning period, Beaufort will develop a community services/facilities plan (as a stand-alone document, not as an expansion of this plan), which will define existing deficiencies in police protection, fire protection, local administrative buildings, public recreational facilities, public shoreline access, and public parks. This plan will not address school system ' needs. The plan will prioritize needs and make specific recommendations concerning financing and budgeting the high priority needs. t■ Beaufort desires to achieve responsible industrial development which will not adversely affect the natural environment or the quality of established ' residential areas. Large vacant areas exist within the town's planning which have the for industrial development. jurisdiction potential The following industrial development policies will be applied: • Industrial sites should be accessible to municipal/central water and ' sewer services. • Industries which are noxious by reason of the emission of smoke, odor, dust, glare, noise, and vibrations, and those which deal primarily in hazardous products such as explosives, should not be located in Beaufort. ' • Industrial development and/or industrial zoning should not infringe on established residential development. t■ Beaufort will support North Carolina Department of Transportation projects to improve access to the town. ■ Beaufort supports implementation of the following land transportation improvements: ' for • A connector between N.C. 101 and U.S. 70 (the corridor this road has not yet been determined). • Reroute U.S. 70 from Cedar Street to Tumer/West Beaufort Road. • Utilize Orange and Turner Streets as a one-way pair n 6 providing access to the waterfront. ' "Y" U.S. 70. • Elimination of the intersection with N.C. 101 and ' • Replacement of the drawbridge between Morehead City and Beaufort with a high rise bridge. • A possible minor thoroughfare is proposed to connect Steep Point Road just east of U.S. 70 and Mulberry Street at its intersection with Ocean Street. ■ The town's land use trends and issues have been thoroughly discussed in ' other sections of this plan. Those trends include: Increasing residential development within the town's extraterritorial • g P ' jurisdiction (ETJ). Continued minor losses of agricultural and forestlands. • gn ' Continued commercial development along Cedar Street and US70 from Steep Point Road, north to the town's corporate limit line. ' Increased traffic congestion along the US 70 corridor. • Construction of a new bridge on US 70 at Beaufort Channel to ' alleviate disruption to east -west traffic. • Continued extension of water and sewer utilities into the ETJ will serve as a catalyst for development. ' Continued expansion of the Michael J. Smith Airport. ■ These land use changes should be controlled through existing local, state, and federal land use regulations including CAMA, `404" regulations, the town's subdivision and zoning ordinances, and local building inspections program. The Town of Beaufort should work towards establishing a comprehensive ' annexation plan and growth management plan during the planning period. 7 BACKGROUND: Population • Carteret County 1 M 2 M 2M 52,553 62,161 74,646 ■ A projected increase of 12,485 (20%) persons between 2000 and 2010. • Beaufort Township 1.9 -Q 20M 2M 8,013 9,818 11,472 ■ A projected increase of 1,654 (16.8%) persons between 2000 and 2010. • Beaufort Town 1990 2994 2M 3,808 4,351 4,849 ■ A projected increase of 498 (11.4%) person between 2000 and 2010. )NCLUSIONS: Population • The Town of Beaufort is within a County and Township projected to experience growth rates of 20% and 16.8%, respectively, between 2000 and 2010. • The Town of Beaufort is projected to add 498 persons during the 2000 - 2010 decade. Boundaries of counties and townships are static and do not change. Towns may grow (or. decline) within their boundaries but they may also grow by annexing surrounding areas and population. Therefore, the future population of the Town of Beaufort will largely be dependent upon its annexation polices and growth patterns around the town. • In 1970 and 1980 the Town of Beaufort had 54% of the Township population. By 1990, the Town's share of the Township population had dropped to 47.5%. For 2000 and 2010 the Town's share of the Township population is estimated at 44.3% and 42.3%, respectively. While the Township is projected to add 2,826 persons between 1980 and 2000, the Town is estimated to add only 525, or 18.6%, of those persons. 8 RACK ROUND: Public Facilities/Services • Water Supply The water supply system has a 1.3 million gallons per day capability. Usage ranges from 427,000 to 601,000 gallons per day with a peak day (1992) usage of 834,000. The Town has 3 storage facilities of a combined 700,000 gallons. The Town also operates the North River Water System and the Merrimon Water System, both owned ' by Carteret County, which have about 179 customers. The North River System and the Town system are within about 3.8 miles of connecting on US70 East. ' • Wastewater The wastewater treatment plant is permitted at 1.5 million gallons per day. The average daily flow in 1997 was 781,400 gallons per day. A sewer line extends from ' the Town out US70 East to serve East Carteret High School. In addition the County has recently received an Economic Development Grant to extend a sewer line from the Town on NC 101 approximately 6.3 miles to serve the Jarret Bay Boatworks on Steel Tank Road. The line with be paid for by Economic Development Grant funds and Jarret Bay Boatworks. Upon completion the line will be turned over to the Town for ownership, maintenance and operation. • Solid Waste Collection and Disposal The Town provides a twice -a -week curbside pickup except for non-residential uses ' which contract with a private collector. In addition, the Town operates a re -cycling point at the public works garage. Solid waste disposal is made at the Tri-County landfill operated by Craven, Carteret