Land Use Plan Amendment-2000

i
TOWN OF CALABASH
1999 LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Keith Hardee, Mayor
Anthony Clemmons
John Collins
Emily M. DiStasio
Forrest King
Rosemary Raleigh
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
Joseph L. Nance, Jr. - Chairman
Curtis J. Hardee
Patricia Lewellyn
Guylen W. Pridgen
Jerry Prince
Charles Woodman
TOWN STAFF
Jon Sanborn, Administrator
Janet Thomas, Clerk
Karl Bennett
Mary Bruton
Timothy Evans
Sue Womble
PLANNING CONSULTANT
Peggy H. Hayes
Hayes & Associates
2222 Mimosa Place
Wilmington, NC 28403
[phone]
ADOPTED BY
D
LD (C 191V B
AUG 0 9 2000
COASTAL DIVIM 0 AGGEMSNT
Town of Calabash Board of Commissioners 4-11-2000
Coastal Resource Commission 5-26-2000
FUNDING AGENCY
The preparation of this land use planning document with associated maps was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided 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.

• 1999 LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION / DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY vi
1. INTRODUCTION 1
A. Why Prepare A CAMA Land Use Plan 1
B. Functions of the Land Use Plan 1
C. Components of the CAMA Land Use Plan 3
2. PRESENT CONDITIONS 4
A. Overview of Calabash's History and Regional Population Growth
4
B. Population
6
1. Year-round population
6
• 2. Seasonal Population
7
3. Day Visitors
8
4. Summary of Population Growth
g
5. Socioeconomic Characteristics
g
6. Population Projections
g
C. Economy
11
D. Existing Land Use
14
1. Residential Land Uses
14
2. Commercial Land Uses
15
3. Governmental/Institutional Uses
15
4. Recreational Uses
15
5. Manufacturing/Industrial Use
15
6. Land Use Compatibility Problems
15
7. Problems from Unplanned Development
16
8. Areas Likely to Experience Changes in Predominant Land Use
16
E. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
16
1. Prior CAMA Land Use Plans
16
2. Transportation
17
3. Water Distribution Plan
17
4. Waste Treatment Plans
17
5. Utilities Extension Policy
17
6. Recreation Policy
18
• 7. Emergency Response Plan
18
8. Waterfront Access Plan
18
9. Calabash River Dredging Feasibility Study
18

2. PRESENT CONDITIONS, CONTINUED
E. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
10. Local Regulations and Enforcement Provisions
a. CAMA Permits
b. Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map
c. Subdivision Regulations
d. Septic Tank Regulation
e. Building Code
f. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
11. Federal and State Regulations
SECTION 3: LAND SUITABILITY
A. Areas of Environmental Concern
1. Coastal Wetlands
2. Estuarine Waters
3. Estuarine Shorelines
4. Public Trust Areas
B. Flood Hazard Areas
C. Estuarine Erosion Areas
D. Man-made Hazards
E. Areas with Soil Limitations
F. Sources and Estimated Quality of Water Supply
1. Groundwater
2. Surface Water Quality
G. Closed Shellfishing Areas
H. Slopes in Excess of 12 Percent
I. Fragile Areas
1. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
2. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
J. Areas with Resource Potential
1. Agricultural, Forest, and Mining Resources
2. Productive Water Bodies
3. Non -intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands
18
18
18
19
19
20
20
20
21
21
21
21
22
22
22
23
23
23
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
26
26
26
26
U
•
C

• SECTION 4: CONSTRAINTS - CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES 27
A. Existing Water Service Areas 27
B. Sewer Service Area 27
C. Schools 28
D. Transportation 28
E. Solid Waste Collection 29
F. Police Protection 29
G. Fire Protection 29
H. Emergency Rescue and Safety 30
I. Recreational Services 30
J. Administrative Services 30
• SECTION 5: LAND USE POLICY STATEMENTS 31
A. Purpose of Policy Statements
31
1. Background
31
2. Policy Format
32
B. Community Vision Statement for Next Ten Years
32
C. Policy Statements
33
1. Resource Protection
33
a. Areas of Environmental Concern
33
(1) The Estuarine System
33
(a) Coastal Wetlands
33
(b) Estuarine Waters
33
(c) Estuarine Shorelines
34
(d) Public Trust Areas
34
(e) Outstanding Resource Waters
34
(2) Ocean Hazards Areas
35
b. Other Natural Fragile Areas
35
(1) Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
35
(2) Prime Wildlife Habitats
35
(3) Wooded Swamps and 404 Wetlands
36
(4) Maritime Forests and Tree Cover
36
(5) Significant Archaeological and Historical Resources
36
• (6) Shellfishing Waters
37

SECTION 5: LAND USE POLICY STATEMENTS, continued
c. Constraints to Development
37
d. Protection of Potable Water Supplies
37
e. Use of Package Treatment Plants
38
f. Stormwater Runoff
38
g. Marina, Bulkhead, and Floating Home Development
39
h. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
39
i. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
39
j. Rising Sea Level
40
2. Resource Production and Management 40
a. Recreational and Fisheries Resources 40
b. Impact of Residential and Commercial Development on
Natural Resources 41
3. Economic and Community Development
41
a. Growth Management
41
b. Types of Development
43
c. Capacity of Existing Facilities and Local Commitment
to Providing Services
44
d. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
44
e. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
45
f. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
45
g. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Renourishment
45
h. Energy Facility Siting and Development
46
i. Tourism
46
j. Coastal and Estuarine Beach Access and Parking
46
k. Bicycle Traffic Improvements
46
4. Continuing Public Participation Policies 47
5. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Policies 47
a. Storm Hazard Mitigation 48
b. Evacuation 49
c. Post Disaster and Reconstruction Policies 49
SECTION 6: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM 51
A. Developed 51
B. Urban Transition 51
C. Conservation 52
0
iv

•
•
•
LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
TABLES
PAGE
Table 2.1: Town of Calabash Annexations, Mergers, and Incorporations, 1973-1999
5
Table 2.2: Year-round Population for the Town of Calabash and Brunswick County, 1970-1998
6
Table 2.3: Town of Calabash Planning Area Year -Round Population, 1998
7
Table 2.4: Town of Calabash Planning Area Seasonal Population and Housing, 1999
8
Table 2.5: Summary of the Calabash Planning Area Population, 1999
9
Table 2.6: Town of Calabash Building Permits, 1982-1999
10
Table 2.7: Housing and Peak Seasonal Population Projections for the Calabash
Planning Area, 1999 — 2009
11
Table 2.8: Golf Courses Located Within Five Miles of Calabash, September 1999
13
Table 2.9: Town of Calabash Assessed Valuations, 1982 —1999
14
Table 2.10: 1999 Residential Land Use by Type
15
Table 2.11: Major Development Proposals Approved in 1999
16
Table 3.1: Soil Characteristics for Calabash
24
Table 4.1: School Membership and Design Capacity, August 31, 1999
28
Table 4.2: Average Daily Traffic Counts for Calabash, 1984-1998
29
Map 1: Location of the Town of Calabash
Map 2: Existing Land Use Map, 1999
Map 3: 2000 Land Classification Map
MAPS
2
Back of Report
Back of Report
V

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
POPULATION GROWTH
The Town of Calabash, frequently referred to as the "Seafood Capital of the World," has changed
considerably both in terms of corporate boundaries and population growth over the years. Calabash was
chartered on May 9, 1973 and the original town limits were only slightly altered by five annexations until
the merger of Calabash and Carolina Shores on August 31, 1989. The 1989 landmark merger
quadrupled the geographic area of the Town as well as caused the town population to swell with the
addition of 1,186 Carolina Shores residents. Two additional annexations between 1989 and 1997
included the ABC Store, Marsh Harbor, Hunter's Trace, and Saltaire Village. A referendum was
conducted on September 15,1998 which resulted in the incorporation of Carolina Shores and revised the
corporate boundaries for the Town of Calabash. The revised town limits of Calabash were extended by
the referendum to include Marsh Harbor, Hunter's Trace, additional land along Persimmon Road, and the
previous unincorporated pockets located within the town boundaries. A voluntary satellite annexation of
the Hidden Valley subdivision was instituted in December 1998.
The year-round population of the "original Calabash" has historically been very small with only 140
residents in 1980. Of course, the Town's official population has fluctuated considerably as its town
boundaries have changed with the 1989 merger and the 1998 separation into two towns. The Town was
incorporated in 1973 and made its first showing in the 1980 U.S. Census with a permanent population of
140 persons. In 1990, however, the U.S. Census showed a year-round population of 1,210 persons.
This extraordinary growth was the result of the merger of the Town of Calabash with the community of
Carolina Shores on August 31, 1989. Based on the revised referendum boundaries, the North Carolina
. Office of State Planning estimates the 1998 population for the town as 795. Town officials agree with this
estimate and it is used for this Land Use Plan.
•
Calabash, like other coastal communities, experiences a fluctuation of population according to the
season. The year-round population in Calabash remains fairly stable throughout the twelve months.
However, the seasonal population including day visitors fluctuates. The Town's reputation as the
"Seafood Capitol of the World" attracts thousands of visitors from both the Carolinas to its restaurants and
shops. The popularity of Calabash's golf courses is steadily growing each year. The following table
summarizes the peak population estimates for the Calabash Planning Area that includes the residential
and day visitor population estimates. During a peak summer weekend, it is estimated that approximately
14,364 people live, visit, or stay overnight in the Calabash Planning Area.
SUMMARY OF THE CALABASH PLANNING AREA POPULATION,1999
POPULATION COMPONENT:
CORPORATE
EXTRA
PLANNING AREA ;
AR EA.
YEAR-ROUND RESIDENTS
795
1,224
2,019
SEASONAL OVERNIGHT
67
58
125
VISITORS
RESIDENTIAL SUBTOTAL
862
1,282
2,144
RESTAURANT DAY VISITORS
12,000
---
12,000
DAILY GOLFER AVERAGE
110
110
220
1 ----T
TOTAL PEAK POPULATION
12,972
1,392
14,364
Source: Hayes & Associates
A

The population growth of the Calabash area is consistent with the strong overall growth trends in
Brunswick County. Brunswick County grew by 47.7 percent between 1970 and 1980 and by 42.5 percent
between 1980 and 1990. Over the twenty-year period between 1970 and 1990, Brunswick County had a
significant population growth of 111 percent. Most of Brunswick County's growth occurred in the beach
areas and in the mainland adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. As a case in point, Calabash is located
in the Shallotte Township. This township experienced a 142 percent population increase between 1970
and 1990 and a 79.9 percent increase during the 1980's. Over one-third of Brunswick's County
population increase during the 1980's occurred in Shallotte Township. The North Carolina Office of State
Planning estimates Brunswick County's 1998 population to be 67,266 — a net increase of 16,281
residents since the 1990 Census. Brunswick County is one of the fastest growing counties in North
Carolina as evident by its population increase of 34.5 percent between 1990 and 1998 as compared to
the state population increase of 13.8 percent.
Dramatic growth has also occurred to the south in neighboring Horry County, SC, better known as the
Greater Myrtle Beach Area. Horry County includes the cities of.Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little
River and the unincorporated portions of the county. The population of Horry County was 69,992 in 1970,
101,419 in 1980, 144,053 in 1990, and 156,608 in 1997. Thus, the year-round population of the Horry
County more than doubled between 1970 and 1990 according to the United States Census. Horry
County's population is projected to be 163,883 by the year 2002. (U.S. Bureau of the Census, the SC
Office of Research and Statistics, Budget and Control Board, June 22, 1999)
Carolina Blythe and the Brunswick County Water System will have sufficient capacity to serve the
projected 2009 peak seasonal residential population of 6,050. The SBWSA sewer system should be
serving the entire Calabash Planning Area by 2002. Population growth of Calabash is anticipated to have
a minor impact upon school enrollment in Brunswick County. The Town of Calabash supports the solid
waste collection and recycling program of Brunswick County. The feasibility of a local police department
Will be explored. The Town will continue to support its volunteer fire department and emergency rescue
squad. The Calabash Town Hall has been expanded to provide adequate space for town administrative
services.lei
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
An important aspect of the planning process is forecasting the future population of an area.
Unfortunately, population forecasts are usually the least precise element of a land use plan since so
many factors such as annexation, the economy, and new development plans directly impact demographic
projections. This is especially true for a town like Calabash that has experienced a building boom as well
as has changed its original town limits by annexations, the 1989 merger, and the 1998 incorporation of
Carolina Shores. The fluctuating nature of town and extraterritorial limits do not make a good point of
reference for long term projections. What will be the Calabash's town limits in 2004 and 2009?
The Calabash Planning Area is on the verge of a building boom as evident by the three major
development plans approved in 1999. The plans for Marsh Harbour, Ocean Harbour, and Devaun Park
have authorization for 346 new dwelling units and a 900-room hotel in the Town and 745 units in the ETJ.
New residential construction will also occur in the existing subdivisions. Since 1990, building permits
have been issued for 962 or an average of 96.2 residential units per year. These building permit trends
with the exception of the last year are based on the former town's planning jurisdiction. However, given
the major development proposals, growth in Calabash will probably continue at a similar rate as in the
past. For projection purposes, it was assumed that an average of 35 new dwelling units in the Town and
60 new dwelling units in the ETJ would be built over the next five to ten years. It was also assumed that
the household size of 2.0 persons per household as cited in the 1990 US Census would continue as well.
Table 1.2 shows the projected housing and peak seasonal population projections for the Town, the ETJ,
and the Planning Area for the years 1999 through 2009. Based on these assumptions, the Calabash
Planning Area would have 3,025 housing and hotel units by 2009 and a peak seasonal population of
6,050. This is a net increase of 3,700 overnight seasonal residents since 1999 representing a 157 percent
increase. As the following table reveals, the residential population will continue to grow steadily,
contributing to the demand for land, utilities, and other public services. Moreover, these projections do
vii

not include the transient "day visitor' population, which would still be substantially higher than the
residential population during the peak summer season.
HOUSING AND PEAK SEASONAL POPULATION PROJECTIONS
FOR THE CALABASH PLANNING AREA, 1999 - 2009
HOU SES
PLAN N AREA.
TOTAL DWELLING
PEAK SEASONAL:
YEAR
TOWN'.
ETJ ..,
TOTAL
HOTEL .
ANQ HOTEL UNITS
POPULATION
1999
521
644
1,165
10
1,175
2,144
2000
556
704
1,260
10
1,270
2,540
20011
591
764
1,355
10
1,365
2,730
20021
626
824
1,450
910
2,360
4,720
20031
661
884
1,545
910
2,455
.4,910
20041
696
944
1,640
910
2,550
5,100
2005
731
1,004
1,735
910
2,645
5,290
2006
766
1,064
1,830
910
2,740
5,480
2007
801
1,124
1,925
910
2,835
5,670
2008
836
1,184
2,020
910
2,930
5,860
20091
871
1,244
2,115
9101
3,025
6,050
Source: Hayes & Associates, October 1999.
COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT FOR NEXT TEN YEARS
The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines suggest that the policy section begin with an overall guiding
policy regarding future growth and development. The following vision statement emphasizes the need for
diligence in working to retain the quality features associated with Calabash:
The citizens, property and business owners of the Town of Calabash shall strive to maintain a
precious balance between our serene residential life and bustling business sector. We will seek
to maintain the "small fishing village atmosphere" afforded by our world-famous collection of
seafood restaurants and scenic Calabash River while emerging as a world -class resort area that
offers golfing, shopping, deep-sea fishing, and wonderful dining. Our dock areas and waterviews
are a precious asset and must be preserved, carefully developed and maintained for the future.
We will promote pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, shuttle systems, and off -site parking to
enhance access and alleviate traffic congestion in our downtown corridor. Our coastal location is
very fragile and should be protected from abusive development. Our wetland areas, marshes,
natural vegetation growth and wildlife must be preserved to prevent further deterioration to our
coastal community. We shall protect our community as a desirable place for both visitors and
residents alike by careful planning and zoning, with emphasis on controlled growth and
development.

POLICY STATEMENTS
The foregoing policies were developed to provide a general framework for guiding growth and
development in Calabash over the next five years:
1. Resource Protection
a. Areas of Environmental Concern
(11 The Estuarine System
(a) Coastal Wetlands: It shall be the policy of Calabash to restrict land uses in coastal wetlands to those
that guarantee wetlands conservation and which do not affect their delicate balance. Calabash shall
permit water dependent uses such as docks, boat ramps, piers, marinas, utility easements, and culverts,
consistent with the definition and use standards of 15 NCAC 7H. Each proposed use will be evaluated for
water dependency.
Unacceptable land uses in coastal wetlands may include, but would not be limited to restaurants,
businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels, floating structures other than boat docks, and
parking lots.
In some instances, it may be necessary and in the public interest for roads to transverse wetland areas.
Where this is absolutely necessary, state and federal regulations may allow such with certain safeguards
and/or mitigation measures.
(b) Estuarine Waters: In recognition of the importance of estuarine waters for the fisheries and related
industries as well as aesthetics and recreation, Calabash shall promote the conservation and quality of
this resource. Appropriate uses may include simple access channels, structures which prevent erosion,
navigational channels, boat docks, piers, marinas, and mooring pilings which are consistent with 15
NCAC 7H.
i
i
i
A proposed centralized sewer system shall be encouraged as a means to eliminate pollution from
malfunctioning or inadequate septic systems and(or package treatment plants.
The development of boat launching, wet -slip marinas, and dry -storage boat docking facilities shall be
supported as a means of providing public water access provided that their development shall not
adversely impact estuarine resources or public trust areas.
Floating structures other than boat docks shall be banned in order to protect our estuarine and public trust
areas.
The Town will support those projects that will increase the productivity of the estuary such as oyster
reseeding or dredging projects that will increase the flushing actions of tidal movements.
tc) Estuarine Shorelines: Suitable land uses within the estuarine shorelines are those that are
compatible with both the dynamic nature of estuarine shorelines and the value of the estuarine system.
Calabash recognizes the close association between estuarine shorelines and the adjacent estuarine
waters, the influence that shoreline development has on the quality of estuarine life, and that the
damaging processes of shorefront erosion and flooding to which the estuarine shoreline is subject.
Within the Estuarine Shoreline Area, the Town of Calabash believes that certain developed uses should
only be allowed to take place which are consistent with 15 NCAC 7H and as further defined by the Town's
building and development ordinances, and which satisfy the following requirements:
1) natural barriers to erosion are not weakened or eliminated,
2) development does not interfere with present public access or use of navigable waters or public trust •
areas,
3) the amount of runoff is unchanged;
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4) no pollution is generated,
5) standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Act of 1973, amended 1990, are upheld, and
6) the construction of impervious surfaces and areas not allowing natural drainage is limited to that
necessary for development.
(d) Public Trust Areas: The State of North Carolina and the Town of Calabash holds its waters in public
trust and promote public access to these areas. in the absence of overriding public benefit, any use,
which significantly interferes with the public right of navigation, or other public trust rights which apply in
the area shall not be allowed. Projects which would directly or indirectly block or impair navigational
channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water
circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters shall not be
allowed.
For the Town of Calabash, a navigational channel will be defined as any water channel that is passable
by boats during high tide. Permanent obstruction of these navigational channels will not be allowed.
Improvements such as bridges and docks must be built to allow boating access.
Uses that may be allowed in public trust areas shall not be detrimental to the public trust rights and the
biological and physical functions of the estuary. Examples of such uses include the development of
navigational channels or drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building of
piers or docks. Such uses shall generally be permitted as long as they conform to State development
standards.
b. Other Natural Fragile Areas
(1) Areas that Sustain Remnant Species: Not applicable to the Calabash Planning Area.
(2) Prime Wildlife Habitats: The coastal marshes along the Calabash River serve as prime wildlife
habitats. The CAMA major and minor permitting process and local development ordinances will regulate
development in these areas.
(,7J Wooded Swamps and 404 Wetlands: It is the Town policy to protect freshwater wetlands, marshes,
and 404 wetlands within its planning jurisdiction in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
(4) Maritime Forests and Tree Cover. Tree cover in Calabash, whether maritime or otherwise is a highly
valued asset. The Town encourages efforts to preserve tree cover in new development and
redevelopment. The Town promotes the planting of trees and natural areas in its landscaping regulations
and subdivision ordinance. The Calabash Planning Board will study the feasibility of adopting a tree
ordinance that promotes the conservation of trees.
(5) Significant Archaeological and Historical Resources: There may be some undisturbed
archaeological resources within Calabash's Planning Area. The Town believes that all development
plans in such identified areas should be carefully reviewed prior to approval and that the NC Division of
Archives and History should be contacted. Moreover, the State Division of Archives and History will be
contacted if any additional archaeological sites previously not recorded are discovered.
(6) Sheilfrshing Waters: The Town supports and encourages the activities of the State's Shellfishing
Management Program. The Town promotes water quality through its stom7water requirements in its
subdivision ordinance and participation in the stormwater management and regional sewer system now
being planned and implemented by the South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority. (SB WSA)
c. Constraints to Development
(1) Until such time as a central sewerage collection and disposal system is developed, growth and
development will not be permitted in areas where septic tanks will not function. All septic tanks must be
in compliance with State Health Regulations through administration by the Brunswick County Health
Department.
x

