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LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
BELHAVEN, N. C.
MAY, 1976
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clovoll
F
' R SOORORS �
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The preparation of this report was financed in part through a planning
grant from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration,
under the provisions of Section 305 of the Federal Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972 as amended and the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974.

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LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR BELHAVEN
Prepared by
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BELHAVEN PLANNING BOARD
Dr. Charles Johnson, Chairman
James W. Joyner, Vice -Chairman
George R. Ebron, Jr.
W, R. Edwards
G. T. Swinson
Christine Taylor
C. G. Tinker
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for
The Citizens of Belhaven
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To be Implemented By
BELHAVEN ALDERMEN (IncuTbents in 1975) BELHAVEN TOWN COUNCIL 1976
Axson Smith, Mayor Dr. C. 0. Boyette, Mayor
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Dr. C. 0. Boyette Frank Ambrose, Jr.
Frank Ambrose, Jr. W. Avery Bond
Jimmy Hodges W. P. O'Neal, Jr.
W. P. O'Neal, Jr. W. H. Snell
Reuben Williams
Robert Whitley
Technical assistance provided by the
North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic Resources
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Division of Community Assistance
John Crew, Planner
Debra H. Ingalls, Secretary
Mary E. Noe, Secretary
Patricia N. Sheppard, Secretary
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Mike Yount, Draftsman
Danny Smitl, Draftsman

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cross-index
of data items
in Belhaven
Table of Con-
tents as
required by
variance
request procedure
PAGE NUMBER
Introduction
Purpose of the plan, history of CAMA planning effort, etc.
1-3
Description of Present Conditions
A. Population and Economy (brief analysis)
15-28, 52-62
B. Existing Land Use
63-77
1. Legible map of existing land uses
68
2. Analysis
a. significant compatibility problems
.63-77
b. problems from unplanned development with implications
for
future use
63-77
c. areas experiencing, or likely to experience, major land
use change
63-77
C. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
1. Plans and Policies
78-83
a. transportation plans
73
b. community facilities plans
78
c. utilities extension policies
80-81
d. open space policies
82
e. recreation policies
82
f. prior land use plans
78
g. prior land use policies
78-83
2. Local Regulations
a. zoning ordinances
83
b. subdivision regulations
83
c. floodway ordinances
83
d. building codes
83
e. septic tank regulations
80
f. historic districts regulations
83
g. nuisance regulations
83
h. dune protection ordinances
83_
i. sedimentation codes
83
J. environmental impact statement ordinances
83
3. Federal and State Regulations
83
Public Participation Activities
5-12
A. Identification and analysis of major land use issues
5-12
1. The impact of population and economic trends
96-103
2. The provision of adequate housing and other services
29-51
3. The conservation of productive natural resources
5-12
4. The protection of important natural environments
5-12
5. The protection of cultural and historic resources
5-12
B. Alternatives considered in the development of the objectives,
policies, and standards
6-8
C. Land use objectives, policies and standards for dealing with
each identified major issue
5-12
C. A brief description of the process used to determine
objectives, policies and standards, emphasizing public
participatiorr
5-12

PAGE NUMBER
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IV.
V.
E.
A detailed statement outlining the methods employed in securing
public participation, and the degree of participation achieved
and the results obtained
5-12
Constraints
A.
Land Potential
1. Physical Limitations
84
a. hazard areas
84
b. soil limitations
85, 88
c. water supply areas
87
d. steep slopes
87
2. Fragile Areas
a. coastal wetlands
89
b. outer banks sand dunes
89
c. ocean beaches and shorelines
89
d. estuarine waters
89
e. public trust waters
89
f. complex natural areas
89'
g. areas sustaining remnant species
90
h. areas containing unique geologic formations
90
i. registered natural landmarks
90
j. archeologic and historic sites
90
3. Areas with Resource Potential
a. productive agricultural lands
91
b. potentially valuable mineral sites
91
c. publicly -owned lands and other non -intensive outdoor
recreation lands
91
d. privately -owned wildlife sanctuaries
91
B.
Capacity of Community Facilities
1. Identification of existing water and sewer service areas
92, 94
2. Design capacity of existing water treatment plant, sewer
treatment plant, schools, and primary roads
92-95
3. The percent utilization of water and sewer plants, schools,
and primary roads
92-95
Estimated
Demand
A.
Population and Economy
1. Population
96-100
a. ten-year population projection
98
b. considerations taken into account in preparing ten-year
projection (seasonal populations, local objectives, and
social and economic change)
96-100
c. 5, 10, 25, and 50 year projections
98
d. relationship of long-term projections to desires of
the people
96-100
e. relationship of the capabilities of the land
97-108,
f. examination of seasonal population and economic impacts
97
.2. Economy
Identification of major trends and factors in economy
102
B.
Future Land Needs
Use of the ten-year population projection to determine land
demand for land classification
104-109
C.
Community Facilities Demand
1. Ten-year population projection used to determine
facilities demand
102
2. Consideration of the type and cost of services needed to
accommodate projected population
102
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3. Consideration'of the ability of the local economy to finance
service expansion
102
VI. Plan Description
A. Description of the Land Classification System
116
B. Projected population growth allocation to Transition,
Community, and Rural Land classes, based upon local objectives
104-109, 116
C. Gross population densities used to allocate Transition and
Community classifications
104-109, 116
D. A legible Land Classification Map which is consistent with
local objectives, policies and standards•
118
VII. Potential Areas of Environmental Concern
110
VIII. Summary
A. Discussion of -the manner of data assembly, analysis, and a
statement of major conclusions
1-12 .
B. Discussion of the application of the data to the plan's
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formulation
5-12
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IX. City -County Plan Relationship Defined
5-12
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PREFACE
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN ........................................... 1
FORMATOF THE PLAN ............................................ 1
• METHODOLOGY .................................................... 2
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES .......................................... 4
INTRODUCTION
HISTORICALSETTING ......... .... ................. 13
. GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING ........................................... 13
PRESUIT CONDITIONS
POPULATION, HOUSING AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Population ...............................................
15
Distribution ...................... ........ .......
15
Age of Population ...................................
16
Racial Composition ............................... .
16
Sex Composition .....................................
17
Income ...............................................
17
Housing ............. ..................................
29
Inventory ............................................
29
Housing Unit Types ...................................
29
Tenure ........... ..... ..........................
30
Public Assisted Housing .............................
30
Household Size ................ .... ......... ......
31
Household Density ...................................
31
Housing Value and Rent ................. ...........
31
Age of Housing ........ ....... ..............
42
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Major Deficiencies ..................................
42
Housing Structural Conditions .............. ....
42
Housing Conditions 1960 .............................
44
Housing Conditions 1970 ,.,................. .........
46
Housing Need ......................................
48
Summary .............................................
51
Economic Environment .....................................
52
EXISTINGLAND USE ............................................. 63
Residential .............................................. 66
Conventional .............................................
69
Mobile Home ....... ........... ........................
69
Commercial .............................................
70
Industrial ..... ....................................
71
Cultural, Entertainment,.....................
72
Transportation, Communication, Utilities .................
73
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Government and Institutional .............................
73
'
Streets and.Highways.....................................
73
Vacant Lands .............................................
74
Forest Land ...............................................
75
Agriculture .............................................
75
Wetland ...................... ..........................
76
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CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
Plans and Policies ....................................... 78
Local Regulations ........................................ 83
Federal and State Regulations ............................ 83
' CONSTRAI FS
LAND POTENTIAL
Physical Limitations .....................................
84
Hazard Areas ........................................
84
Areas With SoilLimitations .........................
85
Sources of Water Supply ................... ..... ..
87
Steep Slopes ........................................
87
Fragile Areas ............................................
89
Wetlands . ... ........ ........................
89
Frontal Dunes ............... ..... ..... ........
89
Beaches .............................................
89
Prime Wildlife Habitats .............................
89
Scenic and Prominent High Points ....................
89
Complex Natural Areas .... .................... .
89
Estuarine Water .....................................
89
Public Trust Waters ...... ....... ...............
89
Fragile Areas .......................................
90
Areas Sustaining Remnant Species .....................
90
Registered Natural Landmarks ......................
90
Areas Containing Unique Geologic Formations .........
90
Stream Classification ...............................
90
Areas with Resource Potential ............................
91
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Archeologic and Historic Sites 91
Productive and Unique Agriculture Lands ............. 91
Mineral Sites ............................ .......... 91
Publicly -owned Forests, Parks, Fish and Gamelands,
and Other Nonintensive Outdoor Recreation Lands 91
Privately -owned Wildlife Sanctuaries ................ 91
CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES .............................. 92
Water and Sewer Service Areas ............................ 92
Public Schools ........................................... 93
Primary Roads ............................................ 95
ESTIMATED DEJ'M
POPULATIONPROJECTIONS ..................................... 96
Seasonal Population Changes .............................. 97
HOUSINGPROJECTIONS ........................................... 101
ECONOMICPROJECTIONS .......................................... 102
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FUTURE LAND NEEDS
Residential ................... .................. ....
104
Industrial ..............................................
107
Commercial ..............................................
108
COMMUNITYFACILITIES DEMAND ................ ...............
109
POTENTIAL AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN .....................
110
Coastal Wetlands ........................................
110
Estuarine Waters ........................................
113
Public Trust Navigable Waters ...........................
114
Coastal Flood Plains ............................. ......
115
LANDCLASSIFICATION ........................... ..... ....
116
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HILLENTATION
119
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
APPENDIX
HOUSINGCONDITION DEFINITIONS ................................
123
a
COUNTY AND REGIONAL DOCUMENTS CONCERNING BELHAVEN ............
126
ORDINANCE REGULATION WATER AND SEWER PROVISIONS ..............
127
STREAM CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS .. ........... .. ........
133
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LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NUMBER
ITEM
1
Population Distribution Change ......................
18
2
Summary of Population Trends .......................
19
3
Population Change By Age Group .....................
20
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4
Minor Population ........ ...... ...... ..
5
Elderly Population Changes .........................
22
6
Median Age .........................................
23.
7
Population Changes By Race .........................
24
8
Population Distribution By Age and Race ............
25
9
Population Changes By Sex ..........................
26
10
Population By Age and Sex ..........................
27
11
Family Income ......................................
28
12
Housing Unit Change ................................
32
13
Year -Round Housing Unit Type ........... ...........
33
14
Housing Unit Change By Type ........................
34
15
Housing Distribution By Type .......................
35
16
Housing Tenure and Vacancy ............... ........
36
17
Tenure By Race .....................................
37
18
Overcrowding ............. .........................
38
19
Housing Value and Rent....... .................. ....
39
20
Housing Value......... .................. ...........
40
21
Housing Rent ............. ........................
41
22
Incomplete Plumbing Facilities .....................
43
23
Housing Conditions .................................
45
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Estimated Housing Conditions .......................
47
25
Housing Distribution By Type .......................
49
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TABLE NUMBER
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
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ITEM
Major Employers .................................... 54
Persons 14 and Older By Industry 55
Persons 14 and Older By Occupation 56
Number of Fishermen & Vessels ...................... 57
Pounds and Value of Fish Landed .................... 58
Travel Expenditures ................................ 60
Families and Unrelated Individuals By Income ....... 61
Land Area .......................................... 64
Existing Land Use By Acre ................?.......... 67
County and Township Population Projections ......... 98
Belhaven.Population Trends 99
Belhaven Population Projections .................... 100
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LIST OF MAPS
. MAP
NUMBER
1
2
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4
5
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6
7
8
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ITEM
Regional Location ..................... 14
Belhaven Planning Area ................ 65
Existing Land Use ..................... 68
Soil Conditions ....................... 88
Water and Sewer System ................ 94
Existing Zoning ....................... 105
Flood Hazard Areas and Public Waters... 112
Land Classification ................... 118
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PREFACE,
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
The coastal area of North Carolina is a very important area of the state for
agricultural food production, sport and commercial fishing, and further expansion
of commerce, industry, and recreation. To.facilitate the accommodation of all of
these land uses, the General Assembly passed the Coastal Area Management Act in
July, 1974. This act requires that_all coastal counties and towns developa land
use plan.to direct future growth. This plan will function as a guide, a blueprint
for future growth and development. Under the requirements of the act, towns were
given the opportunity of either doing the planning.themselves or having the county
do it for them. Belhaven chose to do its own planning. Since the town has extra-
territorial jurisdiction beyond the town limits for one mile, the plan will also
include this area.
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 mandates the Belhaven Land Use Plan.
FORMAT OF THE PLAN
The plan is organized into four major sections. Section I contains data on
present and past conditions in the area and.an analysis of those conditions.
Physical, social, economic, and population data was analyzed in this section.
Land constraints were addressed in Section II. Limitations to development, such
as hazardous areas, fragile areas, and availability and adequacy of basic com-
munity facilities were all considered. Section III determined future needs and
demands which were in part determined by local goals. The last section identifies
and recommends methods of implementation available to the planning -area.
The data sources used in this document were statistical reports such as the
U.S. Census, state and local plans which deal with various functional work for the
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area and existing plans drafted by consultants. All primary data is credited.
Occasionally, due to the lack of data availability or the incompatibility of data
from one report period to the next, interpolations were necessary. Similarly, a

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field windshield survey was conducted by Natural & Economic Resources personnel
to provide as accurate a land use inventory as possible.
Population projections in this document were computed by using a method the
North Carolina Department of Administration used to compute projections for the
coastal counties and townships as required by the Coastal Area Management Act.
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Thus, to assure consistency with county plans and other state plans involving
population projections, the Belhaven plan utilized this data.
The Coastal Resources Commission provided the guidelines used to direct this
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document.. In the Commission's document "State Guidelines for Local'Planning in
the Coastal Area under the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974", a definitive
list of required data and procedures was outlined. These guidelines mandate the
data and procedures contained in this document.
METHODOLOGY
Webster defines a plan as a method devised for achieving an end, and planning
as the act or process of making or carrying out plans which includes the establish-
l/
ment of goals and procedures. Therefore, the task of preparing a Land Development
Plan for the Belhaven area must of necessity include some statements of a desired
end or goal. Chronologically the planning process must include an inventory of
current conditions, an assessment of past conditions and changes that have occurred,
and statements of future desires.
Land use planning has long been characterized by the writing of a lengthy •
document which is the end result of many unrelated efforts. Usually the writing
has been a rather isolated responsibility of local officials and hired planning
staff with little or no involvement of the public. This traditional approach
1/ Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, 1974.
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is a static technique which has generally proven to be unworkable since change
• rapidly makes such plans obsolete or because it hasn't involved the public and,
thus, is too inflexible to respond to the needs of local citizens. Recognition
of these inadequacies prompted the development of the process contained in this
report. This is an ongoing process of information gathering, evaluation, public
involvement, and adjustments to facilitate land use in the Belhaven area. Local
officials must be aware, however, that the recommendations contained herein provide
• only a framework for decision making.
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One must keep in mind that, due to external constraints such as advanced
technology, the plan must be continually reevaluated. For example, any plan
produced before the advent of the airplane would necessitate an update due to
changed demands as a result of the advanced technology. To this end, the Coastal
Resources Commission requires a review every five years.
in devising the plan, account was taken of the social, physical, economic,
and demographic factors which affect Belhaven. Similarly, local citizens were
greatly involved in the goal formation process. This process revolved around an
area -wide questionnaire used to categorize local concerns and desires. Later, a
series of public meetings were held to provide additional input into goal formation.
Since all the activities of this plan are related to providing information
prior to the making of decisions, local elected officials should find great utility
in the recommendations contained herein. This document can provide the factual data
necessary for intelligent decisions; it cannot, however, provide the aggressive
leadership vital in order to make this plan a useful tool to guide future develop-
ment in the Belhaven area.
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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
4P
The goal formation process is the most important prerequisite to the development
and implementation of effective plans. Goals represent desired states of affairs and
reflect fundamental values. Similarly, goals tend to address problem issues. Because
goals are ideals, they tend to be restated at higher levels as knowledge and values
change. Goals, then, are a consensus -of major values, a statement of a desired end
at a particular time and are subject to change. In order to make goals attainable,
there must be some linkage between the goal and the activity necessary to attain it.
This approach maintains the goal but identifies a specific level of objectives which
relate to both the goal and the activity. Objectives, then, are statements of intent
and courses of action to reach goals. A summary of the steps revolving around goal
development should be in three phases: (1) problem identification, which relates
directly to (2) goal formation which is achieved by (3) objectives which outline
courses of action.
For the most part, governments have carried out activities with the assumption
that they were accomplishing goals, whether written or not. A great disparity, how-
ever, has been between problems and goals as identified by local officials and problems
and goals'as perceived.by the citizens at large. Citizens' preferences should not be
accepted as mandates due largely to the lack of knowledge generally available only
to those in decision making roles. It is, however, equally undesirable to establish
goals and policies as the relatively isolated function of the planning staff or elected
officials. In order to effectively bridge the gap between the decision makers and
the citizens, some compromise is in order. In fact, the National Goals Research
Staff has found that
"...participation by citizens in the analysis and decisions of public
issues is needed in the forming of goals. The attention or lack of
attention which policy makers give to the attitudes and values held
by substantial segments of society is likely to be reflected in the
acceptance according to various programs." �
l/ National Goals Research Staff, Toward Balanced Growth:, Quantity With Quality,
Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, 1970. Also see, President'd Com-
mission on National Goals, Goals for Americans, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey;
Prentice -Hall, Inc., 1960.
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The Coastal Resources Commission recognizes that public participation is vital
40 to the success of any land use planning effort and,therefore,. has required consider-
able public involvement in the process. In an effort to bridge the gap between
problems and goals as perceived by the decision makers and problems and goals as
perceived by the citizens of the Belhaven area, the Belhaven Planning Board
initiated a process which maximized opportunities for local citizensf involvement.
In order not to initially inject its biases into the public participation and
goal formation process,the Planning Board decided to poll area residents to get
•
ideas on their concerns and perceived needs. Thus, in February, 1975,the Planning
Board conducted an area -wide survey designed to obtain input on three major areas:
w community problem identification, spending of public moneys, and environmental
issues, The survey, -in questionnaire form, was distributed and collected by
Planning Board members on a Sunday at mid -day in an effort to maximize participation.
• (More people are traditionally at home then than any other time except night and
generally tend to be less responsive at night than during the day.) There were 947
questionnaires distributed, one to each household,and the return collected was 240,
a 24% response rate.
The findings of this questionnaire identified a wide -range of issues, from
those directly related to land use issues per se to the more general related to
community well-being,and some unrelated to either but nonetheless, still issues of
public concern such as adequate police and fire protection.
Once the questionnaires were tabulated (by computer programmed to cross -relate
a certain issues) the Planning Board began to see patterns emerge. For example,
questions were asked concerning environmental issues such.as pollution of the area's
streams: The overwhelming response to this question was "we don't want it, it's
• bad." Similarly, questions were asked concerning trade-offs which would affect
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pollution of streams. Hypothetical situations were posed such as an industry.
which produced goods but as a by-product of production, it also polluted streams.!
Then the question was -asked, "Would you be willing to pay higher prices for these'
goods if the cost of stopping pollution resulted in higher priced goods?" Again,
the concensus was "yes". This showed that the residents would be willing to make •
a conscience decision which would affect pollution, and this decision would
necessitate some direct cost to them. by asking several questions related to the
same issue, a more valid response was insured. The implication of this technique •
was to show what value respondents placed on specific issues.
Alternatives Considered
Once all the responses were tabulated they were ranked by frequency, that is'
the number of times the question was responded to. The assumption then made was
there would be some correlation between rank and magnitude of problem; i.e., the
higher the rank the more severe the problem. Further, the responses were then
ranked by category: economic growth, land use controls, environmental issues, etc..
This presented the Planning Board with a voluminous list (close to one hundred) of
ranked problem areas where public money should be spent and environmental issues.
Obviously, the town.could not realistically expect to address all these issues 1
due to manpower constraints, the sheer number of issues and financial limitations;
but, by having ranked the issues, the Board could determine which issues had the
greatest value, hence, which issues should have priority in attention. By con- •
sidering many such issues the Board made concessions and compromises, thus giving
considerable attention to the alternatives available. At,this point the Board
continued to involve the public in order to further consider alternatives and
further refine and validate the issues raised in the questionnaire. The findings
and rankings of all issues identified through the questionnaire were sent with
the March, 1975, electric bills to all electricity subscribers in the area.
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(Belhaven serves all but 5 or 6 houses in the planning area with electricity
service.) This mail -out informed all of the local concerns and.also invited all
residents to attend a public meeting designed to address these identified issues.
At this first meeting, heads of approximately 50 households were present and
considerable input was provided and many valid alternatives considered. As a
' result of this meeting the Planning Board was in a position to delete ,certain
issues since apparently these issues had less value than originally envisioned.
This resulted in further refinement of community issues and concerns. The major
significance of this meeting was the alternatives considered and the new issues
identified.
After this first public meeting the Planning Board met several times to
discuss the events and issues which transpired due to the questionnaire and first
public meeting. At these meetings the Planning Board discussed at great lengths
the implications of the problems and interest areas identified. After considerable
' compromising and considerable attention to alternatives available to the community,
the Planning Board devised a further refined list of the findings of the
questionnaires, further validated by the citizen input from the first public
meeting and validated by the Planning Board's revision and refinement due to,this
process. The Planning Board then again mailed out the revised findings through the
electricity bills,now supplemented by changes resulting from this first public
meeting and resulting citizen involvement,and again invited area residents to a
second public meeting.
At the second public meeting, again those present voiced their concerns.
(Again there were over 50 heads of households present, not -necessarily the same
present at the first meeting.) These concerns and alternatives presented were again
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considered by the Planning Board and provided considerable input. After this
second public meeting the'Planning Board -met several times more to discuss the
events, alternatives, and issues raised. (It is significant to note that at both r
public meetings many of the same issues and alternatives were brought up.
Similarly, these concerns were in many cases the same as those identified from the
questionnaire.) At these meetings the Planning Board again went through the process
of considering and weighing alternatives which resulted in a more valid list'of
issues and concerns. Again compromises and trade-offs were made and alternatives
given considerable attention. As a result of this refinement process the Planning
Board now had a new list of issues, problems and concerns which gave considerable
weight to both citizen involvement and the alternatives available to the community.
After the second revisions were made, the Planning Board again met several times
to make a final determination on'the concerns, issues and alternatives identified to
that point.
The following is a brief summary of the major concerns of the residents of the •
Belhaven area as identified by the questionnaire --public hearing refinement process.
A majority of Belhaven area residents indicate the following are the ten most
serious problems confronting the community:
1.
Industrial development
6.
Drugs-
-2.
Employment opportunities
7.
Adequate housing
3.
Unemployment
Assistance to the poor
Recreation facilities
8.
Medical facilities
4.
Transportation facilities
Tourist facilities
5.
Youth counseling
9.
Community decisions
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Community planning
A majority of Belhaven area'residents feel more public money should be spent
in these areas: •
1. New employment opportunities 6. Recreation facilities
2. Assistance to the old and poor 7. Community colleges & technical
3. Control drugs institutes
Special education 8. Industrial development
4. Health and Medical Crime prevention
5. Job training for adults 9. Retirement benefits
10. Control organized crime
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Area residents also feel that there should be some controls on pollution from,
agriculture and industry and that there should be controls on mobile homes, yet
many feel that a person should be able to do,anything he wants with his land. Others.
feel that we should plan'development to leave something for future growth, yet still others
feel growth should occur at a fast pace, while others feel the town needs more people.
Many feel the town needs new industry to improve the -quality of life, yet
many feel some industries aren't worth the problems they bring.
A majority of Belhaven area residents want to live in or near a small town, but
away from downtown. A majority said they would either never leave or be reluctant to
leave Belhaven.
A majority of area residents think the following are very important in selecting
a place to live:
1. A good place to raise children
2. The quality of schools
3. The quality of medical facilities
4. Job opportunities
5. The quality of water and air
6. The friendliness of the community
7. Religious worship
8. Recreation facilities
After refining the issues and problems as far as practical, by virtue of the
questionnaire, public meetings, and Planning Board meetings, the Planning Board then
began writing goals and objectives to.address.those issues identified. Again, alter-
natives presented during the public meetings were considered during this process, so
that the resulting goals and objectives represent fundamental values of the local
citizens. The goals and objectives developed and contained here are an articulation of
the Belhaven area citizens' needs, values and involvement in local planning; and thus
when programs are devised to attain these goals, local citizen acceptance should be
assured. Throughout the planning process in Belhaven, the county was kept informed
of the process. The town discussed the implications of this.process to both
the town and county. Periodically an assessment of the inter -dependencies was made.
and this resulted in assurance that there were no conflicts between the town and
county plans.
9
0