and Pamlico Counties. • Parks and Recreation ' Parks and recreation facilities operated by the Town include: ' ■ Waterfront Park ■ Grayden Paul Park ■ Curtis Perry Park ' ■ Taylor's Creek Town Dock ■ Randolph Johnson Park • Police ' The Beaufort Police Department includes a Chief,14 sworn officers, and one administrative assistant with three officers on duty at all times. The Department which has 12 patrol cars is also supplemented by auxiliary officers. • Tim The Town operates a full-time fire department. The department has a staff of nine full-time engineers, and a fire chief. This staff is supported by 25 part-time ' 9 employees. Equipment includes two 1,000 GPM pumpers and one 1,250 GPM ' pumper. Carteret County contracts with Beaufort to provide service to an area north of Beaufort. The areas extends to the North River Bridge on U.S. 70, to Back Creek on Merrimon Road, to Core Creek Bridge on NC 101, and also includes Radio ' Island. The farthest distance is approximately nine miles from the station. ' • Emery Services The Beaufort rescue squad, which is a non-profit organization reporting to the County provides ambulance services. Eight of the members are paid, and the rest of the staff ' is composed of 14 volunteers. ' • Administration, Public Works and Public Utilities The Administration and public service staff of the Town includes the following: ' ■ Administration - 4 ■ Inspections -1 ■ Water and Sewer - 9 ' ■ Street and Sanitation -13 ■ Utilities 7 - 'GENERAL CONCLUSIONS: Public Facilities/Services • From a growth strategy standpoint, the availability of water and wastewater facilities ' are the most critical facilities and the most costly to provide. Although long-term regional solutions to wastewater treatment are being studied, for the purposes of the time frame of this growth strategy only the existing system will be considered. i • The other facilities and services provided by the Town are generally measured in ' terms of factors such as the ratio and distance to population, availability of equipment, and response times. "SOW BACKGROUND: Land Development Regulations 1 • Zoning The Board of Commissioners adopted a comprehensively rewritten Zoning ' Ordinance on September 8, 1998. The Zoning Ordinance provides for the division of the Town's planning jurisdiction into eighteen (18) primary districts, ' 10 a Planned Units Development District and an Historic Overlay District. The ' purpose of the various districts are as follows: Residential Districts ' R-20 Single -Family Residential District. ,Purpose: The purpose of this district shall be to maintain a compatible mixture of single-family residential and agricultural uses, a density of two families per acre in accordance with the North Carolina State Board of Health recommendations for residential areas without public water and sewer, and to prevent the development of blight and slum conditions. • R-15 Single -Family Residential District. Purpose: The regulations of this district are intended to insure that residential development not having access to public water supplies or dependent upon septic tanks for sewage disposal will occur at sufficiently ' low densities to provide a healthful environment. The R-15 single-family residential district must be provided either municipal water or sewer. • R-10 One or Two Family Residential District. Purpose: The R-10 residential district is established to provide a medium density district in which the principal use of land is for one or two-family dwelling units. The R-10 residential district must be ' provided with public water and sewer. • R-10 MH Single Family Residential and Manufactured Home/Travel Trailer Park ' District. Purpose: The R-10 residential district is established to provide a medium density district in which the principal use of land is for site -built single-family dwelling units and approved manufactured home parks. • R-8 Medium Density Residential District. Purpose: The R-8 residential district is established as a medium density district in which the principal use of the land is for single-family dwelling units. The regulations of this district are intended to provide areas of the community for those persons desiring residences in relatively medium density. No buildings or houses or structures excepting noncommercial docks or ' piers will be erected on the south side of Front Street in this district. The R-8 Medium Density Residential District must be provided municipal water and sewer. • R-8A Single -Family Medium Density Residential District. Purpose: The R-8A district single-family residential district is established to provide a medium density district in which the principal use of the land is for single-family residences together with customary accessory buildings, docks, or structures. This district is confined to the existing residential portions on the south side of Front Street. ' R-5 Residential Cluster Development (RC) District. Purpose: The R-5 Residential Cluster District is established as a medium to high density district encouraging the ' practice of residential cluster development designed to conserve land, create useable open space, reduce building and infrastructure costs, and provide for more attractive and functional communities. The regulations of this district are designed to provide ' greater open space and other amenities, while relaxing or varying lot size, minimum yard and similar regulations that would apply to the traditional zoning district. ' 11 ' • R MFMulti-Family High Density Residential District. Purpose: The R-MF Multi - Family Residential District is established to provide a high density district in which the primary uses are multi -family residences and duplexes. This district must be provided municipal water and sewer. • PUD Planned Unit Development. Purpose: This district is defined as an area ' characterized by an orderly integration of residential, commercial (inclusive of offices and institutions), industrial, and open space land uses