(2) Development may be constructed in areas with limitations for building foundations only if corrective
measures for stabilizing foundations are incorporated into the building design.
(3) All new construction and substantial improvements in the 100-year flood zones must comply strictly to
the Town's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance which has been adopted in conjunction with Calabash's
participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
d. Protection of Potable Water Supplies: Sources of potable surface and groundwater for the
Town of Calabash shall be protected to the maximum extent possible.
e. Use of Package Treatment Plants: It shall be the policy of Calabash to allow package
treatment plants where they are deemed necessary and if they can be constructed with the overall intent
of this plan and meet all federal and state environmental regulations. If and when centralized sewer
facilities are made available to areas served by package plants, hookup to the sewer facilities will be
required, and the package plant(s) eliminated.
f. Stormwater Runoff:
(1) Stormwater runoff from new development will be reduced by enacting improved stormwater control
regulations.
(2) The Town of Calabash encourages the use of "innovative" systems that utilize pervious or semi -
pervious materials and the retention of natural vegetation that functions as a filter which minimizes the
rapid release of pollutants to coastal waters through stormwater runoff. The general intent of the
stonnwater regulations will be to encourage the percolation of stormwater into the ground and avoid direct
discharge of stormwater into the coastal waters.
(3) The proposed centralized sewer system is supported as a means to eliminate runoff of surfaced
effluent from malfunctioning or inadequate on -site septic systems.
(4) Stormwater management planning should be conducted by the regional river system drainage basin
system. The Town of Calabash supports the preparation and implementation of a regional comprehensive
stormwater management plan by the South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority for Southwest
Brunswick County.
(5) The Town of Calabash supports the maintenance of the Caw Caw Drainage system by SBWSA.
g. Marina, Bulkhead, and Floating Structure Development: The Town is supportive of the
State's policies on floating structures and believes that they should not be allowed within the Town's
Public Trust Areas.
h. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas: The Town of Calabash will not designate light industrial
zoning in any area containing AECs.
i. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands: There are no estuarine system
islands in Calabash's jurisdiction; therefore, no policies have been developed.
j. Rising Sea Level: The Town of Calabash will closely monitor research on sea level rise and its
effects on coastal areas. It is the policy of the Town to consider any State or Federal policies prior to
issuing specific statements regarding sea level rise and restriction of development in potentially
susceptible locations. Specifically, development within areas up to 5 feet above sea level may be prone
to sea level rise and wetland loss.
Xi

0 2. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
a. Recreational and Fisheries Resources
(1) The Town of Calabash encourages the protection and enhancement of North Carolina's sport and
commercial fisheries industry. Any development or activity, which will profoundly affect coastal and
estuarine waters, will be discouraged. Only those structures, which are water dependent, will be allowed
to be placed adjacent to coastal and estuarine waters. In the design, construction, and operation of water
dependent structures, efforts must be made to mitigate negative effects on water quality and fish habitat,
as determined by 15A NCAC 7H, the Division of Environmental Management, and the Coastal Resources
Commission. The developer and/or owner will bear the cost of any such mitigation.
(2) Calabash supports the NC Division of Marine Fisheries in their development of regulations and
policies, including those on trawling and gill netting in ocean and estuarine waters.
(3) In order to expand Calabash's sport and commercial fishing, Calabash will permit private and public
dredging activities that will positively affect those industries. It is recognized that in dredging and
stabilization activities, some fish habitat damage may occur. Only those projects, which have a
reasonable likelihood of providing greater benefits than damage for marine life, will be supported. All
dredging and stabilization projects must be performed in order to minimize any unavoidable damage to
fish habitat as stipulated by the Army Corps of Engineers.
(4) Calabash supports projects that increase the productivity of coastal and estuarine waters. Projects
such as oyster reseeding programs, dredging to increase tidal flushing, and properly constructed artificial
reef construction have proved successful in the past, and therefore, will be supported in the future.
Mb. The Impact of Residential and Commercial Development on Natural Resources:
Calabash's waters are used for all types of recreation, including fishing for pleasure. These water
resources are vital to the community's "Seafood Capitol" tourist economy. The Town of Calabash is
committed to the protection and enhancement of its waters. The land use controls of Calabash are and
will continue to be written and enforced to insure that proper and adequate measures are incorporated
into the design, construction, and operation of residential and commercial development so that any
substantial negative impact to the unique coastal ecosystem is minimized.
3. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
a. Growth Management
(1) Calabash believes in managing and directing the Town's growth and development in balance with the
availability of public services. The Town will develop a comprehensive plan as a means to manage
growth, to upgrade public services as necessary to accommodate year-round and seasonal population
growth, to enhance its transportation system, and to preserve its natural resources and cultural heritage.
The transportation element will provide an inventory of the existing roadway and sidewalk system and
propose ways to develop a multi -modal transportation network to enhance vehicular traffic, pedestrian
and bicycle pathways, and parking facilities. The feasibility of developing a shuttle system between the
Central Business District, off -site parking facilities, and the major traffic generators such as new hotels will
be explored. The community facilities and public safety element will identify existing and forecasted
needs for recreational facilities including parks and boat ramps, police protection, fire protection, and
emergency medical services
(2) To protect the Town from adverse impacts of growth and development by considering these factors
when making land use decisions:
• the suitability of land to accommodate the use,
• the capacity of the environment to accommodate the development,
• the compatibility of the land use with the goals and objectives of the Town;
Y11

• the density of development and the proposed height of the structures; and
• the availability of support facilities and services.
(3) To prepare for a continuing population growth by assessing the capacity of public services and
upgrading facilities and services as needed.
(4) To institute continuous land use planning and directing growth by enforcing the relevant ordinances
(5) To guide new development away from Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) and other special and
sensitive areas, as reflected in the policies for Resource Protection and Resource Production and
Management.
(6) To guide new development away from hazardous areas where there is a tendency for septic tank
problems and flooding.
(7) To institute annexation proceedings and the extension of the extraterritorial limits in a timely manner in
order to guide growth within the current town boundaries and into the surrounding ETJ areas.
(8) To retain a height limitation for residential, commercial, and institutional structures that is deemed
compatible with the Land Use Plan and the Zoning Ordinances of the Town of Calabash. The Board of
Commissioners will study the feasibility of requiring that a building height restriction only be changed by a
public referendum if there is majority public opposition to such a change. (Amended June 24, 1999)
b. Types of Development
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. It shall be the policy of Calabash to encourage the development of a
variety of housing types to meet the needs and desires of current and future citizens through the
following:
• To maintain areas exclusively for conventional single-family dwellings for the growing population.
• To provide areas for mobile home parks and manufactured housing development.
• To allow patio homes, townhouses, multi -family and condominium development within certain zoning
districts.
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT: The Town wishes to enhance and promote quality commercial
development through the following:
• Calabash's economic base consists mainly of services pertaining to tourism as the "Seafood Capitol
of the World" and the Town will strive to maintain this heritage as a goal in its comprehensive
planning efforts.
• The Town will continue to enforce its current development ordinances and local building permit
process in order to achieve a desired balance between commercial and residential development.
Adequate buffering between residential and commercial development will be required
• The appearance of commercial development will be enhanced by the enforcement of zoning, sign,
and landscaping regulations.
• The Town of Calabash will support efforts to landscape public areas and to encourage beautification
of commercial areas within the Town.
• The Town of Calabash will consider the feasibility of developing additional sources of public revenues
such as the occupancy tax to support tourist -related services.
• The Town of Calabash shall encourage limited commercial centers with a small-town character along
NC 179.
• The feasibility of providing a pedestrian and bicycle pathway system in the Central Business District
will be evaluated as part of the comprehensive planning process.

•
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: The Town of Calabash supports light industrial development in areas not
containing AECs. Zoning restrictions requiring buffering between adjacent land uses will be enforced.
INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: With the exception of churches, institutional uses in Calabash are
now limited to those government and utility sites necessary to provide adequate services to the Town and
its Planning Area. This land use pattern will continue. The Town of Calabash shall encourage land use
compatibility between institutional development and neighboring residential and/or commercial
development.
c. Capacity of Existing Facilities and Local Commitment to Providing Services to
Development
(1) As areas develop, it is the policy of the Town that the developeNowner share in the financial
responsibility of providing basic town services.
(2) The adequacy of public services such as fire, police, and rescue services will be assessed as part of
the comprehensive planning process.
(3) In order to protect the quality of its coastal waters, the Town of Calabash will support the development
of a centralized sewerage treatment and collection system. Connections to the sewer system will be
mandatory as sewer lines and service becomes available to adjacent properties.
(4) In order to protect its coastal waters, the Town of Calabash will improve stormwater management
utilizing all available resources such as SBWSA, county, and state agencies.
(5) To alleviate traffic congestion, the Town of Calabash will evaluate its transportation network during the
comprehensive planning process. The Town of Calabash will promote the use of alternative modes of
transportation and study the feasibility of developing a shuttle system from off -site parking facilities and
major traffic generators to the Central Business District.
(6) The Town of Calabash supports the development of a regional bicycle system throughout Brunswick
County and adjoining municipalities.
(7) The Town of Calabash is committed to acquiring land for recreational use.
d. Desired Urban Growth Patterns: It is very important that the "fishing village" atmosphere be
maintained. Residential development is considered as desirable as long as there is no major or
irreversible damage to environmentally sensitive areas. It is the Town's intentions, as reflected in its
zoning ordinance and zoning map, to allow a mixture of residential development in a balanced manner
throughout its Planning Area.
e. Redevelopment of Developed Areas: Calabash supports redevelopment activity as a
positive re -use of land resources, which enhances the Town as a whole. Such redevelopment may be
permitted as long as the activity complies with existing regulatory requirements. It is the Town's policy
that density allowances for redevelopment conform to existing Town building and zoning regulations.
Xiv

f. Commitment to State and Federal Programs: It is a policy of the Town to support state and
federal programs such as CAMA, dredging, channel maintenance, public access, highway improvements,
the North. Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund. provided the Town rinds these programs to be
appropriate and consistent with Town policies.
g. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Renourishment Projects:
Calabash is supportive of the Corps of Engineers maintenance of the Calabash River and the Intracoastal
Waterway.
h. Energy Facility Siting and Development and Military Operations. The Town of
Calabash discourages offshore continental drilling for gas and oil. It would be inappropriate to locate
support facilities for offshore drilling, electric generating plants, and a military training site within the
Calabash Planning Area.
% Tourism: As the "Seafood Capitol of the World". the Town of Calabash draws most of its livelihood
from tourism, golfing, marine recreation, and fishing activities. The Town supports the continuation of
these activities. The Town of Calabash will consider the feasibility of developing additional sources of
public revenues such as the occupancy tax to support tourist -related activities.
j. Coastal and Estuarine Beach Access and Parking: The Town of Calabash is committed
to the public having access to public trust land and waters, provided that such means do not conflict with
the rights of residents for the use and enjoyment of their property. Calabash supports the utilization of
state and federal, as well as local resources, to develop public access areas.
k. Bicycle Traffic Improvements: The Town of Calabash supports the provision of bicycle
improvements in order to promote bicycling as an alternative means of transportation, improve bicycle
safety, reduce the demand for vehicular parking, promote recreational activities, support the local tourist
economy, protect the environment, and conserve energy resources. Moreover, the Town of Calabash
supports the development of a regional bicycle route system throughout Brunswick County and adjoining
municipalities.
4. Continuing Public Participation Policies' Calabash believes that its Planning Board which
has regularly scheduled meetings, all of which are open to the public, provides opportunities for citizens
to air their views and concems about planning matters. The Planning Board will continue to be the
primary vehicle for citizens' input. The Town of Calabash informs its property owners in a quarterly
newsletter about its planning and administrative activities.
5. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery And Evacuation Planning
a. Storm Hazard Mitigation
fl) High Winds: Calabash supports enforcement of the NC State Building Code. The Town will continue
to enforce the wind resistant construction design standards specified in the State Building Code.
(2) Flooding and Storm Surge: Calabash is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance Program
and is supportive of hazard mitigation elements. Calabash is participating in the regular phase of the
insurance program and enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Calabash also supports
continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 wetlands development permit processes in areas potentially
susceptible to flooding.
(3) Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion: Calabash is supportive of the CAMA development permit
process for estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite development standards which encourage both
shoreline stabilization and facilitation of proper drainage. 0
xv

(4) Development in Hazardous Areas: The Town of Calabash shall continue to discourage high -intensity
uses and large structures from being constructed within the 100 year floodplain, erosion -prone areas, and
other locations susceptible to hurricane and flooding hazards.
(5) Public Acquisition of Hazardous Areas: The Town of Calabash shall consider acquisition of parcels
located in hazard areas or rendered unbuildable by storms or other events, for the purpose of public
water access and conservation of open space.
b. Evacuation: Calabash will provide for an orderly and timely evacuation of town residents and
visitors during a declared emergency by following established procedures set forth by the Calabash
Evacuation Plan and by the Brunswick County Emergency Management Agency.
c. Post Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Policies
(1) After a hurricane strikes, the Mayor of Calabash shall appoint a "Post -Disaster Recovery Task Force"
and this team may include the following. the Town Clerk or Administrator; the Town Building Inspector,
Board of Commissioners members, and other representatives deemed appropriate. The Recovery Task
Force will be responsible for overseeing the reconstruction process and any policy issues that may arise
after a storm disaster.
(2) Generally, reconstruction shall be held at least to the same development standards as before the
storm in accord with the NC Building Code, the Calabash Zoning Ordinance and Flood Plain
Management Regulations, and CAMA regulations and setback requirements. However, destroyed
structures, which did not conform to these development regulations, must be redeveloped according to
those policies. In some instances, this may mean relocation of construction or no reconstruction at all.
Building permits to restore destroyed or damaged structures that were built in conformance with the
Town's building code and storm hazard mitigation policies, shall be issued automatically. All structures
suffering major damage will be repaired according to the Town's building code. All structures suffering
minor damage, regardless of their location, will be allowed to be rebuilt to the original condition prior to
the storm.
(3) Because of the density of development at Calabash and the possible extensive damage caused by a
major storm, it may be necessary for the Town to suspend all redevelopment activities for a certain period
of time after a storm. This "moratorium" could allow the Town time to carefully assess all damage in view
of existing policies, building regulations, and ordinances in order to help determine whether existing
policies should be revised to mitigate similar damage from future storms. The intent of such a moratorium
would be to learn all the lessons possible and try and determine what steps and precautions the Town
can take to rebuilding so as not to suffer damage to the same extent. If a moratorium is established, the
time frame will be commensurate with the extent of the damage. The Board of Commissioners will
determine the actual time frame.
(4) In the event of extensive hurricane damage to public utilities requiring replacement or relocation of
these utilities, efforts shall be made to locate damaged utilities away from hurricane hazard areas or to
strengthen their construction.
(5) Priority shall be given to the repair of public utilities that will restore service to as many persons as
soon as possible.
(6) The Board of Commissioners may request that a new assessment of hazard areas be performed,
depending upon the extent of flooding and the changes to shoreline and inlets caused by the hurricane.
(7) Public expenditure of funds for the repair or reconstruction of any private road or vehicular easement,
which is damaged or destroyed as a result of an intense, storm event shaft not occur, except in the
conjunction with the repair of town utilities. All other private roads will be the responsibility of the
10 individual property owners.
avi

SECTION 1 -INTRODUCTION
A. WHY PREPARE A CAMA LAND USE PLAN?
The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act of 1974, better known as "CAMA", requires that the 20
counties located in the State's coastal region and their respective municipalities prepare Land Use Plans. These
land use plans, although developed according to State -provided guidelines, allow local governments to
establish and enforce policies to guide and manage growth and development of their communities. Local land
use plans were developed initially in 1974-1976. The plans were to have a 10-year outlook in terms of
projecting population, economic, land use, and community facility trends. However, because of the social,
economic, and environmental dynamics of the coastal area, the State guidelines require that all plans be
updated every five years. Such periodic updates permit local governments to reflect upon previously developed
policies to see how they relate to newly emerging trends.
The Town of Calabash was incorporated in 1973 and is located in southeastern Brunswick County as shown
on Map 1. The Town's initial CAMA Land Use Plan was adopted and certified in 1989 and updated in 1994.
The 1994 CAMA Land Use plan was based on the former town limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction that
included both the original town chartered in 1973 and the 877-acre golf course community of Carolina Shores
that merged with the Town on August 31, 1989. However, a referendum was conducted on September
15,1998 and resulted in the formation of two separate towns: Calabash and Carolina Shores. There are
numerous policies contained in the 1994 Plan that are now more applicable to the Town of Carolina Shores,
rather than the Town of Calabash. This amended plan revises the 1994 CAMA Land Use Plan to better reflect
the needs and concerns of its current residents and businesses. As indicated in the previous plans, population
growth that requires an increasing utilization of land and resources can lead to undesirable consequences if
the land and community facilities are unregulated or improperly managed. Calabash, through the development
and subsequent updating of its Land Use policy document and enforcement of existing local controls, is seeking
to avoid the negative impacts of unmanaged growth.
B. FUNCTIONS OF THE LAND USE PLAN
The CAMA Land Use Planning Process is an opportunity for the Town of Calabash and its citizens to participate
in the design of their Town's future. This Plan looks ahead, estimating expected growth and development
demands. The Plan examines land suitability and the capacity of the existing infrastructure such as the water
distribution system and road system to see how well the town can handle projected growth. It examines the
existing natural resources, natural hazards, and watersheds. Local government officials work with the planners,
its boards, and the public to set goals for growth management and then craft policies and implementation
measures to carry out this vision for the Planning Area of the Town of Calabash. Moreover, the plan's technical
studies provide information on a number of topics, including population, environmental features., land use
trends, the local economy, and community facility needs. Once the governing body adopts the plan, it has a
foundation for guiding future decisions on budgets and ordinances, including zoning and subdivision regulations.
0

1
MAP 1; LOCATION OF THE TOWN OF CALABASH, NC
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9
0

C. COMPONENTS OF THE CAMA LAND USE PLAN
10
This planning document will closely adhere to the CAMA planning guidelines as contained in Subchapter 7B
(as amended) of the State Administrative Codes. Four major components of the Land Use Plan document are
as follows:
• Data Collection and Analysis: This is an analysis of the existing patterns and trends within the Town's
jurisdiction as far as population, the economy, land use, community facilities, environmental, and other
resources. Section 2.0 of this report examines the present conditions of Calabash. Section 3.0
describes the environmental constraints and Section 4.0 examines the capacity of the community
facilities in terms of projected growth.
• Existing Land Use Man: Map 2 shows the existing land use of Calabash as of 1999.
• Policy Identification, Policy Statements. and Implementation: Based on a thorough analysis of
existing conditions, trends, and developments, Section 5 states the policy of the Town on a number of
important issues.
• Land Classification Map: Map 3 is the Land Classification Map. This map is intended to be a
reflection of the Town's land use policies, based upon the projected density of development, for all the
lands within its jurisdiction.
A number of data sources were utilized in the effort to analyze the population, housing, economic,
environmental, and land use conditions in Calabash. Various state, county, and local agencies were contacted
for both general and specific detailed information. Technical reports, previous land use plans, the 1990
Census, and other documents were reviewed as well.
0
0

SECTION 2 -PRESENT CONDITIONS •
A. OVERVIEW OF CALABASH'S HISTORY AND REGIONAL POPULATION GROWTH
The beginning point of analysis for any Land Use Plan is an assessment of the population trends and
patterns. This analysis can be rather complicated for coastal communities like Calabash, which are heavily
impacted by seasonal fluctuations of tourists and golfers. However, many land use and growth
management policies relate to the number of people expected to use the land and/or public facilities.
Prior to the population analysis, it would be beneficial to review the history of the Town and its fluctuating
jurisdictional boundaries. The Town of Calabash was chartered on May 9, 1973 and the original town limits
were only slightly altered by 5 annexations until the merger of Calabash and Carolina Shores on August 31,
1989. Table 2.1 notes the annexations, the 1989 merger, and the formation of the two towns of Calabash
and Carolina Shores in 1998. The 1989 landmark merger quadrupled the geographic area of the Town as
well as caused the town population to swell with the addition of 1,186 Carolina Shores residents. Two
annexations occurred after the 1989 merger. The Town ABC Store was annexed in 1989. In 1997 the
Town annexed Marsh Harbor, Hunter's Trace, and Saltaire Village. A referendum was conducted on
September 15,1998 which resulted in the incorporation of Carolina Shores and revised corporate boundaries
for the Town of Calabash. The revised Calabash town limits as extended by the referendum included Marsh
Harbor, Hunter's Trace, additional land along Persimmon Road, and the previous unincorporated pockets
located within the town boundaries. A voluntary satellite annexation of the Hidden Valley subdivision was
instituted in December 1998.
The Town of Calabash established an extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) on June 13, 1977. The initial ETJ
boundaries were done by the Brunswick County Planning Department and consisted of an arc. The ETJ
limits were redrawn on May 24, 1988 by using the proper guidelines and an agreement was established with
the Town of Sunset Beach in the Bonaparte area where both town ETJ limits meet. The ETJ limits were
extended again on to the maximum one -mile limit on August 28, 1990 based on the new town boundaries
after the merger. The Calabash ETJ boundaries were revised once again after the 1998 referendum
changed its corporate boundaries. The current town and ETJ boundaries for Calabash are shown on Map 2.
When incorporated in 1973, the Town of Calabash was initially 217 acres. Another 13 acres were added to
the Town area with the 5 annexations between 1980 and 1987. The 1989 merger with Carolina Shores
added 877 acres and the Town of Calabash was then 1,107 acres. At the time of the merger, the Town was
divided into two districts: District One which comprises the former Town and District Two which includes
Carolina Shores and Carolina Shores Acreage Estates. Another 301.5 acres was added to the Town with
the 1997 annexation of Marsh Harbor, Hunters Trace, and Saltaire Village. Several small annexations then
followed. However, the formation of the Town of Carolina Shores from the Town of Calabash split the
Town's former jurisdiction. As of October 1999, the Town of Calabash is 931.536 acres and its ETJ is
1,134.587 acres.
The population growth of the Calabash area is consistent with the strong overall growth trends in Brunswick
County. Table 2.2 details the 1990 US Census population characteristics for the Town and Brunswick
County. Brunswick County grew by 47.7 percent between 1970 and 1980 and by 42.5 percent between
1980 and 1990. Over the twenty-year period between 1970 and 1990, Brunswick County had a significant
population growth of 111 percent. As evident by the township data, most of Brunswick County's growth
occurred in the beach areas and in the mainland adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. As a case in point,
Calabash is located in the Shallotte Township. This township experienced a 142 percent population
increase between 1970 and 1990 and a 79.9 percent increase during the 1980's. Over one-third of
Brunswick's County population increase during the 1980's occurred in Shallotte Township. The North
Carolina Office of State Planning estimates Brunswick County's 1998 population to be 67,266 — a net
increase of 16,281 residents since the 1990 Census. Brunswick County is one of the fastest growing
counties in North Carolina as evident by its population increase of 34.5 percent between 1990 and 1998 as
compared to the state population increase of 13.8 percent.

