Land Use Plan Amendment-1999

Town of Bolivia
Land Use Plan
Amendment
1999
DCM COPY — —VVR7X ` DCM COPY
lease do not remove!tj
Division of Coastal Management Copy
Cape Fear Council of Governments
1480 Harbour Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 395-45531395-2684

Town of Bolivia
Board of Aldermen:
Dewey Smith, Mayor
Ella Jane Wescott
Hazel Cox
Gary Lesh
Ken Mercer
Planning Board:
Edward C. Millinor, Chairman
Drew Robbins
Alice L. Russ
Sherry Willetts
Aleta Murray
Lynn Bowling
Technical Assistance Provided By
Cape Fear Council of Governments
1480 Harbour Drive
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
[phone] (ext. 215)
[phone] fax
This 1999 Land Use Plan Amendment revises the 1996 Sketch Land Use Plan which was adopted locally on
September 9,1996, and by the NC Coastal Resources Commission on September 27,1996.
Land Use Plan Amendment Local Public Hearing held on March 8,1999.
Local Adoption of 1998 Amendment on March 8,1999.
1998 Plan Amendment Adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission on May 28,1999.

Acknowled went
The preparation of this document and associated maps was financed, in part, through a grant provided by
the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

'
TABLE OF CONTENTS
'
INTRODUCTION
2
BOLIVIXS GOALS & OBJECTIVES
3
Section 1:
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
4
A.
ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
6
'
B.
POPULATION AND ECONOMY
8
C.
SEASONAL POPULATION
15
D.
EXISTING LAND USE
16
'
E.
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
18
Section 2:
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
21
A.
LAND SUITABILITY
21
'
B.
CARRYING CAPACITY
22
Section 3:
ESTIMATED DEMAND
23
'
A.
WATER
23
B.
SEWER
24
C.
LEVEL OF USE FOR SCHOOLS, ROADS, & HOSPITALS
24
'
D.
POPULATION AND ECONOMY
27
E.
SEASONAL POPULATION
27
'
F.
LOCAL OBJECTIVES CONCERNING GROWTH
27
Section 4:
POLICIES FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
28
A.
RESOURCE PROTECTION
28
(a) Constraints to Development
28
(b) Areas of Environmental Concern
30
(c) Development in Proximity to Outstanding Resource
'
Waters (ORW's)
30
(d) Fragile Land Areas
31
(1) Freshwater Swamps and Marshes
31
'
(2) Manmade Hazard Areas
31
(3) Archaeologic or Historic Areas
32
(4) Prime Farmland
33
(5) Wildlife Habitat Areas
33
(e) Hurricane & Flood Evacuation Needs & Plans
34
(f) Protection of Potable Water
(g) Use of Package Treatment Plants
34
35
(h) Stormwater Runoff
35
'
(i) Industrial. Impacts
36
B.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
36
t(b)
(a) Productive Agricultural Lands
Commercial Forest Lands
36
37
(c) Existing and Potential Mineral Production Areas
38
(d) Commercial & Recreational Fisheries
38

(e)
Off -Road Vehicles
38
(f)
Residential, Commercial, & Industrial
Land Development Impacts
39
(g)
Peat or Phosphate Mining's Impacts
40
C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
40
(a)
Types of Development to be Encouraged
40
(b)
Type and Location of Industry Desired
41
(c)
Local Commitment to Services Provision
42
(d)
Urban Growth Patterns Desired
42
(e)
Redevelopment of Developed Areas
43
(f)
Commitment to State & Federal Programs
43
(g)
Assistance to Channel Maintenance
and Beach Nourishment Projects
44
(h)
Energy Facility Siting & Development
44
(i)
Coastal & Estuarine Water Beach Access
45
0)
Tourism
45
(k)
Type of Density Desired
46
(1)
Manufactured Homes
47
(m)
Town Boundary Defined
47
(n)
Provision of Services to Development
48
(o)
Recreational Facilities
48
(p)
Annexation
48
(q)
Regional Trade Center
49
Section 5: CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
49
Section 6: STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY,
& EVACUATION PLANS
50
(a)
Storm Hazard Mitigation
50
(b)
Bolivia's Storm Hazard Mitigation Policy
51
(c)
Post -Disaster Recovery Plan
52
(d)
Evacuation Plans
55
Section 7: LAND CLASSIFICATION
55
(a)
Transition
59
(b)
Rural
60
(c)
Conservation
60
Section 8: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES & LAND CLASSIFICATION 60
Section 9: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION & IMPLEMENTATION 60
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1 -- MUNICIPAL & COUNTY POPULATION 8
TABLE 2 -- PLACE OF WORK (by # of workers) 10
TABLE 3 -- MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION TO WORK 10
TABLE 4 -- HOUSEHOLD, FAMILY, AND NONFAMILY INCOME IN 1989 12
TABLE 5 - EXISTING LAND USE 17

APPENDIX
ATTACHMENT A
STATE & FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS/TOWN OF BOLIVIA
ATTACHMENT B
VISION BRAINSTORMING SESSION (March 9, 1998)
ATTACHMENT C
CORRESPONDENCE FROM NC DIVISION OF ARCHIVES &
HISTORY, DAVID BROOKS
ATTACHMENT D
LETTER OF INQUIRY TO NC DMSION OF ARCHIVES &
HISTORY
ATTACHMENT E
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
ATTACHMENT F
POPULATION PROJECTIONS, TOWN OF BOLIVIA
ATTACHMENT G
POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR REGION O
BY COUNTY (Table)
ATTACHMENT H
20 YEAR POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR REGION O
BY COUNTY (Graph)
MAPS
EXISTING LAND USE In back of document
STORM SURGE INNUNDATION AREAS In back of document
1998 LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP In back of document

INTRODUCTION I
The term "comprehensive plan" is often used interchangeably with other terms. The
"comprehensive plan" is also referred to as the "land use plan," the "general plan," or the "master plan." '
The essential characteristics of the plan, which we will refer to as the Land Use Plan (LUP) or the Land
Use Plan Update (LUPUP)1, is that the plan encompasses all geographic parts of the community and all
physical and environmental elements which bear on land use development. The plan is general in the '
sense that it will summarize policies and proposals and will not indicate (in great detail) specific locations
or detailed regulations. The plan will be long-range in the sense that it will look beyond the foreground of
current pressing and everyday development pressures and will look to the perspective of problems and '
possibilities for 10 to 20 years in the future.
For planning purposes the preparation, adoption, and use of the Land Use Plan is considered to be '
the primary objective of a planning program. Most other plans and planning actions by a local
government are designed, at least theoretically, to be based upon the comprehensive land use plan.
With the production of this document will we throw off the yoke of our day-to-day concerns and '
take a more thoughtful look at the Town's desired growth patterns for future land use development
activity. We will look at the data available on the economy, population, existing land use, and natural
resources. We will prepare a map which will describe the existing uses of land and we will also prepare a
map which will describe future desired growth patterns. With this information in hand, development
proposals can be examined in the light of existing services. Requested uses of land may be viewed along '
side the vision of desired future growth, and the interrelationships of the proposed development activity
may be compared with existing development. Services can also be analyzed with thought given toward
the appropriateness of project design.
Local government has a great deal of influence on how a community develops. The buildings,
facilities, and improvements provided by local government affect the daily lives of most citizens. These
same features give a form and a life to the community and can be a stimulus or an impediment to the '
development of privately owned land in the area.
The local government is inescapably involved in questions on the physical development of land '
within the area of its jurisdiction. At nearly every meeting the Board of Aldermen and the Planning Board
will make decisions concerning zoning, streets, sites for public buildings, or the allocations of funds for
public projects of one type or another. And for making these kinds of decisions the lay Boards of local ,
government need technical guidance. If the quickest and most expedient decision is taken, without
forethought, the local government leaders may find that they will make a decision one month only to
negate the premise of that decision next month because they are faced with another decision and another '
quickie answer. Over time these type of decisions, well call them incremental decisions, are made and the
local government can end up on a path that is not consistent with the desired future of the Town. This
' Changes to the Land Use Plan are known as "Land Use Plan Amendments." This document is
the first amendment to the Town of Bolivies 1996 Sketch Land Use Plan Update. ,

I
type of decision process known as "incrementalism" can be avoided by a proactive approach to
community development.
' The local government needs an instrument, a plan, which will establish long-range general
policies for the physical development of the community. With a plan decisions can be made in a
coordinated and unified manner. The comprehensive Land Use Plan will provide the Town with this sort
' of an instrument. It can be continually referred to as an important source for decisions on those
development issues which arise on a regular basis. Zoning classification amendment requests, subdivision
approval, the location of roads or highways, extension of public services ..... all of these decisions are
' made in a manner which best serves the public interest if some systematic planned approach to the
decision process is made. The Land Use Plan will help with all of this. The Land Use Plan will be an
important document for the Town.
BOLIVIA'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES
' The citizens of the Town of Bolivia realize the benefits and the attractiveness of the special place
in which they live. For the future, the Town of Bolivia wishes to enhance the natural beauty of the area by
encouraging the clean-up of those tracts of land and lots which are unsightly. Town officials desire a safe
' and a quiet community and envision improvements (such as a speed zone for the school and a developed
downtown area which will cause both visitors and residents to want to slow down to see local activity and
what is available), a Police Department, improvements to the Volunteer Fire Department, and additional
' lighting of the Town's streets so as to discourage criminal activity.
The Town envisions the provision of a regional public sewer system .... a system which will serve
all of the Town and the vicinity. The Town also expects the future will bring initial cleaning and regular
' maintenance of the Town's drainage ditches, a County -wide solid waste and recycling disposal system,
and an improved working relationship with Brunswick County.
' Town officials have faith that Bolivia will continue to grow. This growth will be both physical,
by annexation (through petition or as necessary), and by population. They wish to encourage this growth
through the creation of a Chamber of Commerce with a Committee of 100 which will attract businesses
' (especially a restaurant) and residents and which will also help to pull office building development into
the Town. Bolivia particularly wants to encourage small industry and business to locate in Town and
within the ETJ.
The Town expects to work with interested parties and resource agencies to create a centennial
celebration for the year 2011. Amenities desired include landscaping (with the planting of trees, bushes,
and flowers) and beautification work in -Town. Sidewalks for area residents and visitors are desired. A
community building, which will also serve as a Town Hall and a meeting place for community groups, is
also a part of Bolivia's long-term vision.
Town officials realize the history.,the significance, and the importance of what the have. This is
2� � P y
a small Town, a bedroom community, and a safe place. Officials see the need for a few improvements.
' They are pledged to find their way through time toward the even better Bolivia they are to become.
3

SECTION 1: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
'
The area we now know as the Town of Bolivia began to be settled in the late 18th
century. The reason was the pine forests and particularly, in the case of Bolivia, the turpentine
'
industry. The pine forests provided a huge natural resource to the early settlers and became the
basis of all early industry along the Carolinas coast. As people were drawn in by the attraction to
this economic activity, what we now refer to as land development activity increased and more
'
people settled into Brunswick County. Land was cleared, homes were built, and farming activity
began.
'
The name of the Town of Bolivia is said to have come from the printing on a South
American tow sack which someone took to be the name of the community. In the late 1800's,
'
and the early years of the 20th century, the Town was a thriving place. There were sawmills
creating lumber from that ever present coastal North Carolina resource .... the long leaf pine.
Additionally, the railroad, a tobacco warehouse, a furniture company, and a shingle mill are said
to have operated in Bolivia. Many records have been lost to antiquity, however, the memory of
many long-term residents provides both anecdotal and empirical evidence (photographs) of the
Town as a thriving place. The Town of Bolivia was chartered by action of the North Carolina
,
General Assembly on February 24, 1911.
U.S. Highway 17, also known as the Ocean Highway (and now known as the Old Ocean
'
Highway), was paved through the Town in 1929. For many years improvements were
considered by the NC Department of Transportation for this roadway. Amongst those
improvements considered was widening. It was felt by local officials that any widening or
'
enhancements of Highway 17 through Town would be impossible due to the concomitant
destruction of historic properties and sites. (The area has never been systematically surveyed
'
according to the NC Division of Archives and History, however, local residents understand the
importance of their heritage and realize historic properties exist and that once destroyed, a
historic property cannot be replaced.) The end result of this local concern was that a four lane
,
divided highway (a by-pass) was built to by the NC Department of Transportation. The work
was completed in 1992. The by-pass allows traffic to skirt the Town and will forever allow the
Town the opportunity to maintain the peace and quiet desired for a residential community.
,
_ The Town has changed significantly within the last 30 years. In the mid 1960's the Town
of Bolivia was a active and bustling community. Gradually, for a variety of reasons (including
,
the availability of employment), the number of people and businesses in Town declined during
the 1970's and 1980's. This period of decline has now ended. The Town is growing along with
the rest of Brunswick County and the future looks very promising.
'
The Town operates under the Mayor -Council form of government. This is the original
,
form of general purpose local government in this country and it has been successfully employed
from the smallest colonial American Town_ to large modem Towns with million dollar budgets.
4

The primary advantage of this type of government is that it brings government closer to
the voters. That is, the people who have the responsibility of creating Town policy as well as
operating the gears of municipal government are directly elected by the citizens. The elected
' officials are accountable for both administration and the oversight of municipal functions. A
weakness with this form of government is the lack of any real executive leader since decision
authority ultimately rests with the governing body as a group. Responsibility for operations is
' shared by all members of the Board of Aldermen, which gives the municipality administration
by committee. Strong consistent direction depends on maintaining'a general consensus, which
may be difficult. (On the other hand, this may be perceived as an advantage since the difficulty
of concerted action makes it unlikely that a government with this type of a structure can do much
harm.)
' This form of local government is theprincipal form used in North Carolina. It
g
predominates as a type dramatically for those local governments with a population of under
' 5,000 persons. In Bolivia the Board of Aldermen consists of four elected members and the
Mayor all of whom are elected by the people. As with most municipalities the governing board
in Bolivia is elected on a nonpartisan basis and at large by all of the Town's registered voters.
Terms of office for the Bolivia Board of Aldermen are not staggered.
The General Statutes require the following officers be appointed by a municipal
' government:
CLERK — The clerk is responsible for giving the proper notices of regular and special meetings
' of the governing board, keeping an accurate record of the board's proceedings and being the
custodian of all Town records.
BUDGET OFFICER The budget officer receives budget requests and ensures municipal
compliance with budget preparation and administrative requirements required by the General
' Statutes. In the Mayor - Council form of government any Town officer or employee, including
the Mayor (if he agrees), may serve as budget officer.
' FINANCE OFFICER The finance officer keeps the accounts and disburses Town funds
consistent with the General Statutes. These duties may also be conferred. upon the budget
officer.
ATTORNEY —The attorney serves as the legal advisor to the Board. He serves at the pleasure
of the Board
TAX COLLECTOR — The tax collector has the responsibility for collecting property, privilege
' license, and all other taxes due a municipality and to fulfill the obligations imposed by the
General Statutes on tax collection. Any officer or employee can be appointed tax collector
except a member of the governing body. The finance officer may be appointed to that office
' only with the consent of the Local Government Commission.
5