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Economic Growth and Development
10
Goal: To obtain orderly and quality development of the economic sector
of the town.
Objectives:
- provide'adequate employment opportunities for all area residents •
- strive to lower the unemployment rate
- provide adequate industrial development
- encourage the continued development of tourist facilities-
- provide for greater accessibility to existing and proposed commercial,
industrial, and institutional uses by providing adequate transportation
facilities including off-street parking •
- revitalize the central business district and•other commercial sectors
of the community
- provide the necessary municipal resources and community facilities to
adequately serve selected non-polluting industrial•development
provide -adequate adult job training to enhance any industrial labor'
needs
- provide town jobs to neighborhood youth corps --this would be at no,
cost to the town
Health & Welfare
Goal: To provide adequate health and welfare services to all in the community.
Objectives:
- develop programs which will adequately identify the existing health,
medical and welfare needs of the town
- provide necessary youth counseling services •
- provide financial and service assistance to those elderly and poor
who are incapable of adequately providing these services for themselves
- provide adequate medical facilities to all community residents
provide adequate clearance of lead drainage ditches in town on a regularly
scheduled basis
- provide proper Operation of the sewage treatment plant in order to eliminate t
bad odors
- control stray dog problems by periodically enacting a.leash.law
- strive to eliminate all drug problems
- provide adequate crime prevention -services
- provide adequate garbage collection in all areas of the town for both •
health and eyesore reasons .
10
r
173

Housing
Goal: To preserve and enhance existing residential neighborhoods and insure
the orderly development of new residential areas.
Objectives:
- maintain a standard housing supply through enforcement of building,
housing, subdivision and zoning regulations
- eliminate substandard,deteriorating and eyesore dwellings through
area -wide code enforcement and rehabilitation programs
- encourage the initiation of social services for private and federally
sponsored housing development where needed
•
..
- encourage diversity in housing types and environment through the use
of open space, recreation space and other such community facilities
- enhance and preserve existing -neighborhoods through the upgrading of
community services and facilities by discouraging blighting
influences
•
- determine how current the existing mobile home ordinance is and
make necessary changes to ensure quality mobile home development
Governmental
Goal: To obtain more efficient and effective governmental services according
to acceptable cost -benefit considerations.
Objectives:
- encourage intergovernmental cooperation to eliminate inefficient and
'ineffective duplication, to improve efficiency and effectiveness, and
to develop agreements on overall objectives
'
- maximize the use of federal, state, local and other financial resources
in order to enhance community services and facilities
- employ innovative management techniques to improve efficiency and
effectiveness in governmental activities
- encourage more professional attitude fxom local government employees
through closer work supervision
- ascertain how'cutrent and how legal the existing town ordinances are and
enforce them to help alleviate such problems as abandoned vehicles and
abandoned houses
- cooperate with local public and private agencies in adult education,
job improvement and related programs
- maintain close liaison with area institutions of higher learning con-
cerning their development programs and encourage students and staff to
participate in local government activities
- encourage widespread participation in community decisions by providing
adequate educational and public involvement programs
Social, Cultural, and Recreational
Goal: To provide, preserve and enhance the social, cultural, and recreational
facilities of the community.
Objectives:
- provide for the acquisition and development of land and facilities to
meet the open space, recreational, cultural and park needs of all citizens
11
,0

0
- develop recreational and cultural activities and programs for all
age groups
- cooperate with various local private agencies in the development of
town -wide recreational and cultural programs
- cooperate with other local governments in the area. in developing
recreational and cultural facilities
strive to retain the small town atmosphere by allowing only selective
and wise land development
- provide a social and cultural atmosphere conducive to raising children
- explore the possibilities of acquiring the property around Wynn's Gut
to be used as a town park. This would also necessitate cleaning the
Gut up by removing sunken boats, piers and other trash
General Environment
Goal: To provide.a physical environment that is livable,.aesthetically
pleasing, healthful, and blight -free.
Objectives:
- encourage activities that will retain the good fishing in the area
- promote the quiet, small town atmosphere
- continue activities•that minimize pollution'
- encourage activities .that result in making Belhaven a good place to
raise children
- provide adequate maintenance of existing drainage ditches on a regularly
scheduled basis
- enforce existing ordinances which would require the cleaning up of
vacant lots, abandoned buildings and the removal of vacant automobiles
- explore the possibility of acquiring Wynn's Gut to be used as a town'
park - if acquisition is not possible; then enforce or enact ordinances
to require the removal of sunken boats, abandoned piers and other trash
- - provide proper operation of the sewage treatment plant in order to
eliminate bad odors
- provide adequate garbage collection in all areas of the town for health
and eyesore reasons
- enforce existing ordinances which would ensure quality mobile home
development
- enact a periodic leash law to eliminate stray dog problems
4
12

HISTORICAL SETTING
Belhaven, originally called Jack's Neck, then Belport, began to thrive during
the early 1900's. During this era, lumbering was booming under the direction of
John Wilkinson. The town, at the confluence of Pantego Creek and Pungo River,
furnished an excellent harbor. Fish, oysters, crabs, and shrimp were and still
•
are important to the local economy, and several fish processing plants operate
year-round. Due'to the proximity to the rivers and forests, Belhaven has.long
served sportsmen who come to hunt, fish, and boat. With the opening of the inland
•
waterway, the town became a provisioning and rest area; and with the advent of
pleasure boating, tourism has become important. The town has an excellent water-
front and a very compact business section surrounded by residences.
•
GEOGRAPHIC SETTING
• Belhaven is located in the central section of the Coastal Plains of North
Carolina. The town is located on the North side of the confluence of Pantego
Creek and Pungo River. The general topography in the area is flat. According to
the U.S. Geologic Survey topographic map of the area, the highest elevation is less
than 10 feet. The town serves as a regional center for eastern Beaufort County,
Hyde County, and parts of Washington and Tyrrell Counties.
0 The town is served by one major U.S. highway, U.S. 264, and N.C. 92. These
roads provide both North, South, East, and West road access to points throughout
eastern North Carolina. The town also lies on the Intracoastal Waterway which
provides a north -south route to both state and national shipping.
Belhaven has a mild climate. The average annual temperature in 1973 was
63.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and the annual average precipitation in 1973 was 46 inches.
• Summer winds are generally from the east or southeast, and winter winds are generally
northeast or northwest.
13
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14 -- --

• Population
One of the most important considerations in land use planning is the evaluation
of the population characteristics of the area. Factors such as size, composition,
• and distribution are important in their effect on the type and extent of future
land development. These factors introduce quantitative considerations to population
trends and assist in determining residential space requirements.
As stated elsewhere, the Belhaven planning area includes not only the corporate
limits, but a one -mile extraterritorial area outside of the town limits. In contrast,
the only readily available data on population is compiled only by town, township, and
county. Due to data limitations, it is impossible'to obtain an actual count of people
living in the planning area outside the corporate limits. The 1975 windshield survey
revealed 73 houses in this one -mile area. When the factor of 2.9 persons per house
(the 1970 persons'per household rate) is applied to these houses, the result is 212
persons. This is a reasonable estimate of the population•in the.one-mile area.
Population Distribution
Table 1 shows population changes for all towns, townships,•and the county
during the 1960 decade. Belhaven's population declined by 4.3%. However, other
towns in the county also showed declines during the decade. In fact, of the ten
towns in the county, only three showed increases during this decade. It is also
interesting to note that Belhaven, the second largest town in the county, declined
in population at less than half the rate of the largest town in the•county.
Table 2 shows the town's population during the past 30 years. The greatest
positive population change occurred between 1940 and 1950 when the town registered
a 7.1% increase. However, since 1950 there has been a slight but steady decrease.
Although a decrease is observed, the percent of the county population residing in
the town has not changed significantly over the 30 years which would indicate a
somewhat stable population..
15
•

ki
•
Age of Population
Shifts in the age of a community can have serious implications.in that demands
for community services, goods, housing, entertainment, medical facilities, and",other
facilities will also need to shift to adequately meet new and different demands..
Table 3 shows changes in population ages during the 1960 decade. It is interesting
to note that significant changes occurred primarily in three groups. As shown in
Tables'3 and 4, minor populations - those persons 21 years and under — decreased
significantly. Similarly, as shown in Table 3, those between ages 25 and 54, the,
prime employment years, also decreased sharply. Significant, also, is the change
in the older ages. In categories 55 years and older, large increases were noted.
Table 5 shows elderly population changes for the decade for the county, township,
and town. Table 6 shows median age for the state, county, township, and town in
1970. This reveals that in population terms Belhaven is older than the others.
A
•
•
The significance of Belhaven's populatioh shifts is evident from the existing
information. Since there were decreases in the young groups (those who will shortly •
be of child bearing age), since the prime employment age groups are decreasing,and
since the elderly are increasing, it is realistic for Belhaven to -expect continued
population decreases in the future unless the current trend is changed. Similarly, •
as the population age shifts from younger to older groups, service demands will,
shift correspondingly to the needs of the older inhabitants.
•
Racial Composition
About 54% of the town's 1970 population was non -white, compared to 51% in 1960,
as shown in Table 7. This compares to the township's 1970 population composition
of 49%,non-whites and the 1960 ratio of 51%. In 1970 and 1960 respectively,'the
county's rate of non -whites was 33% and 37%. Thus, the town's racial mix is and
has been more similar to the township's than the county as a whole. Similarly, •
the population lost during the decade included more whites than non -whites. From
Table 7 it can be seen that Belhaven lost whites at a greater rate than either the
township or county. The rate of loss of non -whites was considerably less than either •
the township or county. 16

•
I
Table 8 puts into perspective -the age and race composition in Belhaven in 1970.
In age categories less than 25 years old, there are more non -whites than whites.
• The distribution in prime employment years'is about evenly split. In the elderly
and near elderly age groups there are slightly more whites than non -whites.
Sex Composition
.As shown in Table 9, in 1970 the town's population was 52% female compared to
48% male. These -rates were also 52% and 48% in 1960, despite a population loss in
both groups during the decade. Between 1960 and 1970 the town lost 68 women and
59 men, a combined loss of 127 people.
Table 10 reveals sex composition by age categories for 1970. It is interesting
to note that slightly more minor males than females are in Belhaven. In prime
employment age categories, age 25-54 females constitute a slightly greater percentage;
and in the elderly and near elderly groups, females again outnumber males by approxi-
mately nine (9) percent.
Income:.
As shown in Table 11, the median family income for Beaufort County in 1970 was
$6,435, which ranked 58th in the state. County ranges in North Carolina that year
were from $10,136 to $4,307. The average was $7,774. In 1970 the state of North
• Carolina ranked low in the nation, thus ranking all county residents low in the nation.
As shown in Table 11, Beaufort County and the Town of Washington, the only place
in the county for which income figures were compiled, had significantly greater
• percentages of families below the poverty level than the state. Similarly, in 1970
the county had fewer families with incomes over $15,000.
Since neither the U.S. Bureau of Census nor any other census agency documents
incomes for places less than 2,500 population, certain assumptions must be made
regarding incomes in Belhaven. All indications are that Belhaven is probably similar
to the county in•income; thus, in 1970 approximately 25% of Belhaven families,
175 families, had incomes less than poverty level.
17

TABLE 1
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
CHANGE
_Beaufort
County, Townships,
Towns
1960-1970
Population
Change:
1960-1970
1960
2
Number
Percent
Beaufort County
36,014
35,980
-34
-0.1
Bath Township
3,323
31237
-86
-2.6
Bath Town
346
231
-115
-33.2,
Chocowi.nity Township
41628
41661
33
0.7
Chocowinity Town
580
566
-14
-2.4
Long Acre Township
5018
6,976
1,658
31.2
Pinetown Town
215
278
63
29.3
Wa'Shington Park Town 574
517
-57
-9.9
Pantego Township
5,377
5,126
-251
-4.7
Belhaven Town
2,386
2, 259
."23
-4.3
Pantego Town
262
218
..44
-16.8
Richland Township
2,462
3,626
11164
4.7
Aurora Town
449
620
171
38.1"
Edward Town
112
115
3
2.7
South Creek Town.
$2
73
••-9
-1-1.0
Washington Township
13,906
12,354
-1,552
-11.2
Washington City
9,939
82961
-978
-9.8
Source: U. S. Census
of Population, 1970.

•
•
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF POPULATION TRENDS
Beaufort County,
Pantego Township,
Belhaven
Town
1940-1970
Year
Change:
1940-1970
Area
40
1950 1960
1970
Number
Percent
•
Beaufort County
36,431
37,134 36,014
35,980
-451
- 1.2
Pantego Township
5,935
5,713 .5,377
5,126
-809
-13.6
Belhaven Town
2,360
2,528 2,386
2,259
-101
- 4.3
Percent of County
Population Residing
6.5
6.8 6.6
6.3
-
-
•
in Belhaven
Source: U. S. Census of Population, 1960 and 1970.
•
19

•
•
TABLE 3
POPULATION CHANGE BY AGE GROUP
Belhaven Town
1960-1970
•
Year
Change: 1960-1970
Age Group
19660 1970
Number.
Percent
•
Under 5
247 183
- 64
-25.9
5 - 14
579 •478
-101
-17.4
15 - 24
279 353
74
26.5
25 - 34
224 212
- 12
- 5.3
35 -. d+
243 236
- 7
- 2.9
45 - 54
302 236
- 66
-21.9
•
55 - 64
241 257
16
6.6
65 and over
271 304
34
12.5
All. ages
2,368 2,259
-log
- 4.6
•
Source: U.
S. Census of Population,
1960; Special Census
Tapes, Regional Development
Institute,
East Carolina
University, 1970.
•
20

TABLE 4 MINOR POPULATION
Belhaven Town
1970
Minor Population
Total Percent
Population Number of.Total
2)259 925. 40.9%.
l Minor population is defined as those persons under
21 years of age.
Source: U. S. Census, Special Census Tapes, Regional Development
Institute, East Carolina University, 1970.
21

•
TABLE 5
ELDERLY POPULATION CHANGES
Persons 65 Years Old And Over
Beaufort
County, Pantego Township, Belhaven Town
19 0-1970
Year
Change:
1960-1970
Area
1960 19
Number
Percent
Beaufort County
32054 3,768
7114
23.4
Pantego Township
544 687
143
26.3
Belhaven Town
271 305
34
12.5
Source: U. S. Census of Population, 1960 and 1970.
•
•
•
0
•
•
•
•
22

•
C�
TABLE 6
MEDIAN AGE
The State,
Beaufort County,
Pantego Township,
Belhaven Town
1970
The
Beaufort
Pantego
Town of
State
County
Township
Belhaven
.26.5
29.0
29.6
30.0
Source: U. S.
Census.of Population, 1970
23

TABLE. 7
POPULATION CHANGES BY RACE
Beaufort County,
Pantego Township,
Belhaven
Town
1960-- 1970
Change:
1960 - 1970
1960
1970
Number
Percent
Non
Non
Non
Non
Area
Total
White
White
Total White
White
White
White
White
White
Beaufort County
36,014
22,724
13,290
35,980 24,010
11,970
1,286
-1,320
5.7
-9.9
Pantego Township
5,377
21647
2,730
51126 2,602
2,524
-45
-206
-1.7
-7.5
Belhaven Town
2,386
1,159
11227
2,259 1,036
1,223
-123
-4
-10.6
-0.3
Source: U. S. Census
of Population,
1960 and 1970.