•
9
TABLE 2.1
TOWN OF CALABASH ANNEXATIONS, MERGERS, AND INCORPORATIONS, 1973 -1999
DATE
...................
LOCATION OFANNEXATION.
..
11/13/80
Dixon Properties (Corner of Persimmon and Thomasboro)
6/22/83
Blocks of Calabash East and Village Green Subdivision
* 2/27/84
Lots in Boundary Estate/ Deli and Service Station
* 4/22/85
Victoria's' Rag patch
10/10/87
VFW and Lewellyn-Lewis, Calabash East
8131/89
Mergers of Calabash and Carolina Shores
* 10/31/89
Lots in Boundary Estates, Town ABC Store
6/21/97
Marsh Harbor (226.8 acres) Hunters Trace -Thomsaboro Road (30.1 acres),
Saltaire Village 44.6 acres
3/10/98
Town annexed 10 acres
6/30/98
Annexed Calabash Volunteer Fire Department
9/15/98
Referendum conducted based on House Bill 860. Election certified on
September 18, 1999. Formation of Town of Calabash and Town of Carolina
Shores
*12/31/98
Hidden Valley —voluntary satellite annexation
* Satellite Annexation
Source: Town of Calabash
Dramatic growth has also occurred to the south in neighboring Horry County, SC, better known as the
Greater Myrtle Beach Area. Horry County includes the cities of Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little
River and the unincorporated portions of the county. The population of Horry County was 69,992 in 1970,
101,419 in 1980, 144,053 in 1990, and 156,608 in 1997. Thus, the year-round population of the Horry
County more than doubled between 1970 and 1990 according to the United States Census. Horry County's
population is projected to be 163,883 by the year 2002. (U.S. Bureau of the Census, the SC Office of
Research and Statistics, Budget and Control Board, June 22, 1999)

TABLE 2.2
YEAR-ROUND POPULATION FOR THE TOWN OF CALABASH
AND BRUNSWICK COUNTY,1970-1998
PLACE
1970
1980
�990
..........
Percent
'198
Percent
ncrease
Population
Increase .
1 990
Calabash
-0-
140
1,210
764.2%
795
34.5%
Brunswick
24,223
35,777
50,985
42.5%
67,314-
31.9% .
Count
Townships
4,748
7,361
10,705
45.4%
—
—
Lockwood Folly
Northwest
3,356
4,657
7,454
60.1 %
—
—
Shallotte
4,877
6,682
11,818
79.6%
—
—
Smithville
4,356
6,838
9,488
38.8%
—
—
Town Creek
5,215
8,357
9,260
10.8%
—
---
Waccamaw
1,681
1,982
2,260
14.0%
—
—
Sources: United States Census, 1970, 1980, 1990 and 1995. North Carolina Office of State Planning,
Town of Calabash CAMA Land Use Plan Update, 1994.
B. POPULATION GROWTH
1. Year-round Population
Calabash, like other coastal communities, experiences a fluctuation of population according to the season.
The year-round population in Calabash remains fairly stable throughout the twelve months. However, the
seasonal population including day visitors fluctuates. The Town's reputation as the "Seafood Capitol of the
World" attracts thousands of visitors from both the Carolinas to its restaurants and shops. The popularity of
Calabash's golf courses is steadily growing each year. This report estimates the 1999 year-round
population of the Town and its ETJ as well as estimates the seasonal residential population and discusses
the impact of "day visitors" who come to Calabash to enjoy its restaurants, shops, and golf courses.
The year-round population of the "original Calabash" has historically been very small with only 140 residents
in 1980. Of course, the Town's official population has fluctuated considerably as its town boundaries have
changed with the 1989 merger and the formation of two towns in 1998: Calabash and Carolina Shores. The
Town was incorporated in 1973 and made its first showing in the 1980 U.S. Census with a permanent
population of 140 persons as shown on Table 2.2. In 1990, however, the U.S. Census showed a year-round
population of 1,210 persons. This extraordinary growth is the result of the merger of the Town of Calabash
with the community of Carolina Shores on August 31, 1989. Based upon the revised referendum
boundaries, the North Carolina Office of State Planning estimates the 1998 population for the town as 795.
Town officials agree with this estimate and it is used for this Land Use Plan.
0
The 1998 year-round population estimates for the ETJ were derived by the housing count obtained from the
Town officials. There are 644 residential units including mobile homes in the ETJ. It is assumed that 95
percent of these units are occupied year-round and that the average number of persons per household is
2.0. It is estimated that there are 644 year-round residents in the ETJ and a total of 1,224 year-round
residents in the Calabash Planning Area as shown on Table 2.3. The 1998 estimated population for the
entire Planning Area is 2,019 as shown on Table 2.3. 0

0 TABLE 2.3
TOWN OF CALABASH PLANNING AREA YEAR-ROUND POPULATION, 1998
0
.NUMBER O"NITS
NUMBER
PERCENT
OF YEAR
YEAR
TYPE OF
TOTAL`:
YEAR ROUND
: ROUNQ
NO PERSONS`
ROUND -; .'
•HOUSING " ...
UNITS"°
-UNITS''
.UNITS,
<PER.UNIT -'
POPULATION
521
---
---
---
795
Town
644
95.0%
612
2.00
1,224
ETJ
1,165
---
---
---
2,019
TOTAL
Source: Building counts information obtained from the Town of Calabash. Town population estimates
obtained from the North Carolina Office of State Planning. ETJ Population estimates developed by Hayes &
Associates, September 1999.
2. Seasonal Population
The seasonal population in Calabash is composed of three groups:
1) out-of-town property owners who use their Calabash residences on the weekends and during
the summer;
2) the overnight visitor population who rent condominiums or stay at the Calabash Motel; and
3) "day visitors" who are tourists and golfers who come to Calabash to enjoy its restaurants,
shops, or to play a round of golf.
Although it is difficult to differentiate between the property owners who reside in Calabash versus the short-
term visitor, it is possible to estimate the peak seasonal population. In resort communities like Calabash,
vacant housing during the off-season is typically second -property housing utilized by out-of-town owners as
either vacation homes or investment rental properties. Table 2.4 details the seasonal housing and residential
population. It is estimated that there are 67 seasonal residents in the Town and 58 seasonal residents in the
ETJ for a combined total of 125.
7

TABLE 2.4
TOWN OF CALABASH PLANNING AREA SEASONAL POPULATION AND HOUSING, 1999
NUMBER O"NITS
PERCENT
NUMBER OF
NO
TYPE QF
TOTAL
SEASONAL
SEASONAL
PERSONS
OCCUPANCY
SEASONAL';
HOUSING ,
UNITS
..UNITS
UNITS
PER UNIT.
RATE::
POPULATION
TOWN
Single family
348
5.0%
17
2.00
90.0
31
Manufactured
31
5.0%
2
2.00
90.0
3
/mobile homes
Multi -family
142
5.0%
7
2.00
90.0
13
MOTEL
10
100.0%
10
2.00
100.0
20
SUBTOTAL
531
5.0%
36
2.00
90.0
67
ETJ
644
5.0%
32
2.00
90.0
58
TOTAL
1,175
5.0%
68
2.00
90.0
125
Source: Building counts information obtained from the Town of Calabash. Population estimates developed
by Hayes & Associates, September 1999. 0
3. Dav Visitors
The next consideration in the Town's population is the number of "day visitors" who come to Calabash to
enjoy its restaurants, resort attractions, or to play a round of golf. The "tourist" population has a more short-
term impact upon the Town's public facilities and services than the other components of the population. The
most pronounced impact of this group is upon traffic and parking while the impact upon water and sewer
service is noticed through restaurant, retail, and golf clubhouse usage.
It is rather difficult to estimate the total number of tourist "day visitors" to this resort community. The Town is
literally flooded each year with thousands of day visitors who may be spending vacations in neighboring
beach communities from Myrtle Beach to Wilmington, but who make the pilgrimage to the small "Seafood
Capitol of the World" to eat in one of the many restaurants and/or browse in the many shops. The 1998
average daily traffic count for NC 179 in the commercial district was 12,000 vehicles a day. This is the
"average" year-round count and it is difficult to judge what the maximum traffic count during the peak
summer season would be. Some business owners estimate that approximately 12,000 visitors a day come
to Calabash during the peak summer season.
Marsh Harbour and Ocean Harbour, the two golf courses within the twn's jurisdiction, also attract day
visitors. According to a local golf course manager, golf courses in southeast Brunswick County average
42,000 rounds of golf per course per year. During the peak golfing season of March and April, these
courses average 165 rounds of golf on a full day, but average only 110 rounds of golf per day during the
slower summer months. It is estimated that the two golf courses within the Calabash Planning Area attract
220 golfers per day during the peak summer season and attract approximately 72,000 golfers during the
year. Another advantage is that the peak golfing seasons occur in the "tourist shoulder seasons" of the
spring and fall that extend the business season. Consequently, the peak golfing seasons occurs in the •
"tourist shoulder seasons" of the spring and fall, which helps to extend business year-round.

4. Summary of Population Growth
Table 2.5 cites the summary of the peak population estimates for the Calabash Planning Area that includes
the residential and day visitor population estimates. During a peak summer weekend, it is estimated that
approximately 14,364 people live, visit, or stay overnight in the Calabash Planning Area.
TABLE 2.5
SUMMARY OF THE CALABASH PLANNING AREA POPULATION, 1999
POPULATION COMPONENT `
CORPORATE :
EXTRA
PLANNING AREA
AREA
YEAR-ROUND RESIDENTS
795
1,224
2,019
SEASONAL OVERNIGHT
67
58
125
VISITORS
RESIDENTIAL SUBTOTAL
862
1,282
2,144
RESTAURANT DAY VISITORS
12,000
---
12,000
DAILY GOLFER AVERAGE
110
110
220
TOTAL PEAK POPULATION
12,972
1,392
14,364
Source: Hayes & Associates
5. Socioeconomic Characteristics
The best source for socioeconomic data is the decennial census. However, the social characteristics
reported in the 1990 United States Census are based upon the merged town boundaries and include
Carolina Shores and are currently nine -years old and virtually outdated. These statistics reveal that
Calabash town residents generally are older and wealthier. The composition of the Calabash population in
terms of age consists mostly of retirees, which is significant in terms of planning purposes. The 1990
Census reported that 42 percent of the Town's population was 65 and over while only 5.6 percent was less
than 18. Not surprisingly, because of this age characteristic, 10.3 percent of Calabash residents over 16
reported a mobility or self -care limitation. The per capita income for Calabash residents was $16,040 in 1990
as compared to a per capita income of $11,688 for Brunswick County residents and $12,885 for North
Carolina residents. The mean retirement income was $17,649. Only 6.0 percent of all persons were
estimated to be below the poverty level in Calabash as compared to 15.4 percent for Brunswick County and
13.5 percent for North Carolina. The town residents are predominantly white. .
6. Population Projections
An important aspect of the planning process is forecasting the future population of an area. Unfortunately,
population forecasts are usually the least precise element of a land use plan since so many factors such as
annexation, the economy, and new development plans directly impact demographic projections. This is
especially true for a town like Calabash that has experienced a building boom as well as has changed its
original town limits by annexations, the 1989 merger, and the 1998 incorporation of Carolina Shores. The
fluctuating nature of town and extraterritorial limits do not make a good point of reference for long term
projections. What will be the Calabash's town limits in 2004 and 2009?
The Calabash Planning Area is on the verge of a building boom as evident by the three major development
10 plans approved in 1999. The plans for Marsh Harbour, Ocean Harbour, and Devaun Park have

TABLE 2.6: TOWN OF CALABASH PLANNING AREA BUILDING PERMITS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, 1982-1999
..........
....... . .... .
... . .. ... .
"M al
Homes
nRooms..
rm-
-
tel
..................
. . . . ....
. ......... .. ... .
1982
6
1
a
0
0
0
7
7
4
0
11
1983
66
13
0
0
1
126
so
206
6
0
86
1984
94
16
0
0
0
0
109
109
7
0
116
1985
64
27
0
0
6
6
96
96
6
0
101
1986
47
36
0
0
0
0
1 82
82
0
0
82
1987
62 1
40
0
0
0
0
92
92
0
0
92
1988
80
37
0
0
0
0
117
117
9
0
126
1989
34
32
0
0
1
8
67
74
23
0
90
1990
61
37
0
0
2
14
90
102
3
0
93
1991
62
23
0
0
0
0
86
86
1
0
86
1992
63
38
0
0
0
0
101
101
1
0
102
1993
66
37
0
0
0
0
102
102
0
0
102
1994
83
37
0
0
0
0
120
120
0
0
120
1996
71
47
0
0
0
0
118
118
0
0
118
1996
69
59
0
0
0
0
1118
118
0
0
118
1997
41
64
0
0
0
0
106
106
1
0
106
1998
49
50
0
0
0
0
99
99
2
0
101
1999*
12
8
0
0
0
0
20
20
1
0
21
TOTAL-
999
1 1
600
0
1
0
1
9
163
1,608
1 1
1,762
1
63
0
1
1,667
1982-1999
1910RI
tA99
566
I
400
0
0
2
14
958
I I
970
I
9
0
I
967
* 1999 Total is for the Town of Calabash and ETJ only
Multi -family includes single-family attached units in Carolina Shores Resort, Marsh Harbour, and Belle Croft.
Source: Town of Calabash Building Permit Records, 1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update.

•
authorization for 346 new dwelling units and a 900-room hotel in the Town and 745 units in the ETJ. New
residential construction will also occur in the existing subdivisions. Since 1990, there have been 958
building permits issued for 970 dwelling units as shown on Table 2.6. This is an average of 97 residential
units per year. These building permit trends with the exception of the last year are based on the former
town's planning jurisdiction. However, given the major development proposals, growth in Calabash will
probably continue at a similar rate as in the past. For projection purposes, it was assumed that an average
of 35 new dwelling units in the Town and 60 new dwelling units in the ETJ would be built over the next five to
ten years. It was also assumed that the household size of 2.0 persons per household as cited in the 1990
US Census would continue as well. Table 2.7 shows the projected housing and peak seasonal population
projections for the Town, the ETJ, and the Planning Area for the years 1999 through 2009. Based on these
assumptions, the Calabash Planning Area would have 3,025 housing and hotel units by 2009 and a peak
seasonal population of 6,050. This is a net increase of 3,700 overnight seasonal residents since 1999
representing a 157 percent increase. As Table 2.7 reveals, the residential population will continue to grow
steadily, contributing to the demand for land, utilities, and other public services. Moreover, these projections
do not include the transient "day visitor" population, which would still be substantially higher than the
residential population during the peak summer season.
TABLE 2.7
HOUSING AND PEAK SEASONAL POPULATION PROJECTIONS
FOR THE CALABASH PLANNING AREA, 1999 - 2009
OUSES
PLANNING AREA
TOTAL DWELLING
PEAK SEASONAL'
YEAR
;HOTEL..
AND`HOTEL UNITS
POPULATION ..
1999
521
644
1,165
10
1,175
2,144
2000
556
704
1,260
10
1,270
2,540
2001
591
764
1,355
10
1,365
2,730
2002
626
824
1,450
910
2,360
4,720
2003
661
884
1,545
910
2,455
4,910
2004
696
944
1,640
910
2,550
5,100
20051
731
1,004
1,735
910
2,645
5,290
2006
766
1,064
1,830
910
2,740
5,480
2007
801
1,124
1,925
910
2,835
5,670
2008
8361
1,184
2,020
910
2,930
5,860
2009
8711
1,2441
2,1151
910
3,025
6,050.
Source: Hayes & Associates, October 1999.
C. ECONOMY
The economy of Calabash is dependent upon real estate development, tourism, golfing, and the "Old
Calabash restaurant district. Calabash is within a short drive to the barrier islands of Sunset Beach and
Ocean Isle Beach and these resort towns offer sandy beaches with a gentle sun`, pier and surf fishing.
These attractions offer relaxing vacations to thousands of visitors each year. Calabash lies just across the
South Carolina boundary and the town's reputation for seafood restaurants, gift stores, and charter fishing
boats attracts visitors from Myrtle Beach as well as beach towns in Brunswick County.
Calabash's economic base consists mainly of services such as the restaurants, gift and specialty shops, a
motel, and privately -owned recreational facilities which include the two championship golf courses,
commercial and charter fishing, and marinas. As of September 1999, there are 96 licensed businesses and
22 exempt businesses within the town limits. All of these services are generally geared toward the traveling
and vacationing public and, as such; are dependent upon the seasonal flow of visitors for their financial
sustenance. The seasonal population influx in the summer also produces what is, by and large, a seasonal
economy. However, more and more restaurants and businesses are staying open year-round because the
number of permanent residents in the area is increasing as well as tourism and golfing in the "shoulder" and
it

winter seasons are increasing. Approximately 90 percent of Calabash's businesses are now opened year-
round.
Not surprisingly, there are no agricultural, farming, forestry, manufacturing, or industrial uses in within the
town limits of Calabash. Real estate development and resort rentals are still the most significant factor in
the resort community's economy. The significance of the real estate growth is illustrated by the fact that
since 1982 the Town of Calabash has issued 1,744 residential and 63 commercial building permits.
The continuing real estate development and sales in Calabash will most likely foster a continual growth in
the number of permanent residents. As permanent residents increase, the demand for local services also
increases. As local commercial services and activities increase, the Town will witness an expansion of its
economic base.
Golfing is, indeed, a major economic factor for the Calabash -Brunswick County -Myrtle Beach region. There
are 23 golf courses now operating within 5 miles of Calabash as stated on Table 2.8. Carolina Shores was
the first course which began operation in 1974, with seven additional courses built in the 1980's, and fifteen
courses built or under construction in the 1990's. The impact of golfing is growing even more significant as
more and more golfers are taking advantage of special "winter packages" thus bringing more people to the
area during the traditional off-season. Each course on the average offers 36,000 rounds of golf per year.
There are approximately 828,000 rounds of golf played per year on these 23 nearby golf courses. During the
peak summer months, the golf courses average 110 rounds per day; therefore, these golf courses attract
nearly 2,530 golfers a day during the summer.
0
12

•
•
TABLE 2.8
GOLF COURSES LOCATED WITHIN FIVE MILES OF CALABASH, SEPTEMBER 1999
Angel Trace Golf Links
North and South
1995
2
Sunset Beach, NC
Brunswick Plantation
1992
2
Calabash, NC
Calabash Golf Links
1996
1
Calabash, NC
Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club
1974
1
Carolina Shores, NC
Crow Creek
1999
1
Brunswick County, NC
Glen Doronock
1996
1
Little River, SC
Heather Glen
1994
1
Little River, SC
Marsh Harbour Golf Links
1980
1
Calabash, NC
Ocean Harbour Golf Links
1989
1
Calabash, NC
Meadowlands
1997
1
Brunswick County
Ocean Ridge Plantation
(Lion's Paw, Panther's Run, and
Ti er's Eye)
1991, 1995
3
Sunset Beach, NC
Oyster Bay Golf Links
1983
1
Sunset Beach, NC
Pearl Golf Links (East and West)
1987
2
Sunset Beach, NC
Sandpiper Bay Golf and Country Club
1987
1
Sunset Beach, NC
Sea Trail Plantation
1985, 1990
3
Sunset Beach, NC
II Thistle
1999 1 1 1 Calabash, NC
TOTAL I 23
Source: Brunswick County Golf Course Guide, 1996, Brunswick County Planning Department.
Another indication of the significant and continuing growth trend of the region's economy is the growth in
property valuations and accommodation tax revenues in recent years. As of June 1999, The Town of
Calabash assessed property valuation was $89,063,202 as of 1999. Notice Table 2.9:
13

TABLE 2..9
TOWN OF CALABASH ASSESSED VALUATIONS, 1982 -1999
17, ASSESSED VALUATIONS
:. PERCENT CHANGE
1982
$6,017,527
---
1983
$6,290,020
4.53%
1984
$7,055,239
12.17%
1985
$7,832,589
11.02%
1986*
$16,293,350
108.02%
1987
$16,236,584+
-0.35%
1988
$16,239,864
0.02%
1989
$16,531,471
1.80%
1990
$16,679,866
0.90%
1991
$88,502,580
430.60%
1992
$91,241,893
3.10%
1993
$94,693,424
3.78%
1994*
$114,770,606
21.20%
1995
$122,101,769
6.39%
1996
$125,417,752
2.72%
1997
$158,672,481
26.52%
1998
$161,305,731
1.66%
1999
$89,063,202
---
Sources: 1994 Town of Calabash CAMA Land Use Plan Update. Towns of Calabash.
* Year of Re -valuation + Loss of personal property valuation and 2 businesses destroyed by fire.
The merger of Calabash with Carolina Shores was effective starting in 1991.
The incorporation of the Town of Carolina Shores and revised Calabash corporate boundaries was effective
as of September 15, 1998.
D. EXISTING LAND USE
Although the town boundaries and land area have changed significantly since the 1994 Land Use Plan, the
actual land use patterns have basically stayed the same. Notice Map 2, the 1999 Land Use Map, which
shows the 1999 land use and zoning patterns and is attached in the back of this report.
1. Residential Land Uses
Most of the residential land uses in Calabash consists of single-family homes including mobile homes.
Table 2.10 shows the type of housing and vacant platted residential lots for the Town and ETJ. There are
still a substantial amount of vacant platted residential lots available in Calabash. Only 47.9 percent of all
platted lots and approved units in the Town have been developed thus far while only 39.5 percent of the
platted lots and approved units in the ETJ have been developed. Some of these vacant lots outside of the
is
14