The Town of Bolivia currently has one part-time employee, the Town Clerk. As a result
'
of the lack of a large staff the members of the elected Board in Bolivia are often directly
involved in government administration. The basic administration plan in Bolivia is direct
supervision. This style of governance seems to fit the Town nicely. The Board is ultimately
'
responsible for the for the operation of all Town functions and activities. This plan is well suited
for small Towns and seems to work well in Bolivia. It can be a cumbersome means of handling
the administrative functions if a municipality has many departments.
'
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
This Land Use Plan Amendment for the Town of Bolivia serves as the "Coastal Area
Management Act" (or CAMA) Land Use Plan Update for the Town. The document is prepared
'
according to the guidelines and requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Resources
Commission and the Coastal Area Management Act. The specific requirements for the
document are within the North Carolina Administrative Code at Subchapter 7B of Chapter 15A
'
(the "Planning Guidelines"). This Amendment is prepared according to the most recent version
of the State's "Guidelines." The version of 15A NCAC 7B pertinent to the preparation of this
document is dated effective as of 1996.
'
This Land Use Plan, and amendments hereto, will serve to guide the community on
development decisions. It is recognized that land development takes place as a result of a series
,
of decisions by private individuals and government. Those decisions, if they are not considered
rationally prior to a local government being confronted with a development request, may not be
in the overall interest of the community. So as to promote community interest for the present
'
and future generations, a Land Use Plan is developed and kept current by local governments in
the coastal area of North Carolina.
,
Data collected at the beginning of the Land Use Plan process gives local government
leaders an opportunity to understand current or existing conditions. It is recognized that from a
'
cognitive standpoint there are probably no others in the community who understand current
issues better than the elected officials and appointed boards of local government. However,
these individuals often find, when having placed before them a comprehensive view of the
,
community elicited through the Land Use Planning process, new insights to development issues.
The compilation and analysis of data is part of the process herein rendered.
'
The Town willthrough the process of developing this Land Use Plan Update, adopt
policies to guide and direct community growth. It is incumbent upon all community leaders to
recognize that many decisions affecting development are made by other levels of government.
,
Local policies and local regulations need to take this into account. By carefully addressing the
Land Use Planning Guidelines requirements, the Town gives guidance to individuals and other
levels of government who will strive to follow local policies dealing with locally important or
,
controversial issues. State and federal agencies will be advised to use the contents of this Plan in
making project consistency, funding, and permit decisions. Policies on the type of development
,
6

desired, density of development projects, protection of resources, and other areas are examples
of this type of local policy decision.
The Town of Bolivia Land Use Plan Update provides the following basic elements:
® A summary of data collection and analysis;
® An existing land use map;
® A land classification map; and,
® Policy discussion.
' The Land Use Planning Guidelines require the following policy issue areas to be
addressed within the Plan:
' 1) Resource Protection;
2) Resource Production and Management;
3) Economic and Community Development;
' 4) Continuing Public Participation;
5) Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery &
Evacuation Plans;
' 6) Land Classification; and,
7) Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation.
An Executive Summary will be produced as a part of this Land Use Plan Amendment.
To gather the information required as a part of the Land Use Plan development process
requires assistance from a large number of State, federal, and local agency personnel and
documents. Shown below are some of those sources and documents utilized during the
' preparation of this Plan.
NC Division of Coastal Management
----NC Division of Water Quality
' --NC Division of Community Assistance
--US Army Corps of Engineers
--Brunswick County Planning Department
---Brunswick. County GIS Department
---Federal Emergency Management Agency
NC Division of Archives and History
' ---US Department of Agriculture, SCS, Brunswick County
---Brunswick County Land Use Plan Update
' --NC Department of Transportation
--Town of Bolivia
Brunswick County Schools
---Town of Bolivia Zoning Ordinance
Brunswick County Thoroughfare Plan
-NC Office of State Planning
7

--Brunswick CountyThorou are Plan '
--NC Office of State Planning
The Town recognizes that land use planning is not a static process. Changes in ,
� P g P g
development activity are regular and sometimes rapid. While development has not been
occurring in the Town at an extremely rapid pace, to date, the Town is poised to accept '
development activity which it recognizes may approach at any time.
The development of this Plan has led to new discussion, new ideas, and has given great
insight to the future possibilities for the Town.
B. POPULATION AND ECONOMY ,
BOLIVIA'S POPULATION —
The North Carolina Office of State Planning issued (in the fall of 1997) a document
entitled North Carolina Municipal Population. This document gives the most recent official
population estimates for NC. The document shows the 1996 population of the Town of Bolivia ,
at 265 persons'. As shown in Table 1, the Town of Bolivia's population has been holding
relatively steady, in real numbers, since 1980.
TABLE #1
April 1980
April 1990
July
Percent
MUNICIPAL
1996
Change
& COUNTY
-
1990-96
POPULATIO
N
Bolivia
252
228
265
16.2%
Brunswick
35,777
50,985
62,856
23.3%
County
North Carolina
15,880,095
16,632,448
17,323,085
110.4%
Source: NC Office of State Planning
Between April 1990 and July 1996, the population of North Carolina grew by '
approximately 690,000 persons (10.4%), increasing from 6.63 million to 7.32 million in 6 years.
By the year 2000, it is estimated that NC population is will reach 7.55 million.
As we compare Brunswick County populationgrowth to the growth of North Carolina,
we see:
1980 1990 Chance
Brunswick County 35,777 50,985 42.5%
North Carolina 5,880,095 6,632,448 12.7%
Source: NC Office of State Planning
' As of July 1996, there were 529 incorporated municipalities within North Carolina's 100 counties.
8

As we compare County Land Area and Population Density for Brunswick County and
North Carolina, we see that more people within
a geographically defined area leads to higher
density. Higher densities of population lead to an increase in the challenges faced by local
'
government.
Density of Pow
iBrunswick
Land Area (Sq. Mi.) 1980 1990 Change
County 860.49 41.6 59.3 42.5%
North Carolina 48,843
120.4 ' 135.7 12.7%
'
Source: NC Office of State Planning
A breakdown of Population and Housing Units By Township shows the following:
'
Population
Housing Units
Township 1980 1990
1980 1990
'
Lockwoods Folly Township 7,361 10,705
5,636 10,084
Northwest Township 4,657 7,454
1,902 2,917
Shallotte Township 6,582 11,818
4,717 10,826
'
Smithville Township 6,838 94488
5,436 8,506
Town Creek Township* 8,357 9,260
3,123 3,844
Waccamaw Township 1,982 2,260
737 937
* Town Creek Township is the location of the Town of Bolivia.
Source: Brunswick County Planning Department
From an analysis of the figures for Town Creek Township, we can speculate that
vacation homes are being built within the Township. This is a trend which is also true for other
Townships in Brunswick County (Smithville, Shallotte, et al).
The 1990 U.S. Census of Population and Housing for the Town of Bolivia racial
breakdown shows 219 white (96%), 5 black (20/o),and 2 American Indian (<10/oy. This is a
small percentage of minority persons. There is no reason (empirical, anecdotal, or quantitative)
to believe the percentages given from the U. S. Bureau of the Census (1990) have changed the
racial composition of the Town in the last 3 years.
The 1990 U.S. Census reported the median age of total persons in Bolivia as 36.3 years.
' The median age for the male population was shown as 34.4 years and the female median age is
shown as 38.3. The entire population of the Town is native born. (It breaks down as follows:
182 were born in the state of residence, 2 were bom in the northeast, 6 were born in the
' Midwest, and 36 in the south.) 129 residents have lived in the same house since 1985. 55 live in
a different house in the same county, 13 in a different county within the same state, and of those
previously residing in a different state, 2 were from the northeast, 6 from the Midwest, and 4 -
' from the south.
' s Unweighted sample count equals 226 persons. 100% o count equals 228. Percent of persons m sample
equals 43.9%. 100% of persons were counted as rural with only 2.7% of those counted as rural farm.
9

BOLMA'S ECONOMY
The economy of a small Town is extremely important to its growth and development.
The reason economy is such a crucial part of a Town's Land Use Plan is that the effectiveness of ,
any physical plans for land development are almost totally dependant on economic development.
There were reported to be 102 workers (workers defined as 16 years of age and up) in the i
Town in 1990. This fact is consistent with previous findings and analysis of the Town's
population. Bolivia has a large number of residents who are retired and who live on a fixed
income. Of those who work 62.7% work in Brunswick County. 35.3% work in another County '
and 2% work in another state.
TABLE #2
Brunswick County
Another County
Outside NC
PLACE OF WORK
(by # of workers)
Bolivia
64
36
2
source: U.S. census ,
As shown in TABLE 2, of those who work, 64 (62.7%) work in Brunswick County. '
Thirty six (35.3%) work in another County; and 2 (2%) work in another State. The 36 (35.3%)
persons working in another County is a significant number. Place of work and travel time to
work are considered as quality of life measures. The most impressive quality of life feature in I
Bolivia is the traditional small Town rural charm. People are pleased to live in the Town
because it is quiet (as indicated in the survey), because there is very little crime, and because the
peace and solitude are appealing qualities. '
Table #3 gives the vehicle used to travel ao work.
TABLE #3
MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION TO
WORK
Bolivia/Total Workers
Car, truck, or Van (Drove alone)
67
Car, Truck, or Van (Carpool)
20
Public Transportation: Bus
0
Streetcar
0
Taxicab
0
Ferryboat
0
10
1

Streetcar
0
Taxicab
0
Ferryboat
0
Motorcycle
0
Bicycle
0
Other Means
5
Walked
5
Worked at Home
5
TOTAL
102
so,: v.s. CMM
Of those persons who carpool (shown in TABLE #3), 15 persons were in a 2 person
carpool and 5 persons were in a 3 person carpool. The majority of persons who work in Bolivia
' are traveling to work alone in a personal vehicle. The average travel time to work for workers
residing in Bolivia is 27.4 minutes. 46% of workers travel at least 30 minutes to get to work. In
1980, 8,231 persons worked in Brunswick County. The number commuting into the County to
' work was 3,543. The number of out commuters was 3,695. The net on commuters equaled -
152. More persons living in the Town of Bolivia work within the County than outside of the
' County so the net number of commuters for Bolivia for 1990 is +28.
TABLE #4 summarizes income for Households, Families, and Nonfamily Households
' according to the amount earned in 1989._ The average income for Households and Families in
Bolivia ($24,545 and $30,149 respectively) is higher than the average for the County as a whole
and is also above the low income limit (for 1995) described by the U.S. Department of Housing
' and Urban Development for Section 8 housing assistance. The average Nonfamily Household
t
11.

i
income is below the low income threshold for Brunswick County yet it is above the very low '
income threshold.
TABLE #4
HOUSEHOLD,
FAM LY, AND
NONFA HLY
INCOME IN 1989
HOUSEHOLDS4
FANULIES5
NONFAMILY
HOUSEHOLDS6
$0 - 4,999
5 _
3
2
$5,000 _ - 9,999
19
5
14
$10,000-12,499
4
0
4
$12,500-14,999
5
5
0
$15,000-17,499
5
2
3
$17,500-19,999
6
6
6
$20,000 - 22,499
0
0
0
$22,500 - 24,999
7
4
3
$25,000 - 27,499
5
3
2
$27,500 - 29,999
5
5
0
$30,000 - 32,499
5
2
3
$32,500=34,999
_3
3
.0 -
$35,000 - 37,499
2
3
0
$37,500 - 39,999
5
4
0
Households are all persons except those persons in group quarters or on the street. This
category consists of all occupied dwellings (except group quarters). '
S Families consist of persons living together with a relationship by blood, marriage, or adoption.
6 Nonfamily households consist of persons not related. These may be persons living alone, with a ,
partner or a roommate, or group quarters. Nationwide nonfamily households make up approximately 30%
of all households. '
12

TABLE 4 Con't
$40,000 - 42,499
HOUSEHOLDS
2
FAMH.IES
2
NONFAABLY
HOUSEHOLDS
0
$42,500 - 44,999
3
3
0
$45,000 - 47,499
0
0
0
$47,500 - 49,999
3
3
0
$50,000 - 54,999
2
2
0
$55,000 - 59,999
3
3
0
$60,000 - 74,999
3
3
0
$75,000 - 99,999
0
0
0
$10%000-124,999
0
0
0
$125,000-149,999
0
0
0
$150,000 or more
0
0
0
Total
92
61
31
Median Income'
$23,214
$28,750
$9,661
Mean Income'
$24,545
$30,149
$13,440
Less than
$150,000
$2431545
$30,149
$13,440
$150,000 or more
---
----
---

In all of North Carolina, County government tax revenue for fiscal year 1990 was
$1,515,146,539. For Brunswick County the total County -wide Property Tax was $24,541,023.
The Local Option Sales Tax was 5,598,257. Other taxes were $678,169. The Brunswick County
total for 1990 was therefore $30,139,889.
'
Ad valorem taxes in the Town of Bolivia have not gone up in many years. No increases are
planned for the planning period covered by this document.
'
The Town of Bolivia does not charge a privilege license tax. This is a three level tax that
the State, County, and Town often all levy on the same business activity. The tax is levied on
'
the privilege of engaging in a particular occupation or business activity within the taxing
jurisdiction and is enforced and collected through the issuance of an annual license. The statute
t
which enables the levy of this tax is NC G.S. 105-33 through 105-113. A Town which wishes to
levy this tax must adopt an Ordinance levying the tax. The Ordinance lists the activities taxed
and the tax rates. Towns have a great deal of flexibility in selecting the activities to be taxed and
the rate of tax. The privilege license tax is a revenue generating measure and should not be used
to regulate otherwise legitimate businesses. The Town of Bolivia has henceforth not sought to
charge this tax to businesses located in Town. The primary reason is that it is felt that this tax
might inhibit businesses wishing to locate within the municipality. The Town does not wish to
inhibit any commercial investment based upon tax considerations.
i
The largest employer in the Bolivia area is the County. The County Administrative
offices are located just south of the Town's ETJ. There are 550 County employees at this
location. The Town has no large retail service areas or centers which would tend to draw people
'
into Town for shopping excursions. The 1989 Sketch Land Use Plan for the Town of Bolivia
(adopted locally on January 8, 1990, and certified by the CRC on March 30, 1990) indicates a
'
primary concern of Town officials is the need for a local grocery and drug store in the
community. This is still a great concern and the.absence of these amenities was recorded in the
survey conducted as a part of the production of this Land Use Plan Update. Residents must
1
currently travel to Southport (18 miles), Shallotte (15 miles), Leland (20 miles), or Wilmington
to shop for groceries. The closest public library is in Shallotte. The closest theater is in Long
,Beach (16 miles). The small amount of commercial development in Town includes a
t
convenience store (Kopp's Kwik Stop, which is the oldest business in Town), Mercer Tractor
Service (since 1975), an insurance company, a beauty shop, and a bank. For the most part, the
Town Bolivia (to date) has developed in a way which is not readily accommodating to the
'
visiting public.
The Town. of Bolivia wishes to enhance growth opportunities. Town officials envision
'
Bolivia as a place where residents of the larger area, which is central Brunswick County, may
travel to work, stop to buy groceries, visit offices and visit a hardware store or pharmacy. Town
officials realize these improvements will not happen overnight. The Town will seek to nurture
'
this concept by building on its location and the fine country lifestyle and natural scenic amenities
now enjoyed by residents only 20 minutes away from the loth largest City in North Carolina
'
14

1
I
(Wilmington) which has 62,968 persons (1996 est., Office of State Planning).
C. SEASONAL POPULATION
The impact of seasonal population on the Town of Bolivia is negligible. The reason for
this is that the Town is located away from the resort beaches which experience huge influxes of
seasonal visitors. Those seasonal effects which are felt by the Town include an increase in
traffic from March through October. The traffic increase no longer directly affects the ,
downtown area as the traffic bypass, completed in 1992, handles most of the traffic increase.
Some of the vacationers and travelers utilizing U.S. Highway 17 do in fact exit and pass into the
Town for gasoline and other convenience type items. The Town has yet to capitalize on its
location along this major traffic corridor as a means by which to improve the local economy.
It is felt that the recent lanes added to U.S. Highway 17 through Brunswick County
(south, north, and west of Bolivia) will have a long-term positive effect on growth in the County.
This growth should affect the Town of Bolivia both seasonally and year-round. The County
transportation network thus improved will begin to act as a conduit for traffic between the major
resort and population centers of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. As growth continues in these
areas, people who wish to avoid the urban environment, and the cost of establishing residency or
living there, will begin to look to the outlying areas nearby. The Town of Bolivia, which is
: approximately 20 minutes from downtown Wilmington, and 40 minutes from Myrtle Beach, will
begin to reap the rewards of its location. The Town is poised to accept the possibility of growth,
both in its seasonal and permanent population.
It is expected that a new bridge to Oak Island will be completed within the planning
period This bridge will be the second connector (bridge) to Oak. Island and the booming and
beautiful resort destinations of Long Beach, Yaupon Beach, and Caswell Beach. The bridge
may be an extension of Midway Road which joins U. S. Highway 17 just south of Bolivia near
the Brunswick County Government complex. (The exact route has yet to be chosen.) It is
possible that the new bridge will bring addtional traffic to the Town of Bolivia and these
vehicles will occasionally stop in the Town of Bolivia. The bridge will thus begin to further
enhance economic opportunity within Bolivia and the vicinity.
There are now no major draws on community services, and no special expenses for the
Town, during the months when the coastal and resort areas of Brunswick County are
experiencing a booming tourist business.