�J=
TABLE 8
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY AGE AND RACE
Belhaven
Town
•
1970
White
Non -White
Percent
Percent
of
of
Age Group
All Ages,
Number
Total
Number
Total
Under 5
183
76
41.5
107
58.5
5 - 14
478
164
34.3
: 314
65.7
15 - 24
353
144
40.8
209
59.2
•
25 - 34
212
114
53.8
98
46.2
35 - 44
236
104
44.1
132
55.9
45 - 54
236
133
56.4
103
43.6
55 - 64
257
140
54.5
117
45.5
65 and over
304
161
53.0
143
47..0
•
Source: Special
Census Tapes,
Regional Development
Institute,
East Carolina
University, 1970.
•
•
L�
25
•

TABLE 9
POPULATION CHANGES BY SEX
Town of Belhaven
1960 and 1970
Year
Change: 1960 - 1970
1960
1970 Number Percent
Total
Male
Female Total
Male Female Total Male Female Total Male. Female
2,386
1,154
1,232 2,259
1,095 1,164 -127 -59 -68 -5.3 -5.1 -5.5
Source:
U. S.
Census of Population,
1960 and 1970.

TABLE 10
POPULATION BY
AGE AND SEX
Belhaven Town
197
Sex
Percent
Percent
of
of
Age Group
All -Ages
Male
Total
Female
Total
Under 5
103
99
54.1
94 —
45.9
5 - 14
478
257
53.8
221
46.2
15 - 24
3 53 ' ,
1to" 2
51.6
171
• 48. 4
25 - 34
212
98
46.2
114
53.8
35 - 44
236
116
49.2
120
50.8
45 - 54
236
112
47.5
124
52.5
,.
55 - 64
257
105
40.9
152
59.1
65 and over
304
126
41.4
178
58.6
TOTAL
2,259 1,095
48.5
11164
51.5
•
Source: Special
Census Tapes,.Regional
Development
Institute,
East Carolina
University, 1970.
•
27
0

1
•
n
LA
TABLE 11
FAMILY INCOME
The State,
Beaufort County,
Town of Washington
1970
All Families
Percent With Incomes of
Median
Less Than
$15,000
Area
Income
Poverty Level
or More
The State
$7,774
16.3
11.5
Beaufort County
62435
24.9
6.9
Washington Town
6,563
25.1
10.4
Source: U. S. Census
of Population,
1970.
•
•
28 •

0
HOUSING
Inventory
In 1970 the town of Belhaven had 774 year-round housing units. In 1975•this
* number had increased to 901 units, a 16% gain. In 1975 there were approximately
73 units in the one -mile area, bringing the current total number of units•in the
planning area to 974. Due to.data limitations, it is impossible to determine the
number of units in the one -mile area in 1970.' In 1960 the town had 721 year-round
units; thus, during the 1960 decade, housing increased by 7.3% despite a population
loss of over 100 people. Although this seems contradictory, the forces underlying
are consistent with changes that have occurred. Briefly, upward mobile families
continue to trade up to newer housing, while the major population loss came from
the breakup of larger families - parents remaining behind and the young migrating out
of the area.
Table 12 shows housing unit changes for the town, township, and county during
the 1960's.
Housing Unit Types
Single family housing remains by far the preferred housing type in the area as
shown in Table 13. In 1970, within the town limits, over 92% of all housing was
single family compared to only 3.9% for multi -family. At this same time, mobile
homes accounted for slightly over 3% of the housing stock.. Between 1970 and 1975
a marked shift in housing variety occurred. While the.net change in single-family
housing declined by less than 1%, mobile homes increased sharply by over 458% as
shown in Table 14.
Interestingly, the number increase in mobile homes occurred more frequently in
Enumeration District 1, as shown in Table 14. (Enumeration Districts are geographic
» sub -areas of the Town used by U.S. Census personnel for statistical tabulation
purposes. Enumeration District 1 is bound by West.Main Street, King Street,. Pantego
Street, U.S. 264 Alternate, and the town boundary to the north and west. Enumeration
• 29

District 2 is the remainder of the town.) Mobile homes provide an affordable first
home for many young couples and families in the interim period when they are building
cash reserves for purchase of conventional housing. Rising land costs, construction
costs, and material inflation may cause even more persons to choose this alternative
during the late 1970's, especially the young, the elderly, and the poor. Experiences
elsewhere, however, have shown mobile homes to beta temporary solution to providing
decent housing in a suitable living environment.
Table 15 displays housing type distribution in 1975 and shows that in proportion
to conventional housing, more mobile homes are located in the one -mile -area than in
town and that within the town limits proportionately more mobile homes are located
in Enumeration District.l.
Household Tenure
Tenure refers to owner and renter occupied housing units. Table 16-shows tenure
rates in 1970 for the town, township, and county. The 774 year-round units are 63%
owner occupied, 26% renter occupied, and ll%vacant. Owner occupancy in Belhaven is '
similar to that in other small eastern North Carolina towns. Similarly, most rentals
units in Belhaven are single-family housing as would be expected. Household tenure
by race is summarized in Table 17. Surprisingly, whites occupy 54% of both owner
occupied and renter occupied units. Non -whites occupy 46% of both owner and renter
•
40
•
occupied units. These figures correspond to racial population ratios. w
The vacancy rate in Belhaven is slightly higher than.would be expected on a '
market with roughly a 63-26 tenure split. This excessive vacancy may be a function
of absentee ownership, dilapidation, and. abandonment or other variables. From the
available data, however, it is impossible to reach firm conclusions, except to say
there is some softness in the market.
Public.Assisted Housing
According to the Mid -East Housing Authority, there is one housing project in
Belhaven under their auspices. This project is located off Old County Road in the
30

M
A
A
A
northwest section of town. The project contains 45 units and was opened in May, 1975.
It is currently full of tenants, and a waiting list has been established. Eligibility
requirements for admittance are based on a sliding scale which considers income,
number in the family, and other criteria. There are no immediate plans to expand
the project in Belhaven, although a need.in the future is.perceived.
Household Size
Overcrowding occurs when there is more than one person per room per housing unit.
In 1970, 90 units - or 13% of the total occupied housing stock in Belhaven - were
overcrowded. Interestingly, the overcrowding rate in Belhaven in 1960 was also 13%.
This rate was higher than either the township or county rate for that year as shown in
Table 18. Since overcrowding accelerates housing deterioration through greater wear
and abuse, a lower density will enable the housing stock to endure more years of use.,
Housing Value and Rent
Many variables determine housing value and rents. Location, size, site design,
quality of construction, construction materials, availability of utilities and sewers,
and market demand are but a few. In 1970 the average value for Belhaven units was
$8,839 compared to the state's median for owner occupied units.of $11,600. Table•19
summarizes housing value in Belhaven in 1970. There are two ranges of value.of housing
that -have a high correlation to poor or deteriorating conditions. These ranges are
less than $5,000 and $5,000 to $9,9.99. Based on this standard, Table 20 reveals that
316 units -'or approximately 41% of all units in Belhaven - fall into these categories.
The lowest value category contains about 21% of .the total units. These figures are
comparable for the county rates of.46% and 18% respectively.
The apartment bomm which.swept the nation during the last decade did not have such
an impact on Belhaven. The majority of rental housing in the town is single-family
units. Units renting for less than $60 per month account for 64% of all units.
Similarly, 42 units - or 21% of all units - have no cash rent. Table 21 summarizes
rents for the area in 1970.
31. _

TABLE 12
HOUSING UNIT CHANGE
Beaufort County,
Pantego Township,
Belhaven Town
1960 - 1970
All Year Round
Housing Units
Change:
1960-1970
Per
Area
1960 1970
Number
Cent
Beaufort County
11084 12,583
1,199
10.5
Pantego Township
1,680 1,757
77
4,5
Belhaven Town
721 774
53
7.3
1 This figure computed from available census
data.
Source: U. S. Census
of Housing, 1960 and
1970.

M
•
TABLE 13
YEAR-ROUND HOUSING UNIT TYPE
Beaufort
County, Pantego Township, Belhaven Town
1970
Single Family
Multi -Family
Mobile
Home
All
Per
Per
Per
Area
Units-
Number Cent
Number
Cent
Number
Cent
•
Beaufort County
12,583
10,922 86.8
746
5.9
915
7.3
Pantego Township
11757
.1,638 93.2
26
1.5
93
5.3
• Belhaven Town
774
716 92.5
30
3.9
28
3.6
w
,
Source: U. S. Census of Housing, 1970.
w
w
33

TABLE .14
HOUSING UNIT CHANGE BY TYPE
Belhaven Town
and Enumeration Districts
1970-1975 "
Change: 1970
- 1975.
1970
1975
All Units
Conventional Units
Mobile
Homes
All
Conventional
Mobile
All
Conventional Mobile
Per
Per
Per
Area
Units
Units
Homes
Units
Units* Homes
Number
Cent
Number.
Cent Number
Cent
Belhaven Town
774
746
28
901
744 156
127
16.4
-2
-0.3
128
458.1
Enumeration District 1
365
346
19
450
346 104
85
23.3
0
0
85
4.4.7.4
Enumeration District 2
365
356
_ 9
451
398 53
86
23.6
42
11.8-
44
488.8
Source: Special Census Tapes, Regional Development Institute,'East Carolina University, 1970; Natural & Economic Resources Windshield Survey, 1975..

•
TABLE 15 HOUSING DISTRIBUTION BY TYPE
Belhaven Planning Area, One Mile_ Area, Belhaven Town, Enumeration Districts'
1975
Conventional
Area
All Units
Units
Mobile Homes
Belhaven Planning Area
974
792
182
One Mile Area
73
48
25
Belhaven Town
901
7"
157
Enumeration District 1
450
346
104
Enumeration District 2
451
398
53
Source: Windshield Survey,
Natural and Economic Resources,
1975.
35

•
•
TABLE 16
HOUSING TEZW AND VACANCY
A
Beaufort
County, Pantego
Township, Belhaven
Town
1970
w
Tenure
Vacancy
Total
Owner
Per
Renter
Per
Per
Area
Units
Occupied
'Cent
Occupied
Cent
Number
Cent
Beaufort County
12,583
7,484
59.5
3,546
28.2
1,553
12.3
Pantego Township
1,757
1,164
66.2
384
21.9
209
11.9
w
Belhaven Town
774
4$8
63.0
202
26.1
84•
10.9
Source: U. S. Census of Housing, 1970.
•
36
•

TABLE 17
TENURE -BY RACE
Beaufort County,
Pantego Township, Belhaven Town
1970
.
All Units
Owner Occupied
Renter Occupied
White
Non -White
White
Non -White
White
Non -White
Per
Per
Per
Per
Per
Per
Area
Number
Cent Number
Cent
Number
Cent
Number
Cent
Number
Cent
Number
Cen
Beaufort County
8,016
72.7 3,009
27.3
5,894
78.8
1,585
21.2
22122
59.8
12424
40.
Pantego Township
898
58.0 650
42.0
695
59.7
469
40.3
203
52.9
181
47.
Belhaven Town
370
53.7 319
•46.3
262
53.7
226
46.3
108
53.7
93
46.
Source: U. S.-Census of Housing, 1970.

TABLE .18
OVERCROWDING
Beaufort County,
Pantego Township, Belhaven Town
1970
Total
Total
Percent of
Total Occupied
Over
All Occupied
Area
Housin Housing
Crowding
Units
Beaufort County
13,015_ 12,583
1,184
9.4
Pantego Township
12757 12164
172
1/+.8
Belhaven Town
774 690
90
13.1
l/ Overcrowding is
define3 as more than
1.01 persons
per room.
Source: U. S. Census of Housing, 1970.
•
•
•
A
•
0
A
•
38
i

TABLE 19 HOUSING VALUE AND RELIT
Belhaven.Town and Enumeration Districts
1970
Average Black Average
Average
Black
Area Monthly Rent Monthly Rent
Value
Average Value
Belhaven Town $41 $35
$82839
$62549
Enumeration District 1 34 31
.62195
5,971
8 38
11 483
7 128
Enumeration District 2 4 , ,
Source: Special Census Tapes, Regional Development Institute, East Carolina
University, 1970.
39

•
•
TABLE 20
HOUSING VALUE
Beaufort
County, Pantego Township, Belhaven Town
1970
•
Value
Beaufort County
Pantego Township
Belliaven Town
Less than $5,000
869
271
162
$ 5,000
- $9,999
1,459
257
154
w
$10,000
- $14,999
1,026
194
66
$15,000
- $19,999
691
87
38
$20,000'-
$24,999
446
47
14
$25,000
or more
534
18
17
Source:
U. S. Census of Housing, 1970.
•
40
r

•
TABLE 21
HOUSING RENT
Beaufort County, Pantego Township,
Belhaven Town
1970
Rent
Beaufort County Pantego
Township
Belliaven Town
Less than $40
1,084
49
87
.
$ 40 - $ 59
684
49
41
$ 60 - $ 79
440
60
28
$80-$99
72
46
1
$100 - $149
140
25
1
$150 or more
52
9
0
No cash rent
522
-
42
Source: U. S.
Census of Housing, 1970.
M
•

A housing unit begins to deteriorate from the day construction is completed. If •
it is well built with high quality materials, proper maintenance will reduce the
deterioration process to a minimum. Conversely, poor construction coupled with little
or no maintenance will result in rapid deterioration. An average structure, given
reasonable maintenance, will deteriorate at a fairly predictable rate over a life time
of approximately 60 years. A typical structure will deteriorate very slowly for the
first 5-years and reach a maximum rate at about 30 years. From 40 years on, the rate •
is constant for the•remaining life of the structure.
Thus, the majority of structural condition housing problems will undoubtedly
come from housing over 30 years old, or housing constructed prior to 1939. While there
is no readily available information that specifically addresses housing age in Belhaven,
there is data available for Beaufort County. In 1970 approximately 41% of all housing
•
in Beaufort County was built prior to 1939. This compares favorably with age of
housing in other eastern North -Carolina counties. If this rate is applied to Belhaven,
then 317 units in the town limits are approaching the age where deterioration will
•
affect the structural condition of the unit. Since few houses were built during the
depression years, the majority of these units were constructed before 1929, giving
an average age of about 46 years. It is evident that a substantial portion of housing
M
in Belhaven has reached a point where deterioration is a serious problem.
Major Deficiencies
•
According to the 1970 Special Census, about 28% of all housing units in Belhaven
had no toilets, and an additional 11% lacked some or all plumbing facilities. This
means that approximately 39% of all housing in the area lacks plumbing which is con-`
sidered essential to adequate, modern housing. This rate is slightly higher than the
township or county as shown in Table 22. 11
•
Housing Structural Conditions
Information on the structural condition of housing has been collected in each
decennial census since 1940. This was obtained by unskilled enumerators observing
42 0

TABLE 22
'INCOMPLETE PLUMBING FACILITIES
Beaufort County. Pantegro Township.
Belhaven Town
.1970
Lacking some
AL1 Year -Round or All Plumbing
No
Area
Housing Units
Facilities
Toilet
Beaufort County
12,583
3068
2,377
Pantego Township
1,757
642
_
Belhaven Town-
774
304
217
Source: U. S. Census of Housing, 1970. Special Census Tapes, East
Carolina University.
LIM
0
•
43
0

and rating the physical condition of each housing unit. Post census surveys, however,
have proved this technique inadequate. In 1960 alone, as a national Content Evaluation
Survey disclosed, more than one million dilapidated units were wrongly shown as being
in a better condition. 'Therefore, the Bureau of the Census did not collect housing
conditions information in 1970 by direct observation. However, in response to the
urgent requests of many governments who need this data, the Census Bureau will tabulate
and publish statistics on structural condition and plumbing as a single classification
(substandard) for certain governmental units. This number will be the sum of units
that do not have complete private plumbing facilities and an estimated number of units
with complete private plumbing facilities that would have been rated as dilapidated
in 1970. Although useful, this data will be of limited -value in determining the
condition of structures which are deteriorating and savable through some form of treatment
No method of determining structural conditions is a comparable substitute for
direct examination of each housing unit by trained personnel. The time and costs
involved in a complete survey are quite high but are justifiable for a town such as
Belhaven. In fact, the Neighborhood Analysis done for Belhaven in August, 1969, pro-
vides the only recorded evaluation of housing conditions in the town. It should,
however, be interpreted carefully as housing conditions apparently were -determined
strictly by external visual appearance and thus represents a minimum representation
of structural conditions. In the absence of an individual unit, the 1970 U.S. Census
Survey, the limited 1970 special census, and the Neighborhood Analysis provide the
only comprehensive data, although it is imperative that the limitations of this data
be fully recognized and understood.
Housing Conditions - 1960
In 1960'there were 721 housing units in Belhaven. Of these, 373 (51.7%) were sound; t
140 (19.5%) were deteriorating; and 208 (28.8%) were dilapidated. Combined, approxi-
mately 348 units - or 48.3% of all units in Belhaven - were deficient. These
deficiencies ranged from minor to completely dilapidated.' Table 23 summarizes housing
conditions in 1960 in Belhaven and Beaufort County. It is interesting to note that
A
•
•
44

TABLE 23
HOUSING CONDITIONS.
Beaufort County, Belhaven Town
1960
Deteriorating
Area
I"
All Units
Sound & Dilapidated
Deteriorating
Dilapidated_
Number Percent Number Percent
Number Percent
Number
Percent
Beaufort County '
112384
6,746 59.3% 4,638 40.7%
2,874 25.2%
12764
15.5%
Belhaven Town
721
373 51.7%' 348 48.3%
140 19.5%
.208
28.8°b,
i
Source: U.S. Census
F
of Housing,
1960.

while Belhaven housing comprised 6.3% of the total housing stock in the county in
1960, it accounted for 7.5% of all county deteriorating and dilapidated units.
Housing Conditions - 1970
Housing conditions constantly change, both with respect to the physical con-
ditions of the properties and the social -economic shifts in the population. Many units
which were deteriorated or dilapidated in 1960 have been demolished or otherwise
removed from the market. Similarly, those units remaining from 1960.are ten years
older, and many which were sound have deteriorated or become dilapidated.
As mentioned earlier, a Neighborhood Analysis was completed for Belhaven in
August, 1969, and provides the only housing structural condition information for the
decade since, in 1970, the U.S. Census did not compile housing condition data on
r
places with less than 2,500 population. In order for the Neighborhood Analysis to be
useful, an examination of its definition of housing conditions must be compared with
definitions of conditions contained in the 1960 U.S. Census data. After careful
review, it was determined that the Neighborhood Analysis definitions were not
absolutely compatible with the 1960 census definitions, and thus the changes that
appeared to occur between 1960 and 1970 must be viewed very cautiously and viewed as A
a minimal indicator of 1970 housing conditions.
Briefly, the 1960 U.S. Census identified housing in three conditions: sound, '
deteriorating, and dilapidated. These definitions are contained in the appendix of
this document. Similarly, the 1969 Neighborhood Analysis identified housing in four
conditions: sound, minor repair, major repair, and dilapidated. These definitions are
also contained in the appendix. _Apparently, the author of the Neighborhood Analysis,
recognizing the limitations of the 1960 census, attempted to break deteriorating
housing into.two sub -categories, minor repair and major repair. Table 24 shows
estimated housing conditions in Belhaven, according to the Neighborhood Analysis.
Due to definition incompatibility, it is impossible to compare all categorical
conditions from 1960 to 1970; however, it is possible to compare sound housing
46

TABLE Z ESTIMATED HOUSING CONDITIONS
Belhaven
1970 J
Minor Major
Area All Units ' Sound Repair Repair Dilapidated
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Belhaven 7142/ 422 59.1% 162 22.7% 84 11.8% 46 6.4%
1/ Actually represents August, 1969 figures.
This figure does not include 37 mobile homes located in Belhaven at the time this
survey took place. If these were added to the housing stock, the total would be
751 rather than 714.
Source: Neighborhood Analysis, Department of Natural & Economic Resources, August, 1969.