Carolina Blythe sewer service area have not been developed because the lot is deemed unsuitable to obtain
•a septic tank permit. These lots will become suitable for development once sewer services are provided by
SBWSA. Moreover, there are still large tracts of land in the ETJ, which have not yet been. subdivided.
Consequently, there is significant amount of vacant residential land left in the Calabash Planning Area,
which could be developed, especially once centralized sewer becomes available.
TABLE 2.10:
1999 RESIDENTIAL LAND USES BY TYPE
<.
TOWN
ET
PLANNING AREA:
Single -Family, Manufactured Homes, Mobile Homes
379
636
1,015
Multi -Family
142
8
150
Motel
10
0
10
Total Developed
531
644
1,175
Vacant Platted Lots
231
481
712
1999 Develo ment Plans
346
745
1,091
Total Residential Lots /A roved Units
1,108
1,870
2,978
Percent Developed
47.9%
34.4%
39.5%
Source: 1999 Land Use Survey and Town of Calabash
2. Commercial Land Uses
Most of the businesses located within the Town limits consist of restaurants and retail shops. As of
September 1999, there are 96 licensed businesses and 22 exempt businesses within the town limits. There
is a strip commercial development along NC 179, which is the main thoroughfare running through Town.
•Most of the restaurants are located along River Road and Oak Street, which run south of NC 179 towards
the Calabash River.
3. Government and Institutional Uses
There are a total of 9 lots currently utilized for governmental and institutional purposes, including the Town
Hall, the Calabash Volunteer Fire Department, the Calabash EMS Station, the United States Post Office,
two fraternal lodges, two churches, and a utility substation. The Town of Calabash has purchased 10 acres
located on Persimmon Road, which is intended as the future site of a new Town Hall.
4. Recreational Uses
There are no public recreational lands within Calabash's jurisdiction. Private recreation uses include the
private pools, tennis courts, and other facilities located in many of Calabash's subdivisions; the two
championship golf courses of Marsh Harbour and Ocean Harbour; and the commercial Tropical Adventure
miniature golf course located on NC 179 in the "downtown" area. There are also two private campgrounds
and two marinas.
5. Manufacturing/ Industrial Use
There are no manufacturing and industrial uses within the Town's Planning Area.
6. Land Use Compatibility Problems
In the conventional land use planning concept, a land compatibility problem is generally identified as when
two or more land uses are adjacent to each other and one use is somehow restricted from expansion
because of the adverse conditions caused by the other use which discourages additional investment. This
concept also extends to a mixture of uses such as residential, commercial, and industrial which are not
•compatible with each other. Most of the development in the original Town of Calabash was built without the
benefit of enforced zoning or subdivision regulations and there are numerous instances of a residence being
15

located next to a restaurant or store. In many cases, this mixed -use pattern was the result of business
owners wanting to live next to their restaurant or shop. •
7. Problems from Unplanned Development
Several problems have resulted from the fact that most of the Calabash area was developed without the
benefit of subdivision and zoning regulations. Development was built with little regard to stormwater
management. Many of the restaurants and retail establishments have inadequate and poorly planned
parking facilities. Many subdivisions are a mixture of older mobile homes and conventional housing. Some
streets do not meet any minimal standards.
8. Areas Likelv to Experience Chanqes in Predominant Land Use
The Town of Calabash Board of Commissioners in 1999 approved several major development plans. Table
2.11 summarizes the development plans for Marsh Harbour, Ocean Harbour, and Devaun Park. These
three projects encompass nearly 600 acres and approval has been given for 1,091 new residential units and
one 900-room hotel in North Carolina. Both Ocean Harbour and Marsh Harbour have additional plans for
additional 828 dwelling units in the South Carolina portion of their developments. A hotel is also planned for
the South Carolina section of Marsh Harbour. Most of the vacant land areas, especially several large tracts
in the ETJ, are the areas most likely to experience land use changes over the next 5 to 10 years.
Development will be more likely once centralized sewer is extended to these tracts. Provision of sewer to
the downtown commercial area may result in some redevelopment. Many speculate that several hotels may
be built in the downtown area.
TABLE 2.11
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS APPROVED IN 1999
•
Source: Town of Calabash and Development Plans for Marsh Harbour, Ocean Harbour, and Devaun Park
E. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
1. Prior CAMA Land Use Plans
The Town of Calabash had its first CAMA Land Use Plan prepared in 1988. In both 1976 and 1981, the
Town was included as part of the Brunswick County's Plans. The 1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update was
the first plan to be completed after the merger of Calabash in 1989. This 1999 revision is the first to be
completed since the separation of the towns of Calabash and Carolina Shores.
2. Transportation •
There are no major road improvements for Calabash included in the 1999-2006 North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP.) The 1988 Brunswick County Thoroughfare Plan contained no
16

road improvements for the immediate Calabash area, except for the widening of US 17 to a four -lane divided
• highway that has been completed.
3. Water Distribution Plan
Most of Calabash, like many other smaller communities in Brunswick County, is a part of the Brunswick
County Water System. All the municipalities served by this regional system adopted the 1992 Brunswick
County Joint Water Supply Plan in September 1994 as serving as their local water supply plan. According
to this 1992 plan, the water supply available to Calabash is unlimited.
Saltaire Village, Marsh Harbour Marina, and 24 businesses along NC 179 are served by Carolina Blythe, a
private water and sewer company that also serves the new town of Carolina Shores and is based in
Florence, South Carolina.
4. Waste Treatment Plans
As of September 1999, most of the Calabash Planning Area still relies on ground absorption systems for all
sewage disposal as permitted by the Brunswick County Health Department. As mentioned previously,
Saltaire Village, Marsh Harbour Marina, and 24 businesses along NC 179 are served by Carolina Blythe, a
private water and sewer company. A package treatment plant serves the Hidden Valley subdivision.
The Town of Calabash is a member of the South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority. The South
Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority (SBWSA) was incorporated on January 27, 1993 and duly organized
on April 18, 1994. The Board of Directors consists of nine members appointed by and representing the
Towns of Sunset Beach, Calabash, and Brunswick County. The goal of this regional authority is, "To restore
and preserve the estuarine quality and natural ecological functions of the estuarine waters of the South
Brunswick Area." The Authority plans to implement this goal by operating an environmentally sound, cost-
effective comprehensive wastewater and stormwater management program. The Authority prepared the
South Brunswick 201 Facilities Plan in 1993. The proposed wastewater project was evaluated for
compliance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and was determined to be a major
agency action requiring an Environmental Assessment. The North Carolina Department of Environment,
Health, and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR) prepared a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in
December 1994. Minnie and William Hunt, the Sunset Beach Taxpayers Association (SBTA), and the N.C.
Coastal Federation on July 20, 1995 filed a challenge to the FONSI. On November 3, 1995, Administrative
Law Judge Thomas R. West rendered a Recommended Decision to the N.C. Environmental Management
Commission that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared in conjunction with the proposed
sewer system. As a result of the Recommended Decision by Judge West, SBWSA voluntarily decided to
proceed with the completion of an EIS along with the implementation of a Storm Water Quality Management
Program (SWQMP.) The Record of Decision for the Final EIS was submitted to the NC Clearinghouse on
February 11, 1999. SBWSA obtained a 1.7 million -dollar bond in August 1999. Construction of the sewer
collection system is underway in downtown Calabash and the Hidden Valley subdivision and these areas will
have sewer service in 2000.
5. Utilities Extension Policy
The Town's policy concerning extending waterlines to newly developed areas is for the developer to pay all
costs of extension and installation. After construction, all the lines become the Town's property.
6. Recreation Polic
Currently, the Town does not have a formal recreation policy and does not operate parks, public boat
accesses, or similar public recreational facilities. Many of the subdivisions within Calabash offer pools,
tennis courts, and playgrounds for private use by the neighborhood residents. The two championship golf
courses within the Calabash Planning Area are open to the public.
7. Emergency Response Plan
The Town of Calabash does have a local emergency response plan and coordinates its efforts with the
Brunswick County Emergency Response Plan and Procedures.
17

8. Water Access Plan
A Water Access Plan was prepared for the Town of Calabash in 1992. The plan was funded in part through •
a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program. The plan suggested ways that the
Town of Calabash could improve public waterfront access for both residents and visitors.
9. Calabash River Dredging Feasibility Stud
In 1994 the Town of Calabash contracted with the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study
concerning the proposed dredging of the Calabash River. Dredging of the Calabash River will begin in the
year 2000.
10. Local Regulations and Enforcement Provisions
The Town of Calabash has recently codified its local ordinances in order to improve administration. The
Town of Calabash employs a Code Enforcement/Fire Inspector and Building Inspector to administer the land
use regulations.
a. CAMA Permits
Because of Calabash's location and geographic features, the CAMA permit process regulates only new
development along the Calabash River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Areas of Environmental
Concern described in the forthcoming section are areas that need protection. Enforcement of the CAMA
permit process is a major means of that protection and is currently administered by the Town Administrator.
b. Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map
Calabash adopted a Zoning Ordinance and Map in September 1982. The original ordinance originally
established six use districts (three for residential, one for commercial uses, a "conservation" district, and an
agricultural district.) The current Zoning Ordinance now has the following 14 districts:
R15 - Residential District: Intended as a single-family residential area with a low to medium population is
density. The minimum required lot size is 15,000 square feet.
R8 - Residential District: Principal use of the land is for single-family, two-family, and multi -family residences.
The minimum required lot size is 8,000 square feet for the first dwelling and 4,000 square feet for each
additional dwelling unit in principal structure.
R6 - Residential District: Principal use of the land is for single-family, two-family, and multi -family residences.
The minimum required lot size is 6,000 square feet for the first dwelling and 3,000 square feet for each
additional dwelling unit in principal structure.
MFH - Manufactured Home District I: Established as a district in which the principal use of the land is for
doublewide manufactured homes Class "A." The minimum required lot size is 6,000 square feet.
MD - Mixed District: The boundaries of the mixed district are specified on the Calabash Zoning Map.
Permitted uses include all uses in R-15, R-8, R-6, MFH-1, MFH-II, and the CB districts.
CB - Central Business District: Designed to permit a concentrated development of permitted facilities within
the central portion of the town.
HC - Highway Commercial District: Established primarily for those businesses that serve the traveling public,
require large areas for the display of goods, and are not oriented to the pedestrian shopper. These districts
are generally located adjacent to main thoroughfares where they are subject to public view and these
districts need appropriate appearance, ample parking, and suitable landscaping.
AD - Agricultural District: Intended to preserve the present land. use as of the date of the adoption of zoning
ordinance and permitted uses include farming, truck gardening, nurseries, and accessory residential of a
minimum area of one acre.
18

ID - Industrial District, Light: Principal use of land is for industries, which can be operated in a relatively
•clean and quiet manner and which will not be obnoxious to adjacent residential or business districts.
Minimum required lot area is one acre.
MFH II - Manufactured Home District II: Established as a district in which the principal use of the land is for
manufactured homes and manufactured home parks. Manufactured homes to be Class "B." The minimum
required lot size is 6,000 square feet.
MFH II P - Manufactured Home Parks: Conditional use permit must be approved for manufactured home
parks.
CD - Conservation District: Intended to preserve and protect the fragile estuarine environments from
adverse affects created by incompatible uses.
PUD - Planned Unit Development: The purpose of the Planned Unit Development is to encourage flexibility
in the development of the land; to improve the character and quality of the development; and to facilitate the
provision of streets and utilities, and to preserve the natural and scenic features of open areas. District best
suited to undeveloped areas that contain not less than 2 acres. Numerous site design conditions must be
satisfied priorto approval.
PRD- Planned Residential Development: The Planned Residential Development district is similar to the
Planned Unit Development district previously described.
The Building Inspector likewise functions as the Zoning Officer. In conjunction with the Zoning Ordinance,
the Town also has a Planning Board and a Board of Adjustment.
c. Subdivision Regulations
•As of November 11, 1993, the Town of Calabash adopted subdivision regulations, which have been utilized
to guide the general design of newly developing areas within the Town's jurisdiction. A subdivision is the
division of any parcel or tract of land into two or more lots for the purpose of development. The purpose of
this ordinance is to establish procedures and standards for the development and subdivision of land within
the territorial jurisdiction of the Town of Calabash. It is further designed to provide for the orderly growth and
development of the Town and for the coordination of streets and highways within proposed subdivisions with
the existing or planned streets and community facilities. The Calabash Planning Board reviews all
subdivision plats and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.
d. Septic Tank Regulation
Large areas within Calabash are now served by septic systems that are permitted by the Brunswick County
Health Department. Any system generating more than 3,000 gallons of waste per day is designed by
engineers and submitted to the North Carolina Department of Human Resources for approval. Building
permits are not issued until a septic tank permit or an approved site plan is presented. A final inspection is
not given or a certificate of occupancy completed until an inspection slip from the Health Department is in
the Town file indicating that the waste disposal system was installed as permitted.
e. Building Code
In 1982, the Town of Calabash adopted the N.C. State Building Code and revised the local building code on
November 3, 1993. The Town Building Inspector issues building permits and inspects construction to
ensure strict compliance with all code requirements.
f. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Calabash, unlike most other communities in Brunswick County, did not participate in the emergency phase
of the Federal Flood Insurance Program in the 1970's. As of February 4, 1988, Calabash adopted a Flood
•Damage Prevention Ordinance and began participating in the Regular Phase of the Federal Flood Insurance
Program. First floor building elevation requirements is 13 feet in the "AE" zone along the Calabash River.
The Flood Ordinance is enforced as part of the Town's building permit program. The Town Building
Inspector is also the enforcement officer.
19

11. Federal and State Regulations
In addition to the local ordinances and county regulations listed and described above, there are also various •
state and federal regulations which could also affect land development in Calabash. An important
consideration is the consistency review required to be performed by federal and state authorities as
mandated by the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, the North Carolina Coastal Zone
Management Act (CAMA), and the NC Executive Order 15 issued by Govemor Hunt in 1977. Application for
federal and state permits as well as acquisition, use, and disposition of lands in the coastal areas must be
consistent with the North Carolina Coastal Management Plan, including the CAMA local land use plans such
as this one for the Town of Calabash. Another example of federal review are the 404 wetlands regulations
which are enforced by the Corps of Engineers and affect development on land which meets the federal
criteria of wetlands.
U
20

• SECTION 3 -LAND SUITABILITY
Development in a community such as Calabash is often limited by constraints, factors that preclude or place
restrictions on development. This section identifies possible features of the land or landscape which limit or
could pose serious constraints to development such as Areas of Environmental Concern, flood hazard
areas, estuarine erosion areas, man-made hazards, areas with soil limitations, sources of water supply,
natural resource fragile areas, and areas with resource potential.
A. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
One of the most significant aspects of the legislation which created CAMA was the designation of special
"Areas of Environmental Concern" (AECs). These areas which are defined in the NC state statues require
special protective consideration as far as land use planning is concerned. AECs are further designated
under two major groupings, the Estuarine System and the Ocean Hazard AECs. Because of its interior
mainland location, Calabash has only Estuarine System AECs that are described below. The Coastal Area
Management Act permit process currently regulates all development and development -related activity within
Calabash's designated AECs.
The Estuarine System AECs include Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, and Public
Trust Areas. The recently created Outstanding Resource Waters designation does not pertain to Calabash.
These areas and their general occurrence in Calabash are discussed as follows:
1. Coastal Wetlands
These areas are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides,
including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial
watercourses), but not including hurricane or tropical storm tides. Salt marsh or other marsh shall be those
•areas which grow some but not necessarily all of the following salt marsh and marsh species: Smooth or
Salt Water Cordgrass; Black Needlerush; Glasswort; Slat -Meadow Grass; Sea Lavender; Bulrush; Saw
Grass; and Salt Weed Grass. In Calabash, coastal wetlands generally occur in the marsh areas along both
sides of the Calabash River and along the small section of the Intracoastal Waterway, which is located in the
Calabash ETJ.
These wetlands along our coast serve as a critical part of the ecosystem. Estuarine dependent species like
fish and shellfish make up over 90 percent of the total value of North Carolina's commercial catch. These
coastal wetlands should be considered unsuitable for all development and for those land uses that alter their
natural functions. Inappropriate land uses include, but are not limited to the following examples: restaurants
and businesses; residences; apartments, motels, hotels, and trailer parks; parking lots and offices; spoil and
dump sites; wastewater lagoons; public and private roads and highways; and factories. Examples of
acceptable land uses may include utility easements, fishing piers, docks, and certain agricultural uses,
except when excavation or filling of navigable waters is involved.
2. Estuarine Waters
This AEC is defined as all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries
thereto, seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters. The North
Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission classifies waterways as being coastal, joint, or inland waters. Only
coastal and joint waters are designated as estuarine waters. The Calabash River and the Intracoastal
Waterway are designated as being Estuarine Waters AEC.
The high productivity associated with the estuary results from its unique circulation patterns caused by tidal
energy, fresh water flow, and shallow depth. The nutrient trapping mechanisms add protection to the many
organisms. The circulation pattern of estuarine waters performs a number of important functions, including
transporting nutrients, propelling the plankton, spreading seed stages of fish and shellfish, flushing wastes
•from animal and plant life, cleaning the system of pollutants, controlling salinity, shifting sediments, and
mixing the water to create a multitude of habitats.
21

Secondary benefits include commercial and sports fisheries, waterfowl hunting, processing operations, and
tourist -related industries. In addition, there is considerable non -monetary value associated with aesthetics,
recreation, and education. (15 7H .206) 0
Appropriate uses in and around estuarine waters are those which preserve the estuarine waters so to
safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic values. Highest priority is to be allocated
to the conservation of estuarine waters. Second priority may be given to water dependent uses such as
navigable channels, piers and docks, and mooring pilings, provided that they do not directly or indirectly
block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit patterns, violate water
quality standards or cause degradation of shellfish waters.
3. Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine shorelines, although characterized as dry land, are considered a component of the estuarine
system because of the close association with the adjacent estuarine waters. Estuarine shorelines are those
non -ocean shorelines, which are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind
and water, and are intimately connected to the estuary. The extent of the estuarine shoreline area extend
from the mean high water level or normal water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish waters
as adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission of the NC Department of Environment, Health, and
Natural Resources, for a distance of 75 feet landward.
As previously discussed, the Calabash River and Intracoastal Waterway are classified as Estuarine Waters
AEC; therefore, the shorelines of these water systems and 75 feet landward are the estuarine shorelines in
Calabash. Because development within the estuarine shoreline AEC can harm the marshland and estuarine
waters, and because of the inherent dynamic and hazardous nature of coastal shorelines, specific standards
have been adopted by the State for construction in these areas as outlined in NCAC T 1507H.029. A CAMA
permit must also be obtained. By regulation all projects cannot weaken natural barriers to erosion, shall
have limited impervious surfaces, and shall take measures to prevent pollution of the estuary by
sedimentation and runoff. •
4. Public Trust Areas
These are described as:
1. All the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the
seaward limit of state jurisdiction;
2. All natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high
water mark;
3. All navigable natural bodies of water and land thereunder to the mean high water level or mean water
level as the case may be, except privately -owned lakes to which the public has no right of access;
4. All water in artificially created bodies of water containing significant public fishing resources or other
public resources which are accessible to the public by navigation; and
5. All waters in artificially created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by prescription,
custom, usage, dedication or any public means.
Public trust areas in Calabash are the Calabash River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The significance of
the public trust areas is that the public has rights to them, including navigation and recreation. In addition,
these public trust areas support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are
important resources for economic development. (15 7H .0207)
The State allows appropriate private development within public trust areas, provided the development is not
detrimental to the environment or to public access. Navigation channels, piers, marinas, and bulkheads to
control erosion are examples of uses, which may be found acceptable.
B. FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
There is potential for flooding along the lower elevation areas bordering the Calabash River and the
Intracoastal Waterway. As of February 4, 1988 Calabash began participation in the Federal Emergency •
Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance program. The Flood Ordinance is enforced as part of the
22