A EXISTING LAND USE
,
A survey of existing land uses was completed for the Town of Bolivia as a part of
preparing this document. The survey was conducted in July of 1998 by Cape Fear Council of
'
Governments staff. The survey showed the vast majority of homes within the Town and ETJ to
be in a good state of repair. This finding is generally in keeping with the fact that the median
(average) income for the Town of Bolivia is higher than the surrounding region. There were, of
'
course, exceptions to this finding. The Town may decide to take care of some of the problem
areas which have been found to exist in housing through the Nuisance and the Minimum
,
Housing ordinances. Grants and loans may also be applied for to rehabilitate substandard
homes.
'
The pattern of development within the Bolivia 1
p pm planning jurisdiction has been scattered
site type development. The Existing Land Use Map (1998), which is located in the map pocket
at the rear of this document, reveals much about the Town. (Base map information was received
'
from the Brunswick County G.I.S. Office. The data was field checked in July of 1998.) The
following observations are made based upon repeated visits to Town and analysis of this map:
(1) Privately owned parcels of land along the roadways in
Town have been developed. The reason for this
development has been the ease of utility hook-up and
convenient access to transportation.
(2) There has been no development within the Bolivia ETJ
north of U.S. Highway 17 By-pass. Only a small portion
of the By-pass is within the Town's municipal limit.
,
(3) The areas which remain primarily in agricultural use lie
to the west of the center of Town. The agricultural
,
- operations existing are all within the ETJ.
(4) There is very little commercial activity within the Town's
planning jurisdiction.
(5) There is a very large amount of open and unused land
'
within the planning jurisdiction of the Town of Bolivia.
Many of the parcels of land delineated on the Existing
'
Land Use Map are large, privately owned, and are suitable
for residential development. _
Within the Town of Bolivia (per the most recent count) there are 88 single family homes.
Of these 88 homes, 24 (27%) are manufactured type homes and 64 (73%) are site built. The
ETJ has 105 single family homes. Of these 31(30%) are manufactured type and 74 (70%) are
,
16
'

site built. There are no apartment complexes, duplexes, high or multiple floored living quarters
or commercial establishments in the Town. The total number of homes in Town and the ETJ is
193.
TABLE #5
Existing Land Use
Site Built Homes
Manufactured
Homes
Commercial or
Business Structures
In Town
64
24
19
In ETJ
74
31
10
Total
138
55
29
Source: Cape Fear Council of Governments windshield survey in March 1998.
' As previously mentioned, there is currently less commercial business in Town than
would be desirable to Town officials. It is recognized that through time the type of commercial
enterprise sought will be located within the Town. It is the desire of the Town, for the
' intervening time, to work to continue to have a community which residents can be proud of and
which will subsequently be attractive to the investor or business owner. A partial listing of the
business establishments currently located in Town would include: U.S. Post Office, Kopp's
' Kwik Stop, Atlantic Telephone Membership Corporation Substation, a Flea Market & Antiques
Shop, Mama's/Granny's Place, a Medical Office, Mercer Tractor Service (since 1975), Bolivia
Beauty Salon, and Roberta's Beauty Salon. The ETJ contains Knowles Nurseries, Reynold's
Truck Line, BP Gas Station, Ethel's Kitchen, BB&T, and a Bail Bondsman. There is also a zoo
in the ETJ.
' necessary to
It is the opinion of Town residents that these businesses are the minimum ary
support the desired standard of living within the Bolivia area. Service establishments, shopping
' facilities (grocery, pharmacy, etc.), and others are also desired
There are 4 churches located in Town: Love of Christ, Apostolic, Baptist, and the United
' Methodist.
The Town's 1989 Land Use Plan states "Bolivia land use consists primarily of
agricultural open space, wooded areas, and scattered residential parcels. This is still true. In
fact this statement is true in almost every small (not beach) Town in coastal North Carolina. In
' the case of Bolivia, and all those other small communities, the truth is changing. Those
agricultural areas are shrinking. Houses are being built on those wooded lots. Land formerly
reserved for agricultural use is being transformed into subdivisions. New houses are springing
' up and they cut into and through those "open spaces." Roads are built which will eventually, and
fundamentally, change the face of the landscape as we now know it.
' 17

E. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS '
Each of the ordinances listed below are administered by the Mayor. Each of the
regulations (herein listed) in Bolivia are felt to be adequate for the needs of the community. It is ,
recognized and understood by Town officials that all ordinances will carefully considered on a
regular basis and that these same ordinance will need to be revised or updated from time to time.
=---1996 Sketch Land Use Plan Update
The LUP of record for the Town of Bolivia is the 1996 Sketch Land Use Plan Update. t
This Plan was adopted locally on September 9, 1996, and by the Coastal Resources Commission
on September 27, 1996. The LUP was prepared in FY 1995-96 with the technical assistance of a '
consulting planner. The plan contains an existing land use map, a sketch summary of data
collection and analysis, policies for growth and development, and a land classification map. The
Plan has not been amended since adoption. Upon adoption, this Land Use Plan Amendment (this '
document) will become the Land Use Plan of record for the Town of Bolivia
=--Zoning Ordinance
According to the 1989 Land Use Plan, the initial Zoning Ordinance for the Town of
Bolivia was adopted in 1978. The Zoning Ordinance was revised through the legal process '
described in the North Carolina General Statutes. The major revisions to this previous
Ordinance were adopted on November 11, 1994. The Zoning Administrator for the Town .of '
Bolivia is the Mayor.
m-- Nuisance Ordinance ,
This Ordinance, adopted September 5, 1995, establishes that when it would be in the best
interest of the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Bolivia the Town may declare
nuisance and ma dis dispense with these situations b enforcement and '
the following conditions ay p y
abatement procedures outlined in the Ordinance. As follows:
A The uncontrolled growth of noxious weeds or grass to height in excess of 24 inches causing '
or threatening to cause a hazard detrimental to the public health or safety.
(B) Any accumulation of rubbish, trash, or junk causing or threatening to cause the accumulation of '
stagnant water, or causing or threatening to cause the inhabitation therein of rats, mice, snakes or
vermin of any kind which is or may be dangerous or prejudicial to the public health.
(C) Any accumulation of animal or vegetable matter that is offensive by virtue of odors or vapors or '
by the inhabitance therein of rats, mice, snakes or vermin of any kind which is or may be
dangerous or prejudicial to the public health.
(D) The open storage of any abandoned ice box, refrigerator, stove, glass, building material,
building rubbish or similar items. '
(E) Any condition detrimental to the public health which violates the rules and regulations of the
County Health Department.
The administrator of this ordinance is the Mayor.
18 '

' m--Minimum Housing Code
The Town of Bolivia has in effect a Minimum Housing Code, which was prepared in
' accordance with NC G.S. 160A441, that declares that buildings which are unfit for human
habitation may be caused to be repaired or may be caused to be destroyed at the expense of the
owner of the property if the structure does not meet certain minimum standards. This Ordinance
' was adopted September 5, 1995.
The Minimum Housing Code officer/administrator in Bolivia is the Mayor.
=--Federal Flood Insurance Program
' The Town of Bolivia is anon -participant in the Federal Flood Insurance Program.
Sanctions have been in place since 1978. The sanctions incurred have meaning for the Town to
the extent that loans for homes or businesses which may wish to locate within what has been
identified as the Bolivia flood plain, which was last mapped in 1977, are not available.
' =---Subdivision Regulations
The Town of Bolivia has Subdivision Regulations which were adopted by the Town in
' 1978. These regulations were originally prepared with the assistance of the Brunswick County
Planning Department. The regulations are not currently being enforced
' =--Abandoned and Junked Vehicle Ordinance
On September 5,1995, the Town of Bolivia adopted an Ordinance governing abandoned
' and junked vehicles. The Ordinance defines what constitutes a vehicle which has been
abandoned, is derelict, or junked. Procedures are laid out with this Ordinance by which vehicles
' determined to be a hazard to the health and welfare of the people of the Town (in that such
places may furnish shelter and breeding places for vermin, and present physical dangers to the
safety and well being of children and other citizens) may be disposed of and: charges may be
' made to the owner of the motor vehicle for the disposal of the vehicle.
The administrator of this ordinance is the Mayor.
=--State Transportation Improvement Plan
' The North Carolina Department of Transportation's "Transportation Improvement Plan'
shows no major improvements which will impact the Town of Bolivia. The recently completed.,
(1992) U.S. Highway 17 By-pass will be a very positive feature for the future development of
' the Town. This By-pass has assured that major traffic associated with the U.S. Highway 17
corridor will not be negatively effecting municipal growth.
19

w--Ordinance Creating a Planning Organization. (Planning Board)
Most North Carolina Towns with any kind of land use regulation have a Planning Board.
Bolivia is true to this standard. The duties of the Planning Board are advisory. The Board
supervises the preparation of Land Use Plans (such as this document), special studies,
Ordinances, and recommends these plans, policies, studies, and Ordinances to the Board of
Aldermen.
The Planning Board in Bolivia was created by a local Ordinance dated May 3, 1993.
This first Planning Board is governed by a set of Bylaws which define the following:
(1) Members and terms of office...
The Planning Board consists of 6 members. Five of the members are citizens and
residents of the Town and are appointed by the Town Board of Aldermen. One member is a
citizen and resident of the Extraterritorial Area and is appointed to the Board by the Brunswick
County Board of Commissioners. All new terms are by three year appointment.
(2) Officers and duties...
The Planning Board elects its own officers at the regular meeting in July of each year.
The officers are: (a) Chairman -- The Chairman presides over meetings and Public Hearing of
the Planning Board The Chairman decides on matters of order and procedure. The Chairman
appoints Committees to study specific matters. The Chairman develops the meeting agenda with
assistance from the Zoning Administrator. The Chairman will also provide the Town Board of
Aldermen with an annual report by May 30 of each year.
(b) Vice -Chairman -- In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice -Chairman performs the duties
assigned to the Chairman. (c) Secretary -- The Secretary keeps the minutes of all meetings
(both regular and special) and hearings called by the Planning Board. The Secretary, after
conferring with the Chairman, sends notices of all meetings (special and regular) at least 4 days
in advance of the meeting and will call and notify members at least 24 hours in advance of
special or emergency meetings. The Secretary also carries on routine correspondence and
maintains records and files.
(3) Meetings...
Regular meetings of the Planning Board are on the first Tuesday of each month.. Unless
special notice is given by the Chairman all meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and are conducted at
Town Hall. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman, or the Vice -Chairman acting in
the absence of the Chairman, provided that a minimum of 24 hours notice is given to members.
A quorum consists of 4 members. A vote by a majority of those present (when a quorum is
present) decides matters. Members are required to vote unless excused by the Chairman. An
abstention constitutes an affirmative vote. Proceedings are conducted according to Robert's
Rules of Order and the Chairman is the final arbitrator on matters of procedure.
(4) Records retention...
All Planning Board records are to be made available to the public in accordance with the
20

1
requirements of the NC General Statutes. The Secretary maintains a file of all studies, plans,
reports, recommendations, minutes, and correspondence of the Planning Board. The file is
maintained at Town Hall.
ow --Board of Adjustment
' The Board of Adjustment has 3 basic responsibilities under North Carolina law.
' (1) It interprets the Ordinance. This refers to the Board's fimction of hearing appeals from those who
may be unhappy with a decision of the Zoning Administrator.
(2) The Board of Adjustment may, under certain circumstances, grant variances to the Zoning
Ordinance.
(3) It may also (in some Towns) issue special use permits. (This 3rd provision is not applicable to the
Town of Bolivia.)
The Town Board of Aldermen serve as the Board of Adjustment in the Town of Bolivia.
A member is also selected from the Extraterritorial Area. This means the total size of the Board
of Adjustment is 6. (5 members from the Board of Aldermen and 1 from the ETJ.) One
' alternate member who is a resident of the Town of Bolivia is also appointed by the Board.
Officers of the Board are: Chairman, Vice -Chairman, and Secretary. The terms of office for
each officer are one year beginning July 1.
The Board of Adjustment does not hold regularly scheduled meetings. Meetings are
called as necessary and each member must be given 48 hours notice prior to the meeting.
Meetings are to be held as soon as possible after receiving the application for appeal or hearing.
Meetings should not be held more than 30 days after receipt of the application. Meetings are
' held at Town Hall. A quorum consists of 4 members. A four -fifths vote of the Board of
Adjustment is required to overturn a decision or to grant a variance.
' Decisions from the Board of Adjustment are given no later than 30 days from the date of
the Heating.
SECTION 2: CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
A. LAND SUITABILITY
The majority of Bolivia's planning jurisdiction is flat with most variations in elevation
occurring adjacent streams, creeks, and branches. The vast majority of those flat lands located
within the Town of Bolivia and its ETJ are suitable for development activity. There are,
' however, freshwater swamps and marsh areas which are unsuitable for development. These
areas are generally located within the southern and eastern portions of the ETJ. Lands which are
not suitable are those areas which are regulated by municipal ordinance, County Ordinance, and
9 Surface elevation is approximately 30 feet.
' 21

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For the location of the scattered wetland areas located '
within the Town's planning jurisdiction, a specific on -site analysis must occur by a qualified
wetlands consultant or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff.
Since there is currently no sewer system available within the Town, all structures must
rely on septic systems. For a determination on the suitability of land for septic systems, the ,
Town relies on the Brunswick County Health Department. Where septic systems will not
currently operate, development activity is not possible without extreme engineering assistance.
Development activity in wetlands areas requires a permit from the regulatory branch of the U.S. '
Army Corps of Engineers.
The following soils description comes from the 1989 Bolivia Land Use Plan. "Over 50% '
of the land area inside the corporate limits of Bolivia consists of (GoA) Goldsboro fine sandy
loam, (NoB) Norfolk loamy fine sand or (On) Onslow fine sandy loam which are all considered
prime farm land as defined in the Brunswick County Soil Survey dated November 1986. Much '
of the land area located inside the ETJ of Bolivia is also (GoA) Goldsboro fine sandy loam or
(Ly) Lynchburg fine sandy loam. The primary limitation to development would be the (Mk)
Muckalee loam soils located primarily along the tributaries found on the southeastern and ,
southwestern boundary of Bolivia. This soil type occurs only in the southern portion of the ETJ
along Middle Swamp and Bolivia Branch. The soil types found in Bolivia are the same as in '
1989. This description is valid today.
There are areas which are subject to flood both within the Town and the ETJ. These
areas have been designated a flood hazard area by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The FEMA maps were created in 1977. The Town has been on FEMA sanctions since 1978. It
not in the current plans of municipal officials to have these sanctions removed. '
B. CARRYING CAPACITY
As we consider the suitability of the land withinBolivia's planning jurisdiction in terms
of its development potential, we first notice that there is a large amount of land available. Most
of this land is in private ownership in relatively large tracts. Much of this land is suitable for
development activity. Of the land that is not suitable, which is located primarily within the
southern ETJ, the primary reason development potential is limited is due to the existence of
wetlands.
North Carolina has authority (through the federal Clean Water Act) to review federally ,
permitted wetland disturbances, which may in many cases be dredge and fill, to be sure the
activities do not damage the wetland to the point they no longer support their designated use. '
The NC Division of Water Quality (DWQ) performs this review, which is called a 401 Water
Quality Certification. Because of the limited amount of water (streams, rivers, estuaries, etc.) in
Bolivia wetlands certification for areas next to water bodies is of limited utility. '
22 '

' The main types of important wetlands in Bolivia are freshwater marshes10 and seasonal
wetlands." Savannas12 are also known to exist in the area. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
enables State and federal agencies to regulate development activities occurring in wetlands. The
' 401 (previously mentioned) and 404 programs require permits before disturbing wetland areas.
The NC Division of Coastal Management currently reviews U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
' (404) permits issued, for projects over one-third of an acre in size, for consistency with Coastal
Management regulations and policies contained in local Land Use Plans. The vast majority of
permits requested are granted. It is not the intent of this process to deny people the use of their
' land. The process gives officials the opportunity to work with people, and in some cases to
modify projects, to lessen impacts on wetlands.
The ability of lands (within the Town and ETJ) to support development is essentially
untapped There is much land available, which is suitable for development activity of a variety
of types (residential and commercial) and which will one day be developed. The current
development pattern is scattered site type development. There have been no new subdivisions in
Town since the time of the last Land Use Plan. A few new houses have been constructed, and a
few businesses have opened, in the last several years.
SECTION 3: ESTIMATED DEMAND
' A. WATER
The municipal water system for the Town of Bolivia was constructed in 1970. Review
of the summary of low bidders indicates the total cost to have been $70,680.80. The Town paid
for this system through the sale of bonds. In 1997 the Town of Bolivia sold the water system to
Brunswick County. Brunswick County now provides water service to the municipality.
The Town is reported to have a good supply of groundwater available. Conversations
' t0 a most familiar a of freshwater wetland They v from the roadside ditch
These are perhaps the type ey vary
with cattails to the edges of vast lakes, ponds, and rivers. Beavers are wetland engineers and are
' sometimes instrumental in creating this marshy habitat. Fresh water wetlands are important habitat areas.
11 These wetlands fill with winter rains and generally dry out during summer and fall. They are as
' ordinary as a puddle in the backyard and yet they are also critical, especially as breeding habitat, for a
wide variety of important species of animals. Since these seasonal wetlands are often smaller than one
acre, they are not well protected by existing regulations.
' la Often found in the NC coastal plain next to pocosins, savannas are unusually diverse habitat and
support as many as 52 plant species per square meter. These are open, flat grassy areas with little other
vegetative cover other than an occasional long leaf pine. The areas where they meet a pocosin are known
as ecotones and these areas often contain the Venus flytrap and rough -leaf loosestrife. The endangered
red -cockaded woodpecker also lives in savannas because it prefers old growth pines.
23

with Department of Environment & Natural Resources staffl3 indicate the source of supply is the '
Pee Dee aquifer. The Pee Dee aquifer is reported to be near the surface at Bolivia. The wells
for the Town are deep, at approximately 160 feet, and supply a large quantity of good water.
The water is hard, with a high iron content, and at times contains hydrogen sulfide, which is not '
dangerous but sometimes causes a peculiar odor.
The in -Town system has a 60,000 gallon water storage tank located on one acre. The '
water lines belong to Brunswick County and they have approximately 4.5 to 5 miles of line
serving 82 customers in Town and 12 within the ETJ. With 193 homes within the Town and '
ETJ and 29 commercial businesses (Town and ETJ), the County system is therefore serving 42%
of these potential customers. All customers which are not currently served by the County system
are served by private wells. '
There is adequate County water available for the growth anticipated during the planning
period. Growth should occur along existing water lines or should be prepared to connect to '
public water service if such is desired.
B. SEWER
There are no public or private sewage treatment systems in operation in the Town. All
homes and businesses are on private septic systems. There are currently no plans for the '
construction of any sewage treatment systems. Limitations for development and construction
activity are discussed under the LUP section entitled Land Suitability. It is important for
potential investors and builders to note that there are scattered pockets of wetlands within the '
Bolivia area. Wetlands surveys and consultation with the Brunswick County Health Department
are advised.
C. LEVEL OF USE FOR SCHOOLS, ROADS, & HOSPITALS
Schools '
Public school students in Bolivia attend the following schools:
Grades K-5 — attend Bolivia Elementary School". This school was originally built in
1927. The school currently has 666 students (1998-99). The building was designed to hold 500 '
-550 pupils and serves the current number with the assistance of 13 mobile classrooms. They
13 Public Water Supply and Groundwater Sections, Wilmington Regional Office, supplied information
for this Land Use Plan. '
The telephone number is 1-910-253-6516.
24 '