versus unsound housing for the decade. As shown, about 52% of all housing in Belhaven
was sound in 1960 compared to 59% in 1970. Thus, it is estimated that currently about
41% of the housing in the town has minor or major deficiencies, which would require i
more than normal maintenance to correct. Again, this figure must be interpreted as a
very conservative estimate due to limitations of existing data. The significance
is that a substantial portion of the population is ill -housed.
Many of the 130 housing units having major deficiencies are probably beyond
remedial action. The opportunity to save many of them has been lost, and the only
alternative is public or private demolition. It is also probable that any of these are
vacant units. A determination as to the feasibility of saving the 162 housing units
with minor deficiencies will have to be made on a house by house basis because the
problems of housing rehabilitation are unlike those faced in clearance projects.
Acquisition costs coupled with rehabilitation costs can easily exceed potential market
value. Many factors such as quality of initial construction, addition of the basic
structural components, extent of damage, age, and location must be carefully weighed
to determine if rehabilitation treatment is practical. Obviously, many of these
housing units will not be suitable for rehabilitation treatment, although code enforce -
went may extend their useful life. Units with minor deficiencies, however, are impor-
tant from two standpoints which deserve careful attention. First, they provide housing
for a substAntial portion of the town's low and moderate income families. And secondly,
these units are likely to deteriorate and become delapidated in a relatively short time.
In 1975 the staff of the North Carolina Department of Natural & Economic Resources
:?
conducted a windshield survey of housing types in Belhaven. Table 25 reveals the
findings of that survey. It is interesting to note that while conventional housing is �►
the preferred type, mobile homes constitute about 19% of all,housing. Again, Table 14
shows changes in housing types by preference from 1970 to 1975. The phenomenal
increase in mobile homes is very evident.
Housing Need
Housing need is defined as how much housing is required to place each family and
48

L�
TABLE �5
HOUSING DISTRIBUTION BY TYPE
Belhaven Planning.Area,
One -Mile Area, Belhaven Town, Enumeration Districts
1975
Conventional
tructures
Mobile
Homes
All
70 of
— 0 0
Area
Structures
Number
Total
Number
Total
Belhaven Planning Area
974
792
182
18.7%
One -Mile Area
73
43
65.E
25
34.2%
Belhaven Town
901
744
82.6%
157
17.4%
'
Enumeration District 1
450
346
76.9%
104
23.1%
Enumeration District 2
451
398
88.2%
53
11.8%
•
Source: Windshield Survey, Natural &
Economic Resources, 1975.
•
0
•.

individual in standard and decent housing units. Housing demand is directly related
to many variables such as existing housing stock, new construction, demolition, and
abandonment.
Choice in the housing market is constrained primarily by income. Income largely
determines who can buy or rent what, when and where. Using standard multipliers of
20% of annual income for rental, and 2 times income for sales housing, gives parameters
on housing budget potentials. (Although it is noted that about one-third of the 0
families in the United States pay more than this for rental and sales housing, to-do
so.requires trade-offs from other needs:. for example, expenditures for housing
•
maintenance, health and medical needs, clothing, recreation, etc.) For example, a
family earning $7,000 annually could usually afford to purchase a new house priced
at $14,000 or rent a $117 amonth apartment. Even extending the multipliers to 25%
of annual income for rental and 2.5 times income for sales housing only increases
the budget range to $17,500 for housing purchase and $146 for monthly rental.
Since little if any "new" sales housing is being built at a price of $15,000,
and most is priced from just under $20,000 and d)ove, about 350 of the town's families •
have been effectively priced out of the new house market. Likewise, any new apartments
would probably command rentals greater than the budget potential of the majority of
the town's families.
The U.S. Census does not compile income data for places less than 2,500 popu-
lation.- Data is tabulated, however, by county and places greater than 2,500. In
11
Beaufort.County in 1970 there were 5,160 families with annual incomes less than $7,000,
which represents 54.7% of all families. Similarly, in the town of Washington there
were 1,206 families with annual incomes less than.$7,000, representing 52.8% of all
families. If the assumption is made that incomes of families in Belhaven is similar
to incomes of families in Beaufort County and Washington, it is reasonable to assume
that at least 50% of the families in Belhaven have annual incomes less than $7,000.
r
This means that about 350 Belhaven families probably cannot afford either new sales
or rental housing.
50

These families must seek and live in the older houses. Housing in this
market gradually filters down as upwardly mobile families leave older housing
for newer units. As the units move down, they are characterized by increased
age and deterioration.
Peoples most severely restricted in the selection of housing are those with
incomes less than poverty level.. Again, data limitations necessitate an estimate
of these people for Belhaven. In 1970 approximately 25% of all - Beaufort County
families were below poverty level compared to slightly over 25% for the town of
Washington. If these rates are applicable to Belhaven, then approximately 175
Belhaven families are so affected. Public assisted housing provides.shelter for
approximately 45 of these households, leaving 130 households with the most
immediate need for adequate housing..
The elderly population forms a significant part of the low income housing
market, and with the present increase in persons in this age group - over 12% in
the last decade - small efficiency and one -bedroom housing with low rents/cost will
be needed to accommodate this growth.
Summary
Approximately 130 houses in Belhaven require immediate replacement because
of their -substandard or, dilapidated condition. An additional,99 units require
some rehabilitation which would consist of adding additional rooms to alleviate
overcrowding. This means -that 229 units -,or 29.6% of the existing housing stock
in Belhaven - is substandard.
51

ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
An analysis of an area's economy can be a helpful tool in land use planning for
shifts in local economies can result in shifts in land use demands. -Economic analysis
can be accomplished in pne of several methods which vary considerably in sophistica-
tion, based primarily on the availability of economic data to analyze.
There are several information categories which are necessary in order to accurately
identify the economy of a community. The most fundamental of these is the division
of employment into categorical type, per capita and family incomes, retail sales
figures, information about resource availability and utilization as an indicator of
growth potential, and commuting patterns of the labor force. .
With the aforementioned information a distinction between an area's two economic
activities, basic 1/ versus non -basic V, can be made. The rationale behind making
this distinction is that exported goods and services introduce outside income. into
the area which'produces multiplier effects in the supporting sector to further increase
total area income. It is thus necessary to compare the basic/non-basic employment
ratio in order to obtain indications of the potential for further economic growth.
Briefly, a high proportion of basic activities to non -basic activities generally M
indicates the potential for additional economic growth, particularly in the non -basic
sector. Similarly, an increase in the ratio of basic to total.employment may indicate
the beginning of a new growth cycle, while a decrease in the ratio may indicate the
leveling off of a previously high growth cycle.. Generally the national trend is for
greater growth in the non -basic sector as income levels rise. Also this trend is
usually downward as areas are urbanized and the levels*of services demanded increase.
1/ For purposes of this report, basic economic activities are defined as those which
sell goods or services outside the area, thus injecting income into the area as
a result of these exports.
2/ Non -basic economic activities are herein defined as those which produce goods or
services primarily for consumption within the area under consideration.
52 a

n
L.
As mentioned earlier, there are several economic data categories which are
necessary prerequisites to a meaningful economic analysis. Unfortunately, the
A various state and federal agencies which periodically collect and tabulate economic
information do not provide it consistently for paces less than 2,500 population.
Some limited data is tabulated on the township level and other data on the county
level. Thus, the statistical information contained in this section must be weighed
very carefully by the reader or erroneous assumptions may result.
Belhaven's geographic location has been a prime factor in influencing the town's
a economy. Since the town is in a.predominantly rural area with excellent water re-
sources available nearby, it is understandable that the local basic economic. activities
revolve predominantly around farming, commercial fishing, lumbering and, to a lesser
extent, manufacturing and tourism. The predominant non -basic activities appear to
be retail and wholesale trade and other personal services.
Due to existing data limitations, it is'impossible to categorize local employment
into either basic or non -basic. However, the employment figures in Table 26 do provide
limited indications of economic activities in the town'. It can be seen from Table 26
that the major employers in Belhaven are involved in activities which do provide
outside income and are, thus, predominantly basic activities.
Tables 27 and 28 provide rough indications of employment in Pantego Township in
1970. These tables put into perspective major employment categories in the area and
0 thus give some indication of economic activities.
Since commercial fishing has a noticeable impact on the local economy, it is
meaningful to consider the information in Tables 29 and 30. While these figures are
for all of Beaufiort County, they do provide general indices of the importance of
fishing activities in the area over the past several years.
In 1965, Belhaven was the most important crab port in the state of North Carolina
in volume of products and value of products sold. While information is not readily
available in 1975 to make the same statement, suffice it to say that Belhaven is•
still one of the most significant crab ports in North Carolina. Similarly, fish,
oysters, and shrimp are landed in Belhaven in sufficient quantities to merit the town's
_53

i
L-j
,
TABLE 26 MAJOR EMPLOYERS
`
Belhaven Town
1974-7 5
Firm
Product' Employment
•
Baker's Crab House
Seafood
46
Belhaven Fish, Oyster
Seafood
94
Belhaven Manufacturing Company
Ladies Wear
80
Blue Channel
Crab Processing
155
•
Coastal Lumber Company
Lumber
57
Kamlar Corporation
Pine Bark Processing
40
Younce and Ralph Lumber
Lumber
47
Towne of Belliaven
Local Government
39
558
•
Source: North Carolina Department
of Natural & Economic Resources,
Community
Audit, 1974-75.
•
•
54

i
0
TABLE 27 PERSONS 14 AND OLDER BY INDUSTRY
'Pantego Township
1970
•
Industry
Construction
Manufacturing
Durable Goods
Transportation
Communication, Utilities
Sanitation Service
Wholesale and Retail
Finance, Insurance, Business
and Repair
Other Professional Service
Educational Services
Public Administration
Other Industrial
TOTAL
Source: U.S. Census, Fifth. Count Tapes, 1970.
•
:7
Number persons
121
4z7
180
46
31
357
51
114
131
15
373
M ::
• 55

•
TABLE 28 PERSONS 14 AND OLDER BY OCCUPATION
Pantego Township
1970.
Occupation
Professional, Technical & Kindred
Farm and Farm Managers
Managers, Officials, and Pro
Clerical and Kindred
Sales Workers
Craftsmen, Foremen, etc.
Operators and Kindred
Service (including household)
Farm Laborers and Farmers
Laborers ( except farm and mine)
TOTAL
Source: U.S. Census, Fifth Count Tapes, 1970.
Number Persons
.137
85
118
r
141
1,17
370
227
96
•
133
1,666 "
•
•
56

r
TABLE 29
NUMBER OF FISHERMEN &
VESSELS
Beaufort County
1961-71
w
Change:
1961-1971
Fishermen:
1961 1971 Number
Percent
On Vessel
80 104
24
30%
On Boat & Shore
S
Regular
224 60
-164
73%
Casual
96 92
- 4
- 4%
Total
400 256
-144
-36%
•
Vessels:
Motor
38 49
11
29%
Boats:
Motor
191 150
-41
=21%
Other
64 --
--
Total
293 199
-94
-32%
Source: North Carolina Fisheries Data,
North Carolina
Agricultural Extension Service,
1974.
•
57

TABLE 30
POUNDS AND VALUE OF FISH
LANDED
. SELECTED SPECIES
Beaufort Count
1960 and 1973.
Change:
1960-73
Species
960
1973
Number
Percent
Shrimp
251,500
305,700
1 54,200
21.5%
Blue Crabs
3,482,700
1,514,100
-1,9682600
-56.5%
Oysters
56,900
43,700
_ 13,200
-23.1%
Other Shellfish
-----
200
-----
-----
Total Shellfish
3,791,100
1,558,000
-22233,100
-58.9%
Flounder
35,400
4932400
458,000
1,293.7%
Croaker
13,100
175,700
162,600
1,241.2%
Grey Trout
4,400
55,500
51,100
1:161.3%
Striped Bass
34,300
732900
39,600
115.4%
Spot
42,800
79,100-
36,300
84.8%
Other Fish
290,900
536)000
2452100
84.2%
Total Fish
420,900
1,4133600
.992,700
235.0%
TOTAL
43212)000
2,971,600
-1,240,400
-29.4%
Total,Value of Fish $320j799
$773,498
$452,699
141.1
Source: North Carolina Fisheries
Data, North
Carolina Agricultural
Extension
Service, 1974.
58

being noted as a significant producer of these foods.
Table 31 reveals travel expenditures in Beaufort County in recent years. Again,
• while not applicable per se to the study area, they do provide a rough indication of
the relative importance of the activity in the area.
Perhaps the most meaningful economic statistical information available relates
to incomes: Incomes provide crude measures of overall welfare and prosperity.
Generally, in industrial societies standard of living increases with personal incomes.
As mentioned elsewhere in this document, the Stafe of North Carolina ranks low
40
nationally in family and per capita income. Similarly, Beaufort County ranks low in
the state, indicating a generally low income for Belhaven area residents. Table 32
reveals incomes of families and unrelated invidivuals in Pantego Township and should
• provide rudimentary indications of incomes for Belhaven.
As revealed by the land use survey conducted by the Department of Natural &
Economic Resources personnel in February, there are 72.6 acres of commercial and +
•
industrial land in the planning area. Similarly, in the planning area there are
153 structures devoted to commercial uses and 3 devoted to industrial uses. The `
existing land use map shows the location and distribution of these land uses.
Currently there are some planned commercial activities which, if materialized,
would have an economic impact on the Belhaven area. One is a proposed marina and
boat facility to be located on Pantego Creek east of the highway 92 bridge. This
facility would provide accommodations for many boats, and plans also include motel
and restaurant facilities.
Another proposed venture is the construction.of a shoe manufacturing plant within
the planning area. In fact, the company, Blue Ridge Shoe Company, had made public
announcements in 1974 that the facility would be under construction very soon, but
due to the current nationaleconomic slump the facility has not yet materialized.
•
Tentative plans called for a plant of about 60,000 square feet to employ approxi-,
mately 300 persons.
0 59

TABLE 31 TRAVEL EXPENDITUAES"/
Beaufort'CountY
19-1� 7
_ Change: 1973-74
1974
Area � Number Percent
Beaufort County $59487,550 $60561923 $869,373 15•8
1 Travel expenditures are defined as the dollar amount spent by travelers
and/or tourists during the year. The travel industry experionced a
sharp decline during the early months of 1974 due to a shortage of
gasoline. Expenditures during January and February were substantially
below 1973 lovels. Slight increases were reported during March and
April. By May the ill effects of the energy crisis had ended and the
travel industry showed positive signs of a healthy recovery.
Source: "Highlights of the 1974 North CarQIina Travel Survey".
North Carolina Dept. of Natural & Economic Resources, 1974.
•
0
0
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0
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0

TABLE 32 FAMILIES AND UNRELATED INDIVIDUALS VBY INCOME
Pantego
Township
Unrelated
1�
Income
Total
Families
Individuals
i
Under $1,000
224
64
160
$1,000 - $11999
256
163
93
$2,000 - $2,999
201
171
30
$31000 - $3,999
112
93
19
$4,000 - $4,999
100
95
5
$51000 - $5,999
129
115
14
i
$6,000 - $6,999
107
107
$7,000 - $7,999
98
82
16
$8,000 - $82999
1�2
.117
5
$92000 - $9,999
74
74
-
$101000 - $11,999
133
133
-
$12,000 - $14,999
78
78
_
i
$15,000 - $24,999
43
43
-
$25,000,- over $50,000
-
-
-
V Fourteen years old and
older.
Source: U.S. Census, Fifth Count
Tapes, 1970.
61 - _:

•
The last facility was to be the location of a textile manufacturing•firm in
Belhaven. Again, apparently due to the national economic slump, the facility has
not yet materialized.
In summary, the existing economic activities in Belhaven appear to be fairly
evenly distributed between basic and non -basic. In the basic sector, manufacturing
and seafood processing are predominant activities. The non -basic activities
revolve around retail and support services. Apparently additional industrial
expansion is forthcoming, and this should provide jobs and additional upgrading
of local incomes. In addition, the concensus of opinion in the area is that
employment opportunities would help stabilize the outmigrating population.
•
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•
EXISTING LAND USE
•
Before intelligent decisions can be made directing future land use in a com-
munity, there must be some inventory of present land uses. This inventory should,
include a quantification of land use and an examination of the geographic location.
and distribution of the land use. This section will provide the inventory which
is basic to any future land use plan.
40 The guidelines under which Belhaven is operating require several land uses to
be considered. To this ends the following land uses are examined: residential,
commercial, industrial, cultural -entertainment -recreation, transportation
. communication -utility, government -institutional, agricultural, forest, and wetlands.
General Information
• The Belhaven planning area includes the land within the town limits and the area
outside the town to a distance of one mile. The total area encompasses slightly
over six square miles. Map 2 shows the planning area and Table 33 identifies land.
acreages in the planning area. It can be seen.that approximately 72% of the total
planning area is outside the corporate limits. Within the planning area approximately
514 acres, or only 13% of the total area, are developed for urban purposes. The vast
majority, 81% of all developed land, is within the town limits. Most of the developed
land is fairly evenly distributed throughout the town limits with major concentrations
centering on the transportation routes.
0 The majority of land which is not developed for urban purposes is devoted
primarily to forests, agriculture, or wetlands. Most of these lands (87%) are in the
one.mile area surrounding the town. Similarly, some lands suitable for urban
purposes are presently vacant. About 67% of these lands are.in the corporate limits.
Incorporated Area
• Approximately 1.7 square miles of land area are within the corporate limits.