which conform to the design requirements contained herein. Business Districts: • C-D Central Downtown Business District. Purpose: The purpose of this district is to allow land and structures which provide personal services, retailing, and business services of all kinds to supply the needs of transients and residents, businesses, and ' industry of the town's entire planning jurisdiction. This zone should be limited to the town's central business district. ' •Downtown Waterfront Historic Commercial. Purpose: The purpose of this district shall be to protect the character of the commercial development along the historic waterfront of the town. • B-1 General Business District. Purpose: The B-1 general business district is mF ' established as the district in which a wide variety of sales and service facilities may be provided to the general public. This district may be located in appropriate locations throughout the town's planning jurisdiction. • B-2 Highway Business District. Purpose: The purpose of this district shall be to provide for the proper grouping and development of roadside business uses which ' will best accommodate the needs of the motoring public and business demanding high volume traffic. This district should be located adjacent to major or minor thoroughfares. ' B-3 Marina Business District. Purpose: The purpose of this district shall be to protect the character of the commercial development along the waterfront of the town. • O I Office and Institutional District. Purpose: The purpose of the O & I district is to provide certain land areas with structures that provide office space for ' professional services and for certain institutional functions and residential accommodations, usually medium or high density in nature. The district is normally small and may include older homes undergoing conversion. This district is usually ' situated between business and residential districts, and the regulations are designed to permit development of the permitted functions and still protect and be compatible 12 with nearby residential districts. ' Industrial Districts: • L-I Light Industrial. Purpose: This district is established to provide for the industries which in their normal operations have little or no adverse effect upon adjoining properties and for certain commercial establishments. ' • I-W Industrial Warehouse District. Purpose: This district is established to provide for industries which generally require specially selected locations in the community. ' The requirements herein provide for adequate parking and for screening from adjacent residential districts to insure reasonable standards of community safety and acceptability consistent with advanced industrial practices. • I-P Industrial Park. Purpose: The purpose of this district is to provide certain lands more suited for industrial uses than other land uses as a result of proximity to major utility lines and transportation arteries, but situated where residential or office - institutional development is, or may be, in close proximity to one or more sides of the district. The purpose of this district is to permit selected quality industries in a ' planned physical setting for manufacturing establishments. ' Conservation District: ' • O-S Open Space District. Purpose: The open space district is established as a district in which the primary use of the land is predominately reserved for flood control, public recreation, natural or manmade bodies of water, forests, and other similar open space uses. In promoting the general purposes of this ordinance, the specific intent of this subsection is: (a) To protect developers and property owners from investing in improvements which may be subject to flooding or located on ' land which is otherwise unsuitable for urban development due to natural conditions. ' (b) To remove the possibility of having to spend public funds to protect threatened private investments. ' (c) To encourage the preservation of and continued use of the land for conservation purposes. There shall be no residential structures of any type, i.e., houses, trailers, manufacture homes, motels, hotels, etc., and there shall be no commercial or industrial uses ' permitted. ' Historic District: • H Historic District. Purpose: The purpose of the historic district regulations is to 13 promote the education, culture, and general welfare of the public through the ' preservation and protection of historical buildings, places and areas, and to maintain such lands as examples of past architectural styles. The historic district shall consist of areas which are deemed to be especially significant in terms of their history, ' architecture, and/or culture; and possess integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling, and association. ' Uses in the various primary zoning district are either permitted "by right" or permitted as "Special Uses" by the Board of Commissioners on appeal upon review by the Planning Board. Special Uses have specific additional development standards and the Board in granting a Special Use permit may attach additional requirements and conditions. ' In the zoning districts permitting residential uses, the lot size for single-family dwellings ranges from 5,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet. The R-W multi- family district permits 15.8 dwelling units per acre, the O&I District permits 12.8 dwelling units per acre and the PUD permits 6 dwelling units per acre. ' The Zoning Ordinance also has: • Planned building group regulations for flexible residential developments; '0 Off -Street parking and loading requirements; and, • Sign regulations. Off- street areas must be paved but turfstone which provides reduced stormwater ' runoff is an alternative material. ' Subdivision Ordinance A rewritten Subdivision Ordinance was adopted by the Board of Commissioners on September 8, 1998. The Ordinance regulates the division of land throughout the planning jurisdiction. Development styles, densities, and use standards are dictated by the Zoning Ordinance. Subdivisions are subject to three levels of approval: Sketch Plan; Preliminary Plan; and Final Plat Sketch plan approval is the responsibility of the Building Inspector/Zoning Officer. ' Preliminary Plan approval is made by the Planning Board whereas both the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners must approve Final Plats. 