1
are at 121% of capacity. The school is located in Bolivia, on Ocean Highway (U.S. Highway 17
Business), adjacent Town Hall. The principal is Mr. James McAdams.
Grades 6-8 — attend South Brunswick Middle School's. The school has (1998-99) 770
children enrolled. They have a design capacity of 640 students and currently have 4 mobile
classrooms in use. The are at 120% of capacity. The school is located on Hoover Drive, off
Highway 211, approximately 2 miles south of Boiling Spring Lakes. The principal is Dr.
Richard Lawson.
Grades 9-12 — attend South Brunswick High School16. The school has 888 students
enrolled. They have a design capacity of 1,000 students and have been recently refurbished and
received additions. The are operating at 88% of capacity. The school is located on Cougar
Drive, off Highway 87, approximately 2 miles south of Boiling Spring Lakes. The principal is
Mrs. Sue Sellars.
It is expected that the growth of Bolivia and the tremendous growth of Brunswick
County will continue to put pressure on the County schools to expand services. This will be a
costly undertaking. The Town recognizes the importance of basic and advanced educational
opportunities as an important means of enhancing life for future generations. The Town will
work closely with the Brunswick County Board of Education and the County Schools system to
coordinate plans and to achieve concurrent growth in educational opportunity along with growth
in population.
It is expected that during the planning period additional Brunswick County schools will
be needed. The Town wishes to work with County education officials on the location of these
schools. The Town also wishes to work with the local school on any plans for expansion. Town
officials, with their experience on matters related to planning and zoning, have much to offer the
school system in terms of their expertise an do here freely offer to participate in whatever
manner would be most helpful. Future school sites in the Town of Bolivia would be welcomed
Roads
The Town of Bolivia receives Powell Bill Funds each year. These funds are allocated
' according to a formula based upon population and the miles of Town owned and maintained
roads. The amount of these funds varies, from year to year, based on changes in these criteria"
by other municipalities, by changes in Bolivia and, importantly, by changes in the amount of
dollars available. The funds are used by the Town to clean out ditches, cut grass, and to clean
' is The telephone number is 1-910-845-2771.
16 The telephone number is 1-910-845-2203.
Population changes by annexation, migration, and natural increaseldecrease. The miles of road
change (for example) through the construction of new roads (in new subdivisions) or with road closings.
1 25

street rights of way. There are currently some municipally owned roads which have need of
repair. Priorities for road repair are decided upon yearly by the Board of Aldermen.
There is not currently a traffic congestion problem in Bolivia. This is a rather dramatic
change from the last Land Use Plan Update. In 1989, U. S. Highway 17 traffic was all routed
through Town. With the opening of U. S. Highway 17 By-pass in 1992, busy travelers rushing
through Town and the concomitant congestion are relieved The Town is gratified by this
change and appreciates the quiet and more relaxed pace of main street.18
NC Department of Transportation (DOT) traffic counts within Bolivia's planning
jurisdiction are not thorough or comprehensive. The last area counts were in 1997. The number
of vehicles using Highway 17 Business south of Bolivia (near the intersection with S.R. 1513) in
1997 was 3,400 per day. Near the intersection with S.R. 1401 the figure for 1997 was 4,700.
Along other area roadways the totals were as follows:
SR 1513 =1,600 SR 1500 = 2400
SR 1512 = 730 SR 1401 = 930
Determining capacities for roadways"' is a tricky business. Under ideal circumstances a
two lane road can carry 2,800 vehicles per hour (1,400 each direction at 60 mph). Under ideal
circumstances a four lane road can carry 2,000 per hour per lane (4,000 per lane per side at 60
mph). Ideal circumstances are, of course, rare. Any side interference makes matters worse.
Any drivers who do not drive a steady speed make matters worse and any drivers who do not
drive the "ideal" speed make matters worse.
The Town of Bolivia is fully aware of the traffic situation within and around the Town.
The Town believes the recent improvements will be important for the future of the Town. The
Town will work with NC DOT officials on any future improvements. Review of the
Transportation Improvement Program for 1995 indicates that there are no current plans for
additional improvements in the area of Bolivia. There are also none in the vicinity of Town
which are believed to be a cause for concern. The Town is interested in an extension to Midway
Road which will bridge the intracoastal waterway and lead onto Long Beach. The Town is in
favor of this improvement. As improvements become necessary in the vicinity of Bolivia, the
Town will play a role in planning the new roadways.
Hospitals
The closest full service medical facility to Bolivia is The Brunswick Community
Hospital. It was built in 1978. This former County Hospital is now in private ownership. This
is a 60. bed hospital serving (primarily) Brunswick County. The Brunswick Hospital has 2
operating rooms and a staff of 15 doctors. If a patient is found to be very ill, beyond the ability
is Everyone now in Bolivia chose to be there. Nobody drives through accidentally. '
19 Capacities information received from the NC DOT Traffic Engineering Office (1-919-733-3915)9
via the federal Highway CaRaci1y Manual. '
26

' of The Brunswick Hospital to serve, the patient is transported via VitaLink to New Hanover
Regional Medical Center or, depending on the emergency, by helicopter to other medical
' facilities.
The Bolivia Medical Center is located within the Town limits. This medical facility is
' affiliated with the Brunswick Hospital. The Medical Center is staffed by three doctors and one
physician's assistant. The facility staff sees patients by appointment. Walk-in traffic is accepted
if scheduling permits. The Center sees 30 - 50 patients daily.
' New Hanover Regional Medical Center is the second closest hospital for area residents. Incase
of emergency the J. Arthur Dosher Hospital in Southport and the Grand Strand Hospital in
Myrtle Beach Hospital are also available.
D. POPULATION AND ECONOMY
The current population of Bolivia (1998) is estimated to be 279 persons. This figure is
' based on numbers received from the NC Office of State Planning (265 for 1996) and a growth
rate within Bolivia over the last two years occurring at the same rate as the previous six years.
' The projected 10 year population (2008) for Bolivia at the same rate as the last six years is 336
persons. The 20 year projection at this same rate is 408 persons. The Town has the availability
of suitable land and services available to serve this projected growth.
' There has been no real growth in the business community in Bolivia since the production
gr ty
of the last Land Use Plan Update. There have been several businesses which have changed
' hands, a couple which have closed and a few which have opened. None of this activity has been
to the extent that a trend could be established. It is expected that the County will continue to
grow.. The Town will also grow at apace which -is a bit slower, that the County. As this
' population growth continues more business growth will also occur. Town officials believe
Bolivia will be the target of some of the economic growth. The Town will welcome business
' activity.
E. SEASONAL POPULATION
Seasonal population is not a concern for the Town of Bolivia. There are no events,
seasonal or other, nor is growth expected within the planning period which will cause seasonal
population to swell to the extent that it will become a concern for the Town.
F. LOCAL OBJECTIVES CONCERNING GROWTH
The Town of Bolivia wishes to continue to grow. Town officials believe the Town
occupies an enviable location. The Town is located off of a four lane major highway which is
the main north -south transportation corridor east of Interstate 95. The Town is located 20
27

minutes from a major metropolitan area (Wilmington) and 40 minutes north of a major resort '
area (Myrtle Beach). According to the NC Office of State Planning, the Town of Bolivia is
located within one of the fastest growing Counties in North Carolina.
Bolivia s elected and appointed officials believe all of these factors mean future growth.
The Town takes a realistic view of such possibilities. The Town has not grown dramatically
within the last 20 years. In fact, there has been a decline within this period. The current '
statistics and projections seem to predict a rebounding and a return"to a period of growth.
Population figures from the State show a past trend for slow but predictably steady
growth over a 20 year period. As more people choose to locate within the Town of Bolivia
future, more businesses will begin to choose the location. ,
This is not a Town which has lost its charm. The lack of growth, at the accelerated pace
of the rest of those already developed areas around the County, has passed Bolivia by and has '
left them strongly rooted in the past yet looking to the future. The small Town charm is not
gone. The Town has planning tools in place which will allow future growth to be controlled and
which will enhance the best of the Town's remaining features. The Town of Bolivia is poised on '
the brink of a new future. The objective is growth. The growth expected will be slow, yet
steady, and will gradually fill in around Town, and around the ETJ with residential growth.
Some agricultural growth is also possible. The commercial area is within the center of the Town '
and this area will be kept open for commercial type uses by the Zoning Ordinance. It is the
desire of Town officials to accommodate growth. ,
SECTION 4: POLICIES FOR GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION ,
(a) Constraints to Development '
The Town of Bolivia has a tremendous land area. currently in open and undeveloped use.
These lands are a great asset for the community and are waiting and available for '
environmentally sound development activity. It is recognized by Town officials that there are
certain limitations to development which occur naturally and the areas which contain these
limitations are avoided by the wise developer. Under certain limited conditions, development ,
activity in areas with constraints may be possible. Any development should always happen so as
to avoid creating problems to neighboring property owners or future owners of the property
being developed Cultural artifacts and environmental species which are irreplaceable or limited
in number should always be protected
It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to support federal which issue permits ,
P cY PP Pros
for wetlands development. The federal programs to protect wetlands areas are fully supported
by the Town. To the extent possible the areas which area identified as having soils which are '
28

1
currently unsuitable for development, primarily those areas of the ETJ to the southwest and
southeast of the Town, are identified as Agriculture/Forestry areas within the Town's Zoning
' Ordinance. This Ordinance provides for limited use of these areas.
The Town has no current plans for the development of a sewer system. It is, however,
believed by Town officials that one day a sewer system will be possible. When that day arrives,
the Town's policy on development of areas where soils are currently unsuitable will be
reevaluated. The primary means of handling sewerage in the Town of Bolivia is by septic tank.
' Until public sewerage becomes available, the continued use of septic systems within the Town's
planning jurisdiction is supported by Town officials. The policy of the Town is to allow
development activity in areas where soils will support the activity, and where such activity is
' consistent with federal, local and State regulations. The Town will continue to work with the
Brunswick County Public Health Department to identify those areas which are suitable for septic
systems.
i
There are areas within the Town's ETJ which are prone to flooding during severe storm
events. Shallow flooding along tributaries and streams such as Middle Swamp, Big Bay Branch,
i and Clearing Branch is possible. In 1977, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
prepared maps which show the flood hazard areas along these branches and tributaries. It is the
i policy of the Town of Bolivia to limit development within those areas which are subject to
flood. The implementation of this policy is through the Zoning Ordinance.
i The Town is currently operating under FEMA sanctions. Federal Flood Insurance is not
available within the Town. Though only a limited portion of the land area under Bolivia's .
planning jurisdiction would fit into this category, it is the desire of Town officials to have these
isanctions removed and to reach an agreement with the agency (FEMA) by which citizens and
property owners within the Town and its ETJ might better protect their property in an
emergency by purchasing flood insurance. Effects of non -participation include:
' (1) Federal flood insurance is not available.
(2) No federal grants or loans for buildings may be made in identified flood hazard areas.
(Includes all federal agencies (HUD, EPA, SBA, HHR, etc.).
(3) No federal disaster assistance may be provided in identified flood hazard areas for
permanent restorative construction and grants.
(4) No federal mortgage insurance may be provided in identified flood hazard areas. (This
i includes FHA, VA, etc.)
i It is recognized that the federal loans and guarantees which are not available as a result of
having FEMA sanctions in place since 1977, may have caused decisions to have been ma(kby
investors which would have otherwise benefitted the Town. Bolivia officials will look into
' joining the National Flood Insurance Program and the subsequent removal of these sanctions.
Policy Statements:
i-Development within Bolivia should always happen so as to avoid creating problems to current
i29
i

or future neighboring properties and future owners of the propoerty being developed.
—Bolivia support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 wetlands program.
—Cultural artifacts and environmental species which are threatened should always be protected.
—Areas which have soils which are unsuitable for development are (generally identified as
agriculture/forestry areas within the Zoning Ordinance.
—Bolivia will continue to cooperate with the Brunswick County Health Departement on the
issuance of permits for septic systems.
-It is Town policy to limit the density of development in areas which are subject to flooding.
(b) Areas of Environmental Concern
The Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) calls for the identifiation of important land
and water areas judged to be of greater than local significance. These areas are known as Areas
of Environmental Concern. The CRC in cooperation with local governments has developed a
permitting program for development activity in Areas of Environmental Concern. The intent is
not to stop development, but to insure the compatibility of development with the continued
productivity and value of certain critical land and water areas.
There are no Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) within the planning jurisdiction
of the Town of Bolivia. The Board of Aldermen recognize the importance of a clean
environment and support the protection of those special areas of our coast which have received
this designation (AEC's) by the Coastal Resources Commission. It is recognized that not all
AEC's are strictly coastal. Areas of natural significance, water supply watersheds, and areas
which have historic or archaeologic importance are also suitable for inclusion as an AEC
according to the designation criteria. (These criteria are in Subchapter 7H, of Chapter 15A, of
the North Carolina Administrative Code, and are available at the Wilmington, NC, Division of
Coastal Management Office.) It is not known if any areas exist within the Town of Bolivia
which would call for this special designation. Town officials support the NC Coastal
Management program and are willing to help in whatever manner possible with the continuation
of the work of this important agency.'
Policy Statements:
The Town of Bolivia supports the NC Coastal Management program and the designation of
Areas of Environmental Concern.
—Bolivia believes that AEC's should be protected through a regulatory scheme which will be,
1
administered by the State of North Carolina..
(c) Development in Proximity to Outstanding Resource Waters ORW's '
P tY g ( )
As a means of support for the continuation of a strong commercial fishing industry '
within Brunswick County, the Town of Bolivia supports protection %J the ORW areas within
coastal North Carolina (both in and out of the County) by favoring limited development adjacent
to these waters. The Town's policy on development in and around streams and tributaries within
30
lJ