•
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TABLE 33 LAND AREA
Belhaven Planning Area
1975
Acres Square
Area of Land Miles
Belhaven Planning Area 3,858.88 6.03
One mile'Area 2,772.89 4.33
Belhaven Corporate Limits 12085.99 1.70
Source: North Carolina Department of Natural & Economic Resources, 1975. S
•
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Of this area, approximately 38% is presently devoted to urban -type use. An
additional 28% could presently support urban uses but is vacant. These vacant tracts
are distributed fairly evenly throughout the town with concentrations occurring
• predominantly in the residential districts. The remaining 34% is presently in
non -urban uses such as forests, agriculture or wetlands. Historically,_ these
non -urban land uses have been encroached upon at times of urban expansion. The
primary location of non -urban land uses is in town, but adjacent to the town limits,
concentrated in the north, east and southwest sections of town. Map 3 will clarify
these observations.
Extraterritorial Area
The majority of the 4.3 square miles of lands in the one -mile area is devoted
to non -urban uses. The limited development that has occurred occupies only 97 acres,
about 3.5% of the total land. These developed lands are adjacent to or have access
from either U.S. 264 Business or By -Pass. Actually, 66 acres or 68% of the total
urban developed land in the one -mile area are devoted to streets, roads, highways
or railroads Twenty-four acres, about 25%, are used for residential purposes,
and most of the remaining is used for commercial purposes. Map 3 will make these
observations clear.
URBAN LAND USES
t
Table 34 shows acreages of land use by category for the planning area. It 1
can be seen that of 226 acres of resident land use, 89% is located in the town.
Similarly, only 41 acres (18% of all residential land) are occupied by mobile homes.
Interestingly enough, most mobile home acreage (87%) is within the town limits.
Map 3, the existing land use map, shows that within the town limits conventional
residential land occurs in a rather continuous pattern in the southeastern sections
bound generally by Pantego Creek and the Pungo River. There are, however, mobile;
homes located in this section, and vacant developable land is located here too.
• 66

•
TABLE 34
EXISTING LAND USE BY ACRE
Belhaven Planning Area
Acres of Lana .
One -
Land Use
In City
Mile Area
Total
Residential
201.75
.24.75
226.50
Conventional
165.75
19.25
185.00,
Mobile Home
36.00
5.50
41.50
Commercial
40.25.
.6.00
46.25
Industrial
26.25
•-
26.25.
Transportation
4.50
-
4.50
Government
1.00
-
1.00
Cultural
38.50
.25
38.75
Streets, Highway, Railroad
105.00
66.00
171.00
Urban
417.25
97.00
514.25
Vacant
300.75
148.75.
449.50
Forest
2.75
536.22
538.97
Agricultural
130.04
951.22
12081.26
Wetland
235.20
12039.70
1,274.90
Non Urban
367.99
21527.14
2,895.13
TOTAL
12085.99
2,772.89
3.1858.88
Source: North Carolina Department of Natural & Economic Resources, 1975
Windshield Survey.
•
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9
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P N
T G 4
7� F
s: s `
�
Urban Lands
Resi dential
Wesidential - mobile home
O Commerci al
❑ Industrial
OTrans., Comm. & Utilities
Government & Institutional
QCul tural , Enter., & Rec.
OVacant
�i
Non -Urban Lands
(BAgri cul ture
®Forestl and
®Marshlands
OCombination Marsh, Forest,
Map 3
Bogs, and other diverse .
vegetation cover

1J
Another major residential area is bound by -Pamlico Street, Old County.Road,'Lee
Street, and Main Street, with the exclusion of the central business district area
and the area around the schools. Within this section•are scattered commercial and
recreational uses, but the predominant use 3s residential. Similarly, mobile homes
occur here more frequently and in a more dispersed pattern than in other sections.
Throughout.this section significant vacant tracts could be developed for urban uses.
Many of these vacant tracts, particularly those in the vicinity of Lee, Washington,
. and King Streets, should be developedonly for residential or other low intensity
uses to retain the residential nature of the section.
North of Old County Road in the vicinity of Duke, George, and Gum Streets,
conventional residential use predominate but there is also significant mobile home
use. Similarly, vacant land is very prevalent as is non-urban.land.
Between Lee Street and U.S. 264 By -Pass the residential uses are predominantly
conventional, but mobile homes are also dispersed throughout the section. Signifi-
cantly, perhaps 50% of- land in this section is vacant and efforts should be made
to reserve it for low density uses.
+ West of U.S. 264 By -Pass to the town limits the predominant land use is
conventional residential followed closely by mobile home use. Again, in this
section perhaps half of the land is vacant but could support urban development.'
Outside of the town limits residential lands occur along U.S. 264 Business.'
These lands are very dispersed throughout the area with concentrations located along
Campbell Lane. These residential lands are about evenly divided, conventional and
mobile homes.
The only other residential lands in the one -mile area occur along U.S. 264 as
it enters the planning area.from the west and along Old County Road which is south of,
but also parallels U.S. 264. These areas are predominantly conventional houses,
but several mobile homes are here also. Significant vacant and non -urban lands.`
are also in this section.
69

The section of this document devoted to housing conditions will perhaps add •
insight to'residential land use in the planning area. At present, the most
significant residential land use problems revolve around inadequate set backs,
both front and side yards; deteriorating housing; vacant and abandoned lots; the
indiscriminate mixing of conventional housing.and mobile homes; and the encroach-
ment of non-residential uses into residential areas. Areas which have potential
for additional residential expansion are the vacant lands inside the town limits
and the area along 264 Business north of town since this area already has the basic
water system in place. It would be desirable, however, to direct additional
residential development inside the corporate limits on existing vacant lands or to
remove abandoned and deteriorating structures and replace them with standard housing.
Since within the corporate limits the basic service facilities (water, sewer, fire
protection, etc.) are already in existence, the difficulties encountered would be
much less than elsewhere.
N
Commercial Land
Commercial land uses are those which support retail or personal services trade.
A
r
•
Within the planning area there are 46 acres of commercial land, 87% of which is inside ,
the town limits. Several concentrations of commercial land are as follows: the
downtown or Central Business District, the area along Pantego St. from•Pamlico to
Railroad St., the area along U.S. 264 By -Pass from Main St. north to the town limits •
and the area along U.S. 264 from the one -mile area to Cemetery Road.
The most significant of these areas is the Central Business District. The
Central Business District is a compact area which provides comparative shopping
within easy walking distance. However, there are problems there. The lack of
off-street parking, the proliferation of vacant buildings, the general old and poor
condition of buildings in the Central Business District, the visual clutter and
frequent occurrence of trash and litter -- all distract from the Central Business
District's function. Wynn's Gut, with tremendous, potential for accenting the
70 0

I
Central Business District, is presently a liability. Trash, sunken boats, and
deteriorating piers and pilings are present. The Central Business District is also
expanding, and thus encroaching on the residential areas to the east, particularly
along Water Street. If this continues, the result will be a further degradation
of the quality of the residential area, a distinct liability to the community.
i The Central Business District in Belhaven is a unique situation. It still functions
as the retail shopping district for the area. There is no major competition from
other retail areas such as shopping centers. This condition is very desirable
« and should be preserved since a community the size of Belhaven most likely can
support only one retail nucleus.
The area along 264 By -Pass has some scattered commercial land use fronting
on 264 as it enters the planning area from the west and along the By -Pass. Thus,
U.S. 264 is beginning to show signs of strip commercial development, a definite
liability to the community. When strip development occurs, many problems result
such as increased traffic congestion and probability of accidents, increased
visual clutter froth advertising signs, additional demands on city service facilities,
and, by the nature of the uses located in stripped areas, ultimate abandonment and
deteriorating structures. For these reasons, strip commercial development should
be discouraged along 264.
An examination of the existing land use map will reveal the location of
commercial lands.
Industrial Lands
Industrial lands are devoted to the manufacturing of products, processing of
resources, or storage and sale of bulky items. About 26 acres of land in the
planning area are devoted to these activities. No concentrations of industrial
activities are in the planning area and, in fact, few industrial uses exist.
0 71

0
The feed mill on Main Street, the fish and crab processors on Water Street, and
the garment manufacturers on Pamlico Street are the primary ones.
By their nature, industrial uses often generate undesirable by-products
such as noises, odors, shipping and receiving vehicle traffic, and visual
degradation due to storage of bulky items. For these reasons, it is generally
a
accepted as a national standard to separate industrial land uses -from other less
intensive uses because of these undesirable side effects. In Belhaven efforts
should be directed toward "softening" these side effects in.already existing
industrial areas by buffering and other techniques and directing future
industrial uses to more suitable sites which would help eliminate the aforementioned
land use conflicts. If, for example, the industrial uses on Water Street continue
to expand to the east, the residential nature of that area will be downgraded.
Map 3 shows the location and distribution of industrial uses in the planning -
area.
Cultural, Entertainment and Recreational Uses
These land uses include schools, parks, churches, museums, and other public .
and quasi -public uses. In the planning area there are about 39 acres of land
devoted to these activities, practically all of which are within the corporate
limits. Map 3 reveals the location and distribution of these uses. It is
interesting to note that these facilities would be used by people during leisure
times and would revolve around either recreation or self -betterment through
cultural enrichment. Due to these criteria, these uses should be readily
available, that is distributed,. to the community. As shown by Map 3, these uses
are fairly evenly dispersed throughout the town. There are, however, limitations
on the types of activities available.' Most of the recreation facilities are •
associated with the public schools. There are very limited town -sponsored
recreation areas for the people of Belhaven to use and enjoy. The community
•
72

has a museum and a library, and the remaining areas in this category are devoted
almost exclusively to churches and cemeteries.
Because of the wide dispersal of these land.uses the impact resulting from
them is minimal, with the possible exception of noise and traffic generation during
a peak use periods.
Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Land Use
In Belhaven these land uses revolve around public transportation such as
railroad facilities, telephone communication facilities, and utility facilities
such as water and sewer treatment plants. As shown on Table 34, these uses occupy
less than 5 acres in the planning area, and all are within the corporate limits.
•
The only significant land use problem resulting from these uses is the odor
created by the sewage treatment facility and occasional auto -train conflicts.
Location and distribution of these uses are shown on the existing Land Use Map.
Government and Institutional Land Use
In Belhaven these land uses are devoted to the town offices, police department,
and the fire station. •Map 3 reveals that only about one acre of land is used for
these purposes, and no apparent land use conflicts result.
•Streets and Highways
Approximately 171 acres of land in the planning area are used for these pur
poses, 60% of which are within the corporate limits. These land uses provide
vehicle transportation routes within the planning area and routes connecting the
community to the remainder of the state and nation. Map 3 depicts the location
of these land uses.
No serious land use conflicts have resulted from these uses; however, at
times, traffic flow is hampered by the number of east -west access intersections,
excessive intersection angles, and dead end streets. Similarly, at times, auto
73 ,

J
traffic is effectively halted when a train makes its appearance. The section
of this document dealing with streets and highway capacities gives traffic counts
and volumes where available.
Vacant Lands
In this document, vacant lands are defined as those capable of supporting `
urban -type development, but at present, not devoted to urban use. As shown in
Table 34, these lands constitute about 12% of the total planning area and about
28% of the lands within the corporate limits. Since development potential is in
part dependent upon the availability of vacant land, the Belhaven area presently
has no shortage. In fact, all potential development forthearea for the next
decade could easily be accommodated within the city if growth were so confined and
the land used fully.
As shown on Map 3 there are substantial vacant areas on the fringe but
within town. Similarly, many vacant developable tracts are scattered throughout
town. In addition, close to 150 acres of vacant land are within the extra-
territorial area as shown on Map 3.
w
If the community experiences growth in the future, several issues revolving
around vacant land must be resolved. Historically, there has been "plenty of land"
in the Belhaven area and the location of different land uses has been determined
primarily by land prices. Similarly, a tremendous amount of non -urban land is
readily converted to urban use by the provision of basic urban services. This
means.that any development in the area would likely be attracted to non -urban lands
rather than vacant urban land because of:
1) cheaper prices
2) many of the vacant acres are rather small and hence marginally
developable •
3) access roads are available
4) the tax advantage of locating outside of town (the area with the
greatest amount of non -urban land) is favorable.
5) utilities can be extended to these areas easily
•
74

The encroachment'potential is great for non -urban lands and the community
should consider carefully the wisdom of accommodating development•in these areas
when considerable vacant land (which already has basic services. and which would
not necessitate additional demands on other community facilities) is available.
a NON -URBAN LAND USE
These are defined as the less intensive type uses such as farming and forestry.
These areas lack essential service facilities such a's water and sewer so imperative
to urban development. In the planning area about 75%.of the total land is in
non -urban use, and within the corporate limits approximately 34% of the total land
area is devoted to non -urban uses. Map 3 will reveal the distribution of these lands.
Forests
A total of 14% of the planning area's land is presently under forest cover, and
•
less than one percent of this is within the town limits. The most extensive areas
of forest lands are at the periphery of the one -mile area north and west of town and
to the east in the vicinity of Lower Dowry Creek. Map 3 will clarify this observation.
•
Within the town limits the only area that could qualify as a forest -covered area is
adjacent to Tooley's Creek at the extreme east of town off Tooley St.
Presently, no land use compatibility problems exist with forest lands. The
•
potential for urban -type development in the forest areas is a threat due -to minimal
land use controls.
•
Agricultural Lands
As shown on Map 3 there are almost 1,100 acres of agricultural land within
the planning area. The majority (88%) is.located in the one -mile area. All
agricultural lands are either currently devoted to crop production or have crop
production as their primary function. These lands form a wide "belt" extending
•
75

•
practically unbroken from south of U.S. 264 to the west of town in a northeast
direction all the way to -the Pungo River. These agricultural lands are bisected
only by U.S. 264 By -Pass and Business. .
It is interesting to note that most agricultural lands exclusively abut the
corporate limit line outside of town. The significance is that land use within the
town is devoted primarily to urban -type land uses and the distinction is•very obvious `
when one views these less intensive land uses outside of town. Within town, the most
significant agricultural lands abut the town limits between 264 By -Pass and 264 Busi-
ness. Map 3 will reveal these observations.
Presently, no apparent land use conflicts occur with agricultural land except
for the traditional urban, or higher intensity, encroachments during times of
increased urban development. Again, Map 3 will reveal the distribution of urban -type
development in predominantly agricultural land•use areas.
Wetlands •
Significant areas within the planning area are characterized by high water tables,
water saturated soils and periodic flooding. The predominant vegetative cover is
Spartina and Juncus marsh gresses and other bog type plants.
Map 3 shows the location and extent of these lands. As shown, about 82% of all
wetlands are within the extraterritorial area, and the most significant distribution
is south of Pantego Creek, north of Pantego Creek to the west of town, northeast of
town along the Pungo River, and upstream along Lower Dowry Creek. As shown, these
wetlands are subdivided into low tidal marsh lands and other coastal marsh lands. The
low tidal marsh lands are distinguished from other coastal marsh (but nonetheless still •
wetlands) by the proliferation of Spartina and related vegetative cover and some level
of tidal flooding.
Within the town limits, predominant wetlands are located west of Highway 92 along •
Pantego Creek, in the vicinity of Tooley's and Battalina Creek, and in less concentrated
areas east of Highway 92 and south of Main St. in the vicinity of the feed mill.
76

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Historically in eastern North Carolina wetlands have been drained and altered
•
to "make" land useable for other purposes. Conversely, certain types of wetlands
are known to be more productive than the best of farm lands, and they also serve
as a natural filter to rejuvenate and to cleanse water. For these and other
reasons, many state and federal agencies are now charged with permit issuing
responsibilities before wetlands can be significantly altered.
In the Belhaven planning area, encroachment has occurred on wetlands particu-
larly along Pantego Creek east of highway 92 and to the west in the vicinity of
Battalina and Tooley Creek. By comparing aerial photographs taken in the late
1950's with those taken in recent years, it can be seen that some wetlands have
.disappeared. The most significant land use conflicts are the drainage and hence
destruction of wetlands for the purpose of converting them to higher intensity
uses. If Belhaven expands its urban development in the future, significant
•
consideration should be given to directing it away from the remaining wetlands
in the planning area.
77

Current Plans
Belhaven currently has four planning related documents that have direct
relevance to land development in the Belhaven area. In addition, numerous county
and regional documents, to a limited degree, address Belhaven development issues.
A list of the county and regional documents is included in the Appendix, and the
following is a summary of each of the current Belhaven area planning reports.
Community Development Information, Belhaven, North Carolina ,Greenville, East
Carolina University Regional Development Institute, 1966.
Includes inventory and analysis of population, economy, employment, land use, •
community facilities, and other components which affect town development.
Community Facilities Plan and Public Improvements Program, Belhaven, North Carolina
Raleigh, Division of Community Planning, 1969.
Inventories and analyzes the adequacy of existing public facilities and -services
and determines needs for the next 20 year period. Makes specific recommendations on
providing needed public facilities and improvements for the design.year.
Land Development Plan, Belhaven, North Carolina, Inventory and Prospects
Raleigh, Division of Community Planning, 1967. •
Deals with the population and economy of the Belhaven area in terms of existing
conditions, trends, and anticipated changes. The purpose is to provide information
which will be useful for public officials in making land development decisions.
Neighborhood Analysis, Belhaven, North Carolina Raleigh, Division of Community
Planning, 1969. t
Inventories and analyzes social conditions, population, economy, housing,
commercial and other facilities -in Belhaven. Recommendations are included which,
if implemented, would provide for an upgrading in the quality of life in Belhaven.
78 0

Current Policies
Policies are defined as statements of intent and courses of action which are
followed to reach a desired goal. The Town of Belhaven has, during the past, adopted
various policies which affect land development. Some of these policies are written
and apparently some are not written. Due,to the changing nature of town development,
town needs•and activities, changes in elected officials, and changes in technology,
town policies continually change to adapt to these circumstances. Similarly, policies
in some areas are not as well defined as in others. Thus, it is sometimes very
difficult to make definitive statements about policies.
For these and other reasons, the policies identified here are those that are
�. written (i.e., those that can be readily identified) and those that do have a direct
impact upon land development. Thus, policies considered here will be those con-
cerned with water and sewer provisions, both in and out of town, electricity pro-
m visions, provision of streets and sidewalks, and recreation facilities.
Due to the ambiguity of, and difficulties involved in, identifying unwritten
policies, they were omitted from this inventory and analysis.
is
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79

Water and Sewer Policies
In town service.
to
The town of Belhaven has an ordinance which mandates both water and sewer
provision. The sequence of events ndcessary to.acquire water or sewer service
follow. For in town services, the applicant must submit a form to the town manager `
requesting service; and the town manager must determine if all regulations pertain-
ing to the system are to be complied with. Once this has been accomplished, a
connection permit will be issued. A connection fee is paid by the applicant prior
to connection and a service fee for water use. Apparently the town will assume
all cost of providing infrastructure if it is not available.
Outside town service
The following is the out of town policy.
"All extensions of water or sanitary sewer service outside the
corporate limits shall be approved by the Board of Aldermen, and such
extensions shall be paid for entirely by the property owner or owners
benefitting from such extension. All extensions shall become the sole
property of the.Town of Belhaven and under its jurisdiction and control
regardless of the location of such extension or the manner in which the
extension is financed."
The Appendix contains a copy of the current ordinance regulating water and sewer
service of the town. It also explains the septic tank installation requirements
within the planning area.
IR
80

Electricity Policy
• The town buys electricity wholesale from Virginia Electric and Power Company
and sells it to area residents. The North Carolina Utility Commission has set
aside districts in North Carolina and authorizes the electric companies to provide
• service only in these districts. This, to some degree, affects the town's
policies and practices regarding electricity services, particularly out of town
service.
Currently, there is no specific policy designation referring per se to electric
service. The town's electricity ordinance states...
"A deposit of ten dollars shall be required on all residences
of all persons whether owners or occupants who apply for electric
light current and twenty dollars on all business places."
Similarly, the town periodically revises the service rates to reflect changes
• in rates from VEPCO.
There is no specific mention of policy regarding out of town extension.
Apparently, the town will provide electric services to any one requesting service,
as long as the extension is within Belhaven's service area.
L�
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81

Sidewalks and Streets Policy
In the past, the town provided sidewalks only on a request basis; however, no
installations have been made in the past two • p years. The apparent policy is that the
town will install the sidewalks and assess all cost to the abutting property owners.
Continuing maintenance is provided at town cost.
Town streets are initially constructed with Powell Bill funds and continuing •
maintenance is provided at town cost. Dirt street paving is also provided by
Powell Bill funds. In October of each year when Powell Bills are received, the
i
Town Aldermen determine which dirt streets will be paved and which existing paved
streets will be resurfaced. This decision is based in part on available funds,
condition of streets and street usage. There'is no other definitive policy
addressing streets.
Open Space and Recreation Policies
The town currently has an advisory recreation commission. No apparent policies
directly address open space and recreation facilities per se. There are, however,
in the current subdivision regulations. statements which indirectly address these
issues. Included in the minimum design standards are these statements of general
policy:
Section XI, 1 (C)
"In the event that a proposed park, playground, school or other public
facilities shown on the Land Development Plan of Belhaven is located in
whole or in part in a proposed subdivision, the Planning Board shall
request the subdivider to reserve such open spaces for a period not to it
exceed 12•months from the date of submission of preliminary plat."
This statement mandates written open space and recreation policy for the town. e
82