14 1 1 1 1 1 Streets are required to be paved and curb and gutters are required except in the R- 20 District. Prior to Final Plat approval, all required improvements shall have completed or their installation guaranteed by a financial security document acceptable to the Town. 15 The following is a listing of certain factors which may impact upon the future growth of the Town and the formulation of a future growth strategy. These are listed in no particular order. • The Recent Growth Trend Northward on US High3yay 70. The Town of Beaufort is essentially situated in the end of a peninsula. As the older part of Town has become built -out, growth has moved northward up the peninsula along US 70 and to a lesser extent northward along NC 101. With no other direction to grow and with service available along the highways, the demand for growth is expected to continue in the same direction. ' • The Projected Construction of a New Bridge to Replace the Existing Gallant Channel Drawbridge and the Relocation of US 70. After the final design for this project is completed, the potential effects of the project can better be projected. However, ' based upon the alternate routes being considered, the following factors present themselves: • The essentially undeveloped area between the current US 70 and NC 101 will be bisected by the right-of-way of the New US 70. There will be significant limits of access to the new facility. • Property acquisition and demolition for highway construction could be necessary in the Turner Street - West Beaufort Road vicinity. • The traveler -oriented commercial facilities on portions of the existing US 70, particularly the western end of the Cedar Street section, will likely need to be adapted to other uses. The current street cross-section in that area will appear to be obsolete. • Access to the older part of Town (probably via Pollock Street) from the New US 70 facility will be necessary. • An intersection with the new facility in the area between NC 101 and the existing US 70 will likely be necessary in order for traffic to have access to existing US 70 in the area from the Campen Road intersection to the vicinity of the Pinner Point Road intersection. . • Attraction of Beaufort as a Retirement Community. As the State and National populations continue to age the demand for retirement homes and elder care will continue to increase. In Carteret County, for example, the 1990 Census reports that 23% of the population is 62 years of age or more as compared to the State's 16 percentage of 16.6%. Beaufort has long been an attractive and well-known place for. retirement. • The Existence or Proposed Extensions of Water/Sewer North on US 70 / NC 101. On US 70 North a sewer force main extends to East Carteret High School. Also a County owned, Town - operated water system exists in the Merrimon - North River area. In addition a sewer force main is proposed to be installed by the County (to be owned and operated by the Town) approximately 6.5 miles north on NC 101 to serve the Jarret Bay Boat Works and associated industrial park. These utilities will have the effect of pulling Beaufort area development northward along the two highways. • Attraction of Waterfront Development, The attraction of development to the waterfront will continue to affect future development. With the Taylor's Creek frontage significantly developed, new development will be pulled toward Davis Bay, Turner's Creek and the North River frontage on the east side and the Newport River frontage north of Michael J. Smith Field on the west side. • The Attraction of Beaufort as a Tourist Destination. Dining, shopping, antiquing, boating, sightseeing and second homes are expected to continue to make Beaufort a tourist destination. With growth in the tourist industry the demand for additional tourist related facilities and services will increase. Also the maintenance of the attractiveness of the Town's historical assets will be imperative. • The "County -Seat" Function. As the County grows the Town can expect additional need by the County government for facilities space unless the County decides to de- centralize. • Industrial Sites. Current industrial areas are not well -located in regard to transportation access, room for expansion and other locational criteria. A future strategy will need to look at new sites and the reuse of some existing sites. • North Carnlina PortProjected growth and diversification at the Port will impact the Town as it offers increased job opportunities, economic growth and transportation activities. • The Location of Michael J. Smith Field The 1996 Land Use Plan states that; "The most significant manmade hazard within Beaufort's planning jurisdiction is the Michael J. Smith Airport. The airport is located northwest of the town in an area of increasing development. The Beaufort -Morehead City Airport Authority is considering lengthening Runway 8-26 to accommodate "light" jet aircraft. This extension could require relocation of a portion of NC 101 and result in further 1 impact of air operations on surrounding areas." It is also possible that the runway extension will not require the relocation of NC 101. 