' the Bolivia area mirrors this concern. Dense or noxious industrial, commercial, or residential
development activity around these sensitive natural features is discouraged by the negotiated
agreements possible through the Subdivision Regulations review process. The Town of Bolivia
supports ORW designation for any appropriate water bodies in Brunswick County.
Policy Statements:
' --Bolivia supports the protection of ORW's through the State Division of Water Quality and
Division of Coastal Management's rules and regulations.
—Dense development with noxious side effects in the vicicntiy of Bolivia's streams and
' watercourses is discouraged.
' (d) Fragile Land Areas
(1) Freshwater Swamps and Marshes
' There are freshwater swamps and marsh areas within the Town of Bolivia's
planning jurisdiction. For the most part, these areas are located within the
southern and eastern portions of the ETJ. Development activity in these areas
' must be consistent with the current federal rules and regulations governing
wetlands development activity. This area is also subject to the restrictions
imposed by the Town's Zoning Ordinance. The Brunswick County Health
' Department is responsible for the determination of whether or not a septic tank
permit will be issued It is the policy of the Town that development activity
(including roads) is discouraged in swamps, marshes, and wetlands. This policy
' is reflected in the Zoning Ordinance.
Policy Statements:
—Bolivia will support the protection of freshwater wetlands through existing regulatory
programs-
-Bolivia will amend ordinances as determined to be necessary to protect special natural features.
(2) Manmade Hazard Areas
' The Town of Bolivia is located approximately 11 miles from the CP&L nuclear
power plant. The Town does not consider the location of this plant to be of great
concern on a day-to-day basis. In reality, and in a case of extreme emergency, it
is recognized that this proximity may have implications for the Town. The Town
accepts assurances from.the U. S. Department of Energy, and the County and
State Departments of Emergency Management that the plant is safe.
' Accordingly, Town planning will not be governed by the location of this plant.
The Town is not a part of the evacuation route and Bolivia would only be
' evacuated in case of extreme emergency. The Board of Aldermen will review
any proposals for plant expansion which seem to have implications for the Town.
The policy of the Town is to encourage expansion of this facility. Any CP&L
' proposals concerning this plant should have mutual agreement and consent from
31

the NC Utilities Commission, the County, and those municipalities located '
therein.
The Sunny Point Military Depot is not recognized as a hazard. (The
transportation of hazardous materials to and from this facility is a Brunswick
County concern.) There are no airports, no chemical storage areas, no industrial,
or industrial type manufacturing concerns producing hazardous products or by-
'
products in the area. There are no other known manmade hazards either in or
around the Town of Bolivia. It is the policy of the Town to promote clean
industry. It is the policy of the Town to oppose hazardous and noxious or
'
dangerous facilities by Zoning and the Land Use Plan consistency provisions
provided for in State law. Those who wish to locate industry in the Town's
planning jurisdiction would be wise to first consult Town officials.
,
Policy Statements:
'
-Bolivia will discourage but not exclude "man-made hazards" within its planning jurisdiction.
--Bolivia will allow industrial or "hazardous" entities to locate within its jurisdiction as
conditional uses with the Zoning Ordinance. Conditions will be applied to projects proposed to
'
make the project safe or less hazardous.
(3) Archaeologic or Historic Areas''
Correspondence from the NC Division of Archives & History, dated September
1995, says there are no known archaeologic or historic sites existing within Bolivia's
planning jurisdiction. There has been no change to this information since this last report.
,
The area has still not been surveyed. It is the policy of the Town to preserve historic
properties. The Town recognizes its heritage. Town officials wish to preserve the best
of the past and not rush into the future without careful consideration. Development
t
activity which would negatively effect historic or archaeologic resources will be
considered in light of the ways these resources may be preserved or protected Any
outright destruction or elimination of a resource of this type is prohibited by State law,
common sense, and Town of Bolivia policy. As of June 1998, no archaeologic or
historic areas have been discovered in Bolivia. The Town, as with many other small
'
Towns in North Carolina, still has not been systematically surveyed.
Policy Statements:
--The Town of Bolivia policy on archaeologic or historic resources is that these resources should
be protected.
20 There is a small privately owned "museum" or "museum quality" collection of artifacts and
'
information in Bolivia. The museum consists of a collection of books, news articles, and other artifacts
which may be of interest to those performing historical research. For more information, interested parties
should contact Town Hall and inquire about this privately owned collection.
'
32

' —The Town of Bolivia would support an inventory or survey of sites or potential sites within its
jurisdiction to see whether any would qualify as of some historic importance.
' (4) Prime Farmland
Over 50% of the land area inside Bolivia's corporate limits consists of prime
farmland. (These areas are as defined in the Brunswick County Soil Survey dated
' November, 1986.) As these areas are also suitable for development and as the
Town wishes to grow, it is the policy of the Town that these areas be carefully
' developed Town officials recognized that much of the community's charm is
associated with the rural background and the quiet slow pace of life enjoyed by
all residents. Development will be consistent with the requirements of the Town's
' Zoning Ordinance.
Policy Statements:
-Bolivia believes in a continuing policy to encourage residential, commercial, and industrial
growth and development.
--Bolivia recognizes the importance of the agricultural heritage of Brunswick County. Bolivia
' believes there are many acres of suitable soil for agriculture within the County and that the farm
business is more suitable for areas outside of the Town limits.
' (5) Wildlife Habitat Areas
There are no publicly owned wildlife areas within the Town of Bolivia's planning
jurisdiction. There are also no NC Gamelands areas, designated by the NC
' Wildlife Resources Commission, within the Town. There are no known private
wildlife sanctuaries. within the Town of Bolivia or its environs. There are,
' however, extensive wooded areas which are known to contain a wide variety of
flora and fauna which are indigenous to the area. It is Town policy to support
and protect wildlife. Areas which are designated, and which are a suitable
' environment for wildlife, shall be supported by the Town. Areas which are
privately owned shall be the responsibility of the owner.) The Town envisions no
circumstance, besides possible gift or inheritance (which would be accepted),
' whereby the Town would become the owner of a large tract suitable for wildlife
habitat on a large scale. Land lying fallow, whether it be woodland or field (and
not being used for storage of any type), is completely consistent with Town
' policy and is supported. Any unused land which may be donated for public
purposes to the Town, the State, or to a Land Trust, would be consistent with
' Town policy intent.
Policy Statements:
' -Bolivia encourages the protection of private wildlife habitat areas.
—Bolivia encourages public/private partnerships for the protection of wildlife habitat areas.
-The Town would accept the donation of property for the purpose of wildlife habitat.
33

(e) Hurricane & Flood Evacuation Needs & Plans '
The Bolivia Board of Aldermen support the Brunswick County Emergency Management
Department's Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery & Evacuation Plan for
'
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Plan. A complete copy of this Plan is available from the
County Emergency Management Office.
Policy Statements:
Bolivia will....
-Discourage high intensity uses and large structures from being constructed within the 100-year
'
flood plain, erosion prone areas, and other areas susceptible to hurricane and other storm event
flooding.
,
-Consider purchasing parcels located within hazard areas or rendered unbuildable by storms or
other events for the purpose of recreation. Developers may also be required to provide such
properties as open space under circumstances related to the issuance of a conditional use permit
'
or under circumstances related to the subdivision of land.
—Continue to enforce the NC Building Code, particularly those provisions which require
construction standards to meet wind resistive factors (i.e., design, wind velocity).
,
-Encourage the placement of utilities underground for all new development.
(f) Protection of Potable Water
Water is provided to the Town of Bolivia via the County system. Town residents
therefore use a large quantity of surface water supply water for human consumption.
t
Crroundwater reserves are also important as a reserve supply for the Town. Officials are
concerned about the protection of the potable water supply. The Town fully supports the
'
Division of Water Quality (DWQ) rules regarding development activity near surface water
supply water sheds and groundwater source areas. Town policy is to enhance the protection of
these areas and to provide for groundwater recharge areas consistent with DWQ's rules and the
'
Zoning Ordinance. Any industry wishing to locate within the Town of Bolivia will be studied to
ascertain the possible impacts the industry may have on groundwater resources.
Policy Statements:
—Bolivia supports the protection of its groundwater through the rules and regulations of the NC
Division of Water Quality.
,
-It is Town policy to enhance the protection of groundwater recharge areas.
—Industry wishing to locate in Bolivia will be analyzed as to its impacts on the groundwater
,
resources.
—Bolivia supports the protection of public water supply watersheds. Bolivia will support the
passage of State legislation which would enhance the protection of these areas.
'
34

D
(g) Use of Package Treatment Plants
The Town of Bolivia will support the construction and use of package treatment plants
which are approved and permitted by the NC Division of Water Quality. If any package
treatment plants are approved, the Town will support the creation of a specific contingency plan
requiring and specifying how ongoing private operation and maintenance of the plant will be
provided. Details providing for assumption of the plant into a public system at a later date (and
alternatives to consider should the operation fail) are also required and will be carefully analyzed
before local project approval is given.
Policy Statements:
—Bolivia supports the construction of package treatment plants which are built according to NC
DWQ rules.
—Bolivia will modify its subdivision regulations to require contingency plans for long-term care
and maintenance of package treatment plants. Alternatives for system maintenance and
operation will be considered before a system is approved.
(h) Stormwater Runoff
The Town of Bolivia is located in close proximity to wetlands associated with the Cape
Fear River. Because of this location, and as a result of the rural character of present day Town
life, Town residents recognize the value of water quality maintenance. Ecologically fragile and
sensitive areas are recognized by elected officials, appointed officials, and residents as areas
which should be protected. The Town supports state regulations regarding stormwater runoff
resulting from development activity.
The flooding of roads in the Town following a rain event has become a situation that
must be dealt with immediately. The runoff associated with storms has made road conditions,
particularly conditions on those unpaved minor roads through local neighborhoods, dangerous.
NC Department of Transportation officials will be consulted on all future public road projects.
When it becomes financially feasible, the Town of Bolivia will create a master drainage
plan as a means of flood reduction and to improve safety and environmental conditions. The
Town wishes to apply for any available grant funds to create a drainage plan which will serve as
a planning tool for the Town. With a plan in place, future land use decisions will be made in a
well thought out manner.
Policy Statements:
—Bolivia will create a master drainage plan.
—The Town supports state regulations regarding stormwater runoff.
—Bolivia will work with NC DOT on future roads construction projects with stormwater
drainage and elimination of ponding on roadways as a high priority.
35

(i) Industrial Impacts
'
Town policy on industrial impacts on the natural environment indicate these impacts
should be minimal. Industrial development that complies with the standards of the Town of
'
Bolivia Zoning Ordinance is acceptable within the Town limits. It is the policy of the Town that
industrial development should first be clean and should provide jobs to local residents. Any
economic development activity in Brunswick County is, generally, favored by the Town. The
'
Town will work with and promote success for the Leland Industrial Park, Federal Paper,
Dupont, CP & L, and other area job creating entities. Bolivia officials believe that the positive
,
synergy achieved through the successful locating of one industry in the area is a success that may
be capitalized upon by others wishing to have industry locate in their vicinity. The Town will
work with the Brunswick County Economic Development Office, the Cape Fear Council of
'
Governments, the NC Department of Commerce, area Chambers of Commerce, Committees of
100, and the Southeastern North Carolina Economic Development Commission on the
recruitment and the location of industry in Bolivia.
,
Any industry that may be harmful to the human population through the possible pollution
of air, land or water will be reviewed carefully before being allowed to locate within the Town.
'
The Town plans to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow certain types of industry only as a .
special use. The special use conditions imposed will, in each case, be the means of protection
the Town will provide for its residents.
,
Policy Statements:
—Bolivia would welcome clean industry which would provide jobs for area citizens.
'
—Industrial impacts on Bolivia's residents should be minimal.
-Industrial impacts on Bolivia's residents health and safety should not occur.
,
—Any industry which wishes to locate in Town will be closely reviewed Amendments may be
made to the Zoning Ordinance, if necessary, to allow industrial uses as a conditional or special
use only. Very specific conditions will be stipulated by the Board of Aldermen as they deem
'
necessary to protect citizens quality of life, property values, and health, safety, and welfare.
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
'
The Town of Bolivia supports the maintenance and proper management of any municipal
or, ETJ areas which contain productive natural resources.
'
(a) Productive Agricultural Lands
A review of the Brunswick County Soils Survey shows that the Town of Bolivia contains _
a substantial amount of those soils that can be characterized as prime farmland. These soils are
'
also suitable for residential, commercial, or possible industrial type development activity. There
are few farms in operation within the Town of Bolivia's planning jurisdiction. The Town wishes
to preserve the quiet, bucolic, and pastoral, scenic rural character that the existence of the few
'
farms in operation give to the area. The Town welcomes the visual relief and open spaces this
type of operation provides residents of the municipality. It is therefore the policy of the Town of
'
36

' Bolivia that agricultural uses of land within the town will not be discouraged. The uninhibited
widespread use of substances (i.e., pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers) which pose a threat (or
' which may pose a threat) to human health are discouraged The storage of these substances
within areas where no danger to the human population is created is suggested and will be
required, as possible, through existing State and federal regulation, the Town's Zoning
1 Ordinance (and through the social stigma attached to those activities which are known to be
dangerous to neighbors).
' Continued agricultural use of the Town's remaining farmland is anticipated and
encouraged within the planning period Certain agricultural type operations are discouraged by
policy of the Town of Bolivia. These operations include agriculture -livestock type operations
' where many animals are confined together and raised for sale to meat processing and
manufacturing concerns. The agriculture -livestock limitations do not apply to any animals.
ordinarily considered pets (dogs, cats, birds, pot-bellied pigs, etc.) Any requests for new
agricultural type operations will be considered in light of this policy. The means of enforcement
for this policy will be the Zoning Ordinance.
' Policy Statements:
—Bolivia wishes to preserve the quiet, bucolic, and pastoral scenic rural character of Bolivia.
—Bolivia wishes to prohibit intensive agricultural -livestock operations.
Agriculturelforestry operations are acceptable in Bolivia's planning jurisdiction.
-It is generally felt that productive agricultural lands in Bolivia are developable. Farms are felt,
to have a place in Brunswick County, especially in the areas outside of the municipality.
—Agriculture--vegetative uses of the soil in Bolivia will not be prohibited
' (b) Commercial Forest Lands
The Town has much open and forested land available. It is the policy of the Town to
' support the efficient planting and harvesting of commercial forest lands. These forest lands
should be located in upland areas or in areas away from rivers, creeks, branches, or tributaries.
' Harvesting of timber near waters will be discouraged to protect water quality.
Prior to harvesting, planting, or clearing in wetlands, commercial forestry operations
must have a wetlands survey. This activity is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
An on -site evaluation of the wetlands resource is required, as a means of assessment and possible
damage mitigation, and must be done by a qualified consultant or a representative of the U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers.
Commercial forestry operations are permitted in the Town of Bolivia only within the _
' areas defined as Agriculture/Forestry within the Zoning Ordinance.
Policy Statements:
' --Bolivia supports the efficient planting and harvesting of commercial forest lands.
37

(c) Existing & Potential Mineral Production Areas ,
There are no existing mineral production areas within the Town of Bolivia. There are
also no areas known to have potential for mineral production. It is not expected that mineral '
production areas will be discovered. It is the policy of the Town to prohibit such operations
within the Town's planning jurisdiction.
Policy Statements:
—It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to prohibit mining and minerals production areas within
the Town's planning jurisdiction. ,
(d) Commercial & Recreational Fisheries '
The Town of Bolivia has no commercial fishing or fish processing operations located
within the Town's planning jurisdiction. The City also has no recreational fishing resources '
available. Town residents, of course, recognize the importance of the fisheries resource to the
County. It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to work with other regional interests to maintain
or improve the quality of water and the abundance of the fisheries resource available to area '
residents and visitors.
Policy Statements:
-Bolivia policy will be to work with other regional interests to maintain or improve the quality
of water and the abundance of the fisheries resource available to area resident and visitors.
(e) Off -Road Vehicles
Off -road vehicles are owned by many residents of the Bolivia area as a means of t
assistance to perform work tasks associated with employment. These and other residents also
own and enjoy these vehicles for personal tasks associated with the pleasant rural lifestyle ,
enjoyed by residents. The vehicles are also enjoyed for recreational pursuits. It is the policy of
the Town of Bolivia to allow private property owners and their friends, visitors, acquaintances,
and other persons to whom they may have given permission, to enjoy freely the ability to use
any portion of that private property available and to enjoy that same property by whatever means
and to the maximum extent possible. The ability of one person to enjoy full use of his or her
property does not extend to the point where another person's right to enjoy their property is '
infringed upon. Consequently, the ''own has the authority, and will exercise the authority,
through its police powers, to abate nuisance noises and health hazards. The Town also does not
encourage and will not condone the wanton destruction of any vegetation which may be or '
which may contain threatened or endangered species. It is the policy of the Town to not allow -
off -road vehicle use that would cause erosion or substantial damage to land forms. This policy ,
on off -road vehicles is not pertinent to public works projects or emergency vehicles. The Town
proposes to include provisions in the Nuisance Ordinance which will regulate off -road vehicle
activity.
38