Local Regulations
• Belhaven currently has a mayor -town aldermen -city manager form of govern-
ment.. The town provides water and sewer facilities, electricity, and other
municipal services including garbage pick-up and police and fire protection.
Regulations currently listed as being enforced are:
Building and Plumbing Inspections
Electric Inspections
State Building Code
Zoning Ordinance
Mobile Home and Trailer Park Ordinance
Building and Plumbing Regulations
Fire District Regulations
Subdivision Regulations
Flood Zone Insurance Requirements
The town enforces the various codes and regulations directly through the town
manager's office. It appears that many external conditions such as backlog of
existing maintenance conditions, great demands on the town manager's time for
daily activities, the lack of adequate service department staff, personnel and
equipment, the lack of adequate records of past activities, and the uncertainty
of the legal status of some of the current regulations all affect the implementation
of the existing regulations.
The town has no historic districts and thus no historic district regulations.
There are no dunes within the planning area, hence no dune protection ordinances,
There is no environmental impact statement in effect within the planning
jurisdiction.
* Federal and State Regulations
This list has been compiled by the N. C. Department of Natural & Economic
Resources Office and is available in the Northeastern Field Office in Washington.
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PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Hazard Areas
Man -Made
The old air strip north of town is no longer being used; thus, there is no
longer a hazard from this facility.
Several oil and petroleum product storage areas are located within the
planning area. There are two oil and gas storage areas on Water Street, three
• on Main Street, and one on King Street. All of these facilities have housing or
other structures sufficiently close to be threatened in case of fire or explosion.
There are no other existing man-made hazards in the planning area.
Natural
The Belhaven area, due to its elevation and location on the river, is subject
to frequent flooding. To minimize the negative cost of flooding, the town is
•
presently enrolled in a federally sponsored flood insurancd program which subsidizes'
insurance rates on structures in the flood hazard areas. Map 1 in the Appendix shows
the flood hazard areas in the .town.
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84

Areas with Soil Limitations
•
In July, 1975, a reconnaissance soils investigation was made in the Belhaven
area by soil representatives from the U. S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conserva-
tion -Service. The purpose of this survey was to determine areas with soil limitations
•
that would affect urban -type development.
Approximately 30 sites were investigated along major roads, streets, and farm
paths within the area delineated on the map provided. The soil at each site was
examined to a depth of 4 feet using a hand soils auger. A large scale aerial photo
from the town manager's office was used for reference and for photo interpretation.
Three major soil associations or conditions were observed and located on Map 4
•
by using the aerial photo for interpretation. These soil associations and their
evaluation are'as follows:
1. Organic muck and marsh association. This area is south of Belhaven
across Pantego Creek. These soils are very poorly drained to ponded,
they are flooded at regular intervals, and the mudk layers are unstable
for any type of development. This area is generally unsuited for
development, as the limitations are obvious from observation.
2. Marsh association. These areas are north of Pantego Creek, adjacent
to the waterways. The limitations and restrictions for development
•
in these areas are also obvious from general observation.
3. Torhunta-Pocomoke and associated soils. These types of soils comprise
•
the majority of the mineral soils in and around Belhaven. They are
mostly very poor and poorly -drained soils with water tables at
approximately 2 to 3 feet below the surface. Textures are generally
•
loamy sand and sandy loam to about 3 feet. Below this depth there
are stratified sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam layers. Organic matter
in surface layers is generally high and may range to 15 or 20 percent
in some places.
85
•

The major limiting factors affecting urban and industrial development for
• these soil _types are wetness and the high probability of flooding. Because of this,
these soils have a severe rating for such uses as septic tank absorption fields,
sanitary landfills, dwellings, small commercial buildings, and local roads and
streets. Water control measures would increase the degree of suitability of these
soils for some of the above uses.
Some small areas (est. 1-3 acres in size) of somewhat better -drained soils
• were observed within this 3 soils area. Limitations for some of the stated uses
in these areas would`be necessary to rate these soils for any given use. Site
investigations should be carried out to determine appropriate uses on.each parcel
A of land prior to development.
Map 4 shows the generalized soil conditions in the planning area based on the
aforementioned investigation.
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M
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86

Sources of Water Sunni
The Town of Belhaven is presently operating two deep wells which utilize •
subsurface water. The town has been operating these wells for several years
and water quality and quantity appears adequate to serve any additional develop-
ment in the area. •
There is some potential for increased ground water use in the area with
the proposed phosphate mining complex to be located near the mouth of the Pungo
River. Ground water consumption by North Carolina Phosphate could lower ground •
water levels in the area sufficiently to necessitate deeper wells.
The predominant land use adjacent to these wells is agricultural and forests.
Some scattered single family housing in the vicinity is on septic tanks; however, •
these units are not concentrated enough to negatively affect the water quality.
Similarly, the wells are sufficiently deep to minimize surface contamination.
Steep Slopes
There are no sites in the planning area where the predominant slope exceeds
twelve percent.
•
•
A
•
87
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00
00
ociation
1 Marsh association.
3 soorbsnta-Pocomoke and associated
x Soil examination site.

Fragile Areas
Wetlands
Wetlands are found within the planning area. The most continuous uninterrupted
areas are located south of Pantego Creek and north of Pantego Creek -but west of the
N. C. 92 bridge. Other wetland areas are located around Battalina Creek, Tooley's
Creek and Lower Dowry Creek. The land area of wetlands within the planning area is
approximately 1,275 acres. The section on existing land use also addresses wetlands.
• Frontal Dunes
There are no frontal dunes in the planning area.
Beaches
. Some small, isolated, undeveloped beaches exist in the planning area. These are
located in a disper$ed pattern throughout the wetland areas.
Prime Wildlife Habitat
These areas are located throughout.the wetland areas and provide harbor for
various migratory water birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. These
wetlands also serve as nursery habitat for various fishes.
Scenic and Prominent High Points
There are no scenic and prominent high points in the planning area.
Complex Natural Areas
There are no complex natural areas in the planning area,
Estuarine Water
The Pungo River has a certain amount of salinity, and thus qualifies as
estuarine water. Map 7 shows all water bodies and their tributaries. -'The vast
majority of Pantego Creek (that portion west of North -South line which approximates
the breakwater) is classified as inland water.
Public Trust Waters
All the surface water in the planning area is either an estuarine water or a
tributary to the estuarine water or public trust waters or its tributaries. Map 7
r shows that all surface water within the planning area not classified as estuarine
89

•
water is classified as public trust waters.
Fragile Areas
•
There are no other -fragile areas within the planning area,
Areas Sustaining Remnant Species
There are no areas sustaining remnant species within the planning area.
Registered Natural Landmarks
There are no registered natural landmarks within the planning area.
Areas Containing Unique Geologic Formations
There are no unique geologic formations within the planning area.
Stream Classification
Pungo River and its tributaries, Battali,na.Creek and Tooly's Creek,are
•
classified as SB streams according to the N. C. Department of Natural & Economic
Resources, Division of Water Quality. This classification designates best usage
of this'water as bathing and other uses except shellfishing for market purposes.
•
This classification also allows certain amounts of both domestic and industrial
discharge into these waters.
Pantego Creek and its tributaries, Shoemaker Creek and Wynn's Gut are
classified as SC waters. This classification designated the best usage of these
waters as fishing and other usage except bathing or shellfishing for market
purposes, This classification also allows certain amounts of domestic and industrial
•
effluent discharge into these waters,
A thorough explanation of these stream classifications is in the Appendix,
•
L
i
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AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL
•
Archeologic and Historic Sites
There are no significant archeologic sites in the planning area.
The town hall building, which also houses the town museum, is an interesting
architectural building of early 1900 vintage. Perhaps this building, by virtue of
its unique design, should be preserved. Any historical significance is, however, os
• only local interest.
Productive and Unique Agricultural Lands
Within the planning area, many acres of land are devoted to agricultural use.
•
These lands appear as productive as any in the area, and consideration should be
given to directing urban -type development to sites other than within these type lands.
• Mineral Sites
It is well known that extensive underground phosphate deposits are located
throughout eastern Beaufort County. In 1971 Dresser Minerals, a commercial mining
• firm, identified marketable phosphate deposits underwater in Pantego Creek.
Apparently the decision was made not to extract these phosphates until a later date.
Publicly owned Forests, Parks, Fish and Game Lands, and Other Non -Intensive
• Outdoor Recreation Lands
The only significant public parks and recreation lands in the planning area are
adjacent to the public schools and the community beach and recreation area in the
• east section of town. No public fish or game lands are in the planning area.
Privately Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries
None of these facilities are within the planning area.
0
91

CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Water System
Belhaven has a municipal owned water treatment and distribution system. The
town has two 8" wells with a combinedcapacityof 1,000,000 gallons per day.
Currently the water treatment plant has a capacity of 504,000 gallons per day.
Present peak consumption is 230,000 gallons per day with a surplus of 274,000
gallons per day over present consumption. There are two elevated storage tanks
with a combined capacity of 275,000 gallons. There are no proposed expansions
of the present system other than individual tap ons, nor is there any planned
development which would significantly affect the water capability of Belhaven.
Map 5 shows the existing water system for Belhaven.
Sewer System
S
�
Belhaven owns its sewer collection and treatment facilities. The existing
treatment facility has a capacity of`500,000 gallons per day and the level of
treatment is secondary. Peak flow to date is 400,000 gallons per day with a sur-
plus capacity of 100,000 gallons per day above peak. There are no proposed ex-
pansion plans of the present system other than individual tap ons, nor is there
any planned development which would significantly affect the sewer capacility of
Belhaven. However, seasonal demands placed on the sewer system do overload the
capability. These demands are usually during summer months when seafood processing
is high. Map 5 shows the existing sewer system for the town.
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Public Schools
The Belhaven area is served by the North Carolina Public School System and a
private institution. The public system is comprised of two facilities which provide
kindergarten through grade 12. Currently both facilities appear adequate in,
structural condition and space; however, there is need for more diverse type class-
room space. The following table shows public school facilities in the planning area.
BELHAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
1975
. Belhaven Elementary School - Grades kindergarten through 6
1 classroom building - 8 classrooms and 1 library - built 1953
1 classroom building - 12 classrooms - built 1938 - renovated 1960
1 cafetorium (combination cafeteria & auditorium) - built 1975
3 Buildings 20 Classrooms
This school has a professional staff of 19 and had a 1974-75 enrollment of 444
students. The school has adequate space for 600 students. There are no expansions
or renovations in progress and none planned for the immediate future. Generally,
this facility is presently adequate in space and structural condition.
John A. Wilkinson High School — Grades 7 through 12
1 classroom building - 7 classrooms and 1 auditorium - built 1938
1 classroom building - 9 classrooms - built 1953
1 classroom building - 6 classrooms - built 1953
1 special education building - 1 classroom
1 occupational education building (includes a shop and a classroom)
1 cafeteria
1 gymnasium - built 1965
•
7 Buildings 23 Classrooms
This school has a professional staff of 23 and had a 1974-75 enrollment of 478
students. The school has adequate space for 690 students. There are no expansions
or renovations in progress; however, an addition to the existing gym is planned
within the next five years. Generally, this facility is adequate in space and
structure; however, more diverse type classroom space is needed.
93

Map 5

L
Primary Roads
Belhaven is servied by several
primary roads which are U.S. 264
Business,
U.S. 264 By -Pass, and N.C. 92.
In addition, U.S. 264 Business also
serves as
Main Street and Pamlico Street
for part of its length. Pavement widths
for
these roads are: N.C. 92, eighteen
feet; Main Street, varies from
twenty-four
a
to fifty feet; Pamlico Street,
twenty-four to fifty feet; and U.S.
264 By -Pass,
twenty-four feet.
The following table gives
the design capacity, traffic count,
and percent
utilization of these roads.
Maximum
Road Design Capacity Vehicles Per Day
Utilized
U.S. 264 By -Pass 7,500
VPD 1/ 1,600 - 2,300 VPD
30.6%
U.S. 264 Business
Main Street 10,000
VPD 3,300 - 4,300 VPD
43.0%
•
Pamlico Street 7,500
VPD 1,200 - 2,300 VPD
30.6
N.C. 92 5,000
VPD 1,600 - 2,300 VPD
46.0%
1/ Vehicles Per. Day
•
•
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation, 1975.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has no immediate plans to
increase capacity of these roads, nor are there plans to serve Belhaven with any
new roads as the aforementioned ones appear adequate.
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POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Under the Coastal Area Management Act guidelines the North Carolina Department
* of Administration, Office of State Planning, was charged with the responsibility
of making population projections for all coastal counties. The Department of
Administration also made projections for each township within the counties. Table
35 shows population projections for Beaufort County and townships through the year
2000. These county projections utilize a method which considers past population
characteristics and trends, birth rates, death rates, migration rates, and other
40 variables. The method used is considered reliable by demographers;, hence, the
population projections should give reasonable indications of future population
for the area.
Unfortunately, the Department,of Administration could not provide population
projections for places due to the time required to compute them for all the
towns in all twenty coastal counties. Thus, projections for places must be
• computed by the local government itself. The method employed in computing Belhaven's I
population projection is the same used to compute the township population for
Beaufort County, thus insuring compatibility with the remainder of the county.
• 1 Briefly, the method involves comparing the townships' population with the towns'
population for a thirty-year period and determining the percent of the town
population residing in the township each.decade. (That is every ten years when
0 the U.S. Census documents are produced). Similarly, over the thirty-year period
an average rate of percent of town population residing in the township was deter-
mined. This rate was then applied to the township projections through the year
2000. This method makes the basic assumption that short term future population
changes will be more similar to short term past changes than any other changes.
Since Belhaven did not increase its population through increased geographic size,
annexation, the projections are realistic and provide reasonable estimates of
future populations.
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Seasonal Population Changes
Seasonal population changes are those which affect the town during certain •
months. Examples of seasonal population changes are the influx of migrant farm
workers and the influx of tourist and recreation oriented people. Traditionally
these are the only seasonal population changes that would have any affect on the .
town's stable population. These increases have not traditionally, however, played
an overly important role in the Belhaven area. The major implication to the town
of these increases is that there will be some level of increased services, such I •
as water and sewer, required to serve these people. Similarly, as services
increase, so does the cost of providing these services.
Unfortunately there is no base data available to make a quantitative assessment •
of seasonal population changes. Due to this lack the only valid statement concerning
seasonal population changes is that there are increases and these increases will
result in some cost. Due to the suspected limited increases, however, it is not
assumed that the increased demand for services will place any significant burden
on the town's capability of providing adequate services. This assumption is
valid when one considers that Belhaven presently has a surplus service capability. �
Table 36 compares the town's and township's population for the last three
decades, and Table 37 shows projected populations for Belhaven based on the
aforementioned method. As shown by Table 37, Belhaven is projected to lose
approximately 228 people over the 30 year period from 1970 to 2000. (It is
interesting to note that from 1940 to 1970 the town lost by actual count more
100 people,) When this anticipated population loss is weighed in comparison with
the population age distribution changes which have occurred in Belhaven in the past
it is realistic. As mentioned in the population section of this document, the age
distribution changes reveal that Belhaven's population is older, has lost signifi-
cantly from the prime employment age groups and has lost from prime child bearing
age groups,which all point to a natural decrease in population.
A
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TABLE 35
Beaufort County
Bath Township
,Chocowinity Township
Long Acre Township
Pantego Township
Richland Township
Washington Township
•
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Beaufort County and Townships
1970 - 2000
Chanee: 1970-2000
19701/ 1980 1990. 2000 Number Percent
35,980
36,800
38,500
39,400
' 3,420
9.5%
3,237
2,940
2,810
2,610
-627
-19.4%
4,661
. 4,780
5,000
5,090
429
9.2%
6,976
7,560
81840
10,050
3,074
44.1%
5,126
42960
4,910
41720
-406
-7.9%
3,626
3,130
2,940
21680
-946
-26.1%
12,354
13,420
14,010
149250
1,896
15.3%
These are actual U.S. Census of Population figures for the year 1970
rather than a projection.
Source: North Carolina Department of Administration, Office of State
Planning, based on OBERS Study.

•
TABLE 36
POPULATION TRENDS
Pantego Township and Belhaven
1940 - 1970
1940 12
12
1970
Pantego Township
5,935 51713
5,377
5,126
Belhaven Town
2,360 2,525
20$6
22259
Percent of Total
39.8 44.2
44.4
44.4
Source: U.S. Census
of Population, 1950 and 1970.
•
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•
•
• •

TABLE 37 POPULATION PRDJECTIONS
Belhaven Town
1980 - 2000
40 2 1990 2000
2,134 2,113 2,031
•
•
a
Source; North Carolina Department of Natural & Economic Resources, based
on Department of Administration projections for Beaufort County
and Pantego Township.
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Housing Projections
The housing inventory section of this document identified that about
30% of all housing in Belhaven is substandard. This means that a minimum
of 229 units must be significantly modified or replaced to provide adequate
shelter. Public assisted housing provides shelter for 45 households and
thus has a limited effect on the current housing stock.
The section of this document dealing with future land needs will put
future housing demands in perspective.
0
101

•
Economic Projections
Due to data limitations there is no method to accurately make traditional
40
economic projections for the study area. There are, however, current conditions or
activities that will have some economic impact on the area. While these conditions
• or activities may not be quantifiable, they do provide crude indicators of potential
economic activity.
One of these activities is seasonal population increases. While these
increases have not traditionally played an overly important role in Belhaven's
economy, they do impact the area. The town's location on the intercoastal waterway,
the general increase in water oriented recreational activities, and the proposed
. Swan Quarter to Ocracoke ferry will certainly have some seasonal/economic impact.
If these amenities continue to draw seasonal populations to the area, the major
implications for the town will be increased demands on services related activities
0 such as waste disposal and increased water usage.
The marina on Pantego Creek is presently underway. This facility will have
boat slips, a motel and restaurant when complete. This facility will certainly
have some economic impact in terms of tourist and and seasonal trade. Since it will
bring outside money into the area, it will be predominantly a basic activity, and
it may also serve as a catalyst for generating additional economic activity in other
4 services and support areas.
As mentioned elsewhere, the Blue Ridge Shoe Company owns property in Belhaven
and in 1973 made a public announcement that a manufacturing plant with a potential
employment of about 300 was to be opened. Apparently shortly after that announcement
the national economy prompted the company to postpone the opening. To date the town
has been assured that the next expansion the company makes will be in Belhaven.
Again,due to data limitations,there is no method available for projecting quantita-
tively,the impact this would have but a development of this magnitude would certainly
have major positive economic ramifications.
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Last, the textile firm, National Spinning, had tentative plans of developing
a manufacturing facility in Belhaven. This company also presently owns property
in the study area and obviously any manufacturing developing would have a
considerable economic impact on the community.
•
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103 •

Future Land Needs
r The Coastal Area Management Act Guidelines suggest a model for determining
allocation of population growth to land use. These standards in the model are
designed primarily for counties and do not directly address towns.
For this reason, a different method has been devised to,deal with land
needs for Belhaven. Briefly, this system takes into account the local zoningl
districts and compares vacant land and existing lower intensity development
with the current zoning pattern. The following needs assessment by zoning
district will clarify this method.
Residential Land Needs ,
Land zoned for residential purposes comprises about 785 acres, 72% of the
total land within the town limits. Of this total land zoned for residential
use, about 225 acres (29%) is vacant. By comparing the existing land use
map (Map 3) with the current zoning district map ( Map 6) this observation
can be made. However, not all of the vacant 225 acres of land, is readily
developable. Factors such as inadequate lot size or.configuration, con-
flicting land use and physical limitations render approximately 20% of the
existing vacant land unusable. This means that about 45 acres are not suitable
for residential development leaving 180 acres of suitable vacant residential
land with viable development potential. Similarly there are some non -conforming
lAlthough the current zoning ordinance states that zoning shall be applied
in the extraterritorial area, the current zoning map does not reflect it.
Hence, this assessment will address only the zoning within corporate limits.
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0
Ln
area)•
Map 6
ced
dic(tion