•
Town's building permit program as administered by the Building Inspector. Map 3, which is attached, shows
the general location of Calabash's flood hazard areas and there are three classifications that are pertinent:
Zone VE: The VE zone corresponds to the 100-year coastal floodplains that have additional hazards
associated with storm waves. Based on detailed hydraulic analysis, FEMA projects that floodwaters during
a 100-year storm could reach depths of 16 feet (i.e. base flood elevations). The lowest elevation land
bordering the Intracoastal Waterway in the Calabash ETJ is designated as being a VE zone.
Zone AE: These areas are within the 100-year floodplain and have a base flood elevation of 13 feet. Land
bordering both sides of the Calabash River with elevations ranging up to 13 feet is designated by FEMA as
being in the AE Zone as well as some land bordering the Intracoastal Waterway. Currently, some riverside
restaurants, the marina and dry boat storage area, and some residences along Oak Street and River View
Drive as well as some residences along River Drive are located in the AE Zone. The last time that major
flood damage occurred was during Hurricane Hazel in 1954.
Zone X: These areas are designated as light gray on the FEMA flood insurance maps. These Zone X areas
correspond to the 500-year floodplain or areas of the 100-year flooding where depths are less than one -foot.
Small pockets of Zone X border some parts of the AE Zone along the Calabash River.
C. ESTUARINE EROSION AREAS
Calabash has extensive marshes bordering its estuarine shorelines, which protects the shorelines from
erosion.
D. MAN-MADE HAZARDS
There are no known man-made hazards in Calabash prohibiting development.
E. AREAS WITH SOIL LIMITATIONS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service completed a soil survey for Brunswick County
in 1986. The report contains detailed descriptions of the soil types and properties for Brunswick County with
the discussions of the suitability for various uses such as dwellings without basements, septic tank
absorption, sanitary landfills, and recreation.
Soils in Calabash are typical of those found in coastal floodplains, marshes, and uplands. Table 3.1 lists the
general characteristics of the twenty-two soil types found in the Calabash area and discusses their suitability
for dwellings without basements and septic tank absorption. This Table shows that the soils in Calabash
are typical of the rest of Brunswick County. Most of these soils are poorly drained and subject to high water
tables or frequent flooding. Eleven out of the 22 soils have severe structural foundation limitations for
dwellings without basements. Nineteen out of the 22 soil types have severe limitations for septic tank
absorption because of wetness, flooding, ponding, or poor fitter characteristics. While these characteristics
do not preclude development, these soil characteristics do suggest that competent, qualified persons
conduct a careful site investigation before development begins or commitments are made.
The lack of soils generally suitable for septic tank placement is a major concern for Calabash until the
SBWSA sewer system is fully operational. Many residential areas in the ETJ rely on septic tanks as well.
However, the general declaration of limitations does not mean that sites within these soil types are
absolutely unsuitable. Individual on -site investigations must be conducted to determine final suitability. The
Brunswick County Health Department issues permits for septic tanks if all applicable county, state, and
federal regulations are met. A final decision is based on soil testing and other site requirements being
determined by local subdivision and zoning requirements.
21

TABLE 3.1
SOIL CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE CALABASH PLANNING AREA •
SOIL GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS DWELLINGS : SEPTIC TANK
.. TYPES ,<: WITHOUT
Baymeade Gently sloping soils on lower coastal Slight Moderate
plains
Blanton Moderately well drained sandy soil of the Slight Moderate:
interstream areas Wetness
Bohicket Poorly drained soils in coastal marshes Severe Severe
Foreston*
Nearly level, well drained soils in the
Slight
Severe: Wetness
interstream areas
Goldsboro
Moderately well drained soils on uplands
Moderate
Severe
Griffon
Poorly drained soils on uplands
Severe
Severe
Johns
Poorly to moderately weel drained soils
Moderate
Severe
on stream terraces
Kureb
Excessively drained soils of lower coastal
Slight
Severe: Poor
plains
Filter
Leon
Poorly drained soils in interstream
Severe: Wetness
Severe: Wetness,
depressions
Poor Filter
Mandarin
Poorly drained soils in interstream
Moderate: Wetness
Severe: Wetness
,
depressions
Murville
Poorly drained soils on depressions in
Severe: Ponding
Severe: Ponding,
coastal uplands
Poor Filter
Pactolus
Nearly level and gently sloping with
Moderate: Wetness
Severe: Wetness,
moderate to poorly drained soils
Poor Filter
Tomahawk
Somewhat moderate to poorly drained
Moderate: Wetness
Severe: Wetness
soils on uplands
Wando
Excessively drained soils in interstream
Slight
Severe: Poor
areas
Filter
* Prime Farmland Soil
Source: U.S.D.A., Soil Survey of Brunswick County NC November 1986.
•
24

F. SOURCES AND ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF WATER SUPPLY
1. Groundwater
Most Calabash residents and businesses purchase their water from either the Brunswick County Water
System or Carolina Blythe. Few remaining households in Calabash now use private wells and these
remaining wells pose no physical limitations to development. Both Marsh Harbor and Ocean Harbor golf
courses utilize ponds to capture rainfall as their major source of water for their sprinkling systems. The
Marsh Harbor golf course uses freshwater as a back-up supply to water their grounds.
2. Surface Water Quality
In November 1991, the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources issued a
report for the waters of the Lumber River Basin, which includes the classification of the Calabash River. The
Calabash River and the Intracoastal Waterway are classified as "SA" waters which indicates a tidal salt
water system used for shellfishing, primary recreation, aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife,
and secondary recreation.
G. CLOSED SHELLFISHING AREAS
While the Calabash River is conducive for shellfish breeding as indicated by its SA classification, the
Calabash River has been closed for shellfishing for many years. The quality of the Calabash River has
deteriorated to the point that the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has banned shellfish harvesting
in the Calabash River.
H. SLOPES IN EXCESS OF 12 PERCENT
Calabash lies on a low -elevation coastal plain. Generally, there is no land within the Town that has slopes in
excess of 12 percent, which would pose a constraint for development.
• I. FRAGILE AREAS
These are areas that could be easily damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or poorly planned
development. Fragile areas include Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) which were previously
discussed. However, there are other potential fragile areas in Calabash which are not classified as Areas of
Environmental Concern, but nevertheless, due to either natural or cultural significance, are environmentally
sensitive. These areas will be discussed below as either "Natural Resource Fragile Areas" or "Cultural
Resource Fragile Areas".
1. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
Natural resource fragile areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific, or cultural value
because of the natural features of the particular site. Coastal areas that sustain remnant species are those
areas that support native plants and animals that are threatened to be rare or endangered. According to the
Natural Heritage Program, there is not a record of rare species, high quality natural communities, state park
and recreation areas, or Significant Natural Heritage Areas within the town and current ETJ boundaries of
Calabash. The integrity of the Colkins Neck Natural Area has been damaged by development and is no
longer classified as a pristine natural area. However, sporadic occurrences of endangered plant and animal
species may still occur in the Calabash area. Rare plant and animal species sighted in the vicinity of the
Calabash Planning Area include the Bachman's Sparrow, the American Alligator, the West Indian Manatee,
and the Coralbean plant. (Letter from the Division of Parks and Recreation, North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, October 25, 1999.)
2. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Fragile coastal cultural resource areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific, aesthetic, or
cultural value because of their special importance to our understanding of past human settlement. Recent
documentation from the Division of Archives and History reveals there are eight archaeological sites and
25

one historic period cemetery located within the current Calabash Planning Area. Hickory Hall Plantation
dates back to 1801 as stated by hand -forged numbers on the chimney and may be suitable for National
Register listing. (Leifer from the State Historic Preservation Office, North Carolina Department of Cultural
Resources, November 3, 1999.)
J. AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL
1. Agriculture, Forest, and Mining Resources
Calabash has no .major commercial agricultural, forest, or mining activities located within its planning area.
There are pockets of prime and drained prime farmland soils located in Calabash. There are no peat or
sand mining operations located in Calabash.
2. Productive Water Bodies
According to the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Division, the waters of the Calabash River east of the
bridge on SR 1164/NC 179 are designated as a Primary Nursery Areas (PNA). Most of the PNA area lies
within the Town of Sunset Beach Planning Area and only a small portion lies within Calabash's ETJ as
shown on Map 4. The PNA areas have been designated by the State as being highly productive for juvenile
habitat for marine species. Destruction of these beds, either physically by dredging or filling or by pollution,
reduces their productivity, which is the reason they were designated as PNA's. The Calabash River west of
the SR 1164/NC 179 bridge is not designated as a Primary Nursery Area.
3. Non -Intensive Outdoor Recreational Lands
Numerous boaters come to visit and fish along the waterways of the Calabash River. There are no publicly
owned forests, fish, or gamelands within Calabash. Moreover, there are no privately owned wildlife
sanctuaries in Calabash.
•
26

• SECTION 4 - CONSTRAINTS: CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Of crucial importance to any community experiencing growth and the pressures for more growth is its
capacity to accommodate that growth. In the case of a community, at the point that the population growth
reaches the maximum service capacity of that community, it can be said to have reached its critical
threshold, or its "carrying capacity." In a broad sense, carrying capacity is reached when any necessary
parameter reaches its limit, whether natural or man-made. However, the concept of "carrying capacity"
will generally be applied to Calabash with emphasis on service provisions. The ability of the current and
proposed water, sewer, education, transportation, solid waste, police, fire, rescue, recreation, and town
administrative systems will be examined to determine whether each system has sufficient capacity to
accommodate the projected 2009 Planning Area's peak seasonal residents of 6,050.
A. EXISTING WATER SERVICE AREAS
Two water systems currently supply the Town of Calabash and its extraterritorial area. Most of the Town
and its ETJ is served by the Brunswick County Water System. Brunswick County acquires its raw water
from the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority. This authority obtains raw water from the Cape
Fear River and 13 1/2 miles of 48-inch lines to a 24-MGD (million gallons per day) surface treatment plant
that has a 4 million -gallon storage facility transport the raw water. The treatment plant is located in the
Leland area. After treatment, the water is distributed throughout the county by a network of distribution
lines ranging from 48 to 8 inches. The Brunswick County Water Service has a total treatment capacity of
30 million gallons per day.
The water distribution system in Calabash is a network of town and county water lines. The Town of
Calabash owns the water lines along River Road, Oak Street, River View Drive, and in the Village Green
subdivision. The Brunswick County Water Service actually leases these water distribution lines from the
Town of Calabash, maintains these lines, and bills its water customers directly. Water lines along
sections of Beach Road (NC 179), Persimmon Road, and Thomasboro Road are owned and maintained
by the County Water Service. The Brunswick County Water Service recently completed a $8 million
capital improvement project that increased the size of the distribution lines to the Calabash area. The
Brunswick County Water Service provides water to Carolina Blythe system.
The Brunswick County Water Service and the Town of Calabash water distribution system will have
sufficient capacity to accommodate the projected 2009 peak seasonal residential planning area
population of 6,650 residents. At an assumed consumption rate of 70 gallons per day for each resident,
the highest peak day demand would be 465,500 gallons per day. The improved Brunswick County
system has a capacity of 30 million gallons per day. The projected peak demand for Calabash is
estimated to be only 1.6 percent of the County's total capacity. Sufficient water supplies will be available
from the Brunswick County Water System to meet the needs of its own customers as well as Carolina
Blythe's customers if the need should arise.
Carolina Blythe, a private utility company, serves Saltaire Village, Marsh Harbour Marina, and 24
businesses located along NC 179. Most households utilize either the public or private water systems and
there are only a few private wells functioning in the Calabash area.
B. SEWER SERVICE AREA
As discussed previously, most of the Town, including the commercial/restaurant district, does not have a
centralized sewer system as of September 1999. Septic systems as permitted by the Brunswick County
Health Department serve these areas. Most of the ETJ utilizes septic tanks as well. A package treatment
plant serves the Hidden Valley subdivision. Carolina Blythe, a private utility company, serves Saltaire
Village, Marsh Harbour Marina, and 24 businesses located along NC 179.
The Town of Calabash is a member of the South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority. The South
Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority (SBWSA) was incorporated on January 27, 1993 and duly
organized on April 18, 1994. The Board of Directors consists of nine members appointed by and
representing the Towns of Sunset Beach, Calabash, and Brunswick County. The goal of this regional
27

authority is, "To restore and preserve the estuarine quality and natural ecological functions of the
estuarine waters of the South Brunswick Area." The Authority plans to implement this goal by operating •
an environmentally sound, cost-effective comprehensive wastewater and stormwater management
program. The Authority prepared the South Brunswick 201 Facilities Plan in 1993. The proposed
wastewater project was evaluated for compliance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act
(SEPA) and was determined to be a major agency action requiring an Environmental Assessment. The
North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR) prepared a
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in December 1994. Minnie and William Hunt, the Sunset Beach
Taxpayers Association (SBTA), and the N.C. Coastal Federation on July 20, 1995 filed a challenge to the
FONSI. On November 3, 1995, Administrative Law Judge Thomas R. West rendered a Recommended
Decision to the N.C. Environmental Management Commission that an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) be prepared in conjunction with the proposed sewer system. As a result of the Recommended
Decision by Judge West, SBWSA voluntarily decided to proceed with the completion of an EIS along with
the implementation of a Storm Water Quality Management Program (SWQMP.) The Record of Decision
for the Final EIS was submitted to the NC Clearinghouse on February 11, 1999. SBWSA obtained a $1.7
million dollar bond in August 1999. Construction of the sewer collection system is underway in downtown
Calabash and the Hidden Valley subdivision and these areas will have sewer service in 2000.
C. SCHOOLS
The relatively few school -age children in Calabash attend schools in the Shallotte area. According to the
1990 U.S. Census, only 5.6 percent of the population in Calabash were under 18. By and large,
Calabash residents consist of middle -age adults and retirees and this trend is likely to continue. Growth
in Calabash should have little impact upon the Brunswick County School System. Table 4.1 shows the
1999 school membership and the design capacity for the schools that Calabash students attend. While
growth in Calabash itself has probably had little direct impact upon the school system, the growth of
Shallotte Township as a whole has impacted the schools.
TABLE 4.1: SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP AND DESIGN CAPACITY, AUGUST 31,1999
SCHOOL :;
4999 MEMBERSHIP
DESIGN CAPACITY
;PERCENT ':
UTILIZATION.'
Union Prima PreK-4
727
735
98.9%
Shallotte Middle 5-8
907
840
108.0%
West Brunswick 9-12
1,184
905
130.8%
Source: Brunswick County Board of Education
D. TRANSPORTATION
US Highway 17 transverses the Calabash Planning Area and provides the major traffic link to Calabash.
This highway is now a four -lane median facility that greatly enhances the accessibility of the Calabash
area to the rest of the region. An average of 11,000 vehicles a day used U.S. 17 in 1998 as shown in
Table 4.2.
The major traffic artery in Calabash is NC 179, which is the main commercial thoroughfare running
through the Town and crossing the state line into South Carolina. The average daily traffic count for
sections of NC 179 was 13,000 to 13,700 vehicles a day in 1998 and this road is heavily congested
during the peak tourist season. NC 179 was widened into a three -land road in 1995. The other major
access routes in the Town's jurisdiction are S.R. 1167 (Persimmon Road); SR 1168 (Calabash Road); SR
1163 (Old Georgetown Road); and SR 1165 (Thomasboro Road). The other streets in the Town are
neighborhood streets that are maintained by the Town. The design capacity of these state roads is
estimated to be sufficient to handle current traffic volumes. The capacity of NC 179 may be exceeded as
the planned developments such as Devaun Park, Ocean Harbour, Marsh Harbour, and the Thistle are
developed. Table 4.2 shows the Average Daily Traffic (ADT) counts for the 7 locations in the Calabash
area where traffic counts were consistently taken from 1984 to 1998.
•
28

•
TABLE 4.2: AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC COUNTS FOR CALABASH, 1984-1998
R
A:
B
RMOM
aE .::
ffirm
MNPM
US..17 .
.,..; NC 179
N...0 179.::
SR a 167
SR 1165
SR 1164
SR
1990
5,300
10,400
11,400
---
---
---
---
1991
7,600
10,400
11,100
800
1,200
550
1992
8,200
8,800
11,000
-
-
---
-
1993
9,100
11,000
11,700
1,100
1,500
600
--
1994
---
10,800
12,700
-
-
--
--
1995
---
9,100
12,300
1,400
1,800
700
-
1996
--1
10,2001
12,600
---
---
---
--
1997
11,3001
10,1001
13,0001
1,700
2,200
1,100
2,40
1998
11,0001
13,0001
12,000
---
---
A = US 17 near Thomasboro Crossroads
B = NC 179 (Old Georgetown Road) near Calabash EMS
C = NC 179 (Beach Drive) near River Road
D = SR 1167 (Persimmon Road)
E = SR 1165 (Thomasboro Road)
F = SR 1164 (Clariday Road)
G = SR 1168 (Country Club Road)
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation, Average Daily Traffic Count Maps.
E. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
The Town of Calabash contracts with Brunswick County for solid waste collection. The County in turns
contracts with Waste Industries. The Town contracts with Waste Industries for its recycling program
The capacity of the local solid waste management will be sufficient through 2009. Private contractors
have the capacity to respond to increased local demand.
F. POLICE PROTECTION
Calabash provides no local police services and depends upon the Brunswick County Sheriff Department
for protection. Brunswick County operates a 911 system. The three banks located in Calabash have their
own security force.
G. FIRE PROTECTION
The Calabash Volunteer Fire Department is located at Persimmon Road and this department with 30
volunteers' serves the Town, the extraterritorial area, and the outlying area within 5 miles of the fire
station. Brunswick County and the Towns of Calabash and Carolina Shores make annual financial
contributions to the Volunteer Department. An Annual Fund Drive is also conducted. The fire station's
equipment includes one 1,500 gpm 75-foot aerial (quint) truck, one 1,250 gpm pumper tanker, one 2,000-
gallon tanker, one 500-gpm pumper /rescue truck, and one reserve ladder truck. The Fire Department
has mutual aid agreements with Brunswick County and Horry County fire departments. Both the
Longwood-Grissetown and the Sunset Beach Volunteer Fire Departments automatically respond to all
single-family residential fires in Calabash. These fire departments as well as the Ocean Isle Volunteer
Fire Department also respond to all commercial structure fires in Calabash.
The fire insurance rating for Calabash is currently 7 for the planning area where fire hydrants are
available and a 9 for the area not served by hydrants. Fire hydrants are located throughout most of the
Calabash Planing Area served by either the Brunswick County yyater Service or Carolina Blythe. Both
. water systems have sufficient capacity to supply water for fire -fighting purposes according to the
Calabash Fire Chief.
PIES

Hiring of career fire personnel will be the most pressing issue facing the Fire Department according to the
Fire Chief. The demands for fire protection services will increase as the major proposed developments
are built. Eventually, the capacity of the local volunteer fire department will be exceeded and a
professional staff will need to be hired. Development of an equipment replacement schedule will be the
major equipment need over the next 5 to 10 years.
H. EMERGENCY RESCUE AND SAFETY
Rescue calls in Calabash are initially sent to the 911 Emergency Telephone System. The 911 dispatcher
pages both the Brunswick County Emergency Medical System and the local Calabash Rescue Squad.
Both services then respond to the emergency call and whichever squad arrives at the scene first begins
emergency medical treatment. Patients requiring hospitalization are then transferred to the hospital by
whichever unit best meets their needs. The Brunswick County Emergency Medical Unit transfers all
patients needing Advanced Life Support Services whereas the Calabash Rescue Squad transfers those
needing only Basic Life Support services.
The Brunswick County Emergency Medical System is the major provider of Advanced Life Support (ALS)
emergency rescue services in the county. The main emergency service facility is located in Bolivia with
24-hour substations now located near Sunset Beach on Georgetown Road, Shallotte, and Southport.
The Georgetown. Road substation is located within 5 miles to Calabash. The substations provide
emergency services 24-hours a day seven days a week. The Georgetown Road substation responds to
most emergency calls in the Calabash area. However, other substations may need to respond if the
Georgetown Road substation is already responding to a previous call.
The Calabash Emergency Medical System provides Basic Life Support (BLS) services to the Calabash,
Sunset Beach, and Grissettown areas. This volunteer squad has 13 members on its roster and these
volunteers have had EMT training. The squad has two ambulances that are equipped with standard
basic life support systems. The squad is currently certified to use a defibrillator and is in the process of
being certified to provide intravenous fluids. The Calabash Rescue Squad has Mutual Aid Agreements
with the Waccamaw and Shallotte Rescue Squads. Most emergency patients are transported to the
Brunswick Hospital, which is approximately 20 miles from Calabash. Some patients are transferred to the
Grand Strand Hospital located in Myrtle Beach, SC, which is also located approximately 20 miles from
Calabash. This volunteer organization obtains financial support from Calabash, Sunset Beach, and
Brunswick County governments as well as accepts donations from local residents. A Thrift Shop is also
operated as a fund-raising project.
I. RECREATIONAL SERVICES
The Calabash River and the two championship golf courses provide the major recreational opportunities
for residents and visitors at Calabash. Currently, the Town does not have a formal recreation policy or
operates parks, public boat accesses, or similar public recreational facilities.
J. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
The Town of Calabash employs a Town Administrator, a Town Clerk, two support office staff members,
and a Building Inspector/ Zoning Administrator. The Town Administrator also serves as the CAMA Permit
Officer. An addition to the Town Hall was completed in 1995. .
30

0 SECTION 5 - LAND USE POLICY STATEMENTS
A. PURPOSE OF POLICY STATEMENTS
1. Background
The formulation of specific policies regarding growth, development, and management objectives is
perhaps the most important part of any land use plan -- especially those prepared under North Carolina's
Coastal Area Management Act. Because of regulatory requirements and local peculiarities, the policies
often attempt to strike a delicate balance between desires and objectives of local citizens, the local
government, and the objectives of CAMA itself. Land development policies, which should be based on
analyses of existing conditions (including consideration given to natural and man-made constraints) and
projected trends, are to serve as general guides for future desired development. Under CAMA, the
overriding issue is that of growth management while protecting coastal resources. The special resources
and constraints within Calabash were identified in the previous sections of this plan. The policy
statements contained in this section will both address growth management and protection, and
maintenance of these resources.
The Coastal Resources Commission, recognizing the diversities which exist among the coastal
communities, requires each locality to delineate specific development policies under five broad
categories, each with its own subset of policy areas. The five required topics, addressed in order in this
section, are:
• Resource Protection
• • Resource Production and Management
• Economic and Community Development
• Continuing Public Participation
• Storm Hazard Mitigation
Although policies developed under these topics cover most of the local development issues, in some
cases they do not. Calabash has the flexibility to address specific community issues within the scope of
this plan and they have done this.
It is important to understand the significance of local CAMA policy statements and how they interact with
day-to-day activities of Calabash. Three areas are affected. First, the policy statements will regulate the
issuance of CAMA minor and major permitting as required by N.C.G.S: 113A-118 prior to undertaking any
development in any Area of Environmental Concern. A local government must adopt policies, which are,
at a minimum, equal to and consistent with the State's minimum use standards. The local government
may, however, adopt minimum use standards, which are stricter than the State's, and the local
government's stricter standards would become the determining factor whether a CAMA permit should be
issued.
The second area of application is that of establishing local policies and regulations which guide
Calabash's growth and development. Under North Carolina legislation, land use plans are not regulatory
controls. Policy statements must be consistent with and implemented through local land use ordinances
such as zoning or subdivision ordinances.
The final area of application is that of "Consistency Review." Proposals and applications for state and
federal assistance or requests for agency approval of projects are normally reviewed against a
jurisdiction's land use plan to determine if the project is consistent with local policies. Inconsistencies of a
10 federal or state project with local policies will serve as grounds for denial or revision of a project.
31