' Policy Statements:
—Off road vehicles may be operated on private property.
—Bolivia does not condone and will not allow off road vehicles use which is accompanied by
excess noise or substantial damage to public land Damage to land forms by off road vehicles in
the vicinity of creeks streams and tributaries is discouraged.
(f) Residential, Commercial, & Industrial Land Development Impacts
' Town policy is to encourage future growth to occur in an orderly manner. It is the
intention of Town officials that development impacts on the environment be negligible and that
the impacts of all development take into consideration those factors which will enhance the
' quiet, rural character and quality of life enjoyed by residents.
' Residential development will be encouraged to occur in a manner which will not
overload traffic conditions. Subdivision Regulations and the Zoning Ordinance will be the
means of implementing this policy. The development of new streets and roads as a part of the
residential growth process will be carefully studied before a new subdivision is approved
Utilities provisions required as a part of the Ordinance will be revised, as necessary, to require
future (or potential) residents the opportunity to enjoy those same qualities which have made
Bolivia such an attractive place and which served to draw the new residential development to the
Town.
Commercial development is currently desired by Town officials. The Town wishes to
work with business owners, recruiters, and interested parties who may be engaged in the process
of finding a place to locate business in the Town. The commercial district, which is located
' along old U. S. Highway 17, is currently zoned commercial (C-3) and is open and available for a
wide variety and type of commercial activity. The Town is especially interested in retail
pharmacy and grocery operations. Commercial activity which would add to the economic base
' of the Town would be welcomed by Town officials provided that the activity is environmentally
safe, clean, and consistent with current State, federal, and local regulatory requirements.
Development activity which would be harmful to the property values or quality of life of those
' residents already established is discouraged Compatibility of proposed development with the
current pattern of development (already established) is desired It is the policy of the Town to
encourage environmentally safe commercial development. All development must be consistent
with the Zoning Ordinance.
' Industrial development policy in the Town of Bolivia encourages industry to locate away
from those areas where residential development has occurred in the past. There is much open
and available land within the extraterritorial area which would be suitable for industry. Town _
policy is to encourage industrial development activity within the extraterritorial area. Industrial
development should be of a type which is compatible with residential development which may
occur in relatively close proximity to the industry. Industrial development which has water
' intensive requirements should be located away from current and future municipal groundwater
39

source supply areas. Industrial development should be located, in all cases, in such a way as to ,
avoid the use of residential or commercial streets by industrial type traffic.
Commercial or industrial developers shopping for a location should contact Town '
officials at their earliest convenience to discuss possible incentives for locating in Town.
Policy Statements: '
—Bolivia desires growth in all economic sectors (residential, commercial, and industrial.)
—Development projects which will be harmful to property values or to the quality of life for ,
established residents or businesses is discouraged.
—Industrial development activity will be directed away from residential development.
—Environmentally safe and clean development is desired. '
-Excess traffic from commercial or industrial development projects is not desired
-Development proposed should be consistent with the existing pattern of development.
Peat or Phosphate Nfactsinin 's Impacts
(g) P g P
The mining of peat or phosphate within the planning jurisdiction of the Town of Bolivia '
is prohibited. It is extremely. unlikely that any commercial quality deposits of these products
exist in the area. Other types of "mining" are more likely. As mining operations are generally
unpleasant to the persons living in an area and as there are currently no mines in the Bolivia
area, it is the policy of the Town to oppose any large scale mining operations requesting to
locate within the municipal boundary. The Town also wishes to go on record opposing any '
mining operations which may wish to locate in Brunswick County near the Town of Bolivia.
The Town will work with the County to oppose such operations. The means of enforcement for
this policy is the Zoning Ordinance. '
Policy Statements:
—Muting in Bolivia is not desired. Mining in the vicinity of Bolivia is also not desired. '
C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(a) Type of Development to be Encouraged
The Town of Bolivia encourages continued residential growth. Furthermore, the Town ,
wishes residential growth to continue at an accelerated pace. The policy of the Town is to
encourage residential growth. The regulations which will govern this growth will be the Zoning '
Ordinance and the Subdivision Regulations.
The Town of Bolivia encourages commercial growth. It willbe the policy of the Town ,
to work with and to encourage commercial activity which is consistent with current development
patterns and which will provide jobs, make retail type amenities available to residents, and
provide for convenient shopping opportunities. It is the policy of the Town to encourage clean '
40

' and quiet commercial type development. Any other development activity will be carefully
considered. Any commercial facility which will in the future wish to dispense gasoline within
the Town of Bolivia must have gasoline tanks installed safely and in accordance with the
' regulations of the NC Division of Water Quality, Groundwater Section, so as to further insure
the safety of residents through the purity of the groundwater resource. The local means of
implementing this policy will be through the Zoning Ordinance.
Industrial development is encouraged within the Town in appropriate locations. The
most appropriate areas for the conventional type "industry" are within the extraterritorial area.
' Other types of less resource intensive users may be located closer to the center of the
community. Large stacks spewing voluminous amounts of smoke, large amounts of traffic
bothering residents at all hours and traffic using up the road (through the rough treatment given
' by large, heavy trucks) in this quiet community is not envisioned and will not be approved.
Manufacturing concerns are generally felt to be desirable. Large agricultural -livestock type
operations are not permitted. Large agricultural -vegetative type users are only allowed within
the extraterritorial area.
' Town policy on farming, within the extraterritorial area, is to promote such activity.
Town officials discourage the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in areas close to any
Town or community well systems. Town officials also wish to note that runoff into streams
from farming activity has been recognized as a problem within the State and the Town strongly
encourages the use of best management practices, as recognized and promoted by the NC
' Division of Waxer Quality, as the most desirable means of protection. The Town also supports
the erosion control policies of the NC Division of Land Quality and the rules and regulations
administered and enforced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Town wishes to go on
' record as supporting Zoning regulations as the means by which to control the location of farming
activity within any municipalities planning jurisdiction.
' Policy Statements
--Bolivia encourages continued residential growth.
—Bolivia encourages commercial growth.
Bolivia encourages industrial development i appropriate locations.
Bolivia encourages farming within the extraterritorial area.
--Bolivia supports the erosion control policies of the NC Division of Land Quality and the rules
and regulations administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
-Large agricultural -livestock operations (hog farms, or similar facilities for turkey -chicken -
cattle) are not desired in Bolivia.
(b) Type and Location of Industry Desired
The To bpolicy,enco es industry which will allow the Town to k the small
� Y � trY �P
Town character that long-term residents of Bolivia have come to enjoy. Industries which create
' a significant amount of pollution (smoke, dust, glare, noise, vibrations, etc.) are discouraged and
41

should not locate in Bolivia. This includes (but is not limited to) swine and cattle, steel mills,
,
electric power plants, paper manufacturing plants, chemical companies, mining operations,
explosives companies and others.
'
Desirable ) industry
( dustry would be a big boost to the Town and the Town wishes to
explore the possibilities for this type of development with any parties who have an interest in the
location. The Town will work both on its own and with all of the various area recruiters on the
,
possibility of locating desirable industry along a major four lane transportation corridor within
the center of the fastest growing county in North Carolina.
'
Industrial development would be a very desirable source of economic growth in Bolivia
(Employment statistics from the 1990 U.S. Census show most residents are employed out of
'
Town.) The Town desires responsible industrial development which will not adversely affect
the natural environment or the quality of life enjoyed by residents. Industrial sites should be
adjacent water lines and must have an approved system of handling any possible by-products or
'
waste products which may be dangerous to human beings. Industrial development should not
infringe on established residential development.
Policy Statements:
—Bolivia wishes to keep the small Town character it has long enjoyed.
-Industries which will create a significant amount of pollution are discouraged and should not
I
locate in Bolivia
-Bolivia desires industry which will not pollute the environment and which will provide local
,
jobs.
-Industrial sites should locate adjacent water lines. Industry must have an approved system of
handling any by-products or waste products which may be dangerous or unpleasant to human
'
beings.
(c) Local Commitment to Services Provision
'
It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to continue to provide those services now
available to all areas of the Town. Services will be provided within one year, as required in the
NC General Statutes, to any areas which may in the future be annexed into the Town. No
annexations are currently planned.
Policy Statements:
—Bolivia has no plans for services expansion.
'
-In annexation occurs, Bolivia will provide services consistent with the rerquirements of State
law. _
'
d Urban Growth Patterns Desired
It is the policy of the Town to encourage growth to occur adjacent to existing water
'
42

U
F
service lines. The Town will use this Land Use Plan, the Subdivision Regulations, and the
Zoning Ordinance as the means to implement this policy and to direct all future residential,
commercial, and industrial type growth.
Policy Statements:
—The Town encourages growth to occur adjacent existing water service lines.
--Local policy on growth patterns is within this document at the appropriate locations. The local
land use regulatory tools (zoning and subdivision) will direct future growth.
(e) Redevelopment of Developed Areas
The most significant redevelopment issue facing Bolivia through the planning period is
substandard housing. During the planning period the Town will attempt to correct its worst
substandard housing conditions by taking the following steps:
(1) enforcing the Town's Minimum Housing Code;
(2) applying for Community Development Block Grant funds;
(3) applying for North Carolina Housing Finance Agency funds;
(4) coordinating any redevelopment efforts with the Building Inspections Department;
(5) enforcing the Zoning Ordinance requirements on non -conforming uses.
The Town of Bolivia also recognizes a redevelopment concern connected with the threat
of hurricane, flood, tornado, or other natural disaster. The section of this document which
covers this area is entitled Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery. and Evacuation
Plans. Policies on redevelopment construction activity, following a catastrophic storm event, are
located in this section. It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to allow reconstruction of
structures demolished by natural disaster when the reconstruction complies with all existing
regulations. This is governed by the Town's Zoning Ordinance.
Residential redevelopment activity in Bolivia is encouraged. All development or
redevelopment activity must be consistent with the Zoning Ordinance.
Policy Statements:
-Bolivia will take steps to correct substandard housing situations existing within Bolivia during
the planning period.
Bolivia will allow reconstruction of damaged structures in the event of a storm when the
reconstruction complies with all existing regulations.
' -Redevelopment activity must be consistent with the policies in this Land Use Plan.
(f) Commitment to State & Federal Programs -,
Bolivia is receptive to State and federal programs that will provide some benefit to the
Town, County, and region. It is the policy of the Town to continue to fully support such
' programs. Examples of such programs include: NC Division of Coastal Management Planning
43

Program, NC Division of Parks & Recreation Programs to fund recreation areas, XC Division of
Community Assistance & U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Community
Development Block Grant Program, NC Division of Travel and Tourism promotion efforts, U.
S. Army Corps of Engineers regulatory and permitting programs, NC Department of
Transportation road and bridge improvement programs, NC Division of Water Quality Planning
Program, Farmers Home Administration loans for local water and sewer service projects,
Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Program, NC Department of
Commerce Industrial Recruiting Programs, Southeastern Regional Economic Development
Commission Economic Development Programs, and others.
Policy Statements:
—Bolivia is receptive to State and federal programs which will provide some benefit to the
Town, County, and region.
—Bolivia will apply for grant funds, in the programs identified above — and others, which will
assist the Town in meeting goals.
(g) Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects
The Town of Bolivia has no federally maintained channels within its jurisdiction. Town
residents currently pay County, State, and federal taxes, all of which are used to some extent to
pay for the maintenance of these waterways. It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to not
participate directly in the payment of any fees for channel maintenance. It is, however,
recognized that these dollars are being used correctly to promote both international and interstate
commerce as well as local commercial fishing opportunity and opportunity for recreational
boaters. Beach nourishment projects are also supported by the Town of Bolivia. The Town
believes this is the best possible method of dealing with the erosion problem. The Town of
Bolivia, at this time, declines any opportunity for financial assistance to beach nourishment
projects.
Policy Statements:
—The Town of Bolivia supports beach nourishment as the best means by which to deal with the
shoreline erosion problem and to provide public beach for Brunswick County residents and
visitors.
—The Town of Bolivia will not directly support channel maintenance or beach nourishment
projects.
(h) Energy Facility Siting & Development
The Town of Bolivia supports a clean and healthy rural lifestyle for its residents. The
Town is concerned about the issue of energy facility siting to the extent that citizen's health,
safety, and welfare, may be effected It is the policy of the Town that energy facility siting
which will create jobs for local citizens is desirable. There are circumstances where this policy
will not be in effect. Those circumstances are as follows: (1) No transportation through Town
44

rl
of dangerous materials is approved. No energy facility that violates this standard will be
approved. (2) No clear cutting of greater than 3 acres of wooded property is allowed without
buffers which will be constructed to shield all noise and visual blight created by the development
from area residents.
Any water resource intensive type development activity will be required to use municipal
water service.
Policy Statements:
—Energy facility sites in Bolivia will be required to connect to the public water system.
—The Town will not support energy facility siting within the Town's planning jurisdiction if
such projects may cause any compromise of citizen's health, safety, and welfare.
(i) Coastal & Estuarine Water Beach Access
It is the policy of Town officials to support beach and estuarine water access projects
within Brunswick County and throughout coastal North Carolina. It is not, however, currently
within the scope of things possible for the Town of Bolivia to participate directly in providing
funds for these access areas.
Policy Statements:
--Bolivia supports estuarine water and ocean access projects within Brunswick County.
-Bolivia will not provide direct funding for any water access projects.
�) Tourism
The Town of Bolivia strongly supports tourism. The Town recognizes tourists as a vital
and important part of the economy of the region -and the state. The Town of Bolivia does not
currently benefit from the booming tourism related economy enjoyed by other Brunswick
County municipalities. It is the desire of the Town to plan and to grow toward a position where
the tourist influx may be enjoyed to its maximum potential. It is believed that this is possible in
Bolivia due to 2 basic factors: (1) the proximity of U.S. Highway 17 Bypass. (This is the .
primary north -south route for travelers and tourists east of Interstate Highway 95.) (2) the small
town, quaint, rural atmosphere enjoyed by local residents will be a draw to newcomers.
As a means of achieving the goal of enhancing tourism as a part of the Bolivia economy,
it is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to support NC Department of Transportation projects
which will improve access to the region and the Town.
It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to work to maintain those quality of life factors
(quiet, low traffic, rural, etc.) which current residents of the Town enjoy. It is felt by Town
officials that these very qualities serve the Town as a means by which to recruit residential and
commercial development. The Town supports low density development and clean commercial
45

(or industrial/manufacturing) type development activity.
Bolivia will continue to support the activities of the NC Division of Travel and Tourism.
The Town specially wishes to support the monitoring of tourism related industry and all efforts
to promote tourism related industry and commercial activity. The Town wishes to cooperate, as
possible, with the Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Brunswick County
Chambers of Commerce.
The Town will work to foster a regional trade center concept for both permanent and
seasonal residents. Visitors will continue to be allowed weekend opportunities to shop and the
Town will not adopt restrictive trade ordinances (blue laws).
Policy Statements:
—Bolivia supports area road improvement projects.
—Bolivia will cooperate with other area local governments and the private sector to boost
tourism and tourism related industry for the region.
—The Town of Bolivia strongly supports tourism.
—Bolivia anticipates moving toward a position, and taking positive steps leading towards a
position which will allow the Brunswick County influx of tourist to be enjoyed locally.
(k) Type of Density Desired
The Town favors low density development activity. This type of development is
consistent with the historical growth patterns of the Town and is in keeping with the long-term
planning of the community. The center of Town, especially that area along old U.S. Highway '
17 Business, is anticipated as becoming the commercial center of the Town. It is anticipated that
growth will occur around this center before the center is filled with commercial activity,
however, it is recognized that the commercial area. will need to be kept open for business type '
development. The Town wants to become more of a commercial center than it has been in the
recent past and will consider development proposals from business owners who may wish to
choose Bolivia as a place to locate. '
Continuing growth activity during the planning period in Town in the residential
neighborhoods is expected and desired The Town recognizes the strength of its location in ,
proximity to other population centers and anticipates that continuing residential growth will be
enhanced by the continuing growth of the County and other area regional centers of population '
(including Myrtle Beach and Wilmington).
In the extraterritorial area, which is primarily forested and farmed, growth is also desired '
and anticipated The Town expects this area will grow less rapidly, as a whole, than the area
within the Town limits, although subdivisions and increased single family home development
are expected ,
46