•
uses in the residential district. According to the current zoning ordinance,when
these non -conforming uses are discontinued for a specific time period then the
only future use of that property can be for residential purposes. Thus,
additional residential land may be presently available in the form of existing
non -conforming uses.
If the average lot size for residential use in Belhaven is approximately
one quarter acre (10,890 square feet or a lot slightly larger than 100 feet
by 100 feet) the town can presently support an additional 720 new houses, if all
the existing vacant developable residential land is utilized to its maximum.
Since the average household size in Belhaven is 2.9 persons per housel, the
towncould adequately support an increase of almost 2,100 people within the
existing residential zoning district.
This means that the town does not need additional residentially zoned
land to accommodate any estimated population increase. Since the area within
the corporate limits is presently served with essential water and sewer
facility, efforts should be made to direct any additional residential development
• within the• corporate limits to minimize cost of providing these and other
services.
•
1U. S. Census of Housing, 1970.
106
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0
Industrial Land Needs
Belhaven presently has about 250 acres of land zoned for industrial purposes. 4P
The existing zoning map will show the location of these lands. This is
approximately 23% of all land in the town limits. Of the total land zoned for
industrial uses, about 63 acres (25% of all industrial zoned land) are presently
vacant. Similarly, considerable amounts of land presently zoned for industrial
purposes are being used for less intensive (non -industrial) uses. Approximately
35% of all industrially zoned land.(88 acres) is in less intensive land uses. •
This means that there are presently about 150 acres (or over 6.5 million square
feet) of potentially developable industrial land in the town limits. To put
this figure in perspective, an industry the size of Belhaven Fish and Oyster
Company occupies about 2 acres or 87,000 square feet of land. This figure
includes parking facilities also. Thus, Belhaven has the land capability of
supporting the equivalent of 75 industries the size of the Belhaven Fish and Oyster
Company within the present industrial zone. This means that the town presently
has adequate vacant, developable, industrially zoned land to accommodate future
potential industrial use.
Due to the nature of various industrial land uses, the community should weigh
very carefully site selection for industrial uses. An attempt to segregate
industrial uses incompatible with adjacent uses should be made. For example,
industries which produce harmful by-products should be directed to industrially
zoned land where the -impact of the by-product will be minimized.
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a
Commercial Land Needs
Belhaven's zoning ordinance designates commercial land uses to the
business district. Uses such as trade, commercial services, office and
institutional business uses and similar commercial uses are to be located
within this district.
Belhaven presently has about 52 acres of land - zoned for business purposes.
The existing land use map shows the extent of this district. Of the total zoned
for business purposes about 15 acres (29% of all so zoned) are presently vacant.
Throughout the district there are vacant buildings that could support business
uses.
Currently in the business district there are residential uses; hence,there
appears to be a potential for accommodating additional commercial land uses
within the present business zone by converting the residential uses to business
uses as the need arises.
It is estimated that there are presently at least 20 acres (over 871,000 square
feet) of usable commercial land in Belhaven. To put this figure in perspective
a comparison is in order. A commercial use occupying a building with a dimension
of 65 feet by 65 feet (approximately the size of Dawson's Wholesale) would occupy,
4,225 square feet of floor space. Hence, Belhaven presently has the land capability
of supporting the equivalent of over 200 such commercial uses with the same floor
space requirements within the present business zone. This means the community
appears to have adequate developable public lands to accommodate any foreseeable
commercial development.
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Community Facilities Demand
The Guidelines for the Coastal Area Management Act require that
•
consideration be given to)new facilities which will be required by projected
population growth. Even though projections for Belhaven show population
declines, there is pending development which could require additional
•
community facilities services and this section considers the development in
this light.
The new marina currently being developed needs municipal water and sewer
•
services. Engineers working for the town have computed that a 6-inch water -
main will be necessary to provide adequate water service over the next
eight to ten years. No figures are available showing gallon consumption, •
However, apparently the city's capability is deemed adequate to supply water
service during the next ten years.
Engineers have computed that the waste water discharge from the marina '
will be a maximum of 25,000 gallons per day during the next eight to ten
years. At present the town's sewagetreatment capability has a surplus of
approximately 100,000 gpd above peak. As mentioned earlier, however, during •
peak months of fish and crab processing this surplus is inadequate due to
over -burdening the system. This means that with the additional burden of the
25,000 gpd generated by the marina,the potential for ineffective treatment is •
much greater than at present.
At present the town is in the process of having a water and sewer study
done for the area. When this'is completed it should adequately provide
information concerning water and waste water facilities in the area. The
study should also provide direction to the community for acquiring additional
treatment capability.
109
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•

E
Potential Areas of Environmental Concern
The amended Guidelines (those of 8/18/75) for local planning under the
Coastal Area Management Act require that local government give• careful atten-
tion to those areas within its jurisdiction which are environmentally fragile.
The guidelines further state that the local government should identify
areas it deems worthy of consideration as Areas of Environmental Concern and
submit these interim areas of environmental concern to the Coastal Resources
Commission for review. Further, the Coastal Resources Commission directs
local government to consider as interim AEC those categories and descriptions
which are included in the guidelines.
Based on the criteria contained in the guidelines there are four potential
AEC categorial areas which are applicable to Belhaven. These are:
1) Coastal Wetlands
2) Estuarine Waters
3) Public trust navigable waters
4) Coastal Flood Plains
Each of these categories is addressed as follows.
Coastal Wetlands
According to the guidelines, coastal wetlands are defined as "any salt
marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides,
* including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas
through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not include
hurricane or tropical storm tides. Salt marshland or other marsh shall be
those areas upon which grow some, but not necessarily all, of the following
salt marsh and marsh plant species: Smooth or salt water Cordgrass (Spartina
alterniflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus); Glasswort (Salicornia
spp.); Salt Grass (Distichlis Spicata); Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.); Bulrush
(Scirpus spp.); Saw Grass (Cladium Jamaicense); Cat -Tail (Typha spp.); Salt -
Meadow Grass (Spartina Patens); and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides)."
Included in this statutory definition of wetlands is "such contiguous land as
the Secretary of NER reasonably deems necessary to affect by any such order
in carrying out the purposes of this Section." (G.S. 113-230 (a))
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The definition further divides all wetlands into two sub -categories: low tidal
marshlands, defined as those consisting primarily of Spartina alterniflora and
usually subject to inundation by the normal rise and fall of lunar tides; and
other coastal marshland,defined as all other marshland,which is not low tidal
r
marshland and.which contains the definition of all coastal wetlands.l
There are areas in the planning area that do have some of the aforementioned
vegetative cover including the spartinas whichvby definition,should be categorized
as other coastal marshland. However, in these other marshlands there are also
pine and hardwood trees, shrubs and various other types of vegetative cover.
The guidelines further suggest the following as appropriate uses within all 40
wetland areas. These marshes should be considered unsuitable for all development
which will alter their natural functions. Examples of acceptable land uses may
include utility easements, fishing piers, docks, certain agricultural uses except is
when excavation or filling affecting estuarine or navigable waters is involved,
and such other uses which do not significantly alter the natural functions of the
marsh, Inappropriate land uses include, but are not limited to the following •
examples: restaurants and businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels and
trailer parks, parking lots and offices, spoil and dump sites, wastewater lagoons,
public and private -roads and highways, and factories,
1Apparently the intent here is to distinguish between spartina marshes and all
other marshes. (author's note)
111

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112

Estuarine Waters
According to the proposed revised guidelines (8/18/75) estuarine waters are
defined as "all the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of.North
Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto
seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing
waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission
and the Department of Conservation and Development filed with the Secretary of
State entitled 'Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fishing Inland Fishing
Waters, revised March 1,1965,"' or as it may be subsequently revised by the
Legislature.
When applying.this definition to the Belhaven Planning Area,it can be seen that
only the Pungo River is estuarine;and all of Pantego Creek west of a line which
approximates the breakwater (the line which separates inland and coastal fishing
waters)is defined as inland. Map 7 shows all estuarine waters in the planning area.
The guidelines further state the following as appropriate uses. Highest
priority shall be allocated to the conservation of estuarine waters. The development
of navigational channels, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building
0 of Riers or wharfs where no other feasible alternative exists are examples of land
uses appropriate within estuarine waters, provided that such land uses will not be
detrimental to the biological and physical estuarine functions and public trust
•
rights. Projects which would directly or indirectly block or impair existing
navigation channels increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide,
cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause
degradation of shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible with the
management of estuarine waters.
113
•

Public Trust Navigable Waters •
As stated in the guidelines of 8/18/75, public trust navigable waters are
characterized as those areas which the public has rights in, including navigation
and recreation. By definition, navigable means "capable of being navigated in its
natural condition by the ordinary modes of navigation including modes of navigation
used for recreational purposes. The natural condition of a body of water for
purposes of determining navigability shall be the condition of the body of water
at mean high water or ordinary high water as the case may be, and the condition of
the body of water without man-made obstructions and without temporary natural
obstructions. Temporary natural conditions such as water level fluctuation and
temporary natural obstructions which do not permanently or totally prevent navi-
gation do not make an otherwise naviagable stream non -navigable."
As applicable to the Belhaven Planning Area this means that all of Pantego
Creek and its tributaries including Wynn's Gut are public trust waters. All of
Pungo River and its tributaries, including Tooley's and Battalina Creek, are also
navigable and hence are included under this definition. Map 7 shows public trust
navigable waters within the planning area.
The guidelines suggest the following as appropriate uses. Any land use which
interferes with the public right of navigation, or other public trust rights, which
the public may be found to have in these waters shall not be allowed. The development
of navigational channels, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building
of piers and wharfs are examples of land uses appropriate within public trust waters,
provided that such land uses will not be detrimental to the biological and physical
functions and public trust rights. Projects which would directly or indirectly
block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit
spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate water
quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters are generally considered
incompatible with the management of public trust waters. •
114
•

0 Coastal Flood Plains
As defined in the guidelines of 8/18/75, coastal flood plains are "the land
areas adjacent to coastal sounds, estuarine, or the ocean which are prone to
flooding from storms with an annual probability of one percent or greater (100 year
storm). These areas are analogous to the 100 year flood plain on a river. Informa-
tion necessary to identify these areas will be supplied by the State Geologist."
0 The guidelines, in addressing appropriate land uses in these flood plains
continue, "it is reasonable to allow a certain degree of development if it is
carefully controlled and meets stringent engineering standards for stability,
integrity and safety during a 100 year storm. The land use plan may allow develop-
ment activities; and if such development is undertaken, as a minimum it must conform
with the standards of the Federal Insurance Administration for coastal high hazard
• areas and safety during the flood surge from a 100 year storm."
Belhaven is currently participating in the Federal Insurance Administration
flood insurance program and as such the entire town, that area within the corporate
• limits, has been designated as in a flood plain. Map 7 shows this designation.
Even though the guidelines necessitate floodplain areas being included as Areas
of Environmental Concern, there is some question if it is realistic as it applies
to Belhaven. For example, under this criteria any proposed development within the
town limits would be required to go through the AEC permit letting system prior to
any development actually taking place. Conversely, under the existing flood insurance
O
program any housing structure to be built must go through the already existing flood
insurance permit letting system. If Areas of Environmental Concern permits are
required in-addition•to flood insurance permits, it appears an unnecessary duplication
of effort is required. Similarly, there is concern about the realism of designating
the entire town of Belhaven as being in an Area of Environmental Concern.
For these reasons, very careful consideration should be given to requiring
O
designating the flood plain areas in Belhaven as Areas of Environmental Concern.
115
0

Land Classification
The guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act require that each level of
government identify the general allowable land uses within its jurisdiction. To
•
assist in this effort, the guidelines suggest a land classification system which
categorizes lands as either developed, transition, community, rural or conservation.
These categories are defined as follows:
Developed - Lands where existing population density is moderate
to high and where there are a variety of land uses which have the
necessary public services.
Transition - Lands where local government plans to accommodate
moderate to high density development during the following ten
year period and where necessary public services will be provided
•
to accommodate that growth.
Community --Lands where low density development is grouped in
existing settlements or will occur in such settlements during
•
the following ten year period and which will not require extensive
public services now or in the future.
Rural - Lands whose highest use is for agriculture, forestry, mining,
water'supply, etc., based on their natural resources potential. Also,
lands for future needs not currently recognized.
Conservation - Fragile, hazard and other lands necessary to maintain
a healthy natural environment and necessary to provide for the public
health, safety, or welfare.
The classification system applied to the Belhaven Planning Area is shown on Map 8.
To further explain the classification system, the reader should review the
sections on existing land use and future land needs. Those sections identified
that there is considerable vacant developable land presently within the planning
area that has essential facilities to accommodate any future development. For
116 •

this reason all potentially developable land within the town limits (that which
has essential facilities ) is defined as Transition.
The Community Classification shown on Map 8 acknowledges the existence of
this low density development north of town which has water services.
The Rural Classification, by definition, is applicable to those predominantly
agricultural lands in the planning area.
The Conservation Classification reflects the physical limitations to
development in the marshlands within the planning area.
117

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Map 8

•
PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
« This document is the cumulative result of many days of effort by the officials
of the Town of Belhaven and the town residents. It should; therefore represent the
desires, aspirations and needs as perceived by those who participated.
This document constitutes, then, only a statement of policy for future
development and does not provide the legal means to implement the recommendations
contained here. Ordinances and programs must be utilized if the community is to
•
achieve the direction set forth in this document. Similarly, aggressive leadership
from town officials and acceptance and support from citizens of the area is also
necessary. Perhaps most important of all is using the plan as a standard when
• making daily decisions about land development. If all of these activities are
engaged in the plan'can be an effective guidance tool.
• Plan Adoption
In order to be used as a.standard for development, the plan must first be
recognized and adopted as policy. After adoption, regulatory ordinances and other
•
control devices must direct all public and private land development issues to
conform to the standards contained here.
Zoning\
• Zoning insures that the various land uses of the town are properly situated
in relation to one another, providing adequate space for each type of development.
. It involves the simple division of land into designated districts of differing use
and allows for the control of development density in each area so that property can
be adequately serviced by facilities such as streets, schools, recreation facilities,
utilities systems, and other public services. This directs new growth into
appropriate areas and protects existing property by preventing the mixing of

incompatible uses which can depreciate property values and damage the overall •
quality of the town. In addition, a zoning ordinance regulates height and bulk of
buildings, the area of a lot which may be occupied, the size of required open spaces,
and the.use of buildings and land for agricultural, commercial, industrial, resi-
dential, and other purposes. It will serve as the primary tool for implementation
of the Land Use Plan and should conform to the various recommendations and objectives
found therein.. This relationship is very important since the Land Development Plan r
represents town policy and what is considered to be the best use of the land.
Belhaven currently enforces zoning regulations. An effort should be made to
insure that Land Use Plan policy is reflected in the zoning ordinance. This will •
assure that land development in the area will conform to the plan.
Subdivision Regulations •
A subdivision control ordinance is another method of implementing the concepts
of the Land Use Plan. Subdivision control enables a jurisdiction to guide new
development by setting minimum standards of street design and construction, by •
controlling the shape of lots and by determining what improvements in the form of
utilities and drainage shall be required. A developer is required to submit a plat
for approval to the agent of the local jurisdiction anytime the subdivision of land •
is to occur. Before the plat is approved, it should be reviewed by the local
highway engineer and planning board. In reviewing the submitted plan, the town
should determine whether the proposed streets and their alignment generally conform •
to those proposed in the Plan and to existing streets. This process insures that
the developer of new areas will provide streets that will be placed where they will
function in the best possible manner. A subdivision control ordinance is a very i
essential part of the total planning process whereby orderly growth occurs within
the town.
120
•
40

0
Efforts should be made to insure the present subdivision regulations are
r reflected in the Land Use Plan. This will result in land development
consistent with the plan.
Housing -Related Codes
The purpose of housing -related codes is to protect the health, safety, and
welfare of the individuals by establishing minimum construction standards for all
types of structures. Housing -related codes include the following: building codes,
housing codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, utility codes, and fire codes.
In addition, zoning and subdivision ordinances can be used to establish certain
types of construction standards.
The Town of Belhaven should make sure that all its housing type codes address
land use plan standards.
Sediment -and Erosion Control Ordinances
The adoption of a sediment and erosion control ordinance would provide the legal
.•means by which the water quality of the streams in the planning area can be protected
i from sediment pollution resulting from development adjacent to streams. The
extensive removal of vegetative cover should be controlled, thereby preventing erosion
of the soil and resulting sedimentation in water bodies. If large scale vegetative
removal is allowed, the disturbed soils should be stabilized by planting temporary
vegetative cover or by some other soil protective measure. These controls should
reflect the land use plan standards.
• Capital Improvements Programming
The capital improvement program for the town is very important in that it'will
indicate all new public facility improvements, their priority, projected revenues
and expenditures, and their location and timing for construction. Each year this
program is updated to maintain a five-year lead time to insure that the most needed
facilities receive the earliest consideration.
121

In addition to providing services to areas already developed, the town can
. directly influence areas of new growth by directing public services into these
areas. Thus, the extension of public services is an important method for encouraging
growth in areas predetermined suitable for such growth. Since the Land Use Plan
• indicates projected growth in the planning area, it is necessary that the development
of a capital improvements program be coordinated with the Land Use Plan.
Employment of a Full -Time Planning Staff
The hiring of a planning staff is another tool by which the community can
implement its Land Use Plan. Such personnel would provide the town with the
expertise upon which to base decisions regarding the orderly development of the
town. In addition, the planning staff would provide assistance in the decision -
making process revolving around all ordinance enforcement. Belhaven has been provided
planning staff capabilities in the past through consultants.
•
40 122

HOUSING CONDITION DEFINITIONS
•
The U. S. Census of Housing, 1960, defines housing structural conditions as
follows:
Sound housing is defined as that which has no defects, or only slight
defects which normally are corrected during the course of regular maintenance.
Examples of slight defects are: lack of paint; slight damage to porch or
steps; slight wearing away of mortar between bricks or other masonry; small
cracks in walls, plaster or chimney; cracked windows; slight wear on floors,
door sills, doorframes, window sills, or window frames; and broken gutters
or downspouts.
Deteriorating housing needs more repair than would be provided in the
course of regular maintenance. Such housing has one or more defects of an"
intermediate nature that must be corrected if the unit is to continue to
provide safe and adequate shelter. Examples of intermediate defects are:
hgles, open cracks, rotted, loose or missing materials over a small area of
the foundation, walls, roof, floors, or ceilings; shaky or unsafe porch,
steps, or railings; several broken or missing windowpanes; some rotted or
•
loose window frames or sashes that are no longer rainproof or windproof;
broken or loose stair treads, or broken, loose or missing risers, balusters,
or railings of inside or outside stairs; deep wear on doorsills, doorframes,
•
outside or inside steps or floors; missing bricks or cracks in the chimney
which are not serious enough to be a fire hazard; and makeshift chimney such
as a stovepipe or other uninsulated pipe leading directly from the stove to
•
the outside through a hole in the roof, wall, or window. Such defects are
signs of neglect which lead to serious structural deterioration or damage
if not corrected.
•
123

Dilapidated housing does not provide safe and adequate shelter and in
its present condition endangers the health, safety, or well-being of the
occupants. Such housing has one or more critical defects; or has a combina-
tion of intermediate defects in sufficient number or extent to require
considerable repair or rebuilding; or is of inadequate original construction.
The defects are either so critical or so widespread that the structure
should be extensively repaired, rebuilt, or torn down.
Critical defects result from continued neglect or lack of repair, or
indicate serious damage to the structure. Examples of critical defects are:
holes; open cracks, or rotted, loose or missing material (clapboard siding,
shingles, bricks, concrete, tile, plaster, or floorboards) over a large area
of the foundation, outside walls, roof, chimney, or inside walls, floors,
or ceilings; substantial sagging of floors, walls, or roof; and extensive
damage by storm, fire, or flood.
To be classified as dilapidated on the basis of intermediate defects,
a housing unit must have such defects in sufficient number or extent that it
no longer provides safe and adequate shelter. No set number of intermediate
•
defects is required.
Inadequate original construction includes: shacks, huts, or tents;
structures with makeshift walls or roofs, or built of packing boxes, scrap
lumber, or tin; structures lacking foundations (walls rest directly on the
ground); structures with dirt floors; and cellars, sheds, barns, garages, or
other places not originally intended for living quarters and inadequately
converted to such use.
124
•