2. Policy Format
Each major category in the policy section of the land use plan is addressed according to the following
format:
Policy Identification A brief summary of the issues, relevant findings and, where applicable,
alternative policy responses.
Policy Statement Statement(s) of local govemment principle designed to achieve
legitimate public objectives related to the issue.
Policy Implementation Measures used by the Town to implement the policy
It is important to understand that the policy identification is not policy, and does not cant' the same
degree of importance as the actual policy statements. This narrative is designed to provide background
and rationale for the ensuing policy statements. In most instances, the discussion serves to identify a
problem or issue, and may present a summary of findings from other technical studies. There is no intent
to establish policy within any discussion section. More detailed discussions of issues related to policies
are found in the earlier information sections of the Plan.
The policy statements, on the other hand, must be viewed in a different light. As statements of local
government principle, the policies should remain substantially unchanged during the five-year planning
period. Frequent changes to the policies would undermine their effectiveness in achieving intended goals
and objectives. Indeed, the policies are designed to maintain a consistent and predictable direction for
local government decisions affecting local growth and development during the planning period. In
reviewing the pages that follow, the reader is asked to focus greatest attention on the policies, while
relying upon the discussion primarily as explanations as to intent.
B. COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT FOR NEXT TEN YEARS
The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines suggest that the policy section begin with an overall guiding
policy regarding future growth and development. The following vision statement emphasizes the need for
diligence in working to retain the quality features associated with Calabash:
The citizens, property and business owners of the Town of Calabash shall strive
to maintain a precious balance between our serene residential life and bustling
business sector. We will seek to maintain the "small fishing village atmosphere"
afforded by our world-famous collection of seafood restaurants and scenic
Calabash River while emerging as a world -class resort area that offers golfing,
shopping, deep-sea fishing, and wonderful dining. Our dock areas and
waterviews are a precious asset and must be preserved, carefully developed and
maintained for the future. We will promote pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths,
shuttle systems, and off -site parking to enhance access and alleviate traffic
congestion in our downtown corridor. Our coastal location is very fragile and
should be protected from abusive development. Our wetland areas, marshes,
natural vegetation growth and wildlife must be preserved to prevent further
deterioration to our coastal community. We shall protect our community as a
desirable place for both visitors and residents alike by careful planning and
zoning, with emphasis on controlled growth and development.
I
i
32
i
i
I

C. POLICY STATEMENTS
The foregoing policies were developed to provide a general framework for guiding growth and
development in Calabash over the next five years.
1. Resource Protection
a. Areas of Environmental Concern
Calabash will support and enforce through its CAMA permitting capacity the State policies and permitted
uses in the Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). The State's policy statements for AECs offer
protection for Calabash fragile areas through the CAMA permitting procedures. In accordance with those
policies set forth in Subchapter 7H of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Calabash adopts the
following policies concerning AECs within its jurisdiction. The Areas of Environmental Concern for
Calabash are discussed in Section 3.
(11 The Estuarine Svstem
ISSUE IDENTIFICATION:
In recognition of the enormous economic, social and biological values the estuarine system has for North
Carolina, Calabash will promote conservation and management of the Estuarine System as a whole
which includes the individual subsystems of coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, public trust waters, and
estuarine shorelines.
The management objective for the system shall be to give highest priority to the protection and
coordinated management of all the elements as an interrelated group of AECs in order to safeguard and
perpetuate the above stated values, and to minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property
and public resources.
Specific policies regarding acceptable and unacceptable uses within the individual AECs of the estuarine
system are stated below. In essence, the permitted land uses in these areas shall be those, which are,
water dependent. In all cases the particular location, use, and design characteristics shall be in accord
with the general use standards for coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust areas as stated in
15A NCAC 7H.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(al Coastal Wetlands
It shall be the policy of Calabash to restrict land uses in coastal wetlands to those that guarantee
wetlands conservation and which do not affect their delicate balance. Calabash shall permit water
dependent uses such as docks, boat ramps, piers, marinas, utility easements, and culverts, consistent
with the definition and use standards of 15 NCAC 7H. Each proposed use will be evaluated for water
dependency.
Unacceptable land uses in coastal wetlands may include, but would not be limited to restaurants,
businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels, floating structures other than boat docks, and
parking lots.
In some instances, it may be necessary and in the public interest for roads to transverse wetland areas.
Where this is absolutely necessary, state and federal regulations may allow such with certain safeguards
and/or mitigation measures.
jLbl Estuarine Waters
In recognition of the importance of estuarine waters for the fisheries and related industries as well as
aesthetics and recreation, Calabash shall promote the conservation and quality of this resource.
33

Appropriate uses may include simple access channels, structures which prevent erosion, navigational
channels, boat docks, piers, marinas, and mooring pilings which are consistent with 15 NCAC 7H.
A proposed centralized sewer system shall be encouraged as a means to eliminate pollution from
malfunctioning or inadequate septic systems and/ or package treatment plants.
The development of boat launching, wet -slip marinas, and dry -storage boat docking facilities shall be
supported as a means of providing public water access provided that their development shall not
adversely impact estuarine resources or public trust areas.
Floating structures other than boat docks shall be banned in order to protect our estuarine and public trust
areas.
The Town will support those projects that will increase the productivity of the estuary such as oyster
reseeding or dredging projects that will increase the flushing actions of tidal movements.
(cJ Estuarine Shorelines
Suitable land uses within the estuarine shorelines are those compatible with both the dynamic nature of
estuarine shorelines and the value of the estuarine system. Calabash recognizes the close association
between estuarine shorelines and the adjacent estuarine waters; the influence that shoreline
development has on the quality of estuarine life, and that the damaging processes of shorefront erosion
and flooding to which the estuarine shoreline is subject.
Mithin the Estuarine Shoreline Area, the Town of Calabash believes that certain developed uses should
only be allowed to take place which are consistent with 15 NCAC 7H and as further defined by the Town Is
building and development ordinances, and which satisfy the following requirements:
1) natural barriers to erosion are not weakened or eliminated,•
2) development does not interfere with present public access or use of navigable waters or public trust
areas,
3) the amount of runoff is unchanged,
4) no pollution is generated;
5) standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Act of 1973, amended 1990, are upheld, and
6) the construction of impervious surfaces and areas. not allowing natural drainage is limited to that
necessary for development.
(d Public Trust Areas
The State of North Carolina and the Town of Calabash holds its waters in public trust and promote public
access to these areas. In the absence of overriding public benefit, any use, which significantly interferes
with the public right of navigation, or other public trust rights which apply in the area shall not be allowed.
Projects which would directly or indirectly block or impair navigational channels, increase shoreline
erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate water
quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters shall not be allowed.
For the Town of Calabash, a navigational channel will be defined as any water channel that is passable
by boats during high tide. Permanent obstruction of these navigational channels will not be allowed.
Improvements such as bridges and docks must be built to allow boating access.
Uses that may be allowed in public trust areas shall not be detrimental to the public trust rights and the
biological and physical functions of the estuary. Examples of such uses include the development of
navigational channels or drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building of
piers or docks. Such uses shall generally be permitted as long as they conform to State development
standards.
[e1 Outstanding Resource Wafers: There are no designated outstanding resource waters within the
Calabash Planning Area, therefore, no policies have been developed. 0
34

0 L21 Ocean Hazard Areas
Unlike many other tourist -oriented coastal communities, Calabash is not on the oceanfront and therefore,
has no Ocean Hazard Areas of Environmental Concern and no policies have been developed.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Calabash believes that the existing development permit system enforced by LAMA, the U.S. Corps of
Engineers, combined with the Town's Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations represent adequate
measures to protect the discussed resources. Enforcement of these provisions will continue.
b. Other Natural Fragile Areas
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Uncontrolled or incompatible development may result in the major or irreversible damage to fragile
coastal resource areas that contain environmental, natural, historical or archaeological resources of more
than local significance. In recognition of this, it is the policy of Calabash to encourage the protection of
such natural or cultural resources. Development of such areas should not be permitted or if allowed, to
be developed in such a fashion as to preserve its natural significance.
As discussed in Section 3 of this report, Calabash has the following types of natural and cultural resource
areas within its jurisdiction, prime wildlife habitats, wooded swamps and 404 wetlands, maritime forests,
and significant archaeological resources, and historic architectural resources. However, there are no
coastal areas that sustain remnant species, coastal complex natural areas, unique geological formations,
currently registered natural landmarks, scenic or prominent high points located within the Calabash
Planning Area, therefore, no policies have been developed for these resources.
(IlAreas that Sustain Remnant Species
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Coastal areas that sustain remnant species are those areas that support native plants and animals that
are threatened to be rare or endangered. According to the Natural Heritage Program, there are no
records of rare species, high quality natural communities, state park and recreation areas, or Significant
Natural Heritage Areas within the town and current ETJ boundaries of Calabash; therefore, no policies
have been prepared. The integrity of the Colkins Neck Natural Area has been damaged by development
and is no longer classified as a pristine natural area. However, sporadic occurrences of endangered
plant and animal species may still occur in the Calabash area. Rare plant and animal species sighted in
the vicinity of the Calabash Planning Area include the Bachman's Sparrow, the American Alligator, the
West Indian Manatee, and the Coralbean plant.
(gl Prime Wildlife Habitats
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Prime wildlife habitats are areas supporting large or unusually diverse populations of wildlife or are
habitats for species considered to be rare, endangered, or of special concern. Calabash's coastal
marshes serve as prime wildlife habitats.
POLICY STATEMENT:
The coastal marshes along the Calabash River serve as prime wildlife habitats. The CAMA major and
minor permitting process and local development ordinances will regulate development in these areas.
POLICY IMPLETNTATION:
Administration of the CAMA Permitting Program
35

(!) Wooded Swam as and 404 Wetlands 10
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
There are scattered freshwater wetlands within the Calabash Planning Area.
POLICY STATEMENT:
It is the Town policy to protect freshwater wetlands, marshes, and 404 wetlands within its planning
jurisdiction in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash supports the preservation of wetlands through the enforcement of 404 regulations
and administration of the CAMA permitting program.
(41 Maritime Forests and Tree Cover
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, golf course and residential development have
altered the former extensive maritime forests in Calabash. Even so, tree cover in Calabash is a highly
regarded asset.
POLICY STATEMENT:
Tree cover in Calabash, whether maritime or otherwise is a highly valued asset. The Town encourages
efforts to preserve tree cover in new development and redevelopment. The Town promotes the planting
of trees and natural areas in its landscaping regulations and subdivision ordinance. The Calabash
Planning Board will study the feasibility of adopting a tree ordinance that promotes the conservation of
trees.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Town Landscaping Regulations and Subdivision Ordinance. The Planning Board and Town Council will
study the feasibility of adopting a tree ordinance.
Significant Archaeological and Historical Resources
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Indians once inhabited Calabash and 8 pre-recorded archaeological sites and 1 historic period cemetery
have been recorded. Most of these sites have already been disturbed by development. Hickory Hall
Plantation dates back to 1801 as stated by hand -forged numbers on the chimney and may be suitable for
National Register listing.
POLICY STATEMENT:
There may be some undisturbed archaeological resources within Calabash's Planning Area. The Town
believes that all development plans in such identified areas should be carefully reviewed prior to approval
and that the NC Division of Archives and History should be contacted. Moreover, the State Division of
Archives and History will be contacted if any additional archaeological sites previously not recorded are
discovered.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION.
The Town of Calabash will maintain information concerning the location of archaeological sites within its
Planning Area. If a development permit request is submitted for an area that contains a prerecorded site,
the applicant will be informed and the State Division of Archives and History will be contacted prior to the
approval of the requested permit.
0

0 j61 Shellfrshing Waters
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
All of the estuarine waters of the Calabash River are now closed for shellfishing. The Town of Calabash
hopes to reverse the negative impact of water pollution by supporting more effective local and regional
stormwater management and by supporting a centralized sewer system.
POLICY STATEMENT-.
The Town supports and encourages the activities of the State's Shellfishing Management Program. The
Town promotes water quality through its stormwater requirements in its subdivision ordinance and
participation in the stormwater management and regional sewer system now being planned and
implemented by the South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority. (SBWSA)
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
Stormwater Provisions of Subdivision Ordinance, SBWSA
c. Constraints to Development
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Calabash has two major physical constraints for development: the general lack of soils suitable for septic
tank use and the amount of land included in the 100-year floodplain as discussed in Section 3 of this
report. The lack of soils generally suitable for septic tank use is a major concern for the Town and ETJ
area not currently served by a centralized sewer system. The South Brunswick Water and Sewer
Authority (SBWSA) is pursuing developing a sewer system to serve those areas currently not served.
There are no man-made hazards such as heavy industries or airports located within the Town.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) Until such time as a central sewerage collection and disposal system is developed, growth and
development will not be permitted in areas where septic tanks will not function. All septic tanks must be
in compliance with State Health Regulations through administration by the Brunswick County Health
Department.
(2) Development may be constructed in areas with limitations for building foundations only if corrective
measures for stabilizing foundations are incorporated into the building design.
(3) All new construction and substantial improvements in the 100-year flood zones must comply strictly to
the Town's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance which has been adopted in conjunction with Calabash's
participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash will continue to enforce its Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and Building
Code as well as support the enforcement of the septic tank regulations by the Brunswick County Health
Department.
d. Protection of Potable Water Supplies
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Only a few private wells, mostly in the ETJ area, are utilized in Calabash. Development near the public or
private wells does not pose any hazards.
POLICY STATEMENT:
Sources of potable surface and groundwater for the Town of Calabash shall be protected to the maximum
extent possible.
Mi

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Brunswick County Health Department and the Town of Calabash will regulate land uses near wells
through its zoning ordinance and will enforce site requirements that private wells be located suitable
distances from septic tank systems.
e. Use of Package Treatment Plants
POLICY iDENT/FICAT/ON:
Ground absorption systems are the main means of sewerage disposal currently for the Town and ETJ
area not served by Carolina Blythe. Package treatment plants may be built to serve larger residential
development, if construction of the SBWSA centralized sewer system is delayed.
POLICY STATEMENT
It shall be the policy of Calabash to allow package treatment plants where they are deemed necessary
and if they can be constructed with the overall intent of this plan and meet all federal and state
environmental regulations. If and when centralized sewer facilities are made available to areas served by
package plants, hookup to the sewer facilities will be required, and the package plant(s) eliminated.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash will support enforcement of package treatment plant regulations by the Brunswick
County Health Department and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR.) All
package plants will be eliminated upon the availability of centralized sewer service.
f. Stormwater Runoff
POLICY IDENTIFICATION.
The Town of Calabash shares the concerns of South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority and the State
Division of Environmental Management (DEM) that stormwater runoff from urbanized areas may be
contributing to declining surface water quality in some areas. According to the Division of Water Quality,
the increase in stormwater runoff associated with land development can substantially increase waste
constituents present in stormwater. The increased pollutant loading from stormwater runoff may degrade
ambient water quality, adversely impact best usage, or otherwise violate water quality standards.
Maintenance of water quality is a concern to Calabash. The Town recognizes the value of water quality
maintenance both in terms of protecting commercial and recreational fishing resources and providing
clean water for other recreational purposes. The Town is also very much concerned about the potential
adverse effect on water -quality from large open -area recreational development.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) Stormwater runoff from new development will be reduced by enacting improved stormwater control
regulations.
(2) The Town of Calabash encourages the use of "innovative" systems that utilize pervious or semi -
pervious materials and the retention of natural vegetation that functions as a filter which minimizes the
rapid release of pollutants to coastal waters through stonnwater runoff. The general intent of the
stormwater regulations will be to encourage the percolation of stormwater into the ground and avoid direct
discharge of stormwater into the coastal waters.
i
(3) The proposed centralized sewer system is supported as a means to eliminate runoff of surfaced
effluent from malfunctioning or inadequate on -site septic systems.
(4) Stormwater management planning should be conducted by the regional river system drainage basin
system. The Town of Calabash supports the preparation and implementation of a regional comprehensive
stormwater management plan by the South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority for Southwest
Brunswick County.
(5) The Town of Calabash supports the maintenance of the p Caw Caw Drainage system by SBWSA.
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POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash will continue to enforce its building code regulations that pertain to stormwater
control. The proposed SBWSA centralized sewer system will reduce pollution from surfaced effluent. The
Town of Calabash supports the SBWSA regional stormwater management planning and will adopt new
stormwater regulations in accordance with recommendations by SBWSA.
g. Marina, Bulkhead, and Floating Structure Development
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
The development of bulkheads, private boatslips, and marinas are permitted uses in the Town's zoning
ordinance and must meet CAMA regulations. Damage to existing marshes by bulkhead installation or
replacement, groins, or seawalls will not be permitted.
According to the CAMA guidelines T15A:07H.0208, marinas are defined as any publicly or privately
owned dock, basin or wet boat storage facility constructed to accommodate more than 10 boats and
providing any of the following services: permanent or transient docking spaces, dry storage, fueling
facilities, haulout facilities and repair service. Excluded from this definition are boat ramp facilities
allowing access only and temporary docking facilities that do not have any of the preceding services. In
order to minimize environmental impact, the Town of Calabash prefers dry -boat stacking storage rather
than wet slip marinas.
According to CAMA guidelines T15A: 07M .0602, floating structures are defined as any structure, not a
boat, supported by a means of flotation, designed to be used without a permanent foundation, which is
intended for human habitation or commerce. A structure will be considered a floating structure when it is
used for human habitation or commercial purposes for more than 30 days in one location. A boat may be
deemed a floating structure when its means of propulsion has been removed or rendered inoperative and
it contains at least 200 square feet of living space. In Calabash, the issue of floating structures has not
been a significant problem and the Town has never adopted any ordinances or regulations regarding
floating structures.
POLICY STATEMENT.
The Town is supportive of the State's policies on floating structures and believes that they should not be
allowed within the Town's Public Trust Areas.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
Administration of the CAMA major and minor permitting processes and the zoning ordinance.
h. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
There are no industries located within the Calabash Planning Area. The Town Zoning Ordinance permits
light industrial use, but there are no industrial zoning districts designated on the zoning map. Industrial
use is not a permitted use for any zoning district containing AECs in the Town's zoning ordinance.
Consequently, the Town does not anticipate any negative impacts by industrial use on the Town's fragile
areas.
POLICY STATEMENT.
The Town of Calabash will not designate light industrial zoning in any area containing AECs.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
Administration of the Town Zoning Ordinance
i. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
There are no estuarine system islands in Calabash's jurisdiction; therefore, no policies have been
developed.
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j. Rising Sea Level
POLICY IDENTIFICATION: •
The Town will closely monitor research on sea level rise and its effects on coastal areas. There has been
considerable discussion and debate over the past decade or more about the influence of sea level rise on
the beach and shoreline erosion along North Carolina's coast. The most commonly held viewpoint is that
gradual sea level rise is causing the shoreline of the North Carolina coast to migrate landward. Individual
waterfront owners experience this migration as erosion.
POLICY STATEMENT:
The Town of Calabash will closely monitor research on sea level rise and its effects on coastal areas. It is
the policy of the Town to consider any State or Federal policies prior to issuing specific statements
regarding sea level rise and restriction of development in potentially susceptible locations. Specifically,
development within areas up to 5 feet above sea level may be prone to sea level rise and wetland loss.
IMPLEMENTATION.
CAMA Permitting Program, Town Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
2. Resource Production And Management
In most coastal counties and towns, "resource production and management" usually relates to agriculture,
forestry, and mining activities as well as recreational and fisheries resources. For Calabash, only
recreational and fisheries resources pertain since there are no major commercial agricultural, forestry, or
mining resources within the Planning Area.
a. Recreational and Fisheries Resources
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
In resort communities such as Calabash, the abundant water and marsh areas become the predominant
resource supporting recreational and fishing activities. The Town recognizes the value of water quality
maintenance in terms of protecting commercial and recreational fishing resources and providing clean
water for other recreational purposes such as swimming, water skiing, and boating. The North Carolina
Division of Marine Fisheries designates portions of the marshes within Calabash as Primary Nursery
Areas. The Calabash River system and marshes are also classified as Areas of Environmental Concern
previously discussed. The Calabash River and the Intracoastal Waterway are classified as SA waters.
For these reasons, Calabash recognizes that by protecting the water quality within its jurisdiction that it is
also protecting its economic base.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) The Town of Calabash encourages the protection and enhancement of North Carolina's sport and
commercial fisheries industry. Any development or activity, which will profoundly affect coastal and
estuarine waters, will be discouraged. Only those structures, which are water dependent, wiI! be allowed
to be placed adjacent to coastal and estuarine waters. in the design, construction, and operation of water
dependent structures, efforts must be made to mitigate negative effects on water quality and fish habitat,
as determined by 15A NCAC 7H, the Division of Environmental Management, and the Coastal Resources
Commission. The developer and/or owner will bear the cost of any such mitigation.
(2) Calabash supports the NC Division of Marine Fisheries in their development of regulations and
policies, including those on trawling and gill netting in ocean and estuarine waters.
(3) In order to expand Calabash's sport and commercial fishing, Calabash will permit private and public
dredging activities that will positively affect those industries. It is recognized that in dredging and
stabilization activities, some fish habitat damage may occur. Only those PrOjects, which reasonable likelihood of providing greater benefits than damage for marine life, will be supported.V eAll
dredging and stabilization projects must be performed in order to minimize any unavoidable damage to
fish habitat as stipulated by the Army Corps of Engineers.
40