The Town wishes to keep the small Town atmosphere which long-term residents have
come to love. The Town would also like to see additional shops conveniently located, especially
a grocery store and a pharmacy, in the Town. Residents recognize that these shops will require
' the Town to grow before such commercial activity can be supported. Additional density of
development is anticipated which will support such activity.
' The Town's Land Classification Map, prepared as a part of this Land Use Plan Update,
gives a graphic depiction of the types of growth patterns planned, desired and anticipated.
' Policy Statements:
—The Town of Bolivia favors low density development.
-Commercial activity in Bolivia will be centered along the main road into Town (on old U.S.
Highway 17).
—The Town expects growth in the ETJ during the planning period_ This growth will be both
' residential and commercial. Industrial growth in the planning period is also expected within the
ETJ.
(1) Manufactured Homes
' It is understood that a large portion of the Town% housing stock (approximately 30%)
consists of manufactured homes. The Town finds the continued use of these structures to be
' acceptable. These affordable structures are permitted according to the provisions described
within the Zoning Ordinance. (Only Class A & B manufactured homes are allowed. These
homes must be built after July 1,1976, and must be installed according to local and State
' regulations.) Careful thought was given to the preparation of the Zoning Ordinance (adopted in
December 1994) and the Town will only allow development consistent with and according to
this and other applicable rules, regulations, and Ordinances.
Policy Statement:
—Bolivia supports the continued use of manufactured homes within the Town's planning
' jurisdiction.
' (m) Town Boundary Defined
The Town of Bolivia has been recently surveyed. The map in Town Hall accurately
' reflects the Town and ETJ boundary. For more detailed information interested parties may
consult the survey. Applicants for permits relative to the Zoning Ordinance requirements are
instructed to review the map in Town Hall for information concerning the Zoning District they
may be interested in building upon or improving.
Policy Statement:
' --Development activity within the Town of Bolivia, which is defined by the map in Town Hall
' 47

and is more clearly identified by a recent (1996) survey, will occur only as permitted by local
'
ordinance, or by State or federal rules and regulations.
(n) Provision of Services to Development
'
It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to extend services to those areas which are within
the Town limits. It is not expected that sewer service will be available in the near future, for
'
cost consideration reasons. However, it is expected this service will one day be available and
that this service will be a boost to commercial and residential development.
'
It is Town policy that commercial and industrial development will be required to connect
to the County water system.
'
Policy Statements:
—Commercial and industrial development will be required to connect to the County water
'
system.
—It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to extend Town services to those areas which are within
the Town limits.
'
(o) Recreational Facilities
It is the policy of Town officials to boost recreational opportunities. Both active and
passive recreational sites are needed. The Town will work with the Brunswick County Parks
'.
and Recreation Department and the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation to pursue
this goal.
`
'
It is the policy of the Town to consider acceptance of a donation of o for
P Y eP property
recreational purposes.
Policy Statements:
—It is Bolivia policy to provide in Town recreation opportunity for citizens and area residents.
—Bolivia will apply for PARTF grants (and other grant programs) to create recreation
'
opportunity.
(p) Annexation
The Town of Bolivia policy on annexation is to pursue expansion primarily through the
'
provisions of the NC General Statutes relative to voluntary annexation. The Town's generalized
policy on involuntary or satellite annexations is to not pursue these options. It is not expected _
that Bolivia will need to confront the question of annexation during the planning period If the
'
question should arise, Bolivia will carry out the study and consideration of the facts in the
manner prescribed by law.
48

Policy Statement:
-Bolivia will annex property into Town consistent with the requirements specified by law.
(q) Regional Trade Center
' It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to encourage growth and to foster the regional
trade center concept and vision which the Town's elected and appointed leaders see as the future
for this community. Town officials see Bolivia, in the future, as the place where persons in
' central Brunswick County (residents and visitors) will travel to for a quick trip for groceries,
hardware, or a trip to the pharmacy. It is felt that the commercial growth, which is desired by
policy, coupled with the residential growth, which is also desired, will continue will allow
' Bolivia to reach its full potential as a result of its location. This community, located along a
major transportation route and in the approximate geographic center of one of the fastest
growing Counties in North Carolina is poised to accept continuing growth as a part of its future.
It is the policy of the Town of Bolivia to continue to accept commercial and residential
' growth consistent with a healthy living environment for residents. All growth will be required to
be consistent with the Zoning Ordinance and the policy statements in this Land Use Plan Update.
' Policy Statement:
-It is the policy of Bolivia to accept commercial and residential growth consistent with a healthy
living environment.
--Bolivia will work to foster and implement a regional trade center concept and vision for the
Town.
' SECTION 5: CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
As the starting point in the preparation of this document the Town of Bolivia adopted a
"Citizen Participation Plan2` with a schedule of events which outlined the process of Land Use
Plan Amendment preparation. The "Citizen Participation Plan" was prepared according to the
requirements of Subchapter 7B of Chapter 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code at
' Section .0207. As a part of the public participation requirement for the production of a Land
Use Plan (LUP) under the Coastal Area Management Act, local governments are required to
' describe a process by which the public will be encouraged to participate in the planning process.
It is the intent of the process described to give the public ample opportunity to become a `
meaningful part of the planning process and all views gathered as a part of this process are
' recognized to be informative and instructional for all citizens of the Town of Bolivia, interested
parties, and elected and appointed Boards.
' 21 The Citizen Participation Plan was approved by the Bolivia Board of Aldermen on March 9,
1998.
49

The principle local Board responsible for supervision of the planning process has been '
the Town of Bolivia Planning Board. Public involvement in the process was generated through
public information meetings, public hearings, Planning Board Meetings, and Board of Aldermen
meetings. '
All meetings in preparation of this Land Use Plan Amendment were open to the public.
All meetings where matters concerning land use and public policy in the Town of Bolivia will be '
discussed will be open to the public. These meetings will be advertised, as necessary, and
citizens will be kept informed. It is the intent of the Town that all economic, social, ethnic, and ,
cultural viewpoints be considered on all matters of public policy. Coordination and discussion
with regulatory agencies and other area municipalities (and County) officials on policy matters
will continue to be a part of the Town's land use policy development process. ,
SECTION 6: STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY, AND
EVACUATION PLANS f
The purpose of this section of the Town of Bolivia LUP Amendment is to assist the
Town in managing development and requests for redevelopment in potentially hazardous areas.
The process by which this activity properly happens is to establish in this document storm hazard
mitigation policies. The purpose of this activity is to reduce the risks associated with severe ,
storms (such as hurricanes and tornados) through planning well before a storm event. Post -
disaster reconstruction and recovery policies will aid in the process of reconstruction following a
storm event and will help to insure that redevelopment activity takes place in a more orderly ,
manner.
The following pages will present the Town's storm hazard mitigation and post disaster '
recovery policies.
(a) Storm Hazard Mitigation
Storm hazard mitigation actions are, by definition, those actions which will reduce the
impact of a storm event. Storm hazard mitigation policies are those local government policies ,
which will aid local government administrators and appointed or elected officials with the
adoption of implementation actions which will reduce the threat of storm hazard.
The types of storm events which may catastrophically effect the Town of Bolivia include '
hurricanes and tornados. Both types of storms are extremely powerful and unpredictable forces
of nature. Hurricanes are large low pressure systems which form in the tropics and may move '
into our region. These storms bring strong winds. (In fact, the defining factor of a hurricane is
that it must be a tropical disturbance with winds in excess of 74 miles per hour (mph).) _
Hurricanes may spawn tornados which are severe whirlwinds and which are extremely '
dangerous. There are four causes of fatality and property damage during these two storm events.
(1) high wind; (2) flood; (3) wave action; and, (4) erosion. Two of these causes of property
damage and death are pertinent to Bolivia.
50

k
10
High Winds
Wind is the major determinant of a hurricane. Any tropical storm with sustained wind in
excess of 74 mph is classified as a hurricane. Hurricanes are judged by their power according to
a model known as the Saffir-Simpson scale. This measure of the power of a hurricane classes
hurricanes according to a sliding scale from 1 to 5 (with category 5 storms as the most severe).
Category 5 storms are rare. Bolivia would be somewhat protected from the full brute force of a
hurricane as a result of its location. The friction or impact of the storm hitting land from the
water causes dissipation of the full force of the storm though there is still tremendous energy left
to overturn mobile homes, down power lines and other public utilities, destroy crops, and fell
trees.
Tornados are extremely forceful whirlwinds which effect a much narrower path than a
hurricane. These storms may have winds in excess of 300 mph and are the most powerful wind
storms. Rain may also be associated with these storm events. During a tornado strike, structures
built by man do not fare well and are most often completely destroyed Tornados are more
common visitors to Brunswick County thanhurricanes. Man's successful efforts to mitigate the
effect of tornados has been negligible due to the raw power of these storms.
As a result of these occasional storm events, wind stress is an important consideration in
storm hazard mitigation planning.
Flooding
With the tremendous rainfall known to occur accompanying hurricanes, and with the
storm surge which may cause rivers, streams, tributaries, and branches draining an area to clog
and to back up, both riverine and coastal flooding is a hazard Flooding during a storm event
will frequently cause extensive damage in inland areas such as Bolivia. The reason for this
possibility is the Town has low areas which may be identified as wetlands, which are always
subject to the threat of flood, as well as streams which are also subject to flood. The Town is not
a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood hazard protection program.
The last flood hazards maps for the Town were created in 1978. Since the hazards are known to
exist, the consideration of possible flood damage is an important part of Bolivia's storm hazard
mitigation policy planning.
(b) Bolivia's Storm Hazard Mtigation Policy
The North Carolina Uniform Building Code is used by Brunswick County to manage
development and to minimise potential wind damage. (The County handles building inspections
activity for the Town of Bolivia.) It is the policy of the Town to support the State Building
Code on wind resistant construction with design standards of 110 mph wind loads. The Town
shall require the enforcement of the NC Building Code and especially those provisions which
require construction to meet wind resistive factors.
51

It is the intention of the Town of Bolivia to become a participant in the National Flood !
Insurance program. The Town will discourage high intensity uses and large structures within the
100-year floodplain. The Town shall consider the purchase of parcels located in hazardous areas
or rendered unbuildable by storms or other events for recreation purposes. Subdividers, through '
negotiation and a mutual agreement, may be required to set aside a portion of any proposed
subdivision found to be in a hazardous area as a condition for project approval due to public
safety considerations. !
The Town of Bolivia encourages the placement of utilities underground for all new ,
development and redevelopment projects.
(c) Post -Disaster Recovery Plan
!
Bolivia officials recognize that in the event of a major storm making landfall in the
vicinity of Town there will very likely be damage to homes, businesses, public utilities, roads or
!
other features of Town which will require coordinated clean-up and prior thought given to the
process of returning to pre -storm status. As ameans of assisting with this return to non -storm
status, the Town of Bolivia hereby appoints a Disaster Recovery Team (DRT). The DRT
,
consists of the following members:
1. Mayor
!
2. Board of Aldermen
3. Town Clerk
!
4. Building Inspector
The Mayor will serve as the DRT leader and the base of operations will be the
'
Emergency Operations Center designated by the Board of Aldermen. The DRT will be
responsible for the following:
1. Establishing a restoration schedule.
2. Setting priorities for restoration.
,
3. Determining requirements for outside assistance and requesting such
assistance when beyond local capabilities.
!
4. Keeping appropriate County, State, and federal officials informed.
!
.5. Keeping the public informed. _
'
6. Assemblingand maintaining records of actions taken d x
g an expenditures and
obligations incurred.
52
!

' 7. Recommending to the Mayor to proclaim a state of emergency ... if
warranted.
8. Commencing and coordinating clean-up, debris removal, and utility
restoration which would include coordination of restoration activities
' undertaken by private utility companies (if any).
9. Coordinating repair and restoration of essential public facilities and services
in accordance with determined priorities.
10. Assisting private businesses and individual property owners in obtaining
' information on the various types of assistance that might be available to them
from local, State, and federal agencies.
' 11. Coordinating public safety.
As a fiuther aid in the return to normal operations following a storm event, and in
circumstances where damage may be quite bad (or catastrophic) the Town will prepare a list of
local residents who should be allowed free access to the Town in the aftermath of a storm event.
' These people would be allowed to return in the event of a blockading of the Town. The persons
on this list will be referred to as the Damage Control Team and will include all members of the
DRT, Town employees, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, volunteer fire and rescue personnel
and others who may be of assistance in a return to pre -storm status.
Following the storm event, the DRT will have Town personnel, volunteers, the Damage
' Control Team, and others as necessary, to begin clean-up operations and debris removal. State
and/or federal assistance will be requested, and if available will be used for the purpose of
cleaning streets, roads, bridges, culverts, etc., and to assist the elderly and infirm who may be in
immediate need of assistance. The DRT will be responsible for the implementation of an
orderly reconstruction process following a major storm event. The reconstruction process will
occur in accordance with the Town's building and land use regulations and policies.
Damage Assessment
Damage assessment must be made to determine as quickly as possible a realistic estimate
of the amount of damage caused by a hurricane or major storm. Information such as the number
of structures damaged, the extent of the damage, and the total estimated value of property
destroyed will need to be developed.
' As soon as possible following a storm event the DRT will set up a Damage Assessment
Team (DAT). This team must consist of individuals who are capable of giving reliable estimates
of the original value of structures, estimates of the value amount of damages sustained, and an
accounting of repairs necessary to restore the structure to its original use. Members of the DAT
53

will consist of the following persons:
'
1. Tax Collector
2. Building Inspector
'
3. A local realtor or contractor
4. Brunswick County Tax Department personnel
The following general criteria shall be used:
!
1. Destroyed — repairs would cost more than 80% of value.
2. Major damage — repairs would cost more than 30% of value.
3. Minor damageµ repairs would cost less than 30% of the value but the
'
structure is currently uninhabitable.
4. Habitable — some minor damage with repairs less than 15% of value.
'
Each damage assessment will be documented according to County Tax Department
records. Also Town tax maps and records will be used for identification purposes. The total
estimated dollar value of damages will be summarized and reported to the DRT at the
!
completion of the survey, or in the case of extensive damage, at regular intervals during the
assessment.
'
Reconstruction Standards
!
Structures which are rendered destroyed or which have sustained or maJjdamage, as
determined by the DAT, and which did not conform to the Town's building code, Zoning
Ordinance, or other storm mitigation policy standards must be redeveloped according to those
'
policies. In some instances this will mean the relocation of buildings or structures, in other
instances this will mean no reconstruction will be allowed. Building permits.to restore structures
which have received major damage or which have been destroyed and which were in
!
conformance with municipal ordinances and storm mitigation policy standards will be issued
automatically. All structures suffering major damage will be repaired according to the NC
Building Code and according all other pertinent, State, local, or federal rules and regulations.
!
All structures suffering minor damage, regardless of location, will be allowed to rebuild to the
original condition prior to the storm event.
Development Moratoria
ment much
!
Because of the density development within the Town of Bolivia, which is more
P
densely developed than the surrounding areas of the County, and because of the possibility of -
extensive damage caused by a major storm, it may be necessary for the Town to prohibit all
,
redevelopment activities for a period of time following a storm event. This development
moratoria would allow Town officials the opportunity to carefully assess all damage in light of
existing policies, building regulations. and ordinances and to determine the steps necessary for
,
54

redevelopment. This will be particularly crucial should major public facilities be destroyed.
The intent of this moratorium would be to avoid similar circumstances in the event of future
storms. If a moratorium is declared, it will be declared by the Town Board of Aldermen. The
time frame for this moratorium will be consistent with the extent of damage. The actual length
of any moratorium declared will be set by the Board of Aldermen.
Reconstruction Schedule
The following brief schedule of activities and time fi-a.me are approved with an
understanding that, realistically, there are many factors which must be considered during a storm
event and some of these items may render this schedule unworkable or not feasible. It is the
policy of the Town of Bolivia to take all actions to complete the reconstruction process as
quickly and conveniently for all citizens as possible.
Activity Time Frame
-! Complete and report damage assessments. 4 2 weeks after storm
-i Begin repairs to critical utilities and facilities. 4 As soon as possible
-tt Permitting of reconstruction activity for all Following completion
damaged structures. of assessments of the
individual buildings
requiring repair
Replacement of Public Utilities
If the public water supply system or future public or community sewerage system is
damaged or destroyed and it may be determined that the facility may be moved to a less
hazardous location, then the system may be relocated during the reconstruction period. The
Mayor, the Board of Aldermen, and the Town engineer will be responsible for oversight on the
repair or reconstruction of public utilities.
(d) Evacuation Plans
The Town has confidence in the disaster preparedness plan of the Brunswick County
Emergency Management Department and hereby supports, accepts, and adopts the provisions of
this plan relative to the evacuation of the Town of Bolivia. Town officials believe Bolivia
should serve as a place those evacuating beach communities may wish to evacuate to rather than
a Brunswick County place people may wish to evacuate from.
SECTION 7: LAND CLASSIFICATION
The land classification system provides a framework which will guide the Town of
Bolivia in identifying the future use of all lands within the Town's planning jurisdiction. Some
55