\J
The August, 1969, Neighborhood Analysis, Belhaven, North Carolina, defines
housing structural conditions as follows:
M
Sound Housing indicates no visible exterior defects.
Minor Repair indicates only slight defects such as the need for paint or
slight damage to the porch steps.
Major Repair indicates one or more defects of an immediate nature that
must be corrected if the unit is to continue to provide safe and adequate
shelter.
Dilapidated indicates the structure does not provide safe and adequate
shelter and in its present condition endangers the health, safety, and
welfare of the occupants. Such housing has one or more critical defects •
or a combination of intermediate defects; the defects are either so
critical or so widespread that the structure should be extensively repaired,
rebuilt, or totally destroyed.
•
•
125 It

COUNTY AND REGIONAL DOCUMENTS AFFECTING LAND USE
The following are the most important county or regional documents which would have
some affect on Land Use in the Belhaven area.
Economic Potential Study, Beaufort County, Washington, N.C. Department of Conserva-
tion.and Development, 1967.
This document provided an economic analysis of Beaufort County and projected future
economical activity. This provided the county with an inventory of economic
• conditions.
Land Potential Study, Beaufort County, Washington, N.C. Department of Conservation
and Development, 1967.
This document analyzed existing land use in the county and projected land use into
. the future. Specific land use controls were recommended which, -if implemented,would
have an impact on county land use.
Region Q Water Resource Management, Washington, Mid East Economic Development
Commission, 1975.
This document analyzes regional water and sewer use and needs and makes specific
recommendations concerning future systems. All counties and towns in Region Q are
included.
Initial Housing Element, Washington, Mid East Economic Development Commission, 1971.
This document inventories housing in the region and makes recommendations to solve
housing problems.
An Examination of the Population and Socio-Economic Base in the Mid East Region,
Washington, Mid East Commission, 1974:
This document analyzes population, social and economic activity in the region,
identifies trends and makes projections.
U,
0 126

Water and Sewer Ordinances
CHAPTER Q 0
MUNICIPALLY OWNED UTILITIES
ARTICLE I
WATER AND SEWER
Section 1. PERTINENT PROVISIONS PART OF CONTRACTS. All pertinent provisions
of this chapter are hereby made a part of the terms and conditions whereby the
Town furnishes sewer or water service to any person, or whereby the Town makes
any sewer or water connections or performs any work of any kind in connection
with the furnishing of sewer or water services.
Section 2. WHERE MAINS WILL BE LAID WITHOUT ASSESSMENT. Water mains will
not hereafter be laid in any streets without assessment therefor except in those
streets where the Board may order increased size water mains for additional water
distribution or fire protection.
Section 3. LATERALS TO BE LAID ONLY TO INSIDE OF CURB. Water laterals laid
as a part of any water main improved, shall be laid only to the inside of the curb
unless in the resolution ordering the improvement, the Board specifically directs
otherwise.
Section 4. EXTENSION OF LATERALS. After laterals are laid from water mains
to the inside of the curb, no such lateral shall be extended to the property line
until the owner or occupant of the property to be served thereby applies therefor.
Section 5. CONNECTIONS TO BE MADE WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER MAINS READY FOR
USE. Within thirty days after the time when any water main in any street is completed
and ready for use, the owner of every abutting lot whereon water is supplied for any
human use shall cause such lot to be connected with such water main; and within
thirty days after the time when any sewer main in any street is completed and ready
for use, if a water main has also been installed in.such street, the owner of any
abutting lot having thereon improvements for human occupancy, shall cause a water
closet and sink to be installed and to be connected with such sewer main, and shall
cause all other sewer facilities within such improvements, if any, to be connected
with such sewer main; provided, however, that the owner of the premises shall be
notified in writing by the Board of the installation of such water main or the in-
stallation of such sanitary sewer, and shall be allowed thirty days after such
written notice within which to make the required connection or connections.
Section 6. CONNECTIONS TO BE MADE ONLY BY TOWN. The construction of laterals
for the connection of water pipes on any lot with water pipes in any street, and
the necessary excavations therefor shall be done only by the Town.
127

r,
Section 7. CONNECTIONS TO BE MADE ONLY UPON APPLICATION. No connection shall
be made to any water lateral except after the written application therefor has been
approved by the Plumbing Inspector.
Section 8. APPLICATION FOR CONNECTIONS. Every application for a sewer or water
connection shall state the name of the owner of the lot; the name of the street on
which such lot is situated; the number of the house, if there is one on the lot, or
if not, a description of the location of the lot; the number and kind of connections
desired; and the character of surface of the abutting street. Every such application
shall be signed by the person making the application, shall be accompanied by the
proper fee for making the connection applied for, and shall be filed with the Clerk.
Section 9. CONSTRUCTION OF CONNECTIONS. Upon approval of any application for
water connection, the Town shall do the excavation, lay the pipe, install a meter
where necessary, make the connection to the main, fill the excavation and replace
the surface of the street.
Section 10. SEWER CONNECTIONS TO BE MADE WHERE OPENINGS PROVIDED. Every sewer
connection made directly to a main shall be made at the Y provided for the lot to be
served; but if no such Y has been provided for such lot, then such connection may be
made directly to the main at any convenient point. Work to be done by the user at
his expense but under'the supervision of the Plumbing Inspector.
Section 11. SEPARATE CONNECTION REQUIRED. Every house or building abutting any
water or sewer main and requiring a water or sewer connection shall be separately and
independently connected, except in those cases where laterals have already been laid in
macadam or improved streets from such main without provisions being made for such
house or building, in which case the connection may be made to an existing lateral.
If such house or building is on macadam or improved street where laterals have not
been laid, the connection may be made to any convenient lateral. When two or more
houses or units are connected with the same water lateral, a separate meter shall be
provided for each such house or unit.
Section 12. MAINTENANCE OF METERS. All meters shall be kept in good repair
and working order by the Town and at the expense of the user.
Section 13. DISCHARGE INTO SEWERS. No person shall pour, throw, or discharge
any substance, either solid or liquid, into any sanitary or storm sewer at any man-
hole or at any opening therein other than a.sewer connection; nor shall any person
• discharge into any sanitary or storm sewer any substance likely to obstruct or to
cause undue injury to the same or any substance of such high causticity or of a suffi-
ciently acid nature to interfere materially with the equipment used in connection
therewith.
Section 14. INJURY TO SEWERS PROHIBITED. No person shall obstruct, break,
• remove, or otherwise injure any portion of any manhole, flush -tank, or other part
of any public sanitary or storm sewer.
128
40

ARTICLE V
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE EXTENSION OF WATER AND SANITARY SEWER SERVICE WITHIN
AND OUTSIDE THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE TOWN OF BELHAVEN.
Be it Ordained by the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Belhaven as follows:
Section 1. APPLICATION FOR AND APPROVAL OF EXTENSIONS REQUIRED. •
A. From and after the effective date of this Ordinance, any property owner, or
owners, desiring water or sanitary sewer service shall apply in writing to the Board
of Aldermen requesting the extension of water or sanitary sewer service or both. No
request for the extension of services shall be considered unless submitted in writing
in accordance with the requirements of this Ordinance. •
B. The Town may require the applicant to submit as part of the written appli-
cation such information, plans, or other data as may be required to adequately
determine if the requirements of this Ordinance are to be met.
C. When application is made for water and sewer extensions to serve an area
or development project that is planned as part of a larger project or subdivision,
all of which is not to be developed at the time application is made, the owner or
owners shall submit plans in sufficient detail in order to determine the size and type
facilities which will be necessary to serve the entire development or subdivision
when completed.
D. No extension to the water or sanitary sewer system of the Town of Belhaven
shall be made and no application shall be approved except in accordance with the
requirements of this Ordinance.
Section 2, GENERAL EXTENSION REQUIREMENTS.
All extensions of either water or sanitary sewer service shall be governed by
the following:
(a) The minimum distance for any extension of a water main or sanitary sewer
main shall be determined by the Board of Aldermen. In general, the minimum distance
for extensions shall be one platted block, or in the case of water mains from main
line valve to valve and in the case of sanitary sewer extension from manhole to
manhole.
(b) The size of water mains and sanitary sewer mains to be installed and the
other required system facilities shall be determined by the Board of Aldermen in
accordance with the recognized standards and accepted engineering practices and
design.
Section 3. FINANCING EXTENSIONS WITHIN CORPORATE LIMITS.
A. Extensions to Approved Subdivisions or Developed Property.
(1) When application is received requesting the extension of water or sanitary
sewer service or both to serve property within the corporate limits which is developed
or has been previously approved as a subdivision, or where streets have previously been
•
129

r1
u
(c) In lieu of depositing funds, the owner or owners may provide a surety bond
or some other form of security that will insure payment to the Town of the owner or
owners' proportionate share of the cost of extension in accordance with this Ordinance.
(d) No refund or reimbursement of funds shall be made to the owner or owners
who pay seventy-five percent of the total cost of extension under the requirements of
this subsection except as provided for in paragraph (b) above.
C. Facilities Excluded in Determining Owners' Share of Cost.
(1) When the Town of Belhaven determines that it is advisable to install
larger size facilities than are necessary to serve the property requesting such
extension, the difference in the cost of the larger size facilities over and above
the cost of the facilities required to serve the property requesting such extension
shall be paid for by the Town of Belhaven and excluded from the total cost to be
shared by the property owner and the Town as provided for herein.
(2) Fire hydrants, pumping stations, outfall lines, and other facilities in-
stalled for general public use shall be paid for by the Town of Belhaven and ex-
cluded from the total_ cost to be shared by the property owner and the Town as pro-
vided for herein.
• D. Exceptions Authorized.
(1) Nothing in this Ordinance shall prevent the Board of Aldermen from extend-
ing water or sanitary sewer mains or both within the corporate limits on their own
motion without receipt of an application from property owners, and to assess the cost
of such extensions in accordance with subsection A of Section 3 of this Ordinance when,
' in the opinion of the Board of Aldermen, the general public interest demands such
extension of service.
(2) Nothing in this Ordinance shall require payments or assessments for the
extension of water'or sanitary sewer mains or both, which are to be extended by
William C. Olsen and Associates Engineers and Architects, Raleigh, North Carelina,
under contract number 414 for water and 401 for sewer, and included under EDA number
03-1-00051P and HUD number PFL NC 89.
Section 4. FINANCING EXTENSIONS OUTSIDE CORPORATE LIMITS.
A. All applications for water and sewer extensions outside the corporate limits
shall be made in the same manner and under the same requirements as provided for in
Sections 1 and 2 of this Ordinance.
B. If an application is approved by the Board of Aldermen, the owner or owners
shall be required to pay for the entire cost of all extensions. Provided, the Town may
participate to the extent agreed upon by the Board of Aldermen in the cost of larger
size mains which are in excess of the size mains required to serve the project. No
reimbursement shall be made upon annexation and all water and sewer lines connected
to the Town system and located outside the corporate limits shall become the property
of the Town at the time such facilities are connected.
C. Prior to the beginning of any construction, the owner or owners shall deposit
do with the Town funds in an amount equal to the total estimated cost of such extensions.
131
40

dedicated and accepted by the Town, and where such area is not part of a new sub-
division which has not been approved by the Town, the Town Clerk or other person
designated by the Board of Aldermen shall estimate the cost of the project and
present the application for such extension, the estimated cost and other required
information to the Board of Aldermen for their consideration. If the application is
approved by the Board of Aldermen and subject to the availability of funds, the Town
will install or have installed by contract under its supervision the extensions
which have been approved, and such extension shall be financed in accordance with
this subsection.
(2) When an approved water or sanitary sewer extension project has been com-
pleted and the total cost thereof has been determined, seventy-five percent of the
total cost of such water or sanitary sewer extension or both shall be assessed
against the property owners whose property abuts upon such extension at an equal
rate per front foot in accordance with and under the authority granted to the Town
by G.S. 160-241 through G.S. 160-248. The remaining twenty-five percent of the total
cost of•such extensions shall be borne by the Town from funds appropriated for this
purpose.
(3) Any property owner or owners shall have the opportunity to pay his or
their proportionate share of the cost of such extensions after the assessment roll
is confirmed rather than paying his or their share in.equal annual installments with
interest as required by the statute.
B. Extensions to Proposed Development or Subdivisions.
(1) When an application is received requesting the extension of water or sani-
tary sewer service or both to proposed development or subdivisions within the cor-
porate limits which have not been approved by the Board of Aldermen, the Town Clerk
or other person designated by the Board of Aldermen, shall estimate the cost of the
project and present the application for such extension, the estimated cost and other
required information to the Board of Aldermen for their consideration. If the
application is approved, and subject to the availability of funds, the Town will
install or have installed by contract under its supervision such extensions which
shall be financed in accordance with this subsection.
(2) Prior to the beginning of any construction, the property owner or owners
shall advance to the Town funds in an amount equal to seventy-five percent of the
total estimated cost of the proposed extensions. Upon receipt of such funds, a
written contract shall be entered into by and between the Town of Belhaven and the
Property owner or owners, under which the Town will use such funds upon the following
terms and conditions:
(a) The funds shall be deposited in a special account of the Town for which a
separate accounting will be made.
(b) At the time construction of the extension is completed and the total cost
thereof is determined, if the amount deposited exceeds seventy-five percent of the
total cost, that portion in excess of the amount deposited will be refunded to the
owner or owners without interest. If the amount deposited is less than seventy-five
percent of the total cost, the owner or owners shall pay such additional amount to
the Town and this condition shall be a part of the written contract. .
130

Upon receipt of such funds, a written contract shall be entered into by and between
the Town of Belhaven and the property owner or owners in accordance with the require-
ments of this Ordinance. Such contract shall provide that in the event the amount of
the total funds deposited exceeds the amount of the total extension cost when com-
pleted that portion in excess of the total extension cost will be refunded to the
owner or owners without interest. Such contract shall also provide that if the amount
deposited is less than the total cost, the owner or owners shall pay such additional
amount to the Town of Belhaven.
D. In lieu of depositing funds the owner or owners may execute a surety bond
guaranteeing payment for such extension or the owner or owners may have such extension
work performed under private contract with the approval of the Board of Aldermen,
provided the work is to be performed in accordance with all construction requirements
of the Town of Belhaven and subject to inspection and approval of the Town.
E. In the event the property for which application has been made for water or
. sewer service is contiguous to the corporate limits and the owner or owners of such
property agree to annexation and in the event such property is annexed to the Town of
Belhaven, extensions may be made to such property and the cost thereof financed in
accordance with the requirements of Section 3A or 3B of this Ordinance, whichever is
applicable.
* Section 5. SPECIFICATIONS, OWNERSHIP.
Any water mains or sanitary sewer mains extended under the provisions of this
Ordinance shall be installed and constructed in accordance with the approved plans,
specifications and other requirements of the Town of Belhaven. All facilities in-
stalled under the provisions of this Ordinance, whether within or outside the corporate
' limits,shall become the sole property of the Town of Belhaven and under its juris-
diction and control for any and all purposes whatsoever at the time such facilities are
connected to the Town system. When required, the property owner or owners shall grant
to the Town such utility eastments as the Town may require. In addition, a deed to
the Town for water and/or sewer facilities installed which are located outside the
corporate limits, the cost of which is borne by individual property owners, shall be
• executed prior to the time any extensions provided for in this Ordinance are connected
to the Town systems.
Section 6. ADDITIONAL SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENT.
The Board of Aldermen may in its discretion as a condition under which water
' or sewer service or both will be extended, require the owner or owners of a proposed
subdivision to enter into an agreement to improve the proposed streets therein at their
own expense and in accordance with the ordinances then in force governing the
acceptance of public streets for the Town of Belhaven. If required, this section shall
apply to subdivisions which are located either within or outside the corporate limits
of the Town of Belhaven.
• Section 7. CONFLICTING ORDINANCES REP,,EALED.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this
Ordinance are hereby repealed.
0 _ Section 8. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the 6th day
of March, 1968.
132

Stream Classification
Class SB Waters,
(1) Best usage of waters: Bathing and any other usage except shellfishing for
market purposes.
(2) Conditions related to best usage: The waters, under proper sanitary super-
vision by the controlling health authorities, will meet accepted sanitary
standards of water quality for outdoor bathing places and will be considered
satisfactory for bathing purposes.
(3) Quality standards applicable to class SB waters.
(a) Floating solids; settleable solids; sludge deposits: None attributable
to sewage, industrial wastes or other wastes.
(b)
Sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes: None which are not effectively
treated to the satisfaction of the commission. In determining the degree
of treatment required for such waters when discharged into waters to be
S
used for bathing, the commission will take into consideration quantity
and quality of the sewage and wastes involved and the proximity of such
discharges to the waters in this class.
(c)
pH: Shall be normal for the waters in the area, which generally shall
range between 6.0 and 8.5, except that swamp waters may have a low of 4.3.
(d)
Dissolved oxygen: Not less than 5.0 mg/l, except that swamp waters may
have a minimum of 4.0 mg/l.
(e)
Toxic wastes; oils; deleterious substances; colored or other wastes:
Only such amounts, whether alone or in combination with other substances
or wastes as will not make the waters unsafe or unsuitable for bathing,
injurious to fish or shellfish, or adversely affect the palatability of
same, or impair the waters for any other best usage established for this
class.
(f)
Organisms of coliform group: (Applicable only during the months of May -
f
through September. During the Class "SC" waters shall apply." Fecal
coliforms not to exceed a log mean of 200/100 ml (either MPN or MF count)
based on at least five consecutive samples examined during any 30-day
period and not to exceed 400/100 ml in more than 20% of the samples
examined during such period, (Not applicable during or immediately
following periods of rainfall).
(g)
Temperature: Shall not be increased above the natural water temperature
by more than 1.50F. during the months of June, July, and Au&ust nor more
than 4.OoF. during other months and in no case to exceed 90 F., due to
the discharge of heated liquids.
A
133

Class SC Waters.
(1) Best usage of waters: Fishing and any other usage except bathing or shell-
40
fishing for market purposes.
0
(2) Conditions related to best usage: The waters will be suitable for fishing
and fish propagation. Also, suitable for other uses requiring waters of
lower quality.
(3) Quality standards applicable to class SC waters.
(a) Floating solids; settleable solids; sludge deposits: Only such amounts
attributable to sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes, as will
not, after reasonable opportunity for dilution and mixture of same
with -the receiving waters, make the waters unsafe or unsuitable for
fish, shellfish, and wildlife, or impair the waters for any other best
usage established for this class.
(b) pH: Shall be normal for the waters in the area, which generally shall
range between 6.0 and 8.5, except that swamp waters may have a minimum
of 4.3.
(c) Dissolved oxygen: Not less than 5.0 mg/l, except that swamp waters may
have a minimum of 4.0 mg/l.
(d) Toxic wastes; oils, deleterious substances; colored or other wastes:
Only such amounts, whether alone or on combination with other substances
or wastes, as will not render the waters injurious to fish and shellfish,
adversely affect the palatability of same, or impair the waters for any
other best usage established for this class.
(e) Organisms of coliform group: Fecal coliforms not to exceed a log mean
of 1,000/100 ml (MPN or MF count) based upon at least five consecutive
samples examined during any 30-day period; nor exceed 2,000/100 ml in
more than 20% of the samples examined during such period. (Not applicable
during or immediately following periods of rainfall.)
(f) Temperature: Shall not be increased above the natural water temperature
by more than 1.50F during the months of June, July, and August nor more
* than 4.OoF during other months, and in no case to exceed 900F,.due to
the discharge of heated liquids.
SOURCE: N. C. Administration Code, Title 15, Department of Natural & Economic
Resources, Chapter 2, Environmental Management, Subchapter 2B, SURFACE
WATER STANDARDS, MONITORING, Section .0200, CLASSIFICATIONS AND WATER
QUALITY STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO SURFACE WATERS IN NORTH CAROLINA. (Copies
of this Stream Monitoring regulation can be obtained in the Northeastern
Field Office, Washington, North Carolina.)
134
f�

S
This report was -financed in part by the
National oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the State of
North Carolina, and meets the requirements
of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974.

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