(4) Calabash supports projects that increase the productivity of coastal and estuarine waters. Projects
10 such as oyster reseeding programs, dredging to increase tidal flushing, and properly constructed artificial
reef construction have proved successful in the past, and therefore, will be supported in the future.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash supports current State and Federal programs designed to enhance the proper
utilization of water resources. The CAMA major and minor permitting program will be enforced to protect
these Areas of Environmental Concern. The Town supports dredging as regulated by the Army Corps of
Engineers. Establishment of a centralized sewer system and effective stormwater management will help
to maintain water quality in Calabash.
b. The Impact of Residential and Commercial Development on Natural Resources
POLICY IDENTIFICATION.
In coastal communities such as Calabash, the abundant water and marsh areas become the predominant
resource supporting recreational and fishing activities. The Town recognizes the value of water quality
maintenance in terms of protecting commercial and recreational fishing resources and providing clean
water for other recreational purposes such as swimming, water skiing, and boating. The North Carolina
Division of Marine Fisheries designates most of the marshes within Calabash as Primary Nursery Areas.
The water systems and marshes are also classified as Areas of Environmental Concem previously
discussed. The Calabash River and the Intracoastal Waterway are classified as SA waters. For these
reasons, Calabash recognizes that by protecting the water quality within its jurisdiction that it is also
protecting its economic base.
POLICY STATEMENT:
Calabash's waters are used for all types of recreation, including fishing for pleasure. These water
resources are vital to the community's "Seafood Capitol" tourist economy. The Town of Calabash is
committed to the protection and enhancement of its waters. The land use controls of Calabash are and
will continue to be written and enforced to insure that proper and adequate measures are incorporated
into the design, construction, and operation of residential and commercial development so that any
substantial negative impact to the unique coastal ecosystem is minimized.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash supports current State and Federal programs designed to enhance the proper
utilization of water resources. The CAMA major and minor permitting program will be enforced to protect
these Areas of Environmental Concern. Establishment of a centralized sewer system and effective
stormwater management will improve and protect water quality.
3. Economic and Community Development
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
The Town of Calabash has experienced rapid growth since the 1980's. Growth will continue during the
next 5 to 10 years as a result of new residential construction as well as the probable extension of the
town corporate and extraterritorial limits.
The Town proposes to prepare a comprehensive plan. The CAMA Land Use Plan Revision adequately
assesses land use, population, economic development, natural resources, and cultural resources.
However, further analysis and guidance is needed to develop a multi -modal transportation system as well
as to plan for adequate community facilities and public services.
The Town of Calabash recognizes that improperly managed growth can actually harm or "destroy" the
very appeal, which attracts new residents and seasonal visitors to the area in the first place Therefore,
the Town's overall attitude toward growth is expressed in the following policy choices.
I*
41

POLICY STATEMENTS:
a. Growth Management
(1) Calabash believes in managing and directing the Town's growth and development in balance with the
availability of public services. The Town will develop a comprehensive plan as a means to manage
growth, to upgrade public services as necessary to accommodate year-round and seasonal population
growth, to enhance its transportation system, and to preserve its natural resources and cultural heritage.
The transportation element will provide an inventory of the existing roadway and sidewalk system and
propose ways to develop a multi -modal transportation network to enhance vehicular traffic, pedestrian
and bicycle pathways, and parking facilities. The feasibility of developing a shuttle system between the
Central Business District, off -site parking facilities, and the major traffic generators such as new hotels will
be explored. The community facilities and public safety element will identify existing and forecasted
needs for recreational facilities including parks and boat ramps, police protection, fire protection, and
emergency medical services
(2) To protect the Town from adverse impacts of growth and development by considering these factors
when making land use decisions:
• the suitability of land to accommodate the use,
• the capacity of the environment to accommodate the development;
• the compatibility of the land use with the goals and objectives of the Town;
• the density of development and the proposed height of the structures; and
• the availability of support facilities and services.
(3) To prepare for a continuing population growth by assessing the capacity of public services and
upgrading facilities and services as needed. .
(4) To institute continuous land use planning and directing growth by enforcing the relevant ordinances.
(5) To guide new development away from Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) and other special and
sensitive areas, as reflected in the policies for Resource Protection and Resource Production and
Management.
(6) To guide new development away from hazardous areas where there is a tendency for septic tank
problems and flooding.
(7) To institute annexation proceedings and the extension of the extraterritorial limits in a timely manner in
order to guide growth within the current town boundaries and into the surrounding ETJ areas.
(8) To retain a height limitation for residential, commercial, and institutional structures that is deemed
compatible with the Land Use Plan and the Zoning Ordinances of the Town of Calabash. The Board of
Commissioners will study the feasibility of requiring that a building height restriction only be changed by a
public referendum if there is majority public opposition to such a change. (Amended June 24, 1999)
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash will seek grants to prepare a comprehensive plan. The Town of Calabash will
administer its development ordinances such as zoning and subdivision regulations with these above
policies. Improvements to the Town's infrastructure will be made as needed in order to provide adequate
services as demands from population growth increases. As new development occurs in the areas
surrounding the town limits, Calabash will evaluate the feasibility of annexation and the extension of the
Town's extraterritorial limits.
i
These statements reflect the Town's general attitude towards growth. Additional policy issues required to
be addressed by the CAMA Planning Guidelines as well as additional locally recognized issues are
addressed below.
42

•
b. Types of Development
POLICY STATEMENTS:
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
It shall be the policy of Calabash to encourage the development of a variety of housing types to meet the
needs and desires of current and future citizens through the following.
To maintain areas exclusively for conventional single-family dwellings for the growing population.
To provide areas for mobile home parks and manufactured housing development.
To allow patio homes, townhouses, multi -family and condominium development within certain zoning
districts.
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Town wishes to enhance and promote quality commercial development through the following.
• Calabash's economic base consists mainly of services pertaining. to tourism as the "Seafood Capitol
of the World" and the Town will strive to maintain this heritage as a goal in its comprehensive
planning efforts.
• The Town will continue to enforce its current development ordinances and local building permit
process in order to achieve a desired balance between commercial and residential development.
Adequate buffering between residential and commercial development will be required.
• The appearance of commercial development will be enhanced by the enforcement of zoning, sign,
and landscaping regulations.
• The Town of Calabash will support efforts to landscape public areas and to encourage beautification
of commercial areas within the Town.
• The Town of Calabash will consider the feasibility of developing additional sources of public revenues
such as the occupancy tax to support tourist -related services.
• The Town of Calabash shall encourage limited commercial centers with a small-town character along
NC 179.
• The feasibility of providing a pedestrian and bicycle pathway system in the Central Business District
will be evaluated as part of the comprehensive planning process.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Town of Calabash supports light industrial development in areas not containing AECs. Zoning
restrictions requiring buffering between adjacent land uses will be enforced.
INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
With the exception of churches, institutional uses in Calabash are now limited to those government and
utility sites necessary to provide adequate services to the Town and its Planning Area. This land use
pattern will continue. The Town of Calabash shall encourage land use compatibility between institutional
development and neighboring residential and/or commercial development.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash will seek grants to prepare a comprehensive plan. The Town of Calabash will
continue to enforce its zoning and subdivision ordinances. The Board of Commissioners will study the
feasibility of requiring that the building height restrictions will only be changed by the approval of a public
referendum if there is majority public opposition to such a change. (Amended June 24, 1999) The Town
will continue to enforce the State CAMA permit process. The Town will also support State Health
regulations regarding septic tank placement until such time that a central sewer system may serve the
entire Town and Planning Area.
43

c. Capacity of Existing Facilities and Local Commitment to Providing Services to
Development 0
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
The capacity of community facilities is discussed in Section 4. Carolina Blythe and the Brunswick County
Water System will have sufficient capacity to serve the projected 2009 peak seasonal residential
population of 6,050. The SBWSA sewer system should be serving the entire Calabash Planning Area by
2002. Population growth of Calabash is anticipated to have a minor impact upon school enrollment in
Brunswick County. The Town of Calabash supports the solid waste collection and recycling program of
Brunswick County. The feasibility of a local police department will be explored. The Town will continue to
support its volunteer fire department and emergency rescue squad. The Calabash Town Hall has been
expanded to provide adequate space for town administrative services.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) As areas develop, it is the policy of the Town that the developer/owner share in the rinancial
responsibility of providing basic town services.
(2) The adequacy of public services such as fire, police, and rescue services will be assessed as part of
the comprehensive planning process.
(3) In order to protect the quality of its coastal waters, the Town of Calabash will support the development
of a centralized sewerage treatment and collection system. Connections to the sewer system will be
mandatory as sewer lines and service becomes available to adjacent properties.
(4) In order to protect its coastal waters, the Town of Calabash will improve stormwater management
utilizing all available resources such as SBWSA, county, and state agencies.
(5) To alleviate traffic congestion, the Town of Calabash will evaluate its transportation network during the
comprehensive planning process. The Town of Calabash will promote the use of alternative modes of
transportation and study the feasibility of developing a shuttle system from off -site parking facilities and
major traffic generators to the Central Business District.
(6) The Town of Calabash supports the development of a regional bicycle system throughout Brunswick
County and adjoining municipalities.
(7) The Town of Calabash is committed to acquiring land for recreational use.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash will seek grants to prepare a comprehensive plan. Calabash is not interested in
promoting high rise development that is inconsistent with its zoning. The Town of Calabash will
continually evaluate the provision of public services to determine whether there is sufficient capacity. As
undeveloped areas are developed, it is the policy of the Town that the developer/owner share in the
financial responsibility of providing public services.
d. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
POLICY IDENTIFICATION.
The Town of Calabash wishes to maintain its image as a "small fishing village" with adjoining quality
residential development.
POLICY STATEMENT.
it is very important that the "fishing village" atmosphere be maintained. Residential development is
considered as desirable as long as there is no major or irreversible damage to environmentally sensitive
areas. It is the Town's intentions, as reflected in its zoning ordinance and zoning map, to allow a mixture
of residential development in a balanced manner throughout its Planning Area.
44

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
. The Town of Calabash will seek grants to prepare a comprehensive plan. Enforcement of the Town's
zoning and subdivision ordinances
e. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
POLICY IDENTIFICATION.
As the structures begin to age in Calabash, additional redevelopment of residential and commercial
buildings may occur, especially in the "Mixed District" of "Old Calabash" which has restaurants, dwellings,
and mobile homes as well as in some of the older mobile home parks in the ETJ.
POLICY STATEMENT.
Calabash supports redevelopment activity as a positive re -use of land resources, which enhances the
Town as a whole. Such redevelopment may be permitted as long as the activity complies with existing
regulatory requirements. it is the Town's policy that density allowances for redevelopment conform with
existing Town building and zoning regulations.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION.
Town's zoning and subdivision ordinances
f. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Calabash is generally receptive to State and Federal programs, particularly those, which either enhance
or improve the Town's facilities. Examples of State and Federal programs which are important to and
supported by the Town include: CAMA major and minor permitting program, dredging, channel
maintenance; and 404 wetlands permitting by the U.S. Arty Corps of Engineers; the NCDENR Coastal
and Estuarine Water Access Program; the NCDOT transportation planning, and Federal and State
projects which provide efficient and safe boat access for recreational fishing
POLICY STATEMENT.
It is a policy of the Town to support State and Federal programs such as CAMA, dredging, channel
maintenance, public access, highway improvements, the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust
Fund. provided the Town rinds these programs to be appropriate and consistent with Town policies.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
Town Administrative Activities
g. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Renourishment Projects
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Proper maintenance of channels, particularly the Calabash River and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway,
is very important to Calabash because of the impact of commercial and recreational fisheries and boating.
POLICY STATEMENT.
Calabash is supportive of the Corps of Engineers maintenance of the Calabash River and the Intracoastal
Waterway.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
Town Administrative Activities
W

h. Energy Facility Siting and Development and Military Operations
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
The Town of Calabash Planning Area is not a suitable location to accommodate offshore continental
drilling, serve as a site for electric generating plants, or serve as military training site.
POLICY STATEMENT:
The Town of Calabash discourages offshore continental drilling for gas and oil. It would be inappropriate
to locate support facilities for offshore drilling, electric generating plants, and a military training site within
the Calabash Planning Area.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
Town Administrative Activities
i. Tourism
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
The importance of tourism to Calabash is obvious as discussed in other parts of this plan. The Calabash
area and the nearby beach and resort communities depend upon tourism as vital generators of income
for many businesses and employment for the local residents.
POLICY STATEMENT:
As the "Seafood Capitol of the World" the Town of Calabash draws most of its livelihood from tourism,
golfing, marine recreation, and fishing activities. The Town supports the continuation of these activities.
The Town of Calabash will consider the feasibility of developing additional sources of public revenues
such as the occupancy tax to support tourist -related activities.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
Town administrative actions, Town Membership with the South Brunswick Islands Chamber of Commerce
j. Coastal and Estuarine Beach Access and Parking
POLICY IDENTIFICATION.
Relatively free and open access to the waterways is an important consideration for any waterfront
community.
POLICY STATEMENT.
The Town of Calabash is committed to the public having access to public trust land and waters, provided
that such means do not conflict with the rights of residents for the use and enjoyment of their property.
Calabash supports the utilization of state and federal, as well as local resources, to develop public access
areas.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION.
The Town will seek grants to develop boat and estuarine access sites.
k. Bicycle Traffic Improvements
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Provision of bicycle traffic improvements is an important consideration for Calabash for numerous
reasons. First of all, bicycle traffic improvements such as wide -paved shoulders promote bicycling and
enhance bicycle safety. Local visitors and residents would be more likely to utilize bicycles, rather than
their automobiles, if a safe place to ride their bicycles were provided. Increased utilization of bicycles
would help to alleviate traffic congestion as well as reduce the need for vehicular parking. Parking is now
at a premium throughout the Town, especially the heavily congested downtown areas during the peak
46

season. It is far more economical and efficient to provide bicycle storage facilities, rather than vehicular
parking. Bicycling is an excellent form of recreation, which has many enthusiasts in coastal communities.
Promotion of non -motorized forms of transportation such as bicycling is also an excellent means to
protect the environment, to reduce air and water pollution, and to conserve valuable energy resources.
POLICY STATEMENT.
The Town of Calabash supports the provision of bicycle improvements in order to promote bicycling as an
alternative means of transportation, improve bicycle safety, reduce the demand for vehicular parking,
promote recreational activities, support the local tourist economy, protect the environment, and conserve
energy resources. Moreover, the Town of Calabash supports the development of a regional bicycle route
system throughout Brunswick County and adjoining municipalities.
IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Calabash will seek grants to prepare a comprehensive plan. The Town of Calabash will
recommend the provision of bicycle improvements during the public input process of the North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program as well as study the feasibility of applying for other federal and
state grants.
4. Continuing Public Participation Policies
POLICY IDENTIFICATION.
Calabash recognizes that an important element in developing and implementing any local policies or
plans is the involvement of its citizens. The Town property owners were informed about the land use plan
amendment process in the December 1999 newsletter.. Public involvement with this CAMA Land Use
Plan Update started in November 1999 as the planning process began. Monthly meetings with the
Calabash Planning Board composed of seven members were held on November 1, 1999, December 6,
1999, and January 3, 2000. Public meetings were advertised in the Brunswick Beacon and in the Town
newsletter.
A joint planning workshop with the Calabash Planning Board and Board of Commissioners was
conducted on February 7, 2000 to review the land use plan revisions. The draft was revised accordingly.
A classified newspaper advertisement in the March 9, 2000 edition of the Brunswick Beacon notified the
public that the preliminary plan was available for review at the Town Hall and Brunswick County Planning
Department. The March 2000 edition of the Town newsletter also informed the property owners about the
availability of the draft plan for review and the April 11 public hearing. A public hearing concerning the
preliminary draft plan was held on April 11, 2000 prior to the submission of the update to the Coastal
Resources Commission in May 2000. Throughout the plan updating process, Calabash has demonstrated
its desire to keep citizens informed of the planning process by giving them opportunities to provide public
input and thereby participate in the decision making process.
POLICY STATEMENT.
Calabash believes that its Planning Board which has regularly scheduled meetings, all of which are open
to the public, provides opportunities for citizens to air their views and concerns about planning matters.
The Planning Board will continue to be the primary vehicle for citizens' input. The Town of Calabash
informs its property owners in a quarterly newsletter about its planning and administrative activities.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town will continue to use its newsletter and published public notices in the local newspaper to
inform citizens of pending decisions involving land use planning matters in order to provide opportunities
for input.
3. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Planning
Calabash has an Emergency Response Plan that stipulates administrative procedures for emergencies
such as hurricanes. The Town does not have a locally adopted Storm Hazard Mitigation, Evacuation, and
47

Post -Disaster Recovery Plan and relies solely upon the Brunswick County Storm Hazard Mitigation,
Evacuation, and Post -Disaster Plan. 0
Although Calabash is not an oceanfront community, the Town is located sufficiently inland so as not to
feel the direct effects of a hurricane or northeaster. Calabash has fared relatively well since Hurricane
Hazel in 1954 that did damage the waterfront restaurant area. However, it is important for the Town not
to be lured into a false sense of security, especially since recent hurricanes such as Hugo, Andrew, Fran
and Floyd did so much damage to other inland communities.
a. Storm Hazard Mitigation
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
There is potential for flooding in the VE and AE zones bordering the Intracoastal Waterway and the
Calabash River. These flood hazard areas are subject to a number of local, state, and federal standards
that limit the placement of structures.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
In order to minimize the effects of a hurricane or other major storm, Calabash endorses the following:
(1) High Winds: Calabash supports enforcement of the NC State Building Code. The Town will continue
to enforce the wind resistant construction design standards specified in the State Building Code.
(2) Flooding and Storm Surge: Calabash is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance Program
and is supportive of hazard mitigation elements. Calabash is participating in the regular phase of the
insurance program and enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Calabash also supports
continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 wetlands development permit processes in areas potentially
susceptible to flooding.
M Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion: Calabash is supportive of the CAMA development permit
process for estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite development standards which encourage both
shoreline stabilization and facilitation of proper drainage.
(4) Development in Hazardous Areas., The Town of Calabash shall continue to discourage high -intensity
uses and large structures from being constructed within the 100 year floodplain, erosion -prone areas, and
other locations susceptible to hurricane and flooding hazards.
(5) Public Acquisition of Hazardous Areas., The Town of Calabash shall consider acquisition of parcels
located in hazard areas or rendered unbuildable by storms or other events, for the purpose of public
water access and conservation of open space.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
(1) All new development must meet as a minimum the provisions of the North Carolina Building Code.
(2) The Town's zoning ordinances set out requirements for low -density residential development by setting
standards for lot sizes, building heights, and building setbacks.
(3) The Town's policies are in support of and consistent with State policies and regulations for
development in Areas of Environmental Concern.
(4) The Town's flood plain development policies conform to all Federal and State requirements and are
enforced by the Town Administrator and/ or zoning officer.
(5) Most of the mobile and manufactured homes in Calabash are located outside the 100-year floodplain.
New manufactured homes are required to be tied down and blocked to meet North Carolina design -wind
requirements for this area.
48