11 ' 17 .ST AT . GIC APPROA CHFOR GROWTH: • Recommendations. The following strategies are recommended to be implemented in order to guide future growth. These strategies are not listed in any particular order, however, it is recommended that in considering these strategies, priorities, time frames and responsibilities for implementation be assigned to each. It is also recommended that these strategies be reviewed on an annual basis so that priorities can be reviewed, progress determined, and new or revised strategies considered. '0 Thoroughfares: ► The map accompanying this strategy shows a generalized "preferred" location of the proposed high rise bridge replacement for the Gallant's Channel drawbridge and the related relocation of US 70. This optional location appears to have fewer negative effects than ' other optional corriders that have been considered. ► Pollock Street is recommended as the feeder street for access from the ' relocated US 70 to the downtown area and the older part of Town. ► It is recommended that a connector street be constructed as a part of the relocation project to connect the new US 70 to existing US 70 with an intersection in the vicinity of Pinners Point Road. ► With the construction of the new bridge and relocated US 70, the western segment of the current US 70(Cedar Street) should be reconstructed and landscaped to reflect its new function as a local ' street. The Town should request that NCDOT cooperate in this effort as part of the bridge replacement - US 70 relocation project. ' • Future Town Form. As the Town grows northward up the peninsula: • Growth should be directed toward the interior between US 70 and NC 101 ' with east - west connections between the two highways. • Growth should be directed to occur in sequences rather than "leap -frogging" vacant areas. • Growth should be directed to occur in a more compact form in order to facilitate economic provision of municipal services. As areas are annexed or proposed for annexation to the Town the 1996 Land Classification Map ' should be amended to classify the areas as Urban Transition. 18 • Growth should be discouraged from "stripping" out the highways in linear ' form. • Future Land Use Patterns • Create a new industrial park -type area east of NC 101 in the vicinity of Michael J. Smith Field. This would provide a more compatible use than ' residential subdivisions for property beneath the approach zone to the planned main runway for the airport. In addition the Town should encourage a study of the airport's potential impact on future economic development of ' the community, particularly its potential role in attracting light industry. • Relocate the Town garage - shops to the new area and encourage the ' relocation of other close -in industrial uses to the new industrial area. • Encourage the re -use of the older in -town industrial areas for hotels, restaurants, and condominium in the old Beaufort style. • Direct future regional commercial uses to the current US 70 area in the Steep ' Point - Campen - Pinners area. Allow this area to become compact before creating new areas to the north. The Town should designate specific commercial growth nodes for future development. Use higher density housing es and/or institutional uses between the US 70 • � tY g types commercial areas and adjoining lower density residential, or alternately, rear ' property line buffers or other such techniques for separating dissimilar uses. The higher density / institutional uses should have access to the highway by means other than through low density residential areas. • Use lower density residential on the water side of NC 101 and the water side of US 70 where streets are likely to end in cul-de-sac's and are less likely to ' be interconnected. Limit the number of access road connections to the highway and avoid off -set intersections. ' With the relocation of US 70, encourage the adaptive reuse of property along the west end of Cedar Street. ' Downtown should remain compact and walkable with as little intrusion into adjoining areas as possible. The "park and ride" concept should be expanded, ' particularly with the relocation of US 70, in order to limit the impact of automobiles in the area. ' • Water and Sewer. • Conduct an engineering study to evaluate the existing wastewater treatment ' plant coupled with calculations to determine the potential for increasing permitted hydraulic capacity. Apply for an amended NPDES permit if ' 19 permitted hydraulic capacity can be increased. ' In March 1998, the feasibility of obtaining ownership of the North River and Merrimon water systems was preliminarily evaluated for the Town. The ' conclusion was that North River not only appears feasible, but could be a sound investment that is worth further evaluation. Merrimon on the other hand does not appear to currently be feasible for various reasons. However, ' that may change should further development occur in that area. Finally, it has to be considered that to obtain the North River system may also require taking the Merrimon system. The Town should continue to explore these ' options. • The Town should complete a computer generated hydraulic model of its ' water system to determine the appropriate improvements to satisfy requirements for transporting the future projected water demands between the Town's existing supply facilities and North River's existing supply facilities. ' In addition, the above suggested computer hydraulic model would be the basis of strengthening the water system up the peninsula between NC 101 ' and US 70/NCSR 1300. Any planning for an east -west grid will be subsequent to the model generated data and will be based on individual development plans in addition to such data. ' The Town should develop a master plan for providing sewer lines and transporting wastewater to the Town's system for treatment from the Town's ' potential growth area. • Require that sewer connections to the US 70 and NC 101 force mains be from developer built, appropriately sized, designed, and located pump stations serving developments of significant size. The Town may participate in oversize cost where appropriate. • Require that developments requesting water and/or sewer service outside the Town petition for annexation either pursuant to NCGS 160A, Article 4A, Part ' 1. (contiguous property) or NCGS 160A, Article 4A, Part 4. (noncontiguous property). The Town should then either annex the property or defer action on the petition. Where action is deferred but connection is permitted, the ' annexation petition shall be recorded with the Register of Deeds along with an agreement signed by the petitioner waiving his or her rights to withdraw the annexation petition for a period of at least ten (10) years and also ' agreeing that subsequent purchasers shall be a party (ies) to the petition and waiver for the same period. 