1
of the lands in Town and the extraterritorial area.are more suitable than others for development
activity. The description of the classes herein outlined will allow Bolivia officials to illustrate
graphically their policy statements on where and at what density they wish future growth will
occur, and will illustrate where the Town wants to conserve natural and cultural resources by
'
guiding growth.
The Coastal Resources Commission has designated (through the use of the Planning
r
Guidelines) a land classification system which has seven classes. These seven classification
categories (developed, urban transition, limited transition, community, rural, rural with services,
'
and conservation) have been subdivided by the Town of Bolivia into more specific subclasses
pertinent to the situation within the Town. Some classes may not apply (at all) to a.particular
local government, which is the case in Bolivia, and in other circumstances, the fit may be
'
perfect.
The following land classification categories are suggested by the Coastal Resources
Commission as a guide to each local government in developing their own categories:
1. Developed:
'
A. Purpose. The purpose of the developed class is to provide for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns and their urban environs.
'
B. Description and characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of the developed
classification are currently urban in character where minimal undeveloped land
remains and have in place, or are scheduled for the timely provision of, the usual
'
municipal or public sovices. Urban in character includes mixed land uses such as
residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and other uses at high to moderate
densities. Services include water, sewer, recreational facilities, stress and roads,
'
police and fire protection. In some instances an area may not have all the traditional
urban services in place, but if it otherwise has a developed character and is
scheduled for the timely provision of these services, it still meets the intent of the
developed classification.
'
2. Urban Transition:
A. se. The se of the urban transition class is to vide for future intensive
� P� Pro
urban development on lands that are suitable and that will be provided with the
necessary urban services to support intense urban development.
'
B. Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of the urban transition
classification arepresently beingdeveloped forurbanpurposes orwillbe developed
in the next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated population and urban
'
growth. These areas are in, or will be in an urban "transition" state of development
_
going from lower intensity uses to higher intensity uses and as such will eventually
require urban services.Examples of areas meeting the intent of this class are lands
'
included within municipal extraterritorial planning boundaries and areas being
considered for annexation.
i.
Areas classified urban transition will provide lands for intensive urban
growth when lands in the developed class are not available. Urban
transition lands must be able to support urban development by being
'
56

generally free of physical limitations and be served or readily served by
urban services. Urban development includes mixed land uses such as
residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and other uses at or
'
approaching high to moderate densities. Urban services include water,
sewer, streets and roads, police and fire protection that will be made
available at the time development occurs or soon thereafter. Permanent
population densities in this class will be high and the seasonal population
'
may swell significantly.
3. Limited Transition:
'
A. Purpose. The purpose of the Limited Transition Class is to provide for
development in areas that will have some services, but are suitable for lower
'
densities than those associated with the Urban Transition Class, and/or are
geographically remote from existing towns and municipalities.
B. Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this class will
experience increased development during the planning period. They will be in a
state of development necessitating some municipal type services. These areas are
of modest densities and often suitable for the provision of closed water systems
'
rather than individual wells.
i. Areas classified Limited Transition will provide controlled development
with services, but may not be on lands that are suitable for traditional high
intensity urban development normally associated with sewers or other
services. These may be lands with physical limitations or areas near
'
valuable estuarine waters or other fragile natural systems. Sewers and
other services may be provided because such services are already in the
area orreadily availablenearby, because the lands are unsuitable for septic
tanks or the cumulative impact of septic tanks may negatively impact
'
significant public resources;
I The Limited Transition class is intended for predominately residential
development with densities of three units per acre or less, or the majority
'
of lots 15,000 square feet or greater. In many areas, lower densities would
be necessary and should be discussed. Clustering or development
associated with Planned Unit Developments may be appropriate in the
Limited Transition Class;
iii Areas which meet the definition of the Conservation class should not be
classified Limited Transition.
4. Community:
'
A. Purpose. The purpose of the community class is to provide for clustered, mixed
land uses at low densities to help meet the housing, shopping, employment and
'
other needs in rural areas. -
B. Description and Characteristics. Areas meetin the intent of the community class
escnpti g
are presently developed at low densities which are suitable for private septic tank
'
use. These areas are clustered residential and/or commercial land uses which
57
1

provide both low intensity shopping and housing opportunities and provide a local
social sense of a "community". Very limited municipal type services such as fire
protection and community water may be available, but municipal type sewer
systems are not to be provided as a catalyst for firture development In some
unusual cases sewer systems may be possible, but only to correct an existing or
projected public health hazard. Areas developed in a low density fashion in small,
dispersed clusters in a larger rural landscape with very limited or no water and
sewer services meet the intent of this class.
5. Rural:
A, Purpose. The rural class is to provide for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction
and other allied uses traditionally associated with an agrarian region. Other land
uses, due to theirnoxious or hazardous nature and negative impacts on adjacent uses
may also be appropriate here if sited in a manner that minimizes their negative
effect on surrounding land uses or natural resources. Examples include energy
generatingplants; refiningplants, airports, sewagetreatmentfacilities; fuel storage
tanks and other industrial type uses. Very low density dispersed residential uses on
large lots with on site water and sewer are consistent with the intent of the rural
class. Development in this class should be as compatible with resource production
as possible.
B. Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this classification are
appropriate for or presently used for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and
other uses, that due to their hazardous or noxious nature, should be located in a
relatively isolated and undeveloped area. Very low density dispersed, single fmnily
residential uses are also appropriate within rural areas where lot sizes are large and
where densities do not require the provision of urban type services. Private septic
tanks and wells are the primary on site services available to support residential
development, but fire, rescue squad and sheriff protection may also be available.
Population densities will be very low.
6. Rural with Services.
A. Purpose. The rural services class is to provide for very low density land uses
including residential use where limited water services are provided in order to avert
an existing or projected health problem. Development within this class should be
very low intensity in order to maintain a rural character. Rural water systems, such
as those fimded by Farmers Home Administration, are or may be available in these
areas due to the need to avert poor water quality problems. These systems,
however, should be designed to serve a limited number of customers and shouldnot
serve as a catalyst for future higher intensity development.
B. Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this class are
appropriate for very low intensity residential uses, where lot sizes are large, and
where the provision of services will not disrupt the primary rural character of the
landscape. Private wells and septic tank services may exist, but most development
is supported by a closed water system Other services such as sheriffprotection and
rural or volunteer fire protection and emergency rescue etc. may also be available.
7. Conservation:
58

' A. Purpose. The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for the effective long-
term management and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas.
Management is needed due to the natural, cultural, recreational, scenic or natural
' productive values of both local and more than local concern.
B. Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this classification
' include:
i. AEC's, including but not limited to public trust waters, estuarine waters,
coastal wetlands etc. as identified in 15A NCAC 71-L
I other similar lands, environmentally significant because of their natural
role in the integrity of the coastal region and include but are not limited to
bottom land hardwoods, pocosins, swamp forests, areas that are or ave a
high probability of providing wildlife habitat; forest lands that are
essentially undeveloped and lands which otherwise contain significant
productive, natural, scenic, cultural or recreational resources.
The Town of Bolivia wishes to select and use three of the above mentioned land
classification categories. The Town recognizes the categories named above are "guidelines,"
suggested by the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission through input from their staff,
the NC Division of Coastal Management, and the Town elects to use a hybrid of these suggested
' categories as a means by which to suitably reflect the reality of the growth situation within the
Town.
The following land classifications apply in Bolivia's jurisdiction:
TRANSITION
The purpose of the Transition class is to provide for development in those areas of Town
which are projected as being within a state of "'Transition" during the planning period. In this
context the term Transition means growth and or change of some type due to development or
redevelopment activity. It is believed these areas (shown graphically on the Land Classification
Map) are the most likely to change to ever more densely populated commercial and residentially
developed areas. Those areas classified Transition include all those areas believed suitable for
commercial type development activity during the planning period. Those areas classified
Transition are currently the most densely populated areas of Town. These are those areas where
growth activity will be directed.
' Limited municipal services are available within the Transition areas. Areas which meet
the definition of the Conservation class are not to be considered as Transition lands.
Growth activity in these areas will be governed by the Town's policies (as specifically discussed
rin this Land Use Plan), the Zoning Ordinance, the consistency provisions regarding land
development activity and Land Use Plans addressed in State law (G.S. 113A-111).
59

RURAL
The Town of Bolivia has a large area within the Rural land classification category. The
general purpose of the Rural class is to provide for agriculture, forestry, and uses consistent with
an agrarian region. These uses are consistent with the Town's vision for these areas.
Additionally, industrial, manufacturing, and continuing residential growth within these areas is
also anticipated and expected within the planning period. Population densities within the areas
classified Rural are anticipated to remain relatively low during the planning period All growth
within the areas classified Rural must be consistent with the policies in this document.
CONSERVATION
The Conservation classification within the Town of Bolivia applies to all areas classified
as wetlands by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These areas are too small and too widely
dispersed within the Town's planning jurisdiction to be accurately depicted on the Land
Classification Map. In each case, a site survey will be required to determine if freshwater
wetlands areas are being disturbed. These areas must be identified by a qualified wetlands
consultant, approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or by a representative of the Corps.
Development activity within wetlands is discouraged by Town policy. Development within
these areas is, however, permitted if federal regulations permit such activity. No development
activity is allowed in those areas classified conservation which is inconsistent with the policy
statements within this document.
SECTION 8: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, as staff for the Coastal Resources
Commission, requires a statement within each Land Use Plan in coastal North Carolina on how
policies within the Land Use Plan Amendment relate to the land classification categories. For all
readers and for all agency personnel who may read and interpret this document, be advised that
the Town of Bolivia has given careful thought to the policies contained herein. The policies
which have emerged and which are contained within this document represent the best effort of
Town officials to create policy which reflects the Town's position on long-term growth and
which will be consistent with the planning guidelines received from the NC Coastal Resources
Commission. The Land Classification Map is the graphic depiction of how the Town desires
these policies to be enforced on the land areas in and around the Town.
It is the desire of Town officials to have Town ordinances created and enforced which
will be consistent with Town policy (contained herein) and which policy is depicted on Land
Classification Map which is a part of this document.
SECTION 9: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND
EUPLEMENTATION
The Town of Bolivia will continue to work with Brunswick County on matters of mutual
concern. It is recognized within the Town that the County has resources and staff personnel
60

which are of great assistance to the municipality.. The Town wishes to encourage and to promote
further cooperation. Some of the areas in which the Town would like to work more closely with
the County include:
1. Industrial development and the recruiting of industrial and commercial
businesses to the Bolivia area.
2. Planning and the regulation of development.
3. Provision of fire and rescue services.
4. Emergency management planning and implementation.
5. Parks and Recreation services.
6. Inspections.
7. Sheriffs Department.
8. Register of Deeds.
9. Transportation planning activities.
10. Brunswick County library.
' 11. Water and sewer services extension.
12. Schools/Education.
13. Solid Waste/Trash Collection
14. And others.
The Town also recognizes the municipal boundary and the one mile extraterritorial area
limit are not the full extent of the area of concern effecting the Town of Bolivia. ` Other
municipalities have much to share in terms of experience and expertise. Brunswick County
' municipal managers, administrators, and clerks have a wealth of experience. Rather than each
individual local government re -inventing the solution to a problem the Town of Bolivia suggests
cooperation and a pooling of resources to cooperate on ways that cost savings and administrative
efficiency may be achieved. It is the intention of the Town of Bolivia to make the best use of all
types of resources available and to strive to make the Town of Bolivia a better place. to live
through the sharing of experience.
61

It is recognized that those land areas which are the maximum extent of the Town of
Bolivia's extraterritorial area border on lands which are covered by a different ordinance for
zoning, land subdivision, minimum housing, nuisance, etc. The Town wishes to work with the
County on the adoption of ordinances by both local governments which will have some
,
similarity of purpose. The long-range goal for each of these places is a better living
environment for the citizens of Brunswick County. County residents share a common destiny,
and just as a common future for those who stay in the County is indisputable, any inconsistencies
,
in policy or design of land management systems and ordinances will always be able to be
discussed at the Town of Bolivia. Municipal officials would also like to recognize this same
level of cooperation at the County and to thank the County for their assistance through the years.
1
1
1
62
1

� � � � � � � � � r � � � � � � � � �

P
7
J
ATTACHMENT A
Town of Bolivia Elected Officials
(State & Federal Legislative)
U. S. Senate
The Honorable Jesse Helms
SD-403 Dirksen Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
[phone]
fax [phone]
The Honorable John Edwards
317 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
[phone]
fax [phone]
U. S. House .of Representatives
The Honorable Mike McIntyre
1605 Longworth Building
Washington, DC 20515
[phone]
fax [phone]
N. C. State Senate
The Honorable R. C. Soles, Jr.
Legislative Building, Room 2022
Raleigh, NC 27601
[phone]
fax [phone]
N. C. State House of Representatives
The Honorable E. David Redwine
Legislative Building, Room 1204
Raleigh, NC 27601
[phone]
fax [phone]

ATTACHMENT B

ATTACHMENT E

ATTACHMENT
:F
Ct
Town
of Bolivia.,-
Brunswick CoM
Bolivia()
1993
56,322 -
257 ".
257
•.257
1994
57,851
2641
-261
1995
. 59,376
.271'..
264
.261. .
1996 .
60P840
277 ..
267-
262
1-997
62,335:
.283
..270.
263 .
1998:.
' 63,841.:
289
273. :
264...
1999 .
65,353 .
. 295
276 . -
265 - :
- 2000
66,497
300 ::
.
278
267.
2001 `
:68,019
306
281
'2b8
�.200Z,.
69,289
283 .
2003.:
- 70,596 :.
316 ' .
: 285
'.'.270 ..
2004
71,939 ..
322
288
272:..
.
.,. -
-2005
73,285
328
291
273.
2006
74,573
333
293
274
: 2007 :
75,897
338
: 295
-275 .
a
: 2008
344 -
298
`: 277
2009..
-78;606 `
350 .
. :•301
278
2010
79,644
354 ` ° :.
303 179.. .
' 2011:..
80,999 ..:
360
306
. 280
.2012
82,151
365
308 - "
281..
2013 '
83,342.. `
370.
310
283
2014
= .84,572 ' "
375.
312
284.:
2015 :...
• 85,804
386
.' 314
: 286
popprobo.105.
The.figures in this column
have been compiled by.fhe Cape Fear Council of Governments - '.
from projection by the North Carolina Office of State Planning,.
December 1944.
Figures,projected
areas of July for each year given
Z This column shows Bolivia growing at the same
rate as the'County.as a whole.
This coluninshows Bolivia growing at. one-half the rate of the County as awhole. -
Thy .. ;
"�'
s column shows Soli growing at twenty-five percent of the rate of the County as a
whole:
At this level of analysis (year -by -year) these figures. are not especially meaningful.. They
could
be: altered dramatically by a few families moving into Town in one year: The'comparative .
analysis between years, as in comparing 1995 to 2010, is
much more meaningful though it.is still
highly speculative due .to the percentages involved. The reader is instructed to use caution in use of
these figuces. The Town believes these figures are oxv.

�p
ATTA CHMIENT G
.
y'
Pr"ojections"for
i''"11 "�'g
Ri `Co'Un
•: -
1995
Brunswick Co New Hanover
e er P nd � •
Columbus CO
. .
RCgion/Total
r
59,376
132,506
33,205 :
50,097
275,184 1.
1996
60,840
•133,930
33,861 :
49,934 :.
278,565
1997 .
62,335
135,337
34,531
49,761
281,964
1998 ,
63,841
136,733
35;200
49,623
285,397
1999
65,353
1381187
. 35,868
- . 49,445
288,853
2000.
66,497
139,332
36,374
49;291
291,494
2001
68 019
140,702
37,073
49,036 '
294 830
.
....
72002
. - b9 .2 g9
t4t 76 9
37,661
48,827
297,546
2003 '
70596
142;833
38,252
.48,656 :
300,337
2004:. ,
71;939
143,966
q .38,847..
48,449
303,201
2005
73 285
145147
39 448
48 219 .
306 099
2006
74,573
146,313 - '
40 034
47 979
' 308,899 .
2007
. 75;897 ::
147,482
-40;635
47,733
:: 311;747 '
.2008 .
77,246
1481'657
41,243
47,524 ° . ' . `
314,670
2009
78- 0.6
149,926
41,859
47,281
317,666
-� ..
2010
2011
79,644
t50,936 '
42 331
47 081
_
319 992
-80,999
152, i 41 ::
42 990
46 766
322 896
2012
82,151
153,096
43,554
46,513
325,314
2013 .:.
2014
83,342
154,068
44 T26 -
46,299.
327 833
`84.
,572
155,131 .
44,707
46,057
330,467 -
2015
85,804
156,237
45,299
45,796
333,136:
- ;
populatLr-o.
'
Thesefiguresf have been compiled by Cape Fear Council of Governments from projections supplied by the '
�!arYh.Catalina Offices of StattPtamm�.;, D>c�mlx'r t 9q�. figws ploj%-Med arcs as of July fnr each year given. '-

TOWN OF BOLIVIA
EXISTING LAND USE MAP
CUE Fm
1998
ootm�.a�c4ur�r�rres
O
0
P O
p
•
a � r
P ■ P P.P ■
P
�■a o0
O
N'
r
o �
N
p
LEGEND
O
P SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE
■ MANUFACTURED HOME
O
Ei ti
O COMMERCIAL USE
o.
P
AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS
BRUNSWICK COUNTY
GOVERNMENT O O.
:
D
A
WATER TOWER
A INSTITUTIONAL USE
COMPLEX
O
O
p
c F
O .
o
.o
o,
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..
-
YAP NOTES
1. LO�UNa OiTMMS,00VER NiS.M BY CAPE FEAR
i BASE YAP PREPARED BY BRUNSNIN COUNTY.
d YAP IS NOT 70 SCµE.
MS YAP SNOWS OFNEIUUIID ENSTWO IANO USE

11 Yl
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