The Town of Calabash enforces these stated policies through its zoning ordinance, the Flood Ordinance,
North Carolina Building Code, and the CAMA minor development permit process. Through these policies
and equipped with these tools for enforcement, Calabash is dedicated to the mitigation of future storm
damage.
b. Evacuation
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Calabash participates in a regional evacuation planning process administered by the Brunswick County
Office of Emergency Management. Adequate shelter for evacuees is present inland at designated
shelters. Total evacuation to these shelters is the safest procedure for Calabash to follow when a
significant storm is imminent. Calabash does not have a warning system; therefore, evacuation efforts as
directed by the Brunswick County Sheriff Department will be done by use of a public address system or
by sending personnel door-to-door.
POLICY STATEMENT
Calabash will provide for an orderly and timely evacuation of town residents and visitors during a declared
emergency by following established procedures set forth by the Calabash Evacuation Plan and by the
Brunswick County Emergency Management Agency.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
Town officials will implement the County Evacuation Plan if an evacuation is ordered during a Hurricane
Warning. Town officials recognize that evacuation time is dependent upon the number of visitors and
residents. The lead-time for an evacuation will be greater if a hurricane occurs during a peak period.
c. Post Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Policies
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Until such time that a town disaster and reconstruction plan is adopted, the following reconstruction
policies outline the procedures for allowing residents to return to their properties, the issuance of building
permits, and the restoration of public facilities.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) Af er a hurricane strikes, the Mayor of Calabash shall appoint a "Post -Disaster Recovery Task Force"
and this team may include the following: the Town Clerk or Administrator, the Town Building Inspector,
Board of Commissioners members, and other representatives deemed appropriate. The Recovery Task
Force will be responsible for overseeing the reconstruction process and any policy issues that may arise
after a storm disaster.
(2) Generally, reconstruction shall be held at least to the same development standards as before the
storm in accord with the NC Building Code, the Calabash Zoning Ordinance and Flood Plain
Management Regulations, and CAMA regulations and setback requirements. However, destroyed
structures, which did not conform to these development regulations, must be redeveloped according to
those policies. In some instances, this may mean relocation of construction or no reconstruction at all.
Building permits to restore destroyed or damaged structures that were built in conformance with the
Town's building code and storm hazard mitigation policies, shall be issued automatically. All structures
suffering major damage will be repaired according to the Town's building code. All structures suffering
minor damage, regardless of their location, will be allowed to be rebuilt to the original condition prior to
the storm.
(3) Because of the density of development at Calabash and the possible extensive damage caused by a
major storm, it may be necessary for the Town to suspend all redevelopment activities for a certain period
of time after a storm. This "moratorium" could allow the Town time to carefully assess all damage in view
of existing policies, building regulations, and ordinances in order to help determine whether existing
policies should be revised to mitigate similar damage from future storms. The intent of such a moratorium
would be to learn all the lessons possible and try and determine what steps and precautions the Town
can take to rebuilding so as not to suffer damage to the same extent. If a moratorium is established, the
49

time frame will be commensurate with the extent of the damage. The Board of Commissioners will
determine the actual time frame. 0
(4) In the event of extensive hurricane damage to public utilities requiring replacement or relocation of
these utilities, efforts shall be made to locate damaged utilities away from hurricane hazard areas or to
strengthen their construction.
(5) Priority shall be given to the repair of public utilities that will restore service to as many persons as
soon as possible.
(6) The Board of Commissioners may request that a new assessment of hazard areas be performed,
depending upon the extent of flooding and the changes to shoreline and inlets caused by the hurricane.
(7) Public expenditure of funds for the repair or reconstruction of any private road or vehicular easement,
which is damaged or destroyed as a result of an intense, storm event shall not occur, except in the
conjunction with the repair of town utilities. All other private roads will be the responsibility of the
individual property owners.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
(1) The Town of Calabash shall closely monitor all construction efforts involving both public and private
utilities, including roads, to provide for less vulnerable redevelopment after a storm. After a major storm,
reconstruction and/or relocation of structures must be consistent with the NC Building Code, the
Calabash Zoning and Flood Plain Management regulations, and CAMA regulations and setback
requirements.
(2) The Town of Calabash shall continue to support these policies for evacuation, recovery, and
reconstruction as well as support planning efforts by the Brunswick County Emergency Services Agency.
50

• SECTION 6.0 -LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The land classification system provides a uniform way of looking at how the use of land interacts with
environmentally sensitive areas and with the development needs of a particular locality. It is not a strict
regulatory device in the sense of a zoning ordinance or a zoning map. It represents more of a tool to aid
in the understanding the relationships between various land use categories and how these relationships
shape local policy. Particular attention is focused on the intensity at which land is used and the level of
services needed to support that intensity. The regulations for the Coastal Area Management Act state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local government to
identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes allows the local
government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to what density they want
growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources by
guiding growth." (713.0204) (b)
"By delineating land classes on a map, local government and its citizens can specify
where certain policies (local, state, and federal) will apply. The land classification system
is intended to be supported by zoning, subdivision and other local growth management
tools and these local tools should be consistent with the classification system as much as
possible. Although specific areas are outlined on a land classification map, it must be
remembered that land classification is merely a tool to help implement policies and not in
the strict sense of the term a regulatory mechanism." (76.204) (a)
The seven alternative land classifications authorized by 76.204 (c), along with the Land Classification
Map, are therefore intended to serve as a visual representation of the policies stated in Section V of this
plan. The map depicting these classifications must be as flexible as the policies that guide them. Map 3:
• is the Land Classification Map for the Town of Calabash.,
Only three of the Coastal Resources Commission's seven types of land classifications are relevant to
Calabash. The developed, urban transitional, and conservation classes are further identified and
described below.
A. DEVELOPED
According to the CAMA planning regulations, the developed class of land provides for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns, and their urban environs. Areas meeting the
intent of the developed classification are currently urban in character where minimal undeveloped land
remains, or are scheduled for the timely provision of public services such as water, sewer, streets and
roads, police and fire protection. Urban in character includes mixed land uses such as residential,
commercial, institutional, and other uses. (713.0204) (d) (1)
Within Calabash, the areas complying with the above definition include the existing residential and
commercial areas including those developed portions of the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Lots in these
areas are nearly completely developed, and the undeveloped acreage could be developed by or before
the year 2004.
B. URBAN TRANSITION
According to the CAMA planning regulations, the purpose of the urban transition class is to provide for
future intensive urban development on lands that are suitable and that will be provided with the necessary
urban services to support urban development. Areas meeting the intent of the urban transition
classification are presently being developed for urban purposes or will be developed in the next five to ten
• years. 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 require urban services. Examples of areas
meeting this class are lands included within the municipal and extraterritorial planning boundaries. This
51

classification should not be applied to any Areas of Environmental Concern, lands of special value such
as those containing archaeological sites or wildlife habitats, or areas subject to frequent flooding.
(76.0204) (d) (2)
The lands in Calabash which are classified as urban transitional are those vacant land areas adjacent to
currently developed areas including the extraterritorial jurisdiction. This includes some areas where lots
have been platted as well as large tracts of unsubdivided land. Both the Marsh Harbour and Ocean
Harbour golf courses are included in the urban transition class because it is anticipated that these
developed golf courses will further be subdivided for residential development over the next ten years.
The relationship between the "developed" and "urban transition" classification is an important one to
understand. The first Gass is meant to define the already intensively developed areas and/or those areas
where intensive development urban -type development is likely to occur. Urban transitional lands are
those where public investment decisions will be required to provide the necessary urban services. These
become important areas to monitor.
The Coastal Resources Commission has further clarified this relationship. The Developed and Urban
Transition classes should be the only lands under active consideration by a local government for intensive
urban development requiring urban services. The area within these classes is where detailed local land
use and public investment planning will occur. State and federal expenditures on projects associated with
urban development such as water, sewer, and urban street systems will be guided only to these areas.
Most of the urban transition lands of Calabash, including those in the extraterritorial area, already have
access to either the Brunswick County Water Service or Carolina Blythe's water and sewer system. It is
also anticipated that land classified as "urban transition" will be served by a centralized sewer system
within the next 10 years. Other urban services such as solid waste collection are only available to those
areas within the corporate limits who want such services.
The development of primarily single-family structures and golf course development is likely to continue in
Calabash and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The developed and urban transition classes were specifically •
designed to accommodate these more intensive developments and land uses. This may include
commercial, community facilities, and transportation facilities. Hazardous or offensive uses such as
power plants, heavy industries, airports, and storage facilities will not be included in these classes.
Where identified constraints such as poor soils, AIWW easements, or other fragile areas occur within
these classes, the areas will not be considered as Developed or Urban Transition.
C. CONSERVATION
The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for the effective long-term management and
protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas. Areas meeting the intent of this classification
include Areas of Environmental Concern such as coastal wetlands, estuarine waters and shorelines, and
public trust areas as well as other unique lands that may not be afforded protection by another agency but
are known for their natural, scenic, historical, cultural, or hazardous nature.
Because of their unique, productive, cultural, or natural features, lands within the Conservation class
should not be developed at all, or if developed, done so in an extremely limited and cautious fashion.
Urban services, public or private, should not be provided in these areas as a catalyst to stimulate intense
development. In most cases limited on site services will adequately support any limited development
within this class and will also protect the very features which justify the area's inclusion in the
Conservation class. It should be understood that even though AEC standards occasionally permit urban
development on a lot by lot basis within the various AECS and that services are occasionally provided,
this is the exception rather than the rule, and the primary intent of the conservation class is to provide
protection for the resources included therein. (713.0204) (d) (7)
In Calabash, the lands described as the following Areas of Environmental Concern are listed in this
classification: coastal wetlands, estuarine waters and shorelines, and public trust areas. •
52

TABLE 2.4
. TOWN OF CALABASH PLANNING AREA YEAR-ROUND POPULATION, 1999
Source: Building counts information obtained from the Town of Calabash. Population estimates
developed by Hayes & Associates, September 1999.
•
0

TABLE 2.4
TOWN OF CALABASH PLANNING AREA SEASONAL POPULATION AND HOUSING, 1999
Source: Building counts information obtained from the Town of Calabash. Population estimates
developed by Hayes & Associates, September 1999.
0
0

TOWN OF CALABASH, NC
map 20
Exlstng Land Use for the
Calabash Plannong Area, 1999
Single -Family ResMentW
Mul'N-FamHy Rene dentla�
Recreational 6 Golf
�nstutuVona]
Hayes & Associates
2222 Mimosa Place
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-343-8801
The preparation of this land use planning
document with associated soaps was financed in
;part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program, through
funds provided the Coastal Zone Management Act
of 1972, as amended, which is administered by
i the Office or Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
0

Hayes & Assoei
�2222 Mimosa F:�_ _
Wilming ton, Ne 28403
910-343-8801
'III OWN OF' CAI-AIBAS H, NC
Map ").
Land. Classification for the
Calabash Planning Area, 2000
Developed
Urban Transition
Conservation
- Ny _ •emu
NOTE: Because of the map scale, the
Conservation AECs cant be shown on the map,
but all the CAMA defined AECs are classified as
Conservation. The final determination of Land
Classification is made through the concurrence
i ETJ with the text in the Land use Plan, not the map.
The preparation of this land use planning
document with associated maps was financed in
part through a grant provided bu the North
Carolina 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
Admininstration.

Mz
EXISTING LAND USE
URBAN AND BUILT-UP GOVERNMENT & INSTIMIONAL
RESIDENTIAL � CULTURAL, ENTERTAIhA'ENT &RECREATION
COMMERCIAL � UNDEVELOPED LAB
INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURE/FORESTLIUNID
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Prepared by the
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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CITIZENS
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With Assistance from
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Section 4: Objectives and Policies for Dealing with Issues
In the broadest sense, the goal of the Burgaw Planning Board
is to improve the social, economic, and physical environment
of the community as economically as possible. With this
broadly stated goal, several specific goals and objectives relat-
ing to the physical development of the area can be stated.
Goal: Provide a management system capable of preserv-
ing and managing the natural resources in the
Burgaw planning area.
Objectives: —Employ a qualified Town Manager in order to
implement plans and programs;
—Employ a qualified Building Inspector to enforce
the N.C. State Building Code, Zoning Ordinance
and Subdivision Regulations;
—Obtain involvement of Burgaw citizens in the
planning and implementation processes through
actively encouraging participation in the demo-
cratic proceedings associated with the Town
Board, as well as through civic organizations and
volunteer groups;
—Support the findings of fact and recommenda-
tion of appointed boards, commissions, and
professional staff;
—Prevent development in any future Area of En-
vironmental Concern which would result in a
contravention or violation of any rules, regula-
tions, or laws of the State of North Carolina or of
the Town of Burgaw and its extraterritorial juris-
diction in which development takes place.
Goal: Develop adequate and efficient public utilities and
community facilities.
Objectives: —Encourage development within the existing cor-
porate limits and avoid "urban sprawl";
—Provide equal services and facilities to all areas
of Burgaw before annexing new areas;
—Encourage the use of the county sanitary landfill
program by residents within the extraterritorial
jurisdiction.
Goal: Provide safe, decent, and a variety of housing for
all citizens.
Objectives: —Aid property owners in the demolition of dwel-
ling units unfit for human habitation;
—Seek, encourage, and support the development
of publicly assisted housing projects available
from Federal agencies such as the Farmer's Home
Administration 502 Program;
—Establish a zoning district which would permit
a mobile home on an individual lot in a specified
area;
—Support the County Economic Development
Commission;
—Establish a bona fide industrial park.
Goal: Promote accessibility and safety in area transporta-
tion.
Objectives: —Emphasize safety and continuous street improve-
ment and construction program;
—Mutually adopt a thoroughfare plan with the
N.C. Department of Transportation, Division of
Highways;
—Enforce Subdivision Regulations.
Goal: Preserve the pleasant characteristics of Burgaw.
Objectives: —Establish an appearance commission to preserve
the community's aesthetic quality with power to
review architectural plans in accordance with
G.S. 160A-451;
—Support the continuance of the County Historic
Society;
—Protect agricultural land for agricultural produc-
tion.
Goal: Provide parks and recreational faciliites and pro-
grams to meet the recreational needs of all sectors
of the Town's population.
Objectives: —Establish an adequate park and recreation system
by encouraging park dedication and public pur-
chase of lands in the planning area that are suit-
able for recreational purposes. Based on the
standard of 10 acres per 1000 population, Bur-
gaw needs 20 acres of park and recreational land;
—Encourage the dedication of park and recreation
space in new subdivisions;
—Encourage close coordination between school
programs and use of school facilities and the
recreation programs of the Town;
—Investigate the possibility of establishing limited
recreational opportunities such as hike and bike
trails and picnicking along Osgood Canal;
—Encourage close cooperation between Town and
County recreational programs and facilities.
ARTICLE IV - CONSTRAINTS
Section 1: Land Potential
a. Physical Limitations
While there are not any hazard areas. there are areas with soil
limitations. The soils of an area greatly determine the extent of
present development and the suitability for future develop-
ment.
From the soils information, we note that there are eight soil
associations and that only two have slight limitations for
community development. Unfortunately most of the land in the
Planning area consists of soils other than these two which have
a high water table. Also, the natural features of the soils create a
severe problem for natural drainage.
From the hydrogeology, we note that the future availability of
groundwater is an unknown because aquifer hydraulics have
never been determined. Also, each well in the well field should
be periodically monitored to detect quantity and quality chang-
es.
b. Fragile Areas
There are no fragile areas as defined in the CRC's State
Guidelines in the Burgaw planning area.
c. Resource Potential
Areas with resource potential are productive agricultural
lands which are principally beyond the corporate limits. The
importance of these areas is emphasized by the fact that
agriculture is the mainstay of the County's economy.
Section 2: Capacity of Community Facilities
In May, 1974, the water -producing system was operating at 45
percent of design capacity. A period of monitoring and evalu-
ating water production is needed to determine the realistic
needs of the community in terms of supply capacity. Only when
this is completed can the Town determine whether expansion is
justified.
Due to severe infiltration, the Town's wastewater treatment
plant operates beyond design capacity. Bypasses occur fre-
quently during periods of wet weather. Deficiencies will have to
be corrected and capacity reevaluated prior to accepting addi-
tional wastewater load.
ARTICLE V - ESTIMATED DEMAND
Section 1: Population and Economy
The two basic sources of population projections are the
Cohort Survival projection which assumes migration and mor-
tality rates remain constant to account for the distribution of
population and the N.C. Population Projection Model which is
based upon births, deaths, and observed trends in migration.
Because of Burgaw's small size and lack of a data base, the
population projections are stepped down from County pro-
jections.
Burgaw 1980 1985 1990 2000
Cohort Survival 1805 1857 1909 1957
Arithmetic 1878 1928 1978 2069
Burgaw's public participation activities resulted in the selec-
tion of the arithmetic projection because of the high figure.
None of the above figures take in account the location of an
industrial plant or severe economic recession.
Current economic statistics are quite dismal for Burgaw and
Pender County. However, the establishing of a Pender County
Economic Development Commission, proximity to Wilmington,
and a desire for controlled growth and development suggest an
improved future economy.
Section 2: Future Land Use Needs
Future acreage requirements are determined by dividing
projected population growth (68 persons) by persons per acre in
1975. Accordingly, 18 acres will be required to accommodate
development in 1985. Because this system does not allow
flexibility such as the locating of one sizeable industrial plant, a
safety factor of 50 percent is added. Thus the acreage require-
ment for new growth in 1985 in 27 acres.
Section 3: Community Facilities Demand
With the exception of the wastewater treatment plant and
recreational facilities, existing facilities can accommodate the
nominal growth for Burgaw. Through Pender County's Com-
munity Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Hous-
ing and Urban Development, the Town will receive funds for
communitywide improvement. First year's grant will provide:
$140,000 for wastewater collection system, $50,000 for curb,
gutter, and street paving; and $20,000 for recreation site
acquisition and improvement. Provided the County's second -
year application is approved, the Town can expect the following
improvements: $47,500 for curb, gutter, street paving, and
storm drainage; $17,500 for recreation development; and an
unspecified amount for housing rehabilitation and demolition.
ARTICLE VI - PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Section 1: Intergovernmental Coordination
In Burgaw, there are two local units of government which
provide services to the Town and have authority to levy taxes.
These two units are the Town of Burgaw and the County of
Pender. Historically, counties were responsible for software
services (i.e., health, education, and welfare), while munici-
palities were responsible for hardware services (i.e., water,
sewer, streets and sanitation). However, with a changing demo-
graphic picture, both cities and counties have initiated services
of both types.
The coordination of services between Burgaw and Pender
County is limited. However, agreements in several areas should
be explored. Possible areas for joint services include recreation,
housing rehabilitation, building inspection, and others. The
degree to which any of these service agreements can be
achieved will be determined by the cost involved. The cost in
turn can be held to a minimum by land use control. Only
Burgaw has authority to regulate the use of land outside AEC's.
Burgaw shall continue to coordinate all plans for its develop-
ment with those of other government agencies operating in the
Town.
Coordination in the development of the land use plan be-
tween Pender County and Burgaw has been achieved through
informal meetings by planning staffs and by citizen attendance
at county public meetings.
Section 2: Land Classification System
The North Carolina Land Classification System contains five
classes of land:
a. Developed —Lands where existing population density is
moderate to high and where there are a variety of land
uses which have the necessary public services.
b. Transition —Lands where local government plans to ac-
commodate moderate to high density development dur-
ing the following ten year period and where necessary
public services will be provided to accommodate that
growth.
c. Community —Lands where low density development is
grouped in existing settlements or will occur in such
settlements during the following ten-year period and
which will not require extensive public services now or in
the future.
d. Rural —Lands whose highest use is for agriculture, for-
estry, mining, water supply, etc., based on their natural
resouces potential. Also, lands for future needs not cur-
rently recognized.
e. Conservation —Fragile, hazard, and other lands necessary
to maintain a healthy natural environment and necessary
to provide for the public health, safety, or welfare.
These five classes provide a framework to be used by the
Town to identify the general use of all lands within the
corporate limits. Such a system presents an opportunity for
Burgaw to provide for its needs as well as to consider those of
the whole state. Also, it is a statement of policy on where and to
what density we want growth to occur, and where we want to
conserve the Town's natural resources by guiding growth.
Since one objective stated previously is to encourage de-
velopment within the existing corporate limits and avoid urban
sprawl, then it is reasonable to demand that new growth occur
in the Developed Land Class (where water and sewer service is
available and the density is 3.8 persons per acre using develop-
ed acreage). Furthermore, there are 487 acres of undeveloped
land within the corporated limits —more than an adequate a-
mount of land area to accommodate anticipated growth and
more for the Town of Burgaw. Consequently, the Developed
Land Class is allocated all the proposed development which
coincides with city limits. See the Land Classification Map.
Section 3: Areas of Environmental Concern
There are no proposed Areas of Environmental Concern in the
Burgaw planning area as defined by the CRC.
Section 4: Location and Development Standards
These standards serve two purposes: as a basis for the Land
Use Plan and as a guide to public officials and citizens for
evaluating development proposals. These standards state where
the various land uses should be located and how land should be
developed for each land use. Residential areas should:
—Have public water and sewer service within corporate
limits;
—Have minimum lot sizes of 20,000 square feet where
community/public water and sewer service is unavailable;
or of 15,000 square feet if either water and sewer facilities
are available but not both;
—Be bound but not crossed by major thoroughfares;
—Construct utilities including electric and telephone lines
underground, where the groundwater table prohibits un-
derground electric wires, utility poles should follow rear
property lines;
—Not locate in flood prone areas;
—Provide locations for churches, schools, recreation, and
neighborhood serving stores near their center.
—Be buffered from other land uses.
Commercial areas should:
—Locate near intersections of major thoroughfares to better
serve trade areas;
—Not be permitted to develop in strips, but rather in com-
pact, grouped and consolidated into functional units;
—Provide adequate off-street parking with designated en-
trances and exits;
—Have adequate space; neighborhood shopping centers
should range from 3 to 6 acres in size and community
shopping centers, from 10 to 30 acres in size;
—Have compatible signs which do not obstruct sight.
Office and institutional areas should:
—Serve as buffers between residential areas and commercial
or industrial uses;
—Locate in planned office and institutional parks;
—Have adequate off-street parking facilities;
—Have compatible signs which do not obstruct sight.
Industrial areas should:
—Locate on nearly level ground; generally not more than
5 percent slope;
—Be well drained and on good load -bearing soil;
—Locate where public water, sewer, and other utilities are
available;
—Locate near railroads, major thoroughfares, airports, navi-
gable waters, and major utility and transmission lines;
—Provide sites large enough for expansion;
—Have property owner commitment at a set price.
ARTICLE VII - CONCLUSION
The Land Use Plan culminates six months' work by the
Burgaw Planning Board and planning advisor, plus the sub-
stance of citizen input through public meetings and a survey.
Obstacles to present and future development are clearly
identified. Means and methods for dealing with development
problems are recommended. The protection of the public
health, safety, and welfare of present and future residents can
be assured provided Town Council implements the recommen-
dations listed herein as development policy.
Major conclusions of the Land Use Plan are:
—Present development can be classified as very low den-
sity with approximately 487 acres available for develo-
ment within the corporate limits.
—Burgaw requires the professional services of full-time quali-
fied personnel to insure the efficient and wise manage-
ment of the community's resources.
—Burgaw and Pender County have coordinated very few
services.
—Recreation facilities are nonexistent.
—Drainage, wastewater treatment, and housing conditions
are in need of improvement.
—Burgaw planning area is without potential Areas of En-
vironmental Concern as defined by the CRC.
This report was financed in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the Coastal Plains Regional Commission, and the State of North
Carolina; and meets the requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974.