1 Require the annexation petitioner to waive the right to require the town to provide water and/or sewer until a future budget year if the town is to be required to extend any lines. ' 20 • Require that developments receiving water and/or sewer connections (including the North River - Merrimon system if obtained by the Town) that ' lie outside the Town's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction comply with the Town's Zoning and Subdivision standards for the type of development proposed. A ' site plan should be submitted to the Town to determine compliance. The Town should not impose any standard which is a lesser standard than any standard the County might otherwise impose. for • The following administrative/planning items should be considered control and consistency in the Town's future approach to growth and development: ' ► Land use planning within the growth area projected up the peninsula needs to be established by a controlling authority. This will be ' important for more accurately projecting future water and sewer needs. The controlling authority needs to be the utility service provider, or an adequate arrangement implemented that addresses the needs of both authorities. ► Evaluation of the water and sewer enterprise funds needs to be ' implemented with emphasis upon creation of a system of user charges to recoup the enterprise operating expenses. Consideration should be given to completing this prior to, or in conjunction with, ' implementation of any significant changes to the current extent of service area. ' ► Creation of a standards document that sets policy for Town specification and details relative to infrastructure construction should ' be consided for implementation prior to, or in conjunction with, further development of the Town's Public Works infrastructure system. ► Evaluation of current policies concerning extension of water and sewer service acreage and/or impact fees should be considered with regard to the growth approach to ensure that citizen equity in the ' utility systems is upheld. ' ► If the Town is to be the provider for water and sewer service in this area of the county, consideration should be given to evaluating the various options for the establishment of legal entities that can qualify ' for grants and loans for project financing, or appropriate arrangements made with the county for the provision of financing. ' ► The following 17 specific priority needs in the water, sewer and storm drainage category should be addressed: ' 21 Administration Priority Needs Water & Sewer Enterprise Fund Evaluation Research and review data from operations and budgets for water and sewer enterprise funds. Perform necessary calculations and prepare analytical spread- ' sheets to document cost and revenue distributions. Perform various calculations for options as to new user charge systems. Public Works Standard Specification Have document prepared and adopted which addresses Town standards for water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and street construction. Sets minimum acceptable standards. Used primarily as a tool for developers, engineers, planners and builders. Helps ensure integrity and compatibility of new installations. Utility Extension Policies Assist Town in review of existing policies as well as research and development of ' new policies. Specific items should include at a minimum: standards, approvals, permitting, cost sharing, impact fees, acreage fees and user classes for charging. ' Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Expansion - Utility Expansion Areas Evaluate the need and feasibility of expanding ED as allowed by NC General Statutes to encompass developing areas requesting utility services. ' Implementation of expansion will create jurisdictional authority for Town in developing areas. ' Land Use Plan - Utility Expansion Areas Establish plan for land use classes within anticipated utility expansion areas. Formalizing development patterns in this manner will provide the basis for pro- jecting water and sewer demands, and subsequent master planning requirements. ' Evaluation of Tv es of Utility Service Districts Assist Town in assessing options available through enabling legislation for operating entities to provide water and sewer service to significant areas beyond the Town's corporate limits. Evaluations should include options that place ' emphasis upon entities or operating arrangements that allow the expanding utility systems to qualify for government grants and low interest loans while maintaining the sovereignty of the Town of Beaufort and its citizen equity in its existing utility ' systems. Evaluation should also include options that consolidate the Town's existing systems with expansion systems for creation of a new legal operating entity that qualifies for government grants and low interest loans. Pros and cons of each option to be presented. ' Geographic Information System -Land I Ise & Zoning Establish layers with database limited to available existing inventory data. ' 22 ' Water System Priority Needs Comprehensive Water Study Prepare a computer generated hydraulic model of the existing water distribution ' system and analyze water production/consumption records. Evaluate existing various critical fire flow requirements, projected 20-year expansions and resulting demands upon existing piping network, supply and storage. Prepare preliminary. ' corrective actions plans with cost estimate for noted deficiencies. Use model to analyze and plan all future expansions and