Strategic Approach for Growth-1999

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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
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jurisdiction (ETJ).
Continued minor losses of agricultural and forestlands.
• gn
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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.

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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

'
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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
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........ National Register Nomination District
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The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided
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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.
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