connections. ' Feasibilly Study - Water Extensions to Loop With North River Water System Evaluate administrative and infrastructure requirements necessary to complete such extensions, evaluate feasibility on cost and logistics basis, provide written ' report. ' Gregg anhic Information System - Water Establish initial layers with database limited to available existing data for water system. Sewer Systems Priority Needs ' Sanit= Sewer Collection Expansion Master Plan Conduct necessary field surveys for preliminary planning, design and mapping of proposed sanitary sewer collection system expansion north of Beaufort between NC 101 and US 70/NCSR 1300 corridors. Prepare preliminary cost estimates of proposed improvements. Present data in written report. Infiltration/Inflow Study Complete evaluation of existing condition of sanitary sewer collection system with emphasis on identification and quantifying groundwater and surface water ' entry. Establish costs for rehabilitation and recommend cost-effective actions to decrease flow to existing WWTP. �I F WWTP Q12erational Assessment Study Research existing WWTP operation, design criteria and performance results. Conduct necessary engineering calculations to evaluate existing plant perform- ance and projected performance potential at possibly expanded hydraulic capacity. Present data in written report. eog=hic Information System Sewer Establish initial layers with database'limited to available existing data for storm sewer system. ' 23 • Amend the Subdivision Ordinance to require extension and connections ' to the Town's systems when a subdivision is within proximity of the services based upon a schedule similar to the following: Available Water System Lines Water is available if the subdivision contains the number of lots listed in column one and public lines are within the distance shown in column two, LOTS DISTANCE 2-10 200 feet 1I 20 300 feet 21-50 600 feet 51-100 1000 feet 101+ 1500 feet Available Sevier System Lines Sewer is available ifthe subdivision contains the number of lots listed in column one and public lines are within the distance shown in column two. LOTS DISTANCE 2-1.0 200 feet 11 20 300 feet 21-50 600 feet 51-100 1000 feet . I01+. 1500 feet 24 • Town Initiated Annexations. The Town should conduct feasibility studies for Town ' initiated annexations of the following general areas: • The Lennoxville Point area. ' The area east of US 70 from Turner's Creek north to Olga Street. The area on the west side of US 70 from Pearl Street to Cedar Street. ' • Storm Water Drainage. ' Continue the curb and gutter requirement for higher density developments but also require retention of the first %2 inch of stormwater for developments with 30% or more impervious surface. Runoff control ' measures may include: ► On -site infiltration through undisturbed vegetated areas. ' ► Engineered infiltration measures such as trenches, retention ponds (wet ponds), or wet detention ponds that reduce the total quantity ' of runoff ► Detention structures that reduce the rate and total quantity of ' -runoff. • Historic Areas. • Consider extending the Beaufort Historic District to include the mainland ' portion of the National District that can qualify for inclusion in the local district. Consideration should proceed in two steps: first, the area east of ' Pollock Street; then, the area north of Broad Street. n local "Historic Landmark's" as provided for in Consider designation NCGS 160A, Article 19, Part 3C and Section 13 of the Beaufort Zoning Ordinance. ' • Traditional Development Style. • Require the traditional development style to the extent feasible for the development and redevelopment of property in the older part of Town being the area essentially south of Mulberry - Lennoxville Road. ' The Town should encourage, and require where Conditional Use Rezoning is involved, the use of the old Beaufort traditional architectural style for ' shopping centers and other commercial and institutional developments. R • As part. of the emphasis on traditional development styles it is recommended that the Town inventory existing sidewalks with a view toward providing future sidewalks (and other walking trails) to allow connections to all parts of the Town by pedestrians. ' • US 70 - NC 101 Corridor Overlay Districts. Consideration should be given to the establishment of corridor overlay districts for US 70 and NC 101 northward ' from their intersection. Such districts should address the following development issues: ' Additional building setbacks. • Parking lot and street frontage landscaping, including berms and vegetated sheet frontage strips. ' Planned and shared access and parking. • Limited open-air uses. • Street widening, curbs and gutter and sidewalks. • Buffers where abutting single-family residential. • Prohibition of principal use billboards. • Amortization of certain non -conforming elements. ' Such requirements should apply to both non-residential and residential developments on the major thoroughfares. • Signs on Relocated US 70. The Town and NCDOT should consider prohibiting outdoor advertising signs along relocated US 70 but instead allow "logo" type signs on the highway. • Conditional Use Zoning. The Town should consider amending the Zoning . Ordinance to incorporate the Conditional Use rezoning process. Conditional Use Zoning is an optional method for rezoning property which permits the property owner to specify limitations on the use of the property and to specify conditions on the development of the property which are more stringent than the general standards of the Zoning Ordinance.* It is an effective tool in preventing land use relationship problems and provides planning and zoning flexibility in implementing Land Use plans. The practice of Conditional Use Zoning has been upheld by the North Carolina Supreme Court** in which it said, "...This Court holds today that conditional use zoning, when carried out properly, is an approved practice in North Carolina. Like the jurisdictions we expressly join today, we are persuaded that the practice, when properly implemented, will add a valuable and desirable flexibility to the planning efforts of local authorities throughout our state. In our view, the `all or nothing' approach of traditional zoning techniques is insufficient in today's world of rapid industrial expansion and pressing urban and rural social and economic problems." * For a more detailed explanation of Conditional Use Zoning see Stephen E. Davenport and Philip P. Green, Jr., Special and Conditional I Tse Districts; A Way t� o Imposes More Specific Zoning Controls (Institute of Government, The ' 26 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1980) ** See Chrismon vs. Guilford County_ North Carolina Supreme Court, 354 S.E. 2009. • Code Enforcement. It is imperative that the following property maintenance ' codes be enforced as part of an overall growth strategy: • Minimum housing. ' Nuisances. • Junk cars. ' • Additional Code Provisions. It is suggested that the following additional provisions be considered: '0 Non-residential building maintenance (similar to a minimum housing code except that it applies to non-residential structures). '0 Appearance standards for mobile homes on individual lots (siding, underpinning, porch, pitched roof, orientation to street, etc.). • Standards for upgrading existing mobile home parks with amortization ' requirements for those that do not upgrade. • A prohibition against placing pre-1976 mobile homes in the jurisdiction or relocating existing pre-1976 mobile homes within the jurisdiction. ' Clarify the Zoning Ordinance to prohibit intensive livestock operations. • Develop a general buffering requirement that applies to separation of all dissimilar uses. • Specify an expiration date (180 days, for example) for a common zoning certificate in order to distinguish it from the "vested rights" period of two ' years. • Establish a "civil penalty" process for enforcing Town ordinances in addition to the criminal misdemeanor process. • Establish a general site plan review process for development plans. • Streamline the subdivision review process by redefining the preliminary plan - final plat review procedure. Establish Airport Overlay Zoning to protect the approaches to Michael J. '0 Smith Field from air navigation hazards and ensure proper land usage within the approach zones. • Recommended Priorities. It is recommended that the priority be placed on the ' following issues: • Perform the water and sewer studies and investigations as outlined_ with ' priorities on extension policies, construction standards, system funding and system capacities an d operations. 27 • worx with INS .t n1 t to tie gown the comuor anu ypeci►it; ucsigu ui uic high rise bridge and routing for the New US 70. With significant development already proposed for the triangle between NC 101 and existing US 70 it is essential that the Planning Board, City Council and ' others have specific information on the New US 70 route in order to plan for development in the area. • Incorporate the Conditional Use Rezoning process into the Zoning Ordinance. As the North Carolina Supreme Court said: "We are persuaded that the practice, when properly implemented, will add a ' valuable and desirable flexibility to the planning efforts of local authorities throughout our state. In our view, the `all or nothing' approach of traditional zoning techniques is insufficient in today's world of rapid . industrial expansion and pressing urban and rural social and economic problems." ' Consider creating additional historic districts and promoting the traditional "Beaufort Style" of development. It is important not only locally but also from a State and National perspective that Beaufort maintain and enhance ' the vision of its heritage. • Maintain and enhance codes and ordinances dealing with the maintenance of propertyv standards. An overall growth strategy is incomplete without attention to maintaining the integrity and standards of the environment of ' older neighborhoods. • Prioritize addition code provisions. It is recommended that the Planning Board establish an on -going program of evaluation of development codes and ordinances, incorporating new and amended provisions is needed.. 1 1 r t t t r North Harbor if ....,..,e.....,,.. ...____..�_....,,..,_,._...,__ North River t r t r r r r � it r r J r Sewer Force Main to East Carteret High School Taylor s� - �- Proposed Sewer Force Main to Janett Bay Boat Worksj, (approximately 6.5 miles) North River-Merrimon Water System , a (approximately 3 miles) � r J. r ` , I ♦ '� ; � \ North River Newport River J .•♦ ` ♦ I ,r ��W, -0610 ''• � � ����,,.s J ,f'v� �',. ��.. ` � SAr ! a } e MICHAEL J. SMITH FIELD I' ♦ 9 r-a ♦ I;,Ai Howland q A� v► t+fb+'r .�.. _ _. Weat J' J Q 'nrmera crWr xw 70. .Bay � �a 4f, - f Plvera Island ND.A. EIg,_J i Duke Mde Lab 1 Taylors Creek e Bay �� ✓ f Q Y W - - Tp N T 1 i TOWN OF BEA UFOR T VICINITY MAP Generalized Areas Served By� c ENCHMA�RK Town of Beaufort Water and Sewer a. 'At lent lcn OrR•R.::'. 1 4 Mile yi The a�ratkn of this document was financed, In part, through a grant provided / Managementby the North Carolina Coastal program, the Coastal Zone Management Attof 1972,as aniaMed, which Is adminbLaredd by 0 1/2 Mile Z ate, of Resouces Management, Natlonel Oceanic and S:\G1S\BEAUFORTNC\BEAUBASE.DWG ♦ ., va j MICHAE+L J. SMTfH FIE ^� 1 Piver a Island r Duke Mar]ne,,a, Ytll yytl littitl YYlittt* a r TOWN OF BEA UFOR T ENCHMARK SNCORPoRATEO �1 1/4 Mile 0 1 /2 Mile O z Sketch Thoroughfare Plan Existing Thoroughfare • • Proposed Thoroughfare • At Grade Intersection Development Collector Street Direction rr,tt,t,7rtA Airport Runway 26 Extension [IM Runway Protection Zone ........ National Register Nomination District Beaufort Historic District The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic and Am>osyheric Abnlnlstratlon. S: \GIS\BEAUFORTNC\BEAUBASE.DWG Immm m m m m m mm m m